JP7476158B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, a type of gaming machine of this type is known in which, when a gaming ball enters a start entry port provided in the gaming area, a win/lose lottery is held to determine whether or not a special game will be played, and a special pattern showing the result of the win/lose lottery is determined, and the special pattern is displayed in a varying manner, and a jackpot pattern is displayed in a stopped state to indicate that the result of the win/lose lottery is that a special game will be played (a jackpot has been won), thereby playing a special game in which many prize balls can be won.
In such gaming machines, in order to increase the player's interest, a first flow-down area (first gaming area) and a second flow-down area (second gaming area) are provided in which different types of game balls can be hit by changing the strength of the game ball firing operation, a first start winning port through which game balls can enter at any time is arranged in the first flow-down area, and a second start winning port that can be opened and closed and allows game balls to enter when opened is arranged in the second flow-down area, and the game states provided are a non-time-saving game state in which it is relatively difficult for the second start winning port to be opened and for game balls to enter the second start winning port, and a time-saving game state in which it is relatively easy for the second start winning port to be opened and for game balls to enter the second start winning port, and when a specific jackpot pattern is determined, the game state after the special game is completed is set to a time-saving game state (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). During the non-time-saving game state, the player is made to play mainly in the first flow-down area (prompting the player to shoot the game ball toward the first flow-down area), whereas during the time-saving game state, the player is made to play mainly in the second flow-down area (prompting the player to shoot the game ball toward the second flow-down area), so that the player is made to aim for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole. Furthermore, in such a gaming machine, the game machine is also set so that a specific jackpot pattern is more likely to be determined, and the degree of advantage is higher, when it is determined that a special game will be executed by a winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole, which mainly enters during the time-saving game state, than when it is determined that a special game will be executed by a winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole, which mainly enters during the non-time-saving game state.

JP 2015-107139 A JP 2008-253554 A

Although gaming machines like those described above can increase the interest of players, in recent years, as games have become more diverse, there has been a demand for gaming machines that can provide innovative gameplay that can further increase players' interest.

The present invention was made in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can provide gameplay that can enhance the interest of players.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.
(1) A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a gaming area through which gaming balls can flow down, a first flow-down area and a second flow-down area that are provided in the gaming area and can be used to hit the gaming balls depending on their launch strength, a first winning port into which gaming balls flowing down the first flow-down area can enter, a second winning port into which gaming balls flowing down the second flow-down area can enter, a determination means for determining by lottery a first pattern or a second pattern that is associated with a fact that a special game advantageous to a player will not be executed based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first winning port, a non-time-saving gaming state in which a game is played mainly in the first flow-down area , a second time-saving gaming state in which a game is played mainly in the first flow-down area and the difficulty level of the game ball entering the second winning port is different from that of the non-time-saving gaming state , and a second time-saving gaming state in which a game is played mainly in the second flow-down area and the difficulty level of the game ball entering the second winning port is different from that of the non- time-saving gaming state. and a setting means capable of setting one of a plurality of game states including the non-time-shortened game state and a second time-shortened game state having a difficulty level lower than that of the first time-shortened game state, wherein a case in which the first symbol is determined in the non-time-shortened game state is more advantageous to a player than a case in which the first symbol is determined in the first time-shortened game state, the setting means sets the first time-shortened game state when the second symbol is determined in the non-time-shortened game state, sets the second time-shortened game state when the first symbol is determined, and maintains the first time-shortened game state when the first symbol is determined in the first time-shortened game state, and the game state in which a game is played in the first flow-down area is one in which it is easier to stay in the first time-shortened game state than in the non-time-shortened game state .

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, although the game is played in the first flow-down area during both the non-time-saving game state and the first time-saving game state, it is set so that it is more advantageous for the player when the first symbol is determined in the non-time- saving game state than when the first symbol is determined , which is associated with not executing a special game advantageous to the player in the first time-saving game state. In other words, even if the area in the game area where the game is mainly played is the same, it is possible to provide a novel gameplay in which the degree of advantage when the first symbol is determined differs depending on the set game state, and the interest of the player can be increased.

The present invention provides a gaming machine that can provide gameplay that can increase the interest of players.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the pachinko machine with the front door open. 1 is a schematic front view of a gaming board of a pachinko machine. 1 is a front schematic view of the inside of an attacker device of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a special pattern random number determination table for a pachinko machine. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a special electric device operating table of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a game status setting table for a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a variation pattern table of a pachinko machine. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a winning determination random number judgment table for a pachinko machine. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a normal symbol variation pattern determination table for a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram of the second start winning hole opening control table of a pachinko machine. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of timer interrupt processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a sensor is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a gate is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when the first start winning port is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when the second start winning port is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of a pre-determination process in a main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a specific area is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. A flowchart showing an outline of special chart-related control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special pattern variation start processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of the win/loss determination process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the variation pattern determination process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special pattern variation stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of post-stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the small win game control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game ending processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of the general map-related control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the normal pattern variation start processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the normal pattern variation stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing after a normal symbol stops in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the movable piece control process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. A state transition diagram showing the transition to each game state of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of the variable presentation of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of the variable presentation of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of the variable presentation of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of the variable presentation of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of the variable presentation of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a variable presentation determination table for a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of the execution rate of the preview effects of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of the execution rate of the look-ahead performance of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of a special notification effect of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of a special notification effect of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of a special notification effect of a pachinko machine. 1 is a time chart showing the progress of the change effects and special notification effects of a pachinko machine. 1 is a time chart showing the progress of the change effects and special notification effects of a pachinko machine. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main processing in the sub-control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of timer interrupt processing in a sub-control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the variable pattern command receiving process in the sub-control board of a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine relating to modified example (2). An explanatory diagram of a variation pattern table of a pachinko machine relating to modified example (36). An explanatory diagram of a variation pattern table of a pachinko machine relating to modified example (36). A state transition diagram showing the transition to each game state of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 1. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 3. A state transition diagram showing the transition to each game state of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 3. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 4. A state transition diagram showing the transition to each game state of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 4. 13 is a schematic front view of a game board of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 5. FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 5. A state transition diagram showing the transition to each game state of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 5. 13 is a schematic front view of the game board of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 6. FIG. An enlarged view of the second starting winning port and movable piece of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 6. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 6. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of post-stop processing of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 6. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process for counting the number of times time-saving is activated in a pachinko machine according to another application example 6. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game ending process of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 6. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the RAM clearing process of a pachinko machine according to another application example 6. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process at the time of transmitting a spec designation command of a pachinko machine according to another application example 6. A figure showing an example of the manner in which the number of time-saving times and the number of time-saving activations are displayed in a pachinko machine relating to another application example 6. A figure showing an example of the manner in which the number of time-saving times and the number of time-saving activations are displayed in a pachinko machine relating to another application example 6. A figure showing an example of the manner in which the number of time-saving times and the number of time-saving activations are displayed in a pachinko machine relating to another application example 6. A figure showing an example of the manner in which the number of time-saving times and the number of time-saving activations are displayed in a pachinko machine relating to another application example 6. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine relating to another application example 7. A schematic diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine relating to another application example 7. 13 is a schematic front view of a game board of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 8. FIG. An enlarged view of a specific second start winning port and movable piece of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 8. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 8. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 8. A state transition diagram showing the transition to each game state of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 8. A figure showing an example of a variable presentation mode executed when a jackpot is won during normal gaming mode in a pachinko machine according to another application example 8. A figure showing an example of a variable presentation mode executed when a jackpot is won during normal gaming mode in a pachinko machine according to another application example 8. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special symbol variation start processing of a pachinko machine according to another application example 8. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special symbol variation stop processing of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 8. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of post-stop processing of a pachinko machine according to another application example 8. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process for counting the number of times time-saving is activated in a pachinko machine according to another application example 8. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process for starting counting the number of time-saving activations of a pachinko machine according to another application example 8. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game ending process of a pachinko machine according to another application example 8. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the RAM clearing process of a pachinko machine according to another application example 8. 13 is a schematic front view of a game board of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 9. FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 9. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 9. A state transition diagram showing the transition to each game state of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 9. An explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 10. An explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 10. An explanatory diagram of the values of the first low-probability time-saving counter A and the first low-probability time-saving counter B after one decrement in a pachinko machine related to another application example 10. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special symbol variation start processing of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 10. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of a discrimination process of a pachinko machine according to another application example 10. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of a time point determination process of a pachinko machine according to another application example 10. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game ending process of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 10. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the RAM clearing process of a pachinko machine according to another application example 10. A flowchart showing an outline of the first low probability time-saving command receiving process for a pachinko machine not passing through a jackpot in another application example 10. A flowchart showing an outline of the first low probability time-saving start command receiving process of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 10. A flowchart showing an outline of the first low-probability time-saving end command receiving process of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 10. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the variable pattern command receiving process during the first low-probability time-saving game state of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 10. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 11. An explanatory diagram of a fluctuation pattern table of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 11. A state transition diagram showing the transition to each game state of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 11. A figure showing an example of the variable presentation of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 11. A figure showing an example of the variable presentation of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 11. A figure showing an example of the variable presentation of a pachinko machine relating to another application example 11.

Hereinafter, embodiments and application examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Here, the names of members, devices, etc., the names of means, symbols, step numbers, etc. (hereinafter referred to as symbols, etc.) used in the following embodiments and each application example are used as unique to the embodiment and each application example unless otherwise specified. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, although symbols, etc. may be the same in the embodiment and each application example, these indicate symbols, etc. in the embodiment and each application example.
(External configuration of pachinko machine P)
The gaming machine according to this embodiment is a pachinko machine P that uses gaming balls as a gaming medium. Although not shown in the figure, in an amusement parlor where the pachinko machines P are installed, a plurality of pachinko machines P are arranged side by side in an area where the gaming machines are installed, called an island, and a gaming ball lending device for lending the gaming balls is installed adjacent to each pachinko machine P. Each pachinko machine P is connected to a corresponding gaming ball lending device R.
The game ball lending device R can accept the insertion of bills and a storage medium (card) that stores value information required for lending game balls. After inserting bills (or a card) into the game ball lending device R, a player can receive game balls from the game ball lending device R by performing a predetermined operation on the pachinko machine P.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pachinko machine P of this embodiment comprises a machine frame 1, which is a rectangular frame body fixed to an island and has a hollow portion (not shown), a main body frame 2, which is a rectangular frame body attached to the machine frame 1 by a hinge mechanism (not shown) so as to be freely opened and closed, and has a hollow portion (not shown), and a front door 3, which is attached to the main body frame 2 by a hinge mechanism (not shown) so as to be freely opened and closed, and has an opening (not shown) formed on the front.

As shown in Figure 1, a speaker serving as a sound output device 10 is provided in the lower left part of the machine frame 1. A game board 11 for forming a game area 12 is housed in the hollow part of the main body frame 2. The front door 3 is provided with a transparent plate 4 covering the opening, an upper tray 6 and a receiving tray 7 located below the transparent plate 4 and capable of receiving game balls, an operating handle 5 attached to the right of the receiving tray 7 for operating the launch of game balls, and two speakers serving as sound output devices 10 attached to the upper left and right parts of the transparent plate 4.

In this pachinko machine P, when the main frame 2 is closed against the machine casing 1 and the front door 3 is closed, the transparent plate 4 is positioned in front of the game board 11 with a gap between them. This makes it possible to view the game board 11 located at the rear through the transparent plate 4.

In addition, the upper tray 6 is adapted to guide game balls dispensed by the game ball dispenser R and prize balls dispensed from the pachinko machine P. The upper tray 6 is adapted to receive a predetermined amount of game balls, but when the upper tray 6 is filled with game balls, the game balls dispensed or dispensed thereafter are guided to the receiving tray 7. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the bottom surface of the receiving tray 7 is provided with a discharge hole for discharging the stored game balls and an opening/closing plate that can open and close the discharge hole. Normally, the discharge hole is closed by the opening/closing plate, but by moving the opening/closing lever 8 (see FIG. 1) attached integrally to the opening/closing plate in the horizontal direction, the opening/closing plate also moves in the same direction, opening the discharge hole. This allows the game balls to fall through the discharge hole and be discharged out of the receiving tray 7.

The operating handle 5 is also formed so that the player can rotate it in a predetermined direction. When the player rotates the operating handle 5, the game balls held in the upper tray 6 are sent to a launching device (not specifically shown), and the launching device launches the game balls toward the play area 12 with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the operating handle 5. The game balls launched in this manner are guided upward by a pair of rails 13a, 13b fixed to the game board 11, and reach the play area 12.

Here, the game area 12 is a portion of the space formed between the game board 11 and the transparent plate 4 when the main frame 2 and the front door 3 are closed to the machine frame 1, which is partitioned into an approximately circular shape by a pair of rails 13a, 13b fixed to the game board 11, and is an area through which game balls can flow down.
As shown in Fig. 3, the game area 12 is composed of a first game area 12a, which is an area on the left side as seen by a player facing the pachinko machine P, and a second game area 12b, which is an area on the right side as seen by a player facing the pachinko machine P. These two game areas 12 have different possibilities for game balls to enter depending on the firing strength of the launching device. Specifically, when the firing strength of the launching device is less than a predetermined strength (a strength at which the game ball launched by the launching device does not reach the highest point of the game area 12), the game ball enters the first game area 12a. On the other hand, when the firing strength of the launching device is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength (a strength at which the game ball launched by the launching device can reach the highest point of the game area 12), the game ball enters the second game area 12b.

Also, within this game area 12, as shown in Figure 3, there are provided a windmill and numerous nails for making the direction in which game balls flow irregularly, a general winning opening 14 through which game balls can enter, a first starting winning opening 15 and a second starting winning opening 16 as starting areas, a gate 20 through which game balls can pass, an attacker device 17 that operates when a predetermined condition is met, an outlet 19 that guides game balls out of the game area 12, and a performance display device 21 that acts as a performance device that performs performances as the game progresses. Note that Figure 3 shows only some of the nails, and the other nails are omitted.

As shown in Figure 3, the general winning opening 14 is located slightly to the left of the center at the bottom of the game area 12, and when a game ball enters the general winning opening 14, a predetermined number of prize balls (five in this embodiment) are paid out.
The number and locations of the general winning ports 14 are not particularly limited.

The first start winning opening 15 is located slightly below the center of the play area 12 as shown in FIG. 3, and the second start winning opening 16 is located slightly above the center of the right part of the play area 12 as shown in FIG. 3. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, only game balls flowing down the first play area 12a can enter the first start winning opening 15, and game balls flowing down the second play area 12b cannot enter. In addition, only game balls flowing down the second play area 12b can enter the second start winning opening 16, and game balls flowing down the first play area 12a cannot enter.

3, the second start winning opening 16 is provided with a movable piece 16b (normal electric device) that can be opened and closed. When the movable piece 16b is closed, the second start winning opening 16 is in a closed state, and it is impossible for a game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16. On the other hand, when the movable piece 16b is opened, the second start winning opening 16 is in an open state, and the movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball toward the second start winning opening 16, thereby making it possible for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16.
Furthermore, the configuration of this movable piece 16b is not particularly limited, and may be configured, for example, by a pair of blade members that rotate left and right around an axis perpendicular to the game board 11 to open and close the second start winning opening 16, or a cover member that rotates back and forth around an axis horizontal to the game board 11 to open and close the second start winning opening 16, or it may be configured by a shutter member that slides up and down to open and close the second start winning opening 16.
In addition, the installation locations of the first start winning port 15 and the second start winning port 16 are not particularly limited, and for example, the first start winning port 15 and the second start winning port 16 may be placed in a position where game balls flowing down either game area 12 (first game area 12a, second game area 12b) can easily enter the port.

When a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and a winning/losing lottery is held to determine whether or not a big win (to be described later) has been won (hereinafter also referred to as winning/losing a big win), whether or not a small win (to be described later) has been won (hereinafter also referred to as winning/losing a small win), and whether or not a time-saving game state (to be described later) has been granted (hereinafter also referred to as granting a time-saving game state), and one special symbol is selected from a number of special symbols determined in advance according to the result of the winning/losing lottery. There are a number of types of special symbols that can be selected, and depending on the type of special symbol selected, a game benefit such as execution of a special game advantageous to the player, execution of a small win game, granting of a time-saving game state (setting of a first time-saving game state described later), etc. is granted.
The number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16 is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more, and may be any number. Also, the number of prize balls may be the same or different between the start winning hole (second start winning hole 16) with the movable piece 16b and the start winning hole (first start winning hole 15) without the movable piece 16b. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 is four, and the number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16 is one.

As shown in FIG. 3, the gate 20 is provided above the second start winning opening 16. When a game ball passes through this gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is held. If the result of the lottery for the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the movable piece 16b provided in the second start winning opening 16 is opened for a predetermined time.

As shown in FIG. 3, the attacker device 17 is provided in the lower right part of the game area 12 (below the second start winning hole 16). The attacker device 17 includes a large winning hole 18 into which a game ball can enter, and an opening/closing door 18b for opening and closing the large winning hole 18. Normally, the opening/closing door 18b is closed and the large winning hole 18 is closed, so that a game ball cannot enter the large winning hole 18. However, when the above-mentioned special game or small prize game is played, the opening/closing door 18b opens and the large winning hole 18 is opened, so that a game ball can enter the large winning hole 18. Specifically, during the above-mentioned special game, a round game in which the large winning hole 18 is opened is played multiple times, and during the above-mentioned small prize game, the large winning hole 18 is opened once. When one game ball enters the big prize opening 18, a predetermined number of prize balls (10 in this embodiment) are paid out.
3, game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the large prize opening 18, but game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot enter the large prize opening 18. Although not shown, nails, windmills, etc. are arranged so that almost all game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can reach the large prize opening 18, except for those that enter the second start prize opening 16. Therefore, as long as game balls continue to be shot out as long as the large prize opening 18 is open, the game balls will enter the large prize opening 18.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 4(a) and (b), a rolling path 51 is provided inside the attacker device 17 along which a gaming ball that has entered the large prize opening 18 can roll to the left. This rolling path 51 branches into an upper passage 52 and a lower passage 53 at a predetermined position in the rolling direction, and at the end of the upper passage 52 is provided a general area 58 into which a gaming ball that has entered the large prize opening 18 can enter, while at the end of the lower passage 53 is provided a specific area 57 into which a gaming ball that has entered the large prize opening 18 can enter (see Figs. 4(a) and (b)).

4(a) and (b), a distribution member 59 that distributes game balls to either the upper passage 52 or the lower passage 53 is provided at the branching point of the upper passage 52 and the lower passage 53. The distribution member 59 is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the game board 11 and can be displaced between a first position that opens the path to the upper passage 52 and blocks the path to the lower passage 53, and a second position that blocks the path to the upper passage 52 and opens the path to the lower passage 53. When the distribution member 59 is in the first position, the game ball that enters the big prize opening 18 advances to the upper passage 52 and enters the general area 58, and when the distribution member 59 is in the second position, the game ball advances to the lower passage 53 and enters the specific area 57.

Although not specifically shown, the attacker device 17 is provided with a specific area outlet for discharging game balls that have entered the specific area 57 outside the big prize opening 18 (on the rear side of the game board 11), and a general area outlet for discharging game balls that have entered the general area 58 outside the big prize opening 18 (on the rear side of the game board 11).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the manner in which the opening and closing door 18b opens and closes (opening and closing pattern) and the manner in which the distribution member 59 operates (operation pattern) in the round game executed during the above-mentioned special game are set for each type of special pattern determined when a jackpot is won.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a predetermined number of game balls (one in this embodiment) enter the specific area 57 during a specific round of play, the game state after the special game ends is set to a game state that combines a high probability game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, and a time-saving game state. On the other hand, when a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during a specific round of play (i.e., when all game balls that entered the big prize opening 18 enter the general area 58), the game state after the special game ends is set to a game state (normal game state) that combines a low probability game state and a non-time-saving game state.
The opening and closing pattern of the opening and closing door 18b, the operation pattern of the sorting member 59, and the game state settings will be described in detail later.
As described above, the game state after the end of the special game may not be set to a high probability game state or a time-saving game state when a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 in a round game during the special game, but may be set to a high probability game state or a time-saving game state according to the type of special symbol determined when a jackpot is won. For example, when a jackpot is won and a specific special symbol is determined, the game state after the end of the special game may be set to a game state (high probability time-saving game state) that combines a high probability game state and a time-saving game state, but when a special symbol other than the specific special symbol is determined, the game state after the end of the special game may be set to a game state (normal game state) that combines a low probability game state and a non-time-saving game state. In this way, when the game state after the end of the special game is determined according to the type of special symbol, it is not necessary to provide the above-mentioned specific area 57.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet 19 is provided at the bottom of the game area 12 and receives game balls that have not entered any of the general winning opening 14, the first start winning opening 15, the second start winning opening 16, and the big winning opening 18. Game balls received in the outlet 19 are guided to the back side of the game board 11 and collected.

As shown in Fig. 3, the performance display device 21 is provided in the approximate center of the play area 12. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as the performance display device 21. The performance display device 21 is provided with a display section 21a for displaying images such as moving images and still images, and in addition to displaying a background image on the display section 21a, performance symbols 50 (dummy symbols) are displayed in a variable manner, and a variable performance is performed to notify the player of the result of the winning/losing lottery depending on the stop display mode of each performance symbol 50.
In addition, the performance display device 21 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be, for example, a drum-type display device that uses multiple drums with patterns on the outer circumference to display various information.

The pachinko machine P in this embodiment is equipped with, as a performance device, in addition to the performance display device 21, a speaker as the above-mentioned audio output device 10, and a lamp (see Figure 1) as a performance lighting device 23 that produces performance by emitting light in various colors and lighting patterns.
It should be noted that the presentation devices are not limited to these, and may include, for example, prop devices that can move at various times and in various ways.

In addition, a performance operation device 9 is provided in front of the upper tray 6, which can be operated by the player to progress or switch the performance executed during play or standby. In this embodiment, the performance operation device 9 is composed of an operation dial 9a that is a circular ring-shaped frame body that can be rotated, and an operation button 9b that is fitted into the operation dial 9a and can be pressed. When a specific performance is being executed by the performance display device 21, rotating the operation dial 9a or pressing the operation button 9b causes various performances such as variable performances to progress or to switch to a different display.
The performance operation device 9 is not limited to the operation dial 9a and the operation button 9b, but may be a cross key capable of inputting up, down, left and right directions. In addition to providing the performance operation device 9 such as the operation dial 9a and the operation button 9b, the above-mentioned cross key may be provided separately.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the lower right portion of the game board 11 and outside the game area 12, a first special symbol display device 30, a second special symbol display device 31, a first special symbol reserved display device 38, a second special symbol reserved display device 39, a normal symbol display device 32, and a normal symbol reserved display device 33 are provided as devices for displaying various game statuses.

As described above, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is electrically connected to the game ball lending device R, and the pachinko machine P is configured to accept operations on the game ball lending device R, such as lending game balls and ejecting cards. For this reason, the pachinko machine P is provided with a value information display device 35 that displays value information (balance information) stored in the card, a ball lending button 36 that can be pressed, and a card return button 37 that can be pressed, as shown in FIG. 1.

(Configuration of the control means of the pachinko machine P)
Next, the control means for controlling the game and presentation of the pachinko machine P will be described.
The above-mentioned control means is composed of various control boards, and specifically, as shown in Figure 5, it includes a main control board 100 that controls the basic operations of the pachinko machine P, a launch and payout control board 200 that controls the launch of game balls and the payout of prize balls, a sub-control board 300 that controls various presentations, and a game ball lending control board 400 that relays operations to the game ball lending device R.

5, the main control board 100 is connected to a launching/payout control board 200 and a sub-control board 300, and the launching/payout control board 200 is connected to a game ball lending control board 400. Furthermore, the main control board 100 and the launching/payout control board 200 are connected to an external information terminal board 500 for outputting various information on the progress of the game to the outside of the pachinko machine P (for example, a hall computer in the game center).
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the launch and payout control board 200 controls both the launch of game balls and the payout of prize balls, but a board that controls the launch of game balls (launch control board) and a board that controls the payout of prize balls (payout control board) may be provided separately.

Although not specifically shown, a power supply board is connected to each board equipped in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment. This power supply board is provided with a backup power supply, and when the voltage value of the power supplied to the pachinko machine P falls below a predetermined value, it determines that a power cut has occurred and outputs a power cut signal to the main control board 100.

The main control board 100 controls the games played on the pachinko machine P, and specifically controls the special game (lottery for winning or losing, determination of special patterns, and display of changing special patterns (hereinafter also referred to as special pattern changes)) which is started when the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, the regular game (lottery for regular patterns, display of changing regular patterns (hereinafter also referred to as regular pattern changes), etc.) which is started when the game ball passes through the gate 20, special games that are advantageous to the player, small win games, etc.
As shown in FIG. 5, the main control board 100 is equipped with a main CPU 101 which performs various calculation processes, a main ROM 102 which stores a control program for progressing the game and data and tables necessary for the game, and a main RAM 103 which is used as a temporary storage area during calculation processes.
Then, based on signals from each detection sensor and timer described later, the main CPU 101 reads out a control program stored in the main ROM 102 and performs calculation processing, as well as controlling various devices connected to the main CPU 101 and sending commands to other boards based on the results of the calculation processing.

5, the main control board 100 is connected to a general winning opening detection sensor 14a that detects the entry of a game ball into the general winning opening 14, a first start winning opening detection sensor 15a that detects the entry of a game ball into the first start winning opening 15, a second start winning opening detection sensor 16a that detects the entry of a game ball into the second start winning opening 16, a large winning opening detection sensor 18a that detects the entry of a game ball into the large winning opening 18, a gate detection sensor 20a that detects the passage of a game ball through a gate 20, a fraud detection sensor 35 that detects magnetism, radio waves, etc. directed toward the game board 11, and a specific area detection sensor 57a that detects the entry of a game ball into a specific area 57. The detection signals output from each of these detection sensors are input to the main control board 100.
It should be noted that the sensors connected to the main control board 100 are not limited to these, and for example, a general area detection sensor that detects when a gaming ball enters the general area 58 may be provided.

Furthermore, the main control board 100 is connected to the following devices to be controlled: a start winning port solenoid 16c which drives the movable piece 16b of the second start winning port 16 to open and close; a large winning port solenoid 18c which drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large winning port 18 to open and close; a distribution member solenoid 59c which displaces the distribution member 59; a first special pattern display device 30; a second special pattern display device 31; a normal pattern display device 32; a first special pattern reserve display device 38; a second special pattern reserve display device 39; and a normal pattern reserve display device 33.
The main control board 100 drives each solenoid to control the opening and closing of the second start winning port 16 and the large winning port 18, as well as control the displacement of the sorting member 59, and also controls the display of each display device.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, multiple stages from setting value 1 to setting value 6 are set as the setting for the ball output, and the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery described later differs depending on the difference in the setting value. For example, setting value 6 is set to have a higher probability of winning the jackpot than setting value 1, and if the probability of winning the jackpot is high, the possibility of winning prize balls also increases, so by changing the setting value, the expected payout amount of prize balls in the pachinko machine P changes. In addition, the win/lose random number judgment table 110 used in the win/lose lottery described later is provided corresponding to each of the setting values 1 to 6, and when the setting value is changed, the win/lose random number judgment table 110 provided for each setting value is changed in its entirety.
Although not shown, the main control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch and a setting switch used to change the above-mentioned setting values. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the front door 3 is open and the power is turned on with both the RAM clear switch and the setting switch turned on, the machine transitions to a setting change state in which the setting values can be changed. In this setting change state, the setting values can be changed by operating the RAM clear switch.

The firing and dispensing control board 200, although not specifically shown, is equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RAM, just like the main control board 100, and is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

As shown in FIG. 5, the launch/payout control board 200 is connected with the following devices for controlling the launch of game balls: a touch sensor 5a that detects when the player touches the operating handle 5; an operating volume 5b that detects the operating angle (rotation angle) of the operating handle 5; a launch stop switch 5c that stops the launch of game balls; a ball feed solenoid 60 that sends the game balls held in the upper tray 6 to a launch device (not shown); and a launch motor 61 that launches the game balls. In addition, control signals output from the touch sensor 5a, the operating volume 5b, and the launch stop switch 5c are input to the launch/payout control board 200.

When the control signals from the touch sensor 5a and the operation volume 5b are input to the launching and dispensing control board 200, the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launch motor 61 are energized to control the launching of game balls. Also, while the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launch motor 61 are energized, the game balls are continuously launched at 0.6 second intervals (i.e., at a rate of 100 balls per minute). On the other hand, when the control signal from the launch stop switch 5c is input to the launching and dispensing control board 200, the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launch motor 61 are de-energized to stop the launching of game balls.
In addition, a rotary solenoid may be used instead of the launch motor 61 as a device for launching the game ball.

As shown in FIG. 5, the launch payout control board 200 is connected to a payout motor 62 that pays out the game balls stored in a game ball storage section (not shown) as prize balls, and a payout counting switch 63 that detects and counts the paid-out game balls, as devices for controlling the payout of game balls. When the launch payout control board 200 receives a payout number command sent from the main control board 100, the launch payout control board 200 controls the payout motor 62 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) based on the payout number command. At this time, the number of paid-out game balls is counted by the payout counting switch 63, making it possible to determine whether the predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) have been paid out.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the firing/dispensing control board 200 is connected to a front door open detection sensor 3a that detects the open state of the front door 3, and a tray full detection sensor 7a that detects the full state of the tray 7.

When the front door open detection sensor 3a detects that the front door 3 is open, it outputs an open detection signal to the launch/dispense control board 200, and the open detection signal is output continuously while the front door 3 is open. When the open detection signal is input, the launch/dispense control board 200 sends a door open command to the main control board 100. In response, when the front door open detection sensor 3a no longer detects that the front door 3 is open, it turns off and stops outputting the door open detection signal. When the input of the door open detection signal stops, the launch/dispense control board 200 determines that the front door 3 is closed, and stops sending the door open command to the main control board 100.

The tray full detection sensor 7a is provided at a predetermined position of the tray 7. When the tray 7 is filled with a predetermined amount of game balls to be paid out as prize balls, the stored game balls reach the above-mentioned predetermined position.
The tray full detection sensor 7a is turned on when it detects that the game balls have reached the above-mentioned predetermined position, and outputs a tray detection signal to the launch/dispatch control board 200. The tray detection signal is continuously output while the stored game balls are at the above-mentioned predetermined position. When the tray detection signal is input, the launch/dispatch control board 200 transmits a tray full command to the main control board 100. In response to this, the tray full detection sensor 7a turns off when it no longer detects that the game balls have reached the above-mentioned predetermined position, and stops outputting the tray detection signal. When the input of the tray detection signal stops, the launch/dispatch control board 200 determines that the tray 7 full state has been released, and stops sending the tray full command to the main control board 100.

As described above, the launching and dispensing control board 200 is connected to a game ball lending control board 400 that relays operations to the game ball lending device R. As shown in FIG. 5, the launching and dispensing control board 200 is connected, via the game ball lending control board 400, to a value information display device 35, a ball lending switch 36a that detects the pressing operation of the ball lending button 36, and a card return switch 37a that detects the pressing operation of the card return button 37.

When the ball lending button 36 is pressed, a detection signal output from the ball lending switch 36a is input to the launching and paying out control board 200, which then transmits a lending request signal requesting the lending of game balls to the game ball lending device R. When the game ball lending device R receives the lending request signal, the game ball lending device R subtracts predetermined value information from the stored value information and controls the paying out of a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted value information.
When the card return button 37 is pressed, a detection signal output from the card return switch 37a is input to the launch/payout control board 200, which then transmits a return request signal requesting the return of the card to the game ball lending device R. When the game ball lending device R receives the return request signal, it controls the game ball lending device R to dispense the card.

The sub-control board 300 controls the presentation that is executed during play, standby, etc.
As shown in Figure 5, this sub-control board 300 is equipped with a sub-CPU 301 which performs various types of calculation processing, a sub-ROM 302 which stores control programs for executing performances, data and tables necessary for executing performances, etc., and a sub-RAM 303 which is used as a temporary storage area during calculation processing, and is connected so as to enable one-way communication from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300.
Based on commands sent from the main control board 100 and signals from a timer, the sub-CPU 301 reads out the control program stored in the sub-ROM 302 and performs calculations, and also sends commands for executing performances to an image control board (not specifically shown) for controlling image display, an audio control board (not specifically shown) for controlling audio output, and an electric lighting control board (not specifically shown) for controlling the lighting.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the audio control board and the illumination control board are provided separately, but it is also possible to provide a single board (audio and illumination control board) that combines the functions of these boards, and to use this board to control both the audio output and the lighting.

The sub-control board 300 is also connected to the performance display device 21 via an image control board, and to the audio output device 10 via an audio control board. The sub-control board 300 is also connected to the performance lighting device 23 via an illumination control board, a rotation operation detection sensor 9c that detects the rotation operation of the operation dial 9a, and a press operation detection sensor 9d that detects the press operation of the operation button 9b.

The image control board is equipped with an image CPU, image ROM, image RAM, etc., although not specifically shown. The image ROM of this image control board stores image data such as the performance pattern 50 and background displayed on the performance display device 21. Then, based on commands sent from the sub-control board 300, the image CPU controls the image display by the performance display device 21 by storing image data read from the image ROM in the image RAM.

The audio control board is equipped with a sound chip (CPU), sound ROM, sound RAM, etc., although not specifically shown. The sound ROM stores sound data such as the voice and background music output from the audio output device 10. Based on commands sent from the sub-control board 300, the sound data read from the sound ROM is stored in the sound RAM, thereby controlling the audio output from the audio output device 10.

The illumination control board controls the illumination by the illumination device 23 based on commands from the sub-control board 300. In addition, when the illumination control board receives a rotation detection signal output from the rotation detection sensor 9c based on the rotation of the operation dial 9a, or a press detection signal output from the press detection sensor 9d based on the press of the operation button 9b, the illumination control board transmits a specified command to the sub-control board 300.

(Overview of Pachinko Machine P)
Next, the game in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment will be described based on various tables stored in the main ROM 102.
As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the special game and the normal game proceed in parallel. In addition, as the game state when these two games proceed, either a low probability game state (so-called non-variable state) or a high probability game state (so-called variable state) is set as a game state that combines either a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state. In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, two time-saving game states, a first time-saving game state and a second time-saving game state, are provided as time-saving game states, and either time-saving game state is set.
Specifically, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, one of the following game states is set: a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as the normal game state), a game state combining a low-probability game state and a first time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as the first low-probability time-saving game state), a game state combining a low-probability game state and a second time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as the second low-probability time-saving game state), or a game state combining a high-probability game state and a second time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as the high-probability time-saving game state).

The low-probability game state and the high-probability game state are game states in which the probability of winning a jackpot through a win/lose lottery, which will be described later, is set to be different, and in the high-probability game state, the probability of winning a jackpot through a win/lose lottery is set to a higher value than in the low-probability game state. In other words, it is easier to win a jackpot through a win/lose lottery in the high-probability game state than in the low-probability game state.

In addition, the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state are game states in which the difficulty of getting a game ball into the second start winning hole 16 is set differently, and in the time-saving game state, it is set so that the movable piece 16b is more likely to be maintained in the open state (i.e., the second start winning hole 16 is more likely to be in the open state) than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, it is easier for a game ball to get into the second start winning hole 16 during the time-saving game state than during the non-time-saving game state.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, two time-saving game states, the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, are provided, and in the second time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is set to be more likely to be maintained in the open state than in the first time-saving game state. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the game ball is most likely to enter the second start winning hole 16 during the second time-saving game state, next, the game ball is most likely to enter the second start winning hole 16 during the first time-saving game state, and the game ball is most unlikely to enter the second start winning hole 16 during the non-time-saving game state.
In addition, immediately after shipment from the factory or in the initial state after a reset, the normal game mode is set.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball launched by a launching device (not shown) and flowing down the game area 12 enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, a winning/losing lottery is held, and a special symbol associated with a game profit based on the result of the winning/losing lottery is determined. In the winning/losing lottery in this embodiment, first, a judgment is made as to whether or not a big win has been won, and if a judgment result is derived that the big win has not been won (hereinafter also referred to as a non-win of a big win), then a judgment is made as to whether or not a small win has been won, and if a judgment result is derived that the small win has not been won (hereinafter also referred to as a non-win of a small win), then a judgment is made as to whether or not a time-saving game state is granted (whether or not a time-saving game state is granted, in other words, whether or not a time-saving game state is set), and if a judgment result is derived that the time-saving game state is not granted (hereinafter also referred to as a non-win of a time-saving game state), then a loss is determined.
Then, when the result of the lottery indicates that a jackpot has been won (i.e., when a jackpot has been won), the jackpot opening 18 is opened and a special game is played in which a game ball can be inserted into the jackpot opening 18, and the game state after the special game is completed is set to either a normal game state, a second low-probability time-shortened game state, or a high-probability time-shortened game state. In other words, after the special game is completed, the game state transitions to either a normal game state, a second low-probability time-shortened game state, or a high-probability time-shortened game state.

Furthermore, when the above-mentioned win/lose lottery results in a determination that a small prize has been won (i.e., when a small prize has been won), the large prize opening 18 is opened and a small prize game is played in which a game ball can enter the large prize opening 18. When a game ball enters the large prize opening 18 in this small prize game, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as described above. The game state after the small prize game ends remains the same as the game state before the small prize game began. In other words, when a small prize game is played, the game state does not change.

In addition, when the result of the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery indicates that the time-saving game state will be granted (hereinafter, also referred to as winning the time-saving grant), the low-probability game state is not changed and the first time-saving game state is set. In other words, when the winning/losing lottery indicates that the time-saving grant is granted, the game state is transitioned from the normal game state to the first low-probability time-saving game state. In contrast, when the winning/losing lottery indicates that the time-saving grant is not granted, the game state remains the normal game state.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the determination of whether or not the time-saving award will be given is made only in the win/loss lottery during the normal game state, and the determination of whether or not the time-saving award will be given is not made in the win/loss lottery during other game states. Therefore, since the result of the determination that the time-saving award will be given is not derived during other game states, it is set so that the game state does not change without going through the winning of the jackpot and the execution of the special game.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning hole 15. Also, game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through the gate 20, enter the second start winning hole 16, and enter the big winning hole 18.
During the normal game state and the first low-probability time-saving game state, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left hit) so that the game ball will enter the first start winning port 15, and during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the high-probability time-saving game state and special game, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b (so-called right hit) so that the game ball will enter the large winning port 18 or pass through the gate 20 and enter the second start winning port 16.
Specifically, during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the high-probability time-saving game state, and during special game play, a display is made on the performance display device 21 instructing the player to shoot a game ball toward the second game area 12b, and during the normal game state and the first low-probability time-saving game state, a display is made on the performance display device 21 instructing the player to shoot a game ball toward the first game area 12a.

The winning/losing lottery is conducted based on various random numbers obtained when the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, and various tables stored in the main ROM 102 for determining the random numbers.
Here, the pachinko machine P in this embodiment has, as random numbers related to the win/lose lottery and the determination of special patterns, a win/lose random number used to determine the result of the win/lose lottery (jackpot, small win, granting of a time-saving play state or a miss), a special pattern random number used to determine the type of special pattern, and a fluctuation pattern random number used to determine the fluctuation pattern command described later.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the above-mentioned winning/losing random number uses a hardware random number built into the main control board 100. This winning/losing random number is updated according to a certain rule, and the random number sequence is automatically changed every time the random number sequence goes through one cycle, and the start value is changed every time the system is reset.
The variation pattern command is for determining the pattern (variation time, mode) of the variation performance that can notify the result of the winning/losing lottery. The random numbers used to determine the variation pattern command are not limited to those described above, and for example, other random numbers may be used in addition to the random numbers.

When a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, a random number value is obtained for each of the above-mentioned random numbers, and each random number value is stored in a reserved memory area of the main RAM 103.
This reserved memory area is composed of a first reserved memory area for storing each random number value (hereinafter referred to as first special random number) of the random number related to the winning/losing lottery and the determination of the special pattern, which is obtained by the game ball entering the first start winning port 15, and a second reserved memory area for storing each random number value (hereinafter referred to as second special random number) of the random number related to the winning/losing lottery and the determination of the special pattern, which is obtained by the game ball entering the second start winning port 16. Each of these reserved memory areas is composed of a total of four memory sections, from the first memory section to the fourth memory section, and can store a total of four sets of first special random numbers and a total of four sets of second special random numbers.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15, the first special random number is stored in the first storage section of the first reserved memory area in order. For example, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 in a state where the first special random number is not stored in any storage section of the first reserved memory area, the first special random number acquired as a result of this is stored in the first storage section of the first reserved memory area. Also, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 in a state where the first special random number is stored in the first storage section of the first reserved memory area, the first special random number acquired as a result of this is stored in the second storage section of the first reserved memory area. Also, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 in a state where the first special random number is stored in the first storage section and the second storage section of the first reserved memory area, the first special random number acquired as a result of this is stored in the third storage section of the first reserved memory area. In addition, when the first special random number is stored in the first memory section to the third memory section of the first reserved memory area, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special random number acquired as a result of this is stored in the fourth memory section of the first reserved memory area. And, when the first special random number is stored in the first memory section to the fourth memory section of the first reserved memory area, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special random number related to this ball entry is not stored.

Similarly, when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, the second special random number is stored in order from the first storage section of the second reserved storage area. The specific storage process is the same as the storage of the first special random number described above, so the explanation will be omitted.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the number of sets of first special random numbers stored in the first reserve memory area (hereinafter referred to as the first reserve number) is stored in a first reserve number counter (not specifically shown), and the number of sets of second special random numbers stored in the second reserve memory area (hereinafter referred to as the second reserve number) is stored in a second reserve number counter (not specifically shown).
In this specification, as described above, the storage of the first special chart random number and the second special chart random number in the reserved memory area is also referred to as "reserved" or "reserved memory", and the first reserved number and the second reserved number are simply referred to as "reserved numbers".

The pachinko machine P of this embodiment has a win/lose random number determination table 110 for determining the result of a win/lose lottery, a special pattern random number determination table 111 for determining the type of special pattern, a special electric device operation table 112 for controlling the special game that is executed when a big win is won and the small win game that is executed when a small win is won, a game state setting table 113 for setting the game state after a determination result that a time-saving game state will be granted has been derived (after a time-saving pattern that is determined to set the first time-saving game state described later has been determined) or after the special game has ended, and a fluctuation pattern table 114 for determining a fluctuation pattern command.
It should be noted that tables related to winning/losing lotteries etc. are not limited to these, and in cases where it is necessary to make other judgments or decisions based on random numbers, tables may be provided as appropriate.

The win/lose random number determination table 110 is used to determine the results of the win/lose lottery (won a big win, won a small win, won or lost the time-saving bonus), and is roughly divided into a win/lose random number determination table 110 (hereafter referred to as table A) that is referenced in a low-probability game state, and a win/lose random number determination table 110 (hereafter referred to as table B) that is referenced in a high-probability game state. Also, as shown in Figures 6 to 11, each of table A and table B has six types according to the currently set value.

Specifically, table A includes table A1 which is referenced when the set value is "1", table A2 which is referenced when the set value is "2", table A3 which is referenced when the set value is "3", table A4 which is referenced when the set value is "4", table A5 which is referenced when the set value is "5", and table A6 which is referenced when the set value is "6".
Table B includes table B1 which is referenced when the set value is "1", table B2 which is referenced when the set value is "2", table B3 which is referenced when the set value is "3", table B4 which is referenced when the set value is "4", table B5 which is referenced when the set value is "5", and table B6 which is referenced when the set value is "6".

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, one win/lose random number within the numerical range of 0 to 65535 is obtained. Then, depending on the setting value set in the pachinko machine P and the game state at the time when the win/lose lottery is performed, one of the above-mentioned win/lose random number determination tables 110 is selected, and the result of the win/lose lottery is determined based on the obtained win/lose random number and the selected win/lose random number determination table 110.

As shown in FIG. 6(a), according to table A1, if the random number is between 1000 and 1373, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, if the random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small jackpot has been won, if the random number is between 3310 and 3964, it is determined that a time-saving bonus has been won, and if the random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1374 to 1999, 3965 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in table A1, the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/175, the probability of winning a small jackpot is approximately 1/50, and the probability of winning a time-saving bonus is approximately 1/100.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), according to table A2, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1384, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small win has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 3310 and 3964, it is determined that a time-saving bonus has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0-999, 1385-1999, 3965-65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in table A2, the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/170, the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/50, and the probability of winning a time-saving bonus is approximately 1/100.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), according to table A3, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1396, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small win has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 3310 and 3964, it is determined that a time-saving bonus has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1397 to 1999, 3965 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in table A3, the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/165, the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/50, and the probability of winning a time-saving bonus is approximately 1/100.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), according to table A4, if the random number is between 1000 and 1408, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, if the random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small jackpot has been won, if the random number is between 3310 and 3964, it is determined that a time-saving bonus has been won, and if the random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1409 to 1999, 3965 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in table A4, the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/160, the probability of winning a small jackpot is approximately 1/50, and the probability of winning a time-saving bonus is approximately 1/100.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), according to table A5, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1421, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small jackpot has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 3310 and 3964, it is determined that a time-saving bonus has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0-999, 1422-1999, 3965-65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in table A5, the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/155, the probability of winning a small jackpot is approximately 1/50, and the probability of winning a time-saving bonus is approximately 1/100.

As shown in FIG. 11(a), according to table A6, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1434, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small win has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 3310 and 3964, it is determined that a time-saving bonus has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1435 to 1999, 3965 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in table A6, the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/150, the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/50, and the probability of winning a time-saving bonus is approximately 1/100.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6(b), according to table B1, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1484, it is determined that a big win has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small win has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1485 to 1999, 3310 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in this table B1, the probability of winning a big win is approximately 1/135, and the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/50.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), according to table B2, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1503, it is determined that a big win has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small win has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1504 to 1999, 3310 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in this table B2, the probability of winning a big win is approximately 1/130, and the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/50.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), according to table B3, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1523, it is determined that a big win has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small win has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1524 to 1999, 3310 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in this table B3, the probability of winning a big win is approximately 1/125, and the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/50.

As shown in FIG. 9(b), according to table B4, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1545, it is determined that a big win has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small win has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1546 to 1999, 3310 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in this table B4, the probability of winning a big win is approximately 1/120, and the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/50.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), according to table B5, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1568, it is determined that a big win has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small win has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1569 to 1999, 3310 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in this table B5, the probability of winning a big win is approximately 1/115, and the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/50.

As shown in FIG. 11(b), according to table B6, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1594, it is determined that a big win has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 3309, it is determined that a small win has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1595 to 1999, 3310 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in this table B6, the probability of winning a big win is approximately 1/110, and the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/50.

As described above, when comparing the win/loss random number determination table 110 referenced in a high-probability game state and the win/loss random number determination table 110 referenced in a low-probability game state (for example, table A1 and table B1), which have the same associated setting values, the win/loss random number determination table 110 referenced in the high-probability game state is set to have a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the win/loss random number determination table 110 referenced in the low-probability game state.
In addition, the numerical range of the win/loss random number determined to be a jackpot in the win/loss random number determination table 110 referenced in the low-probability gaming state is set to be included in the numerical range of the win/loss random number determined to be a jackpot in the win/loss random number determination table 110 referenced in the high-probability gaming state, which is associated with the same set value as the win/loss random number determination table 110 (specifically, the lower limit value in the numerical range determined to be a jackpot is the same and the upper limit value is different). In other words, the win/loss random number determined to be a jackpot in the win/loss random number determination table 110 referenced in the low-probability gaming state will also be determined to be a jackpot in the win/loss random number determination table 110 referenced in the high-probability gaming state, which is associated with the same set value.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the lower limit value in the numerical range of the win/lose random number that determines whether a jackpot has been won is set to be the same and the upper limit value is set to be different, but this is not limited to this, and the upper limit values may be set to be the same and the lower limit values to be different.

In addition, in both tables, the numerical range of the win/lose random number that is judged to be a small win is outside the numerical range of the win/lose random number that is judged to be a big win, and the upper and lower limits of the numerical range are set to be the same, so that the probability of winning a small win is set to be the same. In other words, regardless of the set value and game state (high probability game state, low probability game state), a small win is judged to be a win with the same probability.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, it is possible to win a small prize in a win/lose lottery based on either the first special chart random number or the second special chart random number, but this is not limited to this, and it may be set so that a small prize can be won only in a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number, or it may be set so that a small prize can be won only in a win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number.

In addition, the win/lose random number determination tables 110 (Table A1, Table A2, Table A3, Table A4, Table A5, Table A6) referenced in the low probability game state all have a numerical range of win/lose random numbers that are determined to be a win for the time-saving bonus outside of the numerical range of win/lose random numbers that are determined to be a win for the jackpot, and the upper and lower limits of the numerical range are set to be the same, thereby setting the probability of winning the time-saving bonus to be the same. Therefore, during the normal game state, regardless of the set value, the probability of winning the time-saving bonus is the same.
As described above, since the win/lose lottery in a game state other than the normal game state does not determine whether or not the time-saving bonus will be awarded, the win/lose random number determination table 110 (table B1, table B2, table B3, table B4, table B5, table B6) referenced in the high probability game state does not have a numerical value area for determining whether or not the time-saving bonus will be awarded. Therefore, during the high probability game state, it is not determined that the time-saving bonus will be awarded.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the numerical ranges determined to be a winning jackpot, the numerical ranges determined to be a winning small jackpot, and the numerical ranges determined to be a winning time-saving bonus are all made up of continuous numerical ranges, but they are not limited to this and may be made up of discontinuous numerical ranges that include losing numerical values in between.

The special pattern random number determination table 111 is used to determine the type of special pattern, and as shown in Figures 12 (a) and (b), it includes a first start winning gate determination table 111a which is referenced when a win/loss lottery is conducted using a first special pattern random number, and a second start winning gate determination table 111b which is referenced when a win/loss lottery is conducted using a second special pattern random number.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, one special symbol random number is obtained within a numerical range of 0 to 199. Then, when the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery is performed, a special symbol random number determination table 111 of either the first start winning port determination table 111a or the second start winning port determination table 111b is selected according to the start winning port into which the game ball entered, and the type of special symbol is determined based on the obtained special symbol random number and the selected special symbol random number determination table 111.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, four types of jackpot symbols (X1, X2, X3, X4) are provided as special symbols (hereafter referred to as jackpot symbols) that are determined in the event of a jackpot win, two types of small prize symbols (Y1, Y2) are provided as special symbols (hereafter referred to as small prize symbols) that are determined in the event of a small prize win, seven types of time-saving symbols (J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, J7) are provided as special symbols (hereafter referred to as time-saving symbols) that are determined in the event of a time-saving win, and two types of loss symbols (Z1, Z2) are provided as special symbols (hereafter referred to as loss symbols) that are determined in the event of a loss.

12(a), according to the first start winning port judgment table 111a, when a jackpot is won, if the special pattern random number is 0 to 1, the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, if the special pattern random number is 2 to 139, the jackpot pattern X2 is determined, and if the special pattern random number is 140 to 199, the jackpot pattern X3 is determined. That is, in this first start winning port judgment table 111a, when a jackpot is won, the probability that the jackpot pattern X1 is determined is 1%, the probability that the jackpot pattern X2 is determined is 69%, and the probability that the jackpot pattern X3 is determined is 30%.
In addition, in the case of a small prize winning, the small prize symbol Y1 is determined when the special symbol random number is 0 to 99, and the small prize symbol Y2 is determined when the special symbol random number is 100 to 199. In other words, in the first start winning port judgment table 111a, in the case of a small prize winning, the probability that the small prize symbol Y1 is determined and the probability that the small prize symbol Y2 is determined are both 50%.
In addition, in the case where a time-saving bonus is awarded, if the special pattern random number is between 0 and 99, a time-saving pattern J1 is determined, if the special pattern random number is between 100 and 149, a time-saving pattern J2 is determined, if the special pattern random number is between 150 and 183, a time-saving pattern J3 is determined, if the special pattern random number is between 184 and 193, a time-saving pattern J4 is determined, if the special pattern random number is between 194 and 197, a time-saving pattern J5 is determined, and if the special pattern random number is between 198 and 199, a time-saving pattern J6 is determined. In other words, in this first start winning port determination table 111a, when a time-saving bonus is awarded, the probability that the time-saving pattern J1 will be determined is 50%, the probability that the time-saving pattern J2 will be determined is 25%, the probability that the time-saving pattern J3 will be determined is 17%, the probability that the time-saving pattern J4 will be determined is 5%, the probability that the time-saving pattern J5 will be determined is 2%, and the probability that the time-saving pattern J6 will be determined is 1%.
In addition, in the case of a loss, the loss symbol Z1 is determined when the special symbol random number is 0 to 19, and the loss symbol Z2 is determined when the special symbol random number is 20 to 199. That is, in the first start winning port determination table 111a, in the case of a loss, the probability that the loss symbol Z1 is determined is 10%, and the probability that the loss symbol Z2 is determined is 90%.

12(b), according to the second start winning port judgment table 111b, in the event of a jackpot win, if the special pattern random number is 0 to 139, the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, and if the special pattern random number is 140 to 199, the jackpot pattern X4 is determined. That is, in this second start winning port judgment table 111b, in the event of a jackpot win, the probability that the jackpot pattern X1 is determined is 70%, and the probability that the jackpot pattern X4 is determined is 30%.
In addition, in the case where the time-saving bonus is won, the time-saving bonus J7 is determined when the special bonus random number is between 0 and 199 (i.e., regardless of the value of the special bonus random number). In other words, in the second start winning port determination table 111b, the probability that the time-saving bonus J7 is determined in the case where the time-saving bonus is won is 100%.
As shown in FIG. 12(b), the type of small win symbol that is determined in the event of a small win and the probability of determining that type, as well as the type of losing symbol that is determined in the event of a loss and the probability of determining that type, are set to the same contents as those in the first start winning port determination table 111a.

The special electric device operation table 112 is for controlling the special game to be executed when a big win is won and the small win game to be executed when a small win is won, and is referred to in order to operate the big prize opening solenoid 18c and the distribution member solenoid 59c during the execution of the special game and the small win game. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 (a) to (d), the special electric device operation table 112 includes a first operation table 112a to be referenced when a big win is won and the big win pattern X1 is determined, a second operation table 112b to be referenced when a big win is won and the big win pattern X2 is determined, a third operation table 112c to be referenced when a big win is won and the big win pattern X3 or X4 is determined, and a fourth operation table 112d to be referenced when a small win is won and the small win pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined.

Specifically, when the big win is won and the big win pattern X1 is determined, a special game is executed by referring to the first operation table 112a shown in Fig. 13(a). According to this first operation table 112a, a round game that ends when either the big win opening 18 is opened for 29.0 seconds or 10 game balls enter the big win opening 18 is executed 10 times in total from round 1 to round 10. Also, during the execution of each round game, the opening and closing door 18b is displaced from the closed position to the open position, and is positioned in the open position for 29.0 seconds, and then displaced from the open position to the closed position (opening and closing pattern), so that the big win opening 18 is opened only once, and the time (i.e., the interval time) during which the big win opening 18 is closed between each round game is set to 2.0 seconds.
13(a), when the big win symbol X1 is determined, the allocating member 59 operates in such a manner (operation pattern) that it stops (is located) at the first position during each of the first, second, fourth to tenth rounds of play. In contrast, during the third round of play, the allocating member 59 operates in such a manner that it stops at the second position.

In addition, when the jackpot is won and the jackpot symbol X2 is determined, a special game is executed by referring to the second operation table 112b shown in Fig. 13(b). According to this second operation table 112b, a round game that ends under the same conditions as the above-mentioned first operation table 112a is executed a total of 10 times from round 1 to round 10. The opening and closing pattern of the opening and closing door 18b and the interval time are also set to the same contents as those of the first operation table 112a.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13(b), when the jackpot pattern X2 is determined, during each of the first, second, fourth to tenth rounds of play, the allocating member 59 operates in a manner to stop at the first position, similarly to when the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, and further, during the third round of play, the allocating member 59 also operates in a manner to stop at the first position.

In addition, when the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X3 or X4 is determined, a special game is executed by referring to the third operation table 112c shown in Fig. 13(c). According to this third operation table 112c, a round game that ends under the same conditions as the first operation table 112a and the second operation table 112b is executed a total of four times from round 1 to round 4. The opening and closing pattern and interval time of the opening and closing door 18b are set to the same contents as the first operation table 112a and the second operation table 112b.
Also, as shown in FIG. 13(c), when the jackpot pattern X3 or X4 is determined, the allocating member 59 operates to stop at the first position during the first, second and fourth rounds of play, in the same manner as when the jackpot pattern X1 and the jackpot pattern X2 are determined, and further, during the third round of play, the allocating member 59 operates to stop at the first position, in the same manner as when the jackpot pattern X2 is determined.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, the jackpot opening 18 is opened continuously for 29.0 seconds during three rounds of play (specific round play), and the distribution member 59 is stopped at the second position, so that as long as game balls are shot toward the second game area 12b, the game balls can enter the jackpot opening 18 and a predetermined number of game balls can be reliably admitted to the specific area 57.
In contrast, when the jackpot pattern X2, X3 or X4 is determined, in three rounds of play, the large prize opening 18 is opened continuously for 29.0 seconds, but the distribution member 59 remains in the first position, so that even if a game ball enters the large prize opening 18, the game ball will all enter the general area 58, and it is impossible for the game ball to enter the specific area 57.

In addition, when a small prize is won and the small prize symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined, a small prize game is executed by referring to a fourth operation table 112d shown in Fig. 13(d). According to this fourth operation table 112d, the large prize opening 18 is opened once for 0.05 seconds, and when 10 game balls enter the large prize opening 18 while it is open, the large prize opening 18 is closed.
As shown in FIG. 13(d), during a small win game, the sorting member 59 operates in such a manner that it stays at the first position.
In this way, in a small prize game, the large prize opening 18 is open for only 0.05 seconds, so it is almost impossible to get a game ball into the large prize opening 18. Also, since the distribution member 50 stays in the first position during a small prize game, even if a game ball does enter the large prize opening 18, the game ball will enter the general area 58, and it is impossible for the game ball to enter the specific area 57.

The game status setting table 113 is used to set the game status after the end of a special game when the special game is executed, and the game status after a win/lose lottery for time-saving grant is won during a normal game state and the time-saving pattern J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6 or J7 is determined.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a special game is executed, the game state after the special game is finished is set according to the type of jackpot symbol determined at the time of the jackpot that triggered the execution of the special game, and whether or not a predetermined number of game balls (1 in this embodiment) have entered the specific area 57 during the special game. In addition, when the time-saving symbol J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, or J7 is determined as a result of a win/loss lottery during the normal game state, the game state determined for each time-saving symbol is set. In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described later, whether or not the game ball can enter the specific area 57 is set according to the type of the determined jackpot symbol, and essentially, whether or not the game will transition to a high-probability time-saving game state after the special game based on the determination is determined according to the determined jackpot symbol.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, after a jackpot is won in a low-probability time-saving game state and the game transitions to a high-probability game state, the jackpot symbol associated with the high-probability game state setting is determined continuously without transitioning to a low-probability game state, and when the number of times the jackpot symbol is determined continuously (hereinafter referred to as the number of consecutive high-probability settings) reaches a predetermined upper limit number (10,000 times in this embodiment), the low-probability game state is forcibly set after the special game based on the determination of the jackpot symbol is ended. In other words, when the jackpot symbol is determined continuously up to the upper limit number of times without transitioning to a low-probability game state through the execution of a special game, the low-probability game state is forcibly set after the special game based on the determination is ended, even if the conditions for setting the high-probability game state are met.
Similarly, after winning a jackpot in a non-time-saving game state and transitioning to a time-saving game state (a second time-saving game state in this embodiment), the jackpot pattern associated with the setting of the time-saving game state is determined continuously without transitioning to the non-time-saving game state, and when the number of times the jackpot pattern is determined continuously (hereinafter referred to as the number of times of continuous time-saving settings) reaches a predetermined upper limit number (10,000 times in this embodiment), the non-time-saving game state is forcibly set after the end of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern. In other words, when the above-mentioned jackpot pattern is determined continuously up to the upper limit number of times without transitioning to the non-time-saving game state through the execution of a special game, the non-time-saving game state is forcibly set after the end of the special game based on the determination, even if the conditions for setting the time-saving game state are met.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, based on the set probability of winning a jackpot and the probability of determining each jackpot pattern, it is impossible for the number of consecutive high probability settings or the number of consecutive time-saving settings to reach 10,000, and in effect, the high probability game state or the time-saving game state will continue until the conditions for setting a low probability game state or the conditions for setting a non-time-saving game state are met.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 14(a) to (j), the game state setting table 113 includes a first game state setting table 113a which is referred to when the jackpot symbol X1 is determined and a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 during special play, a second game state setting table 113b which is referred to when the jackpot symbol X2 or X3 is determined and a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during special play, a third game state setting table 113c which is referred to when the jackpot symbol X4 is determined and a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during special play, a fourth game state setting table 113d which is referred to when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined in the win/lose lottery during the normal play state and the time-saving symbol J2 is determined, and a fourth game state setting table 113f which is referred to when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined in the win/lose lottery during the normal play state and the time-saving symbol J2 is determined. a fifth game state setting table 113e that is referred to when the time-saving symbol J3 is determined in the win/loss lottery during the normal game state; a sixth game state setting table 113f that is referred to when the time-saving symbol J4 is determined in the win/loss lottery during the normal game state; an eighth game state setting table 113h that is referred to when the time-saving symbol J5 is determined in the win/loss lottery during the normal game state; a ninth game state setting table 113i that is referred to when the time-saving symbol J6 is determined in the win/loss lottery during the normal game state; and a tenth game state setting table 113j that is referred to when the time-saving symbol J7 is determined in the win/loss lottery during the normal game state.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14(a), when the jackpot pattern X1 is determined and a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 during the special game, if the number of consecutive high probability setting times has not reached a predetermined upper limit, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high probability game state, and the number of times the high probability game state continues (hereinafter referred to as the high probability number) is set to 10,000 times. Accordingly, if the number of consecutive time-saving setting times has not reached a predetermined upper limit, the game state after the special game ends is set to a second time-saving game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times.
That is, in the above case, when the number of consecutive high probability settings and the number of consecutive time-saving settings have not reached the upper limit, after the special game ends, the high probability game state and the second time-saving game state (i.e., the high probability time-saving game state) continue until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 10,000 times without winning the jackpot. As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the probability of winning the jackpot in the high probability game state is about 1/110 to 1/135, so in effect, the high probability time-saving game state continues until the jackpot is won again.

In contrast, in the above case, when the number of consecutive high probability settings has reached a predetermined upper limit, the game state after the special game ends is set to a low probability game state, and when the number of consecutive time-saving settings has reached a predetermined upper limit, the game state after the special game ends is set to a non-time-saving game state.

As described above, when the jackpot symbol X1 is determined, the distribution member 59 stays at the second position during the three rounds of the special game, so that as long as game balls are being shot into the second game area 12b, a predetermined number of game balls will always enter the specific area 57. In other words, when the jackpot symbol X1 is determined, as long as game balls are being shot into the second game area 12b, a high probability time-saving game state is reliably set.
Also, although not specifically shown, when a jackpot pattern X1 is determined but a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during the special game, the game state after the special game ends is set to a low-probability time-saving game state and a non-time-saving game state (i.e., a normal game state).

14(b), if the jackpot symbol X2 or X3 is determined and a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during the special game, the game state after the special game is ended is set to a low probability time-saving game state. Accordingly, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached a predetermined upper limit number and the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is a time-saving game state (i.e., a first time-saving game state), the game state after the special game is ended is set to a second time-saving game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times.
That is, in the above case, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit number and the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is the time-saving game state, the low probability game state and the second time-saving game state (i.e., the second low probability time-saving game state) continue until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 10,000 times without winning the jackpot. As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the probability of winning the jackpot in the low probability game state is about 1/150 to 1/175, so in effect, the second low probability time-saving game state continues until the jackpot is won again.

In contrast to this, in the above cases, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the predetermined upper limit, and the game state at the time of winning the jackpot was a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the special game ends is set to a non-time-saving game state. Similarly, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has reached the predetermined upper limit, the game state after the special game ends is set to a non-time-saving game state. In other words, in either case, the game state after the special game ends is set to a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state (i.e., a normal game state).

As described above, when the jackpot pattern X2 or X3 is determined, the distribution member 59 stays in the first position during the three rounds of the special game, so that the predetermined number of game balls does not enter the specific area 57. In other words, when the jackpot pattern X2 or X3 is determined, either the second low probability time-saving game state or the normal game state is always set.

14(c), if the big win symbol X4 is determined and a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during the special game, the game state after the special game is ended is set to a low probability time-saving game state. Accordingly, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached a predetermined upper limit, the game state after the special game is ended is set to a second time-saving game state, and the number of time-saving settings is set to 100.
In other words, in the above case, when the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit, the low-probability game state and the second time-saving game state (i.e., the second low-probability time-saving game state) will continue until the results of the win/lose lottery are derived 100 times without winning a jackpot.

In contrast, in the above case, when the number of consecutive time-saving settings has reached the predetermined upper limit, the game state after the special game ends is set to a non-time-saving game state. In other words, at this time, the game state after the special game ends is set to a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state (i.e., a normal game state).

As described above, when the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, the distribution member 59 stays in the first position during the three rounds of the special game, and the predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57. In other words, when the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, either the second low-probability time-saving game state or the normal game state is always set.

As shown in FIG. 14(d), if a win/lose lottery during the normal game state results in a win for time-saving grant and time-saving pattern J1 is determined, the game state after the determination is set to the first time-saving game state without changing the low-probability game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10. In other words, in this case, the low-probability game state and the first time-saving game state (i.e., the first low-probability time-saving game state) will continue until the win/lose lottery results are derived 10 times without a jackpot being won.

As shown in FIG. 14(e), if a win/lose lottery during the normal game state results in a win for time-saving grant and time-saving pattern J2 is determined, the game state after the determination is set to the first time-saving game state without changing the low-probability game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 20. In other words, in this case, the low-probability game state and the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) will continue until the win/lose lottery results are derived 20 times without a jackpot being won.

As shown in FIG. 14(f), if a win/lose lottery during the normal game state results in a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving symbol J3 is determined, the game state after the determination is set to the first time-saving game state without changing the low-probability game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 30. In other words, in this case, the low-probability game state and the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) will continue until the win/lose lottery results are derived 30 times without a jackpot being won.

As shown in FIG. 14(g), if a win/lose lottery during the normal game state results in a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving symbol J4 is determined, the game state after the determination is set to the first time-saving game state without changing the low-probability game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 50. In other words, in this case, the low-probability game state and the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) will continue until the win/lose lottery results are derived 50 times without a jackpot being won.

As shown in FIG. 14(h), if a win/lose lottery during the normal game state results in a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving symbol J5 is determined, the game state after the determination is set to the first time-saving game state without changing the low-probability game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 100. In other words, in this case, the low-probability game state and the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) will continue until the win/lose lottery results are derived 100 times without a jackpot being won.

As shown in FIG. 14(i), if a win/lose lottery during the normal game state results in a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving symbol J6 is determined, the game state after the determination is set to the first time-saving game state without changing the low-probability game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 1000. In other words, in this case, the low-probability game state and the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) will continue until the win/lose lottery result is derived 1000 times without a jackpot being won.

As shown in FIG. 14(j), if a win/lose lottery during the normal game state results in a win for time-saving and the time-saving symbol J7 is determined, the game state after the determination is set to the first time-saving game state without changing the low-probability game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to one. In other words, in this case, the low-probability game state and the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) continue until the result of the win/lose lottery is derived once without a jackpot being won.

When the time-saving symbol J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6 or J7 is determined as described above, the first low-probability time-saving game state described above is set after the special symbol (time-saving symbol) stops changing (when the next special symbol starts changing).

As described above, the variation pattern table 114 is used to determine the variation pattern command.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the special symbol is determined as described above, a change pattern command is determined based on the result of the determination. As described above, the change pattern command is for determining the change pattern of the change performance, and the change pattern command determines the mode and change time of the change performance (the change time of the change display of the special symbol). In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the change performance is divided into a first half and a second half, and the mode and change time of the first half of the change performance, and the mode and change time of the second half of the change performance are both determined by the change pattern command.
Specifically, the determined variation pattern command is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300, and the sub-control board 300 determines the specific form of the variation performance (for example, an image to be displayed on the display unit 21a) based on the received variation pattern command.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, multiple types of fluctuation pattern commands are provided, and each fluctuation pattern command is associated with a fluctuation pattern table 114. And, for each fluctuation pattern table 114, the type of fluctuation pattern command to be determined and the determination ratio are set.

The pachinko machine P in this embodiment is provided with, as the variation pattern table 114, table A which is referenced when the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 during normal game mode or the first low probability time-saving game mode (i.e., during left-hand hit), and table B and table C which are referenced when the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 during the second low probability time-saving game mode or the high probability time-saving game mode (i.e., during right-hand hit) (see FIG. 15).

Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a jackpot is won in the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state, and the game state transitions to at least either the second time-saving game state or the high-probability game state, and the number of consecutive jackpots (consecutive jackpots won from the so-called first win while at least either the second time-saving game state or the high-probability game state is continuing, hereafter referred to as consecutive jackpots) without transitioning to the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state reaches a predetermined number (e.g., three times), table B is referenced if the consecutive jackpot number condition is met, and table C is referenced if the consecutive jackpot number condition is met.

When a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, one fluctuation pattern random number within the numerical range of 0 to 249 is obtained, and a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on this obtained fluctuation pattern random number, the special symbol determined as described above, the current reserved number (first reserved number or second reserved number), and the fluctuation pattern table 114 according to the current game state and whether or not the above-mentioned consecutive jackpot count condition (the number of consecutive jackpots reaching a predetermined number) is met.

Although not specifically shown, the fluctuation pattern table 114 also includes a table that is referenced when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 during the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state, or when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 during the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state. However, as long as the display of the game ball launch instruction on the performance display device 21 is followed, the game ball will only enter the first start winning port 15 during the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state, and the game ball will only enter the second start winning port 16 during the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state. Therefore, the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16 during the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state, and the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15 during the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state, are irregular, and in the following, such irregular entries will not be taken into consideration, and the explanation will be given assuming that the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 during the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state, and that the game ball enters the second start winning port 16 during the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state.

When determining a variation pattern command by referring to table A (when determining a variation pattern command based on a game ball entering the first start winning hole 15), the first reserved number at that time is referenced. On the other hand, when determining a variation pattern command by referring to table B or table C (when determining a variation pattern command based on a game ball entering the second start winning hole 16), the second reserved number at that time is referenced.

As shown in FIG. 15(a), according to table A, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined (i.e., the result of the winning/losing lottery is a losing symbol) and the first reserved number at the current time is 0 or 1, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 209, a fluctuation pattern command "00H" is determined which corresponds to a fluctuation pattern called "13-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 13 seconds), and when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 210 and 229, a fluctuation pattern command "00H" is determined which corresponds to a fluctuation pattern called "20-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 13 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 7 seconds). When the fluctuation pattern random number is between 230 and 239, a fluctuation pattern command "02H" is determined to which a fluctuation pattern called "45-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time for the first half is set to 20 seconds and the fluctuation time for the second half is set to 25 seconds) is associated, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 240 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "03H" is determined to which a fluctuation pattern called "60-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time for the first half is set to 20 seconds and the fluctuation time for the second half is set to 40 seconds) is associated.

In addition, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current first reserved number is 2 or more, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 209, a fluctuation pattern command "04H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "3-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 3 seconds) is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 210 and 229, a fluctuation pattern command "01H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 230 and 239, a fluctuation pattern command "02H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 240 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "03H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, regardless of the current first reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 9, a fluctuation pattern command "BAH" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "18-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the latter half is set to 18 seconds), and when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 10 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "B3H" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation".
In addition, when the time-saving pattern J2 is determined, regardless of the current first reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 9, a fluctuation pattern command "BBH" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "30-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the latter half is set to 30 seconds), and when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 10 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "B4H" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation".
In addition, when the time-saving pattern J3 is determined, regardless of the current first reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 9, a fluctuation pattern command "BCH" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "36-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 36 seconds), and when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 10 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "B5H" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation".

In addition, when the time-saving pattern J4 is determined, regardless of the current first reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 9, a fluctuation pattern command "BDH" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "46-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the latter half is set to 46 seconds), and when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 10 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "B6H" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation."
In addition, when the time-saving pattern J5 is determined, regardless of the current first reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 9, a fluctuation pattern command "BEH" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "66-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 66 seconds), and when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 10 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "B7H" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation".
In addition, when the time-saving symbol J6 is determined, regardless of the current first reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 9, a fluctuation pattern command "BFH" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "68-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 68 seconds), and when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 10 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "B8H" is determined which is associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation."
In addition, when the time-saving pattern J7 is determined, regardless of the current first reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 249 (whatever the value of the fluctuation pattern random number), the fluctuation pattern command "B9H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the small win pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined (i.e., the result of the lottery is a small win), regardless of the current first reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 124, the fluctuation pattern command "22H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 125 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "23H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1, X2 or X3 is determined (i.e., the result of the lottery is a jackpot), regardless of the current first reserved number, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 124, the fluctuation pattern command "A2H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 125 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "A3H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

As shown in FIG. 15(b), according to table B, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current second reserved number is 0 or 1, if the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 209, the fluctuation pattern command "00H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is 210 to 239, the fluctuation pattern command "02H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is 240 to 249, the fluctuation pattern command "03H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current second reserved number is 2 or more, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 209, the fluctuation pattern command "04H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "3-second fluctuation" is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 210 and 239, the fluctuation pattern command "02H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 240 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "03H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the small winning symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 124, the fluctuation pattern command "22H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 125 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "23H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1 or X4 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 124, the fluctuation pattern command "A2H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 125 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "A3H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

As shown in FIG. 15(c), according to table C, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current second reserved number is 0 or 1, if the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 209, a fluctuation pattern command "05H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "26-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 26 seconds) is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is 210 to 239, a fluctuation pattern command "06H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "90-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 30 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 60 seconds) is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is 240 to 249, a fluctuation pattern command "07H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "120-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 30 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 90 seconds) is determined.

In addition, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current second reserved number is 2 or more, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 209, a fluctuation pattern command "08H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "6-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time for the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time for the second half is set to 6 seconds) is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 210 and 239, a fluctuation pattern command "06H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "90-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 240 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "07H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "120-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the small winning pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 124, the fluctuation pattern command "26H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "90-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 125 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "27H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "120-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1 or X4 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 124, the fluctuation pattern command "A6H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "90-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 125 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "A7H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "120-second fluctuation" is determined.

In this way, the fluctuation time associated with the fluctuation pattern determined by table C is set to be longer than the fluctuation time associated with the fluctuation pattern determined by table B. That is, in the second low-probability time-saving game state and the high-probability time-saving game state, the determination ratio of the long fluctuation time is higher after the above-mentioned consecutive jackpot count condition is established (after the number of consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number) than before the above-mentioned consecutive jackpot count condition is established (before the number of consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number).
As a result, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, after the above-mentioned consecutive jackpot count condition is met, the interval between winning one jackpot and winning the next jackpot can be longer than before the above-mentioned consecutive jackpot count condition is met, and the number of special games executed per unit time (number of jackpot wins per unit time) can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prevent the occurrence of a situation in which a large number of special games are executed in a short period of time, the number of winning balls won by the player increases rapidly, and the player's gambling tendency becomes extremely high.

The variation pattern command determined as above is transmitted to the sub-control board 300, and the specific form of the first half of the variation performance and the specific form of the second half of the variation performance are determined based on the variation pattern command. Then, the variation performance is executed according to the specific form determined in this way, and the sum of the variation time of the first half and the variation time of the second half set in the variation pattern command becomes the time from the start to the end of the variation performance (variable display of special symbols).
For example, if the determined fluctuation pattern command is "02H" (the fluctuation time of the first half is 20 seconds, and the fluctuation time of the second half is 25 seconds), the sum of the fluctuation time of the first half and the fluctuation time of the second half, 45 seconds (= 20 seconds + 25 seconds), becomes the fluctuation time of the entire fluctuation performance (the entire fluctuation display of the special pattern).
In addition, for the fluctuation pattern commands "00H", "04H", "05H", "BAH", "BBH", "BCH", "BDH", "BEH", and "BFH", the fluctuation time of the first half is set to "0 seconds". When these fluctuation pattern commands are determined, the entire fluctuation performance is executed in the manner determined according to the fluctuation pattern command during the corresponding fluctuation time of the second half.

In addition, based on the above-mentioned changing time, a changing performance is performed on the performance display device 21, and a changing display of the special pattern is performed on the special pattern display device (first special pattern display device 30 or second special pattern display device 31).
Specifically, if the starting winning slot into which the game ball entered is the first starting winning slot 15, the first special symbol display device 30 is displayed flashing during the above-mentioned variable time, and if the starting winning slot into which the game ball entered is the second starting winning slot 16, the second special symbol display device 31 is displayed flashing during the above-mentioned variable time. After the variable time has elapsed, the determined special symbol is displayed stationary. As will be described later, the special symbol is displayed stationary until a predetermined stationary display time has elapsed.

Regarding the manner of the variable presentation, rather than determining either the manner of the first half of the variable presentation or the manner of the second half of the variable presentation based on the variable pattern command, it is also possible to determine other commands besides the variable pattern command, and determine the manner of the first half of the variable presentation based on one of the commands, and determine the manner of the second half of the variable presentation based on the other command.
Also, instead of dividing the variable performance into a first half and a second half, it may be divided into more parts, with the aspect of each part being determined based on the corresponding command.

Next, the process related to the regular game will be described.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball launched by a launching device (not shown) and flowing down the game area 12 passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol is held to determine whether or not to activate the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and open the movable piece 16b. If a winning ball is selected by the lottery for the normal symbol, the movable piece 16b opens for a predetermined time, and the second start winning opening 16 is opened, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16.
The selection of this normal symbol is carried out based on a winning determination random number obtained when the game ball passes through the gate 20, and a winning determination random number determination table 116 that is stored in the main ROM 102 and is used to determine this random number.

When the game ball passes through the gate 20, the above-mentioned winning random number is obtained, and the random number is stored in the general map reserve memory area of the main RAM 103, with a maximum of four numbers. Specifically, this general map reserve memory area is composed of a total of four memory areas, from the first memory area to the fourth memory area, and the winning random numbers are stored starting from the first memory area in the order of passing through the gate 20. Also, if winning random numbers have already been stored in several memory areas, the winning random number is stored in the memory area with the smallest number among the empty memory areas. If four winning random numbers have already been stored in the general map reserve memory area, even if the game ball passes through the gate 20, the winning random number related to this passage is not stored in the general map reserve memory area.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the winning random number is a hardware random number built into the main control board 100. This winning random number is updated according to a certain rule, and the random number sequence is automatically changed every time the random number sequence goes through one cycle, and the start value is changed every time the system is reset.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the number of winning determination random numbers stored in the regular number reserve memory area (hereinafter referred to as the regular number reserve number) is stored in a regular number reserve number counter (not specifically shown).

The win determination random number judgment table 116 is used to determine whether or not a win has occurred by drawing lots for normal symbols, and as shown in Figures 16(a) to (c), it is equipped with a first judgment table 116a which is referenced during a non-time-shortened game state (i.e., during a normal game state), during a special game, and during a small win game, a second judgment table 116b which is referenced during a first time-shortened game state (i.e., during a first low-probability time-shortened game state), and a third judgment table 116c which is referenced during a second time-shortened game state (i.e., during a second low-probability time-shortened game state or a high-probability time-shortened game state).
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the gate 20, one winning random number is obtained within the range of 0 to 65535. If the game state at the time of drawing the normal symbol is a non-time-saving game state, or if the game state at the time of drawing the normal symbol is during a special game or a small winning game, the first judgment table 116a is selected, and the normal symbol is drawn based on the obtained winning random number and the selected first judgment table 116a. If the game state at the time of drawing the normal symbol is the first time-saving game state, the second judgment table 116b is selected, and the normal symbol is drawn based on the obtained winning random number and the selected second judgment table 116b. If the game state at the time of drawing the normal symbol is the second time-saving game state, the third judgment table 116c is selected, and the normal symbol is drawn based on the obtained winning random number and the selected third judgment table 116c.

16A, according to the first judgment table 116a, a win is determined when the winning determination random number is 1, and a loss is determined when the winning determination random number is other than this (0, 2 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of a win in this first judgment table 116a is 1/65536.
16B, according to the second judgment table 116b, a winning decision is made when the winning decision random number is 1 to 5, and a losing decision is made when the winning decision random number is other than these (0, 6 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning in this second judgment table 116b is 5/65536.
16C, according to the third judgment table 116c, a winning decision is made when the winning decision random number is between 1 and 65500, and a losing decision is made when the winning decision random number is other than this (0, 65501 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning in this third judgment table 116c is approximately 99/100.
If the normal symbol is selected by lottery, a winning symbol is determined, and if it is not selected, a losing symbol is determined.

The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment also includes a normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination table 117 and a second start winning hole opening control table 118 as tables for determining the normal symbol fluctuation pattern and controlling the opening and closing of the movable piece 16b.

The normal symbol variation pattern determination table 117 is for determining the variation pattern of the normal symbol. As described above, when the game ball passes through the gate 20 and the lottery for the normal symbol is performed, the variation pattern of the normal symbol is determined based on the normal symbol variation pattern determination table 117.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17, when the game state is a non-time-saving game state, or during a special game or a small win game, a normal pattern change pattern with a change time of 3 seconds is determined, when the game state is a first time-saving game state, a normal pattern change pattern with a change time of 2 seconds is determined, and when the game state is a second time-saving game state, a normal pattern change pattern with a change time of 0.5 seconds is determined. Then, when the normal pattern change pattern is determined, the normal pattern display device 32 (see Fig. 3) is displayed flashing during the change time set in the normal pattern change pattern. Then, when the normal pattern is selected as a winning pattern by lottery, the normal pattern display device 32 is turned on, and when the normal pattern is selected as a losing pattern by lottery, the normal pattern display device 32 is turned off.
In this specification, the flashing display of the ordinary pattern display device 32 is referred to as the "change in ordinary pattern", and the lighting or turning off of the ordinary pattern display device 32 is referred to as the "stopped display of ordinary pattern", "stop of change in ordinary pattern", "stop of change in ordinary pattern", etc.

In addition, the second start winning opening opening control table 118 is referenced to control the operation of the movable piece 16b provided in the second start winning opening 16.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the normal symbol display device 32 is turned on, the movable piece 16b of the second start winning hole 16 opens and closes in a manner determined by the second start winning hole opening control table 118. Specifically, when the game state is a non-time-saving game state, or during a special game or a small win game, as shown in FIG. 18, the start winning hole solenoid 16c is energized for 0.05 seconds (=0.05 seconds x 1 time), so that the movable piece 16b of the second start winning hole 16 is opened for 0.05 seconds. Also, when the game state is a first time-saving game state, as shown in FIG. 18, the start winning hole solenoid 16c is energized for 0.2 seconds (=0.2 seconds x 1 time), so that the movable piece 16b of the second start winning hole 16 is opened for 0.2 seconds. In addition, when the game state is the second time-saving game state, as shown in Figure 18, the start winning port solenoid 16c is energized for 1.8 seconds (= 0.9 seconds x 2 times), so that the movable piece 16b of the second start winning port 16 is opened for a total of 1.8 seconds.

As described above, conditions for opening and closing the second start winning port 16 are set for each of the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state, and depending on the content of these conditions, the second start winning port 16 is more likely to be maintained in an open state in the time-saving game state, making it easier for a game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 than in the non-time-saving game state.
In addition, in the first time-shortened game state among the time-shortened game states, the second start winning hole 16 is more likely to be maintained in an open state than in the non-time-shortened game state, but the second start winning hole 16 is less likely to be maintained in an open state than in the second time-shortened game state among the time-shortened game states. In other words, during the first time-shortened game state, it is easier to enter the second start winning hole 16 than in the non-time-shortened game state, and during the second time-shortened game state, it is easier to enter the second start winning hole 16 than in the first time-shortened game state. Therefore, during the second time-shortened game state, it is possible to obtain an opportunity to enter a lottery while suppressing the decrease in game balls that accompanies the progress of the game compared to the non-time-shortened game state and the first time-shortened game state, and during the first time-shortened game state compared to the non-time-shortened game state.

When the game state is the time-saving game state, as described above, the process for making it easier to maintain the second start winning hole 16 in an open state includes the selection of normal symbols using the second judgment table 116b or the third judgment table 116c (a winning determination random number judgment table 116 in which the probability of winning is set higher than in the non-time-saving game state), the determination of the variable time for the first time-saving game state and the variable time for the second time-saving game state (a variable time shorter than in the non-time-saving game state), and the opening control using the opening pattern for the first time-saving game state and the opening pattern for the second time-saving game state (an opening pattern with a longer total opening time than in the non-time-saving game state), but is not limited to this, and for example, at least one of the above processes may be performed.

(Outline of processing in pachinko machine P)
Next, an overview of the processing executed by the main control board 100 as the special game, normal game, and special game progress as described above will be explained using a flowchart.
First, the main processing of the main control board 100 will be described.
When power is supplied from the power supply board, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 101, and the main CPU 101 executes the main processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In step 100, the main CPU 101 performs initialization processing by reading a startup program from the main ROM 102 in response to power-on, initializing flags stored in the main RAM 103, and storing various commands to be transmitted to the sub-control board 300 in a performance transmission data storage area provided in the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 101.
In step 101, the main CPU 101 updates the initial value update random number for special pattern random numbers, which is referenced when updating the special pattern random numbers. This initial value update random number for special pattern random numbers is used to determine the initial value of the special pattern random numbers. In other words, the special pattern random numbers are updated with the initial value update random number for special pattern random numbers at the time when the update is started as the initial value. Then, once this random number range has been completed, the update of the special pattern random numbers is continued with the initial value update random number for special pattern random numbers at that time as the initial value. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 102.

In step 102, the main CPU 101 updates the fluctuation pattern random number for determining the fluctuation pattern. Then, when the processing of step 102 is completed, the processing of steps 101 and 102 is repeatedly executed thereafter until a predetermined interrupt processing is performed.

Next, the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 will be described.
A reset clock pulse generating circuit provided on the main control board 100 generates a clock pulse at a predetermined period (4 milliseconds in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment), thereby executing the timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 20.

In step 200, the main CPU 101 executes a timer update process for updating various timer counters.
In addition, the pachinko machine P in this embodiment employs a countdown timer, and the timer counter is decremented by one each time the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 is executed, and the countdown stops when it reaches 0.
In step 201, the main CPU 101 updates the special symbol random number. Specifically, the random number counter is updated by adding "1", and if the result of the addition exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, the random number counter is reset to "0", and if the random number counter has completed one cycle, the random number is updated from the value of the special symbol random number initial value update random number at that time. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 202.

In step 202, the main CPU 101 judges whether there is an input to the gate detection sensor 20a, the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, and the specific area detection sensor 57a, and executes a sensor detection time process to carry out a predetermined process based on the result. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 203.
In step 203, the main CPU 101 executes a special symbol-related control process for controlling the special symbol game, the special game, and the small win game. Then, the process proceeds to step 204.

In step 204, the main CPU 101 executes a general map-related control process for controlling the general map game. Then, the process proceeds to step 205.
In step 205, the main CPU 101 executes error-related processing to control the occurrence and cancellation of various errors. Specifically, when the main control board 100 receives a door open command based on the opening of the front door 3, a tray full command based on the full state of the tray 7, etc., the main CPU 101 generates a corresponding error designation command (e.g., a door open command, a tray full command, etc.) and stores (sets) it in the performance transmission data storage area. Also, when the main control board 100 no longer receives the above-mentioned commands, the main CPU 101 generates a corresponding error cancellation designation command (e.g., a door close command, a full cancellation command, etc.) and stores it in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 206.

In step 206, when the detection signals from the general winning hole detection sensor 14a, the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, and the large winning hole detection sensor 18a are input to the main CPU 101, the main CPU 101 updates the prize ball counters provided corresponding to the respective detection signals, and transmits payout number designation commands corresponding to the respective detection signals to the launch payout control board 200. When the launch payout control board 200 pays out prize balls, a payout command is transmitted to the main control board 100 for each payout, and when the main CPU 101 receives the payout command, it decrements the prize ball counter. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 207.
In step 207, the main CPU 101 executes the creation of external information data for outputting the game status of the pachinko machine P to the outside of the pachinko machine P, start winning port solenoid data for opening and closing the movable piece 16b of the second start winning port 16, large winning port solenoid data for controlling the opening and closing of the large winning port 18, display data for various display devices (first special symbol display device 30, second special symbol display device 31, normal symbol display device 32, first special symbol reserved display device 38, second special symbol reserved display device 39, and normal symbol reserved display device 33), etc. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 208.

In step 208, the main CPU 101 executes output control processing to perform port output processing to output signals of the data created in step 207 described above, and command transmission processing to transmit commands stored in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100 is terminated.

Next, the sensor detection process in step 202 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 300, the main CPU 101 executes a gate detection process for performing a lottery for a normal symbol based on the fact that the gaming ball has passed through the gate 20. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 301.
In step 301, the main CPU 101 executes a first start winning hole detection process for performing a winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 302.

In step 302, the main CPU 101 executes a second start winning hole detection process for performing a winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 303.
In step 303, the main CPU 101 executes a specific area detection process for carrying out a predetermined process based on the gaming ball entering the specific area 57. Then, the sensor detection process is terminated.

Next, the gate detection process in step 300 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 400, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the gate detection sensor 20a. If it is judged that a detection signal has not been input from the gate detection sensor 20a, the gate detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a detection signal has been input from the gate detection sensor 20a, the process proceeds to the next step 401.
In step 401, the main CPU 101 determines whether the value of the normal map reservation counter (i.e., the current normal map reservation number) is less than "4". If it is determined that the value is not less than "4" (i.e., "4"), the gate detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value is less than 4, the process proceeds to the next step 402.

In step 402, the main CPU 101 increments the value of the reserved number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 403.
In step 403, the main CPU 101 obtains a winning determination random number and stores it in the regular pending memory area, and ends the gate detection processing.

Next, the processing at the time of detecting the first start winning port in step 301 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 500, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a. If it is judged that a detection signal has not been input from the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the first start winning hole detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a detection signal has been input from the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the process proceeds to the next step 501.
In step 501, the main CPU 101 judges whether the value of the first reserved number counter (i.e., the current first reserved number) is less than "4". If it is judged that the value is not less than "4" (i.e., "4"), the first start winning port detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the value is less than "4", the process proceeds to the next step 502.

In step 502, the main CPU 101 increments the value of the first reservation number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 503.
In step 503, the main CPU 101 acquires a win/lose random number and stores it in the memory section of the first reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to step 504.

In step 504, the main CPU 101 acquires the special symbol random number updated in the above-mentioned step 201, and stores it in the memory section of the first reserved memory area in which the win/lose random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 503. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 505.
In step 505, the main CPU 101 acquires the variable pattern random number updated in step 102 described above, and stores it in the memory section of the first reserved memory area in which the win/lose random number was stored in step 503 described above. As a result, the acquired win/lose random number, special symbol random number, and variable pattern random number are all stored in the memory section of the same first reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 506.

In step 506, the main CPU 101 generates a start winning command indicating that the first special symbol random number and the first time-saving symbol random number have been stored, and stores the command in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step 507.
In step 507, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current game state is a non-time-saving game state or a first time-saving game state. If it is judged that the current game state is neither a non-time-saving game state nor a first time-saving game state (i.e., the current game state is a second time-saving game state), the first start winning hole detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current game state is a non-time-saving game state or a first time-saving game state, the process proceeds to the next step 508.

In step 508, the main CPU 101 executes a pre-determination process for the stored first special random number to make various determinations regarding the winning/losing lottery before the fluctuation based on the first special random number starts (at the time when the first special random number is acquired (stored as pending)). Then, the process at the time of detection of the first start winning slot is terminated.

Next, the processing at the time of detecting the second start winning port in step 302 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 600, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a detection signal is input from the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a. If it is judged that a detection signal is not input from the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, the second start winning hole detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a detection signal is input from the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, the process proceeds to the next step 601.
In step 601, the main CPU 101 judges whether the value of the second reserved number counter (i.e., the current second reserved number) is less than "4". If it is judged that the value is not less than "4" (i.e., "4"), the second start winning port detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the value is less than "4", the process proceeds to the next step 602.

In step 602, the main CPU 101 increments the value of the second reserved number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 603.
In step 603, the main CPU 101 acquires the win/lose random number and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to step 604.

In step 604, the main CPU 101 acquires the special symbol random number updated in the above-mentioned step 201, and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area in which the win/lose random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 603. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 605.
In step 605, the main CPU 101 acquires the variable pattern random number updated in step 102 described above, and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area in which the win/lose random number was stored in step 603 described above. As a result, the acquired win/lose random number, special symbol random number, and variable pattern random number are all stored in the memory section of the same second reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 606.

In step 606, the main CPU 101 generates a start winning command indicating that the second special symbol random number has been stored, and stores the command in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step 607.
In step 607, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current game state is the second time-shortened game state or not. If it is judged that the current game state is not the second time-shortened game state (i.e., the current game state is the non-time-shortened game state or the first time-shortened game state), the second start winning hole detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current game state is the second time-shortened game state, the process proceeds to the next step 608.

In step 608, the main CPU 101 executes a pre-determination process for the stored second special random number to make various determinations regarding the winning/losing lottery before the fluctuation based on the second special random number starts (at the time when the second special random number is acquired (stored as pending)). Then, the process at the time of detection of the second start winning slot is terminated.

Next, the above-mentioned pre-determination process of step 508 and step 608 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 25. In the above-mentioned pre-determination process of step 508, the following process is executed based on the win/loss random number, special symbol random number, and variable pattern random number stored in the memory unit of the first reserved memory area, and the first reserved number, and in the above-mentioned pre-determination process of step 608, the following process is executed based on the win/loss random number, special symbol random number, and variable pattern random number stored in the memory unit of the second reserved memory area, and the second reserved number.
In step 650, the main CPU 101 checks the type of start winning slot into which the game ball entered (first start winning slot 15, second start winning slot 16), the number of reserved balls (first reserved number, second reserved number), and the game state (normal game state, first low probability time-saving game state, second low probability time-saving game state, high probability time-saving game state). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 651.

In step 651, the main CPU 101 acquires the set value of the random number judgment table 110 and one of the tables (tables A1 to A6, tables B1 to B6) corresponding to the game state confirmed in step 650 described above, and executes a win/lose judgment process to judge the result of the win/lose lottery based on the acquired table and the stored win/lose random number. After that, data related to the result of the judgment (win of a big win, win of a small win, win or miss of the time-saving grant) is stored in a predetermined processing area of the main RAM 103. Note that even in this pre-judgment process, the judgment of the win/lose of the time-saving grant is only performed when the game state confirmed in step 650 (i.e., the game state set at that time) is the normal game state, and is not performed when it is a game state other than the normal game state. Therefore, when it is a game state other than the normal game state, the result of either the win of a big win, the win of a small win, or a miss is derived. Then, proceed to the next step 652.
In step 652, the main CPU 101 executes a special symbol determination process to determine the type of the special symbol. Specifically, if the start winning hole into which the game ball entered is the first start winning hole 15 (first special symbol random number), the first start winning hole determination table 111a is acquired, and based on the table and the stored special symbol random number, the type of the big win symbol (big win symbol X1, X2, X3), the type of the small win symbol (small win symbol Y1, Y2), the type of the time-saving symbol (time-saving symbol J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6), or the type of the losing symbol (losing symbol Z1, Z2) is determined. Also, if the starting winning hole into which the game ball entered is the second starting winning hole 16 (second special symbol random number), the second starting winning hole determination table 111b is acquired, and based on the table and the stored special symbol random number, the type of big win symbol (big win symbol X1, X4), the type of small win symbol (small win symbol Y1, Y2), the type of time-saving symbol (time-saving symbol J7), or the type of losing symbol (losing symbol Z1, Z2) is determined. Then, data related to the result of the determination (type of special symbol) is stored in a predetermined processing area of the main RAM 103. Then, proceed to the next step 653.

In step 653, the main CPU 101 acquires the variation pattern table 114 corresponding to the game state confirmed in the above-mentioned step 650, the type of the starting winning hole into which the game ball entered, and whether or not the above-mentioned consecutive big win number condition (the number of consecutive big wins reaching a predetermined number) is established. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 654.
In step 654, the main CPU 101 executes a variation pattern command determination process to determine a variation pattern command based on the type of special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 652, the reserved number, the variation pattern table 114 acquired in the above-mentioned step 653, and the stored variation pattern random number. Then, proceed to the next step 655.

In step 655, the main CPU 101 stores in the performance transmission data storage area the result of the winning/losing lottery determined in the above-mentioned step 612, the type of special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 652, and the pre-determination command including the variation pattern command determined in the above-mentioned step 654. Then, the pre-determination process is terminated.
Through the above processing, for the first special pattern random number or the second special pattern random number stored as pending, the result of the win/lose lottery that is determined when the special pattern starts to change, the type of special pattern and the change pattern command are transmitted to the sub-control board 300 in advance (i.e., before the change starts) at the time the random number is obtained by the advance determination command.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the above-mentioned pre-determination process determines the first special random number obtained based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15 and stored in the reserved memory area (first reserved memory area), or the second special random number obtained based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16 and stored in the reserved memory area (second reserved memory area), but is not limited to this. For example, in the pre-determination process, instead of directly determining the random number stored in the reserved memory area, it is also possible to determine a random number stored in another memory area (such as a register).

Next, the specific area detection process in step 303 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 670, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a special game is being played. If it is judged that a special game is not being played, the specific area detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a special game is being played, the process proceeds to step 671.
In step 671, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the detection signal from the specific area detection sensor 57a has been input a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, once). If it is judged that the detection signal from the specific area detection sensor 57a has not been input the predetermined number of times, the specific area detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the detection signal from the specific area detection sensor 57a has been input the predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to the next step 672.
In step 672, the main CPU 101 turns on an entry flag indicating that a predetermined number of gaming balls have entered the specific area 57. Then, the specific area detection process is terminated.

Next, the special drawing related control processing in step 203 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 700, the main CPU 101 loads the value of the execution phase data. This execution phase data indicates which of a plurality of function modules (subroutines) constituting the special symbol related control process is to be executed. Specifically, this execution phase data has data "00" indicating the execution of a special symbol variation start process described later, data "01" indicating the execution of a special symbol variation stop process described later, data "02" indicating the execution of a post-stop process described later, data "03" indicating the execution of a special game control process described later, data "04" indicating the execution of a small win game control process described later, and data "05" indicating the execution of a special game end process described later.
Then, the main CPU 101 executes any one of the following processes based on the value of the execution phase data loaded in the above-mentioned step 700: special symbol variation start process (step 701), special symbol variation stop process (step 702), post-stop process (step 703), special game control process (step 704), small win game control process (step 705), or special game end process (step 706). Then, the special symbol-related control process is terminated.

Next, the special symbol variation start process in step 701 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 800, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is "00", which indicates the execution of the special symbol variation start process. If it is judged that the execution phase data is "00", the process proceeds to the next step 801. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is not "00", the special symbol variation start process is terminated.
In step 801, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the second special random number is stored in the memory section of the second reserved memory area, that is, whether or not the second reserved number counter is equal to or greater than "1". If it is judged that the second special random number is stored, the process proceeds to step 804. On the other hand, if it is judged that the second special random number is not stored, the process proceeds to the next step 802.

In step 802, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the first special random number is stored in the memory section of the first reserved memory area, that is, whether or not the first reserved number counter is equal to or greater than "1". If it is judged that the first special random number is not stored, the process proceeds to step 812. On the other hand, if it is judged that the first special random number is stored, the process proceeds to the next step 803.
In step 803, the main CPU 101 decrements the value of the first reserved number counter by "1" and executes a shift process of the first reserved memory area. Specifically, the random numbers stored in the first memory section of the first reserved memory area are stored in a predetermined processing area provided in the main RAM 103, and the random numbers stored in the second memory section to the fourth memory section of the first reserved memory area are shifted to a memory section with a smaller number by one. As a result, the random numbers stored in the first reserved memory area are used in the win/loss determination process described below in a so-called first-in, first-out (FIFO) manner. Then, the process proceeds to step 805.

In step 804, which is performed when it is determined in step 801 that the second special random number is stored, the main CPU 101 decrements the value of the second reserved number counter by "1" and executes a shift process of the second reserved memory area. Specifically, the random numbers stored in the first memory section of the second reserved memory area are stored in a predetermined processing area provided in the main RAM 103, and the random numbers stored in the second memory section to the fourth memory section of the second reserved memory area are shifted to a memory section with a smaller number by one. As a result, the random numbers stored in the second reserved memory area are used in the winning/losing judgment process described later in a so-called first-in, first-out (FIFO) manner. Then, the process proceeds to step 805.
In step 805, the main CPU 101 increments the count value of the variation counter for counting the number of times the winning/losing lottery is executed (the number of times the special symbol varies) by "1". The main CPU 101 also stores a variation count command including the count value of the variation count counter in the performance transmission data storage area. This causes the variation count command to be sent to the sub-control board 300, which is then able to grasp the current count value of the variation count counter. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 806.

In step 806, the main CPU 101 executes a win/lose determination process to derive the result of the win/lose lottery. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 807.
In step 807, the main CPU 101 executes a special symbol determination process to determine the type of the special symbol. Specifically, if the start winning hole into which the game ball entered is the first start winning hole 15 (first special symbol random number), the first start winning hole determination table 111a is acquired, and based on the table, the result of the winning/losing lottery determined in the above-mentioned step 806 (winning a big win, winning a small win, winning a time-saving grant, losing), and the special symbol random number stored in a predetermined processing area in the above-mentioned step 803 or step 804, the type of the big win symbol (big win symbol X1, X2, X3), the type of the small win symbol (small win symbol Y1, Y2), the type of the time-saving symbol (time-saving symbol J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6), or the type of the losing symbol (losing symbol Z1, Z2) is determined. In addition, if the start winning hole into which the game ball entered is the second start winning hole 16 (second special symbol random number), the second start winning hole determination table 111b is acquired, and based on the table, the result of the winning/losing lottery determined in the above-mentioned step 806 (winning a big win, winning a small win, winning a time-saving grant, losing), and the special symbol random number stored in a predetermined processing area in the above-mentioned step 803 or step 804, the type of big win symbol (big win symbol X1, X4), the type of small win symbol (small win symbol Y1, Y2), the type of time-saving symbol (time-saving symbol J7), or the type of losing symbol (losing symbol Z1, Z2) is determined. Then, data corresponding to the determined special symbol is stored in a predetermined temporary storage area of the main RAM 103. In addition, in this special symbol determination process, the current game state, that is, the game state at the time when the special symbol is determined, is stored in the game state buffer. Then proceed to the next step 808.
In addition, in the fluctuation start processing of the pachinko machine P in this embodiment, when both the first special chart random number and the second special chart random number are stored, the second special chart random number is processed in priority to the first special chart random number, but this is not limited to this, and they may be processed in the order in which they are stored in the pending memory area.

In step 808, the main CPU 101 stores the symbol determination command indicating the type of the special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 807 in the performance transmission data storage area. As a result, information regarding the determined type of the special symbol is transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the fluctuation. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 809.
In step 809, the main CPU 101 executes a fluctuation pattern determination process for determining a fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the processing area in the above-mentioned step 803 or step 804. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 810.

In step 810, the main CPU 101 sets variable display data for starting the variable display of the special symbol on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31. As a result, when the variable display of the special symbol is performed based on the first special symbol random number, the first special symbol display device 30 starts a blinking display, and when the variable display of the special symbol is performed based on the second special symbol random number, the second special symbol display device 31 starts a blinking display. Here, the blinking display means that "-" blinks at a predetermined interval on each display device.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the first special symbol random number is stored in the first reserved memory area, the first special symbol reserved display device 38 is displayed in a manner in which the first reserved number can be recognized, and when the second special symbol random number is stored in the second reserved memory area, the second special symbol reserved display device 39 is displayed in a manner in which the second reserved number can be recognized. When the above-mentioned special symbol variable display is performed based on the first special symbol random number, the first special symbol reserved display device 38 is displayed and controlled to indicate that the first reserved number is decreased by one at the same time as the variable display starts, and when the above-mentioned special symbol variable display is performed based on the second special symbol random number, the second special symbol reserved display device 39 is displayed and controlled to indicate that the second reserved number is decreased by one at the same time as the variable display starts.
Then, proceed to the next step 811.

In step 811, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "01" so that the special pattern change stop processing is executed in the special pattern related control processing, and ends the special pattern change start processing.
In step 812, which is reached when it is determined in step 802 that the first special symbol random number is not stored in the first reserved memory area, the main CPU 101 executes a customer waiting determination process for displaying a customer waiting state on the performance display device 21 based on the fact that a variable display is not being performed. Specifically, the main CPU 101 counts the time during which a variable display of the special symbol is not being performed, and when a predetermined customer waiting time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed without a variable display of the special symbol, it stores a customer waiting command for displaying a customer waiting screen on the performance display device 21 in the performance transmission data storage area, assuming that a customer waiting state has been entered. Then, the special symbol variable start process is terminated.

Next, the pass/fail determination process in step 806 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 850, the main CPU 101 selects one of the winning/losing random number determination tables 110 that corresponds to the set value and the current game state (low probability game state, high probability game state), and executes a winning/losing random number determination process to determine whether or not a jackpot will be won (i.e., to determine whether or not a jackpot will be won) based on the selected table and the winning/losing random number stored in the predetermined processing area of step 803 or step 804 described above. Specifically, the main CPU 101 obtains information on the numerical range that will result in a winning jackpot from the table described above, and determines whether or not the winning/losing random number described above falls within this obtained numerical range. Then, if the winning/losing random number described above falls within the numerical range described above, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, and if the winning/losing random number described above does not fall within the numerical range described above, it is determined that a jackpot has not been won. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 851.
In step 851, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the result of the jackpot winning/losing determination process executed in the above-mentioned step 850 was a winning jackpot (i.e., whether or not a jackpot was won). If it is determined that a jackpot was not won (a non-winning jackpot), the process proceeds to step 853. On the other hand, if it is determined that a jackpot was won, the process proceeds to the next step 852.

In step 852, the main 101 stores the fact that a jackpot has been won in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. Then, the win/loss determination process ends.
In step 853, which is performed when it is determined in step 851 that the big win has not been won, the main CPU 101 executes a small win win/loss determination process to determine whether or not a small win will be won (i.e., to determine whether or not a small win will be won) based on the table selected in step 850 and the win/loss random number stored in the predetermined processing area in step 803 or step 804 (i.e., the same win/loss random number as the win/loss random number that was the subject of determination in step 850). Specifically, the main CPU 101 obtains information on the numerical range that will result in a small win from the table, and determines whether or not the win/loss random number falls within this obtained numerical range. Then, if the win/loss random number falls within the numerical range, it is determined that the small win has been won, and if the win/loss random number does not fall within the numerical range, it is determined that the small win has not been won. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 854.

In step 854, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the result of the small win judgment process executed in the above-mentioned step 853 was a win of a small win (i.e., whether or not a small win was won). If it is judged that a small win was not won (a small win was not won), the process proceeds to step 856. On the other hand, if it is judged that a small win was won, the process proceeds to the next step 855.
In step 855, the main 101 stores the fact that a small win has been won in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. Then, the win/loss determination process ends.

In step 856, which is reached when it is determined in step 854 that the small win has not been won, the main CPU 101 determines whether the game state currently set is the normal game state or not. If it is determined that the game state is not the normal game state (i.e., the game state is the first low-probability time-shortened game state, the second low-probability time-shortened game state, or the high-probability time-shortened game state), the process proceeds to step 860. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game state is the normal game state, the process proceeds to the next step 857.
In step 857, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving award determination process to determine whether or not the time-saving award is won (i.e., to determine whether or not the time-saving award is won) based on the table selected in the above-mentioned step 850 and the winning/losing random number stored in the predetermined processing area in the above-mentioned step 803 or step 804 (i.e., the winning/losing random number is the same as the winning/losing random number that was the subject of the determination in the above-mentioned step 850 and step 853). Specifically, the main CPU 101 obtains information on the numerical range that will result in the winning of the time-saving award from the above-mentioned table, and determines whether or not the above-mentioned winning/losing random number falls within this obtained numerical range. Then, if the above-mentioned winning/losing random number falls within the above-mentioned numerical range, it is determined that the time-saving award is won, and if the above-mentioned winning/losing random number does not fall within the above-mentioned numerical range, it is determined that the time-saving award is not won. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 858.

In step 858, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the result of the time-saving award winning/losing judgment process executed in the above-mentioned step 857 was a winning or losing time-saving award (i.e., whether or not the time-saving award was won). If it is judged that the time-saving award was not won (non-win of the small prize), the process proceeds to step 860. On the other hand, if it is judged that the time-saving award was won, the process proceeds to the next step 859.
In step 859, the main 101 stores the fact that the time-saving bonus has been awarded in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. Then, the win/loss determination process ends.

In step 860, which is reached when it is determined in step 856 that the normal game state is not in progress, or when it is determined in step 858 that the time-saving bonus has not been awarded, the main CPU 101 stores a loss in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. Then, the win/loss determination process is terminated.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the jackpot win/loss determination process, the small win win/loss determination process, and the time-saving grant win/loss determination process are all executed by a common processing program (the same module) that selects a win/loss random number determination table 110 corresponding to the set setting value and game status, obtains information on the numerical range to be determined, and determines whether the win/loss random number belongs to the numerical range.

Next, the fluctuation pattern determination process in step 809 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 900, the main CPU 101 checks the type of start winning slot into which the game ball entered (first start winning slot 15, second start winning slot 16), the number of reserved balls (first reserved number, second reserved number), and the game state (normal game state, first low probability time-saving game state, second low probability time-saving game state, high probability time-saving game state). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 901.
In step 901, the main CPU 101 acquires the variation pattern table 114 corresponding to the game state confirmed in the above-mentioned step 900, the type of the starting winning hole into which the game ball entered, and whether or not the above-mentioned consecutive big win number condition (the number of consecutive big wins reaching a predetermined number) is established. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 902.

In step 902, the main CPU 101 determines a variation pattern command based on the variation pattern table 114 acquired in the above-mentioned step 901, the type of the special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 807, the reserved number confirmed in the above-mentioned step 900, and the variation pattern random number stored in the processing area in the above-mentioned step 803 or 804, and stores the determined variation pattern command in a predetermined processing area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 903.
In step 903, the main CPU 101 stores the variation pattern command determined in the above-mentioned step 902 in the performance transmission data storage area.

In step 904, the main CPU 101 determines the fluctuation time associated with the fluctuation pattern command based on the fluctuation pattern table 114. Then, the determined fluctuation time is set in the fluctuation time timer counter. Then, the fluctuation pattern determination process is terminated.

Next, the special symbol variation stop process in step 702 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1000, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is data "01" indicating the execution of the special symbol variation stop processing. If it is judged that the execution phase data is not "01", the special symbol variation stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is "01", the process proceeds to the next step 1001.

In step 1001, the main CPU 101 judges whether the variable time set in the variable time timer counter in step 904 has elapsed. If it is judged that the variable time has not elapsed, the special symbol variation stop process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the variable time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1002.
In step 1002, the main CPU 101 sets the stop display data for displaying the special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 807 on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31 in a stopped state, and executes the stop display of the special symbol. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1003.

In step 1003, the main CPU 101 stores a symbol determination command indicating that the special symbol has been determined in the performance transmission data storage area.
In step 1004, the main CPU 101 sets the stop display time for displaying the special symbol in the stop display time timer counter. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the determined special symbol is a time-saving symbol (J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, J7), the stop display time is set to 3 seconds, and otherwise, the stop display time is set to 0.5 seconds. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1005.

In step 1005, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "02" so that post-stop processing is executed in the special symbol-related control processing. Then, the special symbol variation stop processing is terminated.

Next, the post-stop processing in step 703 mentioned above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1100, the main CPU 101 determines whether the execution phase data is "02", which indicates execution of post-stop processing. If it is determined that the execution phase data is not "02", the post-stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution phase data is "02", the process proceeds to the next step 1101.
In step 1101, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the stopped display time set in the stopped display time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 1004 has elapsed. If it is judged that the stopped display time has not elapsed, the post-stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the stopped display time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1102.

In step 1102, the main CPU 101 stores a stop display end command, which indicates that the stop display time has elapsed, in the performance transmission data storage area. This notifies the sub-control board 300 that the stop display time has elapsed. The main CPU 101 also stores the current game status in the game status buffer. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1103.
In step 1103, the main CPU 101 executes a time-shortening count update process. Specifically, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not either the first time-shortening game flag indicating that the current game state is the first time-shortening game state, or the second time-shortening game flag indicating that the current game state is the second time-shortening game state, is on. If it is judged that the first time-shortening game flag or the second time-shortening game flag is on, the main CPU 101 updates a time-shortening count storage area provided in the main RAM 103. In this time-shortening count storage area, the remaining number of fluctuations until the time-shortening game state ends is stored. Then, the stored remaining number of fluctuations is decremented by "1". In addition, if the remaining number of fluctuations becomes "0" as a result of updating the remaining number of fluctuations, the main CPU 101 also executes a process of turning off the first time-shortening game flag or the second time-shortening game flag that was on. In addition, if it is judged that neither the first time-shortening game flag nor the second time-shortening game flag is on, the main CPU 101 does not perform any process. Then, proceed to the next step 1104.

In step 1104, the main CPU 101 performs a high probability count update process. Here, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a high probability game flag, which indicates that the current game state is a high probability game state, is on. If it is determined that the high probability game flag is on, the main CPU 101 updates a high probability count storage area provided in the main RAM 103. This high probability count storage area stores the number of remaining changes until the high probability game state ends. The stored remaining number of changes is then decremented by "1". If the remaining number of changes becomes "0" as a result of updating the remaining number of changes, a process of turning off the high probability game flag is also executed. If it is determined that the high probability game flag is not on, the main CPU 101 does not perform any process. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1105.

In step 1105, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special symbol displayed as stopped is a big win symbol. If it is judged that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a big win symbol (i.e., a small win symbol, a time-saving symbol, or a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 1111. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol displayed as stopped is a big win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1106.
In step 1106, the main CPU 101 sets a command for transmitting the game state when the jackpot is won and the type of the jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol X1, X2, X3, X4) that is stopped and displayed to the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1107.

In step 1107, the main CPU 101 resets the current game state. Then, the process proceeds to step 1108.
In step 1108, the main CPU 101 sets the opening time, which is the waiting time set at the start of the special game, in the opening time timer counter, and stores an opening command indicating that the opening process is to start in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1109.

In step 1109, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds in the main RAM 103 based on the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed. Specifically, if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is X1 or X2, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds to "10", and if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is X3 or X4, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds to "4". Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1110.
In step 1110, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "03" so that the special game control process is executed in the special chart related control process. Then, the post-stop process is terminated.

In step 1111, which is reached when it is determined in step 1105 that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a big win symbol, the main CPU 101 determines whether the special symbol displayed as stopped is a small win symbol or not. If it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a small win symbol (i.e., a time-saving symbol or a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 1114. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is a small win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1112.
In step 1112, the main CPU 101 sets the opening time, which is the waiting time set at the start of the small win game, in the opening time timer counter, and stores an opening command indicating that the opening process is to start in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1113.

In step 1113, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "04" so that the small win game control process is executed in the special chart related control process. Then, the post-stop process is terminated.

In step 1114, which is reached when it is determined in step 1111 that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a small win symbol, the main CPU 101 determines whether the special symbol displayed as stopped is a time-saving symbol or not. If it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a time-saving symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 1116. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is a time-saving symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1115.
In step 1115, the main CPU 101 executes a first low-probability time-saving game state setting process for setting the game state to the first low-probability time-saving game state. Specifically, the first time-saving game flag is turned on, and the number of time-saving times is set to "10" if the time-saving symbol displayed when stopped is J1, the number of time-saving times is set to "20" if the time-saving symbol displayed when stopped is J2, the number of time-saving times is set to "30" if the time-saving symbol displayed when stopped is J3, the number of time-saving times is set to "50" if the time-saving symbol displayed when stopped is J4, the number of time-saving times is set to "100" if the time-saving symbol displayed when stopped is J5, the number of time-saving times is set to "1000" if the time-saving symbol displayed when stopped is J6, and the number of time-saving times is set to "1" if the time-saving symbol displayed when stopped is J7. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1116.

In step 1116, the main CPU 101 checks the set game state, and stores a game state command indicating the game state in the performance transmission data storage area.
In step 1117, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "00" so that the special symbol variation start process is executed in the special symbol related control process. Then, the post-stop process is terminated.

Next, the special game control process in step 704 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1200, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is "03", which indicates the execution of the special game control process. If it is judged that the execution phase data is not "03", the special game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is "03", the process proceeds to the next step 1201.
In step 1201, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the opening time set in the opening time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 1108 has elapsed. If it is judged that the opening time has not elapsed, the special game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1202.

In step 1202, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the special game control process is in the ending process, which is a waiting process performed after all rounds of play have ended. If it is judged that the ending process is in progress, the process proceeds to step 1210. On the other hand, if it is judged that the ending process is not in progress, the process proceeds to the next step 1203.
In step 1203, the main CPU 101 executes a special winning opening opening/closing control process for opening and closing the special winning opening 18 and operating the distribution member 59 based on the special electric device operation table 112 corresponding to the type of the winning symbol stopped and displayed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1204.

In step 1204, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not it is the time when the round game has started based on the large prize opening/closing control in the above-mentioned step 1203. If it is judged that the round game has not started, the process proceeds to step 1206. On the other hand, if it is judged that the round game has started, the process proceeds to the next step 1205.
In step 1205, the main CPU 101 stores a round game start command indicating the start of a round game in the effect transmission data storage area.
In addition, a round play start command is provided for each number of round plays, which makes it possible to transmit to the sub-control board 300 which number of round plays has started.

In step 1206, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the round game has ended based on the control of opening and closing the special prize opening in the above-mentioned step 1203. If it is judged that the round game has not ended, the special game control process is ended. On the other hand, if it is judged that the round game has ended, the process proceeds to the next step 1207.
In step 1207, the main CPU 101 decrements the number of rounds stored in the main RAM 103 by "1". Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1208.

In step 1208, the main CPU 101 judges whether the number of rounds decremented in step 1207 is "0". If it is judged that the number of rounds is not "0", the special game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of rounds is "0", the process proceeds to the next step 1209.
In step 1209, the main CPU 101 sets the ending time, which is the waiting time set at the end of the special game, in the ending time timer counter, and stores an ending command indicating that the ending process is to start in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the special game control process is terminated.

In step 1210, which is reached when it is determined in step 1202 that the ending process is in progress, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the ending time set in the ending time timer counter in step 1209 has elapsed. If it is determined that the ending time has not elapsed, the special game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ending time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1211.
In step 1211, the main CPU 101 stores a special game end command, which indicates that the special game has ended, in the effect transmission data storage area.

In step 1212, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "05" so that the special game end process is executed in the special chart related control process. Then, the special game control process is ended.

Next, the small win game control process in step 705 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1250, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is "04" indicating the execution of the small win game control process. If it is judged that the execution phase data is not "04", the small win game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is "04", the process proceeds to the next step 1251.
In step 1251, the main CPU 101 judges whether the opening time set in the opening time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 1112 has elapsed. If it is judged that the opening time has not elapsed, the small win game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1252.

In step 1252, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the ending process, which is a waiting process performed after the opening and closing of the big prize opening 18 in the small prize game control process, is in progress. If it is judged that the ending process is in progress, the process proceeds to step 1256. On the other hand, if it is judged that the ending process is not in progress, the process proceeds to the next step 1253.
In step 1253, the main CPU 101 performs a small win game execution process for opening and closing the big winning opening 18 based on the fourth operation table 112d in the special electric role operation table 112. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1254.

In step 1254, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the opening and closing of the large prize opening 18 has been completed. If it is judged that the opening and closing of the large prize opening 18 has not been completed, the small prize game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the opening and closing of the large prize opening 18 has been completed, the process proceeds to the next step 1255.
In step 1255, the main CPU 101 sets the ending time, which is the waiting time set at the end of the small win game, in the ending time timer counter, and stores an ending command indicating that the ending process is to start in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the small win game control process is terminated.

In step 1256, which is reached when it is determined in step 1252 that the ending process is in progress, the main CPU 101 determines whether the ending time set in the ending time timer counter in step 1255 has elapsed. If it is determined that the ending time has not elapsed, the small win game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ending time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 1257.
In step 1257, the main CPU 101 stores a small win game end command, which indicates that the small win game has ended, in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step 1258.

In step 1258, the main CPU 101 checks the set game state and stores a game state command indicating that game state in the performance transmission data storage area. The main CPU 101 also sets the execution phase data to "00" so that the special symbol variation process is executed in the special symbol related control process. Then, the small win game control process is terminated.

Next, the special game ending process in step 705 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1300, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is "05", which indicates the execution of the special game end process. If it is judged that the execution phase data is not "05", the special game end process is ended. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is "05", the process proceeds to the next step 1301.
In step 1301, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the entry flag is on. If it is determined that the entry flag is not on (i.e., is off), the process proceeds to step 1309. On the other hand, if it is determined that the entry flag is on, the process proceeds to the next step 1302.

In step 1302, the main CPU 101 decrements the value of the continuous probability change setting counter for counting the number of times the continuous probability change setting has been performed by 1, and also decrements the value of the continuous time-saving setting counter for counting the number of times the continuous time-saving setting has been performed by 1. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1303.
In step 1303, the main CPU 101 judges whether the value of the continuous probability change setting counter has reached 0, that is, whether the continuous probability change setting count has reached a predetermined upper limit. If it is judged that the value of the continuous probability change setting counter has not reached 0, the process proceeds to step 1305. On the other hand, if it is judged that the value of the continuous probability change setting counter has reached 0, the process proceeds to the next step 1304.

In step 1304, the main CPU 101 executes a low probability game state setting process to set the game state to a low probability game state. Specifically, the high probability game flag is turned off. The main CPU 101 also sets the continuous probability change setting count counter to "10000", which is a predetermined upper limit number. Then, the process proceeds to step 1306.
In addition, in step 1305, which is reached when it is determined in the above-mentioned step 1303 that the value of the continuous probability change setting counter has not reached 0, a high probability game state setting process is executed to set the game state to a high probability game state. Specifically, the high probability game flag is turned on, and the high probability count is set to "10000". Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1306.

In step 1306, the main CPU 101 judges whether the value of the continuous time-saving setting counter has reached 0, i.e., whether the number of continuous time-saving setting has reached a predetermined upper limit. If it is judged that the value of the continuous time-saving setting counter has not reached 0, the process proceeds to step 1308. On the other hand, if it is judged that the value of the continuous time-saving setting counter has reached 0, the process proceeds to the next step 1307.
In step 1307, the main CPU 101 executes a non-time-saving game state setting process to set the game state to a non-time-saving game state. Specifically, the first time-saving game flag and the second time-saving game flag are turned off. The main CPU 101 also sets the continuous time-saving setting count counter to "10000", which is a predetermined upper limit count. Then, the process proceeds to step 1311.

In step 1308, which is reached when it is determined in step 1306 that the value of the continuous time-saving setting counter has not reached 0, the main CPU 101 executes a second time-saving game state setting process for setting the game state to the second time-saving game state. Specifically, the second time-saving game flag is turned on, and the time-saving count is set to "10000". Then, the process proceeds to step 1311.
In step 1309, which is reached when it is determined in step 1301 that the entry flag is not on, the main CPU 101 executes the same low-probability time-saving game state setting process as in step 1304, and sets the continuous probability change setting count counter to "10,000", which is the upper limit number of times determined in advance. Then, the process proceeds to step 1310.

In step 1310, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving/non-time-saving game state setting process for setting the game state to a non-time-saving game state or a second time-saving game state. Specifically, when the jackpot pattern determined at the time of winning the jackpot is X2 or X3, if the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is a time-saving game state (first time-saving game state), the second time-saving game flag is turned on and the number of time-saving times is set to "10000" in order to set the second time-saving game state. On the other hand, when the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is a non-time-saving game state, the first time-saving game flag and the second time-saving game flag are turned off in order to set the non-time-saving game state. Also, when the jackpot pattern determined at the time of winning the jackpot is X4, the second time-saving game flag is turned on and the number of time-saving times is set to "100" in order to set the second time-saving game state. Then, the process proceeds to step 1311.
In step 1311, the main CPU 101 judges whether the set gaming state is either the high probability time-shortened gaming state (the high probability gaming state and the second time-shortened gaming state) or the second low probability time-shortened gaming state (the low probability gaming state and the second time-shortened gaming state). If it is judged to be neither of these, the process proceeds to step 1313. On the other hand, if it is judged to be either of these, the process proceeds to the next step 1312.

In step 1312, the main CPU 101 increments the value of the consecutive jackpot counter for counting the number of consecutive jackpots by 1. When the value of the consecutive jackpot counter reaches a value corresponding to a predetermined number of times (three times in this embodiment), the above-mentioned consecutive jackpot condition is met. Then, the process proceeds to step 1314.
In step 1313, which is reached when it is determined that the game state set in step 1311 is neither the high-probability time-saving game state nor the second low-probability time-saving game state, the main CPU 101 resets (clears to zero) the value of the consecutive jackpot counter. Then, the process proceeds to step 1314.

In step 1314, the main CPU 101 turns off the entry flag. Then, the process proceeds to step 1315.
In step 1315, the main CPU 101 sets a game state designation command in the performance transmission data storage area according to the game state set as described above. This game state designation command includes information on whether the high probability game flag is on or off, information on whether the first time-saving game flag is on or off, information on whether the second time-saving game flag is on or off, information on the number of high probability games, and information on the number of time-saving games, all of which are set as described above. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1316.

In step 1316, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "00" so that the variable start process is executed in the special chart related control process. Then, the special game end process is terminated.

Next, the map-related control process in step 204 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 1400, the main CPU 101 loads the value of the normal pattern execution phase data. This normal pattern execution phase data indicates which of the multiple function modules (subroutines) constituting the normal pattern related control process is to be executed. Specifically, this normal pattern execution phase data has data "10" indicating the execution of the normal pattern variation start process described later, data "11" indicating the execution of the normal pattern variation stop process described later, data "12" indicating the execution of the normal pattern stop post-processing described later, and data "13" indicating the execution of the movable piece control process described later.
Then, the main CPU 101 executes either the normal symbol variation start process (step 1401), the normal symbol variation stop process (step 1402), the normal symbol stop post-stop process (step 1403), or the movable piece control process (step 1404) based on the value of the normal symbol execution phase data loaded in the above-mentioned step 1400. Then, the normal symbol related control process is terminated.

Next, the normal symbol variation start processing in step 1401 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1500, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal pattern execution phase data is "10" which indicates the execution of the normal pattern variation start process. If it is judged that the normal pattern execution phase data is not "10", the normal pattern variation start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal pattern execution phase data is "10", the process proceeds to the next step 1501.
In step 1501, the main CPU 101 judges whether a winning random number is stored in the normal reserved memory area, i.e., whether the normal reserved number counter is "1" or more. If it is judged that the normal reserved number counter is not "1" or more (i.e., "0"), the normal pattern variation start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal reserved number counter is "1" or more, the process proceeds to the next step 1502.

In step 1502, the main CPU 101 decrements the value of the reserved number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 1503.
In step 1503, the main CPU 101 executes a shift process of the regular reserved memory area. Specifically, the winning determination random number stored in the first memory unit is stored in a predetermined processing area provided in the main RAM 103, and the winning determination random numbers stored in the second memory unit to the fourth memory unit are shifted to the memory unit with the next smaller number. As a result, the winning determination random numbers stored in the regular reserved memory area are used in the winning determination process described below in a so-called first-in, first-out (FIFO) manner. Then, the process proceeds to step 1504.

In step 1504, the main CPU 101 selects a winning determination random number determination table 116 (either the first determination table 116a, the second determination table 116b, or the third determination table 116c) corresponding to the current state (non-time-saving game state, first time-saving game state, second time-saving game state, during special game, during small win game), and executes a winning determination process to derive the result of the lottery for the normal symbol based on the selected table and the winning determination random number stored in the processing area in the above-mentioned step 1503. Specifically, the main CPU 101 refers to the first determination table 116a when in the non-time-saving game state, during special game, or during small win game, refers to the second determination table 116b when in the first time-saving game state, and refers to the third determination table 116c when in the second time-saving game state, and determines the winning determination random number stored in the processing area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1505.
In step 1505, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the result of the winning judgment process in the above-mentioned step 1504 is a win. If it is judged to be a win, the process proceeds to the next step 1506. On the other hand, if it is judged to be a no win (i.e., a loss), the process proceeds to step 1507.

In step 1506, the main CPU 101 stores the winning symbol data in a predetermined processing area of the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to step 1508.
In step 1507, which is reached when it is determined in step 1505 that the result of the winning determination process is not a win (i.e., a loss), the main CPU 101 stores the loss symbol data in a predetermined processing area of the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to step 1508.

In step 1508, the main CPU 101 checks whether the current state of the pachinko machine P is a non-time-saving game state, a first time-saving game state, a second time-saving game state, a special game, or a small win game, and sets the normal pattern variation time timer counter to the normal pattern variation time corresponding to the current state of the pachinko machine P by referring to the normal pattern variation pattern determination table 117. Specifically, the main CPU 101 sets the normal pattern variation time counter to "3 seconds" when the pachinko machine P is in a non-time-saving game state, a special game, or a small win game, sets the normal pattern variation time counter to "2 seconds" when the pachinko machine P is in the first time-saving game state, and sets the normal pattern variation time counter to "0.6 seconds" when the pachinko machine P is in the second time-saving game state. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1509.
In step 1509, the main CPU 101 sets the variable display data for starting the variable display of the normal symbol. As a result, when the variable display of the normal symbol is performed, the normal symbol display device 32 starts blinking. In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the winning determination random number is stored in the normal symbol reservation memory area, the normal symbol reservation display device 33 is displayed in a manner that allows the number of reserved normal symbols to be recognized. Then, when the variable display of the normal symbol is performed, the display of the normal symbol reservation display device 33 is controlled so as to indicate that the number of reserved normal symbols is reduced by one at the same time as the variable display starts. Then, proceed to the next step 1510.

In step 1510, the main CPU 101 stores the current state of the pachinko machine P in the gaming machine state buffer as the state of the pachinko machine P at the start of fluctuation. Then, the process proceeds to step 1511.
In step 1511, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol execution phase data to "11" so that the normal symbol variation stop process is executed in the normal symbol related control process. Then, the normal symbol variation start process is terminated.

Next, the normal symbol variation stop processing in step 1402 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1600, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal pattern execution phase data is data "11" indicating the execution of the normal pattern variation stop processing. If it is judged that the normal pattern execution phase data is not "11", the normal pattern variation stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal pattern execution phase data is "11", the process proceeds to the next step 1601.
In step 1601, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal symbol variation time set in the normal symbol variation time timer counter in step 1508 has elapsed. If it is judged that the variation time has not elapsed, the normal symbol variation stop process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the variation time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1602.

In step 1602, the main CPU 101 sets stop display data for stopping and displaying the normal symbols on the normal symbol display device 32, and executes the stop display of the normal symbols. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1603.
In step 1603, the main CPU 101 sets the variable stop display time for stopping and displaying the normal symbols in the normal symbol stop display time timer counter. Then, the process proceeds to step 1604.

In step 1604, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol execution phase data to "12" so that normal symbol post-stop processing is executed in the normal symbol-related control processing. Then, the normal symbol change stop processing is terminated.

Next, the normal symbol stop post-processing in step 1403 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1700, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal symbol execution phase data is data "12" indicating the execution of normal symbol stop post-processing. If it is judged that the normal symbol execution phase data is not "12", the normal symbol stop post-processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal symbol execution phase data is "12", the main CPU 101 proceeds to the next step 1701.
In step 1701, the main CPU 101 judges whether the variable stop display time set in the normal symbol stop display time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 1603 has elapsed. If it is judged that the variable stop display time has not elapsed, the normal symbol stop post-processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the variable stop display time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1702.

In step 1702, the main CPU 101 judges whether the stopped normal symbol is a winning symbol. If it is judged that the stopped normal symbol is not a winning symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 1704. On the other hand, if it is judged that the stopped normal symbol is a winning symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1703.
In step 1703, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol execution phase data to "13" so that the movable piece control process is executed in the normal symbol related control process. Then, the normal symbol stop post-processing is terminated.

In step 1704, which is reached when it is determined in step 1702 that the normal symbol displayed as stopped is not a winning symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol execution phase data to "10" so that normal symbol variation start processing is executed in the normal symbol related control processing. Then, the normal symbol post-stop processing is terminated.

Next, the movable piece control process in step 1404 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 1800, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal map execution phase data is data "13" indicating the execution of the movable piece control process. If it is judged that the normal map execution phase data is not "13", the movable piece control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal map execution phase data is "13", the process proceeds to the next step 1801.
In step 1801, the main CPU 101 judges whether the movable piece 16b is under operation control, that is, whether the start winning port solenoid 16c is energized. If it is judged that the movable piece 16b is under operation control, the process proceeds to step 1804. On the other hand, if it is judged that the movable piece 16b is not under operation control, the process proceeds to the next step 1802.

In step 1802, the main CPU 101 checks whether the state of the pachinko machine P at the time when the normal symbol fluctuation started was in a non-time-saving game state, a first time-saving game state, a second time-saving game state, a special game state, or a small win game state. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1803.
In step 1803, the main CPU 101 refers to the second start winning hole opening control table 118, and sets the number of energizations (number of openings) and the energization time (opening time) as the energization control data (opening data) of the start winning hole solenoid 16c according to the state of the pachinko machine P confirmed in the above-mentioned step 1802. Then, the movable piece control process is terminated.

In step 1804, which is reached if it is determined in step 1801 that the movable piece 16b is under operation control, the main CPU 101 determines whether the current-carrying time (opening time) set in step 1803 has elapsed. If it is determined that the current-carrying time (opening time) has not elapsed, the movable piece control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current-carrying time (opening time) has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1805.
In step 1805, the main CPU 101 stops the operation of the movable piece 16b, that is, stops the power supply to the start winning hole solenoid 16c. Then, the process proceeds to step 1806.

In step 1806, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol execution phase data to "10" so that the normal symbol variation start process is executed in the normal symbol related control process. Then, the movable piece control process is terminated.

(Gameability of the Pachinko Machine P According to the Present Embodiment)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the game progresses by setting either a normal game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state), a first low-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a first time-saving game state), a second low-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a second time-saving game state), or a high-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a high-probability game state and a second time-saving game state).

When a player starts playing, the normal game state is often set. During this normal game state, as described above, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left shot), and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball may enter the first start winning hole 15, but will not enter the second start winning hole 16. A lottery is then held to see if the game ball has entered the first start winning hole 15, and if a jackpot is won, the jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X3 is determined (see FIG. 12(a)). When the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 and the game state after the special game is ended is set to a high probability time-saving game state, and when the jackpot pattern X2 or X3 is determined, the predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 and the game state after the special game is ended is set to a normal game state (see FIG. 14(a) and FIG. 41). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if the left hand is hit as instructed during the normal game state, the machine will transition to the normal game state or the high probability time-saving game state by winning a jackpot (see FIG. 41). However, since the jackpot pattern X1 is determined in 1% of cases where a jackpot is won (see FIG. 12(a)), it is extremely difficult to transition to the high probability time-saving game state during the normal game state even if a jackpot is won.

Here, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 during normal game play, a win/lose lottery is held to determine whether or not the time-saving bonus will be awarded, and the probability of winning the time-saving bonus can be determined to be approximately 1 in 100 (see Figures 6(a), 7(a), 8(a), 9(a), 10(a), and 11(a)). When the time-saving symbol J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6 or J7 is determined, the game state is set to the first low-probability time-saving game state without going through a jackpot or special game, and when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 10 times without a jackpot being won, when the time-saving symbol J2 is determined, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 20 times without a jackpot being won, and when the time-saving symbol J3 is determined, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 30 times without a jackpot being won. If the time-saving symbol J4 is determined, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the win/lose lottery is derived 50 times without winning a jackpot, if the time-saving symbol J5 is determined, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the win/lose lottery is derived 100 times without winning a jackpot, if the time-saving symbol J6 is determined, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the win/lose lottery is derived 1000 times without winning a jackpot, if the time-saving symbol J7 is determined, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the win/lose lottery is derived once without winning a jackpot.

During this first low-probability time-saving game state, as described above, the game ball is instructed to be shot (left shot) toward the first game area 12a, and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, a winning or losing lottery is held based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15, as in the normal game state. Then, if a jackpot is won during this first low-probability time-saving game state, the jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X3 is determined as in the normal game state, and the determination probability of each jackpot pattern (the determination probability of jackpot pattern X1 is 1%, and the determination probability of jackpot pattern X2 or X3 is 99%) is also the same as in the normal game state, so if a jackpot is won during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the jackpot pattern X2 or X3 is almost always determined (see FIG. 12(a)). Then, when the jackpot pattern X2 or X3 is determined during the first low-probability time-saving game state, since the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is the time-saving game state, the game state after the special game ends is set to the second low-probability time-saving game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 (see FIG. 14(b) and FIG. 41). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if a jackpot is won during the first low-probability time-saving game state (until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 10 times when the time-saving symbol J1 is selected, until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 20 times when the time-saving symbol J2 is selected, until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 30 times when the time-saving symbol J3 is selected, until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 50 times when the time-saving symbol J4 is selected, until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 100 times when the time-saving symbol J5 is selected, until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 1000 times when the time-saving symbol J6 is selected, and until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived once when the time-saving symbol J7 is selected), the game will transition to the second low-probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 41).

During the second low-probability time-saving game state, as described above, the game ball is instructed to be shot (hit to the right) toward the second game area 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball may enter the second start winning hole 16, but will not enter the first start winning hole 15. Then, a lottery is held based on the game ball's entry into the second start winning hole 16, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X1 or X4 is determined (see FIG. 12(b)). Then, if a jackpot pattern X1 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57, as described above, and the game state after the special game ends is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000. In addition, when the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, the game state after the special game ends without the predetermined number of game balls entering the specific area 57 is set again to the second low-probability time-saving game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 100 times (see FIG. 14(c) and FIG. 41). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if the right hit is performed as instructed during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state is reset by winning a jackpot, or the game state transitions to a high-probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 41). Here, when the first low-probability time-saving game state transitions to the second low-probability time-saving game state, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times, and during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second start winning hole 16 is extremely likely to be maintained in an open state compared to during the normal game state and the first low-probability time-saving game state, so that the next jackpot can be almost certainly won while suppressing the decrease in game balls as the game progresses. And because the jackpot pattern X1 is determined 70% of the time when a jackpot is won (see FIG. 12(b)), during the second low-probability time-saving game state, if a jackpot is won, it is easy to transition to the high-probability time-saving game state.

During the high probability time-saving game state, as in the second low probability time-saving game state, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball (right shot) toward the second game area 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, a lottery is held based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16, and if the player wins the jackpot, the jackpot pattern X1 or X4 is determined (see FIG. 12(b)). When the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, the game state after the specified number of game balls enter the specific area 57 and the special game ends is set to the high probability time-saving game state again, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times. When the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, the game state after the specified number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 and the special game ends is set to the second low probability time-saving game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 100 times (see FIG. 12(c) and FIG. 41).
During the high probability time-shortened game state, the player can almost certainly win the next big win while suppressing the decrease in game balls, similarly to the second low probability time-shortened game state.

In addition, if the jackpot symbol X4 is determined in the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state with 100 time-saving rounds is set (see Figure 12(c) and Figure 41), but if a jackpot is won before 100 winning/losing lotteries are performed, it is possible to expect a transition to the high-probability time-saving game state again.

In this way, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during the normal game state, the aim is to transition to a first low-probability time-saving game state by winning the time-saving award (time-saving symbol J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6 or J7) based on a win/lose lottery, and then to a second low-probability time-saving game state by winning a jackpot during the first low-probability time-saving game state (until the result of the win/lose lottery has been derived 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 1000 or 1 time), and then a novel gameplay is provided in which the aim is to acquire many game balls by continuing in the second low-probability time-saving game state and the high-probability time-saving game state. In other words, the first low-probability time-saving game state, which can be entered from the normal game state without winning a jackpot or going through a special game, is given a gameplay characteristic that makes it a chance zone for entering a second low-probability time-saving game state or a high-probability time-saving game state that is advantageous to the player, thereby increasing the player's interest.

As described above, with the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, a win/loss lottery is held during the normal game state to determine whether or not the time-saving feature will be granted, and if the win/loss lottery results in a win for the time-saving feature and the time-saving symbol J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6 or J7 is determined, it is possible to transition to the time-saving game state without winning a jackpot or playing a special game, which gives the player a novel impression regarding the transition to the time-saving game state and provides a wide variety of transitions to the time-saving game state, providing unprecedented gameplay.
In addition, according to the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, in the win/lose lottery, a determination is made as to whether or not a jackpot has been awarded based on a win/lose random number, and if it is determined that a jackpot has not been awarded, during the normal game state, a determination is made as to whether or not a time-saving bonus has been awarded based on the same win/lose random number, so that the types of random numbers used to make various determinations can be reduced, and the load on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101 and main RAM 103 can be reduced.
Furthermore, with the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the probability of winning the time-saving grant is the same regardless of the setting value, so the degree of advantage for each setting value changes depending on the setting of the time-saving game state that does not involve winning a jackpot, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the tendency to become too gambling becomes too great when a specified setting value is set.

(Outline of the effects in Pachinko machine P)
As described above, the special game, normal game, special game, and small win game progress by executing various processes in the main control board 100. During the progress of these games, the main control board 100 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 300, which receives these commands and controls the presentation associated with the progress of the games.
Below, we will explain the change effect that is executed while the special pattern is being displayed and can notify the result of the win/lose lottery, and the special notification effect that can be executed together with the change effect when the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for the time-saving grant, and can notify the win of the time-saving grant and the number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state based on that win.

(Summary of the variable effects)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, during the variable display of the special symbols, a variable performance is executed in which the result of the winning/losing lottery is notified by the display mode of the performance symbols 50. In this variable performance, the variable display of the performance symbols 50 (dummy symbols) is performed superimposed on the background image displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. Then, the result of the winning/losing lottery can be notified to the player by the combination (stop display mode) of the performance symbols 50 that are stopped and displayed after the variable display.

Specifically, after the start of the variable display of the special symbol, all the performance symbols 50 are displayed in a stationary state, and then the variable display of all the performance symbols 50 starts (see Figs. 42(a) and (b), Fig. 43(a) and (b)). Note that the downward arrow in the figure indicates that the performance symbols 50 are displayed scrolling from top to bottom.
After that, the performance pattern 50 located on the left side (hereinafter referred to as the first stop pattern), the performance pattern 50 located on the right side (hereinafter referred to as the second stop pattern), and the performance pattern 50 located in the center (hereinafter referred to as the third stop pattern) are displayed in that order (see Figures 42 (c) to (e) and Figures 43 (c) to (e)).

If the result of the lottery is a jackpot, all of the performance symbols 50 are displayed as the same pattern (see FIG. 43(e)). In other words, the fact that the result of the lottery is a jackpot is announced by all of the performance symbols 50 being displayed as the same pattern.

Also, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss, not all of the performance symbols 50 will be stopped and displayed in the same pattern (see FIG. 42(e)). In other words, the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss when at least one performance symbol 50 is stopped and displayed in a pattern different from the other performance symbols 50. Note that the above-mentioned stop display mode does not actively notify the player that the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss, but simply makes the player aware that it is a loss (the player has not won either a big win or a small win).
Also, although not shown in the figure, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a small winning, the performance pattern 50 is stopped and displayed in a specific manner to indicate that (for example, a combination in which the first and second stop patterns are the same pattern and the third stop pattern is a special pattern indicating a small winning). In other words, the performance pattern 50 is stopped and displayed in a specific manner to notify the user that the result of the winning/losing lottery is a small winning.
In addition, the stop display mode of the performance pattern 50 in the case of winning a small prize is not limited to the above content, and may be the same as when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss (i.e., at least one performance pattern 50 is stopped and displayed with a different pattern from the other performance patterns 50). In this way, the player may not be able to know whether the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss or a small prize based on the stop display mode of the performance pattern 50.

In addition, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning for time-saving grant, the effect pattern 50 is displayed in a special manner indicating that (for example, a combination in which the first and second stop patterns are the same odd number pattern other than "7" and the third stop pattern is "7"), and a setting image indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state is set (for example, a text image of "CHANCE ZONE ENTERED!!") is displayed (see Fig. 44(g)-(h)), and the number of time-saving times is announced (see Fig. 44(i)). In other words, the effect pattern 50 is displayed in a special manner and the above-mentioned setting image is displayed to announce that the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning for time-saving grant, and the type of time-saving pattern that has been decided is announced by announcing the number of time-saving times.

The third stop pattern is displayed almost simultaneously with the stop display of the special pattern on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31. This prevents the special pattern from being displayed on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31 before the stop display of the performance pattern 50, and prevents the result of the lottery from being understood based on the type of special pattern.

(The first half of the variation performance)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the first half of the variable performance (from when the variable performance starts to when the first and second stopping patterns are stopped and displayed) is provided with a no-reach pattern in which the first and second stopping patterns are stopped and displayed as different patterns, and a reach variable pattern in which the first and second stopping patterns are stopped and displayed as the same pattern (a so-called reach display is performed).

There are a plurality of types of no-reach patterns and reach-fluctuation patterns, and various ways of fluctuation are set.
Specifically, the no-reach patterns include a no-reach pattern A in which the first and second stopping patterns are displayed as different patterns without any particular change in the way the patterns change or the display content of the performance patterns 50, and a no-reach pattern B in which the first and second stopping patterns are displayed as different patterns after a pseudo-consecutive performance is executed in which all performance patterns 50 temporarily stop in a predetermined stop display mode (for example, the first and second stopping patterns temporarily stop at patterns with a number difference of one, and the third stopping pattern temporarily stops at a temporary stopping pattern suggesting a temporary stop) and the changing display is resumed a predetermined number of times (for example, once).
In addition, as reach fluctuation patterns, there are provided a reach fluctuation pattern A in which the first and second stopping patterns are displayed as the same pattern without any particular change in the way they change or in the display content of the performance pattern 50, and a reach fluctuation pattern B in which the first and second stopping patterns are displayed as different patterns after the above-mentioned pseudo-consecutive performance is executed.

In addition, the number of times and timing of the provisional stop in the pseudo consecutive performance may be set to various times or various points in time. Also, the pseudo consecutive performance may be set so that the provisional stop is performed a specific number of times (for example, four times) only when a jackpot is won or a time-saving award is won, and when the pseudo consecutive performance is executed, it may be possible to know that the jackpot or the time-saving award has been confirmed. Also, a pseudo consecutive performance may be set in such a manner that the third stop symbol is temporarily stopped after the reach display is performed, and then the variable display is resumed, and the execution rate of the pseudo consecutive performance may be set so that the execution rate of the pseudo consecutive performance is high when a jackpot is won or a time-saving award is won.
In addition, the no-reach pattern and the reach variation pattern are not limited to the above-mentioned modes. For example, the reach variation pattern may be a mode in which the reach display in which the first stop pattern and the second stop pattern are stopped and displayed as the same pattern is not performed, and instead of performing the reach display, a predetermined image is displayed to notify that a reach has occurred.

(The second half of the variation performance)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the pattern of the first half of the variable presentation is a no-reach pattern, the pattern of the second half of the variable presentation (from when the second stopping pattern is displayed as stopped to when the third stopping pattern is displayed as stopped) is a normal miss pattern in which the third stopping pattern is displayed as stopped, thereby notifying the player that the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss (see Figure 42).
As the mode of the latter half of the variable performance when the mode of the first half of the variable performance is a reach variable pattern, after the reach is displayed, a reach development performance is executed in which a predetermined development performance image is displayed on the performance display device 21 together with the variable display of the third stop pattern, and the result of the win/loss lottery is announced as a big win, a small win, a win for the time-saving grant or a miss (see Figure 44), and a no development pattern is provided in which the above-mentioned reach development performance is not executed after the reach is displayed, and the result of the win/loss lottery is announced as a big win, a small win, a win for the time-saving grant or a miss (see Figure 43).

A plurality of types of patterns with development are provided, and various types of development performance images are set. In the pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment, development pattern A and development pattern B are provided as patterns with development.
Development pattern A is a moving image (hereinafter referred to as development performance image A) in which the performance patterns 50 are successively destroyed and the final performance pattern 50 displayed is determined to be the third stop pattern (see Figures 44 (e) to (g)).As will be described later, this can be executed in any of the cases where a big win, a small win, a time-saving win, or a miss is won.
When the development pattern A is executed, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a big win, a display is made to indicate that the performance pattern 50 constituting the stop display mode that will ultimately result in a big win has been reached, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a small win, a display is made to indicate that the performance pattern 50 constituting the stop display mode that will ultimately result in a small win has been reached, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a win for time-saving grant, a display is made to indicate that the performance pattern 50 constituting the stop display mode that will ultimately result in a time-saving grant has been reached (see FIG. 44(e)-(g)), and if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss, a display is made to indicate that the performance pattern 50 constituting the stop display mode that will ultimately result in a loss has been reached. This allows the user to be notified of whether the result of the winning/losing lottery is a big win, a small win, a win for time-saving grant, or a loss.

Although not specifically shown, development pattern B displays a moving image in which a specific character challenges a mission and the result of the challenge is shown.
This development pattern B has four types of patterns, development pattern B1, development pattern B2, development pattern B3, and development pattern B4, and each pattern is associated with a development presentation image B1, development presentation image B2, development presentation image B3, or development presentation image B4, which has a different content of the mission to be challenged, as a moving image to be displayed. Specifically, the development presentation image B1 is displayed in the development pattern B1, the development presentation image B2 is displayed in the development pattern B2, the development presentation image B3 is displayed in the development pattern B3, and the development presentation image B4 is displayed in the development pattern B4.

Furthermore, as will be described later, this development pattern B can only be executed when either a jackpot is won or a time-saving bonus is awarded.
In addition, in any case where development pattern B1, development pattern B2, development pattern B3 or development pattern B4 is executed, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning jackpot, a display is finally displayed indicating that the above-mentioned mission has been successful, followed by a stop display mode indicating a winning jackpot (see FIG. 46(b)-(d)), and if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning time-saving bonus, a display is finally displayed indicating that the above-mentioned mission has been unsuccessful, followed by a setting image and the number of time-saving bonuses indicating that a first low-probability time-saving game state has been set (see FIG. 45(e)-(h)). In this way, it is possible to notify whether the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning jackpot or a winning time-saving bonus.
In this way, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a variable presentation based on development pattern B is executed, the result of the win/lose lottery is determined to be either a jackpot win or a time-saving win, thereby increasing the player's interest in the execution of a variable presentation based on development pattern B.

The development pattern is not limited to the above-mentioned form. For example, the development pattern may be such that after a specific development effect image is displayed, the display switches to another development effect image in which the expected probability of winning a jackpot or winning a time-saving bonus is set higher than that of the specific development effect image, or such that after a loss is initially notified, a jackpot or time-saving bonus is notified.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a special variation pattern is provided as a variation presentation mode, separate from the various modes described above, in which all of the presentation patterns 50 are displayed in a varying manner, and then after the variation time has elapsed, these presentation patterns 50 all stop displaying at the same time.

In addition, in each of the above-mentioned performances, in addition to displaying an image, a specified sound may be output, and the performance lighting device 23 (lamp) may be made to emit light in a specified lighting pattern or color.

(Determination of the mode of variable performance)
Next, the determination of the execution mode of the above-mentioned variable performance will be explained.
A variable performance determination table 119 that defines the mode of variable performance for each variable pattern command that can be determined by the main control board 100 is stored in the main ROM 302 of the sub-control board 300. When the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 receives a variable pattern command from the main control board 100 at the start of a variable performance, the sub-CPU 301 refers to the variable performance determination table 119 and determines the mode of variable performance based on the received variable pattern command.

The variable performance determination table 119 defines the mode of the variable performance in association with each variable performance random number obtained within a specified numerical range (0 to 249 in this embodiment) and the variable pattern command. When the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 receives a variable pattern command from the main control board 100, it obtains a variable performance random number of 1 from the specified numerical range (0 to 249). The sub-CPU 301 then determines the mode of the variable performance based on the variable performance determination table 119, the received variable pattern command, and the obtained variable performance random number. As a result, the variable performance based on the determined mode is executed on the performance display device 21.

As shown in FIG. 47, according to the variable performance determination table 119, if the received variable pattern command is "00H", "04H", "05H" or "08H" (i.e., if the result of the lottery is a miss), then either a mode in which the first half is a no-reach pattern A and the second half is a normal miss pattern (hereinafter referred to as mode 1), or a mode in which the first half is a no-reach pattern B and the second half is a normal miss pattern (hereinafter referred to as mode 2) is determined.

In addition, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "01H" (i.e., if the result of the lottery is a loss), then either a mode in which the first half is reach fluctuation pattern A and the second half is a no-development pattern (hereinafter referred to as mode 3), or a mode in which the first half is reach fluctuation pattern B and the second half is a no-development pattern (hereinafter referred to as mode 9) will be determined.

In addition, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "02H", "03H", "06H" or "07H" (i.e., if the result of the lottery is a loss), then either the first half is reach fluctuation pattern A and the second half is development pattern A (hereinafter referred to as mode 4), or the first half is reach fluctuation pattern B and the second half is development pattern A (hereinafter referred to as mode 10) will be determined.

Also, if the received variation pattern command is "22H", "23H", "26H" or "27H" (i.e., if the result of the lottery is a small win), either mode 4 or mode 10 will be selected.

Also, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "A2H", "A3H", "A6H" or "A7H" (i.e., if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a big win), the following is determined: mode 4, the mode in which the first half is reach fluctuation pattern A and the second half is development pattern B1 (hereinafter referred to as mode 5), the mode in which the first half is reach fluctuation pattern A and the second half is development pattern B2 (hereinafter referred to as mode 6), the mode in which the first half is reach fluctuation pattern A and the second half is development pattern B3 (hereinafter referred to as mode 7), the mode in which the first half is reach fluctuation pattern A and the second half is development pattern B4 (hereinafter referred to as mode 8), mode 10, the mode in which the first half is reach fluctuation pattern B and the second half is development pattern B1 (hereinafter referred to as mode 11), the mode in which the first half is reach fluctuation pattern B and the second half is development pattern B2 (hereinafter referred to as mode 12), the mode in which the first half is reach fluctuation pattern B and the second half is development pattern B3 (hereinafter referred to as mode 13), or the mode in which the first half is reach fluctuation pattern B and the second half is development pattern B4 (hereinafter referred to as mode 14).

Also, if the received variation pattern command is "B3H" (i.e., the result of the lottery is a win for time-saving grant and time-saving pattern J1 (time-saving count 10 times) is determined), then either mode 4, mode 5, mode 10 or mode 11 will be determined.

In addition, if the received variation pattern command is "B4H" (i.e., the result of the lottery is a win for the time-saving grant and the time-saving symbol J2 (20 times of time-saving) is determined) or "B5H" (i.e., the result of the lottery is a win for the time-saving grant and the time-saving symbol J3 (30 times of time-saving) is determined), then either mode 4, mode 5, mode 6, mode 10, mode 11 or mode 12 will be determined.

In addition, if the received variation pattern command is "B6H" (i.e., the result of the lottery is a win for the time-saving grant and the time-saving symbol J4 (50 times of time-saving) is determined) or "B7H" (i.e., the result of the lottery is a win for the time-saving grant and the time-saving symbol J5 (100 times of time-saving) is determined), then either mode 4, mode 5, mode 6, mode 7, mode 10, mode 11, mode 12 or mode 13 will be determined.

Also, if the received variation pattern command is "B8H" (i.e., the result of the lottery is a win for the time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J6 (1000 times of time-saving) is determined), then either mode 4, mode 5, mode 6, mode 7, mode 8, mode 10, mode 11, mode 12, mode 13 or mode 14 will be determined.

Also, if the received variation pattern command is "B9H" (i.e., the result of the lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J7 (time-saving count 1) is determined), then either mode 4 or mode 10 will be determined.

In addition, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "BAH", "BBH", "BCH", "BDH", "BEH" or "BFH" (i.e., if the result of the lottery is a win for time-saving), a special fluctuation pattern (hereinafter referred to as mode 15) is determined.

In addition, in Figure 47, the numbers shown in each area where the variation pattern command and the variation presentation mode are associated indicate the range of the variation presentation random numbers allocated to that area, i.e., the selection ratio (determination ratio) of that area.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the selection ratios for the variable presentation are set separately for each of the following cases: when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a losing ticket, when a big win is won, when a small win is won, and when a time-saving bonus is awarded and a predetermined time-saving symbol is determined.

For example, when the result of the lottery is a big win or a time-saving bonus, the probability of reach fluctuation pattern A being determined is lower compared to when it is a miss or a small win, but the probability of reach fluctuation pattern B being determined is higher. Therefore, when reach fluctuation pattern B is executed, the expectation of winning a big win or a time-saving bonus is higher than when reach fluctuation pattern A is executed.

In addition, while development pattern A can be determined in any case where the result of the lottery is a miss, a small win, a big win, or a time-saving bonus, development pattern B (B1, B2, B3, B4) can only be determined in any case where the result of the lottery is a big win or a time-saving bonus. Therefore, when development pattern B is executed, the result of the lottery is confirmed as either a big win or a time-saving bonus, and it becomes clear that one of these has been won.

In addition, the development pattern B1 can be determined when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 (10 times the time-saving number), J2 (20 times the time-saving number), J3 (30 times the time-saving number), J4 (50 times the time-saving number), J5 (100 times the time-saving number) or J6 (1000 times the time-saving number) is determined. The development pattern B2 can be determined when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J2, J3, J4, J5 or J6 is determined. The development pattern B3 can be determined when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J4, J5 or J6 is determined. The development pattern B4 can be determined when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J6 is determined.
In other words, if the result of the lottery is a win for the time-saving bonus, when the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, only development pattern B1 of development pattern B can be determined; when the time-saving pattern J2 or J3 is determined, development pattern B1 and development pattern B2 of development pattern B can be determined; when the time-saving pattern J4 or J5 is determined, development pattern B1, development pattern B2 and development pattern B3 of development pattern B can be determined; and when the time-saving pattern J6 is determined, development pattern B1, development pattern B2, development pattern B3 and development pattern B4 of development pattern B can all be determined.

In other words, when development pattern B is executed when time-saving pattern J1, which specifies a time-saving count of 10 times, is selected, the execution rate of development pattern B1 is 100%, and the execution rates of development patterns B2, B3, and B4 are all 0%. When development pattern B is executed when time-saving pattern J2, which specifies a time-saving count of 20 times, or time-saving pattern J3, which specifies a time-saving count of 30 times, is selected, the execution rate of development patterns B1 and B2 is 50%, and the execution rate of development patterns B3 and B4 is 0%. The execution rates are all 0%, and when development pattern B is executed when time-saving pattern J4, which specifies a time-saving count of 50 times, is selected or when time-saving pattern J5, which specifies a time-saving count of 100 times, is selected, the execution rates of development patterns B1, B2, and B3 are all about 33%, and the execution rate of development pattern B4 is 0%, and when development pattern B is executed when time-saving pattern J6, which specifies a time-saving count of 1000 times, is selected, the execution rates of development patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4 are all 25%. In other words, the execution rates of development patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4 differ depending on the number of time-saving times that are set.

When development pattern B1 is executed, a jackpot is won or a time-saving bonus with the number of time-saving bonuses set to 10 or more (10, 20, 30, 50, 100, or 1000) is confirmed. When development pattern B2 is executed, a jackpot is won or a time-saving bonus with the number of time-saving bonuses set to 20 or more (20, 30, 50, 100, or 1000) is confirmed. When development pattern B3 is executed, a jackpot is won or a time-saving bonus with the number of time-saving bonuses set to 50 or more (50, 100, or 1000) is confirmed. When development pattern B4 is executed, a jackpot is won or a time-saving bonus with the number of time-saving bonuses set to 1000 is confirmed.

In this way, with the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the execution rate of development patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4 varies depending on the number of times the time is reduced when the time-reduction bonus is awarded, and the player can be given different expectations regarding the number of times the time can be reduced depending on the type of development pattern B executed, thereby increasing the player's interest in the variable presentation of development patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a jackpot win or a time-saving win, the variable presentation by the development patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4 can be executed, but if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a small win or a miss, the variable presentation by the development patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4 is not executed. In other words, the execution rate of the variable presentation by the development patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4 is higher when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a jackpot win or a time-saving win than when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a small win or a miss. Therefore, by executing the variable presentation by the development patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4, the expectation for the winning of the jackpot win or the time-saving win can be increased, and the interest of the player in the variable presentation by the development patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4 can be increased.

In addition, the variable effects of the development patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4 may be executed at a lower rate than when the result of the lottery is a big win or a time-saving bonus, rather than being not executed when the result of the lottery is a small win or a loss.

In addition, during the variable performance, along with the display of the changing performance pattern 50, a preview performance is executed in which various preview images are displayed to indicate the expected probability of winning the jackpot or the expected probability of winning the time-saving bonus.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the likelihood of the above-mentioned preview performance being executed in the event of a jackpot win or a time-saving bonus being awarded is set separately. This makes it possible to change the player's sense of anticipation for winning a jackpot or a time-saving bonus depending on the preview performance that is executed. Specifically, a particular preview performance is set to be more likely to be executed in the event of a jackpot win or a time-saving bonus being awarded, thereby increasing the player's sense of anticipation for winning a jackpot or a time-saving bonus.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the possibility of a specific preview performance being executed is set to be higher when a time-saving bonus is awarded than when a jackpot is awarded.

For example, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 48, a line preview in which a line by a predetermined character is displayed can be executed as a preview effect executed before a reach display during a variable performance. Three patterns of line preview, namely, line preview A, line preview B, and line preview C, are provided as modes of the line preview.
In addition, as a notice effect executed after a reach display during a variable effect, a cut-in notice in which a predetermined cut-in image is displayed can be executed. There are three types of cut-in notice: a blue cut-in notice in which a blue cut-in image is displayed, a red cut-in notice in which a red cut-in image is displayed, and a purple cut-in notice in which a purple cut-in image is displayed.

If the player is selected to receive the time-saving feature through a lottery, then the line previews A and B can be executed, with the probability that line preview A will be executed 15% of the time and line preview B will be executed 10% of the time. In addition, the cut-in previews can be executed blue, red, and purple, with the probability that blue cut-in previews will be executed 10% of the time, red cut-in previews 40% of the time, and purple cut-in previews 55% of the time.

In addition, if the jackpot is won through the lottery, the following line previews can be executed: Line Preview A, Line Preview B, and Line Preview C. In this case, Line Preview A is executed 15% of the time, Line Preview B is executed 20% of the time, and Line Preview C is executed 25% of the time. In addition, the blue cut-in preview and red cut-in preview can be executed as cut-in previews. In the above cases, the blue cut-in preview is executed 10% of the time, and the red cut-in preview is executed 25% of the time.

In addition, if the lottery results in a loss or small win, line preview A and line preview B can be executed as line previews, and in this case, line preview A is executed 3% of the time, and line preview B is executed 5% of the time. In addition, blue cut-in preview and red cut-in preview can be executed as cut-in previews, and in the above cases, blue cut-in preview is executed 5% of the time, and red cut-in preview is executed 10% of the time.

In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a time-saving bonus is awarded, the rate at which line preview A is executed is the same as when a jackpot is won, but the rates at which line preview B and line preview C are executed are both small, so that when line preview B or line preview C is executed, the player can have a sense of anticipation for winning the jackpot. Furthermore, line preview C can only be executed when a jackpot is won, so when line preview C is executed, the jackpot is confirmed, increasing the player's interest.

On the other hand, when the time-saving prize is won, the rate at which the blue cut-in notice is executed is the same as when the jackpot is won, and the rate at which the red cut-in notice is executed and the rate at which the purple cut-in notice is executed are both high, so that when the red cut-in notice or the purple cut-in notice is executed, the player can have high expectations for the time-saving prize. Note that the purple cut-in notice can only be executed when the time-saving prize is won, so when the purple cut-in notice is executed, the time-saving prize is confirmed, and the player's interest can be heightened.
This makes it possible to increase the player's expectations for winning a time-saving bonus, which has a high probability of transitioning to a time-saving game state, rather than winning a jackpot, which has a very high probability of transitioning to a time-saving game state, and thus makes it extremely difficult to achieve this.

In addition, the effects that can be executed on the pachinko machine P of this embodiment are not limited to the variable effects described above, and for example, a pre-reading effect may be provided that gives a suggestion regarding the hold stored in the hold memory area before a variable effect related to the hold is executed.
Specifically, the look-ahead performance may include a hold look-ahead performance in which, when a new hold is stored, the hold is displayed in one of a plurality of modes including a normal mode and a special mode in which the expectation of winning a jackpot or winning a time-saving grant is higher than in the normal mode; a hold change look-ahead performance in which, at any timing from the time the hold is stored to the time the variable performance based on the hold ends, the hold display being displayed in a predetermined mode is changed to a mode in which the expectation of winning a jackpot or winning a time-saving grant is higher; and a look-ahead zone performance in which, when a new hold is stored, a high expectation suggestive image (for example, a background image) is displayed suggesting a high expectation of winning a jackpot or winning a time-saving grant during the variable performance based on the hold, or across multiple variable performances from a variable performance based on a hold stored earlier than the hold to a variable performance based on the hold.

The system may be set up so that the chances of a hold preview effect, hold change preview effect, preview zone effect, or the like, in which the hold display is performed in the special manner described above, are higher when a time-saving bonus is awarded than when a jackpot is awarded.

For example, as shown in FIG. 49, three patterns of hold change pre-reading effects are provided: a blue hold change where the white hold display changes to a blue hold display, a red hold change where the white hold display changes to a red hold display, and a purple hold change where the white hold display changes to a purple hold display. Additionally, three patterns of pre-reading zone effects are provided: zone A where a first high expectation suggestion image is displayed, zone B where a second high expectation suggestion image is displayed, and zone C where a third high expectation suggestion image is displayed.

Then, if any of the stored holds is determined to be a winner for the time-saving grant through a win/lose lottery, a blue hold change, a red hold change, and a purple hold change can be executed as a hold change pre-reading performance targeting the above-mentioned holds, and in the above-mentioned cases, the rate at which a blue hold change is executed may be 10%, the rate at which a red hold change is executed may be 40%, and the rate at which a purple hold change is executed may be 55%. Also, zone A and zone B can be executed as pre-reading zone performance targeting the above-mentioned holds, and in the above-mentioned cases, the rate at which zone A is executed may be 15%, and the rate at which zone B is executed may be 10%.

In addition, if any of the stored reserves is determined to be a jackpot through a win/lose lottery, a blue reserve change and a red reserve change can be executed as a reserve change pre-reading performance targeting the above-mentioned reserves, and in the above-mentioned cases, the probability that a blue reserve change is executed may be 10%, and the probability that a red reserve change is executed may be 25%. In addition, zone A, zone B, and zone C can be executed as pre-reading zone performance targeting the above-mentioned reserves, and in this case, the probability that zone A is executed may be 15%, the probability that zone B is executed may be 20%, and the probability that zone C is executed may be 25%.

In addition, if any of the stored reserves is determined to be a miss or a small win by the win/lose lottery, a blue reserve change and a red reserve change can be executed as a reserve change pre-reading performance targeting the above-mentioned reserves, and in the above-mentioned cases, the probability that a blue reserve change will be executed may be 5%, and the probability that a red reserve change will be executed may be 10%.In addition, zone A and zone B can be executed as pre-reading zone performance targeting the above-mentioned reserves, and in this case, the probability that zone A will be executed may be 3%, and the probability that zone B will be executed may be 5%.

That is, when the setting is as described above, when it is determined that the time-saving award is won, the rate at which the blue reserve change is executed is the same as when it is determined that the jackpot is won, and the rate at which the red reserve change is executed and the rate at which the purple reserve change is executed are both high, so that when the red reserve change or the purple reserve change is executed, the player can have a sense of expectation for winning the time-saving award. Note that the purple reserve change can be executed only when it is determined that the time-saving award is won, so when the purple reserve change is executed, the decision to grant the time-saving award is confirmed, and the player's interest can be heightened.
Even when set in this way, the player's expectations for winning the time-saving bonus can be increased more than for winning the jackpot.

When set as described above, when it is determined that a time-saving bonus has been won, the rate at which zone A is executed is the same as when it is determined that a jackpot has been won, and the rates at which zone B and zone C are executed are both small, so that when zone B or zone C is executed, the player can have high hopes for a jackpot win. Furthermore, since zone C can only be executed when it is determined that a jackpot has been won, when zone C is executed, the jackpot win is confirmed, which can heighten the player's interest.

(Outline of special announcements)
The special notification effect is an effect that can be executed in conjunction with the variation effect when the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for the time-saving grant and a variation effect based on a special variation pattern is performed (i.e., when the determined variation pattern command is "BAH", "BBH", "BCH", "BDH", "BEH" or "BFH"), and can notify the player of the win of the time-saving grant and the number of times the time will be saved in the first low-probability time-saving game state based on the win.

This special notification effect is executed continuously from the start of the fluctuation effect until the predetermined stop display time for each special symbol (all time-saving symbols are 3 seconds) has elapsed after the fluctuation effect has ended when the fluctuation time predetermined for each fluctuation pattern command has elapsed.
Specifically, in the special notification performance, after a predetermined time (2 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the variable performance, all images (performance symbols 50, background images, etc.) displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 are erased, the entire surface of the display unit 21a is displayed in black, and all lamps (performance lighting device 23) installed in the pachinko machine P are turned off, starting a blackout performance (see Fig. 50 (a) to (c)). Then, after a predetermined blackout performance execution time (4 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed, a variable display of a performance symbol 50 smaller than the performance symbol 50 before the start of the blackout performance is started in the upper right corner of the display unit 21a, and the variable performance is resumed, and a window is displayed in the center of the display unit 21a, and a count-up display of numbers is started in this window (see Fig. 50 (d)). The count-up display is executed until the variable time set in the variable pattern command has elapsed (see Fig. 50 (e) to (h)). Then, when the variable time has elapsed, the number in the window mentioned above reaches the number of time-saving times corresponding to the time-saving pattern determined based on the winning of the time-saving award, and the count-up display ends with the end of the variable presentation (see FIG. 50(h)). After that, until the stop display time has elapsed, a setting image indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state has been set and the number of time-saving times are displayed (see FIG. 50(i)-(j)), and the special notification presentation ends with the elapse of the stop display time.

In the above-mentioned count-up display, the number in the window increases by a predetermined number (1 in this embodiment) every time a predetermined count time (1 second in this embodiment) elapses until the number in the window reaches a predetermined value (20 in this embodiment) (see Figures 50 (d) to (e)).
In addition, when the number in the window reaches "10" or "20" (i.e., the value of the number of time-saving times that can be set), a display that goes back and forth between the displayed number and the next displayed number is performed, thereby creating a sense of expectation for counting up to the next number (see Fig. 50(f)-(g), Fig. 51(a)-(d), Fig. 52(a)). Here, if a time-saving pattern corresponding to a number of time-saving times greater than the displayed number has been determined, the above-mentioned provocative effect is performed, and the count-up display continues (see Fig. 51(a)-(b)). On the other hand, if a time-saving pattern corresponding to the same number of time-saving times as the displayed number has been determined, the count-up display ends with the displayed number without counting up to the next number as the provocative effect ends (i.e., at this point, the variable time has elapsed and the variable effect ends), and then the above-mentioned setting image and the number of time-saving times are displayed (see Fig. 50(h)-(j), Fig. 51(e)-(g)).

In addition, if a time-saving pattern corresponding to a time-saving number of times exceeding 20 (30 times, 50 times, 100 times, 1000 times) has been determined, the number in the window will exceed "20" and a count-up display will be performed, but after the number in the window exceeds "20" through the above-mentioned teasing effect, a shielding effect is executed in which the number in the window is covered with a predetermined shielding image (for example, an image of "???") (see FIG. 52(b)). Then, when the time corresponding to the determined number of time-saving times has elapsed, the shielding image is erased and the number indicating the determined number of time-saving times is suddenly displayed in the window, ending the count-up display (i.e., the variable time has elapsed at this point and the variable effect has ended), and then the above-mentioned setting image and the number of time-saving times are displayed (see FIG. 52(c) to (e)). By covering the number in the window with the shielding image in this way, it is possible to increase the player's sense of expectation for the number that will ultimately be displayed in the window (i.e., the number of time-saving times corresponding to the determined time-saving pattern).

The progress of the special notification performance will be explained in more detail below.
(1) When the time-saving pattern J1 (time-saving count 10 times) is determined and the fluctuation pattern command "BAH" (fluctuation time 18 seconds) is determined In this case, as shown in FIG. 53(a), the blackout effect starts 2 seconds after the start of the fluctuation effect by the special fluctuation pattern, and the blackout effect ends and the count-up display starts 6 seconds after the start of the fluctuation effect. Then, 16 seconds after the start of the fluctuation effect, the number in the window reaches "10" and the teasing effect is executed, and 18 seconds after the start of the fluctuation effect, the teasing effect ends and the number in the window stops at "10". At this point, the fluctuation effect ends. After that, the above-mentioned setting image and the number of time-saving counts are displayed until the 3-second stop display time has elapsed, and the special notification effect ends.
In other words, when the time-saving count is set to 10, the execution time of the special notification effect is 21 seconds from the start of the variable effect to the end of the variable effect and the elapse of the stopped display time.

(2) When the time-saving pattern J2 (time-saving times 20 times) is determined and the fluctuation pattern command "BBH" (fluctuation time 30 seconds) is determined In this case, as shown in FIG. 53(b), until 18 seconds have elapsed from the start of the fluctuation performance by the special fluctuation pattern, the special notification performance proceeds in the same manner as in (1), but after 18 seconds have elapsed from the start of the fluctuation performance and the stimulating performance has ended, the number in the window exceeds "10" and the count-up display continues. Then, 28 seconds after the start of the fluctuation performance, the number in the window reaches "20" and the stimulating performance is executed, and 30 seconds after the start of the fluctuation performance, the stimulating performance ends and the number in the window stops at "20". At the same time, the fluctuation performance ends at this point. After that, the above-mentioned setting image and the number of time-saving times are displayed until the stop display time of 3 seconds has elapsed, and the special notification performance ends.
In other words, when the time-saving count is set to 20, the execution time of the special notification effect is 33 seconds from the start of the variable performance to the end of the variable performance and the elapse of the stopped display time, which is longer than the execution time of the special notification effect when the time-saving count is set to 10.

(3) When the time-saving pattern J3 (time-saving count 30 times) is determined and the fluctuation pattern command "BCH" (fluctuation time 36 seconds) is determined In this case, as shown in FIG. 53 (c), until 30 seconds have passed since the start of the fluctuation performance by the special fluctuation pattern, the special notification performance proceeds in the same manner as in (2), but after 30 seconds have passed since the start of the fluctuation performance and the teasing performance has ended, the shielding performance is executed. Then, 36 seconds after the start of the fluctuation performance, the shielding performance ends, the shielding image is erased, and the number "30" is displayed in the window. At this point, the fluctuation performance ends. After that, until the stop display time of 3 seconds has passed, the above-mentioned setting image and the number of time-saving times are displayed, and the special notification performance ends.
In other words, when the time-saving count is set to 30, the execution time of the special notification effect is 39 seconds from the start of the variable performance to the end of the variable performance and the elapse of the stopped display time, which is longer than the execution time of the special notification effect when the time-saving count is set to 10 or 20.

(4) When the time-saving pattern J4 (50 times of time-saving) is determined and the fluctuation pattern command "BDH" (fluctuation time 46 seconds) is determined In this case, as shown in FIG. 54(a), the special notification effect proceeds in the same manner as in (3) until 30 seconds have passed since the start of the fluctuation effect and the obscuring effect is executed. After that, 46 seconds after the start of the fluctuation effect, the obscuring effect ends, the obscuring image is erased, and the number "50" is displayed in the window. At this point, the fluctuation effect also ends. After that, the above-mentioned setting image and the number of times of time-saving are displayed until the 3-second stop display time has passed, and the special notification effect ends.
In other words, when the time-saving count is set to 50, the execution time of the special notification effect is 49 seconds from the start of the variable performance to the end of the variable performance and the elapse of the stopped display time, which is longer than the execution time of the special notification effect when the time-saving count is set to 10, 20, or 30.

(5) When the time-saving pattern J5 (time-saving count 100 times) is determined and the fluctuation pattern command "BEH" (fluctuation time 66 seconds) is determined In this case, as shown in FIG. 54(b), the special notification effect proceeds in the same manner as in (3) and (4) until 30 seconds have passed since the start of the fluctuation effect and the obscuring effect is executed. After that, 66 seconds after the start of the fluctuation effect, the obscuring effect ends, the obscuring image is erased, and the number "100" is displayed in the window. At this point, the fluctuation effect also ends. After that, the above-mentioned setting image and the number of time-saving counts are displayed until the 3-second stop display time has passed, and the special notification effect ends.
In other words, when the time-saving count is set to 100, the execution time of the special notification effect is 49 seconds from the start of the variable performance to the end of the variable performance and the elapse of the stopped display time, which is longer than the execution time of the special notification effect when the time-saving count is set to 10, 20, 30, or 50.

(6) When the time-saving pattern J6 (time-saving count 1000 times) is determined and the fluctuation pattern command "BFH" (fluctuation time 68 seconds) is determined In this case, as shown in FIG. 54(c), the special notification effect proceeds in the same manner as (3) to (5) until 30 seconds have passed since the start of the fluctuation effect and the obscuring effect is executed. Then, 68 seconds after the start of the fluctuation effect, the obscuring effect ends, the obscuring image is erased, and the number "1000" is displayed in the window. At this point, the fluctuation effect also ends. Then, until the 3-second stop display time has passed, the above-mentioned setting image and the number of time-saving counts are displayed, and the special notification effect ends.
In other words, when the time-saving count is set to 1,000, the execution time of the special notification effect is 49 seconds from the start of the variable performance to the end of the variable performance and the elapse of the stopped display time, which is longer than the execution time of the special notification effect when the time-saving count is set to 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the time-saving symbol J7 (time-saving count of 1) is determined, the special variation pattern is not performed, and the special notification effect is not executed.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the time-saving award is won, the more the number of time-saving times set corresponding to the determined time-saving symbol increases, the longer the execution time of the special notification effect becomes. In other words, after the special notification effect is executed, the game state shifts to the first low-probability time-saving game state (time-saving game state), which is advantageous for the player, but if the execution period of the special notification effect becomes longer, the execution period of the first low-probability time-saving game state to which the game state shifts after the execution of the effect becomes longer.
Therefore, if the execution period of the special notification effect is longer, the gaming profit (award of time-saving gaming state) given to the player will be greater, thereby increasing the player's interest in the special notification effect.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a time-saving bonus is awarded and a special notification effect is executed, a first low-probability time-saving game state is set in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 16 without winning a jackpot or going through a special game, so the large winning hole 18 is not opened during the period from when the special notification effect is executed until when the first low-probability time-saving game state is set. Therefore, the operation control of the structure (large winning hole 18) during the above-mentioned period is reduced, and the burden on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101 can be reduced.

Next, the control process in the sub-control board 300 for executing the various processes described above will be described.
First, the main processing of the sub-control board 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step 2000, in response to power-on, the main processing program is read from the sub-ROM 302, and initialization and setting processes of flags and the like stored in the sub-RAM 303 are executed.
In step 2001, the sub-CPU 301 executes a process of updating each effect random number (variable effect random number), and thereafter repeats the process of step 2001 until an interrupt process is performed. Here, each effect random number is updated asynchronously.

Next, the timer interrupt processing of the sub-control board 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The sub-control board 300 is provided with a reset clock pulse generating circuit (not shown) that generates a clock pulse at a predetermined cycle (4 milliseconds). When this reset clock pulse generating circuit generates a clock pulse, the sub-CPU 301 reads a timer interrupt processing program and starts the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG.

In step 2100, the sub-CPU 301 executes an update process for various timer counters used in the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2101.
In addition, the pachinko machine P in this embodiment employs a countdown timer, and the timer counter is decremented by one each time the timer interrupt process of the sub-control board 300 is executed, and the countdown stops when it reaches 0.
In step 2101, the sub-CPU 301 analyzes the command stored in the receive buffer of the sub-RAM 303, and executes various processes according to the received command. Specifically, when a command is transmitted from the main control board 100, the sub-control board 300 performs a command reception interrupt process, and the command transmitted from the main control board 100 is stored in the receive buffer. The sub-CPU 301 then analyzes the command stored in the receive buffer by the command reception interrupt process. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2102.

In step 2102, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the operation of the performance operation device 9 is acceptable or not according to the progress of the variable performance being executed, and judges whether the operation signal is input from the rotation operation detection sensor 9c and the press operation detection sensor 9d. If the operation of the performance operation device 9 is being accepted when the operation signal is input from the rotation operation detection sensor 9c or the press operation detection sensor 9d, the command is stored in the transmission buffer to transmit the fact that the performance operation device 9 has been operated to various control boards such as an image control board (not shown), an audio control board (not shown), and an illumination control board (not shown). Then, proceed to the next step 2103.
In step 2103, the sub-CPU 301 transmits the commands set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 303 to various control boards such as the image control board, the audio control board, the illumination control board, etc. Then, the timer interrupt process of the sub-control board 300 is terminated.

Next, the variation pattern command reception process executed when a variation pattern command is received among the command analysis processes in step 2101 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 57. As described above, the variation pattern command is stored in the main control board 100 in step 903 of the variation pattern determination process, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 300 by the output control process in step 208.
In step 2200, the sub-CPU 301 acquires the variable performance random number updated in the above-mentioned step 2001. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2201.
In step 2201, the sub-CPU 301 determines the mode of the variable performance based on the variable performance determination table 119, the variable performance random number acquired in the above-mentioned step 2200, and the received variable pattern command. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2202.

In step 2202, the sub-CPU 301 sets a variable performance execution command corresponding to the determined variable performance mode in the transmission buffer. The variable performance execution command set here is transmitted to various control boards in the above-mentioned step 2103, and these control boards control the execution of variable performance based on the received variable performance execution command. Then, the variable pattern command reception process ends.

In the above-described embodiment, the special notification effect is started when the variable effect related to the winning of the time-saving award starts, and ends when the variable effect ends and the stopped display time of the special pattern has elapsed. By varying the variable time set in the variable pattern command corresponding to the time-saving pattern, the execution time of the special notification effect for each time-saving pattern (the number of time-saving times set) is changed, but this is not limited to this.
For example, for any time-saving symbol, the variable time set in the corresponding variable pattern command is the same, but the stop display time for each time-saving symbol may be set to be different so that the execution time of the special notification effect for each time-saving symbol (the number of time-saving times to be set) changes. Also, by making both the variable time and the stop display time different, the execution time of the special notification effect for each time-saving symbol (the number of time-saving times to be set) may be set to be different.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In addition, the special notification effect may be executed not in the period from the start of the variable performance related to the winning of the time-saving award to the time when the stop display time of the special symbol after the end of the variable performance has elapsed, but in the period from the start to the end of the variable performance described above. Specifically, it may be executed from a predetermined start point in the variable performance described above (for example, the start point of the variable performance, a time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable performance, etc.) and may be executed at a predetermined end point in the variable performance (for example, a time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable performance, a time when the variable performance ends, etc.).
In addition, the special notification performance may be executed during the period from when the special random number (first special random number) that is the winning of the time-saving grant is acquired to when the variable performance related to the winning of the time-saving grant ends. Specifically, for example, it may be executed during a period during one variable performance (hereinafter referred to as a look-ahead variable performance) executed before the variable performance related to the winning of the time-saving grant (hereinafter referred to as the variable performance), or it may be executed during a period spanning multiple look-ahead variable performances, or it may be executed during a period spanning from the look-ahead variable performance to the variable performance.
When set in this manner, the timing of the special notification effects can be varied, enhancing the player's interest.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is possible to derive whether or not the time-saving award is won as a result of the judgment in the win/lose lottery, and if the time-saving award is won, a time-saving play state (first time-saving play state) is set. However, instead of deriving whether or not the time-saving award is won as a result of the judgment in the win/lose lottery, a special pattern (i.e., a small win pattern or a losing pattern) that can be determined based on a judgment result other than a big win in the win/lose lottery (i.e., a small win or a losing pattern) may be used as the time-saving pattern, and whether or not the time-saving play state can be set (whether or not the time-saving award is won) may be determined depending on the type of special pattern determined above.

For example, a losing symbol ZA1, a losing symbol ZA2, a losing symbol ZA3, etc. may be provided as a losing symbol that is determined when a winning/losing lottery based on a winning/losing random number results in a losing result, and when a losing symbol ZA1 is determined, a first time-saving game state in which the number of time-saving times is set to 10 is set, when a losing symbol ZA2 is determined, a first time-saving game state in which the number of time-saving times is set to 20 is set, and when a losing symbol ZA3 is determined, a first time-saving game state in which the number of time-saving times is set to 30 is set. In this case, too, a variable presentation according to the variable pattern B similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment may be executed, or a special notification presentation similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment may be executed.

Similarly, small win patterns YA1, YA2, YA3, etc. may be provided as small win patterns to be determined when a small win is won by a win/lose lottery based on a win/lose random number, and when the small win pattern YA1 is determined, a first time-saving game state in which the number of time-saving times is set to 10 is set, when the small win pattern YA2 is determined, a first time-saving game state in which the number of time-saving times is set to 20 is set, and when the small win pattern YA3 is determined, a first time-saving game state in which the number of time-saving times is set to 30 is set. In this case, too, a variable presentation by the variable pattern B similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment may be executed, or a special notification presentation similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment may be executed.
In addition, in the case where the time-saving game state is set based on the small win symbol as described above, the special notification effect may be set to be executed during the period from when the variable effect based on the winning of the small win starts to when the small win game based on the winning of the small win ends. In this case, the execution time of the special notification effect for each small win symbol may be set to change by changing one or more of the variable effect change time, the stop display time of the special symbol, the opening time of the small win game, the opening time of the large winning port 18 during the small win game, and the ending time of the small win game.
In addition, the above-mentioned special notification effect may be executed in the same manner as described above during the period from when the special random number (first special random number) that resulted in a small win is obtained to when the variable effect related to the small win ends.
When set in this manner, the variety of time-saving winnings will be greater, which can increase the player's interest.

In the above embodiment, the more the number of time-saving times set in response to the determined time-saving pattern is, the longer the execution time of the special notification effect is set, but the target of such control is not limited to the special notification effect that can be executed when the time-saving award is won. For example, if one of a plurality of jackpot patterns is determined based on the winning of a jackpot, and the number of round games to be executed during a special game is determined for each jackpot pattern, the more the number of round games to be executed in response to the jackpot pattern is, the longer the variable time of the variable effect executed based on the winning of the jackpot is set. In other words, the longer the variable time of the variable effect executed based on the winning of a jackpot is, the more the number of round games to be executed during the special game to be executed thereafter is set.
Also, the more the number of rounds of play executed in response to the big win symbol increases, the longer the execution period of the predetermined look-ahead performance that can be executed before the variable performance executed based on the winning of the big win may be set. In other words, the longer the execution period of the predetermined look-ahead performance, the more the number of rounds of play during the special game that is executed thereafter may be set.
When set in this manner, it is possible to increase the player's interest in the variable effects based on winning a jackpot and in the predictive effects that can be executed before the variable effects.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the large prize winning port 18 is not opened during the period from when the special notification effect is executed until the first low-probability time-saving game state (time-saving game state) is set, but it is also possible to prevent other prize winning ports (for example, the second start prize winning port 16) from being opened during the period from when the variable effect based on the winning of the large prize is executed until the special game advantageous to the player starts.

In addition, the variable effects and special notification effects of development pattern B in the above-mentioned embodiment may be executed not only when the time-saving bonus is awarded by the winning/losing lottery, but also when the jackpot is won and a jackpot pattern that is set to set the time-saving game state is determined.

(Modification)
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the determination of whether or not the time-saving award will be granted is made only in the win/loss lottery during a normal game state that combines a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is relatively low and a non-time-saving game state in which the second start winning port 16 is relatively unlikely to be maintained in an open state. The determination of whether or not the time-saving award will be granted is not made in the win/loss lottery during other game states (such as a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is relatively high or a time-saving game state in which the second start winning port 16 is relatively likely to be maintained in an open state (i.e., during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state, and the high-probability time-saving game state)). As a result, the time-saving award will only be granted during the normal game state, and will not be granted during other game states. However, the control for deriving the result of such a win/loss lottery is not limited to this.

For example, a table (FIGS. 6(b), 7(b), 8(b), 9(b), 10(b), 11(b)) may be provided as the win/lose random number determination table 110 referenced during a high probability game state or a time-saving game state, in which the numerical range of the win/lose random number that will result in a win for the time-saving award is not set, and in the win/lose lottery during a high probability game state or a time-saving game state, the win/lose of the time-saving award may be determined based on the above-mentioned table. In this case, during a high probability game state or a time-saving game state, the determination of the time-saving award is made based on the win/lose random number determination table 110 that will not determine the win of the time-saving award, so that, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the time-saving award cannot be won during a game state other than the normal game state.
Also, for example, a numerical range of the win/loss random number that will result in a win for the time-saving grant is set in the win/loss random number judgment table 110 that is referenced during a high probability game state or a time-saving game state, and in the win/loss lottery during a high probability game state or a time-saving game state, the win/loss of the time-saving grant is judged based on the table, but if the time-saving grant is won, the judgment result of the win for the time-saving grant may be forcibly rewritten to a non-win for the time-saving grant, or the judgment result of the win for the time-saving grant may be discarded. Even in such a case, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, it becomes impossible to win the time-saving grant during a game state other than the normal game state.
In this case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment is achieved, and the judgment in the win/lose lottery can be executed in game states other than the normal game state in the same way as in the normal game state, so that the judgment in the win/lose lottery is standardized and the processing load on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101 can be reduced.
In the above embodiment, the probability of winning the time-saving award is set to be the same regardless of which set value is set, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the probability of winning the time-saving award may be set to be different depending on the set value. In the above embodiment, the probability of winning the time-saving award when the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 and the probability of winning the time-saving award when the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 are both set to be the same, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the probability of winning the time-saving award may be set to be different between the case where the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 and the case where the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16. In addition, the number of time-saving times may be set to be different depending on the set game state and the type of time-saving pattern determined when the time-saving award is won. In addition, the number of time-saving times determined depending on the set game state and the type of time-saving pattern determined when the time-saving award is won may be 0 times, or may be always 1 time or more.
In addition, when setting a different number of time-saving times for each time-saving pattern to be determined, the number of time-saving times and the probability of determining the time-saving pattern may be determined in relation to the probability of winning a jackpot in the win/lose lottery, and may be set to a value within a range that does not make it too gambling-oriented (for example, in a pachinko machine having multiple setting values associated with settings related to the ball output, if the probability of winning a jackpot in a low-probability game state (the lowest probability of winning a jackpot in a low-probability game state) is 1/P, then the number of time-saving times ≦ P × specific coefficient A, and the probability of determining the time-saving pattern ≦ P × specific coefficient B).
In addition, a plurality of conditions may be set for ending the time-saving game state, which is set based on the determination of the time-saving symbol. For example, the time-saving game state may be set to end when either the number of fluctuations based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 and the number of fluctuations based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16 reaches a predetermined number (time-saving number C1), or the number of fluctuations based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16 reaches a predetermined number (time-saving number C2). In this case, the larger of the time-saving number C1 and the time-saving number C2 may be set to a value within a range that is determined in relation to the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery, as described above, and does not become too gambling-oriented.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, when a player is selected to receive a time-saving bonus based on the result of a win/loss lottery using a win/loss random number, a time-saving bonus pattern is determined by a process of determining a special pattern different from the win/loss lottery using a special pattern random number different from the win/loss random number, and the number of times the time-saving bonus is applied is determined according to the type of time-saving bonus pattern determined (J1, J2, J3), but this is not limited to this.
For example, the setting may be such that both the winning of the time-saving grant and the determination of the number of time-saving times may be determined by a winning/losing lottery using a winning/losing random number. In other words, the winning of the time-saving grant and the determination of the number of time-saving times may be determined by the same random number and the same process, rather than by separate random numbers and separate processes.
Specifically, in the win/loss random number determination table 110, a numerical range is set that is determined as a win for the time-saving award and is associated with a predetermined time-saving pattern, and when the acquired win/loss random number falls within the numerical range, the win for the time-saving award and the number of time-saving times set for the time-saving pattern corresponding to the numerical range are determined. For example, as the win/loss random number determination table 110 that is referenced in the win/loss lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 during a low probability game state, a table A1a can be provided in which, when the win/loss random number is 3310 to 3637, a win for the time-saving award associated with the time-saving pattern J1 (time-saving times 10 times) is determined, and when the win/loss random number is 3638 to 3964, a win for the time-saving award associated with the time-saving pattern J2 (time-saving times 20 times) is determined (see FIG. 58). According to this table A1a, if the winning/losing random number is between 3310 and 3637, it is determined that the time-saving award has been won, and the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, so that the number of time-saving times is determined to be 10. Also, if the winning/losing random number is between 3638 and 3964, it is determined that the time-saving award has been won, and the time-saving symbol J2 is determined, so that the number of time-saving times is determined to be 20.
In this case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the processing load in the win/lose lottery is reduced, since the winning or losing of the time-saving grant and the number of times the time-saving grant will be determined solely by the process of determining whether or not the time-saving grant will be granted in the win/lose lottery.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, after a determination as to whether or not a time-saving effect will be awarded in a win/lose lottery during normal game mode is made, if the result of the determination is a win in the awarding of a time-saving effect, a time-saving symbol corresponding to the number of times the time-saving effect is to be applied is determined. However, the order of processing is not limited to this.
For example, after the time-saving symbol is determined, a winning/losing lottery may be held to determine whether the time-saving bonus will be awarded. If the time-saving bonus is awarded, a time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) may be set, and the number of times the time-saving bonus will be applied may be set to the previously determined time-saving symbol.
In this case as well, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the determination of whether a big win has been made, the determination of whether a small win has been made, and the determination of whether a time-saving bonus has been awarded are all performed by referring to the same win/loss random number determination table 110, but this is not limited to this.
For example, the determination of whether or not a time-saving feature has been awarded may be performed by referring to a specific table that is used only for determining whether or not a time-saving feature has been awarded, which is different from the win/loss random number determination table 110 used for determining whether or not a big win has been achieved and whether or not a small win has been achieved.
In this case as well, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

(5) In the above embodiment, multiple types of time-saving symbols are provided to which the number of time-saving times is associated, and the number of time-saving times is determined according to the determined time-saving symbol, but this is not limited to this. For example, one type of time-saving symbol J is provided to which only the winning of the time-saving award is associated and the number of time-saving times is not associated, and when the winning of the time-saving award is won by the winning/losing lottery, the time-saving symbol J is determined, and the number of time-saving times is determined by a specific lottery separate from the winning/losing lottery.
In this case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the storage capacity of the main ROM 102 for special symbols can be reduced, while the space for storing other information can be increased.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, the determination of whether or not the time-saving award will be granted is made only in the win/lose lottery during the normal game state, which is a combination of a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is relatively low and a non-time-saving game state in which the second start winning port 16 is relatively unlikely to be kept open, and the time-saving award can be awarded (determination of the time-saving symbols J1, J2, J3). In the win/lose lottery during a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is relatively high or a time-saving game state in which the second start winning port 16 is relatively likely to be kept open (i.e., during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state, and the high-probability time-saving game state), the determination of whether or not the time-saving award will be granted is not made, and the time-saving award cannot be awarded. However, this is not limited to this, and the determination of whether or not the time-saving award will be granted may be made in the win/lose lottery even during a time-saving game state.

Specifically, for example, in a win/loss lottery during a first low-probability time-saving game state (i.e., during a game state in which a time-saving game state is set) in which a low-probability game state and a first time-saving game state are combined, a judgment of whether or not the time-saving grant will be granted may be made, and the time-saving grant may be awarded (time-saving symbols J1, J2, J3). Then, in a win/loss lottery during the first low-probability time-saving game state, a judgment of whether or not the time-saving grant will be granted is made, resulting in a win of the time-saving grant and a time-saving symbol being determined, and the first time-saving game state may be reset, and the number of time-saving times corresponding to the determined time-saving symbol (10 times for the time-saving symbol J1, 20 times for the time-saving symbol J2, and 1 time for the time-saving symbol J3) may be reset (overwriting the current number of time-saving times). For example, when the remaining number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state is 5, if a time-saving award is won and the time-saving symbol J2 (time-saving times 20) is determined, the first time-saving game state may be reset and the number of time-saving times may be set to "20" again. In this case, the first low-probability time-saving game state will continue until the result of the win/lose lottery is derived 20 times again without winning the jackpot.
In the above case, the number of time-saving times associated with the time-saving symbol may be added to the remaining number of time-saving times at the time point, instead of resetting the number of time-saving times associated with the time-saving symbol. For example, when the remaining number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state is 5, if the time-saving award is won and the time-saving symbol J2 (20 times of time-saving times) is determined, the first time-saving game state may be reset and the remaining number of time-saving times may be updated to "25 times (= 5 times of remaining time-saving times + 20 times of time-saving times set by the time-saving symbol J2)". In this case, the first low-probability time-saving game state will continue until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 25 times again without winning the jackpot.
In this case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the opportunities for a time-saving game state to be set without winning a jackpot or playing a special game can be increased, making it possible to provide more innovative gameplay and heightening the player's interest.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, three types of time-saving patterns were provided as the time-saving patterns that may be determined when a time-saving bonus is awarded: time-saving pattern J1 with the number of time-saving times set to 10, time-saving pattern J2 with the number of time-saving times set to 20, and time-saving pattern J3 with the number of time-saving times set to 1. However, this is not limited to these, and other time-saving patterns with different numbers of time-saving times may be provided.
Specifically, in addition to these time-saving symbols, a time-saving symbol J4 with the number of time-saving times set to 30, a time-saving symbol J5 with the number of time-saving times set to 50, a time-saving symbol J6 with the number of time-saving times set to 10,000, etc. may be provided. Also, only one type of time-saving symbol with a predetermined number of time-saving times may be provided as a time-saving symbol that can be determined when a time-saving award is won.
In this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the variety of time-saving game states that can be set without winning a jackpot or playing a special game can be increased, making it possible to provide more innovative gameplay and increasing the player's interest.
Also, the number of time-saving times to be set may be predetermined for each type of time-saving symbol as described above, or may be predetermined for each type of time-saving symbol and the set game state. For example, in the normal game state (non-time-saving game state), when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, when the time-saving symbol J2 is determined, and when the time-saving symbol J3 is determined, the number of time-saving times is set to 100 times, in the time-saving game state, when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, the number of time-saving times is set to 100 times, when the time-saving symbol J2 is determined, the number of time-saving times is set to 50 times, and when the time-saving symbol J3 is determined, the number of time-saving times is set to 0 times (i.e., the time-saving game state is set and at the same time, the time-saving game state is set to end).
In this case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the number of time-saving times that can be set can be varied to provide a more innovative gaming experience and increase the player's interest.
In addition, if the pachinko machine is set up so that the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15 and the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16 can result in a winning or losing lottery for the time-shortened bonus in either case, the probability of winning the time-shortened bonus in the win or lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15 may be different from the probability of winning the time-shortened bonus in the win or lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16 (for example, the probability of winning the time-shortened bonus in the win or lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15 is 1/100, and the probability of winning the time-shortened bonus in the win or lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16 is 1/10).
In this case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the degree of advantage regarding the setting of the time-saving game state changes for each starting winning port into which the game ball enters, thereby increasing the player's interest.
Also, depending on the type of the time-saving symbol determined, in the time-saving game state set based on the determination of the time-saving symbol, the normal symbol opening time, which is the time from when the normal symbol is selected as a winning symbol and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed until the movable piece 16b opens (the second start winning hole 16 opens), may be set to be different. For example, in the time-saving game state set based on the determination of the time-saving symbol J1, the normal symbol opening time may be set to 0.5 seconds, in the time-saving game state set based on the determination of the time-saving symbol J2, the normal symbol opening time may be set to 1.0 seconds, and in the time-saving game state set based on the determination of the time-saving symbol J3, the normal symbol opening time may be set to 1.5 seconds.
In this case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the advantageous degree of the time-saving game state that is set changes for each determined time-saving pattern, thereby increasing the player's interest.

(8) In the above-described embodiment, the winning of the time-saving grant can be derived as a result of the judgment in the win/lose lottery, and if the time-saving grant is won, a time-saving play state (first time-saving play state) is set. However, instead of deriving the winning of the time-saving grant as a result of the judgment in the win/lose lottery, a special pattern (i.e., a small win pattern or a losing pattern) that can be determined based on a judgment result other than a big win in the win/lose lottery (i.e., a small win or a losing pattern) may be used as the time-saving pattern, and whether or not the time-saving play state can be set (whether or not the time-saving grant is won) may be determined depending on the type of special pattern determined as described above.

For example, in the case where the winning/losing lottery based on the winning/losing random number results in a losing result, when the losing symbol Z1 is determined by the special symbol random number, a first time-saving game state in which the number of time-saving times is set to 20 may be set, and when the losing symbol Z2 is determined by the special symbol random number, the first time-saving game state may not be set. Also, the losing symbols that can be determined by the special symbol random number are not limited to these, and there may be losing symbols that set a first time-saving game state with a number of time-saving times different from that of the losing symbol Z1 (for example, a losing symbol Z3 in which a first time-saving game state with a number of time-saving times of 50 is set, a losing symbol Z4 in which a first time-saving game state with a number of time-saving times of 10,000 is set, etc.).
In addition, rather than determining the losing symbol by the process of drawing a winning/losing lottery and determining the special symbol, as in the above-mentioned variant example (2), in a winning/losing lottery based on a winning/losing random number, for example, a losing symbol corresponding to a losing symbol Z1 for which the setting of the first time-shortened game state and the number of time-shortened times is determined to be 20, and a losing symbol corresponding to a losing symbol Z2 for which it is determined that the first time-shortened game state will not be set can be set so that if the winning/losing lottery results in a losing symbol corresponding to the losing symbol Z1, the first time-shortened game state with the number of time-shortened times being 20 is set, and if the winning/losing lottery results in a losing symbol corresponding to the losing symbol Z2, the first time-shortened game state will not be set.

Also, for example, in the case where a small prize is won by a win/lose lottery based on a win/lose random number, when the small prize pattern Y1 is determined by the special pattern random number, a first time-saving game state in which the number of time-saving times is set to 50 is set, and when the small prize pattern Y2 is determined by the special pattern random number, the first time-saving game state may not be set. Also, the small prize patterns that can be determined by the special pattern random number are not limited to these, and small prize patterns that set a first time-saving game state with a different number of time-saving times from the small prize pattern Y1 (for example, small prize pattern Y3 in which a first time-saving game state with a time-saving number of 80 times is set, small prize pattern Z4 in which a first time-saving game state with a time-saving number of 10,000 times is set, etc.) may be provided.
In addition, instead of determining the small prize pattern by the process of drawing a win/lose lottery and determining the special pattern, as in the above-mentioned variant example (2), in the win/lose lottery based on a win/lose random number, for example, it is possible to derive a small prize winning corresponding to small prize pattern Y1 for which the setting of the first time-saving game state and the number of time-saving times 50 are determined, and a small prize winning corresponding to small prize pattern Y2 for which it is determined that the first time-saving game state will not be set, and if the win/lose lottery results in a small prize winning corresponding to small prize pattern Y1, the first time-saving game state with the number of time-saving times 50 is set, and if the win/lose lottery results in a small prize winning corresponding to small prize pattern Y2, the first time-saving game state will not be set.
Also, it may be determined that the time-saving game state is set for all of the small winning symbols that can be determined, or that the time-saving game state is set for some of the small winning symbols that can be determined. Also, it may be determined that the time-saving game state is set for all of the losing symbols that can be determined, or that the time-saving game state is set for some of the losing symbols that can be determined. Also, it may be determined that the small winning symbols or losing symbols for which the time-saving game state is set is fixed, and that the small winning symbols or losing symbols for which the time-saving game state is set is not changed each time a game is played.
In this case, the same effect as in the above-mentioned embodiment can be achieved, and a time-saving game state can be set without winning a jackpot or playing a special game by using special patterns such as small win patterns and miss patterns that have been used in the past, without the need to provide a new time-saving pattern as a special pattern, thereby simplifying the development process of pachinko machines.

(9) In the above-described embodiment, whether or not a time-shortened game state can be set is determined based on the result of a win/loss lottery based on a win/loss random number to determine whether or not time-shortened game state can be set. However, the control over the determination of whether or not a time-shortened game state can be set is not limited to this.
For example, a time-saving pattern random number may be provided which is a dedicated random number for determining whether or not a time-saving game state can be set, separate from the win/loss random number and special pattern random number, and a time-saving pattern lottery may be held based on the time-saving pattern random number to determine whether or not a time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) can be set, separate from the win/loss lottery and the determination of the special pattern, and based on the result of the time-saving pattern lottery it may be determined whether or not a time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) can be set and the number of time-saving times when a time-saving game state is set.
In other words, the system can be set up so that a win/loss lottery is held based on a win/loss random number, and a special pattern is determined based on the result of the win/loss lottery, and a time-saving pattern lottery is held based on the time-saving pattern random number to determine whether or not a time-saving game state can be set (the time-saving pattern described below).

Specifically, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, a time-saving pattern random number, which is a random number exclusively for the time-saving pattern lottery described above, within a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65,535) is obtained along with the above-mentioned first special pattern random number and second special pattern random number, and a time-saving pattern lottery is performed to determine the type of time-saving pattern that determines whether or not a time-saving game state can be set based on the obtained time-saving pattern random number.
More specifically, a time-saving symbol random number determination table is provided for determining the type of time-saving symbol in the time-saving symbol lottery. This time-saving symbol random number determination table may be provided for each type of start winning hole into which the game ball entered (first start winning hole 15, second start winning hole 16). When the set game state is the normal game state, the time-saving symbol lottery is performed by referring to a predetermined time-saving symbol random number determination table, and the type of the time-saving symbol is determined.

The time-saving symbol may be a time-saving winning symbol that is determined to be a winning symbol for time-saving grant (i.e., to set a time-saving game state) or a time-saving non-winning symbol that is determined to be a non-winning symbol for time-saving grant (i.e., to not set a time-saving game state). In addition, the time-saving symbol may be a plurality of types of time-saving winning symbols that are determined to have different times of time-saving (for example, a time-saving winning symbol JA1 that is determined to have 10 times of time-saving, a time-saving winning symbol JA2 that is determined to have 20 times of time-saving, etc.).
Then, when any of the time-saving winning symbols is determined by the time-saving symbol lottery, for example, the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) is set, and the number of time-saving times corresponding to the determined time-saving winning symbol is set. As a result, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues without winning the jackpot until the result of the lottery for the set number of time-saving times is derived. On the other hand, when a time-saving non-winning symbol is determined, the normal game state remains.
In addition, when the set game state is other than the normal game state (first low probability time-saving game state, second low probability time-saving game state, high probability time-saving game state), the above-mentioned time-saving symbol lottery may not be performed and the non-winning time-saving symbol may be forcibly determined. This means that a new time-saving game state will not be set in game states other than the normal game state.

In addition, as described above, when the type of time-saving pattern is set to be determined by a time-saving pattern lottery based on a time-saving pattern random number, the time-saving pattern lottery and the time-saving pattern may be set to be controlled in the same manner as the win/lose lottery and special patterns in the above-mentioned embodiment.
For example, the obtained time-saving pattern random number may be stored in the same reserved memory area as the first special pattern random number and the second special pattern random number obtained as a result of the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, and may be set to be able to be reserved up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four) in the same way as the first special pattern random number and the second special pattern random number.
In addition, when the time-saving pattern is determined as described above, a setting may be made so that a time-saving pattern variation display (hereinafter also referred to as variation of the time-saving pattern) is performed in a predetermined display device (time-saving pattern display device) different from the first special pattern display device 30 and the second special pattern display device 31, similar to the special pattern. The time-saving pattern variation display may be set to start at the same timing as the special pattern variation display, or may be set to have the same variation time as the special pattern variation display. In addition, when the special pattern variation display and the time-saving pattern variation display are started at the same timing, a setting may be made so that a time-saving pattern lottery is performed at the start of the variation display.

In addition, when a winning time-saving symbol is determined in the time-saving symbol lottery described above, if the win/lose lottery executed in conjunction with the time-saving symbol lottery results in a loss, the time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) may be set after the special symbol based on the win/lose lottery has stopped changing (when the next special symbol starts changing).In addition, when a small prize is won in the win/lose lottery executed in conjunction with the time-saving symbol lottery, the time-saving game state may be set after the small prize game based on the small prize win has ended (when the first special symbol starts changing after the small prize game has ended).

In contrast, when a time-saving winning pattern is determined in the time-saving pattern lottery described above, and a jackpot is won in the win/lose lottery executed in conjunction with the time-saving pattern lottery, the time-saving game state is not set based on the time-saving winning pattern, and after the special game based on the jackpot win ends (when the first special pattern starts to change after the special game ends), the game state may be set according to the type of jackpot pattern determined based on the jackpot win. In other words, if the time-saving winning pattern and the jackpot pattern (jackpot win) overlap, the time-saving winning pattern may be invalidated, and the game state may be set based on the jackpot pattern. If the game state setting based on the time-saving winning pattern is performed with priority over the special game, the game state at the time of the jackpot win may change, and the game state after the special game must be set after checking whether or not there is a change, which may make the game state setting process complicated, but by doing as described above, it is possible to appropriately prevent such a situation from occurring.

In addition, the change pattern command, the manner of the change presentation, the manner of the pre-reading presentation, etc. may be determined based on the results of determining the special pattern and the time-saving pattern.
Specifically, the variation pattern command and the variation performance mode corresponding to each of the following cases may be determined: when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a win or loss of a small win and a time-saving winning pattern is determined; when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a win or loss of a small win and a time-saving non-winning pattern is determined; and when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a win of a big win (when a time-saving non-winning pattern is determined). For example, when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a win or loss of a small win and a time-saving winning pattern is determined or when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a win of a big win, the determination rate of the variation pattern command associated with a long variation time may be set to be higher than when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a win or loss of a small win and a time-saving non-winning pattern is determined, or the determination rate of the variation performance mode or the pre-reading performance mode in which the expectation of winning a big win or winning a time-saving grant is set to be high may be set to be higher.

In addition, even if the type of time-saving symbol is determined by a lottery based on a random number of time-saving symbols, the lottery may be performed in a game state other than the normal game state to determine whether or not to set the time-saving game state. The various controls in this case are the same as those in (6) above, so the explanation will be omitted.
In addition, rather than determining both whether or not the time-saving game state can be set and the number of times the time-saving mode can be activated in the time-saving pattern lottery based on the time-saving pattern random number, the time-saving pattern lottery based on the time-saving pattern random number may only determine whether or not the time-saving game state can be set, and if it is decided to set the time-saving game state, a lottery may be held to determine the number of times the time-saving mode can be activated based on another random number (a time-saving mode determination random number) different from the above-mentioned time-saving pattern random number.

In addition, the above-mentioned time-saving symbol lottery may be set to be performed using other random numbers instead of using the time-saving symbol random numbers.
For example, instead of using a single win/lose random number to determine both whether a jackpot has been won and whether a small jackpot has been won, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, a jackpot determination random number that is used only to determine whether a jackpot has been won, a small jackpot determination random number that is used only to determine whether a small jackpot has been won, and a loss determination random number that is used only to determine whether a loss has been won can be separately provided, and a determination can be made for each random number to derive a determination result of whether a jackpot has been won, a small jackpot has been won, or a loss, and the above-mentioned time-saving pattern lottery can be performed based on one of these random numbers to determine whether a time-saving game state can be set and the number of times the time can be saved.

In addition, instead of determining the jackpot pattern, small win pattern, or losing pattern by one special pattern random number as in the above embodiment, a jackpot pattern determination random number used only to determine the type of jackpot pattern in the case of a jackpot, a small win pattern determination random number used only to determine the type of small win pattern in the case of a small win, and a losing pattern determination random number used only to determine the type of losing pattern in the case of a losing game may be separately provided, and the type of jackpot pattern, small win pattern, or losing pattern may be determined based on one of the random numbers according to the result of the jackpot, small win, or losing judgment, and a time-saving pattern lottery may be held based on one of these random numbers to determine whether or not to set a time-saving game state and the number of time-saving times.

In addition, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, in a pachinko machine P having multiple setting values associated with settings related to ball output, a time-saving symbol lottery may be performed based on either a random number used in a lottery set to have a different lottery probability depending on the setting value (e.g., a win/lose random number, a big win determination random number, a small win determination random number, a miss determination random number, etc.), or a random number used in a lottery set to have the same lottery probability regardless of the setting value (e.g., a special symbol random number, etc.), to determine whether or not a time-saving game state can be set and the number of time-saving times. Also, instead of performing a time-saving symbol lottery based on a random number used in a lottery set to have a different lottery probability depending on the setting value, a time-saving symbol lottery may be performed based only on a random number used in a lottery set to have the same lottery probability regardless of the setting value, to determine whether or not a time-saving game state can be set and the number of time-saving times.

When set up as above, it provides the same effects as the above-mentioned embodiment, and also provides a wide range of control methods for setting the time-saving game state, making it possible to set the time-saving game state according to the specifications of the pachinko machine.

(10) In the above-described embodiment, when a high-probability game state is set, a jackpot is then won and a special pattern (jackpot pattern X4) for setting a low-probability game state is determined, whereby the high-probability game state ends and a low-probability game state is set. However, the control of the transition to the low-probability game state is not limited to this.
For example, after a high probability game state is set, if a predetermined number of high probability game state (for example, 80 times) of winning/losing lotteries are performed without winning a jackpot, the high probability game state may be terminated (configured as a so-called ST type pachinko machine). In addition, in a pachinko machine set in this way, if a game state combining a high probability game state and a non-time-saving game state can be set, during the game state, when a time-saving symbol is determined by a winning/losing lottery as in the above-mentioned embodiment, when a small winning symbol or a losing symbol that is determined to set a time-saving game state is determined as in the above-mentioned modified example (8), or when a time-saving winning symbol is determined by a time-saving symbol lottery as in the above-mentioned modified example (9), the time-saving game state may be set based on the determination.
Also, for example, a fall lottery random number used in a fall lottery that determines whether or not to end the high probability game state and set a low probability game state may be set, and when a fall lottery based on this fall lottery random number determines that the high probability game state is to be ended and a low probability game state is to be set, the high probability game state may be ended. In addition, when a fall lottery random number is set, a time-saving symbol lottery like the above-mentioned modified example (9) may be performed based on the fall lottery random number to determine whether or not to set the time-saving game state.
When set as described above, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are achieved, and a wide variety of control methods are available for setting the time-saving game state, making it possible to set the time-saving game state in accordance with the specifications of the pachinko machine.

(11) In the above-described embodiment, the process of determining the result of the lottery was performed in the following order: determination of whether or not there was a big win, → determination of whether or not there was a small win, → determination of whether or not there was a time-saving grant. However, the order of the determination is not limited to this.
For example, the determination may be made in the following order: determining whether a big win has been achieved, → determining whether a time-saving bonus has been awarded, → determining whether a small win has been achieved.
Also, as in the above-mentioned modified example (8), in the winning/losing lottery, instead of deriving a judgment result of winning the time-saving bonus, it is possible to derive the winning of a small prize corresponding to a small prize pattern for which it is determined that a time-saving game state is set (hereinafter also referred to as a small prize with time-saving), or the winning of a small prize corresponding to a small prize pattern for which it is determined that a time-saving game state is not set (hereinafter also referred to as a small prize without time-saving), and in a pachinko machine in which the time-saving game state is set when a small prize with time-saving is won, and the time-saving game state is not set when a small prize without time-saving is won, for example, the judgment may be made in the order of: judgment of winning or losing a jackpot → judgment of winning or losing a small prize with time-saving → judgment of winning or losing a small prize without time-saving, or judgment of winning or losing a jackpot → judgment of winning or losing a small prize without time-saving → judgment of winning or losing a small prize with time-saving.
Also, as in the above-mentioned variant example (8), in the winning/losing lottery, rather than deriving a judgment result of whether or not a time-shortening bonus has been awarded, it is possible to derive a losing result corresponding to a losing symbol that is determined to set a time-shortening game state (hereinafter also referred to as a losing result with time-shortening) or a losing result corresponding to a losing symbol that is determined to not set a time-shortening game state (hereinafter also referred to as a losing result without time-shortening), and in a pachinko machine in which a time-shortening game state is set when a losing result with time-shortening is obtained, and a time-shortening game state is not set when a losing result without time-shortening is obtained, the judgments may be made in the following order, for example: judgment of whether or not a jackpot has been awarded → judgment of whether or not a small jackpot has been awarded → judgment of whether or not a loss with time-shortening is obtained, or judgment of whether or not a jackpot has been awarded → judgment of whether or not a loss with time-shortening is obtained → judgment of whether or not a small jackpot has been awarded
In addition, in pachinko machines that are set up to determine whether or not a high probability game state will end by a fall-out lottery, the lottery processing may be carried out in the following order: fall-out lottery → win/loss lottery (determination of whether or not a jackpot has been awarded, determination of whether or not a small jackpot has been awarded, determination of whether or not a time-saving bonus has been awarded).

In addition, as in the above-mentioned modified example (9), in a pachinko machine that is set to determine whether or not a time-saving game state can be set by a time-saving symbol lottery and does not have a multi-stage setting value, the lottery processing may be performed in the order of time-saving symbol lottery → win/lose lottery, or the win/lose lottery → time-saving symbol lottery. In addition, in a pachinko machine that is set to determine whether or not a time-saving game state can be set by a time-saving symbol lottery and has a multi-stage setting value, the lottery processing may be performed in the order of time-saving symbol lottery (lottery set so that the lottery probability is the same regardless of the setting value) → win/lose lottery (lottery set so that the lottery probability differs depending on the setting value).
In addition, in a pachinko machine that is set to determine whether or not a time-saving game state can be set by a time-saving symbol lottery and to determine whether or not a high-probability game state can be ended by a fall lottery and that does not have multiple set values, the lottery processing may be performed in the order of fall lottery → time-saving symbol lottery → winning/losing lottery, or the lottery processing may be performed in the order of fall lottery → winning/losing lottery → time-saving symbol lottery. In a pachinko machine that is set to determine whether or not a time-saving game state can be set by a time-saving symbol lottery and to determine whether or not a high-probability game state can be ended by a fall lottery and that has multiple set values, the lottery processing may be performed in the order of fall lottery (lottery set so that the lottery probability is the same regardless of the set value) → time-saving symbol lottery (lottery set so that the lottery probability is the same regardless of the set value) → winning/losing lottery (lottery set so that the lottery probability differs depending on the set value).

When set up as above, it provides the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment, and also enables a lottery to be held at a time according to the specifications of the pachinko machine to determine whether or not to set the time-saving game mode.

(12) In the above-described embodiment, a special game is executed when the result of the lottery is a jackpot. However, the trigger for executing the special game is not limited to this.
For example, in a small prize game that is executed not only when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a big prize, but also when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a predetermined small prize (when a predetermined small prize pattern is determined), a specific large prize opening with a special area into which a game ball can enter is opened, and a special game may be executed even if a game ball that entered the specific large prize opening during the small prize game enters the special area (configured as a so-called one-type two-type mixed pachinko machine). Also, after the special game executed based on the above-mentioned small prize winning is finished, it may be set to transition to a game state (non-time-saving game state, time-saving game state) corresponding to the small prize pattern determined at the time of the above-mentioned small prize winning.

Furthermore, in a pachinko machine configured as described above (a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine), similarly to the above-described embodiments and modified examples, it may be configured to perform the following: judgment of whether or not a time-saving feature has been awarded (the win/loss lottery in the above-described embodiment and modified example (2)); determination of the small winning symbol or losing symbol for which the time-saving game state can be set (the win/loss lottery and special symbol determination processing in modified example (8) above); determination of the time-saving winning symbol or non-winning symbol for the time-saving game state (the time-saving symbol lottery in modified example (9) above) (hereinafter, these judgments and determinations are collectively referred to as the time-saving award determination processing), so that the time-saving game state can be set without going through the winning of a jackpot or the execution of a special game.
For example, in the case of the above-mentioned time-saving symbol lottery being performed on a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, when the time-saving symbol lottery determines that a time-saving game state is to be set (a time-saving symbol (a time-saving winning symbol) that is determined to set a time-saving game state) and the winning/losing lottery results in a loss (a losing symbol is determined), the time-saving game state is set according to the result of the above-mentioned time-saving symbol lottery after the fluctuation of the special symbol based on the winning/losing lottery has stopped, and when the time-saving game state is set according to the result of the above-mentioned time-saving symbol lottery, and the winning/losing lottery results in a small win (a small win symbol is determined), the time-saving game state is not set according to the result of the above-mentioned time-saving symbol lottery, and after the small win game and special game based on the small win are completed, a game state corresponding to the type of small win symbol determined based on the small win may be set.
Specifically, if a time-saving pattern (time-saving winning pattern) associated with setting a first time-saving game state (time-saving number of times is 20) is determined by the above-mentioned time-saving pattern lottery, and a small prize is won in the win/lose lottery, and a small prize pattern associated with setting a second time-saving game state (time-saving number of times is 100) is determined after the small prize game and special game are completed, then the first time-saving game state is not set and the second time-saving game state is set after the small prize game and special game are completed.
In this case, in addition to achieving the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment, pachinko machines of various specifications can be equipped with a lottery function that determines whether or not to set a time-saving play state, and it is possible to appropriately prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the process of setting the time-saving play state becomes complicated when a small jackpot is won and the decision to set the time-saving play state overlaps.

(13) If multiple types of determination results are provided as the determination results that can be determined by the above-mentioned time-saving awarding determination process, a time-saving game state may be set for each determination result, with different processing contents for making it easier to maintain the second start winning port 16 in an open state.
For example, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the time-saving symbol for setting the time-saving game state is set to be determined by the process of the winning/losing lottery and the determination of the special symbol, or when the time-saving symbol for setting the time-saving game state (time-saving winning symbol) is set to be determined by the time-saving symbol lottery as in the above-mentioned modified example (9), the types of the time-saving symbol (time-saving winning symbol) that can be determined include the symbol for setting the first time-saving game state described above, and the probability of winning in the lottery for the normal symbol is higher than that of the non-time-saving game state, but the fluctuation time of the normal symbol and the second start winning port are higher than those of the non-time-saving game state. A symbol for setting a third time-saving game state in which the opening time of the second start winning port 16 is the same as that of the non-time-saving game state, a symbol for setting a fourth time-saving game state in which the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is longer than that of the non-time-saving game state but the probability of winning in the lottery of the normal symbol and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 are the same as that of the non-time-saving game state, a symbol for setting a fifth time-saving game state in which the opening time of the second start winning port 16 is longer than that of the non-time-saving game state but the probability of winning in the lottery of the normal symbol and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol are the same as that of the non-time-saving game state, etc. may be provided. In addition to these, a symbol for setting a time-saving game state in which any two of the probability of winning in the lottery of the normal symbol, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol, and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 are higher (or longer) than those of the non-time-saving game state but the other one is the same as that of the non-time-saving game state may be provided.
In addition, as in the above-mentioned modified example (2), the same setting can be made even when the result of the winning/losing lottery can be derived as the winning of the time-saving grant corresponding to a predetermined time-saving symbol. For example, the winning/losing lottery can be set so that the result of the winning of the time-saving grant corresponding to the time-saving symbol determined to set the above-mentioned third time-saving game state, the winning of the time-saving grant corresponding to the time-saving symbol determined to set the above-mentioned fourth time-saving game state, etc. can be derived.

Furthermore, as in the above-mentioned modified example (8), when it is set so that the possibility of setting a time-shortened game state is determined by a small win pattern or a losing pattern determined in the process of the winning/losing lottery and the determination of the special pattern, it is possible to provide a small win pattern Y1 (or a losing pattern Z1) that is determined to set the above-mentioned first time-shortened game state, a small win pattern Y3 (or a losing pattern Z3) that is determined to set the above-mentioned third time-shortened game state, a small win pattern Y4 (or a losing pattern Z4) that is determined to set the above-mentioned fourth time-shortened game state, a small win pattern Y5 (or a losing pattern Z5) that is determined to set the above-mentioned fifth time-shortened game state, etc. In addition to these, a small winning pattern (or a losing pattern) may be provided that is determined to set a time-saving game state in which any two of the probability of winning in the lottery for the normal pattern, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern, and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 are higher (or longer) than in the non-time-saving game state, but the other one is the same as the non-time-saving game state.
In addition, as in the above-mentioned modified example (8), the same setting can be made even when the result of the winning/losing lottery can be derived as a winning of a small prize corresponding to a small prize pattern determined to set a time-saving game state, or a losing result corresponding to a losing pattern determined to set a time-saving game state. For example, the winning/losing lottery can be set to be capable of deriving a result such as a winning of a small prize corresponding to the small prize pattern Y3 determined to set the above-mentioned third time-saving game state (or a losing result corresponding to the losing pattern Z3), a winning of a small prize corresponding to the small prize pattern Y4 determined to set the above-mentioned fourth time-saving game state (or a losing result corresponding to the losing pattern Z4), etc.

When configured as described above, it is possible to achieve the same effect as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and also to provide a wide variety of processing options to make it easier to maintain the second start winning hole 16 in an open state in the time-saving game state that is set without the need for a jackpot or special game, thereby providing more innovative gameplay and increasing the player's interest.

(14) The type and number of symbols (time-saving symbols, time-saving winning symbols, small win symbols, losing symbols, etc.) that are determined to set a time-saving game state that can be determined by the above-mentioned time-saving grant determination process may be set to be different for each game state.
For example, in the case where there are a predetermined number of patterns (e.g., five types) that are determined to set a time-saving play state (time-saving patterns, time-saving winning patterns, small winning patterns, losing patterns, etc.), it may be set so that all types can be determined in the normal play state, but only one or more types can be determined in the low-probability time-saving play state, or it may be set so that all types can be determined in the low-probability time-saving play state, but only one or more types can be determined in the normal play state.
Also, for example, it may be set so that all types can be determined in a specific time-saving game state (for example, the first time-saving game state), but only one or more types can be determined in a time-saving game state other than the specific one (for example, the third time-saving game state).
When set as above, it produces the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment, and also makes it possible to vary the rate at which a time-saving game state is set and the types of time-saving game states that can be set for each game state, thereby making it possible to provide more innovative gameplay and heighten the interest of the player.

(15) When the type of small win pattern or losing pattern is set to determine whether or not a time-saving game state can be set, the variation pattern may be determined according to the type of small win pattern or losing pattern that has been determined.
In this case as well, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and when a time-saving game state is set without winning a jackpot or playing a special game, a wide variety of variable effects can be executed.

(16) In the case where the setting is made so that the possibility of setting a time-saving game state is determined based on the type of small winning symbol or losing symbol, the time-saving game state may be set according to the number of times a small winning symbol that is determined to set a time-saving game state or the number of times a losing symbol that is determined to set a time-saving game state is determined within a specified period (for example, from a specified start point until 100 win/lose lotteries have been held).
For example, when a small winning symbol Y1 (a small winning symbol for which it is determined that a first time-saving game state with 20 time-saving times is set) is determined a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice, etc.) within the above-mentioned predetermined period, the time-saving game state determined for the small winning symbol Y1 may be set. Also, when a losing symbol Z1 (a small winning symbol for which it is determined that a first time-saving game state with 50 time-saving times is set) is determined a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times, etc.) within the above-mentioned predetermined period, the time-saving game state determined for the losing symbol Z1 may be set.
In this case as well, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the conditions for setting the time-saving game state can be varied to provide a more innovative gaming experience.

(17) In a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, when a time-shortened game state is set based on the type of small win pattern, the number of time-shortened increments of the time-shortened game state set after a small win game based on the determination of a small win pattern that has been determined to set a time-shortened game state may be the same or different when the game ball enters a special area provided in a specific large prize opening during a small win game based on the determination of a small win pattern that has been determined to set a time-shortened game state and when the game ball does not enter the special area provided in the specific large prize opening during the small win game.
For example, in the case where a small win pattern Y1 is determined which is determined to set a first time-saving game state with 20 time-saving cycles, when the game ball enters a special area during a small win game based on the determination of the small win pattern Y1, the first time-saving game state with 20 time-saving cycles may be set after the small win game and the special game are completed, and even when the game ball does not enter the special area, the first time-saving game state with 20 time-saving cycles may be set after the small win game is completed.
Also, for example, when the above-mentioned small win pattern Y1 is determined, during the small win game based on the determination of the small win pattern Y1, if the game ball enters a special area, a first time-saving game state with a time-saving count of 20 times may be set after the small win game and the special game are completed, and if the game ball does not enter the special area, a first time-saving game state with a time-saving count of 5 times may be set after the small win game is completed.
In this case as well, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and different time-saving game states can be set depending on whether or not the game ball can land in the special area, thereby providing a wide variety of gameplay.

(18) When setting a time-saving play state when a small win is won in the win/lose lottery (when the small win pattern is determined), the time-saving play state may be set at any timing from the time when the small win is won (determination of the small win pattern) to the end of the small win game based on the small win (for example, when the small win is won, when the small win pattern starts to change, when the small win pattern ends to change, at the start of the small win game based on the small win pattern, during the small win game, at the end of the small win game (when the first special pattern starts to change after the small win game ends), etc.).
Similarly, when setting a time-saving play state when the winning/losing lottery results in a loss (when the losing symbol is determined), the time-saving play state may be set at any time from the time when the winning/losing lottery results in a loss (when the losing symbol is determined) to the end of the fluctuation based on that loss (for example, the time when the losing lottery result is derived, when the losing symbol starts to change, when the fluctuation of the losing symbol ends (when the next special symbol starts to change), etc.).
Even when set in this manner, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the variety of transitions to the time-saving game state can be increased, thereby increasing the variety of gameplay.

(19) In the case where the setting is made so that the possibility of setting a time-shortened game state is determined based on the type of small win or losing symbol, the number of times that time is shortened in the time-shortened game state may be set to a predetermined number of times that time is shortened corresponding to the type of small win or losing symbol, or a lottery may be held to determine the number of times that time is shortened when transitioning to the time-shortened game state, and the number of times that time is shortened determined by the lottery may be set.
Even in this case, the same effect as in the above-mentioned embodiment can be achieved, and the method of determining the number of time-saving times can be varied, making it possible to determine the number of time-saving times in accordance with the specifications of the pachinko machine.

(20) In the case where the setting is made so that the possibility of setting a time-saving game state is determined based on the type of small win pattern or missing pattern, the performance of the time-saving game state to be set (the difficulty level at which the second start winning port 16 is maintained in the open state) may be made different depending on the type of small win pattern or missing pattern determined.
For example, when a small winning symbol Y1 (or a losing symbol Z1) is determined, a time-saving game state A is set in which the second start winning port 16 is more likely to be maintained in an open state than in the normal game state (one or more of the following settings are set: a setting with a high probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols, a setting with a long fluctuation time for normal symbols, and a setting with a long opening time for the second start winning port 16), and when a small winning symbol Y3 (or a losing symbol Z3) is determined, a time-saving game state B is set in which the second start winning port 16 is more likely to be maintained in an open state than in the time-saving game state A.
In addition, the performance of the time-saving game state that is set may be made different depending on the type of small win symbol or losing symbol and the set game state.
For example, when a small win pattern Y1 (or a losing pattern Z1) is determined in the normal game state, the above-mentioned time-saving game state A is set, but when a small win pattern Y1 (or a losing pattern Z1) is determined in the time-saving game state, the above-mentioned time-saving game state B may be set.
Even in the above-described case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the performance of the time-saving game state that can be set can be varied to provide more innovative gameplay.

(21) When a time-saving game state is set based on the determination of a time-saving symbol, a time-saving winning symbol, a small winning symbol, or a losing symbol that is determined to set a time-saving game state, the time-saving game state may be ended on the condition of winning a big win without setting an upper limit on the number of time-saving times (i.e., the number of time-saving times is infinite), or a lottery (lottery for a time-saving ending symbol) may be held to determine a time-saving ending symbol that is determined to end the time-saving game state, and the time-saving game state may be ended on the condition that the time-saving ending symbol is determined by the lottery. Also, the time-saving game state may be ended on the condition that a time-saving symbol, a time-saving winning symbol, a small winning symbol, or a losing symbol that is determined to set a time-saving game state and the number of time-saving times is determined, and a new time-saving game state and the number of time-saving times based on the determination may be set (overwritten). In addition, the above-mentioned time-saving game state may be ended when any of the following conditions is satisfied: the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived) reaches the time-saving number, a jackpot is won, a special game based on the winning of a small jackpot is executed, or the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived) reaches a predetermined number of times LN for activating the time-saving game, thereby setting a time-saving game state (a time-saving game state such as (29) described later (the second time-saving game state described later)).
In this case as well, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the conditions for terminating the time-saving game state can be made more varied, resulting in more innovative gameplay.

(22) In a pachinko machine (hereinafter referred to as a pachinko machine equipped with a time-saving limiter) in which a time-saving game state cannot be set as the next game state when the number of consecutive time-saving settings reaches a predetermined upper limit (a non-time-saving game state is forcibly set), when a time-saving symbol, a time-saving winning symbol, a small win symbol or a losing symbol that is determined to set a time-saving game state is displayed in a stopped state during normal game mode, the number of consecutive time-saving settings may or may not be updated based on the stopped display.
Also, in the time-saving game state, when a time-saving pattern, a time-saving winning pattern, a small winning pattern or a losing pattern that is determined to set a time-saving game state is displayed in a stopped state, the number of consecutive time-saving settings may or may not be updated based on the stopped display.
In addition, even if a time-saving pattern, a time-saving winning pattern, a small winning pattern or a losing pattern which is determined to set a time-saving game state when determined during a normal game state but is determined not to set a time-saving game state when determined during a time-saving game state is displayed stopped during the time-saving game state, the above-mentioned number of consecutive time-saving settings may or may not be updated based on the stopped display.
In the above-described case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the difficulty level at which the number of consecutive time-saving settings reaches the upper limit can be changed, thereby providing more innovative gameplay.

(23) In a pachinko machine equipped with a time-saving limiter, the performance of the time-saving game state, which is set based on the determination of a time-saving pattern, a time-saving winning pattern, a small winning pattern or a missing pattern for which a time-saving game state is set, (one or more of the winning probability of a normal pattern, the fluctuation time of a normal pattern, the opening time of the second start winning port 16, and the number of times of time-saving) may be made different depending on the number of consecutive times remaining until the number of times of time-saving settings reaches a predetermined upper limit, or may be made the same regardless of the number of times remaining.
In this case as well, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the variety of time-saving game states that can be set in a pachinko machine equipped with a time-saving limiter can be increased, making it possible to provide more innovative gameplay.

(24) In a pachinko machine configured such that a fall-out lottery is conducted and a time-shortened game state is set by determining a time-shortened game pattern, a time-shortened winning pattern, a small win pattern or a missing pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state, when a fall-out lottery determines that a high-probability game state will be ended and a time-shortened game pattern, a time-shortened winning pattern, a small win pattern or a missing pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state, the number of time-shortened game patterns to be set based on the determination of the patterns may be set to the game state before the above-mentioned determination by the fall-out lottery and the number of time-shortened game patterns determined according to the type of pattern determined, or may be set to the game state before the above-mentioned determination by the fall-out lottery and the number of time-shortened game patterns determined according to the type of pattern determined.
In this case as well, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and the number of time-saving times that can be set in the time-saving game state can be made more varied, resulting in more innovative gameplay.

(25) When a pre-reading effect that notifies the result of a win/lose lottery is being executed, if a time-saving pattern, a small win pattern, or a losing pattern that is determined to set a time-saving game state is determined, the pre-reading effect being executed may be continued, or the pre-reading effect may be discontinued without being continued.
In addition, when a hold that determines a time-saving pattern, a small winning pattern, or a losing pattern that is determined to set a time-saving game state is stored, the execution of a specific effect (such as a look-ahead effect, a specified effect executed during a variable effect based on the other hold) targeting other holds may be restricted, and if a specific effect targeting the other hold is already being executed, the specific effect being executed may be continued or may be discontinued without continuing.
In addition, in a pachinko machine that is set to determine whether or not a time-saving game state can be set by the above-mentioned time-saving pattern lottery and that is set to execute a pre-reading performance that notifies the result of the time-saving pattern lottery, control similar to that described above may also be performed.
Even in this case, the same effect as in the above-mentioned embodiment can be achieved, and it is possible to execute appropriate presentation according to the situation of the determination of the time-saving pattern, small win pattern or losing pattern that is determined to set the time-saving game state.

(26) In a pachinko machine in which the game state after the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot can be set to a high-probability game state, the probability A1 that the game state after the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability game state will be set to a high-probability game state, and the probability A2 that the game state after the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot during a high-probability game state will be set to a high-probability game state may be set to the same value or to different values.
The above-mentioned probabilities A1 and A2 may be set to be the same regardless of the type of special random number (first special random number, second special random number) used in the winning/losing lottery, or may be set to be different values depending on the type of special random number. The above-mentioned probabilities A1 and A2 may be set to be the same regardless of the type of special pattern determined when a jackpot is won, or may be set to be different values depending on the type of special pattern. The above-mentioned probabilities A1 and A2 may be set to be different values depending on the type of special random number used in the winning/losing lottery and the type of special pattern determined when a jackpot is won.
When set in this manner, there is a wide variation in the probability that a high probability game state is set from a low probability game state through the execution of a special game, and that a high probability game state is set again from a high probability game state through the execution of a special game, and therefore the gameplay that can be provided to the player can be made more varied.

(27) In a pachinko machine that can end a high-probability game state and set a low-probability game state by a fall-out lottery, the determination probability B of ending the high-probability game state and setting a low-probability game state may be set to only one value or to multiple values.
If only one value is set, the fall-out lottery is always conducted using that value, and if multiple values are set, the fall-out lottery may be conducted using any of the values depending on the situation (for example, depending on the number of times the special pattern has changed since the high probability game state was set, the type of starting winning slot into which the game ball entered, etc.).
The determination probability B may be set to be the same regardless of the set game state (high probability time-saving game state, high probability non-time-saving game state combining the high probability game state and the non-time-saving game state). The determination probability B may be set to be the same regardless of the type of special random number (first special random number, second special random number) used in the winning/losing lottery, or may be set to be different depending on the type of special random number. The determination probability B may be set to be the same regardless of the type of special pattern (losing pattern) determined in the case of a loss, or may be set to be different depending on the type of special pattern. The determination probability B may be set to be different depending on the set game state, the type of special random number used in the winning/losing lottery, and the type of special pattern determined in the case of a loss.
When set in this manner, the probability that a high probability game state ends and a low probability game state is set can be varied, and the gameplay that can be provided to the player can be made more varied.

(28) In a pachinko machine (hereinafter, referred to as a pachinko machine equipped with a probability change limiter) that is set so that a low probability game state is forcibly set after the end of a special game when the number of consecutive high probability settings reaches a predetermined upper limit, only one value or multiple values may be set as the upper limit. If only one value is set, the above-mentioned setting may be performed when the number of consecutive high probability settings reaches that value, and if multiple values are set, the above-mentioned setting may be performed when the number of consecutive high probability settings reaches any value according to the situation (for example, according to the number of times a low probability game state has been shifted to a high probability game state, etc.).
Similarly, in a pachinko machine equipped with a time-saving limiter, the upper limit number may be set to only one value or multiple values. If only one value is set, the above-mentioned setting is performed when the continuous time-saving setting number reaches that value, and if multiple values are set, the above-mentioned setting may be performed when the continuous time-saving setting number reaches any value according to the situation (for example, according to the number of times a non-time-saving game state has been switched to a time-saving game state).
When set in this manner, there will be a wide variety of options for the upper limit of the number of consecutive high probability settings and the number of consecutive time-saving settings, and the gameplay that can be provided to the player will be more varied.

(29) In the above-described embodiment, the time-saving game state is set when the time-saving award is determined to be a win or loss in a win/loss lottery during the normal game state, but the trigger for setting the time-saving game state is not limited to this.
For example, the number of times the special symbols change (the number of times the lottery result is derived in the win/lose lottery) may be counted, and if the game state when the count value reaches a predetermined number of times LN to activate the time-saving function without winning a jackpot is other than the time-saving game state (normal game state or high probability non-time-saving game state), a time-saving game state in which the number of times to activate the time-saving function becomes a specific number of times TN to activate the time-saving function may be set without winning a jackpot or playing a special game. Also, the specific number of times TN to activate the time-saving function may be set to be greater than the number of times LN to activate the time-saving function.
In this setting, even if a big win is not won, the time-saving game state is set if the number of times the special symbols change reaches the time-saving activation count LN, so that the number of variations in which the time-saving game state can be set is increased, and the interest of the player can be enhanced.

(30) In a pachinko machine set as in the above-mentioned modified example (29), the above-mentioned count value may be cleared at any one or more of the following times: (a) when the power is turned on (when the RAM is cleared); (b) when the number of times the special symbol changes during the normal game state reaches the time-saving activation count LN, or when the number of times the special symbol changes during the normal game state reaches the time-saving activation count LN and then a lottery is held to determine whether a specific time-saving activation count TN has been won without a jackpot being won (when the time-saving game state set by reaching the time-saving activation count LN ends); (c) when a jackpot is won or when a special game based on a jackpot is ended; (d) when the time-saving game state is set in a pachinko machine in which a time-saving game state is set by determining a time-saving symbol, a time-saving winning symbol, a small win symbol, or a losing symbol that is set to set the time-saving game state; and (e) when the RAM is cleared by executing a change of the setting value in a pachinko machine in which a setting value is set. That is, the counting of the above-mentioned count value may be started from the points (a) to (e). Note that the clearing at the point (c) may be set to be always executed.
Also, the count value may be cleared at a time point other than (a) to (e).
In addition, the above-mentioned count value may be set to always be counted regardless of the set game state, or may not be counted during a state that is advantageous to the player (for example, during a high probability game state, a time-saving game state, etc.).
In addition, the timing for counting the above-mentioned count value may be any time from the time when the winning/losing lottery results in a loss (when the losing pattern is determined) to the end of the variation based on the loss (for example, the time when the losing lottery result is derived, when the losing pattern starts to vary, when the losing pattern ends to vary, the time when the stopped display time has elapsed after the variation of the losing pattern ends (when the next special pattern starts to vary), etc.), or when the winning/losing lottery results in a jackpot (when the jackpot pattern is determined), it may be any of the above-mentioned times or the end of the special game based on the winning jackpot, etc.
In addition, the timing at which the time-saving gaming state is set may be set to be the same as the timing at which the above-mentioned count value is counted.
Furthermore, the above-mentioned count value may, for example, during a normal game state, be set to count the variation in the special pattern based on the first special pattern random number that is mainly obtained during the normal game state, or may be set to count not only the variation in the special pattern based on the first special pattern random number but also the variation in the special pattern based on the second special pattern random number.
When set in this manner, the timing at which the time-saving gaming state is set can be varied, enhancing the interest of the player.
In addition, when the count value is started from the end of the special game, the change at the time when the count value reaches the time-saving activation count LN may be executed by a specific change pattern (change time). In addition, in the case where the count value is started from the time when the RAM is cleared, the change at the time when the count value reaches the time-saving activation count LN may not be executed by a specific change pattern (change time).

(31) In a pachinko machine set as in the above-mentioned variant example (29), the number of times the time-saving feature is activated LN may be determined in relation to the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery, and may be set to a value within a range that does not make the player too gambling-oriented (for example, if the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery is 1/P, then P x lower limit coefficient for activation (e.g., 2.5) ≦ number of times the time-saving feature is activated LN ≦ P x upper limit coefficient for activation (e.g., 3.0)). Also, it may be set to an appropriate value according to the game specifications of the pachinko machine, regardless of the probability of winning the jackpot. Also, the number of times the time-saving feature is activated LN may be set to only one value, or multiple values.
When multiple setting values corresponding to settings related to ball output are provided, a different number of times LN for activating the time-saving feature may be set for each setting value, or the same number of times LN for activating the time-saving feature may be set for any setting value (the number of times LN for activating the time-saving feature determined based on the probability of winning a jackpot for any setting value (for example, the lowest probability of winning a jackpot)).
When set in this manner, it is possible to prevent the gambling nature based on the setting of the time-shortened gaming state from becoming too high, and to provide a wide variety of timing for setting the time-shortened gaming state.

(32) In a pachinko machine set as in the above-mentioned variant example (29), the specific number of time-saving times TN may be determined in relation to the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery, and may be set to a value within a range that does not make the game too gambling-like (for example, if the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery is 1/P, then P x specific lower limit coefficient (for example, 0.4) ≦ specific number of time-saving times TN ≦ P x specific upper limit coefficient (for example, 3.8)). Also, it may be set to an appropriate value according to the game specifications of the pachinko machine, regardless of the probability of winning the jackpot. Also, the specific number of time-saving times LN may be set to only one value, or multiple values.
In addition, the number of times the time-shortening of the time-shortening game state is set based on winning a jackpot, and the number of times the time-shortening of the time-shortening game state is set based on the determination of a pattern that is determined to set the time-shortening game state, regardless of winning a jackpot, may also be set to be within the above-mentioned range.
In addition, when multiple setting values corresponding to settings related to ball output are set, a different specific number of time-saving times TN may be set for each setting value, or the same specific number of time-saving times TN may be set for any setting value (a specific number of time-saving times TN determined based on the probability of winning a jackpot for any setting value (for example, the lowest probability of winning a jackpot)).
In addition, the time-saving game state that is set based on the count value of the number of times the special symbol changes reaching the time-saving activation number LN may be set to end by satisfying the same time-saving end condition as the time-saving game state that is set based on the winning of a jackpot or the determination of a symbol that is determined to set the time-saving game state. For example, the time-saving game state described above may be set to end when a jackpot is won or when a win/lose lottery is held a specific number of times TN for the time-saving game.
In addition, if multiple patterns are set as conditions for terminating the time-saving game state, such as the sum of the number of times the special pattern changes based on the first special pattern random number and the number of times the special pattern changes based on the second special pattern random number reaching a specific time-saving number TN1, and the number of times the special pattern changes based on the second special pattern random number reaching a specific time-saving number TN2, both of the specific time-saving numbers TN1 and TN2 may be made to fall within the above-mentioned range, or only one of the specific time-saving numbers TN1 or TN2 (for example, only the larger value of the specific time-saving numbers TN1 or TN2) may be made to fall within the above-mentioned range.
When set in this manner, it is possible to prevent the gambling nature based on the setting of the time-saving game state from becoming too high, and to provide a wide variety of timing for the end of the set time-saving game state.

(33) In a pachinko machine set up as in the above-mentioned variant example (29), the time-saving game state that is set based on the count value of the number of times the special pattern changes reaching the time-saving activation count LN may have multiple time-saving game states with different processing contents for making it easier to maintain the second start winning port 16 in an open state, and one of the time-saving game states may be set depending on the situation.
Specifically, a first time-saving game state in the above-mentioned embodiment, a third time-saving game state, a fourth time-saving game state, a fifth time-saving game state, etc. in the above-mentioned modified example (13) are provided, and one of the time-saving game states may be set depending on, for example, the type of jackpot pattern when the last jackpot was won before the time-saving activation count LN was reached, the type of small jackpot pattern when the last small jackpot was won before the time-saving activation count LN was reached, or the type of jackpot pattern, small jackpot pattern, missing pattern, time-saving pattern, or time-saving winning pattern when the time-saving game state was set before the time-saving activation count LN was reached.
When set in this manner, the variation of the time-saving game state that is set based on the count value of the number of times the special pattern changes reaching the time-saving activation count LN is increased, thereby increasing the interest of the player.

(34) In a pachinko machine in which the time-saving game state is set based on the count value of the number of times the special pattern changes reaching the time-saving activation count LN as in the above-mentioned variant example (29), the time-saving game state may also be set based on the determination of a pattern (time-saving pattern, time-saving winning pattern, small win pattern, or missing pattern) that is determined to set the time-saving game state during the normal game state (low probability game state).
In a pachinko machine set up in this manner, the symbols determined to set a time-shortened play state are not determined during a time-shortened play state, but the symbols determined to set a time-shortened play state are determined only during a non-time-shortened play state, or the symbols determined to set a time-shortened play state may be determined even during a time-shortened play state.
In addition, if the above-mentioned count value reaches the number of times LN that the time-saving feature is activated during a normal game state (low probability game state) and at the same time the above-mentioned pattern is determined during a normal game state (low probability game state) (i.e., if the setting conditions for multiple time-saving game states are met simultaneously), one of the time-saving game states may be set.
Also, the above-mentioned count value may be set to be counted not only during the normal game state but also during the low probability time-saving game state and the high probability time-saving game state, and when the count value reaches the time-saving activation count LN during the low probability time-saving game state or the high probability time-saving game state, the time-saving game state may be reset. In this case, when the time-saving game state is reset, the time-saving count (i.e., the specific time-saving count TN) corresponding to the reset time-saving game state may be set again as the time-saving count, or the time-saving count corresponding to the reset time-saving game state may be added to the remaining time-saving count at that time. Also, when the above-mentioned count value reaches the time-saving activation count LN, the time-saving game state based on the reaching may be set after the time-saving game state set at that time is ended.
In this case, the variety of time-saving game states that can be set can be increased, thereby enhancing the interest of the player.

(35) Even in so-called type 1 and type 2 mixed pachinko machines, as in the above-mentioned modified example (29), the time-saving game state may be set based on the count value of the number of times the special pattern changes reaching the time-saving activation count LN.
In addition, the above-mentioned count value may be configured not to be cleared based on winning a small prize.
In addition, in a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine set as described above, when the result of the win/lose lottery is a big win, a special game is executed, and when the result of the win/lose lottery is a predetermined small win, a small win game is executed when the special game is executed by a game ball entering a special area of a specific big prize opening, in the case where the special game is set to be executed by a game ball entering a special area of a specific big prize opening as in the above-mentioned modified examples (31) and (32), the probability P used to determine the number of time-saving activations LN and the number of specific time-saving activations TN may be any of the above-mentioned probability of winning the big win, the above-mentioned probability of winning the above-mentioned predetermined small win (the probability of winning the small win in the win/lose lottery based on the special chart random number mainly obtained during the non-time-saving game state), or the combined probability of the above-mentioned probability of winning the big win and the above-mentioned probability of winning the above-mentioned predetermined small win.
In addition, in the so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine set as described above, if the winning lottery does not result in a big win, and the special game is executed only when the game ball enters the special area of the specific big prize entry port in the small prize game that is executed when the winning lottery results in a predetermined small prize, as the probability P used to determine the number of times LN to activate the time-saving function or the number of times TN to activate the specific time-saving function as in the above-mentioned modified examples (31) and (32), either the probability of winning the above-mentioned specified small prize (the probability of winning the small prize in the winning lottery based on the special chart random number mainly obtained during the non-time-saving game state) or the probability of winning the specified small prize and having the game ball enter the special area (the probability of executing the special game via winning the specified small prize).
In addition, when a small prize is won, the number of times LN for activating the time-saving function may be updated or not updated depending on the type of the small prize pattern determined based on the winning prize.
In addition, in a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, if the time-saving game state is set based on the count value of the number of times the special pattern changes reaching the time-saving activation count LN, and the time-saving game state is also set based on the determination of a time-saving pattern, a time-saving winning pattern, a small win pattern or a losing pattern that is specified to set the time-saving game state during the normal game state (low probability game state), when the above-mentioned count value reaches the time-saving activation count LN and the above-mentioned pattern is determined at the same time (i.e., when the setting conditions for multiple time-saving game states are met simultaneously), one of the time-saving game states may be set.
In addition, in a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, in the case where a time-saving game state is set based on the count value of the number of times the special pattern changes reaching the time-saving activation count LN, a small prize is won by a win/lose lottery at the time when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the time-saving activation count LN, and a predetermined small prize pattern is determined, and when a game ball enters a special area during a small prize game based on the small prize, after the end of the small prize game, instead of setting a time-saving game state based on the number of times the special pattern changes reaching the time-saving activation count LN, a game state determined for the predetermined small prize pattern (for example, a time-saving game state different from the time-saving game state based on reaching the time-saving activation count LN (a time-saving game state with a different difficulty level in which the second start winning hole 16 is maintained in an open state, a time-saving game state with a different number of time-saving times set, etc.)) may be set.
In addition, in a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, when the time-saving game state is set based on the count value of the number of times the special symbol changes reaching the time-saving activation count LN, if a small prize is won by a win/lose lottery at the time when the number of times the special symbol changes reaches the time-saving activation count LN and a predetermined small prize symbol is determined, but the game ball does not enter the special area during the small prize game based on the small prize, the time-saving game state may be set based on the number of times the special symbol changes reaching the time-saving activation count LN after the small prize game ends. If the above-mentioned time-saving game state is set during a small prize game, when the game ball enters the special area during the small prize game and a special game is executed, a process must be performed to end the set time-saving game state, but if it is set as described above, it is possible to prevent the complicated process of ending the set time-saving game state from being performed.
In the above-described manner, it is possible to enrich the variety of time-saving game states that can be set in a type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, thereby enhancing the interest of the player.

(36) In addition, the pachinko machine is provided with a time-saving game state, which is set after the end of a special game based on the determination of a jackpot pattern for which the setting of the time-saving game state is determined (i.e., a time-saving game state set through the winning of a jackpot and the execution of a special game, hereinafter also referred to as a first time-saving game state), a time-saving game state set when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery result of the win/lose lottery is derived) reaches a predetermined number of time-saving activations LN (i.e., a time-saving game state set when the winning of a jackpot and the execution of a special game, hereinafter also referred to as a first time-saving game state), and a time-saving game state set when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery result of the win/lose lottery is derived) reaches a predetermined number of time-saving activations LN (i.e., a time-saving game state set when the winning of a jackpot and the execution of a special game, a time-shortened game state that is set without going through the execution of a jackpot or special game, hereinafter also referred to as the second time-shortened game state), as well as a time-shortened game state that is set based on the determination of a pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state (the above-mentioned time-shortened game pattern, the time-shortened winning pattern, the small winning pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, the losing pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, etc.) (i.e., a time-shortened game state that is set without going through the winning of a jackpot or the execution of a special game, hereinafter also referred to as the third time-shortened game state).
By doing so, the variety of time-saving game states that can be set is increased, which can increase the player's interest.

(37) In addition, in the above-mentioned first time reduction, the setting may be made such that the probability of winning in the lottery of the normal symbol is higher than in the normal game state (non-time-reduction game state), the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter, and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 is longer than in the normal game state (non-time-reduction game state). In addition, in the above-mentioned second time reduction, the setting may be made such that the probability of winning in the lottery of the normal symbol is the same as in the normal game state (non-time-reduction game state), the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the normal game state (non-time-reduction game state), and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 is longer than in the normal game state (non-time-reduction game state). In addition, in the above-mentioned third time reduction, the setting may be made such that the probability of winning in the lottery of the normal symbol is the same as in the normal game state (non-time-reduction game state), the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the normal game state (non-time-reduction game state), and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 is longer than in the normal game state (non-time-reduction game state).
In addition, the first time-saving mode among the first, second and third time-saving modes may be set so that only in the first time-saving mode, the probability of winning in the lottery for the normal symbols is higher than in the normal game mode (non-time-saving game mode).
In this way, the degree of advantage of each time-saving game state can be changed, thereby increasing the player's interest.

(38) In addition, in the case where a pachinko machine is equipped with a first time reduction, a second time reduction, and a third time reduction, when a jackpot pattern for which a time-reduction game state is set during the first time reduction is determined, (1a) the first time reduction may be ended, and the first time reduction may be newly set after the special game is ended. In addition, when the number of times the special pattern changes during the first time reduction (the number of times the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived) reaches a predetermined number of times LN for which time reduction is activated, (2a) the first time reduction may be ended, and a second time reduction may be newly set, (2b) the first time reduction may be continued, or (2c) if the number of times the time reduction is set when the second time reduction is set is greater than the number of times the time reduction is remaining in the first time reduction, the first time reduction may be ended, and a second time reduction may be newly set. In addition, when a pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state (such as the above-mentioned time-shortened pattern, time-shortened winning pattern, small winning pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, or losing pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state) is determined during the first time-shortened period, (3a) the first time-shortened period ends and a third time-shortened period is newly set, (3b) the first time-shortened period continues, or (3c) if the number of time-shortened periods when the third time-shortened period is set is greater than the number of time-shortened periods remaining in the first time-shortened period, the first time-shortened period ends and a third time-shortened period is newly set.

In addition, when a jackpot pattern that is set to set a time-saving game state during the second time-saving is determined, (4a) the second time-saving is terminated, and a new first time-saving state is set after the special game ends. In addition, when the number of times the special pattern changes during the second time-saving (the number of times the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived) reaches a predetermined number of times LN for which time-saving is activated, any of the following controls (5a) to (5b) may be adopted: (5a) the second time-saving state is terminated, and a new second time-saving state is set, or (5b) the second time-saving state is continued. In addition, when a pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state (such as the above-mentioned time-shortened pattern, time-shortened winning pattern, small winning pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, or losing pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state) is determined during the second time-shortened period, (6a) the second time-shortened period ends and a third time-shortened period is newly set, (6b) the second time-shortened period continues, or (6c) if the number of time-shortened periods when the third time-shortened period is set is greater than the number of time-shortened periods remaining in the second time-shortened period, the second time-shortened period ends and a third time-shortened period is newly set. Any of the following controls (6a) to (6c) may be adopted.

When a jackpot pattern that is set to set a time-saving game state during the third time-saving period is determined, (7a) the third time-saving period may be ended, and a new first time-saving period may be set after the special game ends. When the number of times that the special pattern changes during the third time-saving period (the number of times that the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived) reaches a predetermined number of times that time-saving periods are activated LN, (8a) the third time-saving period may be ended, and a new second time-saving period may be set, (8b) the third time-saving period may be continued, or (8c) if the number of times that time-saving periods are set when the second time-saving period is set is greater than the number of times that time-saving periods remain in the third time-saving period, any of the following controls (8a) to (8c) may be adopted. In addition, when a pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state during the third time reduction (such as the above-mentioned time-shortened pattern, time-shortened winning pattern, small winning pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, or losing pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state) is determined, (9a) the third time reduction is ended and a new third time reduction is set, (9b) the third time reduction is continued, or (9c) if the number of time reductions when the third time reduction is set is greater than the number of time reductions remaining in the third time reduction, the third time reduction is ended and a new third time reduction is set, any of the following controls (9a) to (9c) may be adopted.

In addition, when various decisions are made in the first, second, and third time reductions described above, control may be applied in an appropriate combination based on the above-mentioned contents.
For example, the following control may be performed.
During a normal game state (low probability game state, non-time-saving game state), when a big win pattern determined to set a time-saving game state is determined, a first time-saving state is set after the special game ends, and when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery result of the win/lose lottery is derived) reaches a predetermined number of times LN for activating the time-saving state, a second time-saving state is set, and when a pattern determined to set a time-saving game state (the above-mentioned time-saving pattern, a time-saving winning pattern, a small win pattern determined to set a time-saving game state, a losing pattern determined to set a time-saving game state, etc.) is determined, a third time-saving state is set.
During the first time reduction, when a big win pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state is determined, the first time reduction is terminated and a new first time reduction is set after the special game ends, and when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived) reaches a predetermined number of times LN for activating the time reduction, the first time reduction is continued without setting a second time reduction, and when a pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state (the above-mentioned time-shortened pattern, a time-shortened winning pattern, a small win pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, a losing pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, etc.) is determined, the first time reduction is continued without setting a third time reduction.
During the second time reduction, when a big win pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state is determined, the second time reduction is terminated and a new first time reduction is set after the special game ends, and when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived) reaches a predetermined number of times LN for activating the time reduction, the second time reduction currently set is continued without setting a new second time reduction, and when a pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state (the above-mentioned time-shortened pattern, a time-shortened winning pattern, a small win pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, a losing pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, etc.) is determined, the second time reduction is continued without setting a third time reduction.
During the third time reduction, when a jackpot pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state is determined, the third time reduction is terminated and a new first time reduction is set after the special game ends, and when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived) reaches a predetermined number of times LN for which time reduction is activated, the third time reduction is terminated and a new second time reduction is set, and when a pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state (the above-mentioned time-shortened pattern, a time-shortened winning pattern, a small win pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, a losing pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, etc.) is determined, the currently set third time reduction is continued without setting a new third time reduction.
When a jackpot pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state is determined during a high-probability time-shortened game state or a high-probability non-time-shortened game state (i.e., during a high-probability game state), a first time-shortened game is set after the special game ends, and when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived) reaches a predetermined number of times LN for activating the time-shortened game, a second time-shortened game is not set, and when a pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state (the above-mentioned time-shortened game pattern, a time-shortened winning game pattern, a small win game pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state, a losing game pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state, etc.) is determined, a third time-shortened game is not set.
By doing so, the number of variations in the time-saving gaming state settings is increased, which can increase the interest of the player.

As described in (31) above, when a pachinko machine is provided with a second time-saving feature and a setting value associated with a setting related to the ball output is provided, the same number of times LN for activating the time-saving feature may be set regardless of which setting value is provided.
By doing this, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the degree of advantage between each set value changes excessively due to the setting of the second time reduction.
Also, the main control board 100 may be set to count the number of times the special symbols change (the number of times the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived) to determine whether or not the time-saving activation count LN has been reached, and the counting may be always performed during a low-probability game state (low-probability non-time-saving game state, low-probability time-saving game state) but not performed during a high-probability game state (high-probability non-time-saving game state, high-probability time-saving game state). In other words, during a low-probability game state, the above-mentioned counting may always be performed regardless of whether or not the time-saving game state is set.
By doing this, the second time reduction can be reliably set only during a low probability game state.
The above-mentioned count may be cleared at the time when the RAM is cleared by performing a predetermined operation when the power is turned on (for example, pressing a RAM clear button to clear the RAM, etc.), at the time when the RAM is cleared by executing a change in the set value in a pachinko machine with a set value, at the time when the count value by the above-mentioned count reaches the time-saving activation count LN and the second time-saving is set, at the time when a jackpot is won (the start of a special game based on a small jackpot), or at the end of a special game. Note that the clearing at the time when the second time-saving is set, and the clearing at the time when a jackpot is won (the start of a special game based on a small jackpot) or at the end of a special game may always be performed.
The timing at which it is determined that the count value by the above-mentioned count has reached the time-saving activation count LN may be any one of the timing at which the special symbol starts to change, the timing at which the special symbol changes, and the timing at which the special symbol changes and the stop display time has elapsed. The second time-saving may be set at the timing at which it is determined that the count value by the above-mentioned count has reached the time-saving activation count LN.

In addition, the conditions for ending the second time-saving mode may be set to one or more of (10a) to (10c), such as (10a) a big win being won, (10b) the sum of the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 and the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 reaching the number of time-saving times, (10c) the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 reaching a specific number, or (10d) the number of small wins reaching a predetermined number.
For example, the following conditions can be set as the ending conditions for the first time reduction, the second time reduction, and the third time reduction.
Specifically, in a pachinko machine, as jackpot symbols for which a time-saving game state is set, jackpot symbol XA1 (in a variable presentation, the first, second, and third stopping symbols are all "7") and jackpot symbol XA2 (in a variable presentation, the first, second, and third stopping symbols are all other than "7") are provided, and time-saving symbol JD1 (in a variable presentation, the first and second stopping symbols are the same odd number symbols other than "7", and the third stopping symbol is "7") is provided for which a time-saving game state is set, and when the number of times that the special symbols change (the number of times that the lottery result of the win/lose lottery is derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches a predetermined number of times for time-saving activation LN (for example, 1000 times), it is possible to win a small prize in the win/lose lottery.
In this pachinko machine, the first time-saving period, which is set after the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern XA1, is completed, can be set to end when a jackpot is won, and can be set to end when the total of the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 and the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 reaches 100 times (time-saving number of times), when the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 reaches 10 times (specific number of times), and when the number of small jackpot wins reaches 2 times (predetermined number of times).
In addition, the first time-saving period which is set after the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern XA2 ends can be set to end when a jackpot is won, and can be set to end when the total of the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 and the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 reaches 50 times (time-saving number of times), when the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 reaches 4 times (specific number of times), and when the number of small jackpot wins reaches 1 time (predetermined number of times).
In addition, the second time-saving mode, which is set when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results of the win/lose lottery are derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches a predetermined number of times LN to activate the time-saving mode, can be set to end when a jackpot is won, and can also be set to end when the total of the number of times of changes based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 and the number of times of changes based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 reaches 600 times (number of times of time-saving mode), when the number of times of changes based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 reaches 50 times (specific number of times), and when the number of times small jackpots are won reaches 10 times (predetermined number of times).
In addition, the third time-saving period, which is set when the time-saving pattern JD1 is determined, can be set to end when a jackpot is won, and can be set to end when the total of the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 and the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 reaches 60 times (time-saving number of times), when the number of fluctuations based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 reaches 8 times (specific number of times), and when the number of small jackpot wins reaches 3 times (predetermined number of times).
By doing so, it is possible to provide a wide variety of endings for the time-saving gaming state, thereby providing various gaming features.

In addition, if the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols during the second time reduction is set to be the same as that during the normal game state (non-time-reduction game state), it is necessary to set the above-mentioned probability of winning during the normal game state to a certain degree high in order to make it easier to maintain the second start winning hole 16 in an open state during the second time reduction. In this case, the movable piece 16b is structured to be able to protrude and retract from the game board 11, and when the movable piece 16b protrudes from the game board 11, the game ball is guided to the second start winning hole 16 by the movable piece 16b, allowing the ball to enter the second start winning hole 16, while when the movable piece 16b is submerged in the game board 11, the game ball is not guided to the second start winning hole 16 and does not enter the second start winning hole 16. In addition, by setting the protruding time (opening time) of the movable piece 16b to be shorter during the normal game state than during the second time reduction, if a winning regular pattern is drawn during the normal game state, the rate at which the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 can be reduced compared to when a winning regular pattern is drawn during the second time reduction.

Also, the number of times that the second time-saving can be set between winning a jackpot and winning the next jackpot may be set to only once. Specifically, after winning a jackpot (end of special play), the number of times that the special symbols fluctuate (the number of times that the lottery results of the winning/losing lottery are derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches a predetermined number of times that the time-saving activation LN is reached, and the second time-saving is set. Even if the number of times that the special symbols fluctuate (the number of times that the lottery results of the winning/losing lottery are derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches the number of times that the time-saving activation LN is reached again without winning a jackpot, the second time-saving may not be set.
By doing so, it is possible to prevent the time-saving game state from being set excessively, leading to an excessive increase in gambling tendency.

Also, as described above, during a low-probability game state (low-probability non-time-saving game state, low-probability time-saving game state), the main control board 100 counts the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results for the win/lose lottery are derived) to determine whether or not the time-saving activation count LN has been reached, but after a jackpot is won (end of special game), the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results for the win/lose lottery are derived) has reached the time-saving activation count LN, and the second time-saving is set, and the above-mentioned counting may be stopped.
In this way, the processing load on the main control board 100 can be reduced.

In addition, even if the first or second time reduction is set to continue without setting a third time reduction when a pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state (the above-mentioned time-shortened pattern, the time-shortened winning pattern, the small winning pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, the losing pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, etc.) is determined during the first or second time reduction, the third time reduction may be set when a pattern that is determined to set a time-shortened game state (the above-mentioned time-shortened pattern, the time-shortened winning pattern, the small winning pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, the losing pattern determined to set a time-shortened game state, etc.) is determined based on the final win/loss lottery for the first or second time reduction (the win/loss lottery immediately before the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results for the win/loss lottery, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches the number of time reductions).
By doing so, the continuity of the time-saving game state can be increased, and the interest of the player can be enhanced.
In addition, in the case where it is set as described above, when a pattern (such as the above-mentioned time-shortening pattern, time-shortening winning pattern, small winning pattern for which a time-shortening game state is determined to set a time-shortening game state, or a losing pattern for which a time-shortening game state is determined to set a time-shortening game state, etc.) is determined in the final winning/losing lottery of the first or second time-shortening game (the winning/losing lottery held immediately before the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery results for the winning/losing lottery are derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches the number of times the time-shortening game state is reached), the first or second time-shortening game may be ended upon the end of the change in the special pattern in the final round, and a non-time-shortening game state may be set, and after the non-time-shortening game state is set, a stopped display of a pattern for which the above-mentioned time-shortening game state is determined to set the time-shortening game state may be displayed, and after the stopped display, a third time-shortening game may be set. In addition, in conjunction with the setting of the above-mentioned non-time-shortened play state, the transmission of an external signal (time-shortened signal) which is sent to the outside of the pachinko machine in the time-shortened play state and indicates that the machine is in a time-shortened play state may be terminated, and in conjunction with the setting of the above-mentioned third time-shortened play state, the external signal may be transmitted again.
By doing so, it is possible to reliably execute control over the termination of the time-saving game state and the new setting, and also to reliably notify the outside of the pachinko machine of the switch to the time-saving game state.

In addition, when a small prize is won by the win/lose lottery at the time when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the result of the win/lose lottery is derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches a predetermined number of times LN for activating the time-saving feature, it is possible to set it so that both a small prize game based on the small prize win and a second time-saving feature is set by the number of times the special pattern changes and reaching the number of times LN for activating the time-saving feature.
Furthermore, when set in this manner, the second time reduction may be set at any of the following times: (i) from when a small win is won to when the small win pattern is stopped and displayed and the small win game begins; (ii) from the start to the end of the small win game; or (iii) after the end of the small win game.
By doing this, when the winning of a small prize and the establishment of the condition for setting the second time-saving mode coincide with each other, the timing for setting the second time-saving mode becomes more varied, so that it is possible to provide a more varied gameplay.

In addition, when the second time reduction and the third time reduction are installed, the second time reduction and the third time reduction may be set to have the same advantageous degree (i.e., the probability of winning in the lottery of the normal pattern, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern, and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 may all be set to be the same), or the advantageous degrees may be set to be different (one or more of the probability of winning in the lottery of the normal pattern, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern, and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 may be set to be different). For example, the second time reduction may be set to have a higher advantageous degree than the third time reduction (one or more of the following may be set: the probability of winning in the lottery of the normal pattern is high, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is short, and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 is long).
By doing this, it is possible to provide a wide variety of advantageous degrees for the second and third time reductions, thereby increasing the interest of the player.
In addition, when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the result of the win/lose lottery is derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches a predetermined number of times LN to activate the time-saving feature and a pattern that is determined to set a time-saving game state (the above-mentioned time-saving pattern, the time-saving winning pattern, the small winning pattern that is determined to set a time-saving game state, the losing pattern that is determined to set a time-saving game state, etc.) is determined, the second time-saving feature may be set in priority to the third time-saving feature.
By doing this, even if the conditions for setting the second time reduction and the third time reduction overlap, the second time reduction can be reliably set.

(39) In addition, the first, second and third time reductions may also be installed in a pachinko machine (hereinafter also referred to as a simultaneous rotation machine) that is configured to simultaneously change the special pattern based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 and change the special pattern based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 (i.e., when both a hold based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 and a hold based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 are stored, so-called simultaneous rotation control is performed to process both holds simultaneously), and settings such as those described above in (1) to (38) may be performed.
In the case where the first time reduction, the second time reduction, and the third time reduction are installed in the simultaneous spinning machine, a pattern (the above-mentioned time reduction pattern, the time reduction winning pattern, the small winning pattern for which the time reduction game state is set, the losing pattern for which the time reduction game state is set, etc.) for which the time reduction game state is set is determined based on the entry of a game ball into either the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, and during the variation of the special pattern based on the determination, the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the lottery result of the winning/losing lottery is derived, that is, the number of times the count is calculated by the above-mentioned count) is calculated based on the entry of a game ball into either the other. When the count value of the count value of the special symbol (the number of times the result of the win/lose lottery is derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches a predetermined number of times LN for activating time-saving, during the variation of the special symbol based on the game ball entering either one of the above-mentioned boxes, the number of times the special symbol changes based on the game ball entering either one of the above-mentioned boxes (the number of times the result of the win/lose lottery is derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches the number of times LN for activating time-saving, a second time-saving is set, and after the second time-saving is set, a stopped display of a symbol that has been determined to set a time-saving game state based on the game ball entering either one of the above-mentioned boxes is performed, but the third time-saving may not be set.
In addition, when a pattern (the above-mentioned time-saving pattern, the time-saving winning pattern, the small winning pattern for which a time-saving game state is set, the losing pattern for which a time-saving game state is set, etc.) for which a time-saving game state is set based on the entry of a game ball into either the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16 is determined, and a jackpot pattern is determined (a jackpot is won) based on the entry of a game ball into either the other port during the variation of the special pattern based on the entry of a game ball into either the other port described above, a first time saving is set because the jackpot pattern was determined based on the entry of a game ball into either the other port described above during the variation of the special pattern based on the entry of a game ball into either the other port described above, and after the first time saving is set, a stopped display of a pattern for which a time-saving game state determined based on the entry of a game ball into either the other port described above is displayed, but a third time saving is not set.
By doing this, even if the conditions for setting the first time reduction or the second time reduction are met in the simultaneous rotation machine and the conditions for setting the third time reduction are also met in an overlapping manner, the first time reduction or the second time reduction can be reliably set.

(40) In addition, in the case where a time-saving game state is set after the end of a special game based on the determination of a jackpot pattern for which it has been determined that a time-saving game state is to be set (i.e., when a first time-saving game state is set), during at least one of the fluctuation of the jackpot pattern (during the execution of the fluctuation presentation based on the determination of the jackpot pattern) and the execution of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern, a time-saving game state is set after the end of a special game (for example, a period shorter than the longest fluctuation time or the period of the special game when the number of rounds of play is the smallest). For a period shorter than the time from start to finish (for example, 10 seconds), a display instructing the player to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b (so-called right hit) may be displayed in a specified area (for example, the entire area of the display unit 21a) of the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, and after the specified period has elapsed, a mark suggesting the game ball be shot toward the second game area 12b may continue to be displayed in an area smaller than the above-mentioned specified area (for example, the area in the upper right corner or the area in the lower right corner of the display unit 21a).
By doing this, it is possible to make the player aware that a time-saving game state will be set after the variable performance and special game have ended, and it is also possible to impress upon the player that after the variable performance and special game have ended, the game ball will be shot toward the second game area 12b.

In addition, when the number of times the special symbol changes (the number of times the lottery result of the win/lose lottery, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches the number of times the time-saving game state is set (i.e., when the second time-saving game state is set), during the change of the special symbol (during the execution of the change performance) at the time when the number of times the time-saving game is activated LN is reached, a display instructing the player to shoot the game ball (so-called right hit) toward the second game area 12b may be displayed in a specific area (e.g., an area about half the size of the display unit 21a) on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 for a period shorter than the above-mentioned specified period (for example, a period shorter than the shortest change time (for example, 2 seconds)), and after the period shorter than the above-mentioned specified period has elapsed, a mark suggesting the game ball to be shot toward the second game area 12b may continue to be displayed in an area smaller than the above-mentioned specific area (for example, an area in the upper right corner or the lower right corner of the display unit 21a).
By doing this, the player can be made aware that a time-saving game state will be set after the fluctuation presentation when the number of times the special pattern fluctuates reaches the time-saving activation number LN, and even if a short fluctuation time is determined as the fluctuation time at the above-mentioned point, the player can be made to feel that the game ball will be shot toward the second game area 12b after the fluctuation presentation ends, without feeling any discomfort.
The above-mentioned predetermined area and the above-mentioned specific area may be the same area or different areas. The above-mentioned specific area may be a part of the above-mentioned predetermined area. The area in which a mark suggesting the launch of a game ball toward the second game area 12b is displayed when the first time reduction is set, and the area in which a mark suggesting the launch of a game ball toward the second game area 12b is displayed when the second time reduction is set may be the same area or different areas, or may be areas of different sizes. One area may be a part of the other area.

In addition, if a jackpot is won by the win/lose lottery at the time when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the result of the win/lose lottery is derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches the number of times the time-saving feature is activated LN, and a jackpot pattern is determined that specifies that the time-saving game state will not be set, a second time-saving feature may be set after the special game based on the winning of the jackpot has ended.
By doing so, there are more opportunities for the time-saving gaming state to be set, which can increase the player's interest.
In addition, when a jackpot is won by the win/lose lottery at the time when the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the result of the win/lose lottery is derived, i.e., the count value by the above-mentioned count) reaches the number of times the time-saving feature is activated LN, and a jackpot pattern that is determined to set a high-probability game state and a time-saving game state (high-probability time-saving game state) is determined, after the special game based on the winning of the jackpot has ended, the high-probability game state and the time-saving game state (high-probability time-saving game state) based on the jackpot pattern may be set without setting a second time-saving feature.
By doing this, a more advantageous gaming state for the player is set after the special game ends, which can increase the player's interest.

(41) In a pachinko machine that is set so that a special game is executed only when a jackpot is won, a second time-saving mode may be set at the time when the stop display time (so-called symbol determination time) for the fluctuation that has reached the time-saving activation count LN has elapsed or at a predetermined time after the stop display time has elapsed.
In addition, in a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, if the result of the winning/losing lottery at the time when the time-saving activation count LN is reached is a losing win, the second time-saving may be set at any point between the time when the variation of the special symbol at that time stops and the time when the stop display time has elapsed (for example, the time when the variation of the special symbol stops, the time when the stop display time has elapsed, etc.). Also, if the result of the winning/losing lottery at the time when the time-saving activation count LN is reached is a winning small win, the second time-saving may be set at the end of the small win game based on the winning small win (the end of the ending process in the small win game).
In addition, in a so-called simultaneous spinning machine, the second time-saving mode may be set at the start of the fluctuation when the time-saving activation count LN is reached.
By doing as described above, the second time reduction can be set at an appropriate timing according to the specifications of the pachinko machine.

(42) In addition, the pachinko machine P may be configured to transmit multiple external signals to an external device installed outside the pachinko machine P, such as a hall computer or a data display device that displays the number of jackpots won (the number of times a special game is played), the number of changes since the end of a special game, the number of times the time-saving game state is set, etc.
For example, as the external signal, a plurality of jackpot signals may be provided that are transmitted in response to winning a jackpot and execution of a special game.
The first jackpot signal among the multiple jackpot signals may be set to be continuously transmitted to the hall computer or data display device from the start to the end of the special game, so that the hall computer or data display device can count the number of jackpot wins (the number of times the special game is executed) and can display the number. Also, when the hall computer or data display device receives the first jackpot signal, the number of times the special game has been executed may be reset.
Furthermore, the second jackpot signal among the multiple jackpot signals may be set to be continuously transmitted to the hall computer or data display device from the start of the special game to the end of the time-saving game state (third time-saving) that is set after the end of the special game, so that the hall computer or data display device can count the number of times the third time-saving state has occurred and can display the number of times. Furthermore, when the hall computer or data display device receives the second jackpot signal, the number of times the number of times has changed since the end of the special game may be reset.
Also, the third jackpot signal among the multiple jackpot signals may be set to be continuously transmitted to the hall computer or data display device from when the second time reduction is set until it ends, so that the number of times the second time reduction is performed can be counted in the hall computer or data display device and the number of times can be displayed. Also, in the hall computer or data display device, when the third jackpot signal is received, the number of times that has changed since the end of the special game may be reset. Also, in the data display device, when the third jackpot signal is received, a notice that the second time reduction has been set may be issued. Note that the third jackpot signal may not be continuously transmitted from when the second time reduction is set until it ends, but may be transmitted only when the second time reduction is set.
Also, the jackpot signal may be sent to only one of the hall computer and the data display device instead of to both. For example, the first jackpot signal and the second jackpot signal may be sent only to the data display device, and the third jackpot signal may be sent only to the hall computer.
By doing the above, it becomes possible to know from outside the pachinko machine P that the second time reduction has been set.

(43) In the above embodiment, after the above-mentioned consecutive jackpot count condition (the number of consecutive jackpots reaching a predetermined number) is met, the determination ratio of the longer variable time is increased compared to before the consecutive jackpot count condition is met, thereby reducing the number of special games executed per unit time (the number of jackpot wins per unit time). However, the control method by the main CPU 101 for reducing the number of special games executed per unit time is not limited to this. A specific example will be described below.
As mentioned above, consecutive jackpots refer to consecutive jackpots won in a normal game state, transitioning to at least one of a time-saving game state or a high-probability game state, and then without transitioning back to the normal game state.

(Specific Example 1)
For example, when the number of consecutive big wins reaches a predetermined number (e.g., three times, etc.), in the variation executed thereafter, (A) the determination ratio of the variation time longer than the variation time of the variation of the special symbol executed before may be set to be high. Also, in the special game executed thereafter, (B) an opening time longer than the opening time of the special game executed before may be set, (C) an ending time longer than the ending time of the special game executed before may be set, (D) an interval time longer than the interval time of the special game executed before may be set, or (E) an opening time longer than the opening time of the big prize opening 18 in the special game executed before may be set.

(Specific Example 2)
For example, when the total number of rounds executed during consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 20 times), the variations and special games executed thereafter may be set as described above in (A) to (E).
(Specific Example 3)
For example, when the number of consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number (e.g., three times) and the total number of rounds executed during the consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 20 times), the variations and special games executed thereafter may be set as described above in (A) to (E).

(Specific Example 4)
For example, when the number of consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 3 times) and the jackpot pattern determined when the predetermined number of times is reached or in the jackpot after the predetermined number of times is reached is a specific pattern (such as a jackpot pattern set for a relatively large number of rounds to be executed during a special game (10 rounds, 15 rounds, etc.)), the above-mentioned (A) to (E) may be set in the variations related to the winning of the jackpot and in the variations executed thereafter, and in the special game based on the winning of the jackpot and in the special game executed thereafter.
(Specific Example 5)
For example, during consecutive jackpots, if the total number of rounds executed reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 20 times) and the jackpot pattern determined at the time of winning the jackpot after reaching the predetermined number is a specific pattern (such as a jackpot pattern set for a relatively large number of rounds executed during special play (10 rounds, 15 rounds, etc.)), the above-mentioned (A) to (E) may be set for the fluctuations related to the winning of the jackpot and the fluctuations executed thereafter, and for the special play based on the winning of the jackpot and the special play executed thereafter.

(Specific Example 6)
For example, if the number of fluctuations from the end of a specified special game during consecutive jackpots until the next jackpot is won is a specific number (e.g., 10 times) or less, or if the total number of fluctuations after the end of all special games during consecutive jackpots reaches a specific number, the above-mentioned (A) to (E) may be set for the fluctuations related to the jackpot winning and the fluctuations executed thereafter, and for the special game based on the jackpot winning and the special game executed thereafter.
(Specific Example 7)
For example, if the number of fluctuations from the end of a specified special game to the winning of the next jackpot during consecutive jackpots is a specific number (e.g., 10 times) or less, and the jackpot pattern determined when the next jackpot is won is a specific pattern (such as a jackpot pattern set for a relatively large number of rounds played during a special game (10 rounds, 15 rounds, etc.)), the above-mentioned (A) to (E) may be set for the fluctuations related to the winning of the jackpot and the fluctuations played thereafter, and for the special game based on the winning of the jackpot and the special game played thereafter.

(Specific Example 8)
For example, when the total number of winning balls paid out during successive jackpots reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 3,000 balls), the variations and special games executed thereafter may be set as described above in (A) to (E).
(Example 9)
For example, if the total number of winning balls paid out during successive jackpots reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 3,000 balls) and the jackpot pattern determined in the jackpot after the predetermined number is reached is a specific pattern (such as a jackpot pattern set for a relatively large number of rounds played during special play (10 rounds, 15 rounds, etc.)), the above-mentioned (A) to (E) may be set in the variations related to the winning of the jackpot and in the variations played thereafter, and in the special play based on the winning of the jackpot and in the special play played thereafter.

(Example 10)
For example, when the difference between the number of winning balls paid out during successive jackpots and the number of balls fired reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 1,500 balls), the variation and special games executed thereafter may be set as described above in (A) to (E).
(Specific Example 11)
For example, when the difference between the number of winning balls paid out during successive jackpots and the number of balls fired reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 1,500 balls), and the jackpot pattern determined in the jackpot after the predetermined number is reached is a specific pattern (such as a jackpot pattern set for a relatively large number of rounds played during special play (10 rounds, 15 rounds, etc.)), the above-mentioned (A) to (E) may be set in the variations related to the winning of the jackpot and in the variations played thereafter, and in the special play based on the winning of the jackpot and in the special play played thereafter.

(Specific Example 12)
For example, if the fluctuation pattern determined when a specific jackpot is won during consecutive jackpots is a specific fluctuation pattern (for example, a fluctuation pattern in which a relatively short fluctuation time (3 seconds, 6 seconds, etc.) is set), the fluctuations executed thereafter may be set as in (A) above, and the special games based on the winning of the jackpot and special games executed thereafter may be set as in (B) to (E) above.
(Specific Example 13)
For example, when the first special random number or the second special random number is stored, a pre-determination process is set to be executed before the start of fluctuation based on the first special random number or the second special random number, in which a win/lose lottery and various judgments regarding the determination of special patterns (determination of whether or not it will win a jackpot, determination of the type of special pattern to be determined, etc.) are performed for the first special random number or the second special random number, and if, during consecutive jackpots, the judgment result of the pre-determination process is a predetermined content (for example, the reserved numbers stored at the time the special game ends include one that will win the jackpot), the fluctuations and special games executed thereafter may be set as described above in (A) to (E).

(Specific Example 14)
For example, when the total elapsed time during successive jackpots reaches a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes), the variations and special games executed thereafter may be set as described above in (A) to (E).
(Specific Example 15)
For example, when the number of consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number (e.g., three times) and the total elapsed time during the consecutive jackpots is less than a predetermined time (e.g., five minutes), the variations and special games executed thereafter may be set as described above in (A) to (E).

(Specific Example 16)
For example, when the total execution time of special games during consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes), the variable and special games executed thereafter may be set as described above in accordance with (A) to (E).
(Example 17)
For example, when the number of consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number (e.g., three times) and the total execution time of special games during the consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined time (e.g., five minutes), the variations and special games executed thereafter may be set as described above in (A) to (E).

Even when set as above, it is possible to reduce the number of special games executed per unit time (the number of jackpot wins per unit time) in the same way as in the above-mentioned embodiment. This makes it possible to appropriately prevent the occurrence of situations in which a large number of special games are executed in a short period of time, causing a sudden increase in the number of winning balls won by the player, and thus leading to extremely high levels of gambling.

The various conditions in the above specific examples 1 to 17 can also be set in combination with each other to the extent that no contradictions arise. Furthermore, when the various conditions are satisfied, the above settings (A) to (E) can be set alone or in combination.

Also, a counter (configured by a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103) for counting the number of consecutive jackpots may be provided in the main control board 100, and whether or not the number of consecutive jackpots has reached a predetermined number may be determined based on the count value of the counter. Then, when the various conditions in the above-mentioned specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, any one or more of the above-mentioned settings (A) to (E) may be set.
In addition, since the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 during the high probability time-saving game state, the consecutive jackpots are mainly jackpots won based on the second special random number. Therefore, the above-mentioned counter may be set to count the number of consecutive jackpots won based on the second special random number, and to reset the count value of the counter when a jackpot is won based on the first special random number, and to determine that the condition regarding the number of consecutive jackpots in the above-mentioned specific examples 1 to 17 is satisfied when the number of consecutive jackpots won based on the second special random number reaches a predetermined number. In other words, when a jackpot is won based on the first special random number, the consecutive jackpots may be treated as being interrupted, and the condition regarding the number of consecutive jackpots in the above-mentioned specific examples 1 to 17 may be set not to be satisfied unless a jackpot is won based on the second special random number in succession.
When a jackpot is won based on the second special random number, it is more likely that a special game with a relatively larger number of game balls that can be won will be decided than when a jackpot is won based on the first special random number, and there is a high possibility that the number of prize balls won by the player will increase rapidly in a short period of time. When set as described above, only the jackpot based on the second special random number is subject to the condition regarding the number of consecutive jackpots, so it is possible to prevent the above settings (A) to (E) from being made excessively.

In addition, when the various conditions in specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, when (A) regarding the variable time is set in combination with at least one of (B) to (E) regarding the various times during special play, after the various conditions are satisfied, both the variable time and the various times during special play will be longer than before the various conditions were satisfied, but the rate of change of the variable time may be set to be greater than the rate of change of the various times during special play.
For example, when the conditions in Specific Example 1 are satisfied, and (A) and (B) are set in combination, the setting may be such that before the number of consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number, the fluctuation time for the special pattern is likely to be 3 seconds or 6 seconds, and after the number of consecutive jackpots reaches the predetermined number, the fluctuation time for the special pattern is likely to be 13 seconds or 15 seconds (changing to 2.5 to 5 times the fluctuation time before the predetermined number is reached), and the setting may be such that before the number of consecutive jackpots reaches the predetermined number, the opening time during special game is 10 seconds, and after the number of consecutive jackpots reaches the predetermined number, the opening time during special game is 15 seconds (changing to 1.5 times the opening time before the predetermined number is reached).

Furthermore, when the various conditions in specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, when (A) regarding the fluctuation time is set, after the various conditions are satisfied, both the fluctuation time of the non-reach fluctuation pattern and the fluctuation time of the reach fluctuation pattern will be longer than before the various conditions are satisfied, but the rate of change in the fluctuation time of the reach fluctuation pattern may be set to be greater than the rate of change in the fluctuation time of the non-reach fluctuation pattern, or the rate of change in the fluctuation time of the non-reach fluctuation pattern may be set to be greater than the rate of change in the fluctuation time of the reach fluctuation pattern.
For example, when (A) is set when the condition in the specific example 2 is satisfied, before the total number of rounds executed during consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number, 3 seconds or 6 seconds is likely to be determined as the fluctuation time of the fluctuation that becomes a no-reach fluctuation pattern, and after the total number of rounds executed during consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number, 13 seconds or 15 seconds (changes to 2.5 to 5 times the fluctuation time before reaching the predetermined number) is likely to be determined as the fluctuation time of the fluctuation that becomes a no-reach fluctuation pattern, and before the total number of rounds executed during consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number, 20 seconds or 30 seconds is likely to be determined as the fluctuation time of the fluctuation that becomes a reach fluctuation pattern, and after the total number of rounds executed during consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number, 180 seconds or 240 seconds (changes to 6 to 12 times the fluctuation time before reaching the predetermined number) may be likely to be determined as the fluctuation time of the fluctuation that becomes a reach fluctuation pattern.
In addition, when (A) is set when the conditions in specific example 8 are satisfied, before the total number of prize balls paid out during consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation that becomes a no-reach fluctuation pattern is likely to be 3 seconds or 6 seconds, and after the total number of prize balls paid out during consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation that becomes a no-reach fluctuation pattern is likely to be 13 seconds or 15 seconds (changing to 2.5 to 5 times the fluctuation time before reaching the predetermined number) and before the total number of prize balls paid out during consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation that becomes a reach fluctuation pattern is likely to be 20 seconds or 30 seconds, and after the total number of rounds executed during consecutive jackpots reaches a predetermined number, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation that becomes a reach fluctuation pattern is likely to be 40 seconds or 45 seconds (changing to about 1.3 to 2.25 times the fluctuation time before reaching the predetermined number).
Also, when the various conditions in the specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, by setting at least one of (B) to (E) related to the various times during the special game without setting (A) related to the variable time, the execution time of the special game (opening time, ending time, interval time, opening time of the large prize opening 18) may be lengthened although the variable time does not change after the various conditions are satisfied. Also, in such a case, for example, the opening time after the various conditions are satisfied may be set to be longer than other times after the conditions are satisfied (ending time, interval time, opening time of the large prize opening 18), or the rate of change of the opening time before and after the various conditions are satisfied may be set to be larger than the rate of change of other times.

In addition, when the various conditions in the above-mentioned specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, other settings may be made instead of the above-mentioned (A) to (E). For example, when various conditions are satisfied, in the normal symbol game executed thereafter, (F) the determination ratio of the change time longer than the change time of the normal symbol change executed before may be set to be higher, or (G) the opening time may be set to be shorter than the opening time of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning hole 16 before.
Also, for example, when various conditions are satisfied, after the end of the subsequent special game, (H) the number of time-saving times may be set to be less than the number of time-saving times that was set after the end of the previous special game.
By setting it in this manner, the frequency with which game balls enter the second start winning port 16 decreases, and the opportunities for winning/losing lotteries also decrease, making it possible to reduce the number of special games played per unit time (the number of jackpot wins per unit time).

Also, for example, when various conditions are satisfied, in a special game executed thereafter, (I) the large prize opening 18 may be set to open and close in a manner that makes it more difficult for a game ball to enter the opening than in a previous special game (for example, by repeating a 0.5 second opening and 1.0 second closing a predetermined number of times).
When set in this way, the number of prize balls that can be acquired during a special game is reduced, and the total number of prize balls per unit time can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the number of prize balls acquired by a player even when a large number of special games are played in a short period of time, thereby appropriately preventing the occurrence of a situation in which the player's gambling tendency becomes extremely high.

Also, for example, if various conditions are satisfied, when the special pattern changes thereafter, when both the (J) first special pattern random number and the second special pattern random number are stored, the first special pattern random number may be processed in priority to the second special pattern random number.
In this way, when the jackpot is won based on the first special random number, the probability of deciding to play a special game with fewer rounds is higher than when the jackpot is won based on the second special random number, so the expected number of prize balls that can be won during the special game is reduced, and the expected number of total prize balls per unit time is reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the number of prize balls that a player can win, even if a large number of special games are played in a short period of time, and therefore to appropriately prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the player's gambling habits become extremely high.

As with (A) to (E), the settings (F) to (J) may be set alone or in combination with one another, or may be set in combination with at least one of (A) to (E).
In addition, in the settings (A) to (G), when the various conditions of the specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, the various times are lengthened, but the predetermined times may be lengthened while the other times are shortened. For example, when the various conditions of the specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, the setting may be made so that the determination ratio of the variation time longer than the variation time of the special symbol variation executed previously is high (setting (A)), while the ending time shorter than the ending time of the special game executed previously is set (setting (C)).
In this case, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the time between the start of fluctuation and the end of the special game becomes too long after the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17 are met, resulting in extreme hindrance to the player's profits.

In addition, when the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, settings (A) to (E) are made, and when the various times are lengthened, the frequency of execution of specific effects may be set to be higher within the lengthened period.
For example, when the various conditions of the concrete examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, if the setting ((A)) is made so that the rate of determining a longer fluctuation time than the previously executed fluctuation time of the special symbol fluctuation is high, when a long fluctuation time is determined, the frequency of execution of a suggestive effect (specific effect) showing the expectation of winning the jackpot in the fluctuation may be set to be high. Also, the frequency of execution of a special effect (specific effect) showing contents unrelated to the result of the winning/losing lottery may be set to be high.

In addition, when the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, if an opening time longer than the opening time of a special game previously executed is set (setting (B)), or if an ending time longer than the ending time of a special game previously executed is set (setting (C)), the frequency of execution of a pre-reading effect (specific effect) suggesting that there is something among the pending balls stored at that time that may be determined to be a jackpot winning ball may be increased before the opening time or ending time has elapsed.
The degree of change in the frequency of execution of a specific effect is not particularly limited. For example, although a specific effect was not executed before the various conditions described above were satisfied, it may be set so that the specific effect is executed after the various conditions described above are satisfied, or although a specific effect was executed at a predetermined execution rate before the various conditions described above were satisfied, it may be set so that the specific effect is executed at a rate higher than the predetermined execution rate after the various conditions described above are satisfied.
In this way, as described above, it is possible to appropriately prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the player's tendency to gamble becomes extremely high, while also preventing the player's interest from declining due to various times being longer.

In addition, when one or more of the settings (A) to (J) are made when the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, the settings may be released (i.e., restored to the settings before the various conditions described above were satisfied) when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied.
The specified termination conditions can be, for example, a specified number of changes (e.g., 30 times) due to the setting made after the various conditions described above are satisfied, a specified number of special games (e.g., three times) have been played (a specified number of jackpots have been won) due to the setting made after the various conditions described above are satisfied, or it has been determined that the consecutive jackpots have been interrupted (e.g., a jackpot pattern that will set the normal game state after the special game has ended has been determined, the normal game state has been set, a specified number of changes have occurred since the normal game state was set, etc.).
In this case, it is possible to prevent the setting for preventing a situation in which gambling becomes too intense from continuing for a long time, thereby preventing the player's interest from declining.

In addition, when the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied and one or more of the settings (A) to (J) are made, even if at least one of the time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state continues (i.e., when consecutive jackpots are occurring), if a specific condition is satisfied (for example, when the jackpot pattern X2 associated with the execution of a special game in which the number of obtainable game balls is relatively large is determined a predetermined number of times (for example, twice, etc.) in succession), the above-mentioned settings may be released (i.e., the settings may be restored to those before the various conditions above were satisfied).
In this case, it is possible to prevent the setting for preventing a situation in which gambling becomes too intense from continuing for a long time, thereby preventing the player's interest from declining.

Furthermore, when the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, specific external information may be sent to the outside of the pachinko machine P (for example, a device provided outside the pachinko machine P, such as a hall computer) in order to communicate the settings made based on this, and in order to notify that the above-mentioned settings have been made, a specific display (for example, displaying a specific mark image or a warning display such as "game progress time is being changed") may be made on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, or a lamp may be turned on in a specific manner.
In addition, when the various conditions of the concrete examples 1 to 17 are satisfied, history information indicating that fact may be stored in the main RAM 103 of the main control board 100 or the sub-RAM 303 of the sub-control board 300. In this case, it is possible to grasp the frequency and period of settings for preventing situations in which gambling becomes high, which can be useful in developing a pachinko machine in which situations in which gambling becomes high are unlikely to occur.

In addition, the pachinko machine P is provided with a plurality of fluctuation pattern tables 114 in which the length of the fluctuation time that can be determined and the determination ratio of the fluctuation time are set to be different, and when a jackpot is won without satisfying the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17, after the end of the special game based on the jackpot, the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) is determined by referring to a different fluctuation pattern table 114 based on the jackpot symbol determined at the time of the jackpot being won.
Even when the settings are made in this manner, if a jackpot is won while the various conditions described above are satisfied and one or more of the settings (A) to (J) have been made, the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) may be determined by referring to the common fluctuation pattern table 114, regardless of which jackpot symbol is determined at the time of the jackpot being won.
Specifically, for example, when the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 is determined without satisfying the various conditions described above, the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) is determined by referring to the first fluctuation pattern table 114 in which the determination ratio of the relatively long fluctuation time is set high after the special game based on the jackpot is finished, and when the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X2 is determined without satisfying the various conditions described above, the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) is determined by referring to the second fluctuation pattern table 114 in which the determination ratio of the relatively short fluctuation time is set high after the special game based on the jackpot is finished. And, when it is set in this way, even when the jackpot is won and either the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined while satisfying the various conditions described above, the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) may be determined by referring to the third fluctuation pattern table 114 in which the determination ratio of the longer fluctuation time than the fluctuation time that can be determined by the first fluctuation pattern table 114 is set high after the special game based on the jackpot is finished.

The pachinko machine P may also be provided with a variation pattern table 114 as described below. The variation pattern table 114 will be specifically described below. Note that, in this example, the winning of the time-saving award (determination of the time-saving symbol) is not taken into consideration, and the winning of the small prize is not determined in the winning/losing lottery, and when the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, the two big winning symbols, X1 and X2, and the losing symbol, Y2, are determined.
For example, as shown in Figures 59 to 60, there may be provided a table C which is referred to when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 when the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17 are not satisfied during a high-probability time-saving game state, and tables D1, D2, and D3 which are referred to when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 when the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied during a high-probability time-saving game state and one or more of the settings (A) to (J) described above are made.

As shown in FIG. 59, according to table C, when the losing symbol Y2 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 49, a fluctuation pattern command "C0H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "3 seconds fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 3 seconds) is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 50 to 124, a fluctuation pattern command "C1H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "5 seconds fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 5 seconds) is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 125 to 224, a fluctuation pattern command "C2H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "10 seconds fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 10 seconds) is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 225 to 249, a fluctuation pattern command "C3H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "15 seconds fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 15 seconds) is determined.
In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 49, a fluctuation pattern command "D0H" associated with a "30-second fluctuation" fluctuation pattern (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 30 seconds) is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 50 to 124, a fluctuation pattern command "D1H" associated with a "60-second fluctuation" fluctuation pattern (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 60 seconds) is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 125 to 174, a fluctuation pattern command "D2H" associated with a "100-second fluctuation" fluctuation pattern (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 100 seconds) is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 175 to 249, a fluctuation pattern command "D3H" associated with a "120-second fluctuation" fluctuation pattern (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 120 seconds) is determined.

As shown in FIG. 60(a), according to table D1, when a losing symbol Y2 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 12, a fluctuation pattern command "C0H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "3 seconds fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 13 to 25, a fluctuation pattern command "C1H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "5 seconds fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 26 to 50, a fluctuation pattern command "C4H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "50 seconds fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 50 seconds) is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 51 to 150, a fluctuation pattern command "C5H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60 seconds fluctuation" is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 225 to 249, a fluctuation pattern command "C6H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "100 seconds fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 49, a fluctuation pattern command "D1H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60 seconds fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 50 to 124, a fluctuation pattern command "D2H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "100 seconds fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 125 to 174, a fluctuation pattern command "D4H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "150 seconds fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 150 seconds) is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 175 to 249, a fluctuation pattern command "D5H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "200 seconds fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 200 seconds) is determined.

As shown in FIG. 60(b), according to table D2, when a losing symbol Y2 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 24, a fluctuation pattern command "C4H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "50 second fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 25 to 74, a fluctuation pattern command "C5H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60 second fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 75 to 149, a fluctuation pattern command "C7H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "70 second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the entire fluctuation time is set to 70 seconds) is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 150 to 249, a fluctuation pattern command "C6H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "100 second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 49, a fluctuation pattern command "D1H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 50 to 124, a fluctuation pattern command "D2H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "100-second fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 125 to 174, a fluctuation pattern command "D4H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "150-second fluctuation" is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 175 to 249, a fluctuation pattern command "D5H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "200-second fluctuation" is determined.

As shown in FIG. 60(c), according to table D3, when the losing symbol Y2 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "C5H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60 second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined, regardless of the current second reserved number, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 49, a fluctuation pattern command "D1H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 50 to 124, a fluctuation pattern command "D2H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "100-second fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 125 to 174, a fluctuation pattern command "D4H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "150-second fluctuation" is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 175 to 249, a fluctuation pattern command "D5H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "200-second fluctuation" is determined.

Then, when the game ball enters the second start winning port 16 during a high probability time-saving game state when the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17 are not satisfied, the fluctuation pattern (i.e., the fluctuation time) is determined by referring to table C. Also, when the game ball enters the second start winning port 16 during a high probability time-saving game state when the various conditions of specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied and one or more of the settings (A) to (J) described above are made, the fluctuation pattern may be determined by referring to any one of the fluctuation pattern tables 114, table D1, table D2 or table D3.
In addition, when the various conditions of the specific examples 1 to 17 are satisfied during a high probability time-saving game state and one or more of the settings of (A) to (J) above are performed, if a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, the referenced variation pattern table 114 may be switched by satisfying a predetermined switching condition. Specifically, the referenced variation pattern table 115 may be switched from table D1 to table D2 to table D3 according to the number of consecutive big wins. Also, the referenced variation pattern table 114 may be switched from table D3 to table D2 to table D1 according to the number of variations.

(Other game features to which the time-saving game state setting is applied)
Next, we will explain other examples of gameplay that apply control to set the time-saving game state without winning a jackpot or executing a special game. Note that the following will mainly explain the configuration and control that are different from the above-mentioned embodiment, and will omit explanations of similar configurations and controls unless necessary. Also, it is assumed that no setting value is provided for any of the pachinko machines P related to the following other application examples.
(Another Application Example 1)
(Configuration and control overview)
Although not specifically shown, the configuration of the game board 11 (game area 12) of the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 1, and the installed devices and components are almost the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 1, the game state is set to one of the following, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment: a normal game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-shortened game state), a second low-probability time-shortened game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a second time-shortened game state), or a high-probability time-shortened game state (a game state combining a high-probability game state and a second time-shortened game state).
As in the above embodiment, during the normal game state, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a, and so long as the game ball is shot according to this instruction, the game ball can enter the first start winning hole 15. On the other hand, during the second low probability time-saving game state, the high probability time-saving game state, the special game, and the small win game, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b, and so long as the game ball is shot according to this instruction, the game ball can pass through the gate 20, enter the second start winning hole 16, and enter the large winning hole 18 (see FIG. 3).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 1, when a jackpot is won based on a game ball entering the first start winning hole 15, a jackpot pattern X1 is determined, and when a jackpot is won based on a game ball entering the second start winning hole 16, a jackpot pattern X2 is determined. The probability of winning a jackpot during the normal game state is set to about 1/150, and the probability of winning a jackpot during the high probability time-saving game state is set to about 1/110.
When the big win symbol X1 is determined, four rounds of play are executed during the special play based on the determination, and a predetermined number (e.g., one ball) of game balls cannot enter the specific area 57 during a specific round of play (e.g., three rounds), and the normal game state is set after the special play ends. Also, about 400 game balls can be acquired during the special play.
On the other hand, when the big win symbol X2 is determined, 10 rounds of play are executed during the special play based on the determination, and a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 in a specific round of play, and after the special play ends, a high probability time-saving game state (time-saving count is 10,000 times) is set. Also, about 1,000 game balls can be acquired during the special play.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 1, the judgment of whether or not the time-saving grant is successful in the winning/losing lottery and the determination of the time-saving symbol in the case where the time-saving grant is successful are not performed as in the above-mentioned embodiment. Instead, as a losing symbol that can be determined when the result of the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 is a losing one, a losing symbol Z1 that is determined to set the second time-saving game state (the number of time-saving times that is set is a predetermined number (10,000 times in this application example)) and a losing symbol Z2 that is determined to not set the time-saving game state are provided. Then, in the normal game state, when the losing symbol Z1 is determined based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15, the above-mentioned second time-saving game state is set. That is, when the losing symbol Z1 is determined based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 during the normal game state, the game state thereafter transitions from the normal game state to the second low probability time-saving game state. In contrast, when the losing symbol Z2 is determined, the game state remains in the normal game state.
In addition, the probability that a losing symbol Z1 will be determined when the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 is set to approximately 1/500.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 1, if a miss occurs based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16, the miss symbol Z1 is not determined. Also, even if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 and the miss symbol Z1 is determined during a game state other than the normal game state (the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state), the second time-saving game state is not set. In other words, even if the miss symbol Z1 is determined based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 in the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state, the game state at that time is not changed, and the number of time-saving times 10,000 is not reset. Note that the remaining number of time-saving times at that time is updated (i.e., decremented by 1).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 1, the upper limit for the number of consecutive high probability settings is set to 5 times. In this pachinko machine P, as described above, when the jackpot pattern X2 is determined, a high probability time-saving game state is set after the special game based on that determination ends, so that if the jackpot pattern X2 is determined five times in a row, the normal game state is forcibly set after the special game based on that determination ends.

(Gameability of the Pachinko Machine P According to Another Application Example 1)
In the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 1, as described above, either a normal game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state), a second low-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a second time-saving game state), or a high-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a high-probability game state and a second time-saving game state) is set and game play progresses.

When a player starts playing, the normal game state is often set. During this normal game state, as described above, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left shot), and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball may enter the first start winning hole 15, but will not enter the second start winning hole 16. Then, a lottery is held based on the game ball's entry into the first start winning hole 15, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X1 is determined. Then, if the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, the game state after the end of the special game without a predetermined number of game balls entering the specific area 57 is set to the normal game state (see FIG. 61). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 1, during the normal game state, a high probability time-saving game state is not set through the winning of a jackpot and the execution of a special game.

Here, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 during the normal game state, the result of the winning/losing lottery will be a losing lottery and a losing symbol Z1 may be determined (the probability of determination is approximately 1/500). If a losing symbol Z1 is determined, the game state is set to a second low-probability time-saving game state without winning a jackpot or going through a special game, and this second low-probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the winning/losing lottery has been derived 10,000 times without winning a jackpot.

During the second low-probability time-saving game state, the game ball is instructed to be shot (hit to the right) toward the second game area 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball may enter the second start winning hole 16, but will not enter the first start winning hole 15. Then, a lottery is held based on the game ball's entry into the second start winning hole 16, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X2 is determined. If a jackpot pattern X2 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57, and the game state after the end of the special game is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 1, if the right hit is performed as instructed during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the jackpot will be won and the game will transition to a high-probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 61). During the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second start winning hole 16 is much more likely to be maintained in an open state than during the normal game state, so the player can almost certainly win the next big jackpot while suppressing the loss of game balls as the game progresses, and transition to the high-probability time-saving game state takes place.

During the high probability time-saving game state, as in the second low probability time-saving game state, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball (right shot) toward the second game area 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, a lottery is held based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16, and if a jackpot is won, the jackpot pattern X2 is determined. If the jackpot pattern X2 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57, and the game state after the special game ends is set to the high probability time-saving game state again, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000. During the high probability time-saving game state, as in the second low probability time-saving game state, the player can almost certainly win the next jackpot while suppressing the decrease in game balls, and the high probability time-saving game state is set again.

In this way, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 1, when the high probability time-saving game state is set, a jackpot is won again during the game state, and the high probability time-saving game state is set again. Therefore, once the high probability time-saving game state is set, the jackpot pattern X2 can be determined continuously, and the high probability time-saving game state continues until the jackpot pattern X2 is determined five times in a row (until the number of consecutive probability-changing settings reaches the upper limit number). Then, when the jackpot pattern X2 is determined five times in a row, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to the normal game state. In other words, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 1, when the high probability time-saving game state is set, the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2 is executed five times in a row without transitioning to the normal game state.

Here, for example, let us assume that the pachinko machine P is configured to set a high probability time-saving game state based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X1 (400 game balls that can be acquired during a special game). Then, when the jackpot symbol X1 is determined during a normal game state, the high probability time-saving game state is set, and similarly to the above, when the high probability time-saving game state is set, the jackpot symbol X2 can be determined consecutively without transitioning to the normal game state.
However, in the pachinko machine P configured in this way, since the high probability time-saving game state is set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, the determination of this jackpot pattern X1 is also counted as the number of consecutive probability setting times. Then, after the high probability time-saving game state is set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, if the jackpot pattern X2 is determined four times in a row, the number of consecutive probability setting times reaches the upper limit number, and the game state after the end of the special game based on the determination is set to the normal game state. Therefore, the number of game balls that can be acquired from the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 (the transition to the high probability time-saving game state is determined) until the normal game state is set is 4400 (= 400 game balls that can be acquired in one special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 x 1 time + 1000 game balls that can be acquired in one special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2 x 4 times).

In contrast, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 1, as described above, the high probability time-saving game state is set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2 during the first low probability time-saving game state via the second low probability time-saving game state which is set based on the determination of the losing pattern Z1 during the normal game state, so that the number of game balls that can be acquired from the time the jackpot pattern X2 is determined (the transition to the high probability time-saving game state is determined) until the normal game state is set is 5,000 (= 1,000 game balls that can be acquired in one special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2 x 5 times).

Also, for example, in a pachinko machine, when a jackpot is won based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning port 15, either a first jackpot pattern or a second jackpot pattern is determined, and when either jackpot pattern is determined, a high probability game state is always set, provided that the number of consecutive special mode settings has not reached the upper limit, but when the first jackpot pattern is determined, a time-saving game state is set after the special game ends, and when the second jackpot pattern is determined, a non-time-saving game state is set after the special game ends. In addition, in this pachinko machine P, when a jackpot is won and a jackpot pattern is determined based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16, the machine is always set to a high probability game state, provided that the number of consecutive probability changes has not reached the upper limit, and the number of game balls that can be acquired during a special game when a jackpot is won by a game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 is set to be greater than the number of game balls that can be acquired during a special game when a jackpot is won by a game ball entering the first start winning hole 15. Furthermore, in this pachinko machine P, during a non-time-saving game state, game balls are shot toward the first game area 12a to enter the first start winning hole 15, and during a time-saving game state, game balls are shot toward the second game area 12b to enter the second start winning hole 16.

In a pachinko machine configured as described above, when the second jackpot pattern is determined based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning slot 15, after the special game based on that determination ends, the machine transitions to a high probability game state and a non-time-saving game state, so the number of consecutive probability wins increases, but the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of game balls into the first start winning slot 15 continues. Then, when the first jackpot pattern is determined and the machine transitions to the time-saving game state, the number of consecutive probability wins has already increased, and by the time the number of consecutive probability wins reaches the upper limit, the number of times the player can win a jackpot based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning slot 16, which is advantageous for the player, will decrease, which is disadvantageous to the player.

In contrast, if the machine is set to transition to the time-saving game state based on the determination of a specific losing symbol or a small winning symbol that is not a big winning symbol, as in the pachinko machine according to Application Example 1, the number of consecutive high probability setting times does not increase before transitioning to the time-saving game state, and the machine transitions to the time-saving game state with the number of consecutive high probability setting times set at 0, so the unfavorable situation described above does not occur.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to other application example 1, instead of directly transitioning to a high probability time-saving game state in which a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 based on the determination of a predetermined jackpot pattern upon the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 during the normal game state, the game machine transitions to a low probability time-saving game state (second low probability time-saving game state) in which a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 based on the determination of a specific losing pattern (losing pattern Z1) upon the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 during the normal game state, and then to a high probability time-saving game state based on the determination of a predetermined jackpot pattern upon the game ball entering the second start winning port 16.
Therefore, from the time when the jackpot pattern that will transition to a high-probability time-saving game state is determined to the time when the high-probability time-saving game state ends, the player can earn game profits that can be awarded based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 (for example, the number of rounds during a special game that is executed based on winning a jackpot), which provides innovative gameplay that enhances the player's interest.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 1, the time-saving game state is set by determining a specific losing pattern (losing pattern Z1) during the normal game state, but this is not limited to this, and the time-saving game state may be set by determining a specific small winning pattern during the normal game state.
Also, similarly to the above-described embodiment, in the normal game state, when a losing pattern Z1 for which a time-saving game state is set is determined, the execution rate of a specific effect (such as a pre-reading effect, a reach development effect that gives a high expectation to the player during a variable effect, etc.) may be set to be higher than when a jackpot pattern X1 is determined.

(Another Application Example 2)
The pachinko machine P according to the second application example has almost the same configuration and control as the pachinko machine P according to the first application example.
However, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 2, when a game ball enters the second start winning slot 16 and a jackpot pattern X2 is determined, a high probability time-saving game state in which the number of time-saving times is 100 is set after the special game based on the determination is finished. Since the probability of determining the jackpot pattern X2 is set to about 1/110, similar to the other application example 1, the next jackpot is not necessarily won during the high probability time-saving game state, and if the winning/losing lottery is performed 100 times without a jackpot being won, a normal game state is set.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 2, the upper limit of the number of consecutive high-probability settings is not specifically set, and the high-probability time-saving game state continues until the condition for setting the low-probability time-saving game state is met (100 win/lose lotteries are held without winning a jackpot during the high-probability time-saving game state).

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to the second application example 2, even if the result of the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of the game ball into not only the first start winning hole 15 but also the second start winning hole 16 is a losing ball, a losing symbol Z1 that is determined to set the second time-saving game state (the number of time-saving times that is set is a predetermined number (10,000 times in this application example)) or a losing symbol Z2 that is determined to not set the time-saving game state can be determined. And, even if the losing symbol Z1 is determined based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16 in the normal game state, the above-mentioned second time-saving game state is set. That is, when the losing symbol Z1 is determined based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16 during the normal game state, the game state thereafter transitions from the normal game state to the second low-probability time-saving game state. In contrast, when a losing symbol Z2 is determined in the normal game state, the game state remains in the normal game state.
In addition, the probability that a losing symbol Z1 will be determined when the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 is set to approximately 1/7.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 2, even if a losing symbol Z1 is determined based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 in a game state other than the normal game state (the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state), the second time-saving game state is not reset. In other words, even if a losing symbol Z1 is determined based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 in the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state, the game state at that time is not changed, and the number of time-saving times of 10,000 is not reset. Note that the remaining number of time-saving times at that time is updated (i.e., decremented by 1).

(Gameability of the Pachinko Machine P According to Another Application Example 2)
The flow of the game in the pachinko machine P of other application example 2, from the normal game state, through the second low-probability time-saving game state, to the high-probability time-saving game state, is the same as that of the pachinko machine P of other application example 1.
In the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 2, as described above, the number of time-saving times in the high-probability time-saving game state is set to 100, so that if the win/lose lottery is performed 100 times without winning the jackpot, the high-probability time-saving game state ends and the normal game state is set.
Here, during the high probability time-saving game state, the game ball is constantly shot into the second game area 12b, and the game ball can pass through the gate 20. Then, when the high probability time-saving game state ends and the normal game state is set, it is highly likely that the second reserved number is the upper limit of 4 (i.e., the upper limit of four second special random numbers is reserved and stored). In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 2, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the second special random number is processed preferentially over the first special random number, so that the winning/losing lottery processing is performed for the maximum four second special random numbers reserved and stored at the time when the above-mentioned normal game state is set, before the first special random number reserved and stored.

After the normal game state is set, the shooting of game balls toward the first game area 12a is resumed, and the player aims to enter the game ball into the first start winning hole 15, again aiming to transition to a high probability time-saving game state.
However, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 2, when the above-mentioned normal game state is set, if a losing symbol Z1 is determined in a winning/losing lottery based on a maximum of four second special random numbers reserved and stored, a second low-probability time-saving game state with 10,000 time-saving times is set, and after this, the high-probability time-saving game state is reset. That is, even if the high-probability time-saving game state ends and the normal game state is set, the losing symbol Z1 is determined based on the reserved second special random number at this point, and the game ball can enter the second start winning hole 16, and when the jackpot symbol X2 is determined based on the ball, the game state is re-transferred to the high-probability time-saving game state.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 2, when a specific losing pattern (losing pattern Z1) is determined based on the second special pattern random number obtained by the entry of the game ball into the second start winning port 16 during the normal game state, the machine transitions to a second low-probability time-saving game state without winning a jackpot or playing a special game, and then can transition to a high-probability time-saving game state.
This makes it possible to re-transition to the high probability time-saving game state without winning a jackpot or playing a special game based on the second special chart random number that is reserved and stored at the time when the high probability time-saving game state ends and the normal game state is set, thereby providing an innovative gameplay that enhances the player's interest.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 2, as in the other application example 1, the time-saving game state may be set by determining a specific small winning symbol during the normal game state.

(Another Application Example 3)
(Configuration and control overview)
The pachinko machine P relating to another application example 3 is a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, which is configured so that a special game is executed when a big win is won or when a game ball enters a special area described below during a small win game based on a small win.

The configuration of the game board 11 of the pachinko machine P in Other Application Example 3, and the devices and components installed on the game board 11, are the same as those in Other Application Example 1 and Other Application Example 2, except for the attacker device 17.
Although not specifically shown, the attacker device 17 has the same internal structure as the above-described embodiment, other application example 1, and other application example 2, except that instead of the specific area 57 provided in the above-described embodiment, other application example 1, and other application example 2, it has a special area which has the same structure as the specific area 57 but a different function.

Then, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, other application example 1, and other application example 2, during a special game based on winning a big prize or during a small prize game based on winning a small prize, the big prize opening 18 opens, and game balls can enter the big prize opening 18. However, during a special game, the allocating member 59 stays at the first position, and game balls that enter the big prize opening 18 do not enter the special area, but all enter the general area 58. In contrast, during a small prize game, the allocating member 59 stays at the second position, and game balls that enter the big prize opening 18 do not enter the general area 58, but all enter the special area.
In other words, the game ball can only enter the special area during a small win game, so that the game ball enters the special area during a small win game based on a small win, and the special game is executed.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 3, unlike the above-mentioned embodiment, other application example 1 and other application example 2, the game state after the special game ends is not set depending on whether or not a predetermined number of game balls enter a predetermined area (specific area 57) of the large prize opening 18 during the special game, but the above-mentioned game state is set according to the big prize pattern determined when the big prize is won and the small prize pattern determined when the small prize is won.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 3, one of the following game states is set: a normal game state combining a low probability game state and a non-time-saving game state, a first low-probability time-saving game state combining a low-probability game state and a first time-saving game state (the winning probability of a normal pattern, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern, and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 are the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment), or a second low-probability time-saving game state combining a low-probability game state and a second time-saving game state (the winning probability of a normal pattern, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern, and the opening time of the second start winning port 16 are the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment).
As in the above embodiment, during the normal game state and the first low-probability time-saving game state, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a, and so long as the game ball is shot according to this instruction, the game ball can enter the first start winning hole 15. On the other hand, during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the special game, and the small win game, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b, and so long as the game ball is shot according to this instruction, the game ball can pass through the gate 20, enter the second start winning hole 16, and enter the large winning hole 18 (see FIG. 3).

62, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 3, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, a jackpot can be won, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot symbol X1 is determined. That is, during the normal game state or the first low probability time-saving game state (while hitting from the left), a special game is executed based on the winning of a jackpot (determination of the jackpot symbol X1).
The probability of winning a jackpot when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 is set to approximately 1/300 regardless of the game state. Also, the upper limit of the number of reserved first special random numbers that can be stored when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 (the upper limit of the first reserved number) is set to 2. However, the upper limit of the number of reserved first special random numbers is not limited to this.

When the big win symbol X1 is determined, 10 rounds of play are executed during the special game based on the determination, and approximately 1000 game balls can be obtained.
62, when the jackpot symbol X1 is determined, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings described later has not reached the upper limit, the second low-probability time-saving game state (the number of time-saving settings is 100) is set after the special game based on the determination is completed, regardless of whether the game state at the time of the determination is the normal game state or the time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state). On the other hand, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has reached the upper limit, the normal game state is set after the special game is completed.

62, in the case of a loss in the lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15, a loss symbol Z1 is determined. When the loss symbol Z1 is determined, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit, the first low-probability time-saving game state (the number of time-saving settings is 100) is set after the determination, regardless of whether the game state at the time of the determination is the normal game state or the time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state). On the other hand, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has reached the upper limit, the normal game state is set after the determination.
In other words, when a losing symbol Z1 is determined during the first low-probability time-saving game state and the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit number, the first low-probability time-saving game state and the number of time-saving settings are reset.

62, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 3, when the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, it is possible to win a big win or a small win, and when a big win is won, a big win symbol X2 is determined, and when a small win is won, a small win symbol Y1 is determined. That is, during the second low probability time-saving game state (during right hitting), a special game is executed through a small win game executed based on whether a big win is won (a big win symbol X2 is determined) or a small win is won (determination of a small win symbol Y1).
As shown in Fig. 62, the probability of winning a big prize when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 is set to about 1/300 regardless of the game state, and the probability of winning a small prize when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 is set to about 299/300 regardless of the game state. In other words, when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, the winning or losing lottery determines whether the game is a big prize or a small prize, and does not determine whether the game is a loss. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 3, when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, a special game is always executed.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers (upper limit number of second reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 is set to 1. Note that the upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers is not limited to this.

When the big win symbol X2 is determined and when the small win symbol Y1 is determined, ten rounds of play are executed during the special game based on the determination, and about 1000 game balls can be obtained.
62, when the big win symbol X2 or the small win symbol Y1 is determined, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit, if the game state at the time of the determination is the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state (the number of time-savings is 100) is set after the special game based on the determination ends, and if the game state at the time of the determination is the normal game state, the normal game state is set after the special game based on the determination ends. On the other hand, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has reached the upper limit, the normal game state is set after the special game ends.
In other words, when a big win pattern X2 or a small win pattern Y1 is determined during the second low-probability time-saving game state and the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit number, the second low-probability time-saving game state and the number of time-saving settings are reset.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 3, the upper limit of the number of consecutive time-saving settings is set to three. In the pachinko machine P, as described above, when the big win symbol X1 is determined during the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, when the losing symbol Z1 is determined during the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state, the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, and when the big win symbol X2 or the small win symbol Y1 is determined during the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, so that any of these determinations is counted as the number of consecutive time-saving settings. And when these determinations are made three times in a row, the number of consecutive time-saving settings reaches the upper limit, so that after the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol or the small win symbol is finished and after the determination of the losing symbol, the normal game state is forcibly set.

(Gameability of the Pachinko Machine P According to Another Application Example 3)
In the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 3, as described above, either a normal game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state), a first low-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a first time-saving game state), or a second low-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a second time-saving game state) is set and game play progresses.

(1) When a jackpot is won in the normal game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 0) and the second low-probability time-saving game state is set. When a player starts playing, the normal game state is often set, and in the normal game state, the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 0 (i.e., there are 3 times remaining until the upper limit is reached).
During the normal game state, as described above, the game ball is instructed to be shot toward the first game area 12a (so-called left shot), and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball has a possibility of entering only the first start winning hole 15, so during this game state, a winning/losing lottery is held based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15. Then, when the jackpot symbol X1 is determined, the game state after the special game based on this determination is ended is set to the second low-probability time-saving game state (see Figures 62 and 63).

Here, as described above, when the jackpot pattern X1 is determined in the normal game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 0), the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, and based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 1 (there are 2 remaining until the upper limit is reached).
In addition, during the second low-probability time-saving game state, as described above, the game ball is instructed to be shot toward the second game area 12b (so-called right shot), and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball may enter only the second start winning hole 16, so during this game state, a winning/losing lottery is performed based on the game ball's entry into the second start winning hole 16. In this winning/losing lottery, as described above, a lottery result of either a big win (determination of the big win pattern X2) or a small win (determination of the small win pattern Y1) is derived. Then, when the big win pattern X2 or the small win pattern Y2 is determined during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state is reset after the special game based on the determination is completed (see FIG. 62 and FIG. 63), and the number of consecutive time-saving settings increases by one (the number of times remaining until the upper limit is reached decreases by one). Therefore, after the second low probability time-saving game state is set, the special game is continuously executed until the number of consecutive time-saving settings reaches the upper limit number.

Then, as described above, when the jackpot pattern X1 is determined in the normal game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 0) and the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 1 based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, and thereafter, if the jackpot pattern X2 or the small win pattern Y1 is determined twice, the normal game state is forcibly set after the special game based on that determination ends.
As described above, the upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers that can be stored when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 (upper limit number of second reserved numbers) is set to one, and during the fluctuation based on the determination of the big win pattern X2 or small win pattern Y1, a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 and one second special random number is reserved and stored. Therefore, even if the big win pattern X2 or small win pattern Y1 is determined twice and the normal game state is forcibly set, the big win pattern X2 or small win pattern Y1 is determined once more based on the one second special random number reserved and stored at this point, and the special game based on the determination is executed. Note that, when the big win pattern X2 or small win pattern Y1 is determined in the normal game state, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to the normal game state (see Figures 62 and 63), so after the above-mentioned special game is finished, the normal game state remains the same as before the special game is executed.

In this way, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 3, if a jackpot is won in the normal game state where the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 0, the special games will be executed a total of two times (three times in total if the special games executed based on the jackpot or small jackpot based on the reserved second special chart random number are included) before the normal game state is set again.

(2) In the first low-probability time-saving game state (the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 1), a jackpot is won and a second low-probability time-saving game state is set In contrast to (1), if a winning or losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 in the normal game state results in a losing result and a losing symbol Z1 is determined, the game state after the determination is set to the first low-probability time-saving game state (see Figures 62 and 63). Then, based on the determination of the losing symbol Z1, the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 1 (the remaining number of times until the upper limit is reached is 2).
In this first low-probability time-saving game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 1), game balls are continuously shot into the first game area 12a. Then, when a jackpot symbol X1 is determined based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to the second low-probability time-saving game state (see Figs. 62 and 63), so that the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 2 (the remaining number until the upper limit is reached is 1) based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X1.

Then, in the first low-probability time-saving game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 1), if a big win pattern X1 is determined and a second low-probability time-saving game state is set, when a big win pattern X2 or a small win pattern Y1 is determined once thereafter, the normal game state is forcibly set after the special game based on that determination ends.
In other words, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 3, if a jackpot is won in the first low-probability time-saving game state in which the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 1, a special game will be executed once (a total of 2 times if the special game executed based on the jackpot or small jackpot based on the second special chart random number that has been reserved and stored) before the normal game state is set again.

(3) In the first low-probability time-saving game state (the number of consecutive time-saving settings is two) a jackpot is won and the second low-probability time-saving game state is set. In addition, when the first low-probability time-saving game state (the number of consecutive time-saving settings is one) is set based on the determination of the losing symbol Z1 during the normal game state, if a losing symbol Z1 is further determined in the first low-probability time-saving game state, the game state after the determination is reset to the first low-probability time-saving game state (see Figs. 62 and 63). Then, based on the determination of the losing symbol Z1, the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes two (the remaining number until the upper limit is reached is one).
Then, in this first low-probability time-saving game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is two), when a jackpot pattern X1 is determined based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15, the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes three (the number of times remaining until the upper limit is reached is 0) based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1.
Then, even though the big winning pattern X1 is determined, the number of consecutive time-saving settings reaches the upper limit of three, so that after the special game based on the determination is finished, the second low-probability time-saving game state is not set and the normal game state is forcibly set.
In other words, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 3, when a jackpot is won in the first low-probability time-saving game state in which the number of consecutive time-saving settings is two, the special game based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 is not executed, and the normal game state is set again.

In addition, when a losing symbol Z1 is determined based on the ball entering the first start winning hole 15 in the first low probability time-saving game state described above (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is two), the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes three based on the determination of the losing symbol Z1 (the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes zero until the upper limit is reached), and after the determination, the normal game state is forcibly set (see Figures 62 and 63). Then, the above-mentioned steps (1) to (3) are repeated.

In this way, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 3, the first low-probability time-saving game state is set and the number of consecutive time-saving settings is updated based on the fact that a specific losing symbol (losing symbol Z1) is determined in the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state without winning a jackpot or executing a special game. Then, at the time when the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the number of times remaining until the upper limit of the number of consecutive time-saving settings is reached changes according to the number of times the first low-probability time-saving game state is set in the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state. As a result, the number of times that the special game is executed consecutively during the second low-probability time-saving game state (until the normal game state is set again) changes, making it possible to provide novel gameplay that enhances the player's interest.

It is not necessary to set it so that a big win or a small win will always occur when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, but it may be set so that a loss occurs with a predetermined probability.

(Another Application Example 4)
(Configuration and control overview)
The pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 4 is also a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, and the configuration of the game board 11, the devices and components installed on the game board 11, the game states that are set, and the game area 12 from which game balls are shot out during each game state are all the same as those of the other application example 3.

64, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 4, as in the other application example 3, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, a jackpot can be won, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot symbol X1 is determined. That is, during the normal game state or the first low probability time-saving game state (while hitting from the left), a special game is executed based on the winning of a jackpot (determination of the jackpot symbol X1).
The probability of winning a jackpot when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 is set to approximately 1/300 regardless of the game state. Also, the upper limit of the number of reserved first special random numbers that can be stored when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 (the upper limit of the first reserved number) is set to 2. However, the upper limit of the number of reserved first special random numbers is not limited to this.

When the big win symbol X1 is determined, four rounds of play are executed during the special game based on the determination, and approximately 400 game balls can be obtained.
64, when the jackpot symbol X1 is determined, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings described later has not reached the upper limit, regardless of whether the game state at the time of the determination is a normal game state or a time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state), a second low-probability time-saving game state (time-saving count is 100) is set after the special game based on the determination is completed. On the other hand, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has reached the upper limit, a normal game state is set after the special game is completed.

64, in the case of a loss in the lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15, a loss symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined. The probability of determining the loss symbol Z1 is set to about 1/50, and the probability of determining the loss symbol Z2 is set to about 49/50.
When the losing symbol Z1 is determined, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit, the first low-probability time-saving game state (the number of time-saving settings is 10,000) is set after the determination, regardless of whether the game state at the time of the determination is the normal game state or the time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state). On the other hand, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has reached the upper limit, the normal game state is set after the determination.
In other words, when a losing symbol Z1 is determined during the first low-probability time-saving game state and the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit number, the first low-probability time-saving game state and the number of time-saving settings are reset.

In contrast, when a losing symbol Z2 is determined, the time-saving game state is not set. In other words, when a losing symbol Z2 is determined during a normal game state, the normal game state continues even after the determination, and when a losing symbol Z2 is determined during a first low-probability time-saving game state, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues even after the determination.

Also, as shown in FIG. 64, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 4, when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, it is possible to win a big win or a small win, and when a big win is won, the big win pattern X2 or X3 is determined, and when a small win is won, the small win pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined. In other words, during the second low probability time-saving game state (during right hitting), a special game is executed through a small win game that is executed based on whether a big win is won (the big win pattern X2 or X3 is determined) or a small win is won (the small win pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined).

As shown in FIG. 64, the probability of winning a big prize when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 is set to approximately 1/300 regardless of the game state, and the probability of winning a small prize when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 is set to approximately 299/300 regardless of the game state. In other words, when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16, the winning or losing lottery determines whether the big prize or small prize has been won, and does not determine whether the prize has been lost. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 3, when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16, a special game is always executed.

64, the probability of winning the big win symbol X2 and the probability of winning the big win symbol X3 are both 1/2. Similarly, the probability of winning the small win symbol Y1 and the probability of winning the small win symbol Y2 are both 1/2.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers (upper limit number of second reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 is set to 2. However, the upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers is not limited to this.

When the big win symbol X2 or X3 is determined, and when the small win symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined, four rounds of play are played during the special game based on that determination, and approximately 400 game balls can be won.

64, when the big win symbol X2 or the small win symbol Y1 is determined, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit, the second low-probability time-saving game state (the number of time-saving settings is 100) is set after the special game based on the determination is completed, regardless of whether the game state at the time of the determination is the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state. On the other hand, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has reached the upper limit, the normal game state is set after the special game is completed.
In other words, when a big win pattern X2 or a small win pattern Y1 is determined during the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state, and the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit number, the second low-probability time-saving game state and the number of time-saving settings will be set (reset during the second low-probability time-saving game state).

In contrast, as shown in Fig. 64, when the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit, if the game state at the time of the determination is the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state (the number of time-savings is 100) is set after the special game based on the determination ends, and if the game state at the time of the determination is the normal game state, the normal game state is set after the special game based on the determination ends. On the other hand, if the number of consecutive time-saving settings has reached the upper limit, the normal game state is set after the special game ends.
In other words, when a big win pattern X3 or a small win pattern Y2 is determined during the second low-probability time-saving game state and the number of consecutive time-saving settings has not reached the upper limit number, the second low-probability time-saving game state and the number of time-saving settings are reset.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 4, the upper limit number of consecutive time-saving settings is set to 3 times. In the pachinko machine P, as described above, when the big win symbol X1 is determined during the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, when the losing symbol Z1 is determined during the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state, the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, when the big win symbol X2 or the small win symbol Y1 is determined during the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, and when the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, so that any of these determinations is counted as the number of consecutive time-saving settings. If these determinations are made three times in a row, the number of consecutive time-saving settings will reach the upper limit, and after the special game based on the determination of the big win or small win symbol described above ends and the loss symbol described above is determined, the normal game state will be forcibly set.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 4, the upper limit of the number of reserved normal balls is set to 0, and no normal balls are reserved by the game ball passing through the gate 20. The second low probability time-saving game state set as described above ends at the start of the fluctuation based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16, and then the normal game state is set.
Here, for example, when a normal game state or a first low probability time-saving game state is switched to a second low probability time-saving game state through the execution of a special game, the second low probability time-saving game state may be set without the second special random number being reserved. In this case, the second start winning hole 16 is opened by the game ball passing through the gate 20, and when the first game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 while it is open and fluctuation is started based on the ball, the second low probability time-saving game state ends. However, since the second start winning hole 16 is still open at the start of the fluctuation, if a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 during this time, the second special random number will be reserved and stored up to the upper limit of two.

As described above, since the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16 always results in a big win or a small win, after the special game based on the winning is completed, the second low-probability time-saving game state may be set with the second special random number reserved and stored. In this case, as soon as the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, a governing lottery (lottery result is a big win or a small win) based on the reserved and stored second special random number is performed and fluctuations begin, so the second low-probability time-saving game state ends immediately after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set. Therefore, even if a game ball passes through the gate 20 after the above-mentioned special game is completed, since the second low-probability time-saving game state has already ended, the second start winning hole 16 is extremely unlikely to be maintained in an open state, and the game ball is not allowed to enter the second start winning hole 16.

When the winning/losing lottery is held based on the last reserved second special random number, the second low probability time-saving game state is set again with the second special random number not reserved. In this case, the same process as described above is carried out.

(Gameability of the Pachinko Machine P According to Another Application Example 4)
In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 4, either a normal game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state), a first low-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a first time-saving game state), or a second low-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a second time-saving game state) is set and game play progresses.

(1) When a jackpot is won in the normal game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 0) and the second low-probability time-saving game state is set. When a player starts playing, the normal game state is often set, and in the normal game state, the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 0 (i.e., there are 3 times remaining until the upper limit is reached).
During the normal game state, as described above, the game ball is instructed to be shot toward the first game area 12a (so-called left shot), and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball has a possibility of entering only the first start winning hole 15, so during this game state, a winning/losing lottery is held based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15. Then, when the jackpot symbol X1 is determined, the game state after the special game based on this determination is ended is set to the second low-probability time-saving game state (see Figures 64 and 65).

Here, as described above, when the jackpot pattern X1 is determined in the normal game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 0), the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, and based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 1 (there are 2 remaining until the upper limit number is reached).
Furthermore, during the second low-probability time-saving game state, as described above, the game ball is instructed to be shot toward the second game area 12b (so-called right shot), and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball has the potential to enter only the second start winning port 16, so during this game state, a win/lose lottery is held based on the game ball's entry into the second start winning port 16.
In addition, when the second low probability time-saving game state is set as described above, the second special random number is not reserved. Therefore, after the second low probability time-saving game state is set, the second start winning hole 16 is opened, and a winning/losing lottery and a change are performed based on the entry of the first game ball into the second start winning hole 16 during the opening, and further, based on the entry of the second and third game balls into the second start winning hole 16, the second special random number is reserved and stored up to the upper limit of two.

Then, in the above-mentioned win/lose lottery, as described above, one of the following lottery results is derived: the determination of the jackpot pattern X2 based on the winning of a jackpot, the determination of the jackpot pattern X3 based on the winning of a jackpot, the determination of the small prize pattern Y1 based on the winning of a small prize, or the determination of the small prize pattern Y2 based on the winning of a small prize. During the second low-probability time-saving game state, regardless of which of the above patterns is determined, the second low-probability time-saving game state is reset after the special game based on that determination ends (see Figures 64 and 65), and the number of consecutive time-saving settings increases by one (the number of times remaining until the upper limit is reached decreases by one). Therefore, after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, special games are played continuously until the number of consecutive time-saving settings reaches the upper limit.

As described above, when the jackpot pattern X1 is determined in the normal game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 0) and the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 1 based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, and therefore, if the jackpot pattern X2, jackpot pattern X3, small win pattern Y1, or small win pattern Y2 is subsequently determined twice, the normal game state is forcibly set after the special game based on that determination ends. Also, because the normal game state has been forcibly set, the number of consecutive time-saving settings is reset to 0.

In addition, as described above, when the second low probability time-saving game state is set, in addition to the second special random number used for the first winning/losing lottery and the variation, two second special random numbers are reserved and stored. Therefore, when the above-mentioned symbols are determined twice and the normal game state is forcibly set, the remaining one second special random number is reserved and stored.
Then, a lottery is held based on the last one of the reserved second special pattern random numbers, and either the big win pattern X2, the big win pattern X3, the small win pattern Y1, or the small win pattern Y2 is determined. Here, since the normal game state is set at the time of the lottery, if the big win pattern X2 or the small win pattern Y1 is determined, the second low probability time-saving game state is set again (see Figures 64 and 65), and the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 1 (the remaining number of times until the upper limit is reached is 2). On the other hand, if the big win pattern X3 or the small win pattern Y2 is determined, the normal game state is set (see Figures 64 and 65).

Then, since the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery has been conducted, the second special random number is no longer reserved and stored, and therefore when the second low probability time-saving game state is set based on the determination of the big winning pattern X2 or the small winning pattern Y1, the second start winning port 16 is opened again, and a winning/losing lottery and fluctuation is conducted based on the entry of the first game ball into the second start winning port 16 while it is open, and further, based on the entry of the second or third game ball into the second start winning port 16, the second special random number is reserved and stored up to the upper limit of two.
As a result, the special game is continuously executed until any one of the big win symbol X2, the big win symbol X3, the small win symbol Y1 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined twice again.

On the other hand, if the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined and the normal game state is set, the aim is to win another big win (determination of the big win symbol X2) from the normal game state and to transition to the second low-probability time-saving game state based on that winning.

In this way, when a jackpot is won in the normal game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 0) and the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the second low-probability time-saving game state will be repeatedly set and the special game will continue to be played continuously unless the jackpot pattern X3 or the small jackpot pattern Y2 is determined based on the last remaining second special pattern random number when the game state is transitioned to the normal game state.
For example, if the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined when the game is switched to the normal game state for the first time, a total of four special games will be played, from the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X1 to the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2. If the big win symbol X2 or the small win symbol Y1 is determined when the game is switched to the normal game state for the first time, and the big win symbol X2 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined when the game is switched to the normal game state for the second time, a total of seven special games will be played, from the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X1 to the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2.

(2) In the first low-probability time-saving game state (the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 1), a jackpot is won and a second low-probability time-saving game state is set In contrast to (1), if the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 in the normal game state results in a loss and a loss symbol Z1 is determined, the game state after the determination is set to the first low-probability time-saving game state (see Figures 64 and 65). Then, based on the determination of the loss symbol Z1, the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 1 (the remaining number of times until the upper limit is reached is 2).
In this first low-probability time-saving game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 1), game balls are continuously shot into the first game area 12a. Then, when a jackpot symbol X1 is determined based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to the second low-probability time-saving game state (see Figs. 64 and 65), so that the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 2 (the remaining number until the upper limit is reached is 1) based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X1.
Also, as in the case of (1), after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first game ball enters the second start winning port 16, and based on this, a lottery for determining whether it is a win or a loss and a change are made, and further, based on the second and third game balls entering the second start winning port 16, the second special chart random numbers are reserved and stored up to the maximum number of two.

As described above, when the jackpot symbol X1 is determined in the normal game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 1) and the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 2 based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X1, and therefore, when the jackpot symbol X2, jackpot symbol X3, small win symbol Y1, or small win symbol Y2 is subsequently determined once, the normal game state is forcibly set after the special game based on that determination ends. Also, because the normal game state has been forcibly set, the number of consecutive time-saving settings is reset to 0.

(a) In the normal game state that is forcibly set, when the big win symbol X2 or the small win symbol Y1 is determined based on the second special symbol random number that was previously reserved and stored. Here, when the second low probability time-saving game state is set as described above, in addition to the second special symbol random number used for the first win/loss lottery and the fluctuation, two second special symbol random numbers are reserved and stored. Therefore, when the above-mentioned symbol is determined once and the normal game state is forcibly set, the remaining two second special symbol random numbers are reserved and stored.
Then, a lottery is held based on the second special random number that was reserved earlier among the two reserved ones, and one of the big win symbol X2, the big win symbol X3, the small win symbol Y1, or the small win symbol Y2 is determined. Here, since the normal game state is set at the time of the lottery, if the big win symbol X2 or the small win symbol Y1 is determined, the second low probability time-saving game state is set again as in the case of (1) (see Figures 64 and 65), and the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes 1 (the remaining number of times until the upper limit is reached is 2).
At this point in time, since the remaining second special random number is stored in reserve, one of the above-mentioned patterns is determined based on this last second special random number, and the second low probability time-saving game state is set again (see Figures 64 and 65), and the number of consecutive time-saving settings becomes two (one remaining until the upper limit is reached).

Then, since the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery has been conducted, the second special random number is no longer reserved and stored, and therefore when the second low-probability time-saving game state is set based on the determination of any of the above-mentioned patterns, the second start winning port 16 is opened again, and a winning/losing lottery and change is conducted based on the entry of the first game ball into the second start winning port 16 while it is open, and further, based on the entry of the second or third game ball into the second start winning port 16, the second special random number is reserved and stored up to the upper limit of two.
As described above, at this point, the number of consecutive time-saving settings is two (one remaining until the upper limit is reached), so if the winning/losing lottery based on the first game ball entering the game determines whether the jackpot symbol X2, the jackpot symbol X3, the small win symbol Y1, or the small win symbol Y2 is selected, the game will be forced to enter the normal game state, resulting in the same situation as described above.

(b) In the case where a big win pattern X3 or a small win pattern Y2 is determined based on the second special pattern random number that was previously reserved and stored in the normal game state that has been forcibly set, in contrast to this, when the normal game state is forcibly set as described above and a big win pattern X3 or a small win pattern Y2 is determined based on the second special pattern random number that was previously reserved and stored of the two that were reserved and stored at this point, the normal game state is set again based on that determination (see Figures 64 and 65).
At this point in time, since the remaining second special random number is stored in reserve, if the big win pattern X2 or small win pattern Y1 is determined based on this last second special random number, the second low probability time-saving game state will be set again (see Figures 64 and 65), resulting in a situation similar to that of (1) above.
On the other hand, if the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined, the normal game state will continue to be set (see Figures 64 and 65), and in this case, the situation will be the same as that of (1) above.

In this way, when a jackpot is won in the normal game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is 1) and the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the second low-probability time-saving game state will be repeatedly set and the special game will continue to be played continuously unless the jackpot pattern X3 or the small jackpot pattern Y2 is determined for either of the two second special random numbers remaining when the game state is transitioned to the normal game state.
For example, when the first and second second special random numbers reserved and stored when the game is switched to the normal game state, if the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined for both the first and second second special random numbers, a total of four special games will be played, from the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X1 to the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2. Also, when the first and second special random numbers reserved and stored when the game is switched to the normal game state, if the big win symbol X2 or the small win symbol Y1 is determined based on the first second special random number reserved and stored when the game is switched to the normal game state, a total of seven special games will be played, from the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X1 to the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2.
In addition, when the game state is shifted to the normal game state for the first time, a jackpot pattern X2 or a small jackpot pattern Y1 is determined based on the first second special random number that was reserved and stored, when the game state is shifted to the normal game state for the second time, a jackpot pattern X2 or a small jackpot pattern Y1 is determined based on the first second special random number that was reserved and stored, and when the game state is shifted to the normal game state for the third time, a jackpot pattern X3 or a small jackpot pattern Y2 is determined for both the first and second second special random numbers that were reserved and stored. In this case, a total of 10 special games will be played, from the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 to the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X3 or the small jackpot pattern Y2.

(3) When a jackpot is won in the first low-probability time-saving game state (the number of consecutive time-saving settings is two) and a second low-probability time-saving game state is set As with the pachinko machine P relating to other application example 3, when a jackpot is won in the first low-probability time-saving game state in which the number of consecutive time-saving settings is two, a special game based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 is not executed, and the normal game state is set again.
Also, in the above-mentioned first low-probability time-saving game state (when the number of consecutive time-saving settings is two), even if a losing pattern Z1 is determined based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15, after the determination, the normal game state is forcibly set (see Figures 64 and 65), and the above-mentioned (1) to (3) are repeated, as in the pachinko machine P related to the other application example 3.

In this way, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 4, the first low probability time-saving game state is set and the number of consecutive time-saving settings is updated based on the determination of a specific losing symbol (losing symbol Z1) in the normal game state or the first low probability time-saving game state without winning a jackpot or playing a special game. Also, when the game transitions from the second low probability time-saving game state to the normal game state via a special game, the second low probability time-saving game state is set again when a predetermined jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol X2) or small jackpot symbol (small jackpot symbol Y1) is determined based on the remaining second special symbol random number that was reserved and stored at that time. Then, depending on the number of times the first low-probability time-saving game state has been set in the normal game state or the first low-probability time-saving game state, the number of times remaining until the upper limit of the number of consecutive time-saving settings is reached changes at the time the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, and re-transition to the second low-probability time-saving game state is possible depending on the lottery result at the time of transition to the normal game state. Therefore, during the second low-probability time-saving game state (until the normal game state is set again), the number of times that the special game is executed consecutively changes, making it possible to provide novel gameplay that enhances the player's interest.

It is not necessary to set it so that when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16, it will necessarily result in a big win or a small win, but it may be set so that it will result in a miss with a predetermined probability.
In addition, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 and a miss is determined, a specific miss pattern (miss pattern Z1) that sets the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) may be determined.
In addition, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning port 15 and a jackpot is won, a jackpot symbol for setting the normal gaming state may be determined.
In addition, rather than setting the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) based on the determination of a specific losing pattern (losing pattern Z1) based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15, a specific big win pattern or small win pattern for which the first time-saving game state is set by the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15 may be provided, and the first time-saving game state may be set based on the determination of the specific big win pattern or small win pattern.

(Other Application Example 5)
(Configuration and control overview)
The pachinko machine P according to the other application example 5 is also a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine. As shown in Fig. 66, the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 5 has a normal ball start opening 70 in which game balls can enter, which is provided in the lower center of the game area 12. Only game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the normal ball start winning opening 70.

In addition, an entrance device 80 through which the game ball can enter is provided at the lower left of the normal starting opening 70. As shown in FIG. 66 , this entry device 80 is equipped with an entrance 81 through which game balls can enter, an opening/closing door 82 (normally an electrically operated device) for opening and closing the entrance 81, a first flow-down passage 83 and a second flow-down passage 84 through which game balls that entered through the entrance 81 can flow down, a distribution member 85 that can be displaced to a first position or a second position and, when in the first position, distributes game balls that entered through the entrance 81 to the first flow-down passage 83 and, when in the second position, distributes game balls that entered through the entrance 81 to the second flow-down passage 84, a first gate 86 through which game balls flowing down the first flow-down passage 83 can pass, a second gate 87 through which game balls flowing down the second flow-down passage 84 can pass, and a discharge outlet (not specifically shown) that discharges game balls that have passed through the first gate 86 and the second gate 87 to the back of the game board 11.
66, a first start winning opening 15 having an openable/closeable door 90 and a second start winning opening 16 having an openable/closeable door 91 are arranged side by side in the center of the left part of the game area 12. Also, an attacker device 17 having the same configuration as in the other application examples 3 and 4 is provided in the lower left part of the game area 12.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to this other application example 5, similarly to other application examples 3 and 4, either a normal game state, a first low-probability time-saving game state or a second low-probability time-saving game state is set, but in any game state, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (left hit).
When a game ball flowing down the first game area 12a enters the normal symbol start port 70, a lottery for a normal symbol is held, and if the lottery results in a winning combination, the opening and closing door 82 opens, allowing the game ball to enter the ball entrance port 81 of the entry device 80, and the sorting member 85 stops at the first or second position, so that the game ball that entered through the ball entrance port 81 is guided to the first flow-down passage 83 or the second flow-down passage 84. Which flow-down passage the game ball is guided to is predetermined according to the game state that has been set.

In addition, when the game ball guided to the first flow passage 83 passes through the first gate 86, the opening and closing door 90 opens (the second start winning port 16 is opened) and the game ball can enter the second start winning port 16. Then, when two game balls enter the second start winning port 16, the opening and closing door 90 closes. In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 5, the upper limit number of reserved first special chart random numbers that can be stored when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 (the upper limit number of first reserved numbers) is set to one.
In addition, when the game ball guided to the second flow passage 84 passes through the second gate 87, the opening and closing door 91 opens (the first start winning port 15 is opened) and the game ball can enter the second start winning port 16. Then, when two game balls enter the second start winning port 16, the opening and closing door 91 closes. In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 5, the upper limit number of reserved second special chart random numbers that can be stored when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 (the upper limit number of second reserved numbers) is set to one.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 5, as shown in FIG. 67, the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols during the non-time-saving game state (normal game state) is set to approximately 1/150, and the opening time for the opening/closing door 82 in the event of a winning is 1.8 seconds (= 0.9 seconds x 2 times). When a winning symbol is selected during the lottery for normal symbols during the non-time-saving game state, the sorting member 85 is adapted to stop at the second position, and as a result, the game ball entering through the ball entrance 81 passes through the second gate 87, opening the second start winning entrance 16.

As shown in FIG. 67, the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols during the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) is set to approximately 1/2, and the opening time of the opening/closing door 82 in the event of a winning is 1.8 seconds (= 0.9 seconds x 2 times). When a winning normal symbol is selected during the first time-saving game state, the sorting member 85 is designed to stop at the first position, and as a result, the game ball that entered through the ball entry port 81 passes through the first gate 86, opening the first start winning port 15.

As shown in FIG. 67, the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols during the second time-saving game state (second low-probability time-saving game state) is set to approximately 1/1.1, and the opening time of the opening/closing door 82 in the event of a winning is 1.8 seconds (= 0.9 seconds x 2 times). When a winning normal symbol is selected during the second time-saving game state, the sorting member 85 is adapted to stay in the second position, and the game ball that entered through the ball entry port 81 passes through the second gate 87, opening the second start winning port 16.

67, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 5, as in the other application examples 3 and 4, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, a jackpot can be won, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot symbol X1 is determined, and if a jackpot is lost, a loss symbol Z1 is determined. The probability of winning a jackpot when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 is set to about 1/300 regardless of the game state.
When the big win symbol X1 is determined, 10 rounds of play are executed during the special game based on the determination, and approximately 1000 game balls can be obtained.

Also, as shown in FIG. 67, when the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, regardless of whether the game state at the time of the determination is the normal game state or the time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state), a second low-probability time-saving game state (time-saving count is 100 times) is set after the special game based on the determination ends.
In addition, when the losing symbol Z1 is determined, if the game state at the time of the determination is the normal game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state (time-saving count is 100 times) is set after the determination. In contrast, when the game state at the time of the determination is the first low-probability time-saving game state, the time-saving game state is not set. In other words, if the losing symbol Z1 is determined during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues even after the determination.

Also, as shown in FIG. 67, in a pachinko machine P according to another application example 5, when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16, it is possible to win a big win or a small win. When a big win is won, a big win pattern X2 or X3 is determined, when a small win is won, a small win pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined, and when a miss is won, a miss pattern Z2 is determined.
When the game ball enters the second start winning port 16, a big win is won (the big win symbol X2 or X3 is determined), or a special game is played through a small win game that is played based on the small win (the small win symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined).

67, the probability of winning a big prize when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 is set to about 1/300 regardless of the game state, and the probability of winning a small prize when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 is set to about 149/300 regardless of the game state. In other words, the probability of winning a big prize or small prize and playing a special game when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 is about 1/2.
67, the probability of winning the big win symbol X2 and the probability of winning the big win symbol X3 are both 1/2. Similarly, the probability of winning the small win symbol Y1 and the probability of winning the small win symbol Y2 are both 1/2.
When the big win symbol X2 or X3 is determined, and when the small win symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined, 10 rounds of play are executed during the special game based on the determination, and about 1000 game balls can be obtained.

Also, as shown in FIG. 67, when a big win pattern X2 or a small win pattern Y1 is determined, if the game state at the time of the determination is a normal game state, a second low-probability time-saving game state (the number of time-saving times is 100) is set after the special game based on the determination ends, and if the game state at the time of the determination is the second low-probability time-saving game state, a normal game state is set after the special game based on the determination ends.
On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 67, when the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined, the second low probability time-saving game state (time-saving count is 100) is set after the special game based on the determination ends, regardless of whether the game state at the time of the determination is the normal game state or the second low probability time-saving game state. In other words, when the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined during the normal game state or the second low probability time-saving game state, the second low probability time-saving game state and the time-saving count are set (reset during the second low probability time-saving game state).

Also, as shown in FIG. 67, when a losing symbol X2 is determined, if the game state at the time of the determination is a normal game state, the first low-probability time-saving game state (time-saving count is 999) is set after the determination. In contrast, when the game state at the time of the determination is a second low-probability time-saving game state, the time-saving game state is not set. In other words, if a losing symbol Z2 is determined during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state continues even after the determination.

(Gameability of the Pachinko Machine P According to Another Application Example 5)
In the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 5, as described above, either a normal game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state), a first low-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a first time-saving game state), or a second low-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a second time-saving game state) is set and the game progresses.

Immediately after shipment from the factory or in the initial state after a reset, the normal game mode is set.
During the normal game state, game balls can enter the normal start winning opening 70, and a lottery for a normal pattern is performed based on the game ball entering the normal start winning opening 70. If a winning ball is selected in the lottery for the normal pattern, as described above, the opening and closing door 82 is opened, and the game ball that entered the entry device 70 can pass through the second gate 87, and the second start winning opening 16 is opened when the game ball passes through the gate. Then, when one game ball enters the opened second start winning opening 16, the second start winning opening 16 is closed, and a winning or losing lottery is performed once based on the entered game ball.
In this winning/losing lottery, if a jackpot is won, the jackpot symbol X1 is determined, and after the special game based on the determination is completed, the second low-probability time-saving game state (time-saving count 100 times) is set (see Figs. 67 and 68). On the other hand, if a loss occurs, the losing symbol Z1 is determined, and after the determination, the first low-probability time-saving game state (time-saving count 999 times) is set (see Figs. 67 and 68).

(1) When the second low-probability time-saving game state is set During the second low-probability time-saving game state, as during the normal game state, game balls can enter the normal pattern start winning hole 70, and when a winning normal pattern is selected based on the game ball entering the normal pattern start winning hole 70, the opening and closing door 82 is opened, and the game ball that entered the entry device 70 can pass through the second gate 87, and the second start winning hole 16 is opened when the game ball passes through the gate. Then, when one game ball enters the opened second start winning hole 16, the second start winning hole 16 is closed, and a winning or losing lottery is held once based on the entered game ball.

In this winning/losing lottery, if a big win is won, the big win symbol X2 or X3 is determined, if a small win is won, the small win symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined, and if a loss occurs, the loss symbol Z2 is determined (see Figs. 67 and 68). If the big win symbol X3 or the small win symbol Y2 is determined, the second low probability time-saving game state is set again after the special game based on that determination ends (see Figs. 67 and 68). On the other hand, if the big win symbol X2 or the small win symbol Y1 is determined, the normal game state is set after the special game based on that determination ends (see Figs. 67 and 68). If the loss symbol Z2 is determined, the second low probability time-saving game state continues even after that determination (see Figs. 67 and 68).

In addition, since the number of time-saving times in the second low-probability time-saving game state is set to 100 times, if the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery is performed 100 times without winning a jackpot, the second low-probability time-saving game state will end. However, since the second start winning hole 16 is frequently opened during the second low-probability time-saving game state, and the probability of winning a jackpot or small jackpot in the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16 is set to approximately 1/2, the second low-probability time-saving game state will essentially continue until a jackpot or small jackpot is won again.
Then, when the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the second low-probability time-saving game state will be repeatedly set through special games based on winning a big win or a small win, unless the big win pattern X2 or the small win pattern Y1 is determined in the win/lose lottery described above.

On the other hand, if a normal game state is set after the special game based on the determination of the big win pattern X2 or small win pattern Y1 is completed, a win/loss lottery is held based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16 if the normal pattern lottery is a win, as described above. Then, if the big win pattern X1 is determined, the second low probability time-saving game state (time-saving count 100 times) is set again, and if a losing pattern Z1 is determined, the first low probability time-saving game state is set.

(2) When the first low-probability time-saving gaming state is set As described above, when a losing symbol Z1 is determined in the normal gaming state, the first low-probability time-saving gaming state is set.
During the first low probability time-saving game state, as during the normal game state and the second low probability time-saving game state, the game ball can enter the normal pattern start winning hole 70, but when a winning pattern is selected based on the game ball entering the normal pattern start winning hole 70, the opening and closing door 82 is opened and the game ball that entered the entry device 70 can pass through the first gate 86, and the first start winning hole 15 is opened when the game ball passes through the gate. Then, when two game balls enter the opened first start winning hole 15, the first start winning hole 15 is closed, and the winning/losing lottery and the variation are performed based on the game ball that entered first, and the first special pattern random number obtained based on the game ball that entered later is reserved and stored. Also, when the variation being performed ends, the winning/losing lottery and the variation are performed based on the reserved and stored first special pattern random number.

Then, in the win/lose lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning slot 15, if a jackpot is won and the jackpot symbol X1 is determined, a second low-probability time-saving game state is set after the special game based on the determination ends (see Figures 67 and 68). The flow of the game after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set is the same as (1).
In contrast, in the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, if the winning/losing symbol Z1 is determined as a losing symbol, the time-saving game state is not set, and the first low-probability time-saving game state continues as it is. Also, by performing one winning/losing lottery, the remaining number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state is reduced by one.

Here, during the first low-probability time-saving game state, two game balls enter the first start winning hole 15 while it is open due to the winning decision in the lottery of the normal pattern, so the state in which one first special pattern random number is reserved and stored is maintained. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 5, as described above, the number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state is set to 999 times, which is an odd number. Then, if the winning/losing lottery is performed 999 times without winning the jackpot during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the first low-probability time-saving game state ends and the normal game state is set (see FIG. 68), but at this point, one first special pattern random number is reserved and stored.
Then, a win/lose lottery is performed based on the first special random number stored in reserve at the time the normal game state is set, and if a big win is won and the big win symbol X1 is determined, the second low-probability time-saving game state is set after the special game based on the determination is completed (see Figures 67 and 68). Furthermore, even if the above-mentioned win/lose lottery results in a loss and the loss symbol Z1 is determined, the second low-probability time-saving game state is set after the determination (see Figures 67 and 68).
In other words, after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, if the win/lose lottery is held 999 times without a jackpot being won, the game state thereafter will necessarily be set to the second low-probability time-saving game state, which is more advantageous to the player.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 5, when the winning/losing lottery is performed a predetermined number of times without winning a jackpot in a predetermined game state (first low-probability time-saving game state), a specific game state (second low-probability time-saving game state) that is highly advantageous to the player is set, regardless of whether a specific winning/losing symbol (winning symbol X1) is determined in the next winning/losing lottery or a specific losing symbol (losing symbol Z1) is determined. This makes it possible to set an upper limit (so-called ceiling) on the number of winning/losing lotteries until the game transitions to the specific game state, and to provide a novel gameplay that enhances the player's interest.
In addition, when a miss occurs based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning port 16, only the miss pattern Z2, which is determined to set the first low-probability time-saving game state (999 times of time-saving), is determined, but this is not limited to this, and for example, it may be possible to determine the miss pattern Z1, which is determined to set the second low-probability time-saving game state (100 times of time-saving).

(Other Application Example 6)
(Configuration and control overview)
Although not specifically shown, the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6 is not a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine, and is configured so that special games are executed only upon winning a jackpot, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment.

(Overview of the structure within the play area 12)
Within the game area 12 of the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, a general winning port 14, a first start winning port 15, a second start winning port 16, a movable piece 16b, an attacker device 17, an outlet port 19, a gate 20, and a performance display device 21 are provided (see Figure 69).
Note that the structures and installation positions of some of these devices and members are different from those in the above-described embodiment.
The structure within the game area 12 of the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

In a pachinko machine P according to another application example 6, as shown in FIG. 69, the gate 20 is provided in the upper right corner of the performance display device 21 (above the second game area 12b). The gate 20 is configured so that only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through it, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot pass through it. Also, in a pachinko machine P according to another application example 6, it is configured so that almost all game balls that enter the second game area 12b pass through the gate 20.

As shown in Figure 69, below the gate 20, a second start winning opening 16 and a flat movable piece 16b (a normal electric device) that can be protruded and retracted into the game board 11 are arranged side by side.
The upper surface of the movable piece 16b is formed so as to slope downward from the right end to the left end when protruding from the game board 11. The right end of the movable piece 16b is located directly below the gate 20, and the second start winning hole 16 is located to the left of the left end of the movable piece 16b. The second start winning hole 16 is also cup-shaped and opens upward, so that a game ball that reaches the opening enters the second start winning hole 16.
In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, when the movable piece 16b protrudes from the game board 11, the upper surface of the movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball to the opening of the second start winning hole 16, thereby enabling the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 16 (see FIG. 70(b)). On the other hand, when the movable piece 16b is sunk into the game board 11, the movable piece 16b cannot guide the game ball to the opening of the second start winning hole 16, and the game ball cannot enter the second start winning hole 16 (see FIG. 70(a)). In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, the length from the right end of the movable piece 16b to the second start winning port 16 is approximately the same as the width of the flow passage through which the game balls flow down within the second game area 12b, so when the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state, almost all of the game balls that enter the second game area 12b and pass through the gate 20 can enter the second start winning port 16.

Then, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the game ball passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol is performed, and the variable display of the normal symbol is started. If the result of the lottery for the normal symbol is a win, the variable display of the normal symbol is executed for a predetermined variable time, and then the winning symbol is displayed stationary, and the above-mentioned movable piece 16b is in a protruding state for a predetermined operating time (see FIG. 70(b)). On the other hand, if the result of the lottery for the normal symbol is a loss, the variable display of the normal symbol is executed for a predetermined variable time, and then the losing symbol is displayed stationary, and the above-mentioned movable piece 16b remains in a state of being immersed in the game board 11 (see FIG. 70(a)).
In addition, only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through the second start winning port 16, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot pass through.
In addition, when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16, a predetermined number of game balls (one in another application example 6) are paid out.

As shown in Fig. 69, an attacker device 17 is provided below the second start winning hole 16 and the movable piece 16b. In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, unlike the above-mentioned embodiment, the specific area 57, the general area 58, and the sorting member 59 are not provided in the big winning hole 18.
In addition, only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through the big prize opening 18, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot pass through.
In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6, after the special game that is executed based on the winning of the jackpot is ended, the game state is set according to the type of jackpot pattern that was determined at the time of the winning of the jackpot.

(Control and Game Overview)
Next, various controls and games executed in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6 will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, one of the following game states is set: a normal game state which is a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-shortened game state; a first low-probability time-shortened game state which is a game state combining a low-probability game state and a first time-shortened game state; a second low-probability time-shortened game state which is a game state combining a low-probability game state and a second time-shortened game state; or a high-probability time-shortened game state which is a game state combining a high-probability game state and a second time-shortened game state.
Here, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, the non-time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state are set so that the frequency of the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 (the difficulty of the ball entering, in other words, the frequency of the winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16) is different from each other. The specific setting contents will be described in detail later.
As in the above-described embodiment, the normal game mode is set in the initial state after shipment from the factory or after a reset.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning port 15, and game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through the gate 20, enter the second start winning port 16, and enter the large winning port 18.
During the normal game state, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left hit) so that the game ball will enter the first start winning port 15, and during the first low probability time-saving game state, the second low probability time-saving game state, the high probability time-saving game state and the special game, the game ball will pass through the gate 20 and enter the second start winning port 16, and the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b (so-called right hit) so that the game ball will enter the large winning port 18.

As shown in Fig. 71(a), in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, a jackpot can be won in a winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined. The probability of winning a jackpot when the game state at the time of the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 is a low-probability game state (normal game state, first low-probability time-saving game state, second low-probability time-saving game state) is set to about 1/300, and the probability of winning a jackpot when the game state is a high-probability game state (high-probability time-saving game state) is set to about 3/300 (i.e., about 1/100).
In addition, the probability of determining the big win symbol X1 and the probability of determining the big win symbol X2 are both set to 50/100 (i.e., 50%).
Furthermore, if the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery results in a losing result, a losing symbol Z1 is determined.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved first special random numbers (upper limit number of first reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 is set to 4. The upper limit number of reserved first special random numbers is not limited to this.

71(a), a jackpot can also be won in a winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16, and a jackpot pattern X3 is determined when a jackpot is won. The probability of winning a jackpot when the game state at the time of the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 15 is a low-probability game state (normal game state, first low-probability time-saving game state, second low-probability time-saving game state) is set to approximately 1/300, and the probability of winning a jackpot when the game state is a high-probability game state (high-probability time-saving game state) is set to approximately 3/300 (1/100).
In addition, the probability of winning the jackpot symbol X3 is set to 100/100 (i.e., 100%).
Furthermore, if the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery results in a losing result, a losing symbol Z2 is determined.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers (upper limit number of second reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 is set to 4. The upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 71(a), in either case where a jackpot is won and jackpot patterns X1, X2 are determined, five round games are played during the special game based on that determination, and the round game ends when either the jackpot opening 18 is opened for 29.0 seconds or ten game balls enter the jackpot opening 18, and approximately 500 game balls can be won.
Moreover, when the big win symbol X3 is determined, the above-mentioned round game is executed ten times, and about 1000 game balls can be obtained.

(General overview of the game)
Next, an overview of the regular game executed in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 71(c), during a non-time-saving game state (normal game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is about 1/1.2, the normal symbol variation time is 10 seconds, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b when the normal symbol is drawn and a winning symbol is drawn (the time when the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state) is set to 0.05 seconds. Although not shown in the figure, the same settings are made during special games.
In addition, during the first time-shortened game state (first low-probability time-shortened game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is set to approximately 1/1.2, the same as during the non-time-shortened game state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than during the non-time-shortened game state, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b when a winning normal symbol is drawn is set to 5 seconds, which is longer than during the non-time-shortened game state.
In addition, during the second time-shortened game state (during the second low-probability time-shortened game state, during the high-probability time-shortened game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is approximately 1/1.1, which is higher than during the non-time-shortened game state and the first time-shortened game state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 0.5 seconds, which is the same as during the first time-shortened game state, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b when a winning normal symbol is drawn is set to 5 seconds, which is the same as during the first time-shortened game state.

In other words, during both the non-time-saving game state and the special game state, there is a high probability of winning in the lottery for the normal symbol that is executed when the game ball passes through the gate 20, and there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in the protruding state. However, since the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 5 seconds and the operation time of the movable piece 16b is 0.05 seconds, although the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from the recessed state to the protruding state is long (the interval from the protruding state to the next protruding state is long), the time that the movable piece 16b is maintained in the protruding state is extremely short. Therefore, during the non-time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is almost always in the recessed state, and it is almost impossible for a game ball that has entered the second game area 12b to enter the second start winning hole 16.

In contrast, during the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state), the winning probability is the same as during the non-time-saving game state, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in a protruding state, as during the non-time-saving game state. Also, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than during the non-time-saving game state, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b is 5 seconds, which is longer than during the non-time-saving game state. Therefore, although the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from a sunk state to a protruding state is short (the interval from a protruding state to the next protruding state is short), the time the movable piece 16b is maintained in a protruding state is long. Therefore, during the first time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is almost always in a protruding state, and there is a high possibility that a game ball that has entered the second game area 12b will enter the second start winning hole 16.

In addition, during the second time-saving game state (during the second low-probability time-saving game state and during the high-probability time-saving game state), the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols is higher than during the non-time-saving game state and the first time-saving game state, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in a protruding state. Also, since the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is 0.5 seconds, the same as during the first time-saving game state, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b is 5 seconds, the same as during the first time-saving game state, the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from a recessed state to a protruding state is short (the interval from the protruding state to the next protruding state is short), as in the first time-saving game state, but the time the movable piece 16b is maintained in a protruding state is long. Therefore, during the second time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is more likely to be in a protruding state than during the first time-saving game state, and the possibility that a game ball that has entered the second game area 12b will enter the second start winning hole 16 is higher than during the first time-saving game state.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to other application example 6, the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern is set high overall in all of the non-time-saving play state, the first time-saving play state, and the second time-saving play state, but by varying the fluctuation time of the normal pattern and the operation time of the movable piece 16b, the possibility of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 (i.e., the frequency of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16, in other words, the frequency of the execution of the win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16) is changed.
In other words, during the first time-shortened game state, the movable piece 16b is more likely to be maintained in a protruding state than in the non-time-shortened game state, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16, and during the second time-shortened game state, the movable piece 16b is even more likely to be maintained in a protruding state than in the first time-shortened game state, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16.
Therefore, during the second time-shortened game state, a player can acquire a chance to win or lose a lottery while suppressing a decrease in the number of game balls that accompanies the progress of the game, more than during the non-time-shortened game state and the first time-shortened game state, and during the first time-shortened game state, more than during the non-time-shortened game state.

(Overview of game state to be set)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, one of the game states is set to a normal game state, a first low-probability time-saving game state, a second low-probability time-saving game state, or a high-probability time-saving game state.
Specifically, as long as the game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a as instructed during normal game mode, it is possible to win a jackpot through a lottery based on whether the game ball enters the first start winning port 15, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined.
71(b), when the big win symbol X1 is determined, the game state after the special game ends is set to a low probability game state, and is also set to a second time-saving game state, thereby setting a second low probability time-saving game state. When the second low probability time-saving game state is set, the number of time-saving times is set to 100.
In other words, after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the second low-probability time-saving game state continues until the number of times the special pattern changes reaches 100 without a jackpot being won (i.e., until the results of the win/lose lottery are derived 100 times).

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 71(b), when the big win symbol X2 is determined, the game state after the special game ends is set to the high probability game state, and the high probability time-saving game state is set by being set to the second time-saving game state. When the high probability time-saving game state is set, both the high probability number of times and the time-saving number of times are set to 100 times.
In other words, after the high-probability time-saving game state is set, the high-probability time-saving game state continues until the number of times the special pattern changes reaches 100 without a jackpot being won (i.e., until the results of the win/lose lottery are derived 100 times).

In addition, during both the second low-probability time-saving game state and the high-probability time-saving game state, as described above, the movable piece 16b is almost in a protruding state, and there is a high possibility that the game ball that has entered the second game area 12b will enter the second start winning hole 16. Therefore, as long as the game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b as instructed during the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state, the game ball will enter the second start winning hole 16. Then, in the win/lose lottery based on the ball entering, it is possible to win a jackpot, and if a jackpot is won, the jackpot pattern X3 is determined.
Then, as shown in FIG. 71(b), when the jackpot pattern X3 is determined, the game state after the end of the special game is set to a high probability game state, and is also set to a second time-saving game state, thereby setting the high probability time-saving game state, and the number of high probability plays and the number of time-saving plays are both set to 100.

Furthermore, after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, if the results of all 100 winning/losing lotteries are other than a jackpot (i.e., a loss), the second time-saving game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state, and a normal game state is set.
Similarly, after the high-probability time-saving game state is set, if the results of all 100 winning/losing lotteries are other than a jackpot, the high-probability game state is changed to a low-probability game state, and the second time-saving game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state, thereby setting a normal game state.

Here, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, the normal game state is set after the RAM is cleared. After the special game based on the jackpot symbol X1 is completed, the second low probability time-saving game state is set, and when the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 100 times without winning the jackpot, the normal game state is set. After the special game based on the jackpot symbol X2 or X3 is completed, the high probability time-saving game state is set, and when the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 100 times without winning the jackpot, the normal game state is set.
71(b), when the number of times the special symbols change reaches a predetermined number of times for activating time-saving (500 times in another application example 6) without winning a jackpot after the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set (i.e., when all 500 win/lose lotteries result in anything other than a jackpot after the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set), the low-probability game state is left as it is, and the non-time-saving game state is changed to the first time-saving game state, thereby setting the first low-probability time-saving game state. When the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the number of times for time-saving is set to 600.
In other words, after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues until the number of times the special pattern changes reaches 600 without a jackpot being won (i.e., until all 600 win/lose lotteries result in something other than a jackpot).

During the first low-probability time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is almost in a protruding state, as during the second low-probability time-saving game state and the high-probability time-saving game state, and the game ball that entered the second game area 12b is highly likely to enter the second start winning hole 16. Therefore, as long as the game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b as instructed during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the game ball will enter the second start winning hole 16. Then, in a win/lose lottery based on the ball entering, it is possible to win a jackpot, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X3 is determined.
In contrast, in the first low-probability time-saving game state, when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches 600 without winning a jackpot (i.e., when all 600 results of the win/lose lottery are other than a jackpot), the first time-saving game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state, and the normal game state is set.

Here, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, a time-saving activation counter for counting the number of times (500 times) that the first low-probability time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) is set is configured using a specified memory area in the main RAM 103 of the main control board 100.
The count value of this time-saving activation counter is reset when any of the reset conditions is met, that is, when the RAM is cleared (reset) by a predetermined operation, when the special game ends, or when the first low-probability time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) is set. When the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the time-saving activation counter starts counting, and the counting is executed only during the normal game state and the second low-probability time-saving game state (i.e., during the low-probability game state).

Specifically, when the RAM is cleared (reset), the game state thereafter is set to the normal game state (low probability game state), and from this point on, the time-saving activation counter starts counting.
Furthermore, when the special game based on the determination of the big win pattern X1 ends, the game state thereafter is set to a second low-probability time-saving game state (low-probability game state), and from this point on, counting by a time-saving activation counter is started.
On the other hand, when the special game based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X2 or X3 ends, the game state thereafter is set to a high probability time-saving game state (high probability game state). Therefore, the time-saving activation counter does not start counting from the point when the special game ends, but starts counting from the point when the high probability time-saving game state ends and the normal game state is set.

In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, the time-saving activation counter counts each time the special symbol changes. When the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches the above-mentioned time-saving activation count, the change of the special symbol at the time of the time-saving activation ends (i.e., the special symbol is stopped and displayed) and a predetermined stop display time has elapsed, and the first low-probability time-saving game state is set.
In other words, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, when the number of times the special pattern changes after the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set (the count value obtained by counting the number of times the time-saving is activated) reaches the number of times the time-saving is activated, the first low-probability time-saving game state is set without winning a jackpot or playing a special game, so that it is possible to provide innovative gameplay and increase the interest of the player.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, the first low-probability time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) can be set only once after the RAM is cleared (after reset) or after the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot until the next jackpot is won.
In other words, after the count value of the time-saving activation counter after the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set reaches the time-saving activation count (500 times) and the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first low-probability time-saving game state cannot be set again until the next jackpot is won.
In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, after the count value of the time-saving activation counter is reset by setting the first low-probability time-saving game state, the time-saving activation counter is set to stop counting until the next jackpot is won.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to Application Example 6, it is not specified that a time-saving game state is set for any of the losing symbols (Z1, Z2). Therefore, after the losing symbol stops, the game state does not change, and the game state at the time when the losing symbol was determined continues.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, the number of consecutive time-saving settings or the number of consecutive special settings are not set as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and whenever the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, a low-probability time-saving game state is set after the special game based on that determination ends, and whenever the jackpot pattern X2 or X3 is determined, a high-probability time-saving game state is set after the special game based on that determination ends.

(Outline of transmission of information regarding game play status)
The main CPU 101 of the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6 transmits information relating to the game state at various times (hereinafter also referred to as game state designation information) to the sub-control board 300.

Specifically, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, 13 types of game state designation information are provided: normal A designation information, second low probability time-saving designation information, designation information for a specified number of times before the end of the second low probability time-saving designation information, second low probability final time-saving designation information, high probability time-saving reserved designation information, high probability time-saving designation information, designation information for a specified number of times before the end of the high probability time-saving designation information, high probability final time-saving designation information, designation information for a specified number of times before the first low probability time-saving designation information, first low probability time-saving designation information, designation information for a specified number of times before the end of the first low probability time-saving designation information, first low probability final time-saving designation information, and normal B designation information.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, when the above-mentioned game state designation information transmitted to the sub-control board 300 is changed after a special pattern is displayed in a stopped state and the stopped display time has elapsed (for example, when the game state is changed from a second low-probability time-saving game state to a normal game state), the main CPU 101 transmits a game state change designation command including information that the game state designation information will be changed when the above-mentioned stopped display time has elapsed (i.e., when the special pattern displayed in a stopped state is confirmed).
In addition, when the special game ends, the main CPU 101 transmits a post-special game game state designation command including information on the game state to be set thereafter.
Furthermore, the main CPU 101 transmits a specification designation command including the model information of the pachinko machine P at the following times: when a predetermined customer waiting time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed without the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner, when the special symbol starts to change, when the special symbol is displayed in a static manner and the static display time has elapsed, when the opening process starts when a special game is played, when the round game starts when a special game is played (when the large prize opening 18 opens), when the round game ends when a special game is played (when the large prize opening 18 closes), when the ending process starts when a special game is played, when the ending process ends when a special game is played, when the RAM is cleared, and when the power is turned on (when the power is restored after a power outage). The above-mentioned times at which the specification designation command is transmitted are collectively referred to as the specification designation command transmission times.
In the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, predetermined game state designation information is included in the game state change designation command, the game state designation command after special play, or the spec designation command, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 300.

(1) Normal A designation information: Normal A designation information indicates that the player is in a normal gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as normal gaming state A) which is set after the RAM is cleared and the second low-probability time-saving gaming state has ended without a jackpot being won, or after the high-probability time-saving gaming state has ended without a jackpot being won.
The normal A designation information is included in a game state change designation command that is transmitted to the sub-control board 300 when a special symbol is displayed stationary and the stop display time has elapsed in the 100th variation that has been reached since the second low-probability time-saving game state was set without a jackpot being won (i.e., a variation that results in the second low-probability time-saving game state ending without a jackpot being won), or when a special symbol is displayed stationary and the stop display time has elapsed in the 100th variation that has been reached since the high-probability time-saving game state was set without a jackpot being won (i.e., a variation that results in the high-probability time-saving game state ending without a jackpot being won), and the command is transmitted to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, the normal A designation information is included in the specification designation command that is sent when the specification designation command transmission time is reached during the normal game state A, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, each time the variation of the special symbol starts during the normal game state A, the normal A designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300. In addition, for example, when a power interruption occurs during the normal game state A, the normal A designation information is included in the specification designation command at the time of power interruption recovery, and when the RAM is cleared and the normal game state A is set, the normal A designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300. In addition, for example, when a jackpot is won during the normal game state A and a special game is executed, the normal A designation information is included in the specification designation command at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc., and sent to the sub-control board 300.

(2) Second Low-Probability Time-Shortening Designation Information The second low-probability time-shortening designation information indicates that the special pattern has changed from the 1st to the 95th time since the second low-probability time-shortening game state was set.
The second low probability time-saving designation information is included in a post-special game state designation command that is sent when the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 ends, and is sent to the sub-control board 300.
The second low-probability time-saving designation information is included in a designation command that is sent when the designation command transmission time is reached during the first to 95th fluctuations of the special symbols after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, each time the first to 95th fluctuations of the special symbols are started after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the second low-probability time-saving designation information is included in a designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, if a power interruption occurs during the first to 95th fluctuations of the special symbols after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the second low-probability time-saving designation information is included in a designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300 at the time of power recovery. In addition, when a jackpot is won in the 1st to 95th winning/losing lottery after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set and a special game is executed, the second low-probability time-saving designation information is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc.

(3) Designation information for a predetermined number of times before the end of the second low-probability time-saving game state The designation information for a predetermined number of times before the end of the second low-probability time-saving game state indicates that the special pattern has changed 96 to 99 times since the second low-probability time-saving game state was set (i.e., that the change is 4 times, 3 times, 2 times, or 1 time before the last change of the second low-probability time-saving game state).
The designation information before the end of the second low-probability time-saving game state by a predetermined number of times is included in a game state change designation command that is transmitted when the special pattern is displayed stopped and the stopped display time has elapsed during the 95th change after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, the second low-probability time-saving end predetermined number of times designation information is included in the specification designation command transmitted when the specification designation command transmission time is reached during the 96th to 99th fluctuations of the special symbols after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 300. For example, each time the 96th to 99th fluctuations of the special symbols are started after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the second low-probability time-saving end predetermined number of times designation information is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300. In addition, for example, if a power interruption occurs during the 96th to 99th fluctuations of the special symbols after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the second low-probability time-saving end predetermined number of times designation information is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the time of power interruption recovery. In addition, when a jackpot is won in the 96th to 99th winning/losing drawing after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set and a special game is executed, information designating a predetermined number of times before the end of the second low-probability time-saving game is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc.

(4) Second low probability time-saving final designation information The second low probability time-saving final designation information indicates that this is the 100th change of the special pattern since the second low probability time-saving game state was set (i.e., this is the final change of the second low probability time-saving game state).
The second low-probability time-saving final designation information is included in a game state change designation command that is sent when the special pattern is displayed stopped and the stopped display time has elapsed during the 99th change after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, the second low-probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command to be sent when the specification designation command is sent at the time of the 100th variation of the special symbol after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, at the time when the 100th variation of the special symbol starts after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the second low-probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300. Also, for example, if a power outage occurs during the 100th variation of the special symbol after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the second low-probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command at the time of power outage recovery and sent to the sub-control board 300. Also, when a jackpot is won by the 100th winning/losing lottery after the second low-probability time-saving game state is set and a special game is executed, the second low-probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc.

(5) High-probability time-saving reserved designation information High-probability time-saving reserved designation information indicates that the special pattern is changing based on the reserved memory (hereinafter also referred to as high-reserved reserve) of the second special pattern random number stored at the time the high-probability time-saving game state is set.
The high probability time-saving reservation designation information is included in a game state designation command after the special game, which is sent when the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2 or X3 ends, and is sent to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, the high probability time-saving reservation designation information is included in the specification designation command that is sent when the specification designation command transmission time is reached during the variation of the special pattern based on the above-mentioned high-security reservation, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, each time the variation of the special pattern based on the high-security reservation starts, the high probability time-saving reservation designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300. In addition, for example, if a power outage occurs during the variation of the special pattern based on the above-mentioned high-security reservation, the high probability time-saving reservation designation information is included in the specification designation command at the time of power outage recovery and sent to the sub-control board 300. In addition, when a jackpot is won by the win/lose lottery based on the above-mentioned high-security reservation and a special game is played, the high probability time-saving reservation designation information is included in the specification designation command at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc., and sent to the sub-control board 300.

(6) High-probability time-saving designation information The high-probability time-saving designation information indicates that after the variation of the special pattern based on the above-mentioned high-security hold has ended, the number of times the special pattern will vary after the high-probability time-saving game state is set will be up to 95 times.
The high probability time-saving designation information is included in a game status change designation command that is sent when the special pattern is displayed in a stopped state and the stopped display time has elapsed, in the variation of the special pattern based on the latest stored reservation among the above-mentioned high reservation reservations, and is sent to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, the high probability time-saving designation information is included in the specification designation command to be sent when the specification designation command transmission time occurs between the next variation after the end of the variation of the special symbol based on the high-probability time-saving game state and the 95th variation of the special symbol after the high-probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, if four high-probability time-saving designs are stored at the time the high-probability time-saving game state is set, the high-probability time-saving designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300 each time the 5th to 95th variations of the special symbol are started after the high-probability time-saving game state is set. In addition, for example, in the above case, when a power interruption occurs during the 5th to 95th variations of the special symbol after the high-probability time-saving game state is set, the high-probability time-saving designation information is included in the specification designation command at the time of power interruption recovery and sent to the sub-control board 300. In addition, in the above-mentioned case, when a jackpot is won in the 5th to 95th win/lose lottery after the high-probability time-saving game state is set and a special game is executed, high-probability time-saving designation information is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc.

(7) Information on a specified number of times before the end of high-probability time-saving play The information on a specified number of times before the end of high-probability time-saving play indicates that the special pattern has changed 96 to 99 times since the high-probability time-saving play state was set (i.e., the change is 4 times, 3 times, 2 times, or 1 time before the last change of the high-probability time-saving play state).
The designation information before the end of the high probability time-saving game state by a predetermined number of times is included in a game state change designation command that is sent when the special pattern is displayed stopped and the stopped display time has elapsed during the 95th change after the high probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300.
Also, the high-probability time-saving end specified number of times designation information is included in the specification designation command that is sent when the specification designation command transmission time is reached during the 96th to 99th fluctuations of the special symbols after the high-probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, each time the 96th to 99th fluctuations of the special symbols are started after the high-probability time-saving game state is set, the high-probability time-saving end specified number of times designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300. Also, for example, when a power interruption occurs during the 96th to 99th fluctuations of the special symbols after the high-probability time-saving game state is set, the high-probability time-saving end specified number of times designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300 at the time of power interruption recovery. In addition, when a jackpot is won in the 96th to 99th winning/losing drawing after the high-probability time-saving game state is set and a special game is executed, information designating a predetermined number of times before the high-probability time-saving end is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc.

(8) High-probability time-saving final designation information The high-probability time-saving final designation information indicates that this is the 100th change of the special pattern since the high-probability time-saving game state was set (i.e., that this is the final change of the high-probability time-saving game state).
The high probability time-saving final designation information is included in a game state change designation command that is sent when the special pattern is displayed stopped and the stopped display time has elapsed during the 99th change after the high probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, the high probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command to be sent when the specification designation command is sent at the time of the 100th special symbol variation after the high probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, at the time when the 100th special symbol variation starts after the high probability time-saving game state is set, the high probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300. Also, for example, when a power interruption occurs during the 100th special symbol variation after the high probability time-saving game state is set, the high probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command at the time of power interruption recovery and sent to the sub-control board 300. Also, when a jackpot is won by the 100th winning/losing lottery after the high probability time-saving game state is set and a special game is executed, the high probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc.

(9) First low-probability time-saving designation information The first low-probability time-saving designation information indicates that the special pattern will change for the 500th time since the normal game state (normal game state A) or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set after the special game ends (i.e., the change will occur immediately before the first low-probability time-saving game state is set).
The designation information before the first low-probability time-saving state is reached is included in a game state change designation command that is sent when the special pattern is displayed in a stopped state and the stopped display time has elapsed during the 499th change after the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set following the end of the special game, and is sent to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, when a power outage occurs during the 499th change in the special pattern after the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set after the special game ends, at the time when the power outage is restored, designation information before the first low-probability time-saving is reached is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, if a jackpot is won in the 499th win/lose lottery after the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set after the special game is ended and the special game is executed, the first low-probability time-saving state-reaching designation information is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc.

(10) First Low-Probability Time-Shortening Designation Information The first low-probability time-shortening designation information indicates that the special pattern is changing for the 1st to 595th times since the first low-probability time-shortening game state is set.
The first low probability time-saving designation information is included in a game state change designation command that is sent when the special symbol is displayed in a stopped state and the stopped display time has elapsed at the 500th change after the normal game state is set after the RAM is cleared, or at the 500th change after the normal game state or the second low probability time-saving game state is set after the special game ends, and is sent to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, the first low-probability time-saving designation information is included in a specification designation command that is sent when the specification designation command transmission time is reached during the first to 595th fluctuations of the special symbol after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, each time the first to 595th fluctuations of the special symbol are started after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first low-probability time-saving designation information is included in a specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300. In addition, for example, when a power interruption occurs during the first to 595th fluctuations of the special symbol after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first low-probability time-saving designation information is included in a specification designation command at the time of power interruption recovery, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. In addition, when a jackpot is won in the 1st to 595th win/lose lottery after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set and a special game is executed, the first low-probability time-saving designation information is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc.

(11) First low-probability time-saving end designation information A specified number of times before the end of the first low-probability time-saving end designation information indicates that the special pattern has changed 596 to 599 times since the first low-probability time-saving game state was set (i.e., the change is 4 times, 3 times, 2 times, or 1 time before the last change of the first low-probability time-saving game state).
The designation information before the end of the first low-probability time-saving game state by a predetermined number of times is included in a game state change designation command that is sent when the special pattern is displayed stopped and the stopped display time has elapsed during the 595th change after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, the first low-probability time-saving end predetermined number of times designation information is included in the specification designation command transmitted when the specification designation command transmission time is reached during the 596th to 599th fluctuations of the special symbols after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 300. For example, each time the 596th to 599th fluctuations of the special symbols are started after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first low-probability time-saving end predetermined number of times designation information is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300. In addition, for example, when a power interruption occurs during the 596th to 599th fluctuations of the special symbols after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first low-probability time-saving end predetermined number of times designation information is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the time of power interruption recovery. In addition, when a jackpot is won in the 596th to 599th winning/losing drawing after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set and a special game is executed, information designating a predetermined number of times before the end of the first low-probability time-saving game is included in the specification designation command and transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc.

(12) First low-probability time-saving final designation information The first low-probability time-saving final designation information indicates that this is the 600th change of the special pattern since the first low-probability time-saving game state was set (i.e., this is the final change of the first low-probability time-saving game state).
The first low-probability time-saving final designation information is included in a game state change designation command that is sent when the special pattern is displayed stopped and the stopped display time has elapsed during the 599th change since the first low-probability time-saving game state was set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, the first low-probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command to be sent when the specification designation command is sent at the 600th variation of the special symbol after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, at the time when the 600th variation of the special symbol starts after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first low-probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300. Also, for example, when a power interruption occurs during the 600th variation of the special symbol after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first low-probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command at the time of power interruption recovery and sent to the sub-control board 300. Also, when a jackpot is won by the 600th winning/losing lottery after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set and a special game is executed, the first low-probability time-saving final designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc.

(13) Normal B designation information The normal B designation information indicates that the player is in a normal gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as normal gaming state B) which is set after the first low-probability time-saving gaming state ends without winning a jackpot.
The normal B designation information is included in a game state change designation command that is transmitted when a special pattern is displayed in a stopped state and the stopped display time has elapsed in the 600th variation reached without a jackpot being won since the first low-probability time-saving game state was set (i.e., a variation in which the first low-probability time-saving game state ends without a jackpot being won), and is transmitted to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, the normal B designation information is included in a specification designation command that is sent when the specification designation command transmission time is reached during the normal game state B, and is sent to the sub-control board 300. For example, each time the variation of the special symbol starts during the normal game state B, the normal B designation information is included in the specification designation command and sent to the sub-control board 300. Also, for example, if a power interruption occurs during the normal game state B, the normal B designation information is included in the specification designation command at the time of power interruption recovery and sent to the sub-control board 300. Also, for example, if a jackpot is won during the normal game state B and a special game is played, the normal B designation information is included in the specification designation command at the start of the opening process, the start of the round game, the start of the ending process, etc., and sent to the sub-control board 300.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, the above-mentioned game state designation information corresponding to the set game state and the number of times the special symbol changes, etc., is stored in a predetermined storage area in the main RAM 103 of the main control board 100, and in the event of a power outage, the stored data in the main RAM 103 including the above-mentioned game state designation information is backed up. This makes it possible to obtain the above-mentioned game state designation information corresponding to the game state set before the power outage and the number of times the special symbol changes, etc., when the power outage is restored, and to transmit it to the sub-control board 300.
Then, when the sub-CPU 301 receives the game status designation information, it stores the received game status designation information in a predetermined storage area of the sub-RAM 303 in the sub-control board 300 .

As described above, according to the pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 6, game state designation information according to the set game state and the number of times the special pattern has changed, etc., is transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at each of the above-mentioned times, so that the sub-control board 300 can also grasp the game state set at each of the above-mentioned times and the number of times the special pattern has changed since the game state was set, etc., and can execute a presentation according to the game state and the number of times the special pattern has changed, etc.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, at the time when the power is restored after the power outage (the time when the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on from off), the game status designation information before the power outage occurred is transmitted to the sub-control board 300.
In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, for example, when an unexpected power outage occurs in the pachinko machine P due to a lightning strike or the like, the stored data in the main RAM 103 in the main control board 100 is backed up, but the stored data in the sub-RAM 303 in the sub-control board 300 is not backed up. Therefore, when the sub-control board 300 is reset due to the above-mentioned power outage, the stored data in the sub-RAM 303 in the sub-control board 300 is cleared. Then, the game state designation information stored in the sub-RAM 303 as described above is also cleared. Furthermore, since the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6 is capable of one-way communication from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300, the main control board 300 cannot grasp that the sub-control board 300 has been reset. Therefore, when a power interruption occurs, the main CPU 101 transmits the game state designation information stored in the main RAM 103 to the sub-control board 300 at the time of recovery from the power interruption, so that the sub-control board 300 can grasp the game state designation information before the power interruption. As a result, even if a power interruption occurs, it is possible to execute again the presentation according to the game state that was set before the power interruption.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, during a first low-probability time-saving game state which is set when the number of times the special pattern changes after the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set reaches the number of times the time-saving game state is activated (i.e., during a time-saving game state which is set without winning a jackpot or playing a special game), and during a second low-probability time-saving game state which is set after the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 ends (i.e., during a time-saving game state which is set through winning a jackpot and playing a special game), game state designation information corresponding to each time-saving game state is defined.
Therefore, according to the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, the sub-control board 300 can grasp whether the set time-saving game state has been set without winning a jackpot and playing a special game (i.e., whether it is the first low-probability time-saving game state), or whether it has been set through winning a jackpot and playing a special game (i.e., whether it is the second low-probability time-saving game state), making it possible to execute presentations according to each time-saving game state.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, at the point in time when the stop display time has elapsed for the fluctuation immediately before the fluctuation that will result in the setting of the first low-probability time-saving game state, the main CPU 101 transmits to the sub-control board 300 first low-probability time-saving designation information indicating that the next fluctuation is the fluctuation immediately before the first low-probability time-saving game state is set.
As a result, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, data for the presentation to be executed at the time the first low-probability time-saving game state is set can be prepared before that time, making it possible to prevent situations such as the presentation content suddenly changing at that time, which would give the player a sense of discomfort regarding the progress of the presentation.

(Summary of various transmissions)
The main CPU 101 of the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6 transmits numerical information (numerical data) regarding various numbers, such as the number of times the time-saving feature is activated and the number of times the time-saving feature is activated, to the sub-control board 300 at the time when each of the above-mentioned game states is set and at the time when the time-saving feature activation counter starts counting.

Specifically, at the time when the second low-probability time-saving game state is set (i.e., at the time when the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 ends), the main CPU 101 transmits numerical information of "100 times", which is the number of times the time-saving is performed in the second low-probability time-saving game state, to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, at the time when the high-probability time-saving game state is set (i.e., at the end of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2 or X3), the main CPU 101 transmits to the sub-control board 300 numerical information of "100 times", which is the high probability number of times in the high-probability time-saving game state, and numerical information of "100 times", which is the number of times the time-saving game state is played.
In addition, the main CPU 101 transmits numerical information of "500 times", which is the number of times the time-saving feature has been activated in the first low-probability time-saving feature state, to the sub-control board 300 at the start of counting by the time-saving feature activation counter (i.e., at the time the RAM is cleared, or at the time when the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving feature state is set after the special game is ended).
In addition, at the time when the first low-probability time-saving game state is set (i.e., at the time when the count value of the time-saving activation count counter reaches the number of time-saving activations (500 times)), the main CPU 101 transmits numerical information of "600 times", which is the number of time-saving activations in the first low-probability time-saving game state, to the sub-control board 300.

Although not specifically shown here, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, all of the numerical information corresponding to the various number of times described above is constructed (represented) by number of times data A and number of times data B, which are 1-byte (8-bit) binary data.
Specifically, for both count data A and count data B, the lowest 7 bits excluding the highest bit express a numerical value in the range of "0000000b" (0 in decimal. Note that numbers with a "b" at the end are written in binary notation. The same applies below) to "1111111b" (127 in decimal). The lowest 7 bits of count data A are the remainder when the numerical values of the various counts described above are divided by "128", which is the maximum value "127" (decimal) that can be expressed in a 7-bit binary number plus 1, and the lowest 7 bits of count data B are the quotient when the numerical values of the various counts described above are divided by the aforementioned "128".
At the various times described above, the main CPU 101 transmits the number of times data A configured as described above to the sub-control board 300, and then transmits the number of times data B configured as described above to the sub-control board 300. Then, when the sub-CPU 301 receives the number of times data A and the number of times data B, it can calculate the corresponding number of times by adding the value of the lowest 7 bits of the number of times data A received earlier to the product of the value of the lowest 7 bits of the number of times data B received later and the above-mentioned "128." This allows the sub-control board 300 to grasp the various numbers described above.

For example, if the number of time-saving times in the second low-probability time-saving game state is "100 times," the quotient of dividing this "100 times" by the above-mentioned "128" is "0," and the remainder is "100." Therefore, the lowest 7 bits of the number-of-times data A corresponding to this time-saving number of times "100 times" are "1100100b" (100 in decimal), and the lowest 7 bits of the number-of-times data B are "0000000b" (0 in decimal).
Then, at the time when the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits count data A whose lowest 7 bits are "1100100b" to the sub-control board 300, and then transmits count data B whose lowest 7 bits are "0000000b" to the sub-control board 300.
When the sub-CPU 301 receives the count data A and the count data B, it can calculate "100 times", which is the number of time-saving times in the second low-probability time-saving game state, by adding the lowest 7 bits "1100100b" (100 in decimal) of the count data A to "0", which is the product of the lowest 7 bits "0000000b" (0 in decimal) of the count data B and the above-mentioned "128". This makes it possible for the sub-control board 300 to obtain the numerical information "100 times", which is the number of time-saving times, at the time when the second low-probability time-saving game state is set.

Also, for example, if the number of times the time-saving feature has been activated in the first low-probability time-saving game state is "500 times," the quotient of dividing this "500 times" by the above-mentioned "128" is "3," with the remainder being "116." Therefore, the lowest 7 bits of the count data A corresponding to this number of times the time-saving feature has been activated "500 times" are "1110100b" (116 in decimal), and the lowest 7 bits of the count data B are "0000011b" (3 in decimal).
Then, when the time-saving activation counter starts counting, the main CPU 101 transmits count data A whose lowest 7 bits are "1110100b" to the sub-control board 300, and then transmits count data B whose lowest 7 bits are "0000011b" to the sub-control board 300.
When the sub-CPU 301 receives the count data A and the count data B, it can calculate "500 times", which is the number of times the time-saving feature has been activated in the first low-probability time-saving game state, by adding the lowest 7 bits "1110100b" (116 in decimal) of the count data A to the product "384" of the lowest 7 bits "0000011b" (3 in decimal) of the count data B and the above-mentioned "128". This makes it possible for the sub-control board 300 to obtain the numerical information "500 times", which is the number of times the time-saving feature has been activated, at the start of counting by the time-saving feature activation counter.

Also, for example, if the number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state is "600 times," the quotient of dividing this "600 times" by the above-mentioned "128" is "4," with the remainder being "88." Therefore, the lowest 7 bits of the number-of-times data A corresponding to this time-saving number of times "600 times" are "1011000b" (88 in decimal), and the lowest 7 bits of the number-of-times data B are "0000100b" (4 in decimal).
Then, at the time when the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits count data A whose lowest 7 bits are "1011000b" to the sub-control board 300, and then transmits count data B whose lowest 7 bits are "0000100b" to the sub-control board 300.
When the sub-CPU 301 receives the count data A and the count data B, it can calculate "600 times", which is the number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state, by adding the value of the lowest 7 bits of the count data A, "1011000b" (88 in decimal), to "512", which is the product of the lowest 7 bits of the count data B, "0000100b" (4 in decimal), and the above-mentioned "128". This makes it possible for the sub-control board 300 to obtain the numerical information of "600 times", which is the number of time-saving times, at the time when the first low-probability time-saving game state is set.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to other application example 6, number data A including the remainder when various numbers of times such as the number of times time-saving is performed and the number of times time-saving is activated are divided by a value that is 1 greater than the maximum value that can be expressed in a binary number of multiple bits (7 bits in other application example 6), and number data B including the quotient value are transmitted to the sub-control board 300, and the sub-control board 300 is able to calculate the above-mentioned number of times based on the received number data A and number data B.
As a result, with the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, even if various numbers such as the number of times time-saving has been performed or the number of times time-saving has been activated become large values, the above-mentioned numbers can be transmitted to the sub-control board 300 while reducing the amount of data sent to the sub-control board 300.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6, after sending the number of times data A including the above-mentioned remainder value, the number of times data B including the above-mentioned quotient value is transmitted to the sub-control board 300.
As a result, for example, in a pachinko machine, when various numbers such as the number of times the time-saving feature is activated and the number of times the time-saving feature is activated are set to be equal to or less than the maximum value that can be expressed by a binary number of multiple bits as described above, the quotient value included in the number-of-times data B is always 0, so that the above-mentioned number of times can be calculated based only on the previously transmitted number-of-times data A. Therefore, in the above-mentioned case, the calculation process of the above-mentioned number of times in the sub-control board 300 can be simplified.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6, for the number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state (i.e., a time-saving game state that is set without winning a jackpot and playing a special game) that is set when the number of times the special pattern changes after the normal game state or the second low-probability time-saving game state is set reaches the number of times to activate the time-saving times, and for the number of time-saving times in the second low-probability time-saving game state (i.e., a time-saving game state that is set through winning a jackpot and playing a special game) that is set after the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 ends, data (number of times data A, number of times data B) configured in a predetermined format is transmitted to the sub-control board 300, so that the sub-control board 300 can obtain (grasp) the above-mentioned number of time-saving times based on the data.
Therefore, by executing the same process in the sub-control board 300, it is possible to obtain both the number of times the time-saving play state is to be shortened, which is set without winning a jackpot and playing a special game, and the number of times the time-saving play state is to be shortened, which is set via winning a jackpot and playing a special game, thereby preventing the process of obtaining the information from becoming cumbersome.

Next, the progress of the above-mentioned special chart game will be explained using a flowchart, focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment.
First, the post-stop processing that is executed after the variation of the special pattern has stopped and the stopped display time for stopping and displaying the special pattern has been set in the stopped display time timer counter will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 72.
In step 3000, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the stopped display time set in the stopped display time timer counter has elapsed. If it is judged that the stopped display time has not elapsed, the post-stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the stopped display time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 3001.
In step 3001, the main CPU 101 stores the current game status in the game status buffer.

In step 3002, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving count update process. This time-saving count update process is similar to the time-saving count update process in the above-described embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to step 3003.
In step 3003, the main CPU 101 executes a high probability count update process. This high probability count update process is similar to the high probability count update process in the above-mentioned embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 3004.

In step 3004, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is a big win symbol. If it is judged that the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is not a big win symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 3009. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is a big win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 3005.
In step 3005, the main CPU 101 sets a command for transmitting the game state when the jackpot is won and the type of the jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol X1, X2, X3) that is stopped and displayed to the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 3006.

In step 3006, the main CPU 101 resets the current game state. Then, the process proceeds to step 3007.
In step 3007, the main CPU 101 sets the opening time, which is the waiting time set at the start of the special game, in the opening time timer counter, and stores an opening command indicating that the opening process is to start in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 3008.

In step 3008, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds in the main RAM 103 based on the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed. Specifically, if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is X1 or X2, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds to "5", and if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is X3, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds to "10". Then, the post-stop processing is terminated.

In step 3009, which is reached when it is determined in step 3004 that the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is not a big win symbol, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving activation count execution process for counting the number of times the time-saving activation counter is activated. Then, the process proceeds to step 3010.
In step 3010, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the high-probability time-saving game state has ended. Specifically, it judges whether or not the second time-saving game flag has changed from on to off in the above-mentioned step 3002, and whether or not the high-probability game flag has changed from on to off in the above-mentioned step 3003. If it is judged that the high-probability time-saving game state has not ended, the process proceeds to step 3012. On the other hand, if it is judged that the high-probability time-saving game state has ended, the process proceeds to the next step 3011.

In step 3011, the main CPU 101 sets the time-saving activation count counter to "500." The main CPU 101 also transmits count data A and count data B corresponding to the time-saving activation count "500" to the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 3012.
In step 3012, the main CPU 101 determines whether the game state designation information to be transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at that time is changed or not, and if it is determined that the game state designation information is changed, it stores a game state change designation command including the changed game state designation information in the performance transmission data storage area. Note that if it is determined that the game state designation information is not changed, the main CPU 101 does not execute anything here. Then, the post-stop processing is terminated.

Next, the time-saving activation count execution process in step 3010 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 3100, the main CPU 101 judges whether the high probability game flag is off or not. If it is judged that the high probability game flag is not off (i.e., it is on), the time-saving activation count execution process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the high probability game flag is off, the process proceeds to the next step 3101.

In step 3101, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a time-saving activation count reaching flag, which indicates that the count value of the time-saving activation count counter has reached the time-saving activation count, is off. If it is judged that the time-saving activation count reaching flag is not off (i.e., on), the time-saving activation count count execution process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the time-saving activation count reaching flag is off, the process proceeds to the next step 3102.
In step 3102, the main CPU 101 decrements the count value of the time-saving activation counter by 1. Then, the process proceeds to step 3103.

In step 3103, the main CPU 101 judges whether the count value of the time-saving activation counter has reached 0. If it is judged that the count value has not reached 0, the main CPU 101 ends the time-saving activation count execution process. On the other hand, if it is judged that the count value has reached 0, the main CPU 101 proceeds to the next step 3104.
In step 3104, the main CPU 101 executes a first low-probability time-saving game state setting process for setting a first low-probability time-saving game state. Specifically, the main CPU 101 turns on the first time-saving game flag and sets the time-saving count to "600". When the time-saving activation count is reached, the normal game state is set and the high-probability game flag is off. This high-probability game flag is left off. In addition, the main CPU 101 transmits count data A and count data B corresponding to the time-saving count "600" of the first low-probability time-saving game state to the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 3105.

In step 3105, the main CPU 101 resets (clears to zero) the count value of the time-saving activation counter. Then, the process proceeds to step 3106.
In step 3106, the main CPU 101 turns on the time-saving activation count reaching flag, and ends the time-saving activation count execution process.

Next, the special game ending process executed when the special game ends will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 3200, the main CPU 101 checks the jackpot pattern (stored in the processing area of the main RAM 103) that triggered the execution of the ended special game, and executes a game state setting process to set the game state after the end of the special game in accordance with the above-mentioned jackpot pattern.
Specifically, when the jackpot symbol is X1 (i.e., when the second low-probability time-saving game state is set), the main CPU 101 turns off the high-probability game flag, turns on the second time-saving game flag, and sets the number of time-saving times to "100." Also, when the jackpot symbol is X2 or X3 (i.e., when the high-probability time-saving game state is set), the main CPU 101 turns on both the high-probability game flag and the second time-saving game flag, and sets the high-probability number and the number of time-saving times to "100."
Furthermore, when a high-probability time-saving game state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits count data A and count data B corresponding to the high-probability number of times "100" to the sub-control board 300, and transmits count data A and count data B corresponding to the time-saving number of times "100" to the sub-control board 300. Furthermore, when a second low-probability time-saving game state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits count data A and count data B corresponding to the time-saving number of times "100" to the sub-control board 300.
Then, proceed to the next step 3201.

In step 3201, the main CPU 101 stores the game state set in the above-mentioned step 3200 and the game state designation command after the special game including the corresponding game state designation information in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 3202.
In step 3202, the main CPU 101 resets (clears to zero) the count value of the time-saving activation counter. Then, the process proceeds to step 3203.

In step 3203, the main CPU 101 turns off the time-saving activation count reaching flag. Then, the process proceeds to step 3204.
In step 3204, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the second low-probability time-saving game state was set in the above-mentioned step 3200. Specifically, in the above-mentioned step 3200, it judges whether or not the high-probability game flag is off and the second time-saving game flag is on. Then, if it is judged that the second low-probability time-saving game state is not set, the special game end process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, it proceeds to the next step 3205.

In step 3205, the main CPU 101 sets the time-saving activation count counter to "500". The main CPU 101 also transmits count data A and count data B corresponding to the time-saving activation count of "500" to the sub-control board 300. Then, the special game end process is terminated.

Next, the RAM clear process executed based on the RAM clear (reset) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 3300, the main CPU 101 executes a normal game state setting process for setting a normal game state. Specifically, the main CPU 101 turns off the high probability game flag, the first time-saving game flag, and the second time-saving game flag. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 3301.
In step 3301, the main CPU 101 resets (clears to zero) the count value of the time-saving activation counter. Then, the process proceeds to step 3302.

In step 3302, the main CPU 101 turns off the time-saving activation count reaching flag. Then, the process proceeds to step 3303.
In step 3303, the main CPU 101 sets the time-saving activation count counter to "500." The main CPU 101 also transmits count data A and count data B corresponding to the time-saving activation count "500" to the sub-control board 300. Then, the RAM clear post-processing is terminated.

Next, the spec designation command transmission time process executed when the spec designation command is transmitted will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 3400, the main CPU 101 stores the spec designation command including the model information of the pachinko machine P and the corresponding game state designation information in the performance transmission data storage area, and then ends the spec designation command transmission time process.

(Overview of various displays, such as background image display, countdown display of remaining time-saving times, and count-up display of times until time-saving times are reached)
In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, the background images displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 include a normal background image corresponding to the normal game state (see Figures 77 (d) to (e) etc.), a first low-probability time-shortening background image corresponding to the first low-probability time-shortening game state (see Figures 77 (i) to (j) etc.), a second low-probability time-shortening background image corresponding to the second low-probability time-shortening game state (see Figures 77 (a) to (b) etc.), and a high-probability time-shortening background image corresponding to the high-probability time-shortening game state (see Figures 79 (a) to (c) etc.), and the corresponding background image is displayed on the display unit 21a during each game state.

Specifically, a normal background image is displayed during the normal game state, a second low-probability time-saving background image is displayed during a second low-probability time-saving game state which is set after the end of a special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, a high-probability time-saving background image is displayed during a high-probability time-saving game state which is set after the end of a special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2 or X3, and a first low-probability time-saving background image is displayed during a first low-probability time-saving game state which is set when the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches the time-saving activation count.
When the game state is switched, the background image displayed is also switched accordingly (see Figure 77(d), Figure 77(i), etc.).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, during both the first low-probability time-saving game state and the second low-probability time-saving game state, an upper display frame for performing a predetermined display is displayed in a predetermined location of the display unit 21a (the upper right corner in the other application example 6), and within this upper display frame, a countdown display of the remaining number of time-saving times is performed each time a special pattern is changed (change performance) (see Figs. 77(a)-(c), 77(j), 78(a), etc.). Similarly, during the high-probability time-saving game state, a countdown display of the remaining number of high-probability times (number of time-saving times) is performed each time a special pattern is changed (change performance) (see Figs. 79(a)-(c), etc.).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, while the time-saving activation counter is counting (i.e., while the second low-probability time-saving game state and the normal game state A are set), a lower display frame for performing a predetermined display is displayed in a predetermined location of the display unit 21a (the lower right corner in the other application example 6), and within this lower display frame, a count-up display is performed toward 500 times, which is the number of times the time-saving activation has occurred, each time a special pattern variation (variation performance) is performed (see Figures 77(a)-(h), 79(d)-(g), 80(a)-(c), etc.).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving background image is displayed, and a display indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state is in progress (in the other application example 6, the text "Lucky Time in progress" is displayed) is displayed in the lower display frame (see Figures 77(i)-(j), 78(a), 79(h), 80(d), etc.).

The above-mentioned various displays will now be described in more detail.
(1) Display after the end of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 As described above, after the end of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, the second low-probability time-saving game state is set, and counting by the time-saving activation counter is started.
Then, with the second low-probability time-saving game state being set, the display unit 21a displays the second low-probability time-saving background image, a display indicating that the second low-probability time-saving game state has been set (in another application example 6, the text "Revenge mode start!" is displayed), the upper display frame, the initial value of the remaining number of time-saving times for which the countdown display will be performed (i.e., the number of time-saving times in the second low-probability time-saving game state "100"), the lower display frame, and the initial value ("1") of the count-up display toward the number of times the time-saving time is activated (see Figure 77 (a)).

Thereafter, each time a change (change display) of the special pattern is executed, at the point when the stop display time for that change has elapsed, a countdown display of the remaining number of times the time-saving feature is activated is displayed, and a countup display of the number of times the time-saving feature is activated is displayed.
Then, when the special pattern is changed 100 times without winning the jackpot, the remaining number of times to shorten the time becomes "0" and the number of times to shorten the time becomes "100" (see FIG. 77(b)). When the stop display time for the change has elapsed, the normal game state (normal game state A) is set. With the setting of this normal game state, the second low probability time-saving background image is switched to the normal background image, a display is displayed indicating that the second low probability time-saving game state has ended (in another application example 6, the text "revenge mode ended"), the display of the upper display frame is cleared, and the display of the remaining number of times to shorten the time is cleared (see FIG. 77(c) to (d)). Note that the number of times to shorten the time continues to be counted up (see FIG. 77(d)).

After that, each time a change (changing display) of the special pattern is executed, when the stopped display time for that change has elapsed, a count-up display is performed toward the number of times the time-saving feature is activated (see Figures 77 (e) to (g)).
Then, when the special pattern changes 400 times without winning the jackpot, the display of the number of times toward the time-saving activation number becomes "500" (see FIG. 77(g)), and when the stop display time for the change has elapsed, the first low-probability time-saving game state is set. With the setting of this first low-probability time-saving game state, the normal background image is switched to the first low-probability time-saving background image, a display is displayed indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state has been set (in another application example 6, the text "Lucky time start!" is displayed), the initial value of the remaining number of time-saving times for which the countdown display is performed (i.e., the number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state "600") is displayed, the display of the number of times for which the count-up display was performed is cleared, and a display is displayed indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state is in progress (see FIG. 77(h)-(i)).

Thereafter, each time a change (change display) of the special pattern is executed, a countdown display of the remaining number of time-saving periods is performed at the point when the stop display time for that change has elapsed.
Then, when the special symbol fluctuation occurs 600 times without winning the jackpot, the remaining number of times of time-saving will be displayed as "0" (see FIG. 77(j)), and when the stop display time for the fluctuation has elapsed, the normal game state (normal game state B) is set. With the setting of this normal game state, the first low-probability time-saving background image is switched to the normal background image, a display is displayed indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state has ended (in another application example 6, the text "Lucky time ended" is displayed), the display in the lower display frame is cleared, and the display indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state is in progress is cleared (see FIG. 78(a)-(b)).

In addition, because the first low-probability time-saving game state has been set once, the time-saving activation counter will not count after the above-mentioned normal game state (normal game state B) is set. Therefore, until the next jackpot is won, the lower display frame will not be displayed, and the count-up display towards the number of time-saving activations will not be displayed (see FIG. 78(c)).

(2) Display after the end of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X2 or X3 As described above, after the end of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X2 or X3, the high probability time-saving game state is set. As described above, during the high probability time-saving game state, the time-saving activation counter does not count.
Then, with the high probability time-saving game state being set, the display unit 21a displays a high probability time-saving background image, a display indicating that the high probability time-saving game state has been set (in another application example 6, the text "Super mode start!" is displayed), an upper display frame, and the initial values of the remaining high probability number and time-saving number for which the countdown display will be performed (i.e., the high probability number and time-saving number in the high probability time-saving game state "100") are displayed (see FIG. 79(a)). Note that, since no counting is being performed by the time-saving activation counter, at this point, the lower display frame and the initial values of the count-up display toward the time-saving activation number are not displayed (see FIG. 79(a)).

Thereafter, each time a change (change display) of the special pattern is executed, a countdown display of the remaining number of time-saving turns is performed at the point when the stop display time for that change has elapsed.
Then, when the special pattern is changed 100 times without winning the jackpot, the remaining number of high probability times and the number of time-saving times are displayed as "0" (see FIG. 79(b)), and when the stop display time for the change has elapsed, the normal game state (normal game state A) is set. With the setting of this normal game state, the high probability time-saving background image is switched to the normal background image, a display is displayed indicating that the high probability time-saving game state has ended (in another application example 6, the text "Super mode ended" is displayed), the display of the upper display frame is cleared, and the display of the remaining number of time-saving times is cleared (see FIG. 77(c)-(d)). In addition, since the normal game state is set, the time-saving activation counter starts counting, and the display of the lower display frame and the initial value ("1") of the count-up display toward the number of time-saving activation times are displayed (see FIG. 79(d)).

After that, each time a change (changing display) of the special pattern is executed, when the stopped display time for that change has elapsed, a count-up display is performed toward the number of times the time-saving feature is activated (see Figures 79 (e) to (f)).
Then, when the special symbol changes 500 times without winning the jackpot, the number of times toward the time-saving activation number becomes "500" (see FIG. 79(f)), and when the stop display time for the change has elapsed, the first low-probability time-saving game state is set. With the setting of this first low-probability time-saving game state, as in (1) above, the normal background image is switched to the first low-probability time-saving background image, a display is displayed indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state has been set, the initial value ("600") of the number of times remaining for which the countdown display will be performed is displayed, the display of the number of times for which the count-up display was performed is cleared, and a display is displayed indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state is in progress (see FIG. 79(g)-(h)).
The subsequent display flow is the same as that described above in (1), and therefore will not be described here.

(3) Display after RAM is cleared As described above, after the RAM is cleared, the normal game state (normal game state A) is set, and the time-saving activation counter starts counting.
Then, with the normal game state being set, the display unit 21a displays the normal background image, the lower display frame, and the initial value ("1") of the count-up display toward the number of times the time-saving feature is activated (see Figure 80 (a)).

Thereafter, each time a change (change display) of the special pattern is executed, at the point when the stop display time for that change has elapsed, a countdown display of the remaining number of times the time-saving feature is activated is displayed, and a countup display of the number of times the time-saving feature is activated is displayed.
Then, when the special symbol changes 500 times without winning the jackpot, the number of times toward the time-saving activation count is displayed as "500" (see FIG. 80(b)), and when the stop display time for the change has elapsed, the first low-probability time-saving game state is set. With the setting of this first low-probability time-saving game state, as in (1) and (2) above, the normal background image is switched to the first low-probability time-saving background image, a display is displayed indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state has been set, the initial value of the remaining number of time-saving times for which the countdown display will be performed is displayed, the display of the number of times for which the count-up display was performed is cleared, and a display is displayed indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state is in progress (see FIG. 80(c)-(d)).
The subsequent display flow is the same as that described above in (1), and therefore will not be described here.

(Summary of the above display after power is restored)
As described above, for example, if an unexpected power outage occurs in the pachinko machine P due to a lightning strike or the like, the game status designation information stored in the sub-RAM 303 is cleared. However, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6, when the power is restored from the power outage, the game status designation information backed up in the main control board 100 at the time of the power outage is transmitted to the sub-control board 300. This makes it possible to execute the predetermined display that was being executed before the power outage occurred, based on the received game status designation information, even after the power is restored.

For example, if the second low-probability time-saving game state was set before the power outage, when the power is restored, the game state designation information stored before the power outage, such as the second low-probability time-saving designation information, the designation information before the end of the second low-probability time-saving predetermined number of times, and the second low-probability time-saving final designation information, is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300. As a result, the sub-control board 300 can determine that the game state set before the power outage was the second low-probability time-saving game state, and can display the second low-probability time-saving background image as the background image, and can also display the upper display frame and the lower display frame, etc.

In addition, if the first low-probability time-saving game state was set before the power outage, when the power is restored, the game state designation information stored before the power outage, such as the first low-probability time-saving designation information, the designation information before the end of the first low-probability time-saving predetermined number of times, and the first low-probability time-saving final designation information, is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300. As a result, the sub-control board 300 can determine that the game state set before the power outage was the first low-probability time-saving game state, and can display the first low-probability time-saving background image as the background image, as well as display the upper display frame, the lower display frame, and a display indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state is in progress (text display of "Lucky Time in progress"), etc.

In addition, if the normal game state A was set before the power outage, when the power is restored, the game state designation information of the normal A designation information stored before the power outage is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300. This allows the sub-control board 300 to know that the game state set before the power outage was normal game state A, and therefore allows the normal background image to be displayed as the background image, and the lower display frame to be displayed, etc.

In addition, if the normal game state B was set before the power outage, when the power is restored, the game state designation information of the normal B designation information stored before the power outage is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300. This allows the sub-control board 300 to know that the game state set before the power outage was the normal game state B, so that the normal background image is displayed as the background image and the lower display frame is not displayed.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, when power is restored after a power outage, the game status designation information stored before the power outage occurred is transmitted to the sub-control board 300, and the display of a background image, etc. can be performed based on the game status designation information.
In other words, according to the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, various displays according to the game status that were set before the power outage can be reliably resumed after the power is restored, thereby preventing a situation in which inappropriate presentations are executed when a power outage occurs.

In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, when the power is restored from the power outage, the remaining number of time-saving times and the count value of the time-saving activation counter before the power outage are not transmitted to the sub-control board 300. Therefore, the sub-control board 300 cannot grasp these values and cannot display them accurately.
Thus, although not shown, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6, a power interruption occurs in the first low-probability time-shortened game state, the second low-probability time-shortened game state, or the high-probability time-shortened game state, and after recovery from this power interruption, the upper display frame is displayed, but a specific display that does not allow the exact number of times to be recalled (for example, the display of a "?" mark or the display of "0") is displayed within this upper display frame. Similarly, a power interruption occurs in the first low-probability time-shortened game state, the second low-probability time-shortened game state, or the normal game state A, and after recovery from this power interruption, the lower display frame is displayed, but the above-mentioned display is displayed within this lower display frame.
This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which a player misunderstands the remaining number of time-saving plays or the number of plays remaining until the time-saving play is activated.

In addition, when power is restored after a power outage, the remaining number of time-saving times and the count value of the time-saving activation counter before the power outage may be set to be transmitted to the sub-control board 300, so that an accurate count can be displayed after power is restored.

(Modification of the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6)
In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, one gate 20 is provided only in the second play area 12b, but the installation position and the number of gates 20 are not limited to this.
For example, one gate 20 may be provided in the first play area 12a, or one gate 20 may be provided each in the first play area 12a and the second play area 12b.
In this case, even when a game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a, a chance to execute a lottery for a normal symbol is provided, so that the player's interest can be enhanced.
In addition, the second game area 12b may be provided with a normal symbol operation winning port that is configured to allow entry of almost all game balls that have entered the second game area 12b and have not entered the second start winning port 16 or the large winning port 18, and that, when a game ball enters the area, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, one) are paid out and a lottery for a normal symbol is held.
In this case, for example, when a game ball is shot towards the second game area 12b during a non-time-saving game state, the game ball does not enter the second start winning port 16, but the game ball enters the normal symbol operation winning port, thereby providing an opportunity for the game ball to be paid out and for a lottery for a normal symbol to be drawn, thereby increasing the player's interest.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6, during the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) which is set when the count value of the time-saving activation count counter reaches the time-saving activation count, a winning probability is set in the drawing of normal symbols as with a non-time-saving game state; however, this is not limited to this, and the setting may be such that a winning probability is higher during the first time-saving game state than during a non-time-saving game state.
In addition, during the first time-saving game state, it is possible to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 by setting the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols to be higher than during the non-time-saving game state, shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbols, and lengthening the operating time of the movable piece 16b.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6, the time-saving game states include a time-saving game state (second time-saving game state) that is set through winning a jackpot (determination of jackpot patterns X1, X2, X3) and executing a special game, and a time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) that is set when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the time-saving activation number without winning a jackpot in a low-probability game state (normal game state, second low-probability time-saving game state), but the types of time-saving game states are not limited to these.
For example, a time-saving game state may be set based on the determination of a special pattern other than a big win pattern that is determined to set a time-saving game state (for example, a losing pattern determined to set a time-saving game state, or a small win pattern determined to set a time-saving game state, etc.).
In addition, the time-saving game state which is set through winning a jackpot and playing a special game, the time-saving game state which is set when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the number of times the time-saving game is activated without winning a jackpot in a low-probability game state, and the time-saving game state which is set based on the determination of a special pattern other than a jackpot pattern which is determined to set a time-saving game state may be set so that the difficulty of getting the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 is different, or the difficulty may be set so that the difficulty is the same.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6, a total of 13 types of game state designation information (game state designation information of normal A designation information, second low probability time-saving designation information, designation information of a specified number of times before the end of the second low probability time-saving designation information, second low probability final time-saving designation information, high probability time-saving reserved designation information, high probability time-saving designation information, designation information of a specified number of times before the end of the high probability time-saving designation information, high probability final time-saving designation information, designation information of a specified number of times before the first low probability time-saving designation information, first low probability time-saving designation information, designation information of a specified number of times before the end of the first low probability time-saving designation information, first low probability final time-saving designation information, and normal B designation information) were provided, but game state designation information other than these may also be provided.

For example, in a pachinko machine that is set so that a special variation pattern is determined for a specific period until a predetermined number of variations have occurred in the normal game state that is set after the second low-probability time-saving game state or the high-probability time-saving game state has ended, the game state designation information may include specific period designation information indicating that this is a variation of a special pattern during the above-mentioned specific period, or specific period final designation information indicating that this is the last variation of a special pattern during the above-mentioned specific period, etc.
Also, for example, in a pachinko machine in which it is possible to win a small prize by a win/lose lottery and it is specified that a time-saving game state is set to a predetermined small prize pattern that can be determined when a small prize is won, the game state designation information may include small prize time-saving designation information indicating a change in a special pattern in the time-saving game state (hereinafter also referred to as a small prize time-saving game state) that is set based on the determination of the above-mentioned small prize pattern, and small prize time-saving final designation information indicating a change in the last special pattern in the small prize time-saving game state.
Also, for example, in a pachinko machine in which it is specified that a time-saving game state is set to a predetermined losing pattern that can be determined in the event of a losing play, the game state designation information may include losing time-saving designation information indicating that a special pattern is changing in the time-saving game state (hereinafter also referred to as a losing time-saving game state) that is set based on the determination of the above-mentioned losing pattern, and losing time-saving final designation information indicating that a final special pattern is changing in the losing time-saving game state.
Even when set in this manner, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, the game status designation information is transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the point when the stop display time has elapsed, at the point when the special game ends, and at the point when the specification designation command is sent (at the point when the customer waiting time has elapsed, at the point when the special pattern starts to change, at the point when the opening process starts, at the point when the round game starts, at the point when the round game ends, at the point when the ending process starts, at the point when the ending process ends, at the point when the RAM is cleared, and at the point when the power is turned on (at the point when power is restored after a power outage)), but the timing of transmitting the game status designation information is not limited to these.
For example, in a pachinko machine in which a small prize can be won by a win/lose lottery and a small prize game is executed when the small prize is won, game status designation information may be transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the small prize game, the end of the small prize game, etc.
Also, for example, in a pachinko machine which has a setting value associated with a setting related to the number of balls dispensed, and which has modes related to the setting value, such as a setting value change mode for changing the setting value and a setting value confirmation mode for confirming the set setting value, game status designation information may be transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the time when the setting value change mode is ended, at the time when the setting value confirmation mode is ended, etc.
Even when set in this manner, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 6, the number of times constituted by the above-mentioned number of times data A and number of times data B is the number of high probability times, the number of time-saving times, and the number of time-saving times that are activated, but is not limited to these.
For example, in a pachinko machine that is configured to be able to switch a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern depending on the number of times a special pattern changes after a special game ends (hereinafter also referred to as a special number of times), the special number of times may be constituted by the above-mentioned number of times data A and number of times data B.
In addition, for example, in a pachinko machine in which the condition for terminating the time-saving game state is that a predetermined event occurs a specific number of times (for example, in a pachinko machine in which it is possible to win a small prize by a win/lose lottery, the number of times that a small prize has been won reaches a specific number, or the number of times a predetermined small prize pattern has been determined reaches a specific number), the specific number of times may be constituted by the above-mentioned number of times data A and number of times data B.
In addition, for example, in a pachinko machine that is set so that the time-saving game state ends when either the sum of the number of fluctuations based on the first special chart random number and the number of fluctuations based on the second special chart random number reaches the first time-saving number, or the number of fluctuations based on the second special chart random number reaches the second time-saving number, is met, both the first time-saving number and the second time-saving number may be configured using the above-mentioned number of times data A and number of times data B.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 6 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 6, the number of times data A and the number of times data B are both 1-byte data, and the lowest 7 bits of the number of times data A are used to form the remainder when the numerical value of each type of number of times is divided by a value that is 1 greater than the maximum value that can be expressed in a 7-bit binary number, and the lowest 7 bits of the number of times data B are used to form the quotient value, but the data format is not limited to this.
For example, both the number of times data A and the number of times data B may be binary data of 2 bytes or more, and the data sizes of the number of times data A and the number of times data B may be set to be different from each other.
Specifically, for example, both the number of times data A and the number of times data B may be configured as 2-byte data consisting of upper 1 byte data and lower 1 byte data. In this case, the upper 1 byte data may be data for specifying the type of data to be transmitted (for example, the number of times data A related to the high probability number, the number of times data B related to the high probability number, etc.), and the lower 1 byte data may be data for specifying the numerical value of the number of times. In this way, by referring to the upper 1 byte data, the type of number of times specified by the following lower 1 byte data can be reliably transmitted to the sub-control board 300.
In addition to the number of times data A and the number of times data B, other commands and data (for example, a variation pattern command indicating the variation pattern determined at the start of the variation, a pre-determination command indicating the result of the pre-determination process, reserved number data indicating the number of reserved first special pattern random numbers and second special pattern random numbers, etc.) transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300 may be configured as 2-byte data consisting of an upper byte (specifying the type of command or data to be transmitted) and a lower byte (specifying the specific content of the command or data) as described above. This allows the format of the data transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300 to be standardized, thereby reducing the processing load associated with receiving the data transmitted from the main control board 100.
Furthermore, when the number of times data A and the number of times data B are configured as 2-byte data consisting of an upper byte and a lower byte as described above, the first bit of the upper byte may always be set to a predetermined value (for example, 1), and the first bit of the lower byte may always be set to a value different from the predetermined value (for example, 0). This allows the sub-control board 300 to reliably determine whether the data is the upper byte or the lower byte by determining the value set in the first bit.
Then, when the first bits of two consecutively received byte of data (the data received first is called preceding data, and the data received after the preceding data is called succeeding data) are all the same value (when the first bit of the preceding data and the first bit of the succeeding data are both a predetermined value, or when the first bit of the preceding data and the first bit of the succeeding data are both different from the predetermined value), the sub-control board 300 determines that the upper byte or the lower byte of the various commands and data configured as described above could not be received due to the occurrence of noise or the like, and may discard the preceding data, discard the following data, or discard both the preceding data and the following data, thereby not performing various processes based on the received data.
On the other hand, if the first bit of the preceding data is a predetermined value and the first bit of the following data is a value different from the predetermined value, it may be determined that the upper byte and the lower byte of the various commands and data configured as described above have been properly received, and various processing based on the received data may be performed.
The bit to which the above-mentioned predetermined value or a value different from the predetermined value is set is not limited to the first bit, and may be another bit.
Furthermore, the bits constituting the above-mentioned remainder value and quotient value may be, for example, the most significant 7 bits, or 7 bits excluding a predetermined bit (for example, the fourth bit from the first bit).
The above-mentioned remainder and quotient values may also be formed using a number of bits other than 7 bits (for example, 5 bits, 8 bits, etc.). For example, the lowest 5 bits of the count data A may be used to form a remainder when various count values are divided by a value that is 1 greater than the maximum value that can be expressed in a 5-bit binary number, and the lowest 5 bits of the count data B may be used to form a quotient value.
Also, the number of times data A may constitute the above-mentioned quotient value, and the number of times data B may constitute the above-mentioned remainder value.
Even in the above-mentioned case, even if various numbers such as the number of time-saving times and the number of time-saving activations become large values, the above-mentioned numbers can be transmitted to the sub-control board 300 while reducing the amount of data sent to the sub-control board 300.
The main CPU 101 may transmit information on the number of time-saving activations that will set the first low-probability time-saving game state and the number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state (number of times data A, number of times data B) to the sub-control board 300 even in a game stop state in which game progress is impossible due to a backup error or the like. In addition, in a pachinko machine in which a setting value associated with a setting related to the ball output is provided, and a setting value change mode for changing the setting value when game progress is impossible and a setting value confirmation mode for confirming the setting value set when game progress is impossible are provided as modes related to the setting value, the main CPU 101 may transmit information on the number of time-saving activations that will set the first low-probability time-saving game state and the number of time-saving times in the first low-probability time-saving game state (number of times data A, number of times data B) to the sub-control board 300 even during the setting value change mode and the setting value confirmation mode.

(Another Application Example 7)
The external configuration of the pachinko machine P relating to other application example 7 (the configuration of the game board 11 (game area 12), the installed devices and components), the configuration of the control means, the progress of the game, and the various random numbers and tables used in the game are almost identical to those of the pachinko machine P relating to the above-mentioned embodiment, and only the conditions under which the first low-probability time-saving game state is set and the configuration of the win/loss random number determination table 110, etc., differ from those of the pachinko machine P relating to the above-mentioned embodiment.

Specifically, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 7, during the normal game state, the first low-probability time-saving game state, and the second low-probability time-saving game state, the lottery result of either a jackpot win, a small jackpot win, or a miss is determined, and in the event of a jackpot win, either of the jackpot patterns X1, X2, or X3 as in the above-mentioned embodiment is determined, in the event of a small jackpot win, either of the small jackpot patterns Y1 or Y2 as in the above-mentioned embodiment is determined, and in the event of a miss, the miss pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined.
Here, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 7, it is determined that the first time-saving game state (time-saving game state, time-saving number is 50 times) is set to the losing symbol Z2, and when the losing symbol Z2 is determined during the normal game state, the first time-saving game state is set and the game moves to the first low-probability time-saving game state. Note that, when the losing symbol Z2 is determined during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state is not reset, and the first low-probability time-saving game state continues. Similarly, when the losing symbol Z2 is determined during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state is not set, and the second low-probability time-saving game state continues.
In contrast, the setting of the first time-saving game state is not specified for the losing symbol Z1, and when the losing symbol Z1 is determined, the game state at the time of determination is continued. That is, when the losing symbol Z1 is determined during the normal game state, the normal game state continues, when the losing symbol Z1 is determined during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues, and when the losing symbol Z1 is determined during the second low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state continues.

Also, during the high probability time-saving play state, the lottery result is determined to be either a big win, a small win, or a loss. In the case of a big win, either the big win pattern X1 or X4 is determined as in the above embodiment, in the case of a small win, either the small win pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined as in the above embodiment, and in the case of a loss, the loss pattern Z1 is determined. In other words, if there is a loss during the high probability time-saving play state, the loss pattern Z2 is not determined.

As shown in Figure 81, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 7, the win/lose random number determination table 110 is provided with a table TL which is referenced when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16 in a low probability game state (normal game state, first low probability time-saving game state, second low probability time-saving game state), and a table TH which is referenced when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16 in a high probability game state (high probability time-saving game state).
Here, the winning/losing random number determination table 110 of the other application example 7 is set with a plurality of numerical ranges that are determined as any of the above-mentioned lottery results (winning a big win, winning a small win, losing), and that determine the type of special symbol according to the lottery result to be determined, and the above-mentioned lottery result and the type of special symbol are determined according to the numerical range to which the acquired winning/losing random number (first special symbol random number, second special symbol random number) belongs. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 7, both the winning/losing lottery result and the type of special symbol are determined by the winning/losing random number determination table 110 and the winning/losing random number. Therefore, the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 7 does not have the special symbol random number and the special symbol random number determination table 111 for determining the type of special symbol, which are provided in the pachinko machine P according to the above-mentioned embodiment.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 81(a) and FIG. 82(a), according to the table TL, if the winning/losing random number is between 0 and 63570, it is determined to be a loss and the losing symbol Z1 is determined, if the winning/losing random number is between 63571 and 63963, it is determined to be a loss and the losing symbol Z2 is determined, if the winning/losing random number is between 63964 and 63965, it is determined to be a jackpot win and the winning symbol X1 is determined, and if the winning/losing random number is between 63966 and 64147, If so, it is determined that a big win has been won and big win pattern X2 is determined; if the win/loss random number is between 64148 and 64225, it is determined that a big win has been won and big win pattern X3 is determined; if the win/loss random number is between 64226 and 64880, it is determined that a small win has been won and small win pattern Y1 is determined; if the win/loss random number is between 64881 and 65535, it is determined that a small win has been won and small win pattern Y2 is determined.

Also, as shown in FIG. 81(b) and FIG. 82(b), according to table TH, if the win/loss random number is between 0 and 63570, it is determined to be a loss and loss pattern Z1 is determined, if the win/loss random number is between 63571 and 64028, it is determined to be a big win and big win pattern X1 is determined, if the win/loss random number is between 64029 and 64225, it is determined to be a big win and big win pattern X4 is determined, if the win/loss random number is between 64226 and 64880, it is determined to be a small win and small win pattern Y1 is determined, if the win/loss random number is between 64881 and 65535, it is determined to be a small win and small win pattern Y2 is determined.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 7, the numerical range in which the jackpot pattern is determined (i.e., determined to be a jackpot win) on the table TH referenced in the high probability game state (hereinafter referred to as the high probability jackpot pattern determination numerical range) is wider than the numerical range in which the jackpot pattern is determined on the table TL referenced in the low probability game state (hereinafter referred to as the low probability jackpot pattern determination numerical range), and in the table TL, the range equivalent to the difference between the high probability jackpot pattern determination numerical range and the low probability jackpot pattern determination numerical range is set as the numerical range in which the losing pattern Z2 that is determined to be a miss and that is determined to set the first time-saving game state is determined is determined.
That is, the numerical range in which the losing symbol Z2 is determined in the table TL is set to be switched to the numerical range in which the big winning symbol is determined in the table TH.
By configuring in this manner, a winning symbol is determined in a high probability game state, but a losing symbol that is determined to set a first time-saving game state can be determined by effectively using a numerical range in which a winning symbol is not determined in a low probability game state, and control can be reliably executed to prevent a jackpot being won and a transition to a time-saving game state without going through a special game in a high probability game state, while preventing a jackpot being won and a transition to a time-saving game state without going through a special game in a low probability game state.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 7, a special pattern random number and special pattern random number determination table 111 for determining the type of special pattern are not provided, and the result of the win/lose lottery and the type of special pattern are determined using only the win/lose random number and the win/lose random number determination table 110, but this is not limited to this.
For example, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, a special symbol random number and a special symbol random number judgment table 111 may be provided, and the result of the winning/losing lottery may be determined by the winning/losing random number and the winning/losing random number judgment table 110, and the type of special symbol may be determined by the special symbol random number and the special symbol random number judgment table 111 while referring to the result of the winning/losing lottery. Even in such a case, a numerical range of the winning/losing random number judgment table 110 may be set, similarly to the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 7.

Specifically, in table TL, which is the win/loss random number determination table 110 referred to in the low probability game state, for example, a first numerical range and a second numerical range determined as a miss, a numerical range determined as a big win, and a numerical range determined as a small win are set, and in table TH, which is the win/loss random number determination table 110 referred to in the high probability game state, for example, a first numerical range determined as a miss, a numerical range determined as a big win, and a numerical range determined as a small win are set. In table TL, a range equivalent to the difference between the numerical range determined as a big win in table TH and the numerical range determined as a big win in table TL is set as the above-mentioned second numerical range.
In addition, the special pattern random number determination table 111 is set so that, for example, if a loss belonging to the first numerical range is determined, a losing pattern Z1 (a losing pattern that is not determined to set the first time-shortened game state) is determined regardless of the value of the obtained special pattern random number, if a loss belonging to the second numerical range is determined, a losing pattern Z2 (a losing pattern that is determined to set the first time-shortened game state) is determined regardless of the value of the obtained special pattern random number, if a big win is determined, one of the big win patterns X1, X2, X3 or X4 is determined, and if a small win is determined, one of the small win patterns Y1 or Y2 is determined.
When set as above, the second numerical range that is determined as a miss in the hit/miss lottery in the low probability game state is switched to a numerical range that is determined as a big win in the hit/miss lottery in the high probability game state. And when it is determined as a miss that belongs to the second numerical range, the miss symbol Z2 that is determined to set the first time-saving game state is always determined. Therefore, the same action and effect as the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 7 is achieved.

As for the special pattern random number determination table 111, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, a separate table may be provided for each type of starting winning slot into which the game ball entered (i.e., each type of special pattern random number obtained (first special pattern random number, second special pattern random number)), and a different type of special pattern may be determined for each table.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 7, whether the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, table TL is referenced in a low probability time-saving game state, and table TH is referenced in a high probability time-saving game state, but this is not limited to this.
For example, a win/lose random number determination table 110 may be provided separately which is referenced when the game is in a low-probability time-saving game state and a game ball enters the first start winning port 15, a win/lose random number determination table 110 which is referenced when the game is in a low-probability time-saving game state and a game ball enters the second start winning port 16, a win/lose random number determination table 110 which is referenced when the game is in a high-probability time-saving game state and a game ball enters the first start winning port 15, and a win/lose random number determination table 110 which is referenced when the game is in a high-probability time-saving game state and a game ball enters the second start winning port 16, and a numerical range may be set for each table to correspond to the result of the win/lose lottery and the type of special pattern.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 7 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 7, the range corresponding to the difference between the numerical range for determining a high probability jackpot pattern and the numerical range for determining a low probability jackpot pattern is judged as a miss in table TL and is completely consistent with the numerical range in which the miss pattern Z2 is determined, but this is not limited to this.
For example, the numerical range that is determined to be a miss in table TL and in which the miss pattern Z2 is determined may be set to be part of a range corresponding to the difference between the numerical range for determining a high probability jackpot pattern and the numerical range for determining a low probability jackpot pattern.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 7 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 7, the numerical range in which the losing symbol Z2 is determined in the table TL is set to determine the big winning symbol in the table TH, but this is not limited to this, and the small winning symbol may be determined.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 7 can be achieved.

(Other Application Example 8)
The pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8 is configured to simultaneously change the special pattern based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 and change the special pattern based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 (when both a hold based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 and a hold based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 are stored, so-called simultaneous rotation control is performed to process both holds simultaneously).

(Overview of the structure within the play area 12)
In the game area 12 of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, a general winning hole 14, a first start winning hole 15, a second start winning hole 16, a movable piece 16b, an attacker device 17, an outlet 19, a gate 20, and a performance display device 21 are provided in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment (see FIG. 83). In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, as the second start winning hole 16, two holes are provided: a normal second start winning hole 16c without a movable piece 16b, and a specific second start winning hole 16d with a movable piece 16b.
Note that the structures and installation positions of some of these devices and members are different from those in the above-described embodiment.
The structure within the game area 12 of the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, as shown in FIG. 83, the first start winning hole 15 is located slightly below the center of the game area 12 (below the performance display device 21). Only game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning hole 15, and game balls flowing down the second game area 12b cannot enter the first start winning hole 15.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, as shown in FIG. 83, the gate 20 is provided in the upper right corner of the performance display device 21 (above the second game area 12b). The gate 20 is configured so that only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through it, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot pass through it. In addition, in a pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, it is configured so that almost all game balls that enter the second game area 12b pass through the gate 20.

As shown in Figure 83, below the gate 20, a specific second start winning port 16d and a flat movable piece 16b (a normal electric device) that can be protruded and retracted into the game board 11 are arranged side by side.
The upper surface of the movable piece 16b is formed to slope downward from the right end to the left end when protruding from the game board 11. The right end of the movable piece 16b is located directly below the gate 20, and the specific second start winning hole 16d is located to the left of the left end of the movable piece 16b. The specific second start winning hole 16d is cup-shaped and opens upward, and a game ball that reaches the opening enters the specific second start winning hole 16d.
In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, when the movable piece 16b protrudes from the game board 11, the upper surface of the movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball to the opening of the specific second start winning hole 16d, making it possible for the game ball to enter the specific second start winning hole 16d (see FIG. 84(b)). On the other hand, when the movable piece 16b is sunk into the game board 11, the movable piece 16b cannot guide the game ball to the opening of the specific second start winning hole 16d, making it impossible for the game ball to enter the specific second start winning hole 16d (see FIG. 84(a)). Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, the length from the right end of the movable piece 16b to the specific second start winning port 16d is approximately the same as the width of the flow passage through which the game balls flow down within the second game area 12b, so when the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state, almost all of the game balls that enter the second game area 12b and pass through the gate 20 can enter the specific second start winning port 16d.

Then, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the game ball passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol is performed, and the variable display of the normal symbol begins. If the result of the lottery for the normal symbol is a win, the variable display of the normal symbol is executed for a predetermined variable time, after which the winning symbol is displayed stationary, and the above-mentioned movable piece 16b is in a protruding state for a predetermined operating time (see FIG. 84(b)). On the other hand, if the result of the lottery for the normal symbol is a loss, the variable display of the normal symbol is executed for a predetermined variable time, after which the losing symbol is displayed stationary, and the above-mentioned movable piece 16b remains in a state of being immersed in the game board 11 (see FIG. 84(a)).
In addition, only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the specific second start winning port 16d, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot enter the specific second start winning port 16d.

As shown in Fig. 83, an attacker device 17 is provided below the specific second start winning opening 16d and the movable piece 16b. In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, unlike the above-mentioned embodiment, the specific area 57, the general area 58, and the sorting member 59 are not provided in the large winning opening 18.
In addition, only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the big prize opening 18, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot enter the big prize opening 18.
As described later, in a pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, after the special game executed based on the winning of a jackpot is completed, the game state is set according to the type of jackpot pattern determined at the time of the winning of the jackpot.

As shown in Fig. 83, a normal second start winning hole 16c is provided below the attacker device 17. Only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the normal second start winning hole 16c, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot enter the normal second start winning hole 16c. Game balls that enter the second game area 12b and do not enter the specific second start winning hole 16d or the large winning hole 18 can enter the normal second start winning hole 16c.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to other application example 8, when a game ball normally enters the second start winning port 16c, a predetermined number of game balls (three in other application example 8) are paid out, and when a game ball enters the specific second start winning port 16d or the first start winning port 15, a number of game balls different from the above-mentioned predetermined number (one in other application example 8) are paid out.

(Control and Game Overview)
Next, various controls and games executed in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8 will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, one of the following game states is set: a normal game state which is a game state combining a low probability game state and a non-time-saving game state; a low probability time-saving game state (hereinafter also referred to as low probability time-saving) which is a game state combining a low probability game state and a first time-saving game state; and a high probability time-saving game state (hereinafter also referred to as high probability time-saving) which is a game state combining a high probability game state and a second time-saving game state.
Here, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, the non-time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state are set so that the frequency of the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 (the difficulty of the ball entering, in other words, the frequency of the winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16) is different from each other. The specific setting contents will be described in detail later.
As in the above-described embodiment, the normal game mode is set in the initial state after shipment from the factory or after a reset.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning port 15, and game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through the gate 20, enter the specific second start winning port 16d, enter the large winning port 18, or enter the normal second start winning port 16c.
In principle, during the normal game state, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left hit) so that the game ball will enter the first start winning port 15, and during the low probability time-saving game state, high probability time-saving game state, special game, and small win game, the game ball will pass through the gate 20 and enter the specific second start winning port 16d or the normal second start winning port 16c, and the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b (so-called right hit) so that the game ball will enter the large winning port 18.

As shown in Fig. 85(a), in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, a jackpot can be won in a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined. The probability of winning a jackpot when the game state at the time of the win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 is a low probability game state (normal game state, low probability time-saving game state) is set to about 1/300, and the probability of winning a jackpot when the game state is a high probability game state (high probability time-saving game state) is set to about 6/300.
In addition, the probability of determining the big win symbol X1 is set to 70/100 (i.e., 70%), and the probability of determining the big win symbol X2 is set to 30/100 (i.e., 30%). Furthermore, if the winning/losing lottery results in a loss, the losing symbol Z1 is determined.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved first special random numbers (upper limit number of first reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 is set to 4. The upper limit number of reserved first special random numbers is not limited to this.

85(a), in the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16 (normal second start winning hole 16c, specific second start winning hole 16d), a big win or a small win can be won, and if a big win is won, a big win pattern X3 is determined, and if a small win is won, a small win pattern Y1 is determined. The probability of winning a big win when the game state at the time of the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16 is a low probability game state (normal game state, low probability time-saving game state) is set to about 1/300, and the probability of winning a big win when the game state is a high probability game state (high probability time-saving game state) is set to about 6/300.
In addition, the probability of winning the big win symbol X3 is set to 100/100 (i.e., 100%), and the probability of winning the small win symbol Y1 is set to 100/100 (100%). Furthermore, if the winning/losing lottery results in a loss, the losing symbol Z2 is determined.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers (upper limit number of second reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 is set to 4. The upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers is not limited to this.

Then, as shown in FIG. 85(a), when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, five round games are played during the special game based on that determination, and the round game ends when either the jackpot opening 18 is opened for 29.0 seconds or 10 game balls enter the jackpot opening 18, and approximately 500 game balls can be won.
As shown in FIG. 85(a), in either case where a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X2 or X3 is determined, the above-mentioned round game is executed 10 times during the special game based on the determination, and approximately 1000 game balls can be won.
86(a), when a small prize is won and the small prize symbol Y1 is determined, the large prize opening 18 is opened once for 0.05 seconds, and if 10 game balls enter the large prize opening 18 while it is open, a small prize game is executed in which the large prize opening 18 is closed. During this small prize game, as described above, the large prize opening 18 is opened for only 0.05 seconds, so it is almost impossible to get a game ball to enter the large prize opening 18.

Also, as shown in FIG. 85(b), in a pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, during normal gameplay, a winning/losing lottery based on the first special symbol random number results in a losing result and the losing symbol Z1 is determined, and if the first reserved number at that time is less than 2 (0 or 1), either a "13-second fluctuation (a fluctuation pattern in which the special symbol fluctuation time is set to 13 seconds)" or a "30-second fluctuation (a fluctuation pattern in which the special symbol fluctuation time is set to 30 seconds)" fluctuation pattern is determined. Also, if the first reserved number at the above-mentioned time is 2 or more, either a "5-second fluctuation (a fluctuation pattern in which the special symbol fluctuation time is set to 5 seconds)" or a "30-second fluctuation" fluctuation pattern is determined.

During normal game mode, if the winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number results in a losing result and the losing symbol Z1 is determined, the variation pattern of "13-second variation" is determined.
In the normal game state, when a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special random number and the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined, and when a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special random number and the jackpot pattern X3 is determined, the variation pattern of "120-second variation (variation pattern in which the variation time of the special pattern is set to 120 seconds)" is determined.
During normal game mode, when a small win is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special pattern random number and the small win pattern Y1 is determined, the change pattern of "3-second change (change pattern in which the change time of the special pattern is set to 3 seconds)" is determined.

Also, as shown in FIG. 85(b), in the low probability time-saving play state or the high probability time-saving play state, when the winning/losing lottery based on the first special chart random number results in a losing draw and a losing pattern Z1 is determined, and when the winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number results in a losing draw and a losing pattern Z2 is determined, either a "5-second variation", "30-second variation" or "60-second variation" variation pattern is determined.
In the low probability time-saving game state or the high probability time-saving game state, when a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number and a jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined, and when a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number and a jackpot pattern X3 is determined, the variation pattern of "60-second variation" is determined.
In a low probability time-saving game state or a high probability time-saving game state, when a small win is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number and a small win pattern Y1 is determined, a variation pattern of "3-second variation" is determined.

(Overview of simultaneous rotation control)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, a control that simultaneously changes the special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 and changes the special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16, that is, a so-called simultaneous rotation control, is executed. The simultaneous rotation control in the other application example 8 will be described below.

In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, when a special game is not being played and the first special pattern display device 30 and the second special pattern display device 31 are not displaying changing special patterns, it is possible to draw a winning or losing lottery based on the first special pattern random number and the second special pattern random number.
In addition, when the first special pattern display device 30 is displaying changing special patterns but the second special pattern display device 31 is not displaying changing special patterns, it is possible to draw a winning or losing lottery based on the second special pattern random number, and when the second special pattern display device 31 is displaying changing special patterns but the first special pattern display device 30 is not displaying changing special patterns, it is possible to draw a winning or losing lottery based on the first special pattern random number.
That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, the variable display of the special symbol by the first special symbol display device 30 and the variable display of the special symbol by the second special symbol display device 31 are performed simultaneously. Then, when the variable display of the special symbol by the first special symbol display device 30 is completed, if the first special symbol random number is stored, the variable display of the next special symbol is started by the first special symbol display device 30, and when the variable display of the special symbol by the second special symbol display device 31 is completed, if the second special symbol random number is stored, the variable display of the next special symbol is started by the second special symbol display device 31.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, when a new winning/losing lottery is performed based on the second special pattern random number while the first special pattern display device 30 is displaying a changing special pattern, if the special pattern being displayed is the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 (i.e., when the winning/losing lottery that triggered the changing display had won the jackpot for the ongoing changing display), the newly performed winning/losing lottery cannot win the jackpot, and if it is determined that the jackpot has been won, the result of the lottery is forcibly set to a loss. In other words, the result of the lottery is a loss.
Similarly, when a new winning/losing lottery is held based on the first special pattern random number while the second special pattern display device 31 is displaying a variable special pattern, if the variable special pattern is the big win pattern X3, the newly held winning/losing lottery will not result in a big win, and if it is determined that a big win has been won, the result of the lottery is set to be a forced loss. In other words, the result of the lottery will be a small win or a loss.
Therefore, for example, when a jackpot is won based on the second special random number and the second special pattern display device 31 is displaying a variable special pattern (jackpot pattern X3) based on the winning of the jackpot, if a new lottery is held based on the first special random number, the result of the lottery will be a loss. Also, when a jackpot is won based on the first special random number and the first special pattern display device 30 is displaying a variable special pattern (jackpot pattern X1 or X2) based on the winning of the jackpot, if a new lottery is held based on the second special random number, the result of the lottery will be a win or loss of a small jackpot.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, when the big win pattern X1 or X2 is displayed stopped on the first special pattern display device 30, if the small win pattern Y1 is being displayed variably on the second special pattern display device 31, this small win pattern Y1 is forcibly changed (rewritten) to the losing pattern Z2, and this losing pattern Z2 is forcibly stopped.
In addition, when the big win pattern X1 or X2 is displayed in a stopped state on the first special pattern display device 30, if a losing pattern Z2 is being displayed in a changing state on the second special pattern display device 31, this losing pattern Z2 is forced to stop.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, when the big win pattern X3 or the small win pattern Y1 is displayed stopped on the second special pattern display device 31, if the losing pattern Z1 is being displayed in a variable manner on the first special pattern display device 30, this losing pattern Z1 is forcibly stopped.
In addition, when the small win pattern Y1 is stopped and displayed on the second special pattern display device 31, if the big win pattern X1 or X2 is being variably displayed on the first special pattern display device 30, the big win pattern X1 or X2 is forcibly changed (rewritten) to the losing pattern Z1, and the losing pattern Z1 is forcibly stopped.

In contrast, when a losing symbol (Z1, Z2) is displayed stationary on either the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31, if the other device is displaying a jackpot symbol (X1, X2, X3), a small win symbol (Y1), or a losing symbol (Z1, Z2), the display of the jackpot symbol, small win symbol, and losing symbol will not stop, but will continue to display the symbols.

(General overview of general games)
Next, an overview of the regular game executed in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 86(b), during the non-time-saving game state (normal game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is about 1/1.2, the normal symbol variation time is 10 seconds, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b when the normal symbol is drawn and winning is set to 0.05 seconds (the time when the movable piece 16b is in the protruding state). Although not shown in the figure, the same settings are made during special games and small winning games.
In addition, during the first time-shortened game state (low-probability time-shortened game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is set to approximately 1/1.2, the same as during the non-time-shortened game state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than during the non-time-shortened game state, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b when a winning normal symbol is drawn is set to 5 seconds, which is longer than during the non-time-shortened game state.
In addition, during the second time-shortened game state (high-probability time-shortened game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is approximately 1/1.1, which is higher than during the non-time-shortened game state and the first time-shortened game state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 0.5 seconds, which is the same as during the first time-shortened game state, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b when a winning normal symbol is drawn is set to 5 seconds, which is the same as during the first time-shortened game state.

That is, during non-time-saving game state (normal game state), during special game, or during small win game, there is a high probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols that is executed when the game ball passes through the gate 20, and there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in a protruding state. However, since the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 10 seconds and the operation time of the movable piece 16b is 0.05 seconds, although the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from a recessed state to a protruding state is long (the interval from the protruding state to the next protruding state is long), the time that the movable piece 16b is maintained in the protruding state is extremely short. Therefore, during non-time-saving game state, during special game, or during small win game, the movable piece 16b is almost always in a recessed state, and it is almost impossible for a game ball that has entered the second game area 12b to enter the specific second start winning hole 16d.

In contrast, during the first time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state), the probability of winning is the same as during the non-time-saving game state, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in a protruding state, just like during the non-time-saving game state. Also, the normal pattern fluctuation time is 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than during the non-time-saving game state, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b is 5 seconds, which is longer than during the non-time-saving game state. Therefore, although the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from a recessed state to a protruding state is short (the interval from the protruding state to the next protruding state is short), the time the movable piece 16b is maintained in the protruding state is long. Therefore, during the first time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is almost always in a protruding state, and almost all game balls that enter the second game area 12b enter the specific second start winning hole 16d.

In addition, during the second time-saving game state (high probability time-saving game state), the probability of winning is higher than during the non-time-saving game state or the first time-saving game state, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in a protruding state. In addition, the normal pattern fluctuation time is 0.5 seconds, the same as during the first time-saving game state, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b is 5 seconds, the same as during the first time-saving game state. As a result, as in the first time-saving game state, the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from a sunk state to a protruding state is short (the interval from the protruding state to the next protruding state is short), but the time the movable piece 16b is maintained in a protruding state is long. Therefore, during the second time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is almost always in a protruding state, and almost all game balls that enter the second game area 12b enter the specific second start winning hole 16d.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to other application example 8, the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern is set to be extremely high overall in all of the non-time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state; however, by varying the fluctuation time of the normal pattern and the operation time of the movable piece 16b, the possibility of the game ball entering the specific second start winning port 16d (i.e., the frequency of the game ball entering the specific second start winning port 16d, in other words, the frequency of the execution of the winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the specific second start winning port 16d) is changed.
That is, during the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, unlike during the non-time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is maintained in a protruding state, so that it is relatively easy for the game ball to enter the specific second start winning hole 16d. Therefore, during the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, it is possible to obtain an opportunity to win or lose the lottery while suppressing the decrease in the game balls that accompanies the progress of the game, compared to the non-time-saving game state.

(Overview of game state to be set)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, one of the game states, a normal game state, a low-probability time-shortened game state, or a high-probability time-shortened game state, is set.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 85(c), in either case where a jackpot is won and a jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the first special random number, or where a jackpot is won and a jackpot pattern X3 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the second special random number (i.e., when a jackpot is won), the game state after the end of the special game based on the determination is set to a high probability game state, and is set to a second time-saving game state, thereby setting a high probability time-saving game state. When the high probability time-saving game state is set, both the high probability number of times and the time-saving number of times are set to 50 times.
In other words, after the special game that is executed when the jackpot pattern X1, X2 or X3 is determined ends, the game state is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and the high-probability time-saving game state continues until the results of the win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number and the win/lose lottery based on the second special pattern random number have been derived a total of 50 times (until the total number of times the special pattern determined based on the first special pattern random number (hereinafter also referred to as the first special pattern) has changed and the total number of times the special pattern determined based on the second special pattern random number (hereinafter also referred to as the second special pattern) has changed reaches 50).
Then, during the high-probability time-saving game state, if the result of the win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number and the result of the win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number all combine to be something other than a jackpot (small win, miss), the high-probability game state is changed to a low-probability game state and the second time-saving game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state.

If a jackpot is won during the high probability time-saving game state described above and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X3 is determined, the high probability time-saving game state will be set again after the special game based on that determination ends.

Also, as shown in Fig. 85(c), in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, after the low probability game state (normal game state) is set, if the total number of times the first special chart changes and the second special chart changes reaches a predetermined number of times for time-saving activation (500 times in the other application example 8) without winning a jackpot (i.e., in the low probability game state, the results of the winning/losing lottery based on the first special chart random number and the winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number are all other than a jackpot for a total of 500 times), the low probability game state is left as it is, and the first time-saving game state is set, thereby setting the low probability time-saving game state. When the low probability time-saving game state is set, the number of time-saving times is set to 450 times.
After the low-probability time-saving play state is set, the low-probability time-saving play state continues without winning a jackpot until the total number of times the first special chart changes and the number of times the second special chart changes reaches 450 (i.e., until a total of 450 results of the win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number and the win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number are derived).
Then, during the low-probability time-saving game state, if the result of the win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number and the result of the win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number total 450 times are other than a jackpot (small win, miss), the first time-saving game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state while the low-probability game state remains, and the game state is changed to a normal game state.

In addition, if a jackpot is won during the low probability time-saving game state described above and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X3 is determined, a high probability time-saving game state will be set after the special game based on that determination ends.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, a time-saving activation counter for counting the number of times (500 times) that the low-probability time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) is set is configured in a specified memory area in the main RAM 103 of the main control board 100.
The count value of this time-saving activation counter is reset when any of the following reset conditions is met: RAM is cleared (reset) by a specified operation, special game play ends, or a low-probability time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) is set.

When the RAM is cleared (reset), the game state thereafter is set to the normal game state (low probability game state), and from this point on, counting by the time-saving activation counter is started.
In addition, when the special game based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X1, X2 or X3 ends, the game state thereafter is set to a high probability time-saving game state (high probability game state). Therefore, the time-saving activation counter does not start counting from the point when the special game ends, but starts counting from the point when the high probability time-saving game state ends and the normal game state (low probability game state) is set.

In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, a time-saving activation count counter is set to count each time the first special symbol changes (a win/lose lottery based on the first special symbol random number) or the second special symbol changes (a win/lose lottery based on the second special symbol random number), and when the count value of the time-saving activation count counter reaches the time-saving activation count, a low-probability time-saving game state is set as described above.

As mentioned above, the time-saving activation counter starts counting when the normal game mode is set. When the time-saving activation counter starts counting when the normal game mode is set, the game mode becomes the normal game mode when the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches 500 time-saving activations (i.e., when the low-probability time-saving game mode is set).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, the low-probability time-saving game state can be set only once after the RAM is cleared (after reset) or after the end of a special game based on a jackpot win until the next jackpot win.
That is, after the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches the time-saving activation count (500 times) and the low-probability time-saving game state is set, the low-probability time-saving game state cannot be set again until the next big win is won.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, after the count value of the time-saving activation counter is reset by setting the low-probability time-saving game state, the time-saving activation counter is set to stop counting until the next jackpot is won.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, it is not specified that a time-saving game state is set for either the losing symbols (Z1, Z2) or the small win symbol (Y1). Therefore, after the losing symbol stops, the game state does not change, and the game state at the time when the losing symbol was determined continues. Also, after the small win game based on the determination of the small win symbol ends, the game state at the start of the small win game continues.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, the number of consecutive time-saving settings or the number of consecutive special settings as in the above-mentioned embodiment are not set, and whenever the jackpot pattern X1, X2 or X3 is determined, a high probability time-saving game state is set after the special game based on that determination ends.

(Gameability of the Pachinko Machine P According to Another Application Example 8)
In the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, as described above, one of the game states is set to a normal game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state), a low-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a first time-saving game state), or a high-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a high-probability game state and a second time-saving game state), and the game progresses.

When a player starts playing, the normal game state is often set. During the normal game state, as described above, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left shot), and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball may enter the first start winning hole 15, but will not enter the second start winning hole 16 (the normal second start winning hole 16c, the specific second start winning hole 16d). Then, a winning/losing lottery is performed based on the game ball's entry into the first start winning hole 15, and if a jackpot is won, the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined (see FIG. 85(a)). Then, if the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, a special game in which five rounds of play are performed is executed, and if the jackpot pattern X2 is determined, a special game in which ten rounds of play are executed is executed, and the game state after the special game is finished is set to a high probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 85(c)).
In this way, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, if you hit the left side as instructed during the normal game state, you will be able to win a jackpot and transition to a high-probability time-saving game state (see Figure 87).

During the high probability time-saving game state, the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than during the normal game state, and game balls are more likely to enter the specific second start winning hole 16d, so that the player can win the jackpot more easily while suppressing the decrease in game balls accompanying the progress of the game compared to during the normal game state.
During the high probability time-saving game state, if the player hits the ball to the right as instructed, there is an extremely high possibility that the game ball will enter the second start winning hole 16 (normal second start winning hole 16c, specific second start winning hole 16d). Then, during the high probability time-saving game state, a winning/losing lottery is performed based on the ball entering the second start winning hole 16, and if the player wins the jackpot, the jackpot pattern X3 is always determined (see FIG. 85(a)). In other words, if the player wins the jackpot by the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number, a special game (a special game in which 10 rounds are played) that can acquire more game balls than the special game (a special game in which 5 rounds are played) based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 is always executed, and the game state after the special game is ended is set to the high probability time-saving game state again (see FIG. 85(c)).
In this way, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, if you hit the right side as instructed during the high-probability time-saving game state, you will win a jackpot, and a relatively advantageous special game will be played, and you will be able to transition again to the high-probability time-saving game state (see Figure 87).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, as described above, if the number of times the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) change during the normal game state reaches the number of times that the time-saving feature is activated (500 times) without winning the jackpot (if the number of times that the winning/losing lottery results based on the first special symbol random number and the second special symbol random number reach the number of times that the time-saving feature is activated), the game state thereafter is set to the low-probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 85(c)). In other words, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, if the player hits the left hand as instructed during the normal game state, the result of all 500 winning/losing lotteries will be other than a winning jackpot, and the game will transition to the low-probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 87).

During the low probability time-saving game state, the probability of winning a jackpot remains the same as during the normal game state, but game balls are more likely to enter the specific second start winning hole 16d than during the normal game state, and a chance to win or lose can be obtained while suppressing the decrease in game balls accompanying the progress of the game compared to during the normal game state.
During the low-probability time-saving game state, as in the high-probability time-saving game state, if the player hits the ball from the right as instructed, there is an extremely high possibility that the ball will enter the second start winning hole 16. Then, during the low-probability time-saving game state, as in the high-probability time-saving game state, a lottery is held to determine whether the ball will enter the second start winning hole 16, and if the player wins a jackpot, the jackpot pattern X3 is always determined (see FIG. 87).
In this way, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, if you hit the right side as instructed during the high-probability time-saving game state, you will win a jackpot, and a relatively advantageous special game will be played, and you will be able to transition again to the high-probability time-saving game state (see Figure 87).

Here, the low-probability time-saving game state, which is set when all 500 win/lose lotteries during the low-probability game state (normal game state) result in something other than a jackpot, makes it possible to execute a maximum of 450 win/lose lotteries based on the entry of game balls into the second start winning port 16 while minimizing the reduction in game balls as the game progresses, and is an advantageous game state for the player since there is a high expectation of winning a jackpot (execution of a special game in which 10 rounds of play are performed).
As described above, when a jackpot is won in a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning slot 15, a special game in which four rounds of play are played is more likely to be played than a special game in which ten rounds of play are played, and it is highly likely that only a relatively small number of game balls can be acquired. Therefore, when the count value of the time-saving activation counter is close to reaching the time-saving activation count in a normal game state, it is more desirable for the player that the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches the time-saving activation count without winning a jackpot and a low-probability time-saving game state is set, rather than winning a jackpot in a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning slot 15.

Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, when a jackpot is won in a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 during the normal game state, the player is suggested to that effect (see Figs. 88(a)-(d) and 89(a)-(d)). As a result, when the above-mentioned suggestion is made, even during the normal game state, the player can aim to win a small jackpot (determination of the small jackpot pattern Y1) by shooting a game ball toward the second game area 12b and making the game ball enter the normal second start winning hole 16c before the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display device 30.
As described above, when the small win symbol Y1 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display device 31, if the big win symbol X1 or X2 is being displayed variably on the first special symbol display device 30, the big win symbol X1 or X2 is forcibly changed to the losing symbol Z1, and the losing symbol Z1 is forcibly stopped. Therefore, if a small win is won in a win/lose lottery based on the ball entering the second start winning hole 16c during the variably displayed big win symbol X1 or X2, and the small win symbol Y1 can be stopped and displayed, the big win that has already been won is canceled and becomes a losing one, so that the big win can be avoided.

Specifically, during normal game play, when a jackpot is won through a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15, a jackpot suggestion image (for example, a text image of "!!!") indicating that a jackpot has been won is displayed as the variable presentation begins (see Figures 88(a)-(d) and 89(a)-(d)).
In addition, during the variable presentation during normal game play, a variable presentation of the presentation pattern 50 corresponding to a win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 is displayed in the center of the display unit 21a of the presentation display device 21, and a variable presentation of the presentation pattern 50 corresponding to a win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 is displayed in the lower right corner of the display unit 21a of the presentation display device 21 (see Figures 88 (a) to (e) and 89 (a) to (e)).

Then, when the jackpot suggestion image described above is displayed, the game ball can be shot toward the second game area 12b so that the game ball will enter the normal second start winning hole 16c.
Here, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 during the normal game state and the big win pattern X1 or X2 is determined, the "120-second variation" variation pattern is determined (see FIG. 85(b)), and the first special pattern display device 30 performs the variation display (variation presentation) of the big win pattern X1 or X2 for 120 seconds. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the normal second start winning hole 16c (second start winning hole 16) during the normal game state and the losing pattern Z2 is determined, the "13-second variation" variation pattern is determined (see FIG. 85(b)), and the second special pattern display device 31 performs the variation display (variation presentation) of the losing pattern Z2 for 13 seconds. Then, during the variation display of the big win pattern X1 or X2, a maximum of nine winning/losing lotteries based on the game ball entering the normal second start winning hole 16c can be performed. Therefore, if a small win is won in the maximum of nine win/lose lotteries that can be performed while the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is changing, and if the small win pattern Y1 is displayed stationary while the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is changing, the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 (the winning of the jackpot in the win/lose lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning port 15) will be canceled.

When the first special pattern display device 30 is displaying a jackpot pattern X1 or X2 in a variable manner, if the second special pattern display device 31 displays a small jackpot pattern Y1 in a static manner, the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is changed to a losing pattern Z1, and the losing pattern Z1 is forcibly displayed in a static manner on the first special pattern display device 30. Accordingly, the performance pattern 50 is displayed in a static manner in the lower right corner of the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 in a manner to notify a small jackpot win (for example, a manner in which all performance patterns 50 are even-numbered patterns), and the performance pattern 50 is displayed in a static manner in the center of the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 in a manner to notify a loss (see Figures 88(c) to (e)). Furthermore, the jackpot suggestion image is erased (see Figure 88(e)).

On the other hand, if the 120-second variable time elapses without the small win symbol Y1 being displayed in the second special symbol display device 31, and the big win symbol X1 or X2 is displayed in the first special symbol display device 30, the losing symbol Z2 is displayed in the second special symbol display device 31 when the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. Accordingly, the performance symbol 50 is displayed in a static manner in the center of the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 in a manner to notify a big win, and the performance symbol 50 is displayed in a static manner in the lower right corner of the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 in a manner to notify a loss (see Figures 89(c) to (e)). Furthermore, the big win suggestion image is erased (see Figure 89(e)).
In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is displayed in a stopped state on the first special pattern display device 30, if the second special pattern is being displayed in a stopped state, no special display is made.

In this way, when a jackpot is won when the number of time-saving activations is about to be reached in the normal game state, the above-mentioned game method is executed, and there is a possibility that the winning of the jackpot can be cancelled by aiming to win a small jackpot through a win/lose lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the normal second start winning hole 16c. If the winning of the jackpot can be cancelled, the count value of the time-saving activation counter is not cleared, so it is possible to continue aiming to reach the number of time-saving activations.
In addition, when a jackpot is won in a normal game state, it is not necessary to execute the above-mentioned game method. For example, when a jackpot is won shortly after the time-saving activation counter starts counting (when the time-saving activation count is far from being reached), a special game based on the winning of the jackpot may be executed without executing the above-mentioned game method.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, not only can it be possible to transition to a high-probability time-saving game state with a higher advantage than the normal game state through winning a jackpot (determining the jackpot pattern X1, X2 or X3) and playing a special game, but it can also be possible to transition to a low-probability time-saving game state with a higher advantage than the normal game state by having the result of all 500 win/loss lotteries (win/loss lotteries based on the first special pattern random number, win/loss lotteries based on the second special pattern random number) during the low-probability game state (normal game state) be other than a jackpot (miss, small win) without winning a jackpot or playing a special game, thereby providing novel gameplay and increasing the interest of the player.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, in the second time-saving game state that is set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X3, the number of time-saving times is set to a number equal to or less than the number of time-saving activations (50 times). As a result, even if a game state that combines a low-probability game state and a second time-saving game state is set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X3, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the second time-saving game state being set is changed to a different time-saving game state by the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaching the number of time-saving activations during the game state that combines the low-probability game state and the second time-saving game state.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, when a jackpot is won in a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 in a normal game state, the fact is notified. Then, when a small jackpot is won in a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the normal second start winning hole 16c during the variable display of the jackpot pattern X1 or X2, and the small jackpot pattern Y1 is stopped and displayed, the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is changed to a loss pattern Z1, and this loss pattern Z1 is forcibly stopped and displayed, so that the winning of the jackpot can be canceled. As a result, depending on the progress of the game (for example, the count value of the time-saving activation counter is close to reaching the time-saving activation count, etc.), the player can choose whether to cancel the winning of the jackpot by entering the game ball into the normal second start winning hole 16c in order to win a small jackpot, and a novel gameplay rich in strategy can be provided, and the interest of the player can be increased.

Next, the progress of the above-mentioned special chart game will be explained using a flowchart, focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment.
First, the special symbol variation start process executed when the special symbol variation starts will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 5000, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the second special random number is stored in the memory section of the second reserved memory area, that is, whether or not the second reserved number counter is equal to or greater than "1". If it is judged that the second special random number is not stored, the process proceeds to step 5013. On the other hand, if it is judged that the second special random number is stored, the process proceeds to the next step 5001.

In step 5001, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the second special symbol (special symbol determined based on the second special symbol random number) is being displayed in a variable manner. If it is judged that the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the process proceeds to step 5013. On the other hand, if it is judged that the second special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, the process proceeds to the next step 5002.
In step 5002, the main CPU 101 decrements the value of the second reserved number counter by "1" and executes a shift process of the second reserved memory area. This shift process is the same as the process of step 804 in the above embodiment, so the explanation is omitted. Then, the process proceeds to step 5003.

In step 5003, the main CPU 101 executes a win/lose determination process. This win/lose determination process is similar to the win/lose determination process in the above-mentioned embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5004.
In step 5004, the main CPU 101 executes a second special symbol determination process to determine the type of the second special symbol. This second special symbol determination process is the same as the special symbol determination process in the above-mentioned embodiment, so the description will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5005.

In step 5005, the main CPU 101 judges whether the second special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 5004 is the big win symbol X3 or not. If it is judged that it is not the big win symbol X3 (i.e., it is the small win symbol Y1 or the losing symbol Z2), the process proceeds to step 5008. On the other hand, if it is judged that it is the big win symbol X3, the process proceeds to the next step 5006.
In step 5006, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the data stored in a first special symbol temporary storage area, which will be described later, relates to the big win symbol X1 or X2.
Here, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8, as described above, the first special symbol (special symbol determined based on the first special symbol random number) and the second special symbol can be displayed simultaneously. Then, when the variable display of the second special symbol starts, the determined second special symbol (i.e., the second special symbol displayed as still) is stored in the second special symbol temporary storage area. Similarly, when the variable display of the first special symbol starts, the determined first special symbol (i.e., the first special symbol displayed as still) is stored in the first special symbol temporary storage area. That is, the first special symbol being displayed as being variably displayed in the first special symbol display device 30 is stored in the first special symbol temporary storage area, and the second special symbol being displayed as being variably displayed in the second special symbol display device 31 is stored in the second special symbol temporary storage area.
Therefore, in this step 5006, when starting the variable display of the jackpot pattern X3 determined as the second pattern, it is determined whether or not the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 determined as the first special pattern is being variably displayed in the first special pattern display device 30.
If it is determined that the data does not relate to the big win symbol X1 or X2 (i.e., it is a losing symbol Z1), the process proceeds to step 5008. On the other hand, if it is determined that the data relates to the big win symbol X1 or X2, the process proceeds to the next step 5007.

In step 5007, the main CPU 101 rewrites the data related to the big win symbol X3 stored in the second special symbol temporary storage area to data related to the losing symbol Z2. That is, when the variable display of the second special symbol starts during the variable display of the first special symbol in which the big win symbol X1 or X2 is determined, if the big win symbol X3 is determined as the second special symbol, the big win symbol X3 is forcibly rewritten to the losing symbol Z2.
As described above, after the second special chart is determined, the determined jackpot pattern X3 is not forcibly rewritten to the losing pattern Z2. When the second special chart is determined, the first special pattern display device 30 may determine whether or not the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 determined as the first special chart is displayed in a variable manner, and if it is determined that the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is displayed in a variable manner, the losing pattern Z2 may always be determined as the second special chart.
Then, proceed to the next step 5008.
In step 5008, the main CPU 101 stores the symbol determination command indicating the second special symbol stored in the second special symbol temporary storage area in the performance transmission data storage area. Specifically, the second special symbol (big win symbol X3, small win symbol Y1, or losing symbol Z2) determined in the above-mentioned step 5004, or the losing symbol Z2 if forced rewriting is performed in the above-mentioned step 5007, is stored. As a result, information related to the second special symbol is transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the variable performance. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5009.

In step 5009, the main CPU 101 executes a fluctuation pattern determination process. This fluctuation pattern determination process is similar to the fluctuation pattern determination process in the above-mentioned embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5010.
In step 5010, the main CPU 101 sets variable display data for starting the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 31. This starts the variable display of the second special symbol display device 31. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5011.

In step 5011, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving count update process. This time-saving count update process is similar to the time-saving count update process in the above-described embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to step 5012.
In step 5012, the main CPU 101 executes a high probability count update process. This high probability count update process is similar to the high probability count update process in the above-mentioned embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5013.

In step 5013, the main CPU 101 judges whether the first special random number is stored in the memory section of the first reserved memory area, that is, whether the first reserved number counter is "1" or more. If it is judged that the first special random number is not stored, the variable start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the first special random number is stored, the process proceeds to the next step 5014.
In step 5014, the main CPU 101 judges whether the first special symbol is being displayed. If it is judged that the first special symbol is being displayed, the special symbol display start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the first special symbol is not being displayed, the process proceeds to the next step 5015.

In step 5015, the main CPU 101 decrements the value of the first reserved number counter by "1" and executes a shift process of the first reserved memory area. This shift process is the same as the process of step 803 in the above embodiment, so the explanation is omitted. Then, the process proceeds to step 5016.
In step 5016, the main CPU 101 executes a win/lose determination process. This win/lose determination process is similar to the win/lose determination process in the above-mentioned embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5017.

In step 5017, the main CPU 101 executes a first special symbol determination process to determine the type of the first special symbol. This first special symbol determination process is the same as the special symbol determination process in the above-mentioned embodiment, so the description will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5018.
In step 5018, the main CPU 101 judges whether the first special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 5017 is the big win symbol X1 or X2. If it is judged that the first special symbol is not the big win symbol X1 or X2 (i.e., it is a losing symbol Z1), the process proceeds to step 5021. On the other hand, if it is judged that the first special symbol is the big win symbol X1 or X2, the process proceeds to the next step 5019.

In step 5019, the main CPU 101 judges whether the data stored in the second special symbol temporary storage area is related to the big win symbol X3. That is, when the main CPU 101 starts the variable display of the big win symbol X1 or X2 determined as the first symbol, it judges whether the big win symbol X3 determined as the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the second special symbol display device 31. Then, if it is judged that the above-mentioned data is not related to the big win symbol X3 (i.e., it is the small win symbol Y1 or the losing symbol Z2), it proceeds to step 5021. On the other hand, if it is judged that the above-mentioned data is related to the big win symbol X3, it proceeds to the next step 5020.
In step 5020, the main CPU 101 rewrites the data related to the big win symbol X1 or X2 stored in the first special symbol temporary storage area to the data related to the losing symbol Z1. That is, when the variable display of the first special symbol starts during the variable display of the second special symbol in which the big win symbol X3 is determined, if the big win symbol X1 or X2 is determined as the first special symbol, the big win symbol X1 or X2 is forcibly rewritten to the losing symbol Z1.
In addition, after the first special chart is determined, the determined jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is not forcibly rewritten to the losing pattern Z1, but when the first special chart is determined, the second special pattern display device 31 may determine whether or not the jackpot pattern X3 determined as the second special chart is displayed in a variable manner, and if it is determined that the jackpot pattern X3 is displayed in a variable manner, the losing pattern Z1 may always be determined as the first special chart.
Then, proceed to the next step 5021.

In step 5021, the main CPU 101 stores the symbol determination command indicating the first special symbol stored in the first special symbol temporary storage area in the performance transmission data storage area. Specifically, the first special symbol (the big win symbol X1 or X2, or the losing symbol Z1) determined in the above-mentioned step 3017, or the losing symbol Z1 in the case where the forcible rewriting is performed in the above-mentioned step 5020, is stored. As a result, the information related to the first special symbol is transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of the variable performance. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5022.
In step 5022, the main CPU 101 executes a fluctuation pattern process. This fluctuation pattern determination process is similar to the fluctuation pattern determination process in the above-mentioned embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5023.

In step 5023, the main CPU 101 sets the variable display data for starting the variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 30. This starts the variable display of the first special symbol display device 30. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5024.
In step 5024, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving count update process. This time-saving count update process is similar to the time-saving count update process in the above-described embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to step 5025.

In step 5025, the main CPU 101 executes a high probability count update process. This high probability count update process is similar to the high probability count update process in the above-mentioned embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the special pattern variation start process ends.

Next, the special symbol variation stop processing that is executed when the variation of the special symbol stops will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 5100, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the first special symbol is being displayed variably on the first special symbol display device 30. If it is judged that the first special symbol is not being displayed variably, the process proceeds to step 5106. On the other hand, if it is judged that the first special symbol is being displayed variably, the process proceeds to the next step 3101.
In step 5101, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the variable time of the first special symbol has elapsed. If it is judged that the variable time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step 5106. On the other hand, if it is judged that the variable time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 5102.

In step 5102, the main CPU 101 sets the stop display data for stopping the first special symbol stored in the first special symbol temporary storage area on the first special symbol display device 30, and executes the stop display of the first special symbol. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5103.
In step 5103, the main CPU 101 stores a first special symbol stop display command indicating that the first special symbol has been stopped and displayed in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5104.

In step 5104, the main CPU 101 determines a special chart stop display time for stopping and displaying the first special chart (hereinafter, also referred to as the first special chart stop display time). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5105.
In step 5105, the main CPU 101 sets the first special symbol stop display time determined in the above-mentioned step 5104 in a first stop display time timer counter. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5106.

In step 5106, the main CPU 101 judges whether the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner on the second special symbol display device 31. If it is judged that the second special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, the main CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation stop processing. On the other hand, if it is judged that the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the main CPU 101 proceeds to the next step 5107.
In step 5107, the main CPU 101 judges whether the variation time of the second special symbol has elapsed. If it is judged that the variation time has not elapsed, the main CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation stop processing. On the other hand, if it is judged that the variation time has elapsed, the main CPU 101 proceeds to the next step 5108.

In step 5108, the main CPU 101 sets the stop display data for stopping and displaying the second special symbol stored in the second special symbol temporary storage area on the second special symbol display device 31, and executes the stop display of the second symbol. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5109.
In step 5109, the main CPU 101 stores a second special symbol stop display command indicating that the second special symbol has been stopped and displayed in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5110.

In step 5110, the main CPU 101 determines a special chart stop display time for stopping and displaying the second special chart (hereinafter, also referred to as the second special chart stop display time). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5111.
In step 5111, the main CPU 101 sets the second special symbol stop display time determined in the above-mentioned step 5110 in the second stop display time timer counter. Then, the special symbol variation stop process is terminated.

Next, the post-stop processing executed after the special pattern variation stop processing is completed will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 5200, the main CPU 101 judges whether the first special symbol stop display time set in the first special symbol stop display time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 5105 has elapsed. If it is judged that the first special symbol stop display time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 5202. On the other hand, if it is judged that the first special symbol stop display time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 5201.
In step 5201, the main CPU 101 judges whether the second special symbol stop display time set in the second special symbol stop display time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 5011 has elapsed. If it is judged that the second special symbol stop display time has not elapsed, the post-stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the second special symbol stop display time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 5202.

In step 5202, the main CPU 101 judges whether the stopped special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is a big win symbol. If it is judged that the special symbol is not a big win symbol (i.e., a small win symbol or a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 5209. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol is a big win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 5203.
In step 5203, the main CPU 101 judges whether there is a special symbol being displayed in a variable manner, that is, whether another special symbol different from the special symbol being displayed in a stopped state is being displayed in a variable manner. Specifically, if the first special symbol being displayed in a stopped state is the big win symbol X1 or X2, it judges whether the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, and if the second special symbol being displayed in a stopped state is the big win symbol X3, it judges whether the first special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. Then, if it is judged that there is no special symbol being displayed in a variable manner, it proceeds to step 5207. On the other hand, if it is judged that there is a special symbol being displayed in a variable manner, it proceeds to the next step 5204.

In step 5204, the main CPU 101 determines whether the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is a small win symbol. If it is determined that the special symbol is not a small win symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 5206. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol is a small win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 5205.

In step 5205, the main CPU 101 rewrites the data relating to the small win symbol being changed (i.e., the data relating to the small win symbol Y1 stored in the second special symbol temporary storage area) to the data relating to the losing symbol. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5206.
In step 5206, the main CPU 101 forcibly stops and displays the special symbol being changed. Specifically, if the special symbol being changed is a losing symbol, the losing symbol stored in the first special symbol temporary storage area or the second special symbol temporary storage area, or if rewritten in the above-mentioned step 5205, the losing symbol stored in the rewritten first special symbol temporary storage area or the second special symbol temporary storage area, is stopped and displayed on the corresponding special symbol display device even if the change time has not passed. That is, if the first special symbol is being changed and displayed, the losing symbol Z1 is forced to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 even if the change time of this first special symbol has not passed. Also, if the second special symbol is being changed and displayed, the losing symbol Z2 is forced to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display device 31 even if the change time of this second special symbol has not passed. Then, the process proceeds to step 5207.

In step 5207, the main CPU 101 turns off the high probability game flag and the time-saving game flag (the first time-saving game flag and the second time-saving game flag). When the high probability game flag and the time-saving game flag are off, the main CPU 101 does not perform any processing. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5208.
In step 5208, the main CPU 101 sets the opening time, which is a waiting time set at the start of the special game, in the opening time timer counter, and stores an opening command indicating that the opening process is to start in the performance transmission data storage area. In addition, the number of rounds in the special game to be executed after the opening time has elapsed is set in the round number storage area provided in the main RAM 103. Then, the post-stop process is terminated.

In step 5209, which is reached when it is determined in step 5202 that the special symbol is not a big win symbol, the main CPU 101 determines whether the special symbol stopped and displayed is a small win symbol or not. If it is determined that the special symbol is not a small win symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 5218. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol is a small win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 5210.
In step S5210, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving activation count execution process for counting using the time-saving activation counter. Then, the process proceeds to step S5211.

In step 5211, the main CPU 101 judges whether there is a special symbol being displayed, specifically, whether the first special symbol is being displayed when the second special symbol displayed in a stopped state is the small winning symbol Y1. If it is judged that there is no special symbol being displayed, the process proceeds to step 5216. On the other hand, if it is judged that there is a special symbol being displayed, the process proceeds to the next step 5212.
In step 5212, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special symbol being variably displayed is a big win symbol or not. If it is judged that the special symbol is not a big win symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 5214. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol is a big win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 5213.

In step 5213, the main CPU 101 rewrites the data relating to the jackpot symbol being changed (i.e., the data relating to the jackpot symbol X1 or X2 stored in the first special symbol temporary storage area) to the data relating to the losing symbol Z1. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5214.

In step 5214, the main CPU 101 forcibly stops the display of the special symbol that is being changed. Specifically, if the special symbol that is being changed is a losing symbol Z1, the losing symbol Z1 stored in the first special symbol temporary storage area is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30, and if the special symbol is rewritten in step 5213, the losing symbol Z1 stored in the rewritten first special symbol temporary storage area is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 even if the change time has not elapsed. In other words, if the first special symbol is being changed and displayed, the losing symbol Z1 is forcibly stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 even if the change time of this first special symbol has not elapsed. Then, proceed to the next step 5215.

In step S5215, the main CPU 101 executes a process for counting the number of times the time-saving feature is activated. Then, the process proceeds to step S5216.
In step S5216, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving activation count start process for starting counting by the time-saving activation counter. Then, the process proceeds to step S5217.

In step 5217, the main CPU 101 sets the opening time set at the start of the small win game in the opening time timer counter, and stores an opening command indicating that the opening process is about to start in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the post-stop process ends.

In step 5218, which is reached when it is determined in step 5209 that the symbol is not a small winning symbol, the main CPU 101 executes a process for counting the number of times the time-saving feature is activated.
In step S5219, the main CPU 101 executes a process for starting counting the number of times the time-saving feature is activated. Then, the process proceeds to step S5220.

In step 5220, the main CPU 101 checks the current game status and stores a game status command in the performance transmission data storage area. This game status command includes information on whether the high probability game flag is on or off, information on whether the time-saving game flags (first time-saving game flag, second time-saving game flag) are on or off, information on the number of high probability games, information on the number of time-saving games, etc. Then, the post-stop processing is terminated.

Next, the time-saving activation count execution process of steps 5210, 5215, and 5218 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 5300, the main CPU 101 judges whether the high probability game flag is off. If the high probability game flag is judged to be not off (i.e., on), the main CPU 101 ends the time-saving activation count execution process. On the other hand, if the high probability game flag is judged to be off, the process proceeds to the next step 5301.
In step 5301, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a time-saving activation count reaching flag, which indicates that the count value of the time-saving activation count counter has reached the time-saving activation count, is off. If it is judged that the time-saving activation count reaching flag is not off (i.e., it is on), the main CPU 101 ends the time-saving activation count execution process. On the other hand, if it is judged that the time-saving activation count reaching flag is off, the process proceeds to the next step 5302.

In step 5302, the main CPU 101 decrements the count value of the time-saving activation counter by 1. If the count value is 0, the main CPU 101 does nothing here. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5303.
In step 5303, the main CPU 101 judges whether the count value of the time-saving activation counter has reached 0. If it is judged that the count value has not reached 0, the main CPU 101 ends the time-saving activation count execution process. On the other hand, if it is judged that the count value has reached 0, the process proceeds to the next step 5304.

In step 5304, the main CPU 101 executes a first time-saving game state setting process for setting a first time-saving game state. Specifically, the main CPU 101 turns on the first time-saving game flag, and sets the number of time-saving times to "450". When the number of time-saving times is reached, the normal game state is set, and the high probability game flag is turned off. This high probability game flag is left turned off. This sets a low probability time-saving game state. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5305.
In step S305, the main CPU 101 resets (clears to zero) the count value of the time-saving activation counter. Then, the process proceeds to step S306.
In step S306, the main CPU 101 turns on the time-saving activation count reaching flag, and ends the time-saving activation count execution process.

Next, the process of starting the time-saving activation count in steps 5216 and 5219 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 5350, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the high probability time-saving game state has ended. Specifically, it judges whether or not the high probability game flag has changed from on to off in the above-mentioned step 5012 or step 5025. If it is judged that the high probability time-saving game state has not ended, the time-saving activation count start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the high probability time-saving game state has ended, the process proceeds to the next step 5351.

In step 5351, the main CPU 101 sets the time-saving activation count counter to "500". Then, the time-saving activation count start process ends.

Next, the special game end process executed when the special game ends will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 5400, the main CPU 101 checks the jackpot pattern (stored in the processing area of the main RAM 103) that triggered the execution of the ended special game, and executes a game state setting process to set the game state after the end of the special game in accordance with the above-mentioned jackpot pattern.
Specifically, regardless of whether the jackpot pattern is X1, X2, or X3, the main CPU 101 turns on both the high probability game flag and the second time-saving game flag, and sets both the high probability number of times and the time-saving number of times to "50."
Then, proceed to the next step 5401.

In step 5401, the main CPU 101 resets (clears to zero) the count value of the time-saving activation counter. Then, the process proceeds to step 5402.
In step S5402, the main CPU 101 turns off the time-saving activation count reaching flag, and then ends the special game ending process.

Next, the RAM clear process executed based on the RAM clear (reset) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 5500, the main CPU 101 executes a normal game state setting process to set a normal game state. Specifically, the main CPU 101 turns off both the high probability game flag and the time-saving game flag (the first time-saving game flag and the second time-saving game flag). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 5501.
In step S5501, the main CPU 101 resets (clears to zero) the count value of the time-saving activation counter. Then, the process proceeds to step S502.

In step S5502, the main CPU 101 turns off the time-saving activation count reaching flag. Then, the process proceeds to step S503.
In step S5503, the main CPU 101 sets the time-saving activation number counter to the time-saving activation number of 500. Then, the RAM clearing process is terminated.

(Modification of the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8)
In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, during the first time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state) which is set when the count value of the time-saving activation count counter reaches the time-saving activation count, a winning probability is set to be the same as during the non-time-saving game state, but this is not limited to this, and the machine may be set so that a winning probability is higher during the first time-saving game state than during the non-time-saving game state.
In addition, during the first time-shortened game state, it is possible to make it easier for the game ball to enter the specific second start winning port 16d by setting the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols to be higher than during the non-time-shortened game state, shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbols, and lengthening the operating time of the movable piece 16b.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, the time-saving game states include a time-saving game state (second time-saving game state) that is set through winning a jackpot (determination of the jackpot pattern X1, X2 or X3) and executing a special game, and a time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) that is set when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the time-saving activation number without winning a jackpot in a low-probability game state (normal game state), but the types of time-saving game states are not limited to these.
For example, a time-saving game state may be set based on the determination of a special pattern other than a big win pattern that is determined to set a time-saving game state (for example, a losing pattern determined to set a time-saving game state, or a small win pattern determined to set a time-saving game state, etc.).
In addition, the time-saving game state which is set through winning a jackpot and playing a special game, the time-saving game state which is set when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the number of times the time-saving game is activated without winning a jackpot in a low-probability game state, and the time-saving game state which is set based on the determination of a special pattern other than a jackpot pattern which is determined to set a time-saving game state may be set so that the difficulty of getting the game ball to enter the specific second start winning port 16d is different, or the difficulty may be set so that the difficulty is the same.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, the so-called simultaneous spin control is executed, and the time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state) is set based on the total number of times the first special symbol changes and the second special symbol changes, but such a method of setting the time-saving game state may be applied to other pachinko machines than the pachinko machine in which the simultaneous spin control is executed. That is, even in a pachinko machine in which the second special symbol cannot change during the first special symbol change and the first special symbol cannot change during the second special symbol change (a pachinko machine in which both the first special symbol and the second special symbol cannot change at the same time, and only one of the two changes is performed), the time-saving game state may be set based on the total number of times the first special symbol changes and the second special symbol changes.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8 can be achieved.

In addition, the timing of counting by the time-saving activation counter may be any of the following: when the special pattern starts to change, when the special pattern is displayed stopped, or when the special pattern is displayed stopped and the stopped display time (so-called pattern confirmation time) has elapsed.
In addition, when the time-saving activation counter is used to count at the start of the special symbol variation, the time-saving activation counter may also be used to count when a jackpot is won by the winning/losing lottery that triggers the variation. If the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches the time-saving activation count at the time of the variation related to the winning of the jackpot, the time-saving game state based on the reaching of the count (first time-saving game state) may not be set, and the game state based on the winning of the jackpot may be set after the special game ends.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 8, in the high probability time-saving game state based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, X2 or X3, the number of high probability plays and the number of time-saving plays set are all the same number, but this is not limited to this, and different numbers may be set.
For example, the number of times of time-saving set in a high probability time-saving game state may be set to be less than the number of times of high probability, such as 50 times for high probability and 10 times for time-saving.
In addition, when a predetermined jackpot pattern is determined, instead of setting a high-probability time-saving game state after the special game based on the determination ends, a game state that combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state (hereinafter also referred to as a low-probability time-saving game state X) may be set.
Furthermore, the game state (low-probability time-saving game state X) which combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state which are set through winning a jackpot and playing a special game as described above, and the low-probability time-saving game state which is set when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the number of times the time-saving is activated without winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state, may be set so that the difficulty of getting the game ball to enter the specific second start winning port 16d is different, or may be set so that the difficulty is the same. For example, in either one of the game states (low-probability time-saving game state X) that combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state that are set through winning a jackpot and playing a special game as described above, and the low-probability time-saving game state that is set when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the number of times that the time-saving is activated without winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state, at least one of the following settings may be made to make it easier for a game ball to enter the specific second start winning port 16d compared to the other: a setting that makes the probability of a win in the lottery for normal patterns higher, a setting that shortens the time that the normal pattern changes, and a setting that lengthens the operating time of the movable piece 16b.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, counting by the time-saving activation counter is performed only in the normal game state (a game state that combines a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state), but this is not limited to this.
For example, in a pachinko machine in which a low probability game state is set, in addition to the normal game state, a game state (low probability time-saving game state X) that combines a low probability game state and a time-saving game state that is set after the end of a special game based on the determination of a predetermined jackpot pattern is provided, in either the normal game state or the game state (low probability time-saving game state X) in which the winning/losing lottery results in something other than a jackpot, the time-saving activation count counter may be counted, or in both the normal game state and the game state (low probability time-saving game state X) in which the low probability game state and the time-saving game state are combined, the time-saving activation count counter may be counted when the winning/losing lottery results in something other than a jackpot. Then, when the count value of the time-saving activation count counter reaches the time-saving activation count, a game state (low probability time-saving game state) that combines the low probability time-saving game state and the first time-saving game state in other application example 8 may be set.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8 can be achieved.

In addition, the time-saving activation counter in the other application example 8 executes counting toward the number of time-saving activations by decrementing the value of the time-saving activation count set at the start of counting by a predetermined value ("1" in the other application example 8) at the time of counting, but is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined start value (e.g., "0") may be set at the start of counting, and the time-saving activation count may be incremented by a predetermined value (e.g., "1") at the time of counting.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 8, when a jackpot is won during normal game play, a jackpot suggestion image is displayed in conjunction with the variable presentation to notify the player that a jackpot has been won, but the method of notification is not limited to this.
For example, in addition to the jackpot suggestion image, a predetermined sound may be output or a predetermined lamp may be turned on in a predetermined lighting mode to notify the player that he or she has won the jackpot. Also, the player may be notified of the jackpot in a pre-reading performance that can be executed before the start of the variable performance based on the first special chart random number that determines the jackpot.
In addition, not only during the normal game state, but also when a jackpot is won during a high-probability time-saving game state, a notification to that effect may be provided.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 8 can be achieved.

(Other Application Example 9)
The pachinko machine P according to another application example 9 is configured so that a special game is executed only when a jackpot is won, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment.

(Overview of the structure within the play area 12)
Within the game area 12 of a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 9, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, a general winning port 14, a first start winning port 15, a second start winning port 16, a movable piece 16b, an attacker device, an outlet port 19, a gate 20, and a performance display device 21 are provided (see Figure 97).
Of these devices and components, the attacker device has a different configuration from the embodiment described above, but the rest of the devices and components have the same configuration (structure, installation position, etc.) as the embodiment described above.
The structure within the game area 12 of the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9 will be described below, focusing on the attacker device that differs from the embodiment described above.

A pachinko machine P according to another application example 9 is provided with two attacker devices, a first attacker device 170 and a second attacker device 180 .
As shown in FIG. 97, the first attacker device 170 is provided at the lower left of the performance display device 21 (at the lower part of the first game area 12a), and the second attacker device 180 is provided at the lower right of the performance display device 21 (at the lower part of the second game area 12b).

The first attacker device 170 includes a first large prize opening 171 through which game balls can enter, and a first opening/closing door 172 that opens and closes the first large prize opening 171. Normally, the first opening/closing door 172 is closed and the first large prize opening 171 is closed, so game balls cannot enter the first large prize opening 171. However, when a special game based on a big win is played, the first opening/closing door 172 opens and the first large prize opening 171 is opened, so that game balls can enter the first large prize opening 171. When one game ball enters the first large prize opening 171, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 in another application example 9) are paid out.
This first large prize opening 171 is designed so that game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter it, but game balls flowing down the second game area 12b cannot enter it.

The second attacker device 180 includes a second large prize opening 181 through which game balls can enter, and a second opening/closing door 182 that opens and closes the second large prize opening 181. Normally, the second opening/closing door 182 is closed and the second large prize opening 181 is closed, so game balls cannot enter the second large prize opening 181. However, when a special game based on a big win is played, the second opening/closing door 182 opens and the second large prize opening 181 is opened, so that game balls can enter the second large prize opening 181. When one game ball enters the second large prize opening 181, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 in the other application example 9) are paid out.
This second large prize opening 181 is designed so that game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter it, but game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot enter it.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 9, unlike the above-mentioned embodiment, the specific area 57, general area 58 and distribution member 59 are not provided within the first large prize opening 171 and the second large prize opening 181.
In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9, after the special game executed based on the winning of the jackpot is ended, the game state is set according to the type of jackpot pattern determined at the time of the winning of the jackpot.

(Control and Game Overview)
Next, various controls and games executed in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9 will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 9, one of the following game states is set: a normal game state which is a game state combining a low probability game state and a non-time-shortened game state; a low probability time-shortened game state which is a game state combining a low probability game state and a first time-shortened game state; a high probability time-shortened game state which is a game state combining a high probability game state and a second time-shortened game state; or a high probability non-time-shortened game state which is a game state combining a high probability game state and a non-time-shortened game state.
Here, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9, the non-time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state are set so that the frequency of the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 (the difficulty of the ball entering, in other words, the frequency of the winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16) is different from each other. The specific setting contents will be described in detail later.
As in the above-described embodiment, the normal game mode is set in the initial state after shipment from the factory or after a reset.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 9, a game ball flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning port 15 and the first large winning port 171, and a game ball flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through the gate 20, enter the second start winning port 16, and enter the second large winning port 181.
During the normal game state, during the high probability non-time-saving game state, and during the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 described later, the game ball is shot (so-called left shot) toward the first game area 12a so that the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 and the first large winning hole 171. During the low probability time-saving game state, during the high probability time-saving game state, and during the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2, X3, or X4 described later, the game ball is shot (so-called right shot) toward the second game area 12b so that the game ball passes through the gate 20, enters the second start winning hole 16, and enters the second large winning hole 181.

As shown in Fig. 98(a), in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9, a jackpot can be won in a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X1, X2 or X4 is determined. The probability of winning a jackpot when the game state at the time of the win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 is a low probability game state (normal game state, low probability time-saving game state) is set to about 1/33, and the probability of winning a jackpot when the game state is a high probability game state (high probability time-saving game state, high probability non-time-saving game state) is set to about 1/15.
In addition, the probability of determining the big win symbol X1 is set to 98.9%, the probability of determining the big win symbol X2 is set to 1%, and the probability of determining the big win symbol X4 is set to 0.1%.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved first special random numbers (upper limit number of first reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 is set to 4. The upper limit number of reserved first special random numbers is not limited to this.

98(a), a jackpot can also be won in a winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16, and if a jackpot is won, a winning symbol X3 or X4 is determined. The probability of winning a jackpot when the game state at the time of the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 15 is a low-probability game state (normal game state, low-probability time-saving game state) is set to about 1/33, and the probability of winning a jackpot when the game state is a high-probability game state (high-probability time-saving game state, high-probability non-time-saving game state) is set to about 1/15.
In addition, the probability of winning the big win symbol X3 is set to 3%, and the probability of winning the big win symbol X4 is set to 97%.
Furthermore, if the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery results in a losing result, a losing symbol Z2 is determined.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers (upper limit number of second reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 is set to 4. The upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers is not limited to this.

As shown in Figures 98(a) and 98(c), when the big win symbol X1 is determined, two round games are played during the special game based on the determination, and the round games are ended when either the first big winning opening 171 opens for 29.0 seconds or one game ball enters the first big winning opening 171. Including the game ball that enters just before the first big winning opening 171 closes and is detected after the first big winning opening 171 closes, an average of 1.8 game balls can enter during one round game. Therefore, an average of 36 game balls can be won during the special game.
In addition, when the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X2 is determined, two round games are played during the special game based on the determination, and the round game ends when either the second large prize winning opening 181 opens for 29.0 seconds or one game ball enters the second large prize winning opening 181. Including the game ball that enters just before the second large prize winning opening 181 closes and is detected after the second large prize winning opening 181 closes, an average of 1.8 game balls can enter during one round game. Therefore, an average of 36 game balls can be won during the special game.
In addition, when the jackpot pattern X3 or X4 is determined, during the special game based on that determination, 10 round games are played, which end when either the second large prize opening 181 opens for 29.0 seconds or one game ball enters the second large prize opening 181, and an average of 270 game balls can be won.

(General overview of the game)
Next, an overview of the regular game executed in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 99, during a non-time-saving game state (normal game state, high-probability non-time-saving game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is set to about 1/1.2, the normal symbol variation time is set to 10 seconds, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b (the time when the movable piece 16b is in an open state) when a winning normal symbol is drawn is set to 0.05 seconds. Although not shown in the figure, the same settings are also made during special games.
In addition, during the first time-shortened game state (low-probability time-shortened game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is set to approximately 1/1.2, the same as during the non-time-shortened game state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than during the non-time-shortened game state, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b when a winning normal symbol is drawn is set to 5 seconds, which is longer than during the non-time-shortened game state.
In addition, during the second time-shortened game state (high-probability time-shortened game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is approximately 1/1.1, which is higher than during the non-time-shortened game state and the first time-shortened game state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 0.5 seconds, which is the same as during the first time-shortened game state, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b when a winning normal symbol is drawn is set to 5 seconds, which is the same as during the first time-shortened game state.

In other words, during both the non-time-saving game state (normal game state, high-probability non-time-saving game state) and the special game, there is a high probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols that is executed when the game ball passes through the gate 20, and there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in the open state. However, since the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 5 seconds and the operation time of the movable piece 16b is 0.05 seconds, although the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to change from a closed state to an open state is long (the interval from the open state to the next open state is long), the time that the movable piece 16b is maintained in the open state is extremely short. Therefore, during the non-time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is almost always in the closed state, and it is almost impossible for a game ball that has entered the second game area 12b to enter the second start winning hole 16.

In contrast, during the first time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state), the winning probability is the same as during the non-time-saving game state, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in the open state, as during the non-time-saving game state. Also, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than during the non-time-saving game state, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b is 5 seconds, which is longer than during the non-time-saving game state. Therefore, although the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to change from a closed state to an open state is short (the interval from the open state to the next open state is short), the time the movable piece 16b is maintained in the open state is long. Therefore, during the first time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is almost always in the open state, and there is a high possibility that a game ball that enters the second game area 12b will enter the second start winning hole 16.

In addition, during the second time-saving game state (during the second low-probability time-saving game state and during the high-probability time-saving game state), the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols is higher than during the non-time-saving game state and the first time-saving game state, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in the open state. Also, since the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is 0.5 seconds, the same as during the first time-saving game state, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b is 5 seconds, the same as during the first time-saving game state, the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to change from a closed state to an open state is short (the interval from the open state to the next open state is short), but the time the movable piece 16b is maintained in the open state is long, just like during the first time-saving game state. Therefore, during the second time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is more likely to be in an open state than during the first time-saving game state, and the possibility that a game ball that has entered the second game area 12b will enter the second start winning hole 16 is higher than during the first time-saving game state.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to other application example 9, the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern is set high overall in all of the non-time-saving play state, the first time-saving play state, and the second time-saving play state, but by varying the fluctuation time of the normal pattern and the operation time of the movable piece 16b, the possibility of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 (i.e., the frequency of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16, in other words, the frequency of the execution of the win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16) is changed.
In other words, during the first time-shortened game state, the movable piece 16b is more likely to be maintained in an open state than in the non-time-shortened game state, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16, and during the second time-shortened game state, the movable piece 16b is even more likely to be maintained in an open state than in the first time-shortened game state, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16.
Therefore, during the second time-shortened game state, a player can acquire a chance to enter a lottery while suppressing a decrease in the number of game balls that accompanies the progress of the game, more than during the non-time-shortened game state and the first time-shortened game state, and during the first time-shortened game state, more than during the non-time-shortened game state.

(Overview of game state to be set)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9, one of the game states is set to a normal game state, a low-probability time-shortened game state, a high-probability time-shortened game state, or a high-probability non-time-shortened game state.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 98(b), in both cases where a jackpot is won and a jackpot pattern X1 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number, and where a jackpot is won and a jackpot pattern X3 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number, the game state after the end of the special game based on that determination is set to a high probability game state, and is also set to a non-time-saving game state, thereby setting the normal game state.

Also, as shown in Fig. 98(b), when the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X2 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special pattern random number, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to a high probability game state, and is set to a second time-saving game state, thereby setting a high probability time-saving game state. Also, the number of high probability times is set to 10,000 times, and the number of time-saving times is set to 5 times.
In other words, after the special game that is executed when the jackpot pattern X2 is determined ends, the game state is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and the high-probability time-saving game state continues until the results of the win/lose lottery are derived five times (until the number of times the special pattern changes reaches five times).
During this high-probability time-shortened game state, if the results of all five winning/losing lotteries are other than a jackpot (a miss), the high-probability game state is left as it is, and the second time-shortened game state is changed to a non-time-shortened game state, thereby changing the game state to a high-probability non-time-shortened game state.
After that, the high probability non-time-saving game state continues until the result of the winning/losing lottery is derived 9995 times (until the number of times the special pattern changes reaches 9995 times). Then, during this high probability time-saving game state, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is not a jackpot (a loss) for all 9995 times, the non-time-saving game state is changed to a low probability game state while the non-time-saving game state remains, and the game state is changed to a normal game state. In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9, as described above, the probability of winning a jackpot in the high probability game state is about 1/15, so in effect, the high probability non-time-saving game state continues until a jackpot is won again.

Also, as shown in Fig. 98(b), when the jackpot is won by the lottery based on the second special random number and the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to the high probability game state, and the high probability time-saving game state is set by being set to the second time-saving game state. Also, both the high probability number of times and the time-saving number of times are set to 10,000 times.
In other words, after the special game that is executed when the jackpot pattern X4 is determined ends, the game state is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and the high-probability time-saving game state continues until the results of the win/lose lottery have been derived 10,000 times (until the number of times the special pattern changes reaches 10,000 times).
During this high-probability time-saving game state, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is not a jackpot (a loss) for all 10,000 times, the high-probability game state is changed to a low-probability game state, and the second time-saving game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state. In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9, as described above, the probability of winning a jackpot in the high-probability game state is about 1/15, so that the high-probability time-saving game state will essentially continue until another jackpot is won.

98(b), in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9, after the low probability game state (normal game state) is set, if the number of times the special symbols change reaches a predetermined number of times for activating time-saving (100 times in the other application example 9) without winning a jackpot (i.e., if all 100 win/lose lotteries in the low probability game state result in anything other than a jackpot), the low probability game state is left as it is and a first time-saving game state is set, thereby setting the low probability time-saving game state. When the low probability time-saving game state is set, the number of time-saving times is set to 100.
After the low-probability time-saving game state is set, the low-probability time-saving game state continues until the number of times the special symbols change reaches 100 times (i.e., until the results of the winning/losing lottery are derived 100 times) without a big win being won.
Then, if the result of all 100 winning/losing lotteries during the low-probability time-saving game state is other than a jackpot (a loss), the first time-saving game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state while the low-probability game state remains, and the game state is changed to a normal game state.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 9, a time-saving activation counter for counting the number of times (100 times) that the low-probability time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) is set is configured in a specified memory area in the main RAM 103 of the main control board 100.
The count value of this time-saving activation counter is reset when any of the following reset conditions is met: RAM is cleared (reset) by a specified operation, a special game is ended, or a low-probability time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) is set.

When the RAM is cleared (reset), the game state thereafter is set to the normal game state (low probability game state), and from this point on, counting by the time-saving activation counter is started.
When the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X1 or X3 ends, the game state thereafter is set to the normal game state, and from this point on, counting by the time-saving activation counter is started.
In addition, when the special game based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X2 or X4 ends, the game state thereafter is set to a high probability time-saving game state (high probability game state). Therefore, the time-saving activation counter does not start counting from the time the special game ends, but starts counting from the time the normal game state (low probability game state) is set.

In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9, a time-saving activation counter counts each time the special symbol changes, and when the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches the number of time-saving activations, a low-probability time-saving game state is set as described above.

As mentioned above, the time-saving activation counter starts counting when the normal game mode (low probability game mode) is set. When the time-saving activation counter starts counting when the normal game mode is set, the game mode becomes the normal game mode when the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches 100 time-saving activations (i.e., when the low probability time-saving game mode is set).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 9, the low-probability time-saving game state can be set only once after the RAM is cleared (after reset) or after the special game based on winning a jackpot has ended until the next jackpot is won.
That is, after the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches the time-saving activation count (100 times) and the low-probability time-saving game state is set, the low-probability time-saving game state cannot be set again until the next big win is won.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 9, after the count value of the time-saving activation counter is reset by setting the low-probability time-saving game state, the time-saving activation counter is set to stop counting until the next jackpot is won.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9, it is not specified that a time-saving game state is set for the losing symbols (Z1, Z2). Therefore, after the losing symbol stops, the game state does not change, and the game state at the time when the losing symbol was determined continues.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9, the number of consecutive time-saving settings or the number of consecutive special settings as in the above-mentioned embodiment are not set, and whenever the jackpot pattern X2 or X4 is determined, a high probability time-saving game state is set after the special game based on that determination ends.

(Gameability of the Pachinko Machine P According to Another Application Example 9)
In the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 9, as described above, either a normal game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-shortened game state), a low-probability time-shortened game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a first time-shortened game state), a high-probability time-shortened game state (a game state combining a high-probability game state and a second time-shortened game state), or a high-probability non-time-shortened game state (a game state combining a high-probability game state and a non-time-shortened game state) is set and the game progresses.

When a player starts playing, the normal game state is often set. During this normal game state, as described above, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left shot), and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball may enter the first start winning hole 15, but will not enter the second start winning hole 16. Then, a lottery is held based on the game ball's entry into the first start winning hole 15, and if a jackpot is won, the jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X4 is determined (see FIG. 98(a)).
When the jackpot symbol X1 is determined, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to the normal game state, and when the jackpot symbol X2 or X4 is determined, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to the high probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 98(b) and FIG. 100). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9, if the left hand is hit as instructed during the normal game state, the jackpot will be won and the game state will transition to the normal game state or the high probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 100).
However, the jackpot pattern X2 is determined in 1% of cases where a jackpot is won, and the jackpot pattern X4 is determined in 0.1% of cases where a jackpot is won (see FIG. 98(a)). Therefore, during the normal game state, even if a jackpot is won, it is extremely difficult to transition to the high probability time-saving game state.

As described above, if the number of times the special symbols change during the normal game state reaches the number of times the time-saving feature is activated (100 times) without winning a jackpot (if the number of times the results of the win/lose lottery have been derived reaches the number of times the time-saving feature is activated), the game state thereafter is set to a low-probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 98(b)). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9, if the left hand is hit as instructed during the normal game state, the result of all 100 win/lose lotteries will be other than a jackpot (i.e., a miss), and the game will transition to a low-probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 100). This low-probability time-saving game state will continue until the results of the win/lose lottery have been derived 100 times without winning a jackpot.

During the low probability time-saving game state, the second start winning hole 16 is more likely to be maintained in an open state than during the normal game state, and the game ball is more likely to enter the second start winning hole 16, so that the player can aim to win the next big win while suppressing the decrease in the number of game balls that occurs as the game progresses. Also, during the low probability time-saving game state, as described above, the player is instructed to shoot the game ball (hit to the right) toward the second game area 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball may enter the second start winning hole 16 and will not enter the first start winning hole 15. Then, a lottery is held based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16, and if a big win is won, the big win pattern X3 or X4 is determined (see FIG. 98(a)).
When the jackpot pattern X3 is determined, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to the normal game state, and when the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to the high probability time-saving game state as described above (see FIG. 98(b) and FIG. 100). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9, if the right hit is performed as instructed during the low probability time-saving game state, the jackpot will be won and the game state will transition to the normal game state or the high probability time-saving game state (see FIG. 100).
In addition, since the jackpot pattern X4 is determined 97% of the time when a jackpot is won (see FIG. 98(a)), during a low-probability time-saving game state, if a jackpot is won, it is highly likely to transition to a high-probability time-saving game state.

During the high probability time-saving game state, the second start winning hole 16 is more likely to be kept open than during the low probability time-saving game state, and the game ball is extremely likely to enter the second start winning hole 16, so it is possible to aim for the next big win while suppressing the decrease in the number of game balls as the game progresses. Also, during the high probability time-saving game state, as in the low probability time-saving game state, the game ball is instructed to be shot (hit to the right) toward the second game area 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball may enter the second start winning hole 16, but will not enter the first start winning hole 15. Then, a lottery is held based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16, and if a big win is won, the big win pattern X3 or X4 is determined (see FIG. 98(a)).

Here, in the high-probability time-saving game state set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X4, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 (see FIG. 98(b)). As described above, the probability of winning a jackpot in the high-probability game state is approximately 1/15, so during this high-probability time-saving game state, a jackpot will be won again by a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16. If a jackpot is won by the win/lose lottery, the jackpot pattern X4 will be determined with an extremely high probability of being determined. Therefore, once the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, the execution of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X4 and the setting of the high-probability time-saving game state will be repeated unless the jackpot pattern X3, which has an extremely low probability of being determined (3%), is determined, so that there is a high possibility of winning a large number of game balls at once.

On the other hand, in the high probability time-saving game state set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2, the number of time-saving times is set to 5 times (see FIG. 98 (b)). Then, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss all five times without winning the jackpot, the game state transitions to a high probability non-time-saving game state, and the game ball is instructed to be shot (left shot) toward the first game area 12a. Therefore, after the transition to the high probability non-time-saving game state, the winning/losing lottery is performed based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15, as in the normal game state. Then, after the high probability time-saving game state based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2 is set, the winning/losing lottery is performed a maximum of 9 times (the winning/losing lottery for the number of time-saving times (5 times) and the winning/losing lottery for the upper limit number (4 balls) of the second reserved number that can be stored at the time the fifth winning/losing lottery is completed). If a jackpot is won in these maximum nine win/lose lotteries, there is an extremely high probability that the jackpot pattern X4 will be determined and the high-probability time-saving game state will be set again, but this maximum nine win/lose lotteries do not necessarily result in a jackpot. Therefore, in the high-probability time-saving game state that is set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2, it is less likely that the high-probability time-saving game state will be set again than in the high-probability time-saving game state that is set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X4.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9, when the high probability time-saving game state is set based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X4, the execution of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X4 and the setting of the high probability time-saving game state are repeated with an extremely high probability. In other words, the high probability time-saving game state set based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X4 is a game state that is extremely advantageous to the player.
Furthermore, even if a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 during a normal game state or during a high-probability non-time-saving game state which is entered after the end of a high-probability time-saving game state, and a jackpot is won in a hit/lose lottery based on said ball entering, the jackpot pattern X4 is almost never determined. However, if a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 during a low-probability time-saving game state which is entered when the count value of the time-saving activation count counter reaches the time-saving activation count (without winning a jackpot or playing a special game), and a jackpot is won in a hit/lose lottery based on said ball entering, there is an extremely high probability that the jackpot pattern X4 will be determined.
Therefore, a novel game feature is provided in which the low-probability time-shortening game state, which can be shifted from a normal game state without winning a jackpot or going through a special game, becomes a chance zone for shifting to a high-probability time-shortening game state based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X4, which is extremely advantageous for the player, and the interest of the player can be enhanced.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9, not only can it be possible to transition to a high-probability time-saving game state with a higher advantage than the normal game state through winning a jackpot (determining the jackpot pattern XX2 or X4) and playing a special game, but it can also be possible to transition to a low-probability time-saving game state with a higher advantage than the normal game state without winning a jackpot or playing a special game by having all 100 win/lose lotteries, which are the number of times the time-saving game is activated, result in a result other than a jackpot (a miss) during the low-probability game state (normal game state), thereby providing innovative gameplay and increasing the interest of the player.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9, in the second time-saving game state that is set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2, the number of time-saving times is set to a number equal to or less than the number of time-saving activations (5 times). As a result, even if a game state that combines a low-probability game state and a second time-saving game state is set based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the second time-saving game state being set is changed to a different time-saving game state by the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaching the number of time-saving activations during the game state that combines the low-probability game state and the second time-saving game state.

The progress of the special symbol game in other application example 9 is almost the same as the contents of the flowchart explaining the progress of the special symbol game in the pachinko machine P in the above-mentioned embodiment and other application example 6, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

(Modification of the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9)
In a pachinko machine P according to another application example 9, during the first time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state) which is set when the count value of the time-saving activation count counter reaches the time-saving activation count, a winning probability is set to be the same as during the non-time-saving game state, but this is not limited to this, and during the first time-saving game state, a winning probability is set to be higher than during the non-time-saving game state.
In addition, during the first time-saving game state, it is possible to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 by setting the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols to be higher than during the non-time-saving game state, shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbols, and lengthening the operating time of the movable piece 16b.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 9, the time-saving game states include a time-saving game state (second time-saving game state) that is set through winning a jackpot (determination of the jackpot pattern X2 or X4) and executing a special game, and a time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) that is set when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the time-saving activation number without winning a jackpot in a low-probability game state (normal game state), but the types of time-saving game states are not limited to these.
For example, a time-saving game state may be set based on the determination of a special pattern other than a big win pattern that is determined to set a time-saving game state (for example, a losing pattern determined to set a time-saving game state, or a small win pattern determined to set a time-saving game state, etc.).
In addition, the time-saving game state which is set through winning a jackpot and playing a special game, the time-saving game state which is set when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the number of times the time-saving game is activated without winning a jackpot in a low-probability game state, and the time-saving game state which is set based on the determination of a special pattern other than a jackpot pattern which is determined to set a time-saving game state may be set so that the difficulty of getting the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 is different, or the difficulty may be set so that the difficulty is the same.
In addition, in a time-saving game state that is set based on the determination of a special pattern other than a jackpot pattern that is determined to set a time-saving game state, the probability of determining the jackpot pattern X4, which is extremely advantageous to the player, may be set to be extremely high, similar to the low-probability time-saving game state in other application example 9.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9 can be achieved.

In addition, when a predetermined jackpot pattern is determined, instead of setting a high-probability time-saving game state after the special game based on the determination ends, a game state that combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state (hereinafter also referred to as a low-probability time-saving game state X) may be set.
Furthermore, the game state (low-probability time-saving game state X) which combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state which are set through winning a jackpot and executing a special game as described above, and the low-probability time-saving game state which is set when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the time-saving activation number without winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state, may be set so that the difficulty of getting the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 is different, or the difficulty may be set so that it is the same. For example, in either one of the game states (low-probability time-saving game state X) that combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state that are set through winning a jackpot and playing a special game as described above, and the low-probability time-saving game state that is set when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the number of times that the time-saving is activated without winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state, at least one of the following settings may be made to make it easier for a game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 compared to the other: a setting that makes the probability of a win in the lottery for normal patterns higher, a setting that shortens the time that the normal pattern changes, and a setting that lengthens the operating time of the movable piece 16b.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 9, counting by the time-saving activation counter is performed only in the normal game state (a game state that combines a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state), but this is not limited to this.
For example, in a pachinko machine in which a low probability game state is set, in addition to the normal game state, a game state (low probability time-saving game state X) that combines a low probability game state and a time-saving game state that is set after the end of a special game based on the determination of a predetermined jackpot pattern is provided, in either the normal game state or the game state (low probability time-saving game state X) in which the winning/losing lottery results in a result other than a jackpot, the time-saving activation count counter may be counted, or in both the normal game state and the game state (low probability time-saving game state X) in which the low probability game state and the time-saving game state are combined, the time-saving activation count counter may be counted when the winning/losing lottery results in a result other than a jackpot. Then, when the count value of the time-saving activation count counter reaches the time-saving activation count, a game state (low probability time-saving game state) that combines the low probability time-saving game state and the first time-saving game state in other application example 9 may be set.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9 can be achieved.

In addition, the pachinko machine P relating to other application example 9 may be configured by applying various settings and controls of the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified examples, and the pachinko machines P relating to other application examples 1 to 8 and their modified examples, within the scope that does not cause contradictions.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 9 can be achieved.

(Other Application Example 10)
The pachinko machine P of another application example 10 is not a so-called mixed type 1/2 pachinko machine or a pachinko machine that performs so-called simultaneous spinning control, but is configured so that special games are executed only when a jackpot is won, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment and other application examples 6.

(Overview of the structure within the play area 12)
Within the game area 12 of a pachinko machine P in another application example 10, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, a general winning port 14, a first start winning port 15, a second start winning port 16, a movable piece 16b, an attacker device 17, an outlet 19, a gate 20, and a performance display device 21 are provided, but only the internal structure of the attacker device 17 differs from that of the above-mentioned embodiment.
Specifically, unlike the above-mentioned embodiment, the special area 57, the general area 58, and the sorting member 59 are not provided in the big prize opening 18 in the attacker device 17. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 10, after the special game executed based on the winning of the big prize is finished, the game state is set according to the type of the big prize symbol determined at the time of the winning of the big prize.
Other devices and members have the same structure and are installed in the same positions as in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 3), so a description thereof will be omitted.

(Control and Game Overview)
Next, various controls and games executed in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10 will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, one of the following game states is set: a normal game state which is a game state combining a low probability game state and a non-time-saving game state; a first low probability time-saving game state (hereinafter also referred to as the first low probability time-saving) which is a game state combining a low probability game state and a first time-saving game state (time-saving game state); a second low probability time-saving game state (hereinafter also referred to as the second low probability time-saving) which is a game state combining a low probability game state and a second time-saving game state (time-saving game state); and a high probability time-saving game state (hereinafter also referred to as the high probability time-saving) which is a game state combining a high probability game state and a second time-saving game state.

Here, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, the non-time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state are set so that the frequency of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 (the difficulty of the ball entering, in other words, the frequency of the winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16) is different from each other.
As in the above-described embodiment, the normal game mode is set in the initial state after shipment from the factory or after a reset.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning port 15, and game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through the gate 20, enter the large winning port 18, and enter the second start winning port 16.
During the normal game state, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left hit) so that the game ball enters the first start winning port 15b, and during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the second low-probability time-saving game state, the high-probability time-saving game state and the special game, the game ball passes through the gate 20 and enters the second start winning port 16, and the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b (so-called right hit) so that the game ball enters the large winning port 18.

As shown in FIG. 101(a), in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, it is possible to win a jackpot in a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning port 15, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined.
Furthermore, when the game state at the time when the win/lose lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning port 15 is held is a low-probability game state (normal game state, first low-probability time-saving game state, second low-probability time-saving game state), the probability of winning the jackpot is set to approximately 1/300, and when the above-mentioned game state is a high-probability game state (high-probability time-saving game state), the probability of winning the jackpot is set to approximately 6/300.
In addition, the probability of determining the jackpot symbol X1 is set to 25/100 (25%), and the probability of determining the jackpot symbol X2 is set to 75/100 (75%).
Furthermore, if the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery results in a losing result, a losing symbol Z1 is determined.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved first special random numbers (upper limit number of first reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 is set to 4. The upper limit number of reserved first special random numbers is not limited to this.

101(a), in the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start winning port 16, it is possible to win a jackpot, and if a jackpot is won, the jackpot pattern X3, X4, or X5 is determined. The probability of winning a jackpot when the game state at the time of the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start winning port 16 is a low probability game state is set to about 1/300, and the probability of winning a jackpot when the game state is a high probability game state is set to about 6/300.
In addition, the probability of determining the jackpot pattern X3 is set to 25/100 (25%), the probability of determining the jackpot pattern X4 is set to 30/100 (30%), and the probability of determining the jackpot pattern X5 is set to 45/100 (45%).
Furthermore, if the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery results in a losing result, a losing symbol Z2 is determined.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers (upper limit number of second reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 is set to 4. The upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 101(a), in any case where a jackpot is won and the jackpot patterns X1, X2, X3, or X4 are determined, four round games are played during the special game based on that determination, and the round game ends when either the jackpot opening 18 is opened for 29.0 seconds or ten game balls enter the jackpot opening 18, and approximately 400 game balls can be won.
When the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X5 is determined, the above-mentioned round game is executed 10 times during the special game based on the determination, and about 1000 game balls can be obtained.

(General overview of the game)
Next, an overview of the regular game executed in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 101(c), during a non-time-saving game state (normal game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is approximately 1/1.1, the normal symbol variation time is 10 seconds, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b when the normal symbol is drawn and a winning symbol is drawn (the time during which the movable piece 16b is maintained in an open state) is set to 0.05 seconds. Although not shown in the figure, the same settings are made during special games.
In addition, during both the first time-shortened game state (first low-probability time-shortened game state) and the second time-shortened game state (second low-probability time-shortened game state, high-probability time-shortened game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is set to approximately 1/1.1, the same as during the non-time-shortened game state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to 0.2 seconds, which is shorter than during the non-time-shortened game state, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b when a winning normal symbol is drawn is set to 5 seconds, which is longer than during the non-time-shortened game state.

In other words, during the non-time-saving game state (normal game state), there is a high probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols that is executed when a game ball passes through the gate 20, and there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to open. However, since the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 10 seconds and the operation time of the movable piece 16b is 0.05 seconds, although the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from a closed state to an open state is long (the interval from an open state to the next open state is long), the time that the movable piece 16b is maintained in the open state is extremely short. Therefore, since the movable piece 16b is almost always in a closed state during the non-time-saving game state, a game ball that enters the second game area 12b almost never enters the second start winning hole 16.

In contrast, during the first time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state) and the second time-saving game state (second low-probability time-saving game state, high-probability time-saving game state), the probability of winning is the same as during the non-time-saving game state, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to open, just like during the non-time-saving game state. And since the normal pattern fluctuation time is 0.2 seconds, which is shorter than during the non-time-saving game state, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b is 5 seconds, which is longer than during the non-time-saving game state, the time from when the movable piece 16b is closed to when it opens is short (the interval from when it opens to when it opens again is short), but the time that the movable piece 16b is maintained in the open state is long. Therefore, during the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, the movable piece 16b is almost always in the open state, and the game ball that enters the second game area 12b can enter the second start winning hole 16 with high frequency.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern is set to be extremely high overall in all of the non-time-saving play state, the first time-saving play state, and the second time-saving play state; however, by varying the fluctuation time of the normal pattern and the operation time of the movable piece 16b, the possibility of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 (i.e., the frequency of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16, in other words, the frequency of the execution of the winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16) is changed.
That is, during the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state, unlike during the non-time-shortened game state, the movable piece 16b is maintained in an almost open state, so that it is relatively easy for game balls to enter the second start winning hole 16. Therefore, during the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state, it is possible to obtain an opportunity to enter a winning/losing lottery while suppressing the decrease in game balls that accompanies the progress of the game, compared to during the non-time-shortened game state.

(Overview of game state to be set)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, one of the game states is set to a normal game state, a first low-probability time-saving game state, a second low-probability time-saving game state, or a high-probability time-saving game state.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 101(b), when the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number, and when the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X3 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to a low probability game state, and is set to a second time-saving game state, thereby setting a second low probability time-saving game state. Also, the number of time-saving times is set to 100 times.
During this second low-probability time-saving game state, if all 100 winning/losing lotteries result in losing, the second time-saving game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state, and the game state is changed to a normal game state.

101(b), when the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X2 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number, and when the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X4 or X5 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to a high probability game state, and is set to a second time-saving game state, thereby setting a high probability time-saving game state. Also, the number of high probability wins and the number of time-saving wins are both set to 10,000 times.
In other words, after the special game that is executed when the jackpot pattern X2, X4 or X5 is determined ends, the game state is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and the high-probability time-saving game state continues until the results of the win/lose lottery are derived 10,000 times without winning the jackpot (until the number of times the special pattern changes reaches 10,000 times).
Then, if the winning/losing lottery results are all losing 10,000 times during this high-probability time-saving game state, the high-probability game state is changed to a low-probability game state, and the second time-saving game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state. In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, as described above, the probability of winning a jackpot in the high-probability game state is about 6/300 (1/50), so in effect, the high-probability time-saving game state continues until another jackpot is won.

101(b), in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 10, after the low probability game state (normal game state, second low probability time-saving game state) is set, if the number of times the special symbols change reaches a predetermined number of times for activating time-saving (900 times in the other application example 10) without winning a jackpot (i.e., if all 900 win/lose lotteries are losses in the low probability game state), the first time-saving game state is set while the low probability game state remains as it is, and the first low probability time-saving game state is set. When the first low probability time-saving game state is set, the number of times for time-saving is set to 1200.
After the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first low-probability time-saving game state continues until the number of times the special symbols change reaches 1200 without winning a jackpot (i.e., until the results of the win/lose lottery are derived 1200 times).
Then, if the result of the winning/losing lottery during the first low-probability time-saving game state is a loss for all 1200 times, the low-probability game state is left as it is, and the first time-saving game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state, so that the game state is changed to a normal game state. In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, as described above, the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state is about 1/300, so that a jackpot will almost certainly be won during the first low-probability time-saving game state.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, a time-saving activation counter for counting the number of times (900 times) that the first low-probability time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) is set is configured in a specified memory area in the main RAM 103 of the main control board 100.
The count value of this time-saving activation counter is reset when any of the following reset conditions is met: RAM is cleared (reset) by a specified operation, special game play ends, or the first low-probability time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) is set.

When the RAM is cleared (reset), the game state thereafter is set to the normal game state (low probability game state), and from this point on, counting by the time-saving activation counter is started.
When the special game based on the determination of the big win pattern X1 or X3 ends, the game state thereafter is set to the first low probability time-saving game state, and from this point on, counting by the time-saving activation counter is started.
When the special game based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X2, X4 or X5 ends, the game state thereafter is set to a high probability time-saving game state (high probability game state). Therefore, the time-saving activation counter does not start counting from the time the special game ends, and starts counting from the time the normal game state (low probability game state) is set.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, the first low-probability time-saving game state can be set only once after the RAM is cleared (after being reset) or after the end of a special game based on a jackpot win until the next jackpot win.
In other words, after the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches the time-saving activation count (900 times) and the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, the first low-probability time-saving game state cannot be set again until the next big win is won.
In addition, in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, after the count value of the time-saving activation counter is reset by setting the first low-probability time-saving game state, counting by the time-saving activation counter is stopped until the next jackpot is won or the RAM is cleared.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, it is not specified that a time-saving game state is set for the losing symbols (Z1, Z2). Therefore, after the losing symbol stops, the game state does not change, and the game state at the time when the losing symbol was determined continues.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, the number of consecutive time-saving settings or the number of consecutive special settings as in the above-mentioned embodiment are not set, and whenever the jackpot pattern X2, X4, or X5 is determined, a high probability time-saving game state is set after the special game based on that determination ends.

(Overview of control regarding determination of variation pattern command)
A pachinko machine P according to another application example 10 includes a table A, a table B, a table C, and a table D as a fluctuation pattern table 114 storing a fluctuation pattern command associated with a fluctuation pattern (see FIG. 102(a)). Then, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, a fluctuation pattern command is determined by referring to one of the fluctuation pattern tables 114.

Here, in the pachinko machine P relating to another low usage example 10, in order to improve the presentation effect after the special game ends in balance with the executed special game, in order to make it possible to execute a presentation according to the number of times the special pattern changes by changing the tendency of the change pattern (for example, only a change pattern with a relatively short change time set is determined, a change pattern with a relatively long change time is likely to be determined, etc.) that can be determined according to the number of times the special pattern changes after the special game ends, after a jackpot is won and a special game is executed, the change pattern table 114 to be referred to when determining the change pattern command can be switched according to the number of times the special pattern changes after the special game ends.
In other words, after the special game ends, it is possible to determine a variation pattern command based on different variation pattern tables 114 depending on the number of variations even during the same game state.

On the other hand, if the variation pattern table 114 to be referred to when determining the variation pattern command is switched as described above according to the number of variations without the execution of the special game, the tendency of the variation pattern determined will change even though the special game is not being played, and there is a risk that the player will feel uncomfortable with the presentation. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, switching of the variation pattern table 114 according to the number of variations of the special symbol after the RAM is cleared is prohibited until the first big win is won, and the variation pattern command is determined based on the variation pattern table 114 associated with the game state being set.
In other words, during the period from when the RAM is cleared until the first big win is won, as long as the same game state is in effect, the variation pattern command is always determined based on the same variation pattern table 114 corresponding to the currently set game state.

(Determination of the fluctuation pattern table 114 to be referenced)
Here, a process for determining the fluctuation pattern table 114 to be referred to when determining a fluctuation pattern command in another application example 10 will be described.
The pachinko machine P according to another application example 10 has, as tables used to determine the variation pattern table 114 to be referenced, a selection state value table for determining a selection state value described later, and a determination table that defines the variation pattern table 114 to be referenced. When determining a variation pattern command, the variation pattern table 114 to be referenced is determined based on information related to these tables.

The selection state value table defines the selection state values used to determine the fluctuation pattern table 114. As shown in FIG. 102(b), this selection state value table defines the selection state values that are set based on the winning of a jackpot or the execution of a RAM clear (reset process).
Then, when a jackpot is won by the win/lose lottery, a selection state value corresponding to the type of jackpot symbol (X1, X2, X3, X4, X5) determined at the time of the jackpot winning is acquired in a special game end process executed at the end of the special game based on the winning, and this acquired selection state value is set in a selection state flag configured by a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. Also, when a RAM clear is executed, a selection state value corresponding to the execution of a RAM clear is acquired, and this acquired selection state is set in the above-mentioned selection state flag.

As shown in FIG. 102(b), according to the selection state value table, if the jackpot pattern determined at the time of winning the jackpot is X1 or X3, a selection state value of “01H” is obtained, and if the jackpot pattern determined at the time of winning the jackpot is X2, X4 or X5, a selection state value of “02H” is obtained.
Furthermore, when the RAM is cleared, the selection state value "00H" is acquired.

The decision table defines the fluctuation pattern table 114 to be referenced.
In this determination table, as shown in FIG. 102(c), when the selection state value set in the selection state flag is "01H" or "02H" (i.e., when the special game based on winning the jackpot has ended), a variation pattern table 114 to be referenced is determined for each number of variations after the end of the special game executed based on winning the jackpot.
Furthermore, when the selection state value set in the selection state flag is "00H" (i.e., after RAM clear has been executed), the variation pattern table 114 to be referenced is determined depending on whether the time-shortened play flag (a first time-shortened play flag indicating that the first time-shortened play state is in progress, and a second time-shortened play flag indicating that the second time-shortened play state is in progress) is on or off (i.e., whether or not the game is in a time-shortened play state).
In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, since the second time-shortened game state is set via a special game based on winning a jackpot, only the first time-shortened game state that does not go through a special game can be set after the RAM is cleared unless a jackpot is won. Therefore, when the selected state value is "00H", both the first time-shortened game flag and the second time-shortened game flag are turned off, or the first time-shortened game flag is turned on.

As shown in FIG. 102(c), according to the determination table, if the selection state value set in the selection state flag is "01H" (if the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number, or if the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X3 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number), the number of times the special pattern changes after the end of the special game based on the determination is 1st, table C is determined, if it is 2 to 99th, table B is determined, if it is 100th, table D is determined, if it is 101 to 900th, table A is determined, if it is 901st, table C is determined, if it is 902 to 2099th, table B is determined, if it is 2100th, table D is determined, and if it is 2101st or later, table A is determined.

In other words, for the first fluctuation during the second low-probability time-shortened game state which is set after the end of the special game based on the determination of the above-mentioned jackpot pattern, a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table C, for the 2nd to 99th fluctuations during the second low-probability time-shortened game state, a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table B, and for the 100th fluctuation during the second low-probability time-shortened game state (the final fluctuation during the second low-probability time-shortened game state), a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table D.
For the 1st to 800th fluctuations during the normal gaming state that is set after the end of the second low-probability time-saving gaming state described above, the fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table A. In other words, during the normal gaming state, the fluctuation pattern command is always determined based on table A.
For the first fluctuation during the first low-probability time-shortened game state which is set after the end of the above-mentioned normal game state, a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table C, for the 2nd to 1199th fluctuations during the first low-probability time-shortened game state, a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table B, and for the 1200th fluctuation during the first low-probability time-shortened game state (the final fluctuation during the first low-probability time-shortened game state), a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table D.
For fluctuations during the normal gaming state which is set after the end of the above-mentioned first low-probability time-saving gaming state, the fluctuation pattern command is always determined based on Table A.

Also, as shown in FIG. 102(c), if the selection state value set in the selection state flag is "02H" (if the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X2 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number, or if the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X4 or X5 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number), the number of times the special pattern changes after the end of the special game based on that decision is 1st, table C is determined, if it is 2 to 9999th, table B is determined, if it is 10000th, table D is determined, if it is 10001 to 10900th, table A is determined, if it is 10901st, table C is determined, if it is 10902 to 12099th, table B is determined, if it is 12100th, table D is determined, and if it is 12101st or later, table A is determined.

In other words, for the first fluctuation during the high-probability time-saving game state which is set after the end of the special game based on the determination of the above-mentioned jackpot pattern, a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table C, for the 2nd to 9999th fluctuations during the high-probability time-saving game state, a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table B, and for the 10,000th fluctuation during the high-probability time-saving game state (the final fluctuation during the high-probability time-saving game state), a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table D.
For the 1st to 900th fluctuations during the normal game state that is set after the end of the high-probability time-saving game state described above, the fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table A. In other words, during the normal game state, the fluctuation pattern command is always determined based on table A.
For the first fluctuation during the first low-probability time-shortened game state which is set after the end of the above-mentioned normal game state, a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table C, for the 2nd to 1199th fluctuations during the first low-probability time-shortened game state, a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table B, and for the 1200th fluctuation during the first low-probability time-shortened game state (the final fluctuation during the first low-probability time-shortened game state), a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on table D.
For fluctuations during the normal gaming state which is set after the end of the above-mentioned first low-probability time-saving gaming state, the fluctuation pattern command is always determined based on Table A.

Also, as shown in FIG. 102(c), when the selection state value set in the selection state flag is "00H" (after RAM clear has been executed), table A is determined when the time-saving play flag is off (i.e., when both the first time-saving play flag and the second time-saving play flag are off), and table B is determined when the time-saving play flag is on (when the first time-saving play flag is on).

In other words, for fluctuations during the normal game state that is set after the RAM is cleared, the fluctuation pattern command is always determined based on table A. Also, for fluctuations during the first low-probability time-saving game state that is set when the count value of the time-saving activation counter reaches 900 during the normal game state, the fluctuation pattern command is always determined based on table B.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, a variation counter is provided for counting the number of times the winning/losing lottery is executed (the number of times the special symbols change). The count value of this variation counter is reset when the RAM is cleared or the special game ends, and is incremented by "1" each time the winning/losing lottery (the change of the special symbols) is executed, so that the main CPU 101 can know the number of changes since the special game ends based on the count value of this variation counter.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, in the first low-probability time-saving game state (first low-probability time-saving game state executed without going through a jackpot) set after the RAM is cleared, the variation pattern table 114 to be referenced when determining the variation pattern command is determined to be table B according to the selection state value ("00H") set in the selection state flag and the on or off of the time-saving game flag (i.e., the set game state). Then, during the first low-probability time-saving game state set after the RAM is cleared, the variation pattern command is always determined based on table B, and the table B is not switched to another variation pattern table 114.
This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the tendency of the determined fluctuation pattern changes during the first low-probability time-saving game state set after the RAM is cleared, causing a sense of incongruity in the presentation.

In addition, in a pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, during a first low-probability time-saving game state, a second low-probability time-saving game state, or a high-probability time-saving game state which are set via a jackpot, a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on either table B, table C, or table D, and switching from table B to table C or switching from table C to table D is executed.
This makes it possible to execute presentations according to the number of times the special symbols change during a first low-probability time-shortening game state, a second low-probability time-shortening game state, and a high-probability time-shortening game state which are set via a big win, thereby improving the presentation effect.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, both switching from table B to table C and switching from table C to table D are executed, but this is not limited to this, and only switching from table B to table C may be executed, or only switching from table C to table D may be executed. Also, switching to another fluctuation pattern table 114 different from the above fluctuation pattern table 114 may be executed.

Then, the variation mode command and the variation pattern command are determined by referring to the variation pattern table 114 determined as described above.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 102(a), according to table A, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined (i.e., the result of the winning/losing lottery is a losing symbol) and the number of reserved symbols at the time of determination (the first reserved number in the case of a losing symbol Z1, and the second reserved number in the case of a losing symbol Z2) is less than 2, either a fluctuation pattern command "00H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation (the fluctuation time of the special symbol is 13 seconds)" (determination probability is 85%), a fluctuation pattern command "03H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation (the fluctuation time of the special symbol is 20 seconds)" (determination probability is 10%), or a fluctuation pattern command "04H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation (the fluctuation time of the special symbol is 60 seconds)" (determination probability is 5%) is determined.
In addition, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined and the number of reserved symbols at the time of determination is 2 or more, either the variation pattern command "01H" (determination probability is 85%) associated with the variation pattern of "6 second variation (variation time of special pattern is 6 seconds)", the above-mentioned variation pattern command "03H" (determination probability is 10%), or the above-mentioned variation pattern command "04H" (determination probability is 5%) is determined.
In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4 or X5 is determined, regardless of the number of reserved symbols, either the fluctuation pattern command "A3H" (determination probability is 5%) associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" or the fluctuation pattern command "A4H" (determination probability is 95%) associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

As shown in FIG. 102(a), according to table B, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined, regardless of the number of reserved symbols, either the variation pattern command "02H" (determination probability is 85%) associated with the variation pattern of "6 second variation", the above-mentioned variation pattern command "03H" (determination probability is 10%), or the above-mentioned variation pattern command "04H" (determination probability is 5%) is determined.
In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4 or X5 is determined, regardless of the number of reserved symbols, either the above-mentioned variable pattern command "A3H" (determination probability is 5%) or the above-mentioned variable pattern command "A4H" (determination probability is 95%) is determined.

As shown in FIG. 102(a), according to table C, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined, regardless of the number of reserved numbers, the fluctuation pattern command "0AH" (determination probability is 100%) associated with the fluctuation pattern of "6-second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, when the big winning symbol X1, X2, X3, X4 or X5 is determined, regardless of the number of reserved symbols, the variation pattern command "ABH" (determination probability is 100%) associated with the variation pattern of "5-second variation (variation time of special symbols is 5 seconds)" is determined.

As shown in FIG. 102(a), according to table D, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined, regardless of the number of reserved symbols, a variation pattern command "0BH" (determination probability is 100%) associated with a variation pattern of "10-second variation (variation time of special symbol is 10 seconds)" is determined.
In addition, when the big winning symbol X1, X2, X3, X4 or X5 is determined, the above-mentioned "ABH" (determination probability is 100%) is determined regardless of the number of reserved symbols.

(Outline of control in the first low-probability time-saving gaming state)
In a pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, during the variable presentation at the time of setting and the time of ending the first low-probability time-saving game state, a presentation to suggest a change in the game state is executed.

Specifically, if the winning/losing lottery at the time when the first low-probability time-saving play state is set results in a loss, a start-time loss variation effect is executed as a variation effect to notify the player of a loss, and if the winning/losing lottery at the time when the first low-probability time-saving play state ends results in a loss, an end-time loss variation effect is executed as a variation effect to notify the player of a loss.

In the start miss variation effect, a variation display of the performance pattern 50 is performed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, and a start notification effect (for example, display of an image saying "Chance mode start!" (not specifically shown)) is performed from the start of the variation display (start of the variation effect) to a predetermined end timing (for example, 3 seconds after the start of the variation display of the performance pattern 50).
In addition, in the end miss variation presentation, when the variation display of the performance pattern 50 ends and a stop display is made on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, an end notification presentation (for example, display of an image saying "Chance mode ended" (not specifically shown)) is started to indicate that the first low probability time-saving game state has ended, and when the remaining variation time has elapsed, the stop display of the performance pattern 50 and the end notification presentation end.
The above-mentioned start miss variation performance is executed based on one video data (performance data) in which the display of the performance pattern 50 and the execution content of the start notification performance are determined, and the above-mentioned start miss variation performance is executed based on one video data (performance data) in which the display of the performance pattern 50 and the execution content of the end notification performance are determined. In other words, by playing the above-mentioned video data, the display of the performance pattern 50 and the start notification performance (or the end notification performance) are executed in an integrated manner.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, the above-mentioned change performance, including the start miss change performance and the end miss change performance, is started based on the reception of a change pattern command transmitted from the main control board 100 when the special symbol starts to change, and is ended based on the reception of a pattern determination command transmitted from the main control board 100 when the special symbol change display ends (when the special symbol is displayed as stopped). In other words, unless the pattern determination command is received, the change performance being executed will not end. For example, if a start miss change performance is being executed, the stopped display of the performance pattern 50 continues until the pattern determination command is received, and if an end miss change performance is being executed, the stopped display of the performance pattern 50 and the end notification performance continue until the pattern determination command is received.

Here, as described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, after a jackpot is won and a special game is played, the variation pattern table 114 to be referred to when determining the variation pattern command is switched depending on the number of times the special pattern has changed since the end of the special game.
At the time of setting the first low-probability time-saving game state after the execution of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4 or X5 (i.e., the first low-probability time-saving game state set via winning the jackpot), a variation pattern command is determined by referring to table C (see Figures 102(b) and (c)). According to this table C, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined, a variation pattern command of "0AH" is always determined (see Figure 102(a)).
In addition, at the end of the first low-probability time-saving game state after the execution of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4 or X5, a variation pattern command is determined by referring to table D (see Figures 102(b) and (c)). According to this table D, when the losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined, the variation pattern command "0BH" is always determined (see Figure 102(a)).

The above-mentioned "0AH" fluctuation pattern command is determined only when a miss occurs at the time when the first low-probability time-saving game state, which is set via a jackpot win, is set, and the above-mentioned "0BH" fluctuation pattern command is determined only when a miss occurs at the time when the first low-probability time-saving game state, which is set via a jackpot win, is set (see Figures 102 (a), 102 (b) and (c)).
As a result, by receiving the "0AH" fluctuation pattern command transmitted from the main control board 100, the sub-control board 300 can grasp that the relevant time is the setting time of the first low-probability time-saving game state that was set via winning a jackpot, and the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 is then able to execute the above-mentioned start-miss fluctuation presentation based on this "0AH" fluctuation pattern command.
Furthermore, by receiving the "0BH" variation pattern command transmitted from the main control board 100, the sub-control board 300 can grasp that the relevant point in time is the end point of the first low-probability time-saving game state that was set via winning a jackpot, and therefore the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 is able to execute the above-mentioned end-time miss variation presentation based on this "0BH" variation pattern command.

In contrast to this, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, after the RAM is cleared, switching of the variation pattern table 114 according to the number of times the special pattern has changed since the RAM was cleared is prohibited until the first jackpot is won, and the variation pattern command is determined based on the variation pattern table 114 associated with the currently set game state.
During the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared (i.e., the first low-probability time-saving game state set without going through the winning of the jackpot), the variation pattern command is always determined by referring to the table B (see Fig. 102 (b) and (c)). According to this table B, when the losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined, any one of the variation pattern commands "02H", "03H", or "04H" is determined (see Fig. 102 (a)). That is, in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared, any one of the variation pattern commands "02H", "03H", or "04H" is determined in any of the cases where the losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined at the setting time, the losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined at the end time, and the losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined at a time other than the setting time and the end time.

Then, during the first low-probability time-saving game state that is set without going through a big win, the sub-control board 300 can know that the losing symbol Z1 or Z2 has been determined by receiving the "02H", "03H" or "04H" variation pattern command transmitted from the main control board 100, but the variation pattern command alone cannot determine whether the relevant time is the setting time of the first low-probability time-saving game state, the end time, or other than the setting time and the end time, and the above-mentioned start-time losing variation presentation and end-time losing variation presentation cannot be properly executed. Therefore, when executing the variation presentation in the same manner as the start-time losing variation presentation and the end-time losing variation presentation at the setting time and the end time of the above-mentioned first low-probability time-saving game state, it is necessary to replace the variation presentation based on the "02H", "03H" or "04H" variation pattern command with the same manner as the above-mentioned start-time losing variation presentation and the end-time losing variation presentation.

Furthermore, other than at the time of setting and ending the first low-probability time-saving game state which is set via winning a jackpot, and during the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared (during the first low-probability time-saving game state which is set without winning a jackpot), the variation pattern command is determined by referring to table B (see Figures 102(b) and (c)). Therefore, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined by a winning/losing lottery, one of the variation pattern commands "02H", "03H" or "04H" is determined (see Figure 102(a)).
Then, the sub-control board 300 cannot determine whether the time is in the first low-probability time-saving game state set via winning a jackpot or in the first low-probability time-saving game state set without winning a jackpot, only with the "02H", "03H" or "04H" variable pattern command. Therefore, when performing control to change the mode of the effect (for example, the design mode of the effect pattern 50, the mode of the display that counts down the remaining number of time-saving plays, the mode of the display of the suggestive image that gives a predetermined suggestion during the variable effect, etc.) in the first low-probability time-saving game state set via winning a jackpot and the first low-probability time-saving game state set without winning a jackpot, there is a risk that the change in the mode of the effect cannot be properly executed.

Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, the main CPU 101 transmits a first low probability time-saving start command to the sub-control board 300 when the special symbol starts to change at the time when the first low probability time-saving game state is set, indicating that the first low probability time-saving game state is set, and also transmits a first low probability time-saving end command to the sub-control board 300 when the special symbol starts to change at the time when the first low probability time-saving game state ends, indicating that the first low probability time-saving game state ends.

Specifically, when the variation of the special symbols ends when the time-saving activation count (900 times) is reached, the normal game state ends and the first low-probability time-saving game state is set. The main CPU 101 transmits the above-mentioned first low-probability time-saving start command to the sub-control board 300 based on the first low-probability time-saving game state being set and the variation of the special symbols starting.
In addition, when the variation of the special symbols ends 1200 times (time-saving times) without winning a jackpot during the first low-probability time-saving game state, the first low-probability time-saving game state ends and the normal game state is set. The main CPU 101 transmits the above-mentioned first low-probability time-saving end command to the sub-control board 300 based on the start of the variation of the special symbols 1200 times without winning a jackpot after the first low-probability time-saving game state is set.

Furthermore, when the special pattern starts to change during the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared (during the first low-probability time-saving game state set without going through a jackpot win), the main CPU 101 is configured to transmit a first low-probability time-saving command not going through a jackpot to the sub-control board 300, indicating that the game is in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared.
The control regarding the first low probability time-saving command not passing through a jackpot will be described in detail later.

As a result, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, the sub-control board 300 can determine, based on whether or not the first low-probability time-shortening start command has been received, whether or not the first low-probability time-shortening end command has been received, and whether or not the first low-probability time-shortening command not via a jackpot has been received, whether the relevant time is the setting time of the first low-probability time-shortening game state after the RAM has been cleared, other than the setting time and end time of the first low-probability time-shortening game state after the RAM has been cleared, the end time of the first low-probability time-shortening game state after the RAM has been cleared, the setting time of the first low-probability time-shortening game state set via a jackpot, other than the setting time and end time of the first low-probability time-shortening game state set via a jackpot, or the end time of the first low-probability time-shortening game state set via a jackpot. Then, based on the result of this determination, it becomes possible to execute the start miss variation effect or end miss variation effect as described above, to replace the start miss variation effect or end miss variation effect with a similar appearance, to execute different effects in the first low probability time-saving game state set via a jackpot and the first low probability time-saving game state set without a jackpot, etc.

(Details of Control in the First Low-Probability Time-Shortened Gaming State)
Next, the control in the first low-probability time-shortened gaming state will be described in detail.
In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, two counters, a first low-probability time-saving counter A and a first low-probability time-saving counter B, are provided as counters used for a predetermined determination in the first low-probability time-saving game state. Both of these counters are configured by a predetermined storage area in the main RAM 103 of the main control board 100.
Then, when the special game ends or the RAM is cleared, a predetermined start value is set to the first low-probability time-saving counter A and the first low-probability time-saving counter B, and these counters count every time the special symbol changes. Then, a predetermined determination is made based on the count values of these counters.

Specifically, when the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 or X3 ends, the main CPU 101 sets the first low-probability time-saving counter A to a predetermined starting value of "900" (the number of fluctuations (number of time-saving activations) from that time point until the first low-probability time-saving game state is set via the second low-probability time-saving game state and the normal game state), and sets the first low-probability time-saving counter B to a predetermined starting value of "2100" (the number of fluctuations from that time point until the first low-probability time-saving game state is set via the second low-probability time-saving game state and the normal game state, and the first low-probability time-saving game state ends (the total value of 900 times the time-saving activations and 1200 times the time-saving number of the first low-probability time-saving game state)).
In addition, when the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X2, X4 or X5 ends, the main CPU 101 sets the first low-probability time-saving counter A to "10900" (the number of fluctuations from that time point until the first low-probability time-saving game state is set via the high-probability time-saving game state and the normal game state) as a predetermined starting value, and sets the first low-probability time-saving counter B to "12100" (the number of fluctuations from that time point until the first low-probability time-saving game state is set via the high-probability time-saving game state and the normal game state) as a predetermined starting value.
In addition, when the RAM is cleared, the main CPU 101 sets both the first low-probability time-saving counter A and the first low-probability time-saving counter B to "0" as a predetermined starting value.

Then, as described above, when a predetermined starting value is set in the first low-probability time-saving counter A and the first low-probability time-saving counter B, counting by the counters begins.
When the main CPU 101 performs a winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number or the second special random number, it decrements the count value of the first low probability time-saving counter A and the count value of the first low probability time-saving counter B by "1" at the start of the variation of the special pattern. Then, the main CPU 101 judges whether the count value of the first low probability time-saving counter A after the decrement and the count value of the first low probability time-saving counter B after the decrement are less than "0" (negative value). In addition, if it is judged that the count value of the first low probability time-saving counter A after the above-mentioned decrement is less than "0", it sets the count value of the first low probability time-saving counter A to "0" again, and if it is judged that the count value of the first low probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement is less than "0", it sets the count value of the first low probability time-saving counter B to "0" again.

Here, as described above, when the RAM is cleared, the first low-probability time-saving counter A is set to "0", and when the special game ends, the first low-probability time-saving counter A is set to "900" or "10900".
Then, after the RAM is cleared, the first low-probability time-saving counter A is decremented from "0" to "1" as described above, and if it is determined that the count is less than "0" as described above, it is set to "0" again, so that the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A after the decrement of "1" as described above will always be less than "0".
In other words, in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared (the first low-probability time-saving game state set without going through a jackpot), the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" is performed is always less than "0" at the setting point, the end point, and any point other than the setting point and the end point.

On the other hand, after the special game ends, the first low-probability time-saving counter A is decremented by "1" from "900" or "10900." As described above, the values of "900" and "10900" are the number of fluctuations until the first low-probability time-saving game state is set.
Then, in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the end of the special game (the first low-probability time-saving game state set via a jackpot), at the setting point in time, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" is performed will be "0", and at times other than the setting point in time and the end point in time, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" is performed will be less than "0", and at the end point in time, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" is performed will be less than "0".

Also, as described above, when the RAM is cleared, the first low-probability time-saving counter B is set to "0", and when the special game ends, the first low-probability time-saving counter B is set to "2100" or "12100".
Then, after the RAM is cleared, the first low-probability time-saving counter B is decremented from "0" to "1" as described above, and if it is determined that the count is less than "0" as described above, it is set to "0" again, so that the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the decrement of "1" as described above will always be less than "0".
In other words, in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" is performed will always be less than "0" at the setting point, the end point, and any point other than the setting point and the end point.

On the other hand, after the special game ends, the first low-probability time-saving counter B is decremented by "1" from "2100" or "12100". As described above, the value of "2100" or "12100" is the number of fluctuations until the first low-probability time-saving game state ends.
Then, in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the special game ends, at the setting point in time, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" is made will be a value greater than "0", and at times other than the setting point and the end point, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" is made will be a value greater than "0", and at the end point in time, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" is made will be "0".

According to the above, in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A and the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" are both less than "0" (see FIG. 103). On the other hand, in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the end of the special game, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A and the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" are both never less than "0" (see FIG. 103).

(Determination of the first low probability time-saving gaming state after RAM is cleared)
In the first low-probability time-saving game state, if the count values of the first low-probability time-saving counter A and the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" is performed are both less than "0," it can be determined that the first low-probability time-saving game state is set after the RAM is cleared (set without going through a jackpot). In this case, the main CPU 101 transmits the above-mentioned first low-probability time-saving command without going through a jackpot to the sub-control board 300.
Also, as described above, the main CPU 101 transmits a first low-probability time-saving start command to the sub-control board 300 at the time when the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, and transmits a first low-probability time-saving end command to the sub-control board 300 at the time when the first low-probability time-saving game state ends.

Then, when the sub-control board 300 receives the first low probability time-saving command not via a jackpot and the first low probability time-saving start command in the first low probability time-saving game state, it can understand that this point in time is the setting point of the first low probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared.
In this case, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined and a variation pattern command of "02H", "03H" or "04H" is received by referring to the variation pattern table 114 (table B) corresponding to the time point, the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 replaces the variation presentation based on the variation pattern command (variation presentation notifying of a loss) with the above-mentioned start-time losing variation presentation mode.

In addition, when the sub-control board 300 receives a first low probability time-saving command not passing through a jackpot and a first low probability time-saving end command in the first low probability time-saving game state, it can understand that the relevant point in time is the end point of the first low probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared.
In this case, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined and a variation pattern command of "02H", "03H" or "04H" is received by referring to the variation pattern table 114 (table B) corresponding to the time point, the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 replaces the variation presentation based on the variation pattern command (variation presentation notifying of a loss) with the above-mentioned end-time losing variation presentation mode.

Furthermore, when the sub-control board 300 receives a first low probability time-shortening command not passing through a jackpot in the first low probability time-shortening game state, but does not receive either the first low probability time-shortening start command or the first low probability time-shortening end command, it can determine that the relevant point in time is other than the setting point and end point of the first low probability time-shortening game state after the RAM is cleared.
In this case, even if the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 receives a variation pattern command of "02H", "03H" or "04H" determined by referring to the variation pattern table 114 (table B) corresponding to the time point when the losing pattern Z1 or Z2 has been determined, it does not perform the replacement as described above, but executes the variation presentation based on the variation pattern command in the original manner.

In any of the above cases, when the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4 or X5 is determined and the variation pattern command is "A3H" or "A4H" determined by referring to the variation pattern table 114 (table B) corresponding to the time point, the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 does not perform the replacement as described above, but executes the variation presentation based on the variation pattern command (the variation presentation that notifies of the jackpot) in the original form.

(Determination of the first low-probability time-saving game state after the end of the special game)
On the other hand, in the first low-probability time-saving game state, if the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A and the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" are not less than "0," it can be determined that the first low-probability time-saving game state is set after the end of the special game (set without going through a jackpot). In this case, the main CPU 101 does not transmit the above-mentioned first low-probability time-saving command without going through a jackpot to the sub-control board 300.
Also, as described above, the main CPU 101 transmits a first low-probability time-saving start command to the sub-control board 300 at the time when the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, and transmits a first low-probability time-saving end command to the sub-control board 300 at the time when the first low-probability time-saving game state ends.

Then, when the sub-control board 300 has not received the first low probability time-saving command not passing through a jackpot in the first low probability time-saving game state, but has received the first low probability time-saving start command, it can understand that this point in time is the setting point of the first low probability time-saving game state after the end of the special game.
In this case, when the losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined and a fluctuation pattern command of "0AH" is received by referring to the fluctuation pattern table 114 (table C) corresponding to the time point, the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 executes the starting losing fluctuation presentation based on the fluctuation pattern command.

Furthermore, when the sub-control board 300 does not receive the first low probability time-saving command not passing through a jackpot in the first low probability time-saving game state, but receives the first low probability time-saving end command, it can understand that this point in time is the end point of the first low probability time-saving game state after the end of the special game.
In this case, when the losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined and a fluctuation pattern command of "0BH" is received by referring to the fluctuation pattern table 114 (table D) corresponding to the time point, the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 executes the ending losing fluctuation presentation based on the fluctuation pattern command.

Furthermore, if the sub-control board 300 does not receive the first low probability time-shortening command not passing through a jackpot in the first low probability time-shortening game state, and does not receive either the first low probability time-shortening start command or the first low probability time-shortening end command, it can understand that the relevant point in time is other than the setting point and the end point of the first low probability time-shortening game state after the end of the special game.
In this case, even if the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 receives a variation pattern command of "02H", "03H" or "04H" determined by referring to the variation pattern table 114 (table B) corresponding to the time point when the losing pattern Z1 or Z2 has been determined, it does not perform the replacement as described above, but executes the variation presentation based on the variation pattern command in the original manner.

In any of the above cases, when the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4 or X5 is determined and the variation pattern command is "A3H", "A4H", "AAH" or "ABH" determined by referring to the variation pattern table 114 (Table B, Table C or Table D) corresponding to the time, the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 does not perform the above-mentioned replacement, but executes the variation presentation based on the variation pattern command (variation presentation that notifies of a jackpot) in the original form.

By performing the above-mentioned control, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, the sub-control board 300 can also appropriately determine the setting time of the first low-probability time-shortened game state after the RAM is cleared (i.e., the first low-probability time-shortened game state set without going through a jackpot), other than the setting time and end time of the first low-probability time-shortened game state after the RAM is cleared, the end time of the first low-probability time-shortened game state after the RAM is cleared, the setting time of the first low-probability time-shortened game state after the end of the special game (i.e., the first low-probability time-shortened game state set through a jackpot), other than the setting time and end time of the first low-probability time-shortened game state after the end of the special game, and the end time of the first low-probability time-shortened game state after the end of the special game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, in the first (i.e., start time) or 1200th (i.e., end time) fluctuation in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared, a fluctuation pattern command with a fluctuation pattern set is determined under the same conditions as the fluctuation other than the first or 1200th fluctuation in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared (i.e., by referring to the same fluctuation pattern table 114 (table B)). Then, the fluctuation pattern command that can be determined in the first or 1200th fluctuation in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared and the fluctuation pattern command that can be determined in the fluctuation other than the first or 1200th fluctuation in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared are similar. However, even if a similar variation pattern command is determined, the first low-probability time-saving start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 300 in the first variation in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared, and the first low-probability time-saving end command is transmitted to the sub-control board 300 in the 1200th variation in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared, so that the sub-control board 300 that receives the command can grasp that it is the first or 1200th variation in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared. And, even if a similar variation pattern command is received, based on the reception of the first low-probability time-saving start command or the first low-probability time-saving end command, during the variation presentation related to the first or 1200th variation in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared, a start notification presentation indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state has been set or an end notification presentation indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state has ended can be executed.
As a result, with the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, it is possible to execute an appropriate presentation according to the number of fluctuations in the first low-probability time-saving game state that is set without going through a jackpot, thereby making it possible to prevent the occurrence of inconsistencies in the presentation, etc.

Next, an overview of the progress of the above-mentioned special chart game will be explained using a flowchart, focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment and other application example 6.
First, the special symbol variation start process executed when the special symbol variation starts will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
The processing of steps 6000 to 6007 is almost the same as the processing of steps 801 to 808 of the special symbol variation start processing in the above-mentioned embodiment, so the explanation is omitted here and the flow proceeds to step 6208.

In step S6008, the main CPU 101 executes a determination process for determining whether the first low-probability time-shortened gaming state is in effect.
In step 6009, the main CPU 101 executes a time determination process for determining whether or not the current time is the start time or end time of the first low-probability time-shortened gaming state.

In step 6010, the main CPU 101 executes a fluctuation pattern determination process. In this fluctuation pattern determination process, the process of acquiring the fluctuation pattern table 114 to be referred to when determining the fluctuation pattern command is different from the fluctuation pattern determination process in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the other processes are almost the same as the fluctuation pattern determination process in the above-mentioned embodiment, so only the process of acquiring the fluctuation pattern table 114 will be described.
Specifically, in the variation pattern determination process in the other application example 10, as described above, when the selection state value set in the selection state flag is "01H" or "02H", the variation pattern table 114 corresponding to the number of variations after the end of the special game executed based on the winning of the big win is acquired based on the determination table. Also, when the selection state value set in the selection state flag is "00H", the variation pattern table 114 corresponding to the on or off of the time-saving game flag is acquired based on the determination table.
Then, proceed to the next step 6011.
The process of step 6011 and the process of step 6012 are almost the same as the process of step 810 and the process of step 812 of the special symbol variation start process in the above embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted here. Then, the special symbol variation start process is terminated.

Next, the determination process in step 6008 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 6100, the main CPU 101 decrements the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A by 1. Then, the process proceeds to step 6101.
In step 6101, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A is less than "0". If it is judged that the count value is not less than "0" (i.e., is equal to or greater than "0"), the process proceeds to step 6108. On the other hand, if it is judged that the count value is less than "0", the process proceeds to the next step 6102.

In step 6102, the main CPU 101 sets the first low-probability time-saving counter A to "0". Then, the process proceeds to step 6103.
In step S6103, the main CPU 101 decrements the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B by 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S6104.

In step 6104, the main CPU 101 judges whether the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B is less than "0". If it is judged that the count value is not less than "0", the discrimination process ends. On the other hand, if it is judged that the count value is less than "0", the process proceeds to the next step 6105.
In step S6105, the main CPU 101 sets the first low-probability time-saving counter B to "0". Then, the process proceeds to step S6106.

In step 6106, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the current time is in the first low-probability time-shortened game state (i.e., whether or not the high-probability game flag indicating that the current time is in the high-probability time-shortened game state is off and the first time-shortened game flag indicating that the current time is in the first time-shortened game state is on). If it is judged that the current time is not in the first low-probability time-shortened game state, the discrimination process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current time is in the first low-probability time-shortened game state, the process proceeds to the next step 6107.
In step 6107, the main CPU 101 sets a first low probability time-saving command not via a jackpot, which indicates that the game is in the first low probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared, in the transmission data storage area for performance. This causes the first low probability time-saving command not via a jackpot to be transmitted to the sub-control board 300. Then, the determination process is terminated.

In step 6108, which is reached when it is determined in step 6101 that the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A is not less than 0, the main CPU 101 decrements the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B by 1. Then, the process proceeds to step 6109.
In step 6109, the main CPU 101 judges whether the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B is less than "0". If it is judged that the count value is not less than "0", the judgment process ends. On the other hand, if it is judged that the count value is less than "0", the process proceeds to the next step 6110.
In step S6110, the main CPU 101 sets the first low-probability time-saving counter B to "0", and then ends the determination process.

Next, the time point determination process in step 6009 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 6200, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not it is the time to set the first low-probability time-saving gaming state (i.e., whether or not the count value of the time-saving activation counter is 1200, which is the number of time-saving activations). If it is judged that it is not the time to set the first low-probability time-saving gaming state, the process proceeds to step 6202. On the other hand, if it is judged that it is the time to set the first low-probability time-saving gaming state, the process proceeds to the next step 6201.
In step 6201, the main CPU 101 sets a first low-probability time-saving start command, which indicates that it is the time to set the first low-probability time-saving game state, in the performance transmission data storage area. As a result, the first low-probability time-saving start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 6202.

In step 6202, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not it is the end time of the first low-probability time-saving game state (i.e., whether or not the count value of the time-saving activation counter is 0). If it is judged that it is not the end time of the first low-probability time-saving game state, the time judgment process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that it is the end time of the first low-probability time-saving game state, the process proceeds to the next step 6203.
In step 6203, the main CPU 101 sets a first low-probability time-saving end command, which indicates that the first low-probability time-saving game state is about to end, in the performance transmission data storage area. As a result, the first low-probability time-saving end command is transmitted to the sub-control board 300. Then, the time determination process is terminated.

Next, the special game end process executed at the end of the special game will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The processing of steps 6300 to 6303 is almost the same as the processing of steps 3200 to 3203 of the special game end processing in other application example 6, so the explanation will be omitted here and the flow proceeds to step 6304.
In step 6304, the main CPU 101 sets a predetermined start value (900) in the first low-probability time-saving counter A, and sets a predetermined start value (2100) in the first low-probability time-saving counter B. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 6305.

The processing of steps 6305 to 6306 is almost the same as the processing of steps 3204 to 3205 of the special game ending processing in other application example 6, so a description thereof will be omitted here.
In step 6307, which is reached when it is determined in step 6305 that the second low-probability time-saving game state is in effect, the main CPU 101 sets the selection state flag to a selection state value of "01H." Then, the special game end process is terminated.
In step 6308, which is reached when it is determined in step 6305 that the game is not in the second low-probability time-saving game state, the main CPU 101 sets the selection state flag to the selection state value "02H." Then, the special game end process is ended.

Next, the RAM clearing process that is performed when the RAM is cleared will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
The processing of steps 6400 to 6403 is almost the same as the processing of steps 3300 to 3303 in the RAM clear processing in other application example 6, so the description will be omitted here and the flow advances to the next step 6404.
In step 6404, the main CPU 101 sets a predetermined start value (0) in the first low-probability time-saving counter A, and sets a predetermined start value (0) in the first low-probability time-saving counter B. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 6405.
In step S6405, the main CPU 101 sets the selection status flag to the selection status value "02H", and then ends the RAM clear processing.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 10, the post-stop processing and the time-saving activation count execution processing similar to the other application example 6 are also executed, but since the contents are almost the same, the explanation is omitted here.

Next, the control process in the sub-control board 300 for executing the various processes described above will be described.
First, the first low probability time-saving command reception processing not via a jackpot that is executed when the first low probability time-saving command not via a jackpot is received will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 109.
In step 6500, the sub-CPU 301 turns on the RAM clear flag, which indicates that the game is in the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared. In the initial state (after shipment from the factory or after a reset due to a RAM clear, etc.), the RAM clear flag is off. Then, the first low-probability time-saving command reception process without a jackpot is terminated.

Next, the first low-probability time-saving start command reception processing that is executed when the first low-probability time-saving start command is received will be explained with reference to the flowchart of Figure 110.
In step 6600, the sub-CPU 301 turns on a setting time flag indicating that it is the setting time of the first low-probability time-saving game state. Note that in the above-mentioned initial state, this setting time flag is off. Then, the first low-probability time-saving start command reception process is terminated.

Next, the first low-probability time-saving end command reception processing that is executed when the first low-probability time-saving end command is received will be explained with reference to the flowchart of Figure 111.
In step 6700, the sub-CPU 301 turns on the end flag indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state is about to end. Note that in the above-mentioned initial state, this end flag is off. Then, the first low-probability time-saving end command reception process is terminated.

Next, the first low-probability time-saving game state variable pattern command reception processing executed when a variable pattern command is received during the first low-probability time-saving game state will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 6800, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the first low-probability time-saving game state is in progress. In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, the game state set after the end of the special game and the information on the changed game state when the game state is changed are transmitted to the sub-control board 300, and the sub-control board 300 is able to grasp the game state being set based on the information. Then, if it is judged that the first low-probability time-saving game state is not in progress, the first low-probability time-saving game state variable pattern command receiving process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the first low-probability time-saving game state is in progress, the process proceeds to the next step 6801.
In step 6801, the sub-CPU 301 determines the mode of the variation presentation based on the received variation pattern command. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 6802.

In step 6802, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the received variation pattern command is "02H", "03H" or "04H" (i.e., whether the losing symbol Z1 or Z2 has been determined and the variation pattern command has been determined by referring to table B). If it is judged to be none of "02H", "03H" and "04H", the process proceeds to step 6808. On the other hand, if it is judged to be any of "02H", "03H" or "04H", the process proceeds to the next step 6803.
In step 6803, the sub CPU 301 judges whether the RAM clear flag is on or not. If it is judged that the flag is not on (i.e., off), the process proceeds to step 6808. On the other hand, if it is judged that the flag is on, the process proceeds to the next step 6804.

In step 6804, the sub CPU 301 judges whether the setting time flag is on or not. If it is judged that the setting time flag is not on, the sub CPU 301 proceeds to step 6806. On the other hand, if it is judged that the setting time flag is on, the sub CPU 301 proceeds to the next step 6805.
In step 6805, the sub-CPU 301 replaces the mode of the variable performance determined in the above-mentioned step 6801 (i.e., the mode of the variable performance for notifying a loss) with the mode of the variable performance for a loss at the start. Then, the process proceeds to step 6808.

In step 6806, which is reached if it is determined in step 6804 that the setting time flag is not on, the sub CPU 301 determines whether the end time flag is on or not. If it is determined that the end time flag is not on, the process proceeds to step 6808. On the other hand, if it is determined that the end time flag is on, the process proceeds to the next step 6807.
In step 6807, the sub-CPU 301 replaces the mode of the variable performance determined in the above-mentioned step 6801 (the mode of the variable performance for notifying a loss) with the mode of the variable performance for a loss at the end. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 6808.

In step 6808, the sub-CPU 301 sets in the transmission buffer a variable performance execution command according to the variable performance mode determined in the above-mentioned step 6801, or the variable performance mode replaced in the above-mentioned step 6805 or step 6807. The variable performance execution command set here is transmitted to various control boards, and these control boards control the execution of variable performance based on the received variable performance execution command. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 6809.
In step S6809, the sub-CPU 301 turns off the RAM clear flag, the setting time flag, and the end time flag, and then ends the first low-probability time-saving gaming state fluctuation pattern command reception process.

(Modification of the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10)
In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, whether it is the first low-probability time-saving game state after the RAM is cleared or the first low-probability time-saving game state after the end of a special game, the setting time and ending time of the first low-probability time-saving game state are determined based on the number of times the time-saving is activated and the number of times the time-saving is reduced, but the method of determination is not limited to this.
As described above, after the RAM is cleared, the first low-probability time-saving counter A is decremented from "0" to "1" as described above, and when it is determined that the counter is less than "0" as described above, it is set to "0" again, so that the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A after the decrement of "1" is always less than 0. Therefore, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A after the decrement of "1" is set to "0" only after the special game ends. In addition, the values of "900" and "10900" set as the predetermined start values in the first low-probability time-saving counter A are the number of fluctuations until the first low-probability time-saving game state is set, so that the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A after the decrement of "1" is set to "0" only at the time when the first low-probability time-saving game state is set.
Similarly, after the RAM is cleared, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" is always less than 0. Therefore, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" becomes "0" only after the special game ends. Also, since the values of "2100" and "12100" set as the predetermined starting values in the first low-probability time-saving counter B are the number of fluctuations until the first low-probability time-saving game state ends, the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" becomes "0" only at the end of the first low-probability time-saving game state.

From the above, since the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter A after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" has been performed is set to "0", it may be determined that this time is the setting time of the first low-probability time-saving game state after the special game ends, and since the count value of the first low-probability time-saving counter B after the above-mentioned decrement of "1" has been performed is set to "0", it may be determined that this time is the ending time of the first low-probability time-saving game state after the special game ends. Then, based on this determination result, a command may be transmitted to the sub-control board 300 indicating that the first low-probability time-saving game state after the special game ends is in progress, that the setting time of the first low-probability time-saving game state has been performed, or that the ending time of the first low-probability time-saving game state has been performed.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 10 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 10, the sub-CPU 301 is configured to end the start-time miss variation presentation and the end-time miss variation presentation based on receiving a pattern confirmation command sent to the sub-control board 300 at the time when the display of the special pattern variations has ended, but this is not limited to this.
For example, the start miss variable presentation or end miss variable presentation may be set to end based on receiving a stop display time elapsed command sent to the sub-control board 300 when the variable display of the special pattern has ended and the stop display time has elapsed, or a variable pattern command sent to the sub-control board 300 when the variable display of the next special pattern (variable presentation) begins.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 10 can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 10, a single video data (performance data) in which the execution contents of the start miss change performance and the end miss change performance are defined is played back, so that the display of the change in the performance pattern 50 and the start notification performance (or end notification performance) are performed in an integrated manner, but this is not limited to this.
For example, video data in which the execution contents of the variable performance that notifies a miss are defined and video data in which the execution contents of the start notification performance (or end notification performance) are defined may be provided separately, and the video images played based on these video data may be displayed superimposed to execute the variable display of the performance pattern 50 and the start notification performance (or end notification performance).Even in this case, the performance (playback of the video images) being executed may not end unless a specified command (such as a pattern determination command) is received.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 10 can be achieved.
In addition, the image of the end notification effect (the image of the end of the chance mode) may be continuously displayed even after the corresponding variable effect has ended (after receiving a symbol determination command, etc.). For example, the image of the end notification effect may be continuously displayed during a customer waiting state in which the first special symbol random number and the second special symbol random number are not reserved and the variable display (variable effect) of the next special symbol is not started, and the image of the end notification effect may be continuously displayed until a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) has passed after the variable display of the next special symbol has started.
In this case, it is possible to more reliably notify the player that the first low-probability time-saving gaming state has ended.

(Other Application Example 11)
The pachinko machine P of other application example 11, like the pachinko machine P of other application example 10, is not a so-called mixed type 1/2 pachinko machine or a pachinko machine with so-called simultaneous rotation control, but is configured so that while the variable display of either the special pattern based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15 (hereinafter also referred to as the first special pattern) or the special pattern based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16 (hereinafter also referred to as the second special pattern) is being displayed, the variable display of the other pattern is not executed, and the special game is executed based only on the winning of a jackpot.
The pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 11 differs from the pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 10 mainly in that it is possible to derive a determination result of whether or not the time-saving grant has been won in a win/lose lottery during the normal game state described below, and if the time-saving grant has been won, it is possible to set a time-saving game state based on that decision, and in that the time-saving game state is not set based on the number of times the special pattern changes reaching a predetermined number of times to activate time-saving after a jackpot has been won after a low-probability game state described below has been set.
In the following, explanations of the same configuration as the pachinko machine P relating to other application example 10 (such as the structure within the game area 12 (the structure of various components, the installation position)) will be omitted unless necessary, and the explanation will focus on the configuration that differs from the pachinko machine relating to other application example 10 (such as the win/lose lottery and game state settings).

In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 11, the settable game states include a normal game state which is a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-shortened game state, a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1 which is a game state combining a low-probability game state and a time-shortened game state JT1 (time-shortened game state) described later, a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 which is a game state combining a low-probability game state and a time-shortened game state JT2 (time-shortened game state) described later, and a high-probability time-shortened game state which is a game state combining a high-probability game state and a time-shortened game state JT2, and the game progresses by setting one of the game states.
In the following, the low-probability game state may be referred to as "low probability," the time-saving game state JT1 as "time-saving JT1," the time-saving game state JT2 as "time-saving JT2," the normal game state as "normal," the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 as "low-probability time-saving LJ1," the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 as "low-probability time-saving LJ2," and the high-probability time-saving game state as "high-probability time-saving."

Here, as in the above-mentioned embodiment and other application examples 10, the low probability game state is a game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is relatively low, and the high probability game state is a game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is relatively high. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving game state JT1, and the time-saving game state JT2 are each set to a predetermined content in terms of the frequency of balls entering the second start winning hole 16 (the difficulty of ball entry, in other words, the frequency of winning/losing lottery based on balls entering the second start winning hole 16).
As with the other application examples 10, the normal game state is set in the initial state after shipment from the factory or after the RAM is cleared (reset).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 11, during the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, a left-hit suggestion is made to encourage the player to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left hit) so that the game ball will enter the first start winning port 15, and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, the high-probability time-saving game state and the special game, a right-hit suggestion is made to encourage the player to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b (so-called right hit) so that the game ball will pass through the gate 20 and enter the second start winning port 16, and also the game ball will enter the large winning port 18. In other words, during the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the player is mainly allowed to play in the first game area 12a, and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 and the high-probability time-saving game state LJ2, the player is mainly allowed to play in the second game area 12b.
Then, a winning/losing lottery is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 and the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16.

As shown in FIG. 113(a), in a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 11, in the win/lose lottery when the normal game state is set, it is possible to win either a jackpot or a time-saving bonus, and in the win/lose lottery when the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state is set, it is not possible to win the time-saving bonus but only to win a jackpot.
Also, as shown in FIG. 113(a), when the normal game state is set, the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery is set to 1/300, and the probability of winning the time-saving grant is set to 15/300. When the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 or the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 is set, the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery is set to 1/300, and when the high-probability time-saving game state is set, the probability of winning the jackpot is set to 6/300.

113(b), in the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15, if the player wins the jackpot, the winning symbol X1, X2, X3, or X4 can be determined, and the probability of determining the winning symbol X1 is set to 15/100 (15%), the probability of determining the winning symbol X2 is set to 5/100 (5%), the probability of determining the winning symbol X3 is set to 65/100 (65%), and the probability of determining the winning symbol X4 is set to 15/100 (15%). In addition, in the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, if the player wins the time-saving grant, the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, and the probability of determining the time-saving symbol J1 is set to 100/100 (100%). Furthermore, in the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, if the player loses, the loss symbol Z1 is determined.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved first special random numbers (upper limit number of first reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 is set to 4. The upper limit number of reserved first special random numbers is not limited to this.

On the other hand, in the winning/losing lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16, if the player wins the jackpot, the winning symbol X5, X6, X7, or X8 can be determined, and the probability of determining the winning symbol X5 is set to 15/100 (15%), the probability of determining the winning symbol X6 is set to 5/100 (5%), the probability of determining the winning symbol X7 is set to 65/100 (65%), and the probability of determining the winning symbol X8 is set to 15/100 (15%). In addition, in the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, if the player wins the time-saving grant, the time-saving symbol J2 is determined, and the probability of determining the time-saving symbol J2 is set to 100/100 (100%). Furthermore, in the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, if the player loses, the loss symbol Z2 is determined.
In addition, the upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers (upper limit number of second reserved numbers) that can be stored when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 is set to 4. The upper limit number of reserved second special random numbers is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 113(b), in any case where a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X5, X6 or X7 is determined, two round games are played during the special game based on that determination, and the round game ends when either the jackpot opening 18 is opened for 29.0 seconds or 10 game balls enter the jackpot opening 18, and approximately 300 game balls can be won.
In addition, if a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X4 or X8 is determined, the above-mentioned round game is executed 10 times during the special game based on the determination, and approximately 1,500 game balls can be won.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, when the time-saving grant is won by a win/lose lottery during the normal game state and the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined, the low-probability game state can be set to the time-saving game state JT1 described later (see FIG. 113(c)). In other words, when the time-saving grant is won and the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined, the time-saving game state JT1 is set without going through the winning of a jackpot or the execution of a special game. Therefore, in the normal game state, when the time-saving grant is won based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 and the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, or when the time-saving grant is won based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16 and the time-saving symbol J2 is determined, the low-probability game state is left as it is, and the non-time-saving game state is changed to the time-saving game state JT1, thereby transitioning to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1.
In addition, since the time-saving award is not won in the win/lose lottery during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, or the high-probability time-saving game state, these game states do not change due to winning the time-saving award during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, or the high-probability time-saving game state.

(General overview of the game)
Next, an overview of the regular game executed in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 113(d), during the non-time-saving game state (normal game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is 1/1.1, the normal symbol variation time is 10 seconds, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b when the normal symbol is drawn and a winning symbol is drawn (the time during which the movable piece 16b is maintained in an open state) is set to 0.05 seconds. Although not shown in the figure, the same settings are made during special play.
In addition, during the time-shortened game state JT1 (low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is set to 1/1.1, the same as during the non-time-shortened game state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to 9.5 seconds, which is slightly shorter than during the non-time-shortened game state, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b when a winning normal symbol is drawn is set to 0.08 seconds, which is slightly longer than during the non-time-shortened game state.
Furthermore, during the time-shortened game state JT2 (during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 and during the high-probability time-shortened game state), the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is set to 1/1.1, the same as during the non-time-shortened game state and the time-shortened game state JT1, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to 1 second, which is extremely shorter than during the time-shortened game state JT1, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b when a winning normal symbol is drawn is set to 3 seconds, which is longer than in the time-shortened game state JT1.

In other words, during the non-time-saving game state (normal game state), there is a high probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols that is executed when a game ball passes through the gate 20, and there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to open. However, since the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 10 seconds and the operation time of the movable piece 16b is 0.05 seconds, although the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from a closed state to an open state is long (the interval from an open state to the next open state is long), the time that the movable piece 16b is maintained in the open state is extremely short. Therefore, since the movable piece 16b is almost always in a closed state during the non-time-saving game state, it is extremely difficult for a game ball that has entered the second game area 12b to enter the second start winning hole 16.

Also, during the time-saving game state JT1 (low probability time-saving game state LJ1), the probability is the same as during the non-time-saving game state, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to open, just like during the non-time-saving game state. However, since the normal pattern fluctuation time is 9.5 seconds and the movable piece 16b operation time is 0.08 seconds, the movable piece 16b is maintained in the open state for a very short time, although the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from a closed state to an open state is long, just like during the non-time-saving game state. Therefore, since the movable piece 16b is almost always in a closed state during the time-saving game state JT1, it is extremely difficult for a game ball that has entered the second game area 12b to enter the second start winning hole 16.
However, since the time period during which the normal symbols change is slightly shorter than during the non-time-saving game state, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b is slightly longer than during the non-time-saving game state, it is slightly easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 16 than during the non-time-saving game state.

In contrast, during the time-saving game state JT2 (low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, high-probability time-saving game state), the probability of winning is the same as during the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to open, just like during the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1. And since the normal symbol fluctuation time is 1 second, which is extremely shorter than during the time-saving game state JT1, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b is 3 seconds, which is longer than during the non-time-saving game state, the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to change from a closed state to an open state is short, but the time the movable piece 16b is maintained in the open state is long. Therefore, during the time-saving game state JT2, the period during which the movable piece 16b is in the open state is long, and the game ball that enters the second game area 12b can enter the second start winning hole 16 with high frequency.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 11, the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern is set extremely high overall in all of the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving game state JT1 and the time-saving game state JT2, but by varying the fluctuation time of the normal pattern and the operation time of the movable piece 16b, the possibility of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 (i.e., the frequency of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16) is changed.
That is, while it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 during both the non-time-shortened game state and the time-shortened game state JT1, the period during which the movable piece 16b is maintained in an open state is slightly longer during the time-shortened game state JT1 than during the non-time-shortened game state, so that it is slightly easier for a game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 than during the non-time-shortened game state. Also, during the time-shortened game state JT2, the period during which the movable piece 16b is maintained in an open state is longer than during the non-time-shortened game state and the time-shortened game state JT1, so that it is easier for a game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 than during these game states. Therefore, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 and the high-probability time-saving game state which result in the time-saving game state JT2, more opportunities for winning or losing lottery can be obtained per given time than during the normal game state which results in a non-time-saving game state and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 which results in the time-saving game state JT1.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, during the time-saving game state JT2 (during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 and during the high-probability time-saving game state), control is performed to shorten the average time for the special symbol to change (the so-called special symbol change shortening function is activated) compared to during the non-time-saving game state (normal game state) (see FIG. 114). This, combined with the change in the frequency of the game balls entering the second start winning hole 16 described above, makes it easier to execute the win/lose lottery and the special symbol change display during the time-saving game state JT2 compared to during the non-time-saving game state. In other words, the frequency of the win/lose lottery (in other words, the frequency of the special symbol change display) is changed.

In order to change the frequency with which the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 and the frequency with which the winning/losing lottery and the special symbol change display are executed for each game state, one or more of the elements that determine the performance of the normal symbol game (probability of winning in the lottery for the normal symbol, the change time of the normal symbol, the operation time of the movable piece 16b) may be set to be different for each game state, or all of the elements may be set to be different. Also, while all of the elements that determine the performance of the normal symbol game are set to be the same in any game state, the average change time of the special symbol may be set to be different for each game state.

(Overview of game state to be set)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, one of the game states is set to a normal game state, a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1, a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2, or a high-probability time-shortened game state.
When the low probability time-saving game state LJ1, the low probability time-saving game state LJ2, or the high probability time-saving game state is set, the time-saving count counter configured by a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103 starts counting the number of time-saving times corresponding to each time-saving game state. Specifically, when the above-mentioned time-saving game state is set, the time-saving count corresponding to each time-saving game state is set in the time-saving count counter, and the count value of the time-saving count counter is decremented by 1 every time the variable display of the special pattern is performed. In addition, the count value of the time-saving count counter is reset when the RAM is cleared (reset) by a predetermined operation or when the special game ends. Then, when the count value of the time-saving count counter reaches the time-saving count (i.e., when the count value of the time-saving count counter reaches 0), the time-saving game state being set ends.

(1) When the jackpot pattern X1 or X5 is determined As shown in FIG. 113(c), regardless of the game state being set, when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number, and when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X5 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the second special pattern random number, the game state after the end of the special game based on that determination is set to a low-probability game state, and is set to a time-saving game state JT2, thereby setting a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2.
In addition, if the game state at the time of winning the jackpot (when the win/lose lottery is held) is a non-time-saving game state (normal game state), the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000, whereas if the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is a time-saving game state JT1 or JT2 (low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or high-probability time-saving game state), the number of time-saving times is set to 20.

For example, during a normal game state or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, if a game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a in accordance with a left-hit suggestion, the game ball will enter the first start entry port 15 and a first special pattern random number will be obtained. If a jackpot is won and a jackpot pattern X1 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number during these game states, the game state after the end of the special game based on this determination will be set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, and this low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 will continue until the result of the win/lose lottery has been derived 10,000 times (until the number of times the special pattern has changed reaches 10,000 times).
The same applies when, during a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or a high-probability time-saving game state, the game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a without following the right-hit suggestion, the game ball enters the first start winning port 15, a first special chart random number is obtained, and a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number, and the jackpot pattern X1 is determined.
Then, during the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 10,000 times), if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss all 10,000 times, the low-probability game state remains as it is, and the time-saving game state JT2 is changed to a non-time-saving game state, so that the game state is changed to a normal game state. In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, as described above, the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state is 1/300, and in effect, the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 10,000 times) will continue until a jackpot is won again.

In contrast, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state, if the game ball is shot out in accordance with the right-hit suggestion, the game ball enters the second start winning port 16 and the second special pattern random number is obtained. If a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X5 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the second special pattern random number during these game states, the game state after the end of the special game based on this determination is set to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, and this low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 continues until the result of the win/lose lottery has been derived 20 times (until the number of times the special pattern has changed reaches 20 times).
The same applies when, during a normal game state or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b without following the left hit suggestion, the game ball enters the second start winning port 16, a second special chart random number is obtained, and a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number, and the jackpot pattern X5 is determined.
Then, during the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 20 times), if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss all 20 times, the low-probability game state remains as it is, and the time-saving game state JT2 is changed to a non-time-saving game state, and the game state is changed to a normal game state. As described above, since the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state is 1/300, it is not necessarily the case that a jackpot will be won again during this low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 20 times).

(2) When the jackpot pattern X2 or X6 is determined As shown in FIG. 113(c), regardless of the game state being set, when a jackpot is won and a jackpot pattern X2 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the first special random number, and when a jackpot is won and a jackpot pattern X6 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the second special random number, the game state after the end of the special game based on the determination is set to a low-probability game state, as in the case of (1), and is set to a time-saving game state JT2, thereby setting a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2.
In addition, if the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is a non-time-saving game state (normal game state), the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times, as in the case of (1), whereas if the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is a time-saving game state JT1 or JT2 (low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or high-probability time-saving game state), the number of time-saving times is set to 40 times.

For example, during a normal game state or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, if a game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a in accordance with a left-hit suggestion, the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 and a first special pattern random number is obtained, and a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number, and the jackpot pattern X2 is determined, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 continues until the result of the win/lose lottery has been derived 10,000 times (until the number of times the special pattern has changed reaches 10,000 times).
The same applies when, during a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or a high-probability time-saving game state, the game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a without following the right-hit suggestion, the game ball enters the first start winning port 15, a first special chart random number is obtained, and a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number, and the jackpot pattern X2 is determined.
Then, as in the case of (1), if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a losing ticket all 10,000 times during the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 10,000 times), the low-probability game state remains the same, and the time-saving game state JT2 is changed to a non-time-saving game state, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state. However, this low-probability time-saving game state JT2 (time-saving count is 10,000 times) will essentially continue until the jackpot is won again.

In contrast, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state, if a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b in accordance with a right-hit suggestion, the game ball enters the second start winning port 16 and a second special pattern random number is obtained, and a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special pattern random number, and the jackpot pattern X6 is determined, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 continues until the result of the win/lose lottery has been derived 40 times (until the number of times the special pattern has changed reaches 40 times).
The same applies when, during a normal game state or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b without following the left hit suggestion, the game ball enters the second start winning port 16, a second special chart random number is obtained, and a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number, and the jackpot pattern X6 is determined.
As in the case of (1), if the result of the lottery for all 40 wins or losses during the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 40), the low-probability game state is left as it is, and the time-saving game state JT2 is changed to a non-time-saving game state, and the game state is changed to a normal game state. During this low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 40), it is not necessarily the case that a jackpot will be won again.

(3) When the jackpot pattern X3, X4, X7 or X8 is determined As shown in FIG. 113(c), regardless of the game state being set, when the jackpot pattern X3 or X4 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number, and when the jackpot pattern X7 or X8 is determined by the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to a high probability game state, and is set to the time-saving game state JT2, thereby setting the high probability time-saving game state. In addition, both the high probability number of times and the time-saving number of times are set to 10,000 times.

For example, during a normal game state or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, if a game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a in accordance with a left-hit suggestion, the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 and a first special pattern random number is obtained, and a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number, and the jackpot pattern X3 or X4 is determined, the game state after the special game based on that determination is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and the high-probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the win/lose lottery has been derived 10,000 times (until the number of times the special pattern has changed reaches 10,000 times).
The same applies when, during a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or a high-probability time-saving game state, the game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a without following the right-hit suggestion, the game ball enters the first start winning port 15, a first special chart random number is obtained, and a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number, and the jackpot pattern X3 or X4 is determined.

In addition, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state, if a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b in accordance with the right-hit suggestion, the game ball enters the second start winning port 16 and a second special pattern random number is obtained, and a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special pattern random number, and the jackpot pattern X7 or X8 is determined, the game state after the special game based on the determination is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and the high-probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the win/lose lottery has been derived 10,000 times (until the number of times the special pattern has changed reaches 10,000 times).
The same applies when, during a normal game state or during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b without following the left hit suggestion, the game ball enters the second start winning port 16, a second special chart random number is obtained, and a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number, and the jackpot pattern X7 or X8 is determined.

If the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss all 10,000 times during the above-mentioned high-probability time-saving game state (time-saving count is 10,000 times), the high-probability game state is changed to a low-probability game state, and the time-saving game state JT2 is changed to a non-time-saving game state, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state. In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, as described above, the probability of winning a jackpot in the high-probability game state is 6/300 (1/50), and in effect, the above-mentioned high-probability time-saving game state (time-saving count is 10,000 times) will continue until a jackpot is won again.

(4) When the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined As shown in FIG. 113(c), in the normal game state, when the time-saving pattern J1 is determined by winning or losing the lottery based on the first special pattern random number, and when the time-saving pattern J2 is determined by winning or losing the lottery based on the second special pattern random number, the non-time-saving game state is changed to the time-saving game state JT1 while the low-probability game state is kept as it is, and the game state is set to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 when the variable display of the time-saving pattern as the special pattern ends and the stop display time (0.5 seconds in other application example 11) for stopping the display of the special pattern has elapsed. Also, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times.

In other words, during a normal game state, if a game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a in accordance with a left hit suggestion, the game ball enters the first start winning port 15, a first special symbol random number is obtained, and a win/lose lottery based on the first special symbol random number results in a time-saving bonus being awarded and a time-saving symbol J1 is determined, or if a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b without following the left hit suggestion, the game ball enters the second start winning port 16, a second special symbol random number is obtained, and a win/lose lottery based on the second special symbol random number results in a time-saving bonus being awarded and a time-saving symbol J2 is determined, the game state after the time-saving symbol has finished changing and the stop display time has elapsed is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 continues until the result of the win/lose lottery has been derived 10,000 times (until the number of times the special symbol has changed reaches 10,000).
Then, during the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 (time-saving count is 10,000 times), if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss all 10,000 times, the low-probability game state remains as it is, and the time-saving game state JT1 is changed to a non-time-saving game state, so that the game state is changed to a normal game state. In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, as described above, the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state is 1/300, and the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 (time-saving count is 10,000 times) will continue until a jackpot is won.

The timing for setting the game state to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 when a time-saving bonus is awarded is not limited to the point at which the above-mentioned stopped display time has elapsed, but may be any point from when the variable display of the above-mentioned time-saving pattern begins to when it ends (the start point, any point during the variable display, the end point, etc.).

(Outline of the fluctuation pattern command (fluctuation pattern) to be determined)
In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 11, a plurality of variation patterns are provided in which the variation time of the special pattern is determined, and various variation pattern tables are provided in which variation pattern commands associated with the variation patterns are stored (see FIG. 114).
Here, Table A to be referred to when determining a variation pattern command (variation pattern) in the variation of the special symbol based on the first special symbol random number in the normal game state, Table B to be referred to when determining a variation pattern command in the variation of the special symbol based on the first special symbol random number in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, Table C to be referred to when determining a variation pattern command in the variation of the special symbol based on the second special symbol random number in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 set based on winning a jackpot in the normal game state (non-time-saving game state), Table D to be referred to when determining a variation pattern command in the variation of the special symbol based on the second special symbol random number in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 set based on winning a jackpot in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state (time-saving game state), and Table E to be referred to when determining a variation pattern command in the variation of the special symbol based on the second special symbol random number in the high-probability time-saving game state will be described, and description of the other variation pattern tables will be omitted.

As in the above-described embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, a fluctuation pattern command is determined by referring to one of the fluctuation pattern tables according to the currently set game state or the type of start winning port into which the game ball entered.
In addition, when determining a variation pattern command based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15, the first reserved number at that time is referenced, and when determining a variation pattern command based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16, the second reserved number at that time is referenced.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 114, according to table A, if a miss occurs and a miss pattern Z1 is determined, and the first reserved number at that time is less than 2, then either a fluctuation pattern command "00H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "13 second fluctuation (the fluctuation time of the special pattern is 13 seconds)" (probability of determination is 90%), a fluctuation pattern command "02H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "20 second fluctuation (the fluctuation time of the special pattern is 20 seconds)" (probability of determination is 8%), or a fluctuation pattern command "03H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "60 second fluctuation (the fluctuation time of the special pattern is 60 seconds)" (probability of determination is 2%) is determined. If the first reserved number at the above-mentioned time point is 2 or more, either the fluctuation pattern command "01H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "6 second fluctuation (the fluctuation time of the special pattern is 6 seconds)" (probability of determination is 90%), the fluctuation pattern command "02H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20 second fluctuation" (probability of determination is 8%), or the fluctuation pattern command "03H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60 second fluctuation" (probability of determination is 2%) will be determined.
In addition, when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3 or X4 is determined, regardless of the first reserved number, either the fluctuation pattern command "0AH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" (determination probability is 10%) or the fluctuation pattern command "0BH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" (determination probability is 90%) is determined.
In addition, if the time-saving award is won and the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, the fluctuation pattern command "0CH" (determination probability is 100%) associated with the fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined regardless of the first reserved number.

As shown in FIG. 114, according to table B, when the winning combination is a loss and the losing pattern Z1 is determined, and the first reserved number at the time point is less than 2, either the variation pattern command "10H" (determination probability is 90%) associated with the variation pattern of "13-second variation", the variation pattern command "12H" (determination probability is 8%) associated with the variation pattern of "20-second variation", or the variation pattern command "13H" (determination probability is 2%) associated with the variation pattern of "60-second variation" is determined. When the first reserved number at the above-mentioned time point is 2 or more, either the variation pattern command "11H" (determination probability is 90%) associated with the variation pattern of "6-second variation", the variation pattern command "12H" (determination probability is 8%) associated with the variation pattern of "20-second variation", or the variation pattern command "13H" (determination probability is 2%) associated with the variation pattern of "60-second variation" is determined.
In addition, when a jackpot occurs and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3 or X4 is determined, regardless of the first reserved number, either the fluctuation pattern command "1AH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" (determination probability is 10%) or the fluctuation pattern command "1BH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" (determination probability is 90%) is determined.

As shown in FIG. 114, according to table C, when a miss occurs and the miss pattern Z2 is determined, regardless of the second reserved number, either the fluctuation pattern command "20H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "5 second fluctuation (the fluctuation time of the special pattern is 5 seconds)" (determination probability is 90%), the fluctuation pattern command "22H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20 second fluctuation" (determination probability is 8%), or the fluctuation pattern command "23H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60 second fluctuation" (determination probability is 2%) will be determined.
In addition, when a jackpot occurs and the jackpot pattern X5, X6, X7 or X8 is determined, regardless of the second reserved number, either the fluctuation pattern command "2AH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" (determination probability is 10%) or the fluctuation pattern command "2BH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" (determination probability is 90%) is determined.

As shown in FIG. 114, according to table D, when a miss occurs and a miss pattern Z2 is determined, regardless of the second reserved number, either the fluctuation pattern command "30H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "5 second fluctuation" (determination probability 90%), the fluctuation pattern command "32H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20 second fluctuation" (determination probability 8%), or the fluctuation pattern command "33H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60 second fluctuation" (determination probability 2%) is determined.
In addition, when a jackpot is reached and the jackpot pattern X5, X6, X7 or X8 is determined, regardless of the second reserved number, either the fluctuation pattern command "3AH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" (determination probability is 10%) or the fluctuation pattern command "3BH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" (determination probability is 90%) is determined.

As shown in FIG. 114, according to table E, when a miss occurs and the miss pattern Z2 is determined, regardless of the second reserved number, either the fluctuation pattern command "50H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "5 second fluctuation" (determination probability 90%), the fluctuation pattern command "52H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20 second fluctuation" (determination probability 8%), or the fluctuation pattern command "53H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60 second fluctuation" (determination probability 2%) is determined.
In addition, when a jackpot is reached and the jackpot pattern X5, X6, X7 or X8 is determined, regardless of the second reserved number, either the fluctuation pattern command "5AH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" (determination probability is 10%) or the fluctuation pattern command "5BH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" (determination probability is 90%) is determined.

Here, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, the types of variation patterns that can be determined when a miss occurs during the normal game state and the types of variation patterns that can be determined when a miss occurs during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 are all the same, but they may be different. Also, the types of variation patterns that can be determined when a jackpot occurs during the normal game state and the types of variation patterns that can be determined when a jackpot occurs during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 are all the same, but they may be different.
In addition, the types of fluctuation patterns that can be determined when a miss occurs during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 that is set based on winning a jackpot during the normal game state (non-time-shortened game state), the types of fluctuation patterns that can be determined when a miss occurs during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 that is set based on winning a jackpot during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-shortened game state (time-shortened game state), and the types of fluctuation patterns that can be determined when a miss occurs during the high-probability time-shortened game state are all the same, but they may be different from each other. In addition, the types of fluctuation patterns that can be determined when a jackpot occurs during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 that is set based on winning a jackpot during the normal game state (non-time-shortened game state), the types of fluctuation patterns that can be determined when a jackpot occurs during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 that is set based on winning a jackpot during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-shortened game state (time-shortened game state), and the types of fluctuation patterns that can be determined when a jackpot occurs during the high-probability time-shortened game state were all the same, but they may be different from each other.

(Gameability of the Pachinko Machine P According to Another Application Example 11)
In the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 11, as described above, either a normal game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state), a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT1), a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT2), or a high-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a high-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT2) is set and the game progresses.

As described above, in the initial state after the RAM is cleared (reset), the normal game state is set.
During the normal game state, as described above, a left hit suggestion is made to encourage the game ball to be shot (left hit) toward the first game state 12a, and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the first start winning hole 15. When a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 during the normal game state, a winning or losing lottery based on the ball's entry can result in a jackpot or time-saving bonus being awarded, and when a jackpot is awarded, the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, or X4 is determined, and when a time-saving bonus is awarded, the time-saving bonus pattern J1 is determined (see FIGS. 113(a) and (b)).

And, if a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined, the game state after the special game based on the determination is ended is set to a low probability time-saving game state LJ2, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times (see FIG. 113(c)). Also, if a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X3 or X4 is determined, the game state after the special game based on the determination is ended is set to a high probability time-saving game state, and both the high probability number and the number of time-saving times are set to 10,000 times (see FIG. 113(c)). Also, if a time-saving grant is won and the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, the game state after the variable display of the time-saving pattern ends and the stop display time has elapsed is set to a low probability time-saving game state LJ1, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times (see FIG. 113(c)). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, if a left hit is performed in accordance with the left hit suggestion during the normal game state, the machine will transition to a low probability time-saving state LJ1 (time-saving count is 10,000 times), a low probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 10,000 times), or a high probability time-saving game state (high probability count and time-saving count are 10,000 times) (see FIG. 115).

Here, since the probability of winning the time-saving award is high at 15/300 (1/20), it is highly likely that the time-saving award will be won during the normal gaming state, and based on the winning, there is a high possibility of transitioning to the low-probability time-saving gaming state LJ1. Also, since the probability of winning this time-saving award is extremely higher than the probability of winning a jackpot during the normal gaming state (low-probability gaming state), which is 1/300, it is easier to win the time-saving award than to win a jackpot during the normal gaming state.
In this way, in the pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 11, it is difficult to remain in the normal game state, and it is more likely that a player will win a time-saving bonus and transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 based on the winning, than that a player will win a jackpot during the normal game state and a special game will be played based on the winning.

During the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the probability of winning the jackpot is the same as during the normal game state, but the frequency of the win/lose lottery and the variable display of special patterns is set to be slightly higher than during the normal game state (see Figures 113 (a) and (d)).
Also, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, as described above, a left-hand hit suggestion is made to encourage the game ball to be shot toward the first game state 12a, just as during the normal game state, and as long as the game ball is shot out in accordance with this, the game ball has a chance of entering the first start winning hole 15. If the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, a jackpot can be won in a win/lose lottery based on the ball's entry, and when a jackpot is won, the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, or X4 is determined (see Figures 113(a) and (b)).

If a jackpot is won and jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined, the game state after the special game based on that determination is completed is set to a low probability time-saving game state LJ2, and the number of time-saving times is set to 20 (if jackpot pattern X1 is determined) or 40 (if jackpot pattern X2 is determined) (see FIG. 113(c)). Also, if a jackpot is won and jackpot pattern X3 or X4 is determined, the game state after the special game based on that determination is completed is set to a high probability time-saving game state, and the number of high probability times and the number of time-saving times are both set to 10,000 (see FIG. 113(c)). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, if a left hit is made in accordance with the left hit suggestion during the low probability time-saving game state LJ1, the machine will transition to a low probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 20 or 40 times) or a high probability time-saving game state (high probability count and time-saving count are 10,000 times) (see FIG. 115).

Here, when the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 is set, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000, and since the probability of winning a jackpot during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 (low-probability game state) is 1/300, as described above, in effect, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 continues until a jackpot is won.
In this way, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 11, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 continues unless a jackpot is won with a probability of 1/300, so there is a high possibility that the player will stay in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 longer than in the normal game state.

During the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, the probability of winning a jackpot is the same as during the normal game state or during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, but the frequency of the winning/losing lottery and the variable display of special patterns is set to be much higher than during the normal game state or during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 (see Figures 113 (a) and (d)).
Also, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, as described above, a right-hit suggestion is made to encourage the game ball to be shot (right hit) toward the second game state 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot in accordance with this, the game ball has a possibility of entering the second start winning hole 16. If the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, a jackpot can be won in a win/lose lottery based on the ball's entry, and when a jackpot is won, the jackpot pattern X5, X6, X7, or X8 is determined (see Figures 113(a) and (b)).

If a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X5 or X6 is determined, the game state after the special game based on that determination is ended is set to a low probability time-saving game state LJ2, and the number of time-saving times is set to 20 (if the jackpot pattern X5 is determined) or 40 (if the jackpot pattern X6 is determined) (see FIG. 113(c)). Also, if a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X7 or X8 is determined, the game state after the special game based on that determination is ended is set to a high probability time-saving game state, and the high probability number of times and the number of time-saving times are both set to 10,000 (see FIG. 113(c)). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, if a right hit is made in accordance with the right hit suggestion during the low probability time-saving game state LJ2, the game will transition to a low probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 20 or 40 times) or a high probability time-saving game state (high probability count and time-saving count are 10,000 times) (see FIG. 115).

During the high-probability time-shortened game state, the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than during the normal game state, the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1, and the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2, and the frequency with which the win/lose lottery and the variable display of special patterns are executed is the same as during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2, but is set to be extremely higher than during the normal game state and the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1 (see Figures 113 (a) and (d)).
Also, during the high probability time-saving game state, as described above, a right-hit suggestion is made to encourage the game ball to be shot (hit to the right) toward the second game state 12b, as in the low probability time-saving game state LJ2, and as long as the game ball is shot out in accordance with this, the game ball has a possibility of entering the second start winning hole 16. When a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 during the high probability time-saving game state, a jackpot can be won in a win/lose lottery based on the ball's entry, and when a jackpot is won, the jackpot pattern X5, X6, X7, or X8 is determined (see Figures 113(a) and (b)).

And, similarly to the low probability time-saving game state LJ2, if a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X5 or X6 is determined, the game state after the special game based on that determination is ended is set to the low probability time-saving game state LJ2, and the number of time-saving times is set to 20 times (if the jackpot pattern X5 is determined) or 40 times (if the jackpot pattern X6 is determined) (see FIG. 113(c)). Also, if a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X7 or X8 is determined, the game state after the special game based on that determination is ended is set to the high probability time-saving game state, and both the high probability number of times and the number of time-saving times are set to 10,000 times (see FIG. 113(c)). That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, if a right hit is made in accordance with the right hit suggestion during a high probability time-saving game state, the machine will transition to a low probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 20 or 40 times) or a high probability time-saving game state (high probability count and time-saving count are 10,000 times) (see FIG. 115).

Here, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, when the game machine transitions to a high-probability time-saving game state based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X3 or X4 during the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, and when the game machine transitions to a high-probability time-saving game state based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X7 or X8 during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state (i.e., when the game machine transitions to the high-probability time-saving game state from any game state), the high-probability number of times and the number of time-saving times are set to 10,000 times. Also, since the probability of winning a jackpot during the high-probability time-saving game state (during the high-probability game state) is 6/300 (1/50), the high-probability time-saving game state continues in effect until a jackpot is won. In other words, regardless of the game state before the transition to the high-probability time-saving game state, if the game machine transitions to the high-probability time-saving game state, the jackpot will always be won during this high-probability time-saving game state.

In contrast, when a transition is made to the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 during the normal game state (non-time-shortened game state), the number of time-shortened times is set to 10,000 times, but when a transition is made to the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1 (time-shortened game state), and when a transition is made to the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X5 or X6 during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-shortened game state (time-shortened game state), the number of time-shortened times is set to 20 or 40 times.
Then, since the probability of winning a jackpot during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (low-probability game state) is 1/300, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 10,000 times) transitioned from the normal game state will continue until a jackpot is won. In other words, when transitioning from the normal game state to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, a jackpot will always be won during this low-probability time-saving game state LJ2.
In contrast, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving count is 20 or 40) transitioned from the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, or the high-probability time-saving game state ends when the result of the win/lose lottery is a loss for all 20 or 40 times, which is the time-saving count, and transitions to the normal game state. In other words, when transitioning from the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, or the high-probability time-saving game state to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, it is not necessarily the case that a jackpot will be won during this low-probability time-saving game state LJ2.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, when the normal game state is set after the RAM is cleared or after the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 ends, the machine remains in either the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 to which the machine enters based on the winning of the time-saving grant during the normal game state until the next big win is won. As described above, since the probability of winning the time-saving grant during the normal game state (1/20) is high, the machine is likely to enter the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, and until the above-mentioned big win is won, the machine is more likely to stay in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 than to stay in the normal game state.
Here, if a jackpot is won during the normal game state, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 in either the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state that is set after the special game based on the winning is finished, so that the jackpot will definitely be won during these games. On the other hand, if a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, when the high-probability time-saving game state is set after the special game based on the winning is finished, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000, so that the jackpot will definitely be won during this game, but when the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 is set after the special game based on the winning is finished, the number of time-saving times is set to 20 or 40, so that the jackpot will not necessarily be won during this game. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, it is more advantageous for the player to win a jackpot during the normal game state than to win a jackpot during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1.

In this way, after the RAM is cleared or after the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 ends, the player is more likely to stay in the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1 than in the normal game state until the next jackpot is won, but if the player wins a jackpot during the normal game state, the player is given a higher advantage than if the player won a jackpot during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1. In other words, the normal game state that is set after the RAM is cleared or after the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 ends becomes an advantageous chance zone for the player, providing a novel gameplay that can enhance the player's interest.
In addition, during both the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the game ball is suggested to be shot (hit to the left) toward the first game area 12a, so that it is possible to provide innovative gameplay in which the player can switch from the normal game state, each of which has a different degree of advantage, to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 without having to change his/her game operation.

The processing executed by the main control board 100 in accordance with the progress of the special game, normal game, and special game in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11 is generally similar to the embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described here.

(Outline of the production)
Next, regarding the effects executed in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, we will explain mainly the variable effects and the various effects executed in relation to each game state.

(Summary of the variable effects)
In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, during the variable display of the special symbols, a variable performance is executed that can suggest (inform) the result of the winning/losing lottery by the display mode of the performance symbols 50. In this variable performance, the variable display of the performance symbols 50 (dummy symbols) is performed superimposed on the background image displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. Then, the result of the winning/losing lottery can be suggested to the player by the combination (stop display mode) of the performance symbols 50 that are stopped and displayed after the variable display.
As described above, the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11 does not perform so-called simultaneous rotation control, and while the special symbol is being displayed based on the entry of a game ball into either the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, the special symbol is not displayed based on the entry of a game ball into the other hole. Therefore, in the center of the display section 21a of the performance display device 21, only the performance corresponding to the display of the special symbol being displayed based on the entry of a game ball is executed.

In a pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, a plurality of number symbols (for example, "1" to "8") and a special symbol (for example, "J") are provided as the performance symbols 50.
When a jackpot is hit, the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol are all displayed as the same number symbol (for example, 222, 555, etc.), suggesting that a jackpot has been hit. In the following, such a stop display pattern will also be referred to as a "jackpot pattern."
In the case of a loss, at least one of the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol is displayed as a different number symbol or a special symbol (for example, 312, 558, 282, J1J, etc.), which indicates a loss. In the following, such a stop display mode is also referred to as a "loss mode."
When the time-saving bonus is awarded during the normal game state, the first, second, and third stop symbols are all displayed as special symbols (JJJ), suggesting that the time-saving bonus has been awarded (see FIG. 116(c)). Note that, hereinafter, such a stop display pattern is also referred to as a "time-saving bonus winning pattern."

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, since the time-saving award is won only during the normal game state, when a loss occurs during the normal game state, as described above, at least one of the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern, and the third stop pattern may be stopped and displayed with a different number pattern or special pattern to indicate a loss, and when a loss occurs during a game state other than the normal game state, at least one of the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern, and the third stop pattern may be stopped and displayed with a different number pattern to indicate a loss. In this way, it is possible to indicate that there is a possibility of winning the time-saving award only during the normal game state.
In addition, when the time-saving award is won during the normal game state, the display may be stopped in a losing mode instead of the time-saving award winning mode described above. By doing so, it is possible to make it impossible to recognize that the time-saving award has been won from the stop display mode of the performance pattern 50, and it is possible to maintain the expectation of staying in the normal game state, which is positioned as a chance zone.

(Overview of background image display)
In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, as background images displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, a first background image corresponding to the normal game state (see Figs. 116(a)-(d), 117(a)-(c)), a second background image corresponding to the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1 (see Figs. 116(e), 118(a)-(c)), and a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 in which the number of time-shortened times is set to 10,000 (the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 set after the end of a special game based on a winning jackpot during the normal game state). and a third background image (see FIG. 117(e)) corresponding to the high-probability time-shortened game state, and a fourth background image (see FIG. 118(e)) corresponding to a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 in which the number of time-shortened times is set to 20 or 40 (the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 which is set after the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1, the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-shortened game state), are provided, and during each game state, the corresponding background image is displayed on the display unit 21a.

Specifically, during the normal game state which is set after the RAM is cleared or after the end of the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 in which the number of time-saving times is 20 or 40, the first background image is displayed.
During a low-probability time-saving gaming state LJ1 that is set based on winning a time-saving grant during a normal gaming state, a second background image is displayed.
A jackpot is awarded by a winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number during a normal game state, and the winning pattern X1 or X2 is determined. After the special game based on the determination is ended, a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 is set with 10,000 time-saving cycles, during which a third background image is displayed.
A jackpot is awarded in a win/lose lottery based on a first special random number during a normal game state or a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, and a jackpot pattern X3 or X4 is determined, or a jackpot is awarded in a win/lose lottery based on a second special random number during a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or a high-probability time-saving game state, and a jackpot pattern X7 or X8 is determined, and during a high-probability time-saving game state that is set after the end of the special game based on the determination, a third background image is displayed.
A jackpot is awarded in a win/lose lottery based on a first special random number during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, and a jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined, or a jackpot is awarded in a win/lose lottery based on a second special random number during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state, and a jackpot pattern X5 or X6 is determined, and a fourth background image is displayed during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, in which the number of time-saving times is set to 20 or 40 times after the end of the special game based on the determination.
When the game state is changed, the background image displayed is also changed accordingly.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, different background images are displayed during the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, which the player stays in after the RAM is cleared or after the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 ends until the next big win is won. Therefore, by displaying this background image, the player can recognize whether or not he is in the normal game state, which is positioned as a chance zone, and the player's interest can be enhanced.
In addition, the same background image (third background image) is displayed during the low probability time-saving game state LJ2 with 10,000 time-saving times and during the high probability time-saving game state. Although these are different game states, they continue until a jackpot is won and the performance of the normal game is the same, so they are essentially game states with the same advantage. Therefore, by displaying the same background image, it is possible to give the player the impression that they are playing in the same game state without actively suggesting that they are in different game states.
During these game states, different background images may be displayed.

(Outline of effects in each game state)
As described above, after the RAM is cleared or the low-probability time-saving gaming state LJ2 in which the number of time-saving times is set to 20 or 40 has ended, the normal gaming state is set.
Then, when the normal game state is set, the display unit 21a displays the first background image and indicates a normal game state (for example, a normal game state indication image in which the words "Chance Zone" scroll horizontally) to indicate that the game is in the normal game state (see Figs. 116(a)-(c) and 117(a)-(c)). The display of the first background image and the indication of the normal game state are continuously executed during the normal game state.
In addition, although not shown, when the normal game state is set, a left hit suggestion (for example, a left hit suggestion image such as "←←← left hit" is displayed) is also made to suggest that the game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a. This left hit suggestion may be made to be continuously executed during the normal game state, or may be made to be continuously executed until a predetermined end point after the normal game state is set (for example, a point when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the first variable presentation started).
Then, a changing performance is executed in conjunction with the changing display of the special pattern (see Figures 116(a) to (c) and Figures 117(a) to (c)).

In addition, when the time-saving award is won during the normal game state, in the variable presentation based on the winning, when the first and second stop symbols are displayed as special symbols (i.e., when a reach display is performed), a stop display is performed due to the time-saving award winning, and an end prompting presentation (for example, display of an end prompting image such as "DANGER!!") is executed to prompt that the normal game state may end (see FIG. 116(b)), and then a stop display according to the time-saving award winning mode is performed (see FIG. 116(c)). Then, a normal game state end suggestion (for example, display of a normal game state end suggesting image such as "Chance Zone End") is performed (see FIG. 116(d)), which suggests that the normal game state will end, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 is set.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, although not shown in particular, the above-mentioned end prompting performance may be executed even in the variable performance based on a miss during the normal game state, and in this case, the end prompting performance is executed, but after that, a stop display due to a miss mode is performed. In this case, since the time-saving grant is not won, the low probability time-saving game state LJ1 is not set, and the game state remains in the normal game state.
In this way, in the pachinko machine P relating to another application example 11, an end-teasing effect can be executed in both cases where the time-saving bonus is won or lost during normal game mode, thereby giving the player the thrilling impression that the normal game mode may be coming to an end.
In addition, the end teasing effect may be executed in a variable effect based on a jackpot win.

When the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 is set based on the winning of the time-saving award during the normal game state, the display unit 21a displays the second background image in response to the setting (see FIG. 116(e)). The display of the second background image continues during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1. Then, a variable presentation is executed in response to the variable display of the special symbol (see FIG. 116(e)).
Here, in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, a left hit suggestion is made in the normal game state in which the player was in before the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 was set, and since it is highly likely that the player will hit left at the time when the normal game state ends, when the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 is set, the left hit suggestion is not made again (see FIG. 116(e)). This makes it possible to reduce the processing load on the sub-CPU 301, etc., at the time when the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 is set.
In addition, when the low probability time-saving game state LJ1 is set, a left hit suggestion may be made again.

Furthermore, if a jackpot is won during normal game play, the variable presentation based on the win will display a stop display according to the jackpot mode (see Figures 117(a) to (c)).
Here, if a jackpot is won during the normal game state, the game state after the special game based on the winning is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 with 10,000 time-saving turns (when the jackpot symbol X1 or X2 is determined) or a high-probability time-saving game state (when the jackpot symbol X3 or X4 is determined). Also, as described above, these game states are substantially game states with the same degree of advantage.
Therefore, when the special game based on the above-mentioned winning is finished, whether the low probability time-saving game state LJ2 with 10,000 time-saving times is set or the high probability time-saving game state is set, a favorable game state suggestion (for example, a favorable game state suggestion image such as "Super time start!" is displayed) is made to suggest the setting of a favorable game state that will continue until the next big win is won (see FIG. 117(d)). This allows the player to recognize the transition to a game state that will continue until the next big win is won.
In addition, with the setting of the above-mentioned game state, a right hit suggestion (for example, a right hit suggestion image such as "right hit →→→" is displayed, etc.) that suggests the launch of the game ball toward the second game area 12b is also performed (see FIG. 117(d)). This right hit suggestion may be continuously executed during the above-mentioned game state, or may be continuously executed from the setting of the above-mentioned game state until a predetermined end point (for example, a point when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the first variable presentation started).
Furthermore, in accordance with the setting of the above-mentioned game state, the display unit 21a is adapted to display a third background image (see FIG. 117(e)). The display of the third background image is continuously executed during the above-mentioned game state. Then, in accordance with the variable display of the special symbol, a variable presentation is executed (see FIG. 117(e)).

In addition, if a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 based on winning the time-saving grant in the normal game state, the variable presentation based on the winning will display a stop display according to the jackpot mode (see Figures 118 (a) to (c)).
Here, if a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1, the game state after the end of the special game based on the winning is set to a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 with 20 or 40 time-shortened times (when the jackpot pattern X1 or X2 is determined) or a high-probability time-shortened game state (when the jackpot pattern X3 or X4 is determined). When a high-probability time-shortened game state is set, the high-probability time-shortened game state continues until the next jackpot, but when a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 with 20 or 40 time-shortened times is set, a jackpot is not necessarily won during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2, and there is a possibility that the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 will end before a jackpot is won.
Therefore, when the special game based on the above-mentioned winning is ended, if a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 with the time-saving count of 20 or 40 times is set, a specific game state suggestion (for example, a specific game state suggestion image such as "revenge time start!" is displayed, etc.) is made to suggest the setting of a game state that does not necessarily continue until the next big win is won (see FIG. 118(d)). This allows the player to recognize the transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 with the time-saving count of 20 or 40 times. On the other hand, if a high-probability time-saving game state is set, the above-mentioned advantageous game state suggestion is made, although not particularly shown, in the same way as when a big win is won during a normal game state.
In addition, when a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or a high-probability time-saving game state is set based on winning a jackpot in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the above-mentioned right-hit suggestion is also made (see Figure 118 (d)).
Furthermore, when the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 is set, the display unit 21a displays a fourth background image and displays a countdown of the set number of time-saving times (see FIG. 118(e)). The display of the fourth background image and the countdown display are continuously executed during the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJ2. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned high-probability time-saving game state is set, although not shown in particular, the display unit 21a displays a third background image.

In addition, if a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state, the game state after the end of the special game based on the winning is set to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (when the jackpot pattern X5 or X6 is determined) with 20 or 40 time-saving plays or the high-probability time-saving game state (when the jackpot pattern X7 or X8 is determined).
The presentation executed when these game states are set will be the same as that executed when a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, and so a description thereof will be omitted here.

(Modification of the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11)
In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 11, the number of time-saving times in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 that can be set after the end of special play based on the winning of a jackpot during a normal game state is made different from the number of time-saving times in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 when a jackpot is won during a normal game state, so that winning a jackpot during the normal game state is more advantageous to the player than winning a jackpot during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, but the advantageous settings are not limited to this.

For example, the average of the variable time that can be determined in the game state that is set when a jackpot is won during the normal game state may be set to be shorter than the average of the variable time that can be determined in the game state that is set when a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1. In other words, the game state that is set when a jackpot is won during the normal game state may be set to have a higher proportion of short variable times selected than the game state that is set when a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1.
More specifically, for example, the average of the variable time (e.g., 3.5 seconds, etc.) that can be determined when a miss occurs in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state that is set based on a big win during the normal game state may be set to be shorter than the average of the variable time (e.g., 5.5 seconds, etc.) that can be determined when a miss occurs in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or the high-probability time-saving game state that is set based on a big win during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1. Also, the variable time that can be determined when a big win occurs may be set to be the same as described above.
In this case, the game state set when a jackpot is won during the normal game state will have more win/lose lotteries conducted within the same time period than the game state set when a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, so that the player can have a higher chance of winning a jackpot sooner, which is advantageous for the player.

Also, for example, the opening time of a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a normal game state, or a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 or a high-probability time-shortened game state transitioned from a normal game state, may be set to be shorter than the opening time of a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1, or a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 or a high-probability time-shortened game state transitioned from the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1. In addition, the ending time of a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a normal game state, or a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 or a high-probability time-shortened game state transitioned from a normal game state, may be set to be shorter than the ending time of a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1, or a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 or a high-probability time-shortened game state transitioned from the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1.
In this case, when a jackpot is won during the normal game state, the time from the start to the end of the special game is shorter than when a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, and the number of win/loss lotteries that can be executed is increased accordingly, so that the possibility of winning a jackpot earlier is increased, which is advantageous for the player.

In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, the type of background image displayed and the presence or absence of a normal game state indication that indicates that the player is in the normal game state are different between the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, allowing the player to recognize whether the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 is set, but this is not limited to the above.

For example, whether in the normal game state or in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the same background image may be displayed and the above-mentioned normal game state suggestion may not be executed, thereby making it impossible for the player to recognize whether the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 is set.
In this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11 can be achieved, and the sense of anticipation for remaining in the normal game state can be maintained.

In addition, for example, the same background image may be displayed whether in the normal game state or in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, and the above-mentioned normal game state suggestion may not be executed, while a specific effect (such as displaying an image of a shooting star) whose execution probability is set higher in the normal game state than in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 may be executed, so that whether the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 is set cannot be determined based on the type of background image displayed or whether or not the normal game state suggestion is executed, but it may be possible to infer it from the frequency of execution of the specific effect.
In addition, when doing so, in order to increase the possibility of executing a specific effect in the normal game state while decreasing the possibility of executing a specific effect in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, it is desirable to set the probability of executing a specific effect in the normal game state higher than the probability of winning the time-saving award (1/20), and to set the probability of executing a specific effect in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 lower than the probability of winning the time-saving award.
In this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 11 can be achieved, and the frequency with which specific effects are executed can indicate that the player is in a normal game state, thereby increasing the player's interest.

In addition, for example, the same background image may be displayed whether in the normal game state or in the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1, and the above-mentioned normal game state suggestion may not be executed, while a specific effect may be executed that is not executed in the normal game state and is executed with a predetermined execution probability only in the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1. In this way, it may be possible to make it impossible to recognize whether the normal game state or the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1 is set based on the type of background image displayed or whether or not the normal game state suggestion is executed, but it may be possible to recognize that the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1 is set by the execution of the specific effect.
In this case, the probability of executing the specific effect can be set appropriately, but in order to increase the possibility of the specific effect being executed before the big win, it is desirable to set it higher than the probability of winning the big win during the low probability game state (1/300). Also, it may be set lower than the probability of winning the time-saving award.
In this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 11 is achieved, and since the setting of the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 cannot be recognized until a specific performance is executed, the anticipation of remaining in the normal game state can be increased.

In a pachinko machine P relating to another application example 11, when a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 is set, the number of time-saving times (10,000 times) is set so that the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 will continue until a jackpot is won, but the number of time-saving times when the game state is set is not limited to this.
For example, the number of time-saving times (for example, 200 times, 500 times) may be set so that a jackpot is not necessarily won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1. In other words, the number of time-saving times may be set so that the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 may end and the normal game state may be set by the variable number of times reaching the time-saving number without winning a jackpot.
In this case, after the low probability time-saving game state LJ1 ends by reaching the time-saving count, the game transitions again to a normal game state that is positioned as a chance zone, thereby increasing the player's interest.
In addition, in the case described above, a countdown display of the remaining number of time-saving times until the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 ends may be executed, and when the number of time-saving times is reached and the game state transitions to the normal game state, a presentation celebrating the return to the normal game state (for example, displaying a congratulatory image saying "Congratulations!! The Chance Zone is back!!") may be executed.

In the pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, the time-saving grant is won by a winning/losing lottery only in the normal game state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, while the time-saving grant can be won by a winning/losing lottery even in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, and the high-probability time-saving game state, when the time-saving grant is won and the time-saving pattern is determined in these game states, a new time-saving game state (time-saving game state JT1, time-saving game state JT2) based on the determination of the time-saving pattern may not be set, and the game state at the time of the determination may be maintained. In other words, even when the time-saving game state (time-saving game state JT1, time-saving game state JT2) is set, the time-saving grant is won, but the time-saving game state set at the time of the winning may not be set again based on the winning, and the time-saving game state set at the time of the winning may be continued.
Even in this case, the same effect can be achieved as in the pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 11, and the win/loss lottery can be executed by the same processing in any game state, thereby reducing the processing burden on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101.

In addition, in any of the normal game state, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 and the high-probability time-saving game state, the setting is made such that the time-saving grant can be won by a win/lose lottery, and if the time-saving grant is won by a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15, the time-saving pattern J1 or the time-saving pattern J3 can be determined. Then, in the normal game state, when the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 (time-saving game state JT1) is set based on the determination, and when the time-saving pattern J3 is determined, a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving game state JT2) is set based on the determination. However, in both cases where the time-saving pattern J1 is determined or the time-saving pattern J3 is determined in a state other than the normal game state (low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, high-probability time-saving game state), a new time-saving game state based on the determination may not be set, and the game state set at the time of the determination may be maintained.
In this case, in both the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, a left hit is suggested, and the game is mainly played in the first game area 12a, and if the game is played in the first game area 12a (if the game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a), the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15. In the normal game state, if the time-saving pattern J3 is determined based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15, the game state transitions to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2, which is a game state more advantageous than the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1. In contrast, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, if the time-saving pattern J3 is determined based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15, the game state does not transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2. In other words, both the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 to which the player enters when the time-saving pattern J1 is determined during the normal game state are game states in which a left hit is suggested and the player is primarily allowed to play in the first game area 12a, but the normal game state is more advantageous to the player than the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1.
As a result, as with the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, the normal game state set after the RAM is cleared or after the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 ends can be given a novel gameplay that becomes an advantageous chance zone for the player, and the player's interest can be enhanced. In addition, during both the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the launch (left hit) of the game ball toward the first game area 12a is suggested, and the game is mainly played in the first game area 12a, so that it is possible to give a novel gameplay that allows the player to switch from the normal game state, which has a different advantageous degree, to the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 without changing the game operation.
In addition, when set as described above, when a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 and wins the time-saving award, the time-saving pattern J1 or J3 can be determined, just as when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15.In addition, in the normal game state, when the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, the game state transitions to a low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, and when the time-saving pattern J3 is determined, the game state transitions to a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2.However, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, when the time-saving pattern J1 is determined and when the time-saving pattern J3 is determined, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 may be maintained in both cases.

In addition, the structure of the second start winning port 16 and the movable piece 16b, and the control of the operation of the movable piece 16b may be the same as those of the pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 6 described above (see Figures 69 and 70).
Specifically, the second start winning opening 16 and a flat movable piece 16b (normal electric device) that can be protruded and retracted into the game board 11 are arranged side by side, and the upper surface of the movable piece 16b is formed so as to slope downward toward the second start winning opening 16 when protruding from the game board 11, and the second start winning opening 16 is formed in a cup shape that opens upward, so that a game ball that reaches the opening enters the second start winning opening 16. If the result of the lottery for the normal symbols is a win, the movable piece 16b may be set to protrude from the game board 11 for a predetermined operating time, and if it is a loss, the movable piece 16b may be set to remain submerged in the game board 11.
That is, when the drawing of the normal symbol results in a winning combination, the movable piece 16b protrudes from the game board 11, and in this state, the upper surface of the movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball to the opening of the second start winning hole 16, thereby enabling the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 16. On the other hand, when the drawing of the normal symbol results in a losing combination, the movable piece 16b remains recessed in the game board 11, and in this state, the movable piece 16b cannot guide the game ball to the opening of the second start winning hole 16, and the game ball may be formed so as to be unable to enter the second start winning hole 16.
When configured in this manner, when a winning combination results from a drawing of a normal pattern in the normal game state (non-time-saving game state) and in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 (time-saving game state JT1), the operation time of the movable piece 16b is set to be shorter than the time it takes for the game ball on the upper surface of the movable piece 16b in the protruding state to reach the opening of the second start winning port 16 (hereinafter also referred to as the opening arrival time), thereby preventing the game ball from entering the second start winning port 16. On the other hand, when a winning combination results from a drawing of a normal pattern in the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 (time-saving game state JT2) and in the high-probability time-saving game state (time-saving game state JT2), the operation time of the movable piece 16b is set to be longer than the above-mentioned opening arrival time, thereby allowing the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16.
Specifically, the game board 11 (second start winning hole 16, movable piece 16b, etc.) are arranged so that the opening arrival time is 0.1 seconds or less. Then, in the normal game state, the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern may be set to 1/1.1, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern may be set to 10 seconds, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b may be set to 0.05 seconds. In the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1, the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern may be set to 1/1.1, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern may be set to 9.5 seconds, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b may be set to 0.05 seconds. In the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 and the high-probability time-shortened game state, the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern may be set to 1/1.1, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern may be set to 1 second, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b may be set to 3 seconds.
By doing as described above, during both the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, the game ball will not actually enter the second start winning port 16, and the frequency with which the win/lose lottery and the variable display of the special pattern are performed can be made the same.

In a pachinko machine P according to another application example 11, when a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery, a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 or a high-probability time-saving game state can be set after the special game based on the winning is completed; however, this is not limited to this, and it may be possible that after the special game based on the winning of a jackpot is completed, the high-probability time-saving game state is not set, and a normal game state or a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 is set.
In addition, the machine may be set up so that a small prize can be won in addition to a big prize by a winning/losing lottery, and a special game may be executed not only when a big prize is won, but also when a game ball enters a special area provided in a big prize opening in a small prize game based on a small prize win (configured as a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine), and after the special game ends, a normal game state or a low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 may be set.
Even in the above case, by controlling the transition of the game state in the same manner as in the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11 or the modified example described above, it is possible to provide a game feature in which the normal game state that is set after the RAM is cleared or after the low-probability time-saving game state LJ2 ends becomes a chance zone that is advantageous to the player.

In the pachinko machine P according to the other application example 11, the first start winning hole 15 is provided in the first play area 12a, but may be provided in the second play area 12b. Also, the second start winning hole 16 and the movable piece 16b are provided in the second play area 12b, but may be provided in the first play area 12a.
Then, if a first start winning port 15 is provided in the second game area 12b, and a second start winning port 16 and a movable piece 16b are provided in the first game area 12a, then right-hand hitting is suggested during the normal game state and the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ1, and left-hand hitting is suggested during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 and the high-probability time-shortened game state. In addition, by controlling the transition of the game state in the same manner as the pachinko machine P relating to the other application example 11 and the above-mentioned modified example, it is possible to provide a game feature in which the normal game state set after the RAM is cleared or after the low-probability time-shortened game state LJ2 ends becomes a chance zone that is advantageous to the player.

The various settings and controls in the above-described embodiment, modified examples, and other application examples may be configured in combination with each other within a range that does not cause contradictions.
In addition, the first game area 12a in the other application example 11 or its modified example corresponds to the first flow-down area of the present invention. In addition, the second game area 12b in the other application example 11 or its modified example corresponds to the second flow-down area of the present invention. In addition, the first start winning hole 15 in the other application example 11 or its modified example corresponds to the winning hole of the present invention. In addition, the main CPU 101 that executes the process of determining the special symbol in the other application example 11 or its modified example corresponds to the determination means of the present invention. In addition, the determination of the time-saving symbol J3 in the modified example of the other application example 11 corresponds to the first determination result of the present invention. In addition, the normal game state in the other application example 11 or its modified example corresponds to the first game state of the present invention. In addition, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1 in the other application example 11 or its modified example corresponds to the second game state of the present invention. In addition, the main CPU 101 that sets the normal game state, the low-probability time-saving game state LJ1, etc. in the other application example 11 or its modified example corresponds to the setting means of the present invention. The low-probability time-saving gaming state LJ2 in the other application example 11 or its modified example corresponds to the third gaming state of the present invention. The pachinko machine P in the other application example 11 or its modified example corresponds to the gaming machine of the present invention.

P Pachinko machine 100 Main control board 101 Main CPU
102 Main ROM
103 Main RAM
300 Sub-control board 301 Sub-CPU
302 Sub ROM
303 Sub RAM

Claims (1)

A game area in which game balls can flow down;
A first flow area and a second flow area are provided in the game area and can be selectively hit according to the launch strength of the game ball;
A first winning hole into which the game ball flowing down the first flow area can enter;
A second winning hole into which the game ball flowing down the second flow area can enter;
A determination means for determining, by lottery, a first symbol or a second symbol associated with a fact that a special game advantageous to a player will not be executed , based on the entry of a game ball into the first winning hole;
and a setting means capable of setting any one of a plurality of game states including a non-time-shortened game state in which a game is played mainly in the first flow-down area, a first time-shortened game state in which a game is played mainly in the first flow-down area and in which the difficulty of a game ball entering the second winning port is different from that of the non-time-shortened game state, and a second time-shortened game state in which a game is played mainly in the second flow-down area and in which the difficulty of a game ball entering the second winning port is lower than that of the non-time-shortened game state and the first time-shortened game state ,
It is more advantageous for a player to have the first symbol determined in the non- time-saving gaming state than to have the first symbol determined in the first time-saving gaming state ;
The setting means is
In the non-time-saving gaming state, when the second symbol is determined, the first time-saving gaming state is set, and when the first symbol is determined, the second time-saving gaming state is set;
In the first time-saving gaming state, when the first symbol is determined, the first time-saving gaming state is maintained;
A gaming machine characterized in that, as a gaming state in which a game is played in the first flow-down area, the player is more likely to stay in the first time-shortened gaming state than in the non-time-shortened gaming state .

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