JP7479682B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, this type of gaming machine has been proposed to initiate a time-saving state after the end of a jackpot game, and continue the time-saving state until the special symbol changes a specified number of times (100 times) during the time-saving state or until the next jackpot occurs (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this gaming machine, during the time-saving state, the mode is switched depending on the number of times the special symbol changes, and for each mode, a change pattern table corresponding to that mode is selected to determine the change pattern.

It has also been proposed that if the next jackpot does not occur before the number of pattern changes based on the ball entering the starting hole reaches a specified number, a normal time-saving state is initiated, and the normal time-saving state continues until the number of pattern changes reaches a specified number (1000 times) or a jackpot occurs before the specified number of times (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2019-208725 A JP 2005-52345 A

In Patent Document 1, as a time-saving state (easy-to-score state) that occurs after the end of a jackpot game, a period is set in which a fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation table with a short average fluctuation time, and a period is set in which a fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation table with a longer average fluctuation time. When a fluctuation pattern with a long fluctuation time is determined, a corresponding presentation is executed, which gives the player a sense of anticipation about whether or not a jackpot will be hit in succession, thereby increasing interest in the game. However, as described in Patent Document 2, if a fluctuation pattern is determined using a similar fluctuation table in a time-saving state (easy-to-score state) that occurs under different conditions from the end of a jackpot game, there is a risk that the player will tire of the presentation, which may actually reduce interest in the game.

The gaming machine of the present invention has a ball entry easy state that makes it easier for a gaming ball to enter the variable start port, which occurs after the end of a jackpot game and under conditions different from the end of a jackpot game. The main purpose of the machine is to increase the player's interest in the game by determining an appropriate variation pattern according to each state.

The gaming machine of the present invention employs the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main objective.

The first gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
A starting port including a variable starting port in which the possibility of the game ball entering the game changes;
A winning/losing lottery means for performing a winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the starting hole;
A stop symbol determination means for determining a stop symbol based on the result of the winning/losing lottery;
A table storage means for storing a fluctuation pattern table;
A variation pattern determination means for determining a variation pattern of a pattern based on the variation pattern table;
A pattern display means for displaying a pattern based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, and then displaying the pattern based on the variation pattern determined by the stop pattern determination means;
a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game based on the symbols stopping at a predetermined winning symbol;
A game state setting means for setting a game state;
A gaming machine comprising:
The game state includes a normal game state and an easy-to-enter ball entry state in which it is easier for a game ball to enter the variable start opening than in the normal game state,
The variation pattern table includes a normal table used in the normal game state and a plurality of specific tables used in the easy-to-score state,
The ball-scoring easy state includes a first ball-scoring easy state that occurs after the end of the big win game, and a second ball-scoring easy state that occurs under a condition different from that after the end of the big win game,
The fluctuation pattern determination means determines the fluctuation pattern in the first easy-to-score state based on a specific table selected from a plurality of specific tables each having a different average fluctuation time for each determined fluctuation pattern, and determines the fluctuation pattern in the second easy-to-score state based on one specific table whose determined fluctuation pattern has an average fluctuation time equal to or less than the average fluctuation time for the fluctuation pattern determined in the first easy-to-score state.
The gist of the project is to provide the following:

In the first gaming machine of the present invention, the ball-entering easy state includes a first ball-entering easy state that occurs after the end of a jackpot game, and a second ball-entering easy state that occurs under conditions different from those after the end of a jackpot game. In the first ball-entering easy state, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on a specific table determined from among a plurality of specific tables having different average fluctuation times for each of the determined fluctuation patterns. On the other hand, in the second ball-entering easy state, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on one specific table whose average fluctuation time is equal to or less than the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined in the first ball-entering easy state. In this way, in the first ball-entering easy state that occurs after the end of a jackpot game, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on a table determined from a plurality of specific tables having different average fluctuation times, so that the variation of the fluctuation pattern can be diversified, and the player's expectations for consecutive jackpots can be increased. On the other hand, in the second ball-entering easy state that occurs under conditions different from those after the end of a jackpot game, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on one specific table whose average fluctuation time is equal to or less than the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined in the first ball-entering easy state, so that the game can be progressed quickly and the time required for the occurrence of a jackpot can be shortened. In this way, by determining the appropriate variation pattern according to the type of state in which it is easy to score, it is possible to increase the player's interest in the game.

The second gaming machine of the present invention is
A starting port including a variable starting port in which the possibility of the game ball entering the game changes;
A winning/losing lottery means for performing a winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the starting hole;
A stop symbol determination means for determining a stop symbol based on the result of the winning/losing lottery;
A table storage means for storing a fluctuation pattern table;
A variation pattern determination means for determining a variation pattern of a pattern based on the variation pattern table;
A pattern display means for displaying a pattern based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, and then displaying the pattern based on the variation pattern determined by the stop pattern determination means;
a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game based on the symbols stopping at a predetermined winning symbol;
A game state setting means for setting a game state;
A gaming machine comprising:
The game state includes a normal game state and an easy-to-enter ball entry state in which it is easier for a game ball to enter the variable start opening than in the normal game state,
The variation pattern table includes a normal table used in the normal game state and a plurality of specific tables used in the easy-to-score state,
The easy-to-score-ball state includes a first easy-to-score-ball state that occurs after the end of the big win game, and a second easy-to-score-ball state that occurs under different conditions from the end of the big win game and has a longer duration than the first easy-to-score-ball state,
The fluctuation pattern determination means determines the fluctuation pattern in the first easy-to-score state based on a specific table selected from a plurality of specific tables each having a different average fluctuation time for each determined fluctuation pattern, and determines the fluctuation pattern in the second easy-to-score state based on one specific table whose determined fluctuation pattern has an average fluctuation time that is equal to or shorter than the average fluctuation time for the fluctuation pattern determined in the first easy-to-score state.
The gist of the present invention is as follows.

In the second gaming machine of the present invention, the easy-to-enter ball state includes a first easy-to-enter ball state that occurs after the end of a jackpot game, and a second easy-to-enter ball state that occurs under conditions different from those after the end of a jackpot game. In the first easy-to-enter ball state, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on a specific table determined from among a plurality of specific tables having different average fluctuation times for each of the determined fluctuation patterns. On the other hand, in the second easy-to-enter ball state, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on one specific table whose average fluctuation time is equal to or less than the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined in the first easy-to-enter ball state. As a result, in the first easy-to-enter ball state that occurs after the end of a jackpot game, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on a table determined from a plurality of specific tables having different average fluctuation times, so that the variation of the fluctuation pattern can be diversified, and the player's expectations for consecutive jackpots can be increased. On the other hand, in the second easy-to-enter ball state that occurs under conditions different from those after the end of a jackpot game, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on one specific table whose average fluctuation time is equal to or less than the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined in the first easy-to-enter ball state, so that the game can be progressed quickly and the time required for the occurrence of a jackpot can be shortened. In particular, since the second easy-to-score state continues for a longer period than the first easy-to-score state, it is more meaningful to determine a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time and shorten the time required for a jackpot to occur. In this way, by determining an appropriate fluctuation pattern according to the type of easy-to-score state, it is possible to increase the player's interest in the game.

The third gaming machine of the present invention is
A starting port including a variable starting port in which the possibility of the game ball entering the game changes;
A winning/losing lottery means for performing a winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the starting hole;
A stop symbol determination means for determining a stop symbol based on the result of the winning/losing lottery;
A table storage means for storing a fluctuation pattern table;
A variation pattern determination means for determining a variation pattern of a pattern based on the variation pattern table;
A pattern display means for displaying a pattern based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, and then displaying the pattern based on the variation pattern determined by the stop pattern determination means;
a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game based on the symbols stopping at a predetermined winning symbol;
A game state setting means for setting a game state;
A gaming machine comprising:
The game state includes a normal game state and an easy-entry state in which it is easier for a game ball to enter the variable start hole than in the normal game state,
The variation pattern table includes a normal table used in the normal game state and a plurality of specific tables used in the easy-to-score state,
The ball-scoring easy state includes a first ball-scoring easy state that occurs after the end of the big win game, and a second ball-scoring easy state that occurs under a condition different from that after the end of the big win game,
The fluctuation pattern determination means, in the first easy-to-score state, determines the fluctuation pattern based on a specific table selected from a plurality of specific tables including a first specific table and a second specific table having a shorter average fluctuation time of a fluctuation pattern determined than that of the first specific table, and, in the second easy-to-score state, determines the fluctuation pattern based on one specific table having an average fluctuation time of a determined fluctuation pattern that is equal to or shorter than the average fluctuation time of the second specific table.
The gist of the present invention is as follows.

In the third gaming machine of the present invention, the easy-to-enter ball state includes a first easy-to-enter ball state that occurs after the end of a jackpot game, and a second easy-to-enter ball state that occurs under different conditions from the end of a jackpot game. In the first easy-to-enter ball state, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on a specific table determined from among a plurality of specific tables including the first specific table and a second specific table having a shorter average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined than the first specific table. On the other hand, in the second easy-to-enter ball state, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on one specific table having an average fluctuation time of the determined fluctuation pattern that is equal to or shorter than the average fluctuation time of the second specific table. In this way, in the first easy-to-enter ball state that occurs after the end of a jackpot game, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on a table determined from a plurality of specific tables including the first specific table and the second specific table having a shorter average fluctuation time than the first specific table, thereby making it possible to diversify the variation of the fluctuation pattern and to increase the player's expectations for consecutive jackpots. On the other hand, in the second easy-to-score state that occurs under different conditions than after the end of the jackpot game, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on one specific table whose average fluctuation time is equal to or less than the average fluctuation time of the second specific table, so that the game can proceed quickly and the time required for the jackpot to occur can be shortened. In this way, by determining an appropriate fluctuation pattern according to the type of easy-to-score state, the player's interest in the game can be improved.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, in the case where the ball entry easy state in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the variable start hole exists as one that occurs after the end of a jackpot game and one that occurs under conditions different from the end of a jackpot game, the player's interest in the game can be increased by determining the appropriate variation pattern according to each state.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a game board 20 of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a performance display of the performance display device 37. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the specifications of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a main control process executed by a CPU 60a of the main control device 60. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power-on process. A flowchart showing an example of a start winning process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal symbol game process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of normal pattern change display related processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal symbol winning game process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol game process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol game process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special pattern change display related process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a variation pattern determination process. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fluctuation pattern table. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a time-saving flag setting process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a jackpot game process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a jackpot game process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a pattern change presentation process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a presentation mode setting process. An explanatory diagram showing examples of post-jackpot time-saving mode A, post-jackpot time-saving mode B, and ceiling time-saving mode.

Next, we will explain the embodiment of the present invention using examples.

Figure 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of the present invention, Figure 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the game board 20 of the pachinko machine 1, and Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. In this embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a so-called seven-machine type (first type) game machine will be described, in which the variable display of special symbols begins when a game ball enters the starting hole, and the jackpot game begins when the special symbols are stopped and displayed as a predetermined jackpot symbol.

[External configuration of pachinko machine 1]
1, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment includes a game board 20 arranged so that the board surface can be seen through a glass plate (transparent plate) 4 fitted into a front frame (glass frame) 3, an upper tray 11 and a lower tray 12 for storing game balls, and a launch handle 13 for launching the game balls stored in the upper tray 11 onto the game board 20. The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a CR machine compatible with prepaid cards, and a CR unit 50 for reading and writing prepaid cards is provided on the left side of the pachinko machine 1.

The front frame 3 is fitted into the inner frame 5 and can be opened and closed relative to the inner frame 5 using hinges provided at the top and bottom of the left side as fulcrums. The inner frame 5 is also fitted into the outer frame 2 and can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 2 using hinges provided at the top and bottom of the left side as fulcrums. The front frame 3 and the inner frame 5 are configured as roughly rectangular plastic frames. Meanwhile, the outer frame 2 is configured as a roughly rectangular wooden frame and is fixed to the island frame of the island equipment in the game hall.

Speakers 14 are provided on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 3 to play various sound effects as the game progresses and to sound warning sounds to alert the player. The front frame 3 is also provided with multiple LEDs 15 as frame-side decorative lamps that light up according to the game status.

Prize balls and loan balls are dispensed into the upper tray 11. A settlement display device 52 that displays the balance of the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit 50 is provided on the right side of the top surface of the upper tray 11, and the settlement display device 52 is provided with a ball loan button 53 that instructs the loan of game balls, and a settlement button 54 that instructs the settlement (return) of the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit 50. In addition, a performance button 16 is provided in the center of the top surface of the upper tray 11 to perform various performances in response to the player's operation. The lower tray 12 is capable of receiving balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner frame 5 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a ball tank 77, a tank rail 78, and a payout device 72. When game balls enter each winning hole provided in the game board 20, the payout device 72 pays out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls from the ball tank 77 via the tank rail 78 to the upper tray 11. In addition, when the ball loan button 53 is operated, the payout device 72 pays out loan balls to the upper tray 11.

The launch handle 13 is located to the right of the lower tray 12. When the player rotates it clockwise, the launch motor 83 (see FIG. 4) of the launch device (not shown) is activated, and game balls are shot one by one toward the game board 20 with a launch force that corresponds to the amount of rotation of the launch handle 13.

[Configuration of the game board 20]
As shown in Fig. 3, the game board 20 has a game area 21 surrounded by an outer rail 21a and an inner rail 21b. The game board 20 includes a performance display device 37 provided in the approximate center of the game area 21, a center role 38 including a warp entrance, a warp gutter, a stage, etc., arranged around the performance display device 37, a normal symbol operation gate 22 arranged to the right of the center role 38, a first start opening 23 that is always open and arranged below the center role 38, a second start opening 24 that can be opened and closed and arranged below the normal symbol operation gate 22, a big prize opening 25 arranged in the lower right of the game area 21, a normal prize opening 27 that is always open and arranged in the lower left of the game area 21, and an outlet 29 for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the prize openings. In addition, a large number of nails 21c that guide and bounce game balls flowing down the game area 21 are planted on the game board 20.

The second starting hole 24 is a variable ball entry hole configured as a normal electric device, and is equipped with a pair of left and right opening and closing blades (opening and closing members) 24b and a second starting hole solenoid 24c (see FIG. 4) that operates the opening and closing blades 24b. This second starting hole 24 is normally in a closed state in which the opening and closing blades 24b are upright and it is difficult for game balls to enter, and when a normal pattern is stopped and displayed as a winning pattern and a winning game (a normal pattern winning game) is played, the opening and closing blades 24b are opened to the left and right by the second starting hole solenoid 24c, making it an open state in which game balls can easily enter. A second starting hole switch 24a is attached to the second starting hole 24 to detect the entry of game balls and count the number of balls that have entered. The second starting hole 24 is closed when the second starting hole switch 24a counts the specified number of game balls, or when a predetermined maximum opening time has elapsed before the specified number of counts.

The big prize opening 25 is a variable ball entrance configured as a special electric device, and includes an opening/closing plate (opening/closing member) 25b and a big prize opening solenoid 25c (see FIG. 4) that operates the opening/closing plate 25b. This big prize opening 25 is usually closed by the opening/closing plate 25b to prevent game balls from entering, and when the special pattern is displayed as a big win pattern and a big win game is played, the opening/closing plate 25b is opened forward by the big prize opening solenoid 25c to open the opening/closing plate 25b to allow game balls to enter. The big prize opening 25 is equipped with a big prize opening switch 25a for detecting game balls entering and counting the number of balls entering. The big prize opening 25 is closed when the big prize opening switch 25a counts the number of game balls entering the game or when a predetermined maximum opening time has elapsed before the big prize opening switch 25a counts the number of game balls entering the game (round game). The big win game is played by repeating the above round game a predetermined number of times.

The first starting hole 23 allows the player to insert the game ball by rotating the launch handle 13 (so-called left hit) so that the game ball flows down to the left area (first game area) of the game area 21. On the other hand, the second starting hole 24 and the big prize hole 25 cannot insert the game ball by hitting from the left, and the game ball can be inserted by rotating the launch handle 13 (so-called right hit) so that the game ball flows down to the right area (second game area) of the game area 21. However, since the second starting hole 24 and the big prize hole 25 are variable prize holes, they can only be opened when a normal symbol is won or when a special symbol is won as a big hit, respectively, and the game ball can only be inserted when they are opened.

At the bottom right of the game board 20, there are arranged a first special symbol display device (first special symbol display device) 31, a second special symbol display device (second special symbol display device) 32, a first special symbol reserved number display device (first special symbol reserved number display device) 33, a second special symbol reserved number display device (second special symbol reserved number display device) 34, a normal symbol display device (normal symbol display device) 35, and a normal symbol reserved number display device (normal symbol reserved number display device) 36.

In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 31 and the second special symbol display device 32 are configured as seven-segment display devices, and multiple types of display modes are expressed by combining the lighting and extinguishing of each segment. The first special symbol display device 31 and the second special symbol display device 32 start the variable display of the special symbol by sequentially switching the display mode based on the entrance of a game ball into the start hole, and when a predetermined variable time has elapsed, the special symbol is displayed in one of multiple predetermined stop display modes to stop and display. Then, when the special symbol is displayed in a predetermined stop display mode (jackpot symbol), a jackpot game is executed. The first special symbol display device 31 is a display device for the first start hole ball entry that displays the variable special symbol based on the entrance of a game ball into the first start hole 23, and the second special symbol display device 32 is a display device for the second start hole ball entry that displays the variable special symbol based on the entrance of a game ball into the second start hole 24. The special pattern displayed by the first special pattern display device 31 is also called the first special pattern (first special pattern), and the special pattern displayed by the second special pattern display device 32 is also called the second special pattern (second special pattern).

If a game ball enters the first start hole 23 while the special symbol is being displayed or during a jackpot game, the display of the first special symbol is reserved for a predetermined number of times (four times in this embodiment), and after the current display of the symbols is completed, the display of the reserved first special symbols is started sequentially. The number of reserved first special symbols is displayed on the first special symbol reserved number display device 33. Also, if a game ball enters the second start hole 24 while the special symbol is being displayed or during a jackpot game, the display of the second special symbol is reserved for a predetermined number of times (four times, for example), and after the current display of the symbols is completed, the display of the reserved second special symbols is started sequentially. The number of reserved second special symbols is displayed on the second special symbol reserved number display device 34.

In this embodiment, the normal symbol display device 35 is configured as an LED display device having multiple display units. The normal symbol display device 35 displays normal symbols by repeatedly turning on and off each of the multiple display units based on the detection of a game ball by the gate switch 22a provided on the normal symbol operation gate 22, and when a predetermined variation time has passed, the normal symbol is displayed stationary by turning on or off each of the multiple display units. When a specific display unit among the multiple display units is lit, it is a winning symbol, and when it is not, it is a losing symbol. When the normal symbol is displayed stationary as a winning symbol, the second starting hole 24 is opened.

In this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 22 while the normal symbol is being displayed, the normal symbol display is reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, four), and when the current display is completed, the display of the reserved normal symbols is started in sequence. The number of reserved normal symbols is displayed on the normal symbol display device 36.

The performance display device 37 is an image display device composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various performances such as the performance patterns (pseudo patterns) 371L, 371C, and 371R corresponding to the special patterns on the display screen, as well as the reach performance, the notice performance that predicts a big win, and the suggestion performance that suggests a set value. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the performance display of the performance display device 37. As shown in the figure, three performance patterns 371L, 371C, and 371R on the left, center, and right, consisting of numbers, English letters, characters, symbols, characters, etc. (numbers in the example shown in the figure), are displayed in the center of the display screen of the performance display device 37. When a game ball enters the start hole (first start hole 23 or second start hole 24), the three performance patterns 371L, 371C, and 371R are displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll from top to bottom, and when a predetermined variable time has passed, they are displayed in the order of left, right, and center. When the right performance pattern 371R is stopped and displayed, if the right performance pattern 371R does not match the left performance pattern 371L, it is a miss (miss without a reach). On the other hand, when the right performance pattern 371R matches the left performance pattern 371L, it is a reach, and it transitions to a reach performance. Then, after the reach performance, when the middle performance pattern 371C is stopped and displayed, if the middle performance pattern 371C does not match the left and right performance patterns 371L, 371R, it is a miss (reach miss), and when the middle performance pattern 371C matches the left and right performance patterns 371L, 371R, it is a jackpot. In addition, the performance display device 37 also displays a character pattern 373 that suggests the possibility (reliability) of a jackpot, for example.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the first and second reserved patterns 372a and 372b are also displayed in the corner (lower part) of the display screen of the performance display device 37. The first reserved pattern 372a is a pattern corresponding to the reserved memory of the first special pattern. The first reserved patterns 372a are additionally displayed one by one in sequence from the right side every time a game ball enters the first starting hole 23 during the variable display of the special pattern, and are erased one by one from the opposite side from the start ball entry every time the variable display of the first special pattern starts. In addition, the second reserved pattern 372b is a pattern corresponding to the reserved memory of the second special pattern. The second reserved patterns 372b are additionally displayed one by one in sequence from the right side every time a game ball enters the second starting hole 24 during the variable display of the special pattern, and are erased one by one from the opposite side from the start ball entry every time the variable display of the second special pattern starts.

[Control circuit configuration]
As shown in Fig. 4, the pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 60, a payout control device 70, a launch control device 80, a sub-integrated control device 90, a performance display control device 91, and a power supply board 95 (see Fig. 2) as its control circuit. The main control device 60 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 60a, and includes, in addition to the CPU 60a, a ROM 60b that stores processing programs and tables, a RAM 60c that temporarily stores data when the processing program is executed, an input/output port, a communication port, and the like. Although not shown, the payout control device 70 and the launch control device 80 are also configured as microprocessors centered on a CPU, and include, in addition to the CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input/output port, a communication port, and the like. The pachinko machine 1 is also provided with an external connection terminal board 65, and signals indicating game status and game results are transmitted to the hall computer 100 (see Fig. 4) via the external connection terminal board 65.

The main control device 60 controls the basic progress of the game. As shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 60 receives detection signals from the front frame opening switch 3a, which detects the opening of the front frame 3, the inner frame opening switch 5a, which detects the opening of the inner frame 5, and the like, via the rear wiring relay terminal board 64. In addition, the main control device 60 receives detection signals from the gate switch 22a, which detects the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol operation gate 22, the first start port switch 23a, which detects the entry of a game ball into the first start port 23, the second start port switch 24a, which detects the entry of a game ball into the second start port 24, the large prize port switch 25a, which detects the entry of a game ball into the large prize port 25, the normal prize port switch 27a, which detects the entry of a game ball into the normal prize port 27, and the like, via the game board relay terminal board 61. Furthermore, the main control device 60 receives operation signals directly from the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99. On the other hand, the main control device 60 outputs drive signals to the second start port solenoid 24c and the large prize port solenoid 25c, etc., via the game board relay terminal board 61. The main control device 60 also outputs display signals to the first special symbol display device 31, the second special symbol display device 32, the first special symbol reserved number display device 33, the second special symbol reserved number display device 34, the regular symbol display device 35, the regular symbol reserved number display device 36, etc., via the symbol display device relay terminal board 62. Furthermore, the main control device 60 outputs signals to the hall computer 100 via the back wiring relay terminal board 64 and the external connection terminal board 65.

The probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are provided on the main control device 60 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, as shown in FIG. 2. The probability setting switch 98 is a switch for setting the jackpot probability of the special symbol, and the RAM clear switch 99 is a switch for executing RAM clear. The RAM clear switch 99 in this embodiment is also used to select the set value of the jackpot probability of the special symbol. That is, the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are used to select and set one of six set values (settings 1 to 6) to which different jackpot probabilities are assigned as the jackpot probability of the special symbol. The manager of the game hall inserts a predetermined key into the probability setting switch 98, rotates it, and turns on the power with the RAM clear switch 99 pressed. Then, the RAM of the pachinko machine 1 is cleared and the set value can be changed. When the pachinko machine 1 is in this state, the manager can select the desired set value from settings 1 to 6 by pressing the RAM clear switch 99. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 displays the numbers "1" to "6" corresponding to the currently selected setting value on the first special symbol display device 31 in sequence each time the RAM clear switch 99 is pressed. Therefore, the administrator can select the desired setting value by repeatedly pressing the RAM clear switch 99 so that the number displayed on the first special symbol display device 31 corresponds to the desired setting value. The setting value selected by the operation of the RAM clear switch 99 is confirmed by the administrator by rotating the key inserted into the probability setting switch 98 and returning it to the initial position, and is set as the jackpot probability of the special symbol. By performing such operations, the administrator can set one of the settings 1 to 6 for each pachinko machine 1. Note that, in this embodiment, the setting value is selected and set using the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99, but this is not limited to this. For example, the setting value may be selected and set using any other operating means as long as it can be operated from the outside, such as a rotary knob, or a dedicated switch for selecting the setting value may be provided. Additionally, the pachinko machine 1 is configured to display information regarding the currently selected setting value on the first special symbol display device 31, but this is not limited to this, and the information may be displayed on another display device, or may be notified by voice. For example, a display device capable of displaying the setting value may be provided on the main control device 60 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and the display device may be a device dedicated to displaying the setting value. Additionally, the setting values are not limited to six, settings 1 to 6, and any number may be available as long as it is selectable from a plurality of setting values.

The payout control device 70 is responsible for controlling the payout of prize balls and loan balls. A detection signal from a ball-out switch 76 that detects the ball-out of the ball tank 77 for storing game balls to be paid out to the upper tray 11 is input to the payout control device 70 via the back wiring relay terminal board 64, a detection signal from a payout switch 74 that detects game balls to be paid out to the upper tray 11 is input via the payout relay terminal board 71 and the back wiring relay terminal board 64, and a detection signal from a full switch 75 that detects the fullness of the lower tray 12 is directly input to the payout control device 70. On the other hand, a drive signal to the payout motor 73 is output from the payout control device 70 via the back wiring relay terminal board 64 and the payout relay terminal board 71. The payout control device 70 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the main control device 60, and drives the payout motor 73 according to commands sent from the main control device 60 to pay out prize balls. When the payout control device 70 receives a detection signal from either the out-of-ball switch 76 or the full-ball switch 75, it stops driving the payout motor 73 and suspends the payout operation of prize balls until the detection condition is resolved and the detection signal is no longer input.

The payout control device 70 is also configured to be able to communicate with the CR unit 50 via the CR unit terminal board 51. The CR unit terminal board 51 is configured to be able to communicate two-way with the settlement display device 52, and detection signals from the ball lending switch 53a and the settlement switch 54a provided on the settlement display device 52 are input to the payout control device 70 via the CR unit terminal board 51. The ball lending switch 53a detects the operation of the ball lending button 53 and outputs a detection signal, and the settlement switch 54a detects the operation of the settlement button 54 and outputs a detection signal. When the payout control device 70 inputs a ball lending command, it drives the payout motor 73 to pay out the loaned balls. The payout control device 70 is also configured to be able to communicate two-way with the launch control device 80, and when a predetermined launch stop condition is met, such as inputting a detection signal from the full switch 75, it sends a launch stop command to the launch control device 80.

The launch control device 80 is responsible for controlling the launch of game balls into the play area 21. The launch control device 80 receives inputs such as a rotation amount signal output in response to the rotation operation of the launch handle 13, a launch stop signal from a launch stop switch 81 that detects the operation of the launch stop button, and a touch signal from a touch switch 82 that detects that the player is touching the launch handle 13. On the other hand, a drive signal to the launch motor 83 is output from the launch control device 80. The launch control device 80 controls the launch motor 83 so that the game balls are launched into the play area 21 with a launch strength based on the rotation amount signal. When the launch control device 80 has not input a touch signal or has input a launch stop command, it stops driving the launch motor 83 regardless of the operation of the launch handle 13, and does not launch the game balls.

The sub-integrated control device 90 is responsible for controlling the effects of the game. The sub-integrated control device 90 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 90a, and in addition to the CPU 90a, it is equipped with a ROM 90b, a RAM 90c, an input/output port, a communication port, etc. This sub-integrated control device 90 can receive various commands from the main control device 60 by one-way communication via the effect relay terminal board 63, and performs effect control according to the received command. A detection signal from the effect button switch 16a that detects the operation (pressing) of the effect button 16 is input to the sub-integrated control device 90. On the other hand, the sub-integrated control device 90 outputs an audio signal to the speaker 14 and a lighting signal to the various LEDs 15. In addition, the sub-integrated control device 90 outputs a command for effect display control to the effect display control device 91 by one-way communication. The effect display control device 91 receives a command for effect display control from the sub-integrated control device 90, and controls the display of the effect display device 37 so that an effect image corresponding to the command is displayed on the effect display device 37.

The power supply board 95 is a DC power supply that converts AC voltage from an external AC power supply into DC voltage, and supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 1 by operating a power switch (not shown). Even when the power switch is turned off and the power to the pachinko machine 1 is turned off, the power supply board 95 supplies power from the AC power supply to the RAM 60c of the main control device 60, etc., and the data in the RAM 60c is maintained by the power from the AC power supply. The power supply board 95 also has a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor, etc., and stores the power supplied from the AC power supply in the backup power supply. As a result, in the event of a power outage when the power supply from the AC power supply is cut off, power from the backup power supply is supplied to the RAM 60c of the main control device 60, etc., and the data in the RAM 60c of the main control device 60 is maintained for a certain period of time.

[Overview of Pachinko Machine 1 Game]
Next, an overview of the game in the pachinko machine 1 thus configured will be described. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the specifications of the pachinko machine 1. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability of winning a special symbol varies depending on the game state and the setting value. That is, as shown in Fig. 6(a), when the game state is the normal game state, the probability of winning a special symbol is 1/320, the probability of winning a special symbol is 1/310, the probability of winning a special symbol is 1/300, the probability of winning a special symbol is 1/290, the probability of winning a special symbol is 1/280, and the probability of winning a special symbol is 1/270. On the other hand, when the game state is a probability-variable game state, the probability of winning a jackpot in setting 1 is 1/64, the probability of winning a jackpot in setting 2 is 1/62, the probability of winning a jackpot in setting 3 is 1/60, the probability of winning a jackpot in setting 4 is 1/58, the probability of winning a jackpot in setting 5 is 1/56, and the probability of winning a jackpot in setting 6 is 1/54. When a jackpot occurs with a special symbol, a 4-round jackpot game (a jackpot game in which a round game with a prescribed number of 10 and a maximum opening time of 30 seconds is repeated 4 times) or a 10-round jackpot game (a jackpot game in which the above round game is repeated 10 times) is executed. When a jackpot game is executed, the game state after the jackpot game ends becomes a probability-variable game state with a probability of 65% (probability-variable jackpot). The probability-variable game state is a game state in which the winning probability (jackpot probability) of a special symbol is higher than that of a normal game state. In addition, when a jackpot game is executed, a time-saving game state (a time-saving state, first ball-scoring easy state) also occurs as the game state after the jackpot game ends.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, if the variable display of the special symbol is executed a specified number of times (900 times) without the occurrence of a jackpot, a time-saving game state (time-saving state b, second ball-scoring easy state) is generated to rescue the player. The time-saving state b continues until the variable display of the special symbol is executed a specified number of times (1000 times).

As shown in FIG. 6(b), the probability of winning with a normal symbol varies depending on the game state. When the game state is the normal game state, it is 1/100, and when the game state is the time-saving game state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b), it is 1/1.1. When a win occurs with a normal symbol, a normal symbol winning game (normal symbol winning game) is executed in which the second starting hole 24 (normal electric role) opens. When a win occurs with a normal symbol when the game state is the normal game state, a normal symbol winning game with a specified number of 10 and a maximum opening time of 0.1 seconds is executed, and when a win occurs with a normal symbol when the game state is the time-saving game state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b), a normal symbol winning game with a specified number of 10 and a maximum opening time of 5.8 seconds is executed. In this embodiment, the a time-saving state and the b time-saving state are both game states that activate a time-saving function that shortens the time of fluctuation of the normal pattern compared to the normal game state, a normal pattern probability change function that increases the probability of winning the normal pattern compared to the normal game state, and an opening extension function that extends the opening time of the second starting hole 24 when the normal pattern is won compared to the normal game state. Note that some of these three functions may be omitted in the a time-saving state and the b time-saving state. In particular, since the b time-saving state occurs in the time-saving game state without going through a jackpot, it is considered that the normal pattern probability change function is not activated. In this case, the a time-saving state and the b time-saving state are mutually different game states, and the a time-saving state in which the normal pattern probability change function is activated is more advantageous to the player than the b time-saving state. Of course, it is also possible that the a time-saving state is also in the same state as the time-saving game state without activating the normal pattern probability change function in accordance with the b time-saving state. In this case, even if a situation occurs in which time-saving state a and time-saving state b overlap, there is no need to change the time-saving game state.

In a pachinko machine 1 with such specifications, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 23 by hitting from the left (firing a game ball into the first game area), the variable display of the first special symbol begins. Then, when the first special symbol stops and displays as a jackpot symbol, a jackpot occurs, and a jackpot game is played in which the large prize opening 25 is opened. The large prize opening 25 cannot accept game balls when hit from the left, but can be opened by hitting from the right (firing a game ball into the second game area). Therefore, when a jackpot game is played, the player can play the jackpot game by hitting from the right. The winning symbol of the special symbol may include a small prize symbol for playing a small prize game in which the opening time of the large prize opening 25 is shorter than that of the jackpot game.

The jackpot pattern includes a normal jackpot pattern and a special jackpot pattern. When a special pattern is stopped and displayed as a normal jackpot pattern, the game state after the jackpot game ends becomes the a time-saving state. When a jackpot game is played with a normal jackpot pattern, the a time-saving state continues until the variable display of the special pattern is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times). On the other hand, when a special pattern is stopped and displayed as a special jackpot pattern, the game state after the jackpot game ends becomes the special jackpot game state and the a time-saving state. When a jackpot game is played with a special jackpot pattern, the special jackpot game state and the a time-saving state continue until the variable display of the special pattern is executed a predetermined number of times (10,000 times), that is, essentially, until the next jackpot occurs. Therefore, in the probability variation game mode and the time-saving a mode, by hitting to the right, the player can prevent the loss of balls and advantageously generate a jackpot, giving the player a chance to win a lot of balls in a short amount of time.

In addition, if the special symbol changes display the planned number of times (900 times) without a jackpot occurring, the game state will enter a time-saving game state (time-saving state b). The probability of a jackpot is 1/320 to 1/270, and the time-saving state b will continue until the special symbol changes display the set number of times (1000 times), so when the ceiling is reached and the time-saving state b occurs, a jackpot can be generated in most cases.

[Main control processing]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1, particularly the operation of the main control device 60, will be described in more detail. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the main control process executed by the CPU 60a of the main control device 60. This process is executed when the power switch of the pachinko machine 1 is operated. The main control process is performed by repeatedly executing the following processes after executing the power-on process required for turning on the power of the pachinko machine 1 (S10): random number update process (S20), winning confirmation process (S30), start winning process (S40), normal symbol game process (S50), normal symbol winning game process (S60), special symbol game process (S70), and big win game process (S80). In this embodiment, the time required for the processes of S20 to S80 is about 2 msec, and these processes are repeatedly executed at intervals of about 2 msec. The main control device 60 executes a main control process, sends various commands to the control devices in charge and executes processing according to the commands, thereby progressing the entire game of the pachinko machine 1.

[Power-on process]
8 is a flow chart showing an example of the power-on process. In the power-on process of S10, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first completes the security check and allows access to the RAM 60c (S100), and then judges whether the backup flag is OFF (S102) and whether the RAM clear signal is OFF (S104). The backup flag is a flag indicating whether the data in the RAM 60c is normally held or not, and is ON if the data is normally held and OFF if the data is not normally held. The RAM clear signal is ON when the power is turned on with the RAM clear switch 99 operated, and is OFF when the power is turned on with the RAM clear switch 99 not operated.

When it is determined that the backup flag is OFF, or that the backup flag is ON but the RAM clear signal is ON, the game starts from the initial state. That is, first, the stack setting process is performed (S106). Next, the setting value set by the probability setting switch 98 is read (S108), and the initialization process is performed to clear and initialize the working area of the RAM 60c (S110). The working area of the RAM 60c stores the setting values of various flags and various counters indicating the game state, and the initialization process includes the process of clearing the values of these flags and counters and setting them to their initial values. The various flags include a normal pattern hit flag (normal pattern hit flag) indicating that a normal pattern hit game is being played, a jackpot flag indicating whether or not a jackpot game is being played, a special probability flag indicating whether or not a special probability game state is being played, an a time-saving flag indicating whether or not a time-saving state (first ball-scoring easy state) is being played, and a b time-saving flag indicating whether or not a time-saving state (second ball-scoring easy state) is being played. The various counters include a probability counter indicating the remaining number of times the special symbol will change until the probability game state ends, an a time-saving counter indicating the remaining number of times the special symbol will change until the a time-saving state ends, a b time-saving counter indicating the remaining number of times the special symbol will change until the b time-saving state ends, and a ceiling counter indicating the remaining number of times the special symbol will change until the ceiling is reached. As described above, if the power is turned on while the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are operated, the RAM is cleared, and one setting value selected from settings 1 to 6 by the RAM clear switch 99 and set (selected) by the probability setting switch 98 is enabled. Then, the corresponding initial commands are sent to the payout control device 70 and the sub-integrated control device 90 (S112), and the power-on process is terminated. The initial command sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 includes the values of various flags and various counters.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S102 and S104 that the backup flag is ON and the RAM clear signal is OFF, the system starts from the state immediately before the power was cut off. That is, first, the game information immediately before the power was cut off, which is stored in the working area of the RAM 60c, is read (S114). The game information immediately before the power was cut off is information indicating the state of the game that was in progress immediately before the power was cut off. Then, a power recovery process is performed to resume the game according to the read game information (S116), and corresponding recovery commands are sent to the payout control device 70 and the sub-integrated control device 90 (S118), and the power-on process is terminated. The recovery command sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 includes the values of various flags and various counters, just like the initial command. When the power-on process is terminated, the system returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next random number update process (S20).

[Random number update process]
The random number update process of S20 is a process for updating various random numbers for judgment. Examples of the random numbers for judgment include a random number for jackpot judgment (random number for special symbol hit/miss judgment) used for a jackpot judgment (hit/miss judgment) performed based on the entry of a game ball into the start port (first start port 23 or second start port 24), a random number for determining a jackpot symbol used to determine a jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device (first special symbol display device 31 or second special symbol display device 32) when the result of the jackpot judgment is a jackpot, a random number for determining a losing symbol used to determine a losing symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device (first special symbol display device 31 or second special symbol display device 32) when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss, a random number for determining a variation pattern used to determine a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol, and a random number for determining a normal symbol hit/miss judgment used for a hit/miss judgment performed based on the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol operation gate 22. When the random number update process is completed, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next winning confirmation process (S30).

[Winning confirmation process]
The winning confirmation process of S30 detects the state of various sensors (such as the first start port switch 23a, the second start port switch 24a, the gate switch 22a, the large winning port switch 25a, and the normal winning port switch 27a) and stores the state in a predetermined state storage area of the RAM 60c. In addition, it determines whether or not a game ball is detected by a switch related to a prize ball (the above-mentioned winning port switches except the gate switch 22a), and if it is determined that a game ball is detected, it calculates the number of prize balls to be paid out and stores it as prize ball information in a predetermined prize ball information storage area of the RAM 60c. Then, when the prize ball information is not a value of 0, it transmits a prize ball number designation command (prize ball information) to the payout control device 70 and ends the winning confirmation process. When the payout control device 70 receives the prize ball number designation command, it drives the payout motor 73 to pay out game balls one by one, and executes a prize ball payout process in which the prize ball information (number of unpaid game balls) is decremented by one each time a paid-out game ball is detected by the payout switch 74. This prize ball payout process is repeatedly executed until the prize ball information becomes 0, but when a game ball is detected entering the machine and a new prize ball number designation command is received from the main control device 60, the process is repeated until the prize ball information also becomes 0. When the winning confirmation process is completed, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next start winning process (S40).

[Start-up winning process]
9 is a flow chart showing an example of the start winning process. In the start winning process of S40, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first inputs a detection signal from the first start port switch 23a to determine whether or not a game ball has entered the first start port 23 (S200). When it is determined that a game ball has entered the first start port 23, it determines whether or not the current reserved number of the first special symbol (first special symbol reserved number) is less than its upper limit number (value 4 in this embodiment) (S202). When it is determined that the reserved number of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number, it increments the reserved number of the first special symbol by a value of 1 and updates the display of the first special symbol reserved number display device 33 (S204), and obtains a random number for determining the first special symbol and stores it in a predetermined random number for determining storage area of the RAM 60c (S206). Here, the random numbers for judgment acquired in S206 include information on the progress of the variable game of the first special symbol, such as the random numbers for judging a big win, the random numbers for determining a big win symbol, the random numbers for determining a losing symbol, and the random numbers for determining a variable pattern. Then, a command to indicate the number of reserved first special symbols is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S208), and the process proceeds to S210. The command to indicate the number of reserved first special symbols includes information on the number of reserved first special symbols for displaying the first reserved symbol 372a on the performance display device 37. If it is determined in S200 that no game ball has entered the first starting hole 23, or if it is determined in S202 that the number of reserved first special symbols has reached the upper limit, the process skips S204 to S208 and proceeds to the process of the next S210.

Next, a detection signal from the second start hole switch 24a is input to determine whether or not a game ball has entered the second start hole 24 (S210). When it is determined that a game ball has entered the second start hole 24, it is determined whether or not the current number of reserved second special symbols (second special symbol reserved number) is less than the upper limit number (in this embodiment, the value is 4) (S212). When it is determined that the number of reserved second special symbols is less than the upper limit number, the reserved number of second special symbols is incremented by a value of 1 and the display of the second special symbol reserved number display device 34 is updated (S214), and a random number for determining the second special symbol is obtained and stored in a predetermined random number for determination storage area of the RAM 60c (S216). Here, the random number for determination obtained in S216 can be information on the progress of the variable game of the second special symbol, such as the above-mentioned random number for determining a jackpot, the random number for determining a jackpot symbol, the random number for determining a losing symbol, and the random number for determining a variable pattern. Then, a second special symbol reserved number instruction command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S218), and the process proceeds to S220. The second special symbol reserved number instruction command includes information regarding the reserved number of second special symbols for displaying the second reserved symbol 372b on the performance display device 37. Note that if it is determined in S210 that no game ball has entered the second starting hole 24, or if it is determined in S212 that the reserved number of second special symbols has reached the upper limit, the process skips S214 to S218 and proceeds to the next process of S220.

Next, a detection signal from the gate switch 22a is input to determine whether the game ball has passed through the normal symbol activation gate 22 (S220). When it is determined that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol activation gate 22, it is determined whether the current number of reserved normal symbols is less than the upper limit (for example, a value of 4) (S222). When it is determined that the number of reserved normal symbols is less than the upper limit, the number of reserved normal symbols is incremented by a value of 1 and the display of the normal symbol reserved number display device 36 is updated (S224). Next, a random number for judging the normal symbol is obtained and stored in a predetermined random number for judgment storage area of the RAM 60c (S226). Note that, as the random number for judging the normal symbol, information on the progress of the variable game of the normal symbol, such as the above-mentioned random number for judging whether the normal symbol is a hit or miss, can be exemplified. Then, a command to indicate the number of reserved normal symbols is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S228), and the start winning process is terminated. If it is determined in S220 that the game ball has not passed through the normal symbol activation gate 22, or if it is determined in S222 that the number of reserved normal symbols has reached the upper limit, the process of S224 to S228 is skipped and the start winning process is terminated. When the start winning process is terminated, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next normal symbol game process (S50).

[Normal symbol game processing]
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a normal symbol game process. In the normal symbol game process of S50, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first judges whether the normal symbol hit flag (normal symbol hit flag) is a value of 1 or not (step S300). The normal symbol hit flag is a flag indicating whether or not a normal symbol hit game is being played. If it is judged that the normal symbol hit flag is a value of 1, it is judged that a normal symbol hit game is being played, and the normal symbol game process is terminated. When the normal symbol game process is terminated, it proceeds to the next normal symbol hit game process of S60. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal symbol hit flag is a value of 0 instead of a value of 1, it is judged that a normal symbol hit game is not being played, and it is judged whether or not the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (S302), and whether or not the display time of the fixed symbol of the normal symbol is being displayed (S304). If it is determined that the normal symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner and is not in the display time of the fixed symbol, it is determined whether the number of reserved normal symbols is greater than the value 0 (S306). If it is determined that the number of reserved normal symbols is not greater than the value 0, that is, the value is 0, the normal symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reserved normal symbols is greater than the value 0, the oldest of the normal symbol determination random numbers stored in the determination random number storage area is read (S308), and a normal symbol variable display related process for displaying the normal symbol in a variable manner is executed (S310), and the normal symbol game process is terminated. Hereinafter, the details of the normal symbol variable display related process of S310 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11.

In the normal pattern variation display related process, it is determined whether the a time-saving flag is 0 (S350) and whether the b time-saving flag is 0 (S352). As described above, the a time-saving flag is a flag indicating whether the a time-saving state is in progress, and the a time-saving state occurs when a jackpot is hit. On the other hand, the b time-saving flag is a flag indicating whether the b time-saving state is in progress, and the b time-saving state occurs when the player reaches the ceiling of the trap. If it is determined that both the a time-saving flag and the b time-saving flag are 0, it is determined that the current game state is not a time-saving game state (neither the a time-saving state nor the b time-saving state), and a win/loss determination is made using the low probability normal pattern win determination table based on the obtained normal pattern win/loss determination random number (S354). On the other hand, if it is determined that either the a time-saving flag or the b time-saving flag is not 0 but 1, it is determined that the current game state is a time-saving game state (either the a time-saving state or the b time-saving state), and a win/loss determination is made using the high probability normal pattern hit determination table based on the acquired normal pattern hit/loss determination random number (S356). The normal pattern hit/loss determination is made by comparing the normal pattern hit/loss determination random number with the hit value included in the normal pattern hit determination table, and if the normal pattern hit/loss determination random number matches the hit value, it is determined to be a hit, and if they do not match, it is determined to be a miss. The high probability normal pattern hit determination table has more hit values set than the low probability normal pattern hit determination table. If the result of the win/loss judgment is that the player has won ("YES" in S358), the winning symbol is determined as the fixed symbol of the normal symbol (S360), and the normal symbol fluctuation time (winning fluctuation pattern) from the start of the variable display of the normal symbol to the fixed display of the winning symbol is determined (S362). If the result of the win/loss judgment is that the player has lost ("NO" in S358), the losing symbol is determined as the fixed symbol of the normal symbol (S364), and the normal symbol fluctuation time (losing fluctuation pattern) from the start of the variable display of the normal symbol to the fixed display of the losing symbol is determined (S366). The normal symbol fluctuation time is set to a shorter time in the time-saving game state than in the normal game state. Once the confirmed normal symbol pattern and change time (change pattern) have been determined in this way, the display of the normal symbol changes begins (S368), the number of reserved normal symbols is decremented by a value of 1, and the display on the reserved normal symbol number display device 36 is updated (S370), a command to start changing the normal symbols is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S372), and the normal symbol game process ends.

Returning to the normal symbol game process in FIG. 10, when the normal symbol variable display is started, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 determines in S302 that the normal symbol is being displayed variable, and then determines whether the normal symbol variable time determined in S362 or S366 has elapsed (variation according to the determined variable pattern has ended) (S312). If it is determined that the normal symbol variable time has not elapsed, the normal symbol game process is temporarily terminated, and if it is determined that the normal symbol variable time has elapsed, a fixed symbol display process is performed to display the fixed symbol of the normal symbol being displayed variable (S314). Then, it is determined whether the fixed symbol display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed (S316). If it is determined that the fixed symbol display time has not elapsed, the normal symbol game process is temporarily terminated. When the normal pattern game process is executed after the fixed normal pattern is displayed, it is determined in S304 that the display time of the fixed pattern is in progress, so it is again determined in S316 whether the fixed pattern display time has elapsed, and if it is determined that the fixed pattern display time has elapsed, the display of the fixed pattern is terminated (S318), and it is determined whether the fixed normal pattern is a winning pattern (S320).

If it is determined that the confirmed normal symbol is not a winning symbol but a losing symbol, the normal symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the confirmed normal symbol is a winning symbol, the normal symbol winning flag (normal symbol winning flag) is set to a value of 1 (S322), and the normal symbol game process is terminated. When the normal symbol game process is terminated, the process proceeds to the next normal symbol winning game process in S60.

[Normal symbol winning game processing]
12 is a flow chart showing an example of a normal symbol winning game process. In the normal symbol winning game process of S60, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first judges whether the normal symbol winning flag is a value of 1 or not (S400). If it is judged that the normal symbol winning flag is a value of 0 instead of a value of 1, it is judged that the normal symbol winning game is not being played, and the normal symbol winning game process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal symbol winning flag is a value of 1, it is judged that the normal symbol winning game is being played, and it is judged whether the second start hole 24 is being opened or not (S402). If it is judged that the second start hole 24 is not being opened, it is judged whether the opening waiting time has elapsed or not (S404). If it is judged that the opening waiting time has not elapsed, the normal symbol winning game process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the opening waiting time has elapsed, the opening pattern (maximum opening time) of the second start hole 24 is determined (S406), and the second start hole solenoid 24c is controlled so that the second start hole 24 opens in the determined opening pattern (S408), and the normal symbol winning game processing is temporarily terminated. The opening pattern of the second start hole 24 differs depending on the game state. In this embodiment, when the game state is the normal game state, an opening pattern is set in which the hole is opened once for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, and when the game state is the time-saving game state, an opening pattern is set in which the hole is opened once for a maximum of 5.8 seconds.

When the second start hole 24 is opened, the next time the normal symbol winning game processing is executed, in order to determine in S402 that the second start hole 24 is open, it is determined whether or not a specified number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) have entered the second start hole 24 based on the detection signal from the second start hole switch 24a (S410), and whether or not the elapsed time since the opening of the second start hole 24 has started has reached the maximum opening time determined in S406 (S412). If it is determined that the specified number of game balls have not entered the second start hole 24, and that the elapsed time since the opening of the second start hole 24 has not reached the maximum opening time determined, the normal symbol winning game processing is temporarily terminated while the second start hole 24 is kept open. On the other hand, if it is determined that the specified number of game balls have entered the second start hole 24, or that the elapsed time since the opening of the second start hole 24 has started has reached the maximum opening time determined, the second start hole 24 is closed (S414). Then, to end the normal symbol hit game, the normal symbol hit flag is set to a value of 0 (S416), and the normal symbol hit game process ends. When the normal symbol hit game process ends, the process proceeds to the special symbol game process of S70.

[Special symbol game processing]
13 and 14 are flow charts showing an example of a special symbol game process. In the special symbol game process of S70, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first judges whether the jackpot flag is a value of 1 or not (S500). If it is judged that the jackpot flag is a value of 1, it is judged that a jackpot game is being played, and the special symbol game process is terminated. When the special game process is terminated, it returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next jackpot game process (S80). On the other hand, if it is judged that the jackpot flag is a value of 0, not a value of 1, it is judged that a jackpot game is not being played, and it is judged whether either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (S502), and whether or not a fixed symbol is being displayed (S504). If it is judged that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner and the fixed symbol is not being displayed, it is judged whether or not the reserved number of the second special symbol is greater than a value of 0 (S506). If it is determined that the number of reserved second special symbols is greater than the value 0, the oldest of the random numbers for determining the second special symbol stored in the random number memory area for determining the second special symbol is read (S508), a process related to the second special symbol change display for displaying the change in the second special symbol is executed (S510), and the special symbol game process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the reserved number of the second special symbol is 0, it is determined whether or not the reserved number of the first special symbol is greater than 0 (S512). If it is determined that the reserved number of the first special symbol is greater than 0, the oldest random number for determining the first special symbol stored in the random number for determining storage area is read (S514), a process related to the first special symbol variable display is executed to display the first special symbol variable (S516), and the special symbol game process is terminated.
When it is determined that the reserved number of the special symbol is the value 0, the special symbol game processing is terminated. In S506 to S516, when the reserved number of the first special symbol and the reserved number of the second special symbol are both greater than the value 0, the display of the change of the second special symbol (consumption of reserved) is executed with priority (special symbol 2 priority change). Of course, this is not limited to this, and the display of the change of the first special symbol (consumption of reserved) may be executed with priority (special symbol 1 priority change), the display of the change of the special symbol may be executed in the order of balls entering the start hole (first start hole 23, second start hole 24) (ball entry order change), or the display of the change of the first special symbol and the display of the change of the second special symbol may be executed in parallel (simultaneous change). Details of the second special symbol change display related process of S510 and the first special symbol change display related process of S516 will be described below. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol change display related process. In the following, in order to avoid duplication, the first special pattern change display related process and the second special pattern change display related process will be explained using a common flowchart.

In the special pattern change display related process, first, it is determined whether the probability flag is 0 or not (S570). The probability flag is a flag that indicates whether the current game state is a probability game state. If it is determined that the probability flag is 0, it is determined that the current game state is not a probability game state, and a low probability hit value corresponding to the set value is read (S572). If it is determined that the probability flag is 1 instead of 0, it is determined that the current game state is a probability game state, and a high probability hit value corresponding to the set value is read (S574). A jackpot determination is performed to determine whether or not a jackpot has occurred by comparing the jackpot determination random number obtained in S508 or S514 with the read hit value (S576). The jackpot determination is performed when the jackpot determination random number matches any of the read hit values, and when the jackpot determination random number does not match any of the read hit values, it is determined that a miss has occurred. Here, the winning value that is read out corresponds to the currently set value out of settings 1 to 6 and the current game state (normal game state or special game state). A different number of winning values is assigned to each of settings 1 to 6, and in this embodiment, the higher the setting value, the more winning values are assigned. That is, setting 1 has the fewest number of winning values, and setting 6 has the most number of winning values. The more winning values assigned, the higher the probability of a jackpot for a special pattern, so setting 1 has the lowest probability of a jackpot and is the most disadvantageous setting value to the player, and setting 6 has the highest probability of a jackpot and is the most advantageous setting value to the player.

Then, it is determined whether the result of the jackpot determination process is a jackpot (S578), and if it is a jackpot, the jackpot pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the jackpot pattern obtained in S508 or S514 (S580). This process is performed by using the random number for determining the jackpot pattern to select one pattern from among multiple jackpot patterns (e.g., 4R normal jackpot pattern, 10R normal jackpot pattern, 10R special jackpot pattern, etc.) that differ in the content of the jackpot game (number of rounds) and the game state after the jackpot game ends (normal game state, special game state), using the random number for determining the jackpot pattern. The determined jackpot pattern is stored in RAM 60c and is saved until the jackpot game ends. Then, a variation pattern determination process is executed to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol from when the variation display of the special symbol starts to the time when the determined jackpot symbol stops and is displayed based on the variation pattern determination random number and the variation pattern table obtained in S508 or S514 (S582).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S578 that the result of the jackpot determination process is a miss, a losing symbol is determined based on the random number for determining the losing symbol obtained in S508 or S514 (S584). Next, a variation pattern determination process is executed to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol from when the variable display of the special symbol starts until the determined losing symbol is displayed, based on the random number for determining the variable pattern obtained in S508 or S514 and the variable pattern table (S586).

Here, the fluctuation pattern determination process executed in S582 and S586 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the fluctuation pattern determination process. In the fluctuation pattern determination process, it is first determined whether the time-saving flag a has a value of 0 (S600), and whether the time-saving flag b has a value of 0 (S602). If it is determined that both the time-saving flag a and the time-saving flag b have a value of 0, it is determined that the game state is a normal game state, and the normal table is selected as the fluctuation pattern table (S604).

If it is determined in S600 that the a time-saving flag is not 0 but 1, the game state is determined to be the a time-saving state (first easy-to-score state), and further, it is determined whether the a time-saving counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value α (S606). Here, the predetermined value α determines the timing of switching the variable putter table, and is set to a value (e.g., value 50) that is greater than the value 0 and smaller than the number of times the a time-saving state continues (value 100) that occurs after a jackpot game is played with a normal jackpot and the jackpot game ends. If it is determined that the a time-saving counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α, the a time-saving table A (second specific table) is selected as the variable pattern table (S608), and if it is determined that the a time-saving counter is less than the predetermined value α, the a time-saving table B (first specific table) whose average variable time is longer than the a time-saving table A and shorter than the normal table is selected as the variable pattern table (S610).

If it is determined in S600 that the time-saving flag a has a value of 0 and in S602 that the time-saving flag b has a value of 1, the time-saving table b, whose average fluctuation time is the same as that of the time-saving table a A, is selected as the fluctuation pattern table (S612).

Once the fluctuation pattern table is selected in this manner, the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) of the special symbol is determined (S614) based on the selected table, the hit/miss determination result of S576, and the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation pattern determination process is terminated.

17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table. FIG. 17(a) shows a normal table, FIG. 17(b) shows a table common to the a time-saving table A and the b time-saving table, and FIG. 17(c) shows the a time-saving table B. All of these variation pattern tables are stored in ROM 60b. Each variation pattern of the variation pattern table includes, in order from the shortest variation time, a miss without a reach, a normal reach, and an SP (special) reach that develops from a normal reach. If the result of the hit/miss judgment is a miss, the patterns are in order of the highest probability of appearance: a miss without a reach, a normal reach, and an SP reach, and if the result of the hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, the patterns are in order of the highest probability of appearance: an SP reach, and a normal reach. Note that if the result of the hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, a miss without a reach will not appear. Therefore, a miss without a reach will not result in a jackpot, and an SP reach has a higher reliability of a jackpot than a normal reach.

As shown in FIG. 17, the a time-saving table A, B, and the b time-saving table all have a shorter average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined than the normal table. Also, the a time-saving table A has a shorter average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined than the a time-saving table B. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the b time-saving table is configured as a common table with the a time-saving table A. Therefore, the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined during the a time-saving state is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined during the normal game state, and the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined during the b time-saving state is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined during the a time-saving state. As described above, the b time-saving state occurs when the ceiling of the trap is reached, and when the b time-saving state occurs, a jackpot occurs in most cases. For this reason, by shortening the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined during the b time-saving state, the time until the jackpot occurs can be shortened and the player can be prevented from feeling stressed. On the other hand, in the a-time-saving state, one of multiple fluctuation pattern tables (a-time-saving tables A and B) is selected, each of which has a different average fluctuation time for the determined fluctuation pattern, so that the variation in the fluctuation pattern can be diversified, and the interest in playing can be increased by executing various fluctuation effects according to the fluctuation pattern. The a-time-saving table B may be shared with the normal table. Also, separate tables may be used for the a-time-saving table A and the b-time-saving table.

Returning to the special symbol variation display related process of FIG. 15, once the variation pattern has been determined in this manner, the special symbol variation display is started (S588), the reserved number of special symbols is decremented by a value of 1, and the display on the special symbol reservation number display device is updated (S590). In addition, with the update of the reserved number of special symbols, the judgment random numbers related to the reserved numbers to be consumed this time are cleared, and a shift process is performed to shift the judgment random numbers related to the remaining reserved numbers. Then, a special symbol variation start command (special symbol variation start command) is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S592), and the special symbol variation display related process is terminated. In these processes, when the first special symbol change display is started, the reserved number of the first special symbol is decremented by a value of 1, the display of the first special symbol reserved number display device 33 is updated, and then a first special symbol change start command (first special symbol change start command) is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90. When the second special symbol change display is started, the reserved number of the second special symbol is decremented by a value of 1, the display of the second special symbol reserved number display device 34 is updated, and then a second special symbol change start command (second special symbol change start command) is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90. The sub-integrated control device 90 that has received the special symbol change instruction command sends a control command to the performance display control device 91 so that the pattern change performance is started on the performance display device 37. The special symbol change start command includes the result of the hit/miss judgment, the special symbol change pattern (change time), the confirmed symbol (jackpot symbol or miss symbol), etc.

Returning to the special symbol game process of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, when the special symbol game process is executed after the variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) has started, since it is determined in S502 that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 determines whether the variable time has elapsed (S518). Since the variable time is set according to the variable pattern of the special symbol determined in S582 or S586, it is possible to determine whether the variable time has elapsed by comparing the elapsed time since the variable display of the special symbol started with the variable time corresponding to the determined variable pattern. If it is determined that the variable time has not elapsed, the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. If it is determined that the variable time has elapsed, a symbol stop command is sent to the sub integrated control device 90 (S520), and the fixed symbol of the special symbol being displayed is displayed (S522). The sub-integrated control device 90, which has received the symbol stop command, transmits a control command to the effect display control device 91 to end the symbol change effect on the effect display device 37. Then, it is determined whether the display time of the fixed symbol has elapsed (S524). Here, the display time of the fixed symbol is set to 0.5 seconds in this embodiment. If it is determined that the display time of the fixed symbol has not elapsed, the special symbol game process is temporarily terminated. When the special symbol game process is executed after the special symbol is stopped and displayed, it is determined in S504 that the fixed symbol is being displayed, so it is again determined in S524 whether the display time of the fixed symbol has elapsed, and if it is determined that the display time of the fixed symbol has elapsed, the display of the fixed symbol is terminated (S526), and it is determined whether the fixed symbol is a jackpot symbol (S528).

When it is determined in S528 that it is a jackpot pattern, the operation of the condition device is started to generate a jackpot (S530), the operation of the consecutive operation device of the role is started (S532), and the value of the jackpot flag is set to 1 (S534). In order to stop the probability variation function and the time-saving function during the jackpot game, when the probability variation flag is set to 1, the value of the probability variation flag is set to 0 (S536, S538), when the a-time-saving flag is set to 1, the value of the a-time-saving flag is set to 0 (S540, S542), and when the b-time-saving flag is set to 1, the value of the b-time-saving flag is set to 0 (S544, S546). Then, the ceiling counter is cleared (S548), and a game state designation command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S550), and the special pattern game process is terminated. The game state designation command includes the value of the jackpot flag, the value of the probability variation flag, the value of the a-time-saving flag, and the value of the b-time-saving flag. Once the special symbol game process is completed, the game returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next S80 jackpot game process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S528 that the symbol is not a winning symbol but a losing symbol, it is determined whether the probability variable flag is set to value 1 (probability variable game state) (S552), and if it is determined that the probability variable flag is set to value 0 rather than value 1, the process proceeds to the time-saving flag setting process of S560. If it is determined that the probability variable flag is set to value 1, the probability variable counter is decremented by value 1 (S554), and it is determined whether the probability variable counter is set to value 0 (S556). The probability variable counter indicates the remaining number of times the special symbol will change until the probability variable game state ends, and a predetermined value is set to the probability variable counter when the jackpot game ends. In this embodiment, when the jackpot symbol is a probability variable jackpot symbol (probability variable jackpot), the value 10000 is set. Therefore, when a probability variable jackpot is hit, the probability variable game state is essentially maintained until the next jackpot is hit. If it is determined that the probability change counter is not 0, the time-saving flag setting process is executed while maintaining the probability change game state (S560). If it is determined that the probability change counter is 0, in order to end the probability change game state, the probability change flag is set to 0 (S558), and the time-saving flag setting process is executed (S560). Then, a game state designation command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S550), and the special symbol game process is ended.

Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the time-saving flag setting process. In the time-saving flag setting process, first, it is determined whether the a time-saving flag is a value of 1 (in the a time-saving state) (S620). If it is determined that the a time-saving flag is a value of 1, the a time-saving counter is decremented by a value of 1 (S622), and it is determined whether the a time-saving counter is a value of 0 (S624). The a time-saving counter indicates the remaining number of times the special pattern will change until the a time-saving state ends, and a predetermined initial value is set to the a time-saving counter when the jackpot game ends. In this embodiment, if the jackpot pattern is a normal jackpot pattern, a value of 100 is set, and if it is a special jackpot pattern, a value of 10000 is set. Therefore, when a special jackpot is hit, the a time-saving state is essentially maintained until the next jackpot is hit. If it is determined that the a-time-saving counter is not equal to the value 0, the process proceeds to S628 while maintaining the a-time-saving state, and if it is determined that the a-time-saving counter is equal to the value 0, the a-time-saving flag is set to the value 0 (S626) in order to end the a-time-saving state, and the process proceeds to S628.

Next, it is determined whether the probability variable flag is 0 (S628). If it is determined that the probability variable flag is not 0 but 1, the time-saving flag setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the probability variable flag is 0, it is determined whether the b time-saving flag is 1 (in the b time-saving state) (S630). If it is determined that the b time-saving flag is not 1, the ceiling counter is decremented by 1 (S632), and it is determined whether the ceiling counter is 0 (S634). The ceiling counter indicates the remaining number of times the special pattern will change until the ceiling is reached, and a predetermined initial value (value 900) is set to the ceiling counter at the end of the big win game. If it is determined that the ceiling counter is not 0, the time-saving flag setting process is terminated, and if it is determined that the ceiling counter is 0, the b time-saving flag is set to 1 (S636) and the b time-saving counter is set (S638) in order to generate the b time-saving state, and the time-saving flag setting process is terminated. The b time-saving counter indicates the number of times the special symbol will change until the b time-saving state ends, and is set to a predetermined initial value (value 1000). The probability of a jackpot is 1/320 to 1/270, so when the ceiling is reached and the b time-saving state occurs, you will almost always win a jackpot.

In S630, if it is determined that the b time-saving flag is a value of 1, the b time-saving counter is decremented by a value of 1 (S640), and it is determined whether the b time-saving counter is a value of 0 (S642). If it is determined that the b time-saving counter is not a value of 0, the time-saving flag setting process is terminated while maintaining the b time-saving state, and if it is determined that the b time-saving counter is a value of 0, the b time-saving flag is set to a value of 0 (S644) in order to terminate the b time-saving state, and the time-saving flag setting process is terminated. In other words, if the b time-saving counter becomes a value of 0 without a jackpot being drawn, the b time-saving state ends and the game moves to the normal game state. In this embodiment, since the ceiling counter is not initialized, if the game moves to the normal game state without a jackpot being drawn in the b time-saving state, even if the number of times the special pattern changes further reaches the scheduled number of times, it is not considered that the ceiling has been reached, and the b time-saving state does not occur. Of course, after the transition from the b time-saving state to the normal game state, the ceiling counter can be initialized, and when the number of times the special symbol changes reaches a scheduled number of times, the b time-saving state can be triggered as the ceiling has been reached.

In this embodiment, the ceiling counter is counted even during the a time-saving state (the a time-saving flag is a value of 1) unless the player is in the high probability game state (the high probability game flag is a value of 1). However, it may not be counted during the a time-saving state. In addition, in a type of pachinko machine in which the ceiling counter is initialized when the b time-saving counter becomes a value of 0 without a jackpot being hit during the b time-saving state and the game returns to the normal game state, if the number of time-saving times in the b time-saving state (e.g., 450 times) is less than the ceiling number (e.g., 900 times), the ceiling counter may be counted during the b time-saving state. In addition, in a pachinko machine (a so-called ST machine) in which the number of high probability game times in the high probability game state is relatively small (e.g., 50 times or 100 times), the ceiling counter may be counted during the high probability game state.

[Jackpot game processing]
19 and 20 are flow charts showing an example of the jackpot game process. In the jackpot game process of S80, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first judges whether the jackpot flag is value 1 (during jackpot game) or not (S700). If it is judged that the jackpot flag is value 0, not value 1, the jackpot game process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the jackpot flag is value 1, it judges whether the big prize winning port 25 is open or not (S702), whether the jackpot game start presentation is in progress or not (S704), whether the jackpot game end presentation is in progress or not (S706), and whether the opening interval is in progress or not (S708). If the judgments of S702 to S708 are all negative, it transmits a jackpot game start presentation command to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S710) and terminates the jackpot game process. The sub-integrated control device 90 that has received the jackpot game start presentation command starts the jackpot game start presentation. When the jackpot game start presentation starts, the next time the jackpot game process is executed, it is determined in S704 that the jackpot game start presentation is in progress, and it is determined whether the jackpot game start presentation time has elapsed (S712). If it is determined that the jackpot game start presentation time has not elapsed, the jackpot game process is temporarily terminated, and if it is determined that the jackpot game start presentation time has elapsed, the jackpot game solenoid 25c is driven to open the jackpot game opening 25 (S714), and the jackpot game process is terminated. With the opening of the jackpot game opening 25, the main control unit 60 transmits a round game presentation command to the sub-integrated control unit 90.

When the large prize opening 25 is opened, the next time the large prize opening 25 is executed, it is determined in S702 that the large prize opening 25 is open, and based on the detection signal from the large prize opening switch 25a, it is determined whether the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 25 has reached a specified number (10 in this embodiment) (S716), and whether the elapsed time (opening time) since the large prize opening 25 was opened has reached the maximum opening time (28 seconds in this embodiment) (S718). If it is determined that the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 25 has not reached the specified number and the opening time of the large prize opening 25 has not reached the maximum opening time, the large prize opening 25 is left open and the large prize opening 25 is left open while the large prize opening 25 is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of game balls entering the big prize opening 25 has reached a specified number, or when it is determined that the opening time of the big prize opening 25 has reached the maximum opening time even if the number of balls entering the big prize opening 25 has not reached the specified number, the big prize opening 25 is closed (S720), and it is determined whether or not the current round game is the final round (S722). Since the number of rounds of the big prize game is set by the big prize pattern ("4R normal big prize pattern", "10R normal big prize pattern", "10R special big prize pattern"), the determination of whether or not the current round game is the final round is performed by determining whether or not the number of repetitions of the round game has reached a number determined according to the big prize pattern. When it is determined that the current round game is not the final round, an interval between openings is generated (S724), and the big prize game processing is terminated. When an interval between openings is generated, the main control unit 60 transmits an interval between openings generation command to the sub integrated control unit 90. If an interval between openings occurs, the next time the jackpot game process is executed, it is determined in S708 that the interval between openings is in progress, and it is then determined whether the interval between openings (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed (S726). If it is determined that the interval between openings has not elapsed, the jackpot game process is terminated once with the jackpot winning opening 25 closed, and if it is determined that the interval between openings has elapsed, the jackpot winning opening 25 is opened again (S714), and the jackpot game process is terminated.

After repeating the round play in which the big prize winning opening 25 is opened and closed with an interval between openings, if it is determined in S722 that the current round play is the final round, a big prize play end presentation command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S728) and the big prize play processing is terminated. The sub-integrated control device 90 that has received the big prize play end presentation command starts the big prize play end presentation. When the big prize play end presentation starts, it is determined in S706 that the big prize play end presentation is in progress when the next big prize play processing is started, so it is determined whether the big prize play end presentation time has elapsed (S730). If it is determined that the big prize play end presentation time has not elapsed, the big prize play processing is temporarily terminated, and if it is determined that the big prize play end presentation time has elapsed, the operation of the role continuous operation device is stopped (S732) and the operation of the condition device is stopped (S734). Next, the process performs a probability variable flag setting process (S736) and a probability variable counter setting process (S738), and also performs a time-saving flag setting process (S740) and a time-saving counter setting process (S742). The probability variable flag setting process is performed by setting the probability variable flag to a value of 0 when the jackpot pattern is a normal jackpot pattern, and by setting the probability variable flag to a value of 1 when the jackpot pattern is a probability variable jackpot pattern. The probability variable counter setting process is performed by setting the value of 10000 when the jackpot pattern is a probability variable jackpot pattern. The time-saving flag setting process is performed by setting the time-saving flag to a value of 1, regardless of whether the jackpot pattern is a normal jackpot pattern or a probability variable jackpot pattern. The a time-saving counter setting process is performed by setting a value of 100 when the jackpot pattern is a normal jackpot pattern, and by setting a value of 10,000 when the jackpot pattern is a guaranteed jackpot pattern. Next, the ceiling counter setting process is performed (S744). The ceiling counter setting process is performed by setting the ceiling counter to a value of 900. Then, in order to end the jackpot game, the jackpot flag is set to a value of 0 (S746), and a game state designation command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S748), and the jackpot game process is ended. The game state designation command includes the value of the guaranteed jackpot flag, the value of the a time-saving flag, the value of the a time-saving counter, the value of the b time-saving flag, the value of the b time-saving counter, the value of the ceiling counter, the value of the jackpot flag, etc.

Next, the processing of the sub-integrated control device 90 that receives various commands from the main control device 60 will be described. As described above, the commands that the sub-integrated control device 90 receives from the main control device 60 include a special pattern change start command, a pattern stop command, a game state designation command, a jackpot game start presentation command, and a jackpot game end presentation command. In addition, the processing of the sub-integrated control device 90 includes a pattern change presentation process performed based on the special pattern change display, a presentation mode setting process that sets a presentation mode according to the game state, and a jackpot game presentation process performed during a jackpot game.

[Pattern change effect processing]
21 is a flowchart showing an example of a pattern change performance process. In the pattern change performance process, the CPU 90a of the sub-integrated control device 90 first judges whether or not the special pattern change start command transmitted by the main control device 60 in S592 of the special pattern change display related process in FIG. 15 has been received (S800). If it is judged that the special pattern change start command has not been received, the process proceeds to S808. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special pattern change start command has been received, the stop pattern of the performance pattern is determined based on the determined pattern of the special pattern included in the special pattern change start command (S802), and the change pattern (performance pattern) of the performance pattern is determined based on the change pattern (change time) of the special pattern (S804), and the pattern change performance that changes and displays the performance patterns 371L, 371C, and 371R is started (S806). In addition, in the normal game state (when the a time-saving flag and the b time-saving flag are both set to the value 0), when the ceiling counter reaches the value 0 and the ceiling is reached, a notification effect may be executed to notify the player that the ceiling has been reached, along with the execution of the pattern change effect.

The change pattern of the performance symbols (performance pattern) is determined by selecting from among multiple patterns the change pattern of the performance symbols (performance pattern) corresponding to the change pattern (change time) of the special symbol determined in S582 or S586 (change pattern determination process) of the special symbol change display related process. For example, if a no-reach miss is determined as the change pattern of the special symbol, a no-reach miss performance is selected in which the two performance symbols 371L, 371C, and 371R are displayed in a changeable manner, and the remaining one performance symbol 371C is displayed in a stopped manner without generating a reach by displaying different performance symbols 371L and 371R. Note that if the hit/miss determination result is a big hit, a no-reach miss performance is not selected because a no-reach miss is not determined as the change pattern of the special symbol. When the normal reach is determined as the variation pattern of the special symbol, the normal reach performance is selected in which the performance symbols 371L, 371C, and 371R are displayed in a variable manner, and then the two performance symbols 371L and 371R are displayed as the same symbol to generate a reach, and the remaining performance symbol 371C is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time in the reach state and then displayed as a stop. Furthermore, when the SP reach is determined as the variation pattern of the special symbol, the SP reach performance is selected in which the normal reach performance is developed, and the remaining performance symbol 371C is displayed as a stop after passing through a specific performance. In this embodiment, the specific performance has a plurality of specific performances including a provocative performance that incites whether or not a jackpot will be won, and in the SP reach performance, one of the multiple specific performances is executed. In the SP reach, the variation time of the special symbol is longer than in the normal reach, and the reliability of the jackpot is also high, so that the provocative performance is executed as the specific performance for the SP reach, thereby increasing the player's expectation of a jackpot. Furthermore, by having multiple special effects, it is possible to provide a wide variety of special effects, preventing players from getting bored.

Here, as described above, during the a time-saving state, the average change time of the change pattern determined is shorter than during the normal game state, and during the b time-saving state, the average change time of the change pattern determined is shorter than during the a time-saving state. Also, during the a time-saving state, the change pattern of the special symbol is determined based on a table selected from a plurality of change pattern tables (a time-saving tables A and B), and during the b time-saving state, the change pattern of the special symbol is determined based on one change pattern table (b time-saving table) whose average change time is the same as the table (a time-saving table B) whose average change time is shorter among the plurality of change pattern tables selected during the a time-saving state. The a time-saving state occurs after the end of a jackpot game, and during the a time-saving state, the player is expected to win consecutive jackpots, so that the change pattern of the special symbol is determined while switching between a plurality of change pattern tables, and the pattern change performance according to the determined change pattern is executed, thereby making it possible to diversify the variation of the pattern change performance and to increase the player's sense of expectation. On the other hand, the b time-saving state occurs under different conditions after the end of the jackpot game and lasts longer than the a time-saving state, so by using the b time-saving table, which has a shorter average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined compared to the a time-saving state, it is possible to shorten the time required for the jackpot to occur even a little. In this way, by selecting a fluctuation pattern table that matches the type of time-saving game state and determining the fluctuation pattern, it is possible to improve the presentation in the a time-saving state and increase the interest in the game, and in the b time-saving state, it is possible to quickly progress the game and generate a jackpot without causing the player stress.

When the symbol change presentation is started in this manner, it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command transmitted by the main control device 60 in S520 of the special symbol game processing in FIG. 13 has been received (S808). If it is determined that the symbol stop command has not been received, the symbol change presentation ends as is, and if it is determined that the symbol stop command has been received, the symbol change presentation ends by stopping the display of the presentation symbol changes (S810), and the symbol change presentation ends.

[Performance mode setting process]
FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of the presentation mode setting process. In the presentation mode setting process, the CPU 90a of the sub-integrated control device 90 judges whether or not a jackpot game is being played (S900), whether or not a probability variable game state is being played (S902), whether or not a time-saving a state is being played (S904), and whether or not a time-saving b state is being played (S906). These processes can be performed by checking the values of the jackpot flag, the probability variable flag, the time-saving a flag, and the time-saving b flag included in the received game state designation command. If it is judged that a jackpot game is being played, the presentation mode setting process is terminated without setting the presentation mode. In this case, a jackpot game presentation corresponding to a jackpot game is executed in the jackpot game presentation process. If it is judged that a jackpot game is not being played, and that the jackpot game is not being played in a probability variable game state, a time-saving a state, or a time-saving b state, it is judged that the game is in a normal game state, and the presentation mode corresponding to the normal game state is set as the presentation mode (S908), and the presentation mode setting process is terminated. Also, if it is determined in S902 that the game is in a high probability game state, a high probability game mode corresponding to the high probability game state is set as the presentation mode (S910), and the presentation mode setting process is terminated.

When it is determined in S904 that the time-saving state is in progress, it is determined whether the time-saving counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value α (for example, a value of 50) (S912). When it is determined that the time-saving counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α, the time-saving mode A after a big win is set as the presentation mode (S914), and the presentation mode setting process is terminated. When it is determined that the time-saving counter is less than the predetermined value α, the time-saving mode B after a big win is set as the presentation mode (S916), and the presentation mode setting process is terminated. As described above, when the time-saving counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α during the time-saving state, the variation pattern of the special pattern is determined based on the time-saving table A, and when the time-saving counter is less than the predetermined value α, the variation pattern of the special pattern is determined based on the time-saving table B, which has a longer average variation time than the time-saving table A. Therefore, the time-saving mode A after a big win is set as the presentation mode during the period in which the variation pattern is determined based on the time-saving table A, and the time-saving mode B after a big win is set as the presentation mode during the period in which the variation pattern is determined based on the time-saving table B. If it is determined in S906 that the b time-saving state is in progress, the ceiling time-saving mode is set as the presentation mode (S918), and the presentation mode setting process is terminated. In the b time-saving state, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on one b time-saving table, regardless of the value of the b time-saving counter. Therefore, the ceiling time-saving mode is the presentation mode that is set during the period in which the variation pattern is determined based on the b time-saving table.

23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a presentation mode. FIG. 23(a) shows the post-jackpot time-saving mode A, FIG. 23(b) shows the post-jackpot time-saving mode B, and FIG. 23(c) shows the ceiling time-saving mode. As shown in the figure, the post-jackpot time-saving mode A, the post-jackpot time-saving mode B, and the ceiling time-saving mode are each executed on a different presentation screen. Therefore, the player can determine the currently executed presentation mode by looking at the presentation screen of the presentation display device 37. In this embodiment, the multiple presentation modes (post-jackpot time-saving modes A and B, and the ceiling time-saving mode) may have different backgrounds, or the display modes of the presentation patterns 371L, 371C, and 371R may be different. In addition, the presentation modes of the preview presentation and the reach presentation may be different, and the appearance rates of these may be different.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment described above, the time-saving game state (ball-scoring easy state) has an a-time-saving state (post-jackpot time-saving) that occurs after the end of a jackpot game, and a b-time-saving state (ceiling time-saving) that occurs under different conditions after the end of a jackpot game. In the a-time-saving state, one of the a-time-saving tables A and B, each of which has a different average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined, is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined based on the selected table. On the other hand, in the b-time-saving state, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on one b-time-saving table whose average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined is equal to or less than the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined in the a-time-saving state. In this way, in the a-time-saving state (post-jackpot time-saving) that occurs after the end of a jackpot game, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on a table selected from the a-time-saving tables A and B, each of which has a different average fluctuation time, so that the variation of the fluctuation pattern can be diversified, and the player's expectations for consecutive jackpots can be increased. On the other hand, in the b time-saving state (ceiling time-saving) which occurs under different conditions (reaching the trap ceiling) from the end of the jackpot game, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on one b time-saving table whose average fluctuation time is equal to or less than the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined in the a time-saving state, so that the game can be progressed quickly and the time required for the occurrence of a jackpot can be shortened. In particular, the b time-saving state continues until a jackpot is hit or the special pattern is displayed in a fluctuating manner 1000 times, and since a jackpot can be hit in most cases, it is very significant to shorten the time required for the occurrence of a jackpot. In this way, by determining an appropriate fluctuation pattern according to the type of time-saving game state, the player's interest in the game can be improved.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, the time-saving game state includes the a time-saving state (post-jackpot time-saving) that occurs after the end of the jackpot game, and the b time-saving state (ceiling time-saving) that occurs based on reaching the ceiling of the trap. However, the time-saving game state that occurs under a condition different from that after the end of the jackpot game may include the c time-saving state that occurs based on the special pattern being stopped and displayed as a specific pattern (time-saving pattern). In this case, only one of the b time-saving state and the c time-saving state may be present, or both may be present. During the c time-saving state, as in the b time-saving state, the fluctuation pattern may be determined based on the average fluctuation time or less of the a time-saving table A, which has the shorter average fluctuation time, of the multiple a time-saving tables A and B selected in the a time-saving state. In addition, when both the b time-saving state and the c time-saving state are present, the number of times the b time-saving state continues may be greater than that of the c time-saving state, and the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined in the b time-saving state may be shorter than that of the c time-saving state. In this way, by diversifying the variations in time-saving play states, interest in play can be further increased.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, the b time-saving table selected in the b time-saving state (ceiling time-saving) is configured as the same table as the a time-saving table A, which has the shorter average fluctuation time among the multiple tables (a time-saving tables A and B) selected in the a time-saving state, but it may be configured as a table with a shorter average fluctuation time than the a time-saving table A. In this way, the time until a jackpot occurs in the b time-saving state can be further shortened. However, the b time-saving table may be configured as a table with a shorter average fluctuation time than the a time-saving table B, which has the longer average fluctuation time among the multiple tables (a time-saving tables A and B) selected in the a time-saving state, and a longer average fluctuation time than the a time-saving table A, which has the shorter average fluctuation time. In this case, it is desirable to configure the b time-saving table so that its average fluctuation time is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern determined in the a time-saving state.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, in the b time-saving state (ceiling time-saving), the fluctuation pattern is determined based on one fluctuation pattern table (b time-saving table). However, even in the b time-saving state, one of the multiple fluctuation pattern tables (b time-saving tables A, B) may be selected, and the fluctuation pattern may be determined based on the selected table. In this case, the multiple b time-saving tables A, B may all be configured so that their average fluctuation time is equal to or shorter than the average fluctuation time of the a time-saving table A, which has the shorter average fluctuation time among the multiple a time-saving tables A, B selected in the a time-saving state. In this way, it is possible to provide variation to the fluctuation pattern determined even in the b time-saving state.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, the presentation mode for the a time-saving state (time-saving after a jackpot) has multiple modes (post-jackpot time-saving modes A and B), and the presentation mode for the b time-saving state (ceiling time-saving) has one mode (ceiling time-saving mode). However, the presentation mode for the b time-saving state may have multiple presentation modes. In this case, the presentation mode may be switched depending on the number of times the special pattern changes after the b time-saving state occurs. Also, during the time-saving game state, the same presentation mode may be used whether in the a time-saving state or the b time-saving state. In this way, the player does not know that the variation pattern table has been switched, and the appearance of a variation pattern with a long variation time can increase the player's anticipation for a jackpot.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, one jackpot probability is selected from a number of different jackpot probabilities based on the operation of the operation means (probability setting switch 98) and set, but it is also possible to make it possible to select whether or not there is a ceiling by the operation means, and to change the number of times the special symbols change until the ceiling is reached based on the operation of the operation means.

In the embodiment, the machine is configured as a so-called seven-type gaming machine, but is not limited to this. The machine may be configured as a so-called one-type two-type mixed machine, which has a specific area inside the large prize opening that opens during a small prize game, and when a game ball enters the large prize opening during a small prize game and the game ball passes through the specific area, it progresses to a big prize game. In this case, if the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the scheduled number of times without the occurrence of a small prize or a big prize, a b time-saving state may be generated as a ceiling being reached.

In the embodiment, game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are paid out to the upper tray 11 as prize balls or loan balls, but it may be a so-called sealed type pachinko machine. A sealed type pachinko machine plays games by circulating the game balls sealed inside. The pachinko machines of the embodiment and the modified example may be applied to a so-called managed game machine. A managed game machine restricts external access to the main control device, and allows only specific information (information that affects the performance of the game or information that may affect the outcome of the game) to be transmitted from the frame control device (corresponding to the payout control device in the embodiment) to the main control device, and the frame control device is connected to the CR unit and is configured to be able to communicate with the outside only via the frame control device.

The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the section on means for solving the problem will be explained. In the embodiment, the first start port 23 and the second start port 24 correspond to the "start port", the second start port 24 corresponds to the "variable start port", the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 which executes the processes of S570 to S576 of the special symbol change display related process corresponds to the "win/lose lottery means", the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 which executes the processes of S580 and S584 of the special symbol change display related process corresponds to the "stop symbol setting means", the ROM 60b which stores the change pattern table corresponds to the "table storage means", and the ROM 60b which executes the processes of S582 and S586 of the special symbol change display related process (change pattern determination process) corresponds to the "table storage means". The CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the special symbol variable display related processing S588 and the special symbol game processing S522 corresponds to the "variation pattern determination means", the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the special symbol variable display related processing S588 and the special symbol game processing S522, the first special symbol display device 31, and the second special symbol display device 32 correspond to the "pattern display means", the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the jackpot game processing corresponds to the "jackpot game execution means", and the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the jackpot game processing S740, S742 and the time-saving flag setting processing S636, S638 corresponds to the "game state setting means". Note that the correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the "Means for solving the problem" column does not limit the elements of the invention described in the "Means for solving the problem" column, since the embodiment is an example for specifically explaining the form for implementing the invention described in the "Means for solving the problem" column. In other words, the interpretation of the invention described in the Means for Solving the Problem section should be based on the description in that section, and the examples are merely specific examples of the invention described in the Means for Solving the Problem section.

The above describes the embodiment of the present invention using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 Pachinko machine, 2 Outer frame, 3 Front frame, 3a Front frame opening switch, 4 Glass plate, 5 Inner frame, 5a Inner frame opening switch, 11 Upper tray, 12 Lower tray, 13 Launch handle, 14 Speaker, 15 LED, 16 Performance button, 16a Performance button switch, 20 Game board, 21 Game area, 21a Outer rail, 21b Inner rail, 21c Nail, 22 Normal symbol activation gate, 22a Gate switch, 23 First start port, 23a First start port switch, 24 Second start port, 24a Second start port switch, 24b Opening and closing blade, 24c Second start port solenoid, 25 Large prize port, 25a Large prize port switch, 25b Opening and closing plate, 25c Large prize port solenoid, 27 Normal prize port, 27a Normal prize port switch, 29 Out port, 31 First special symbol display device (first special symbol display device), 32 Second special symbol display device (second special symbol display device), 33 First special symbol reserved number display device (first special symbol reserved number display device), 34 Second special symbol reserved number display device (second special symbol reserved number display device), 35 Ordinary symbol display device (ordinary symbol display device), 36 Ordinary symbol reserved number display device (ordinary symbol reserved number display device), 37 Performance display device, 371L, 371C, 371R Performance symbol (pseudo symbol), 372a First reserved symbol, 372b Second reserved symbol, 38 Center role, 50 CR unit, 51 CR unit terminal board, 52 Settlement display device, 53 Ball loan button, 53a Ball loan switch, 54 Settlement button, 54a Settlement switch, 60 Main control device, 60a CPU, 60b ROM, 60c RAM, 61 Game board relay terminal board, 62 Symbol display device relay terminal board, 63 Performance relay terminal board, 64 rear wiring relay terminal board, 65 external connection terminal board, 70 payout control device, 71 payout relay terminal board, 72 payout device, 73 payout motor, 74 payout switch, 75 full switch, 76 ball out switch, 77 ball tank, 78 tank rail, 80 launch control device, 81 launch stop switch, 82 touch switch, 83 launch motor, 90 sub-integrated control device, 90a CPU, 90b ROM, 90c RAM, 91 performance display control device, 95 power supply board, 98 probability setting switch, 99 RAM clear switch, 100 hall computer.

Claims (1)

A starting port including a variable starting port in which the possibility of the game ball entering the game changes;
A winning/losing lottery means for performing a winning/losing lottery based on the entry of a game ball into the starting hole;
A stop symbol determination means for determining a stop symbol based on the result of the winning/losing lottery;
A table storage means for storing a fluctuation pattern table;
A variation pattern determination means for determining a variation pattern of a pattern based on the variation pattern table;
A pattern display means for displaying a pattern based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, and then displaying the pattern based on the variation pattern determined by the stop pattern determination means;
a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game based on the symbols stopping at a predetermined winning symbol;
A game state setting means for setting a game state;
A gaming machine comprising:
The game state includes a normal game state and an easy-entry state in which it is easier for a game ball to enter the variable start hole than in the normal game state,
The variation pattern table includes a normal table used in the normal game state and a plurality of specific tables used in the easy-to-score state,
The easy-to-score-ball state includes a first easy-to-score-ball state that occurs after the end of the big win game, and a second easy-to-score-ball state that occurs under different conditions from the end of the big win game and has a longer duration than the first easy-to-score-ball state,
the fluctuation pattern determining means determines a fluctuation pattern in which a first specific table is used in the first easy-to-score state, and when the number of times of the winning/losing lottery in the first specific table reaches a predetermined number, a second specific table is used, and one of the first specific table and the second specific table is determined shorter in average fluctuation time than the other;
In the second easy-to-score state, a third specific table and a fourth specific table having a different average fluctuation time of a fluctuation pattern determined from the third specific table when the number of winning/losing lotteries in the third specific table reaches a predetermined number are used, and the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation patterns determined by the third specific table and the fourth specific table is equal to or less than the average fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern of one of the specific tables determined in the first easy-to-score state.
Amusement machine.

Images