JP7493728B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine.

A pinball game machine typically has a pattern display device, a big prize opening, and one or more start openings, including a variable start opening, in the game area, and executes a "win/lose judgment on the special pattern" based on the game ball flowing down the game area winning (entering) the start opening. Then, when this win/lose judgment is executed, the pattern display device executes a variable display of the special pattern for a certain period of time, and then displays a fixed stopped pattern indicating the result of the win/lose judgment. Furthermore, if the fixed stopped pattern is a big prize pattern indicating that the result of the "win/lose judgment on the special pattern" is a big prize, a big prize game is executed in which the big prize opening is opened in a predetermined opening and closing pattern.

Some pinball gaming machines of this type offer a specific bonus in addition to the jackpot game when a specific trigger is met. For example, there are pinball gaming machines that offer a bonus that increases the probability that the result of the hit/miss determination will be a jackpot (a bonus called probability fluctuation), as well as a bonus that shortens the time that the special pattern changes or extends the opening time of the opening/closing start hole (a bonus called time-saving mode) (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-137462 A

However, in conventional pinball gaming machines, the time-saving mode requires a jackpot win, which can result in a lack of excitement in the game.
In order to solve this problem, it is also conceivable to execute the time-saving mode according to the number of times the special symbol has changed without winning (also called the number of times a losing lottery has been drawn).
However, the relationship between these two time-saving modes poses an issue.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above points.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following forms.
A pinball game machine in which an operation detection unit provided on a game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal symbol has been hit, and at least one variable ball entrance is a starting port that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, and a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port, and when a hit is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is played.
a probability-variable control means for setting the probability of winning the jackpot lottery to a high probability state higher than a normal state on condition that a special symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
an open extension state transition means 1 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than usual by one time reduction number on the condition that the bonus symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
an open extension state transition means 2 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended more than usual by two time reductions on the condition that the bonus symbol is not displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
A miss variation counting means for counting the number of miss variations that notifies the player that the big win lottery will not be won when the high probability state is not reached;
When the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation counting means reaches a predetermined number, an open extension state transition means 3 transitions the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended more than usual, and a time reduction number 3;
A loss variation count initialization means for initializing the loss variation count due to winning the jackpot lottery,
The time-saving number 1 is set to a number equal to or greater than twice the reciprocal of the probability of the high probability state, and the time-saving number 2 is set to a number less than the predetermined number.
This is characterized by the above (first feature).

The pinball game machine of the second characteristic is characterized in that, in the pinball game machine of the first characteristic, the time-saving number 1 is set to be equal to or greater than the predetermined number, and the time-saving number 2 is set to be less than the predetermined number. In other words, the pinball game machine of the second characteristic is characterized in that, whereas the time-saving number in the low probability state is set to be less than the predetermined number of times set by the open extension state transition means 3, the time-saving number in the high probability state is set to be equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

The miss variation counting means may be a means for counting the number of miss variations that notify that the jackpot lottery will not be won, and is preferably a means for counting the number of miss variations that do not consecutively win the jackpot lottery, but may also be a means for counting the number of so-called small win lotteries, or may be a means for counting the miss variations that display a specific miss pattern that causes the open state of the variable ball entrance to transition to an open extension state that is longer than normal. The number of miss variations that notify that the jackpot lottery will not be won is the number of times that the miss pattern that notifies that the jackpot lottery will not be won is displayed in a variable and static manner, and corresponds to the number of times that the jackpot lottery will not be won.
In addition, the miss variation counting means does not count the number of miss variations that do not win the jackpot lottery during the so-called probability variation state in which the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is increased. The probability variation state generally occurs after the jackpot game is over, and the player has gained a profit or has not suffered a large loss. However, the miss variation may be counted during the probability variation state (so-called "sudden probability") that occurs not after the jackpot game is over, rather than during the probability variation state after the jackpot game is obtained.
The bonus symbol may be any symbol that indicates that the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is higher than in the normal state, and is displayed at a certain rate when the jackpot lottery is won. This bonus symbol is preferably a specific symbol included in the jackpot symbols, but may be a different symbol that is not included in the jackpot symbols.
The loss variation count initialization means may initialize the loss variation count at least when a jackpot lottery is won, and may initialize the loss variation count when the open extension state transition means transitions to the open extension state. If the loss variation count is not initialized, when a player is replaced, the loss variation count of the previous player will be carried over to the new player.

The open extension state transition means 1, 2, and 3 may be means for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state extended longer than normal, and may simultaneously shorten the variation time of the normal symbols, shorten the variation time of the special symbols that notify the result of the jackpot lottery, and may increase the probability that the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the normal symbols will be a hit. The variable ball entrance may be in an open state where it is easier to score a ball than in a closed state, and may be in a closed state where it is possible or impossible to score a ball.
The open extension state transition means 1, 2 and 3 transition the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than usual, and at the same time shorten the fluctuation time of the normal pattern, so that it is also called time-saving play (time-saving control).
Since the open extension state transition means 1 is conditioned on the display of a bonus symbol when a jackpot lottery is won, the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is in a high probability state while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed. Since the open extension state transition means 2 is conditioned on the non-display of a bonus symbol, the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is in a normal state, not a high probability state, while the open extension state transition means 2 is being executed. However, the open extension state transition means 1 may be configured to execute the time-saving count 1 in a high probability state and a normal state. In this configuration, it is preferable to play the time-saving game in a high probability state after the jackpot game ends, and then play the time-saving game in a normal state.

In addition, in the open extension state transition means 1, the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is set to a high probability state, and the probability of the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the normal pattern being a hit may or may not be increased. In the open extension state transition means 2, the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is set to a normal state, but it is preferable not to increase the probability of the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the normal pattern being a hit, but it may be increased.
The extended opening state means the time from when the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the normal pattern becomes a hit until the variable entrance is opened, the opening time or opening pattern of the variable entrance, etc., and may be rephrased as the extended opening mode. The extended opening state of the extended opening state transition means 1, the extended opening state of the extended opening state transition means 2, or the extended opening state of the extended opening state transition means 3 may be the same opening time or opening pattern, or may be different.
The time-saving number of times 1, 2, and 3 correspond to the number of times of drawing the jackpot lottery during the extended open state. The time-saving number of times 1, 2, and 3 may be fixed to a certain number, or may be changed. Furthermore, the time-saving number of times 1, 2, and 3 are comparison standards, and it is sufficient that they are set to a certain number by the time of comparison. Therefore, the time-saving number of times may change according to the game state. Furthermore, the time-saving number of times 1, 2, and 3 may be the same number, or may be different numbers.

The number of times twice the reciprocal of the probability of the high probability state is the number calculated by 2 x PH when the probability of the high probability state is 1/PH (PH is a natural number). Therefore, "setting the number of time-saving times 1 to a number equal to or greater than twice the reciprocal of the probability of the high probability state" means setting the number of time-saving times 1 to a number equal to or greater than 2 x PH.
The more time-saving times there are, the higher the probability of winning the jackpot lottery, so there is no need to set an upper limit, but if one is to be set, it could be 10 x PH times or 10,000 times.
This pinball game machine has a feature 2 in that the number of time-saving times 1 is set to a predetermined number or more.
The specified number of times can be determined based on PL (PL is a natural number), where PL is the probability of a normal state other than a high probability state; for example, it can be determined as 2×PL≦specified number of times≦4×PL.
It is considered that 1/PH is set to 5 to 10 times 1/PL.

In the pinball game machine of the first feature, the time-saving number 1 of the open extension state transition means 1 is more than twice the reciprocal of the probability of the high probability state, so that the time-saving game in the open extension state performed in the high probability state can be played for a long time. This makes it possible to extremely increase the probability of winning the jackpot lottery by executing the open extension state transition means 1. Even if the jackpot lottery is not won, the miss fluctuation number is not counted by the miss fluctuation number counting means, so that the open extension state transition means 3 is not executed during the execution of the open extension state transition means 1 even if the time-saving number 1 is high. This makes it possible to prevent the inconvenience of playing multiple time-saving games at the same time, and has the effect of not complicating the game.
Similarly, in the pinball game machine of the second feature, the time-saving number 1 of the open extension state transition means 1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times of the open extension state transition means 3, so that the time-saving game in the open extension state performed in the high probability state can be played for a long time. This makes it possible to extremely increase the probability of winning the jackpot lottery by executing the open extension state transition means 1. Even if the jackpot lottery is not won, the miss fluctuation number counting means does not count the miss fluctuation number during the time-saving number 1 period, so that even if the time-saving number 1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the open extension state transition means 3 is not executed during the execution of the open extension state transition means 1. This makes it possible to prevent the inconvenience of playing multiple time-saving games at the same time, and has the effect of not complicating the game.
On the other hand, the time-saving count 2 of the open extension state transition means 2 is less than the predetermined count of the open extension state transition means 3 even in the first and second features, so the open extension state transition means 3 is not executed during the execution of the open extension state transition means 1. The open extension state transition means 2 is a normal state that is not a high probability state, and the time-saving count 2 is less than the predetermined count, so the probability of winning the jackpot lottery by executing the open extension state transition means 2 is lower than that by executing the open extension state transition means 1. However, since the number of miss variations is counted during the execution of the open extension state transition means 2, the possibility of the open extension state transition means 3 being executed after the execution of the open extension state transition means 2 is high. This has the effect of relieving the player's disappointment. It also has the effect of increasing the interest of the game.
In addition, when the time-saving number 2 is set to be less than the specified number, the lower limit of the time-saving number 2 may be 1/20 of PL.

A third feature of the pinball game machine is a pinball game machine in which an operation detection unit provided on the game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal symbol has been won or lost based on the detection of the game ball, and at least one starting port is a variable ball entry port that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, and a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port, and if a hit is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is executed.
a probability-variable control means for setting the probability of winning the jackpot lottery to a high probability state higher than a normal state on condition that a special symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
an open extension state transition means 1 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than normal in the high probability state for one time reduction, and then transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to the open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than normal in the normal state for two time reductions, on condition that the bonus symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
A miss variation counting means for counting the number of miss variations that notifies the player that the big win lottery will not be won when the high probability state is not reached;
When the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation counting means reaches a predetermined number, an open extension state transition means 2 transitions the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended more than usual, and a time reduction number 3;
A loss variation count initialization means for initializing the loss variation count due to winning the jackpot lottery,
The time-saving number 2 is set to be less than the predetermined number.
It is characterized by:

The third feature of the pinball game machine is that the open extension state transition means 1 executes the open extension game for one time-saving number of times in a high probability state, and then executes the open extension game for two time-saving numbers of times in a normal state. Therefore, even if the time-saving number of times 1 is small, the subsequent time-saving number of times 2 can be used as the predetermined number of times for the open extension state transition means 2. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of the open extension state transition means 2 while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed, and it is possible to use the time-saving number of times 2 of the open extension state transition means 1 for the predetermined number of times, which has the effect of allowing the open extension state transition means 2 to be executed early.

A fourth feature of the pinball game machine is a pinball game machine in which an operation detection unit provided on the game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal symbol has been won, and at least one starting port is a variable ball entry port that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, and a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port, and if a hit is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is executed.
a probability-variable control means for setting the probability of winning the jackpot lottery to a high probability state higher than a normal state on the condition that a special symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
an open extension state transition means 1 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than usual by one time reduction number on the condition that the bonus symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
an open extension state transition means 2 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended more than usual by two time reductions on the condition that the bonus symbol is not displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
A miss variation counting means for counting the number of miss variations that notifies the player that the big win lottery will not be won when the high probability state is not reached;
When the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation counting means reaches a predetermined number, an open extension state transition means 3 transitions the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended more than usual, and a time reduction number 3;
a miss variation count display means for not displaying the miss variation count counted by the miss variation count count means while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed, and for displaying the miss variation count counted by the miss variation count count means while the open extension state transition means 2 is being executed;
The present invention is characterized by comprising:

"Not displaying the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation counting means while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed" means that no display is made regarding the number of miss variations. For example, this means not displaying the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation counting means, not displaying the predetermined number of the open extension state transition means 3, etc. When transitioning to the open extension state transition means 1, since it is after winning the big win lottery, the number of miss variations is initialized, and since it is in a high probability state, the number of miss variations is not counted. Therefore, since the number of miss variations is initialized while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed, not only is the number of miss variations not displayed while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed, but the predetermined number of the open extension state transition means 3 is not displayed either.
Displaying the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation count counting means while the open extension state transition means 2 is being executed by the miss variation count display means may simply involve displaying the number of miss variations during play of the time-saving count 2 of the open extension state transition means 2. For example, the number of miss variations may be displayed for a period of 50% or more of the time-saving count 2. If it is displayed for 50% or more, it is expected that the player's attention will be focused on the number of miss variations.

The pinball game machine of the fourth feature does not display the number of miss variations while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed, and displays the number of miss variations while the open extension state transition means 2 is being executed. While the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed, the miss variation counting means does not count the number of miss variations, and since it is in a high probability state, the possibility of winning the jackpot lottery is extremely high. Therefore, there is a high expectation of winning the jackpot lottery while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed. On the other hand, since it is a normal state, not a high probability state, while the open extension state transition means 2 is being executed, there is no higher expectation of winning the jackpot lottery than with the open extension state transition means 1.
However, while the open extension state transition means 2 is being executed, the number of miss fluctuations is counted, and this counted number of miss fluctuations is utilized as the predetermined number of times for the open extension state transition means 3.
That is, the pinball game machine of the fourth feature does not display the number of miss variations that are initialized and not counted while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed. This has the effect of not drawing attention to the processing related to the number of miss variations while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed. Also, it prevents doubts about the fact that the number of miss variations is not counted up while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed, and concerns such as what the predetermined number of times of the open extension state transition means 3 means from arising. As a result, it is expected to have the effect of being able to focus attention on the time-saving game of the open extension state transition means 1, which has a high probability of winning the jackpot lottery.
On the other hand, while the open extension state transition means 2 is being executed, the open extension state transition means 3 has the effect of giving a sense of security even if the player does not win the big win lottery.
It is preferable to decrement the time-saving count 1 while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed, and to decrement the time-saving count 2 while the open extension state transition means 2 is being executed, and to increment the miss variation count. This has the effect of making it easy to recognize when the time-saving game will end, and to easily guess when the miss variation count will reach a predetermined number.

A fifth feature of the pinball game machine is a pinball game machine in which an operation detection unit provided on the game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal symbol has been won, and at least one starting port is a variable ball entry port that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, and a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port, and if a win is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is executed.
a probability-variable control means for setting the probability of winning the jackpot lottery to a high probability state higher than a normal state on condition that a special symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
an open extension state transition means 1 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance from an open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than normal to a time-saving game in which the time-saving number of times is 1 in the high probability state, and a time-saving game in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended longer than normal to a time-saving game in which the time-saving number of times is 2 in the normal state, on the condition that the bonus symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
A miss variation counting means for counting the number of miss variations that notifies the player that the big win lottery will not be won when the high probability state is not reached;
When the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation counting means reaches a predetermined number, an open extension state transition means 2 transitions the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended more than usual, and a time reduction number 3;
A loss variation count initialization means for initializing the loss variation count due to winning the jackpot lottery;
A deviation fluctuation count display means for displaying the deviation fluctuation count counted by the deviation fluctuation count count means during the period when the time-saving count 1 of the open extension state transition means 1 is executed, and for displaying the deviation fluctuation count counted by the deviation fluctuation count count means during the period when the time-saving count 2 is executed;
The present invention is characterized by comprising:

The open extension state transition means 1 preferably plays a time-saving game with one time-saving number in a high probability state and then plays a time-saving game with two time-saving numbers in a normal state, but may also play a time-saving game with one time-saving number in a high probability state after playing a time-saving game with two time-saving numbers in a normal state.
The pinball game machine having the fifth feature does not display the miss variation number during the period when the open extension state transition means 1 executes the time-saving number 1, and displays the miss variation number during the period when the time-saving number 2 is executed.
As a result, the pinball game machine of the fifth feature has the same effect as the pinball game machine of the fourth feature when playing a time-saving game with time-saving number 1 in a high probability state and then playing a time-saving game with time-saving number 2 in a normal state. On the other hand, when playing a time-saving game with time-saving number 1 in a high probability state and then playing a time-saving game with time-saving number 2 in a normal state, the number of miss fluctuations due to the time-saving game with time-saving number 2 is not displayed during the time-saving game with time-saving number 1 in the high probability state, so that an effect is achieved in which the player can concentrate on the time-saving game in the high probability state.
The display process for the number of time-saving times 1 and 2 and the display process for the number of miss variations are the same as those of the pinball game machine of the fourth characteristic.
In addition, the description regarding the pinball gaming machine of the first characteristic applies mutatis mutandis to the pinball gaming machines of the second to fifth characteristics as appropriate.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine connected to a card unit. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the card unit. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. 4 is a flowchart showing a "main routine" executed by the main control device. This is a flowchart showing the "start winning processing" executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the "special drawing match determination process" executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the "special drawing match determination process" executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the "special drawing match determination process" executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the "special drawing match determination process" executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "prize winning confirmation process" executed by the main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing "each output process" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "ball management process" executed by the frame control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "information output process" executed by the frame control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "ball holding display process" executed by the sub-integrated control device. An explanatory diagram showing a screen showing an example of a display in a performance pattern display device. 13 is a flowchart showing a "frame side error notification process" executed by the sub integrated control device. An explanatory diagram showing a screen showing an example of a display in a performance pattern display device. 13 is a flowchart showing a "card notification process" executed by the sub integrated control device. An explanatory diagram showing a screen showing an example of a display in a performance pattern display device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "off fluctuation number HN count process" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "miss variation count time reduction set process" executed by the main control device. 1 is a table showing operation details such as the number of time-saving times in embodiment 1. 1 is a table showing the pattern selection rate in embodiment 1. 1 is a table showing the pattern change time and operation time in embodiment 1. 13 is a flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed by the main control device in embodiment 2. 13 is a flowchart showing the “non-display processing of the number of miss fluctuations HN” in the second embodiment.

First Embodiment
[Overall Overview]
1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine 10 connected to a card unit 80. The pachinko machine 10 is an enclosed pinball game machine that circulates game balls enclosed inside and is used for play. The pachinko machine 10 is configured to be able to realize a game using game balls by cooperating with the card unit 80. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a firing strength fixing function (handle lock function) that fixes the firing strength of the game balls.

The card unit 80 is a lending unit that controls the lending of game balls. The card unit 80 is configured to be able to lend game balls that can be used for playing on the pachinko machine 10 based on the bills received from the player or information read from a recording card, which is a recording medium. When the player ends a game while there are still game balls that can be used for playing, the card unit 80 returns to the player a recording card that records information indicating the number of balls that the player has.

The card unit 80 includes a user interface 810, a card insertion slot 820, and a bill insertion slot 830. The user interface 810 exchanges information with the player regarding the loan of game balls. The card insertion slot 820 of the card unit 80 is configured to be capable of receiving and returning record cards from the player. The bill insertion slot 830 of the card unit 80 is configured to be capable of receiving bills from the player.

Figure 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the card unit 80. In this embodiment, the user interface 810 is a touch panel. In the example shown in Figure 2, the user interface 810 includes a balance display unit 811, a ball loan button 812, a return button 813, and a handle lock display unit 816. The balance display unit 811 displays the balance of game balls that can be loaned to a player based on bills and a record card. The ball loan button 812 accepts an operation instruction from a player to loan game balls. The return button 813 accepts an operation instruction from a player to return to the player a record card that records the balance of game balls. The handle lock display unit 816 displays the operating status of the handle lock function. In the example of Figure 2, the handle lock display unit 816 displays a status in which the handle lock function is operating.

Figure 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 10. Figure 4 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The pachinko machine 10 comprises an outer frame 110, an inner frame 120, a front frame 140, and a handle 150.

The outer frame 110 of the pachinko machine 10 has a vertically long rectangular shape. The outer frame 110 is fixed to the equipment on which the pachinko machine 10 is installed. The outer frame 110 has a pair of hinges 115 that support the inner frame 120 so that it can be opened and closed.

The inner frame 120 of the pachinko machine 10 has a rectangular shape that fits inside the outer frame 110. The inner frame 120 holds the various parts of the pachinko machine 10, including the game board 200. The inner frame 120 has a pair of hinges 145 that support the front frame 140 so that it can be opened and closed.

A counting switch 162 and a ball count display device 164 are provided below the front frame 140 in front of the inner frame 120. The counting switch 162 accepts operational input from the player to transfer information about the balls held that is managed by the pachinko machine 10 to the recording card of the card unit 80. The ball count display device 164 displays the number of balls held that is managed by the pachinko machine 10.

The front frame 140 of the pachinko machine 10 is configured to be openable and closable in front of the game board 200. The front frame 140 has a transparent plate 143 located in front of the game board 200. This allows the player to see the game board 200 through the transparent plate 143. In this embodiment, the transparent plate 143 is glass, and the front frame 140 is also called a glass frame. In this embodiment, the front frame 140 has a speaker 142 that outputs sound in accordance with the progress of the game, a light-emitting unit 144 that emits light in accordance with the progress of the game, and a performance button 146 that accepts the player's operational input for the simulated performance.

The handle 150 of the pachinko machine 10 is a firing operation unit that accepts operation input from the player to fire the game ball. The handle 150 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 140 in front of the inner frame 120. In this embodiment, the handle 150 includes a rotating part 152 and a fixed button 154.

The rotating part 152 of the handle 150 is a launching strength adjustment means that adjusts the launch strength of the game ball by the launching device 310 from the initial strength to a desired strength based on the operation by the player. The rotating part 152 accepts an operation input from the player by a rotational operation to adjust the launch strength of the game ball. In this embodiment, the rotating part 152 is pressed in a direction returning to the initial position by a well-known spring structure. As a result, when the player releases the rotating part 152 without operating the locking button 154, the rotating part 152 returns to the initial position. In this embodiment, when the rotating part 152 is in the initial position, the launch strength (initial strength) of the game ball is a strength at which the game ball is not launched to the game board 200. In this embodiment, the spring structure (not shown) of the rotating part 152 functions as an initial setting means that sets the launch strength to the initial strength in response to the release of the launch strength by the locking release means. The firing intensity adjustment means may be configured to allow the strength of the firing to be adjusted by the player's operation, and the strength may be adjusted according to the amount of operation, time of operation, and direction of operation of the device that adjusts the firing intensity. For example, the strength may be adjusted according to the amount of rotation (direction of rotation) of the handle, the number of times a button is pressed, the amount of rotation (direction of rotation) of the dial, the time of operation (direction of operation) of the lever, or the amount of sliding (direction of sliding) of a sliding switch.

The fixing button 154 of the handle 150 accepts an operation input from the player to fix the firing intensity adjusted by the rotating unit 152. In this embodiment, when the fixing button 154 is pressed, the fixing button 154 engages with the rotating unit 152 inside the handle 150, thereby fixing the rotating unit 152 to the rotation position at the time the fixing button 154 was pressed. When the fixing button 154 is pressed again in a state in which the rotating unit 152 is fixed by the fixing button 154, the engagement between the rotating unit 152 and the fixing button 154 is released, and the rotating unit 152 returns to its initial position. The fixing button 154 functions as a firing intensity fixing means that fixes the firing intensity adjusted by the firing intensity adjustment means, and also functions as a fixing release means that releases the fixing of the firing intensity by the firing intensity fixing means. The firing intensity fixing means is not limited to a configuration that mechanically fixes the firing intensity, and may be a configuration that electrically fixes the firing intensity.

The handle 150 is equipped with a touch switch 186 (FIG. 7) described below. The touch switch 186 detects the touch of the player on the handle 150. While the touch switch 186 detects the touch of the player, the launching device 310 executes the launching operation of the game ball with the launch strength adjusted in the handle 150. If the touch switch 186 does not detect the touch of the player, the launching device 310 does not execute the launching operation even if the launch strength is adjusted in the handle 150. If the touch switch 186 does not detect the touch of the player, the launching device 310 does not execute the launching operation even if the launch strength is fixed by the launch strength fixing means in the handle 150.

[Game board]
5 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 200. The game board 200 forms a game area 210 where a game is played using game balls. The game area 210 is substantially circular. The game area 210 is provided with a plurality of game nails (not shown). The game board 200 includes an inlet 214 for introducing game balls launched from the launching device 310 into the game area 210, and a recovery port 218 for recovering the game balls from the game area 210. In this embodiment, the inlet 214 is located on the upper left side of the game area 210, and the recovery port 218 is located on the lower center side of the game area 210.

The game board 200 is provided with the following structures in the game area 210: a center case 220, a performance symbol display device 230, a first start opening 241, a second start opening 242, a normal symbol activation gate 243, a normal electric role device 245, a normal winning opening 246, and a large winning opening 248. The game board 200 is provided with the following display units for displaying information about the game: a first special symbol display device 251, a second special symbol display device 252, a normal symbol display device 253, a first special symbol reserved number display device 261, a second special symbol reserved number display device 262, a normal symbol reserved number display device 263, and a prize ball number display device 286.

The center case 220 is located in the center of the game area 210 and forms a passage for the game balls. The effect pattern display device 230 is located in the center of the center case 220 and displays pseudo effects according to the progress of the game, including effect patterns. The effect pattern display device 230 is a user interface that provides information to the player using letters and figures.

The first starting hole 241 is configured to be able to receive game balls. Based on the ball entering the first starting hole 241, a variable display using a first special pattern is implemented on the first special pattern display device 251. Based on the ball entering the first starting hole 241, the number of balls held by the player is added up.

The second starting hole 242 is configured to be able to receive game balls. Based on the ball entering the second starting hole 242, a variable display using a second special pattern is implemented on the second special pattern display device 252. Based on the ball entering the second starting hole 242, the number of balls held by the player is added up. The rate of balls entering the second starting hole 242 changes depending on the operating state of the normal electric device 245.

The normal symbol activation gate 243 is configured to allow the game ball to pass through, and based on the game ball passing through the normal symbol activation gate 243, a variable display of the normal symbol is performed on the normal symbol display device 253.

The normal electric device 245 is equipped with an opening/closing member configured to open and close the passage of the game ball leading to the second starting hole 242. The normal electric device 245 opens for a predetermined time only when the lottery based on the normal symbol is a winning combination, and forms a passage of the game ball leading to the second starting hole 242. In this embodiment, the normal electric device 245 is a so-called tulip-type normal electric device.

The normal winning openings 246 are winning openings configured to receive game balls. The number of balls held by the player is added based on the balls that enter the normal winning openings 246. In this embodiment, the game area 210 is provided with four normal winning openings 246.

The big prize opening 248 is an opening configured to be able to receive game balls in a big prize game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The number of balls held by the player is added up based on the balls that enter the big prize opening 248. The big prize opening 248 is configured to be able to be opened and closed by a plate-shaped member. The big prize opening 248 opens in a predetermined operating pattern when a big prize is won in the drawing for the first special symbol and when a big prize is won in the drawing for the second special symbol.

The first special symbol reserved number display device 261 displays the number of reserved memories related to the first special symbol. The second special symbol reserved number display device 262 displays the number of reserved memories related to the second special symbol. The regular symbol reserved number display device 263 displays the number of reserved memories related to regular symbols. The prize ball number display device 286 displays the number of prize balls that are added to the number of balls held depending on the win.

In this embodiment, the play area 210 includes a first play area 211 and a second play area 212. The first play area 211 is where game balls launched at less than a predetermined launch intensity mainly roll. The second play area 212 is different from the first play area 211 in that game balls launched at a predetermined launch intensity or higher mainly roll. The first play area 211 occupies the left side of the play area 210 including the inside of the center case 220, and the second play area 212 occupies the right side of the play area 210 mainly including the right side of the center case 220. In this embodiment, the first play area 211 is where the first start opening 241 and the normal winning opening 246 are located, and the second play area 212 is where the second start opening 242, the normal pattern activation gate 243, and the large winning opening 248 are located.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with a launching device 310, a grinding device 320, and a lifting device 330, which are provided on the rear of the pachinko machine 10. The launching device 310 launches game balls into the play area 210 based on the operation by the player. The launching device 310 launches game balls into the play area 210 based on a signal from the handle 150. The grinding device 320 grinds the game balls collected from the play area 210. The lifting device 330 transports the game balls ground by the grinding device 320 to the launching device 310.

[Electrical configuration]
The pachinko machine 10 includes, as control devices for controlling each section, a main control device 510, a sub integrated control device 520, a performance symbol control device 530, and a frame control device 560. These control devices are provided on the back of the pachinko machine 10. These control devices are computers equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and execute various control processes based on computer programs.

The main control device 510 controls the progress of the game using game balls. The sub integrated control device 520 controls each performance device according to the progress of the game. The performance pattern control device 530 controls the display of pseudo performances, including the display of changing performance patterns on the performance pattern display device 230. The frame control device 560 manages the number of balls, which are game balls that a player can use for the game, based on information about the game transmitted from the main control device 510. In addition to managing the balls, the frame control device 560 controls the handle 150, the launch device 310, the grinding device 320, and the lifting device 330.
In this embodiment, the launching device 310 is provided at the top, and the lifting device 330 transports the game balls to the launching device 310, but the launching device 310 may be provided at the bottom as in the past. In this case, the game balls launched by the launching device 310 at the bottom flow down along the guide rail to the play area 210 and are collected by the collection port 218, etc., so the lifting device 330 is not necessary.

Figures 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with an inner frame opening switch 121 and a front frame opening switch 141. The inner frame opening switch 121 detects the open state of the inner frame 120 and outputs a detection signal to the main control device 510. The front frame opening switch 141 detects the open state of the front frame 140 and outputs a detection signal to the main control device 510.

The pachinko machine 10 is provided with a symbol display device relay terminal board 250 and a game board relay terminal board 270 as circuit boards relaying between the main control device 510 and the game board 200. The pachinko machine 10 is provided with a first start port switch 271, a second start port switch 272, a normal symbol activation switch 273, a left winning port switch 274, a count switch 276, a magnet sensor 277, and a radio wave sensor 278 as electrical components that output signals to the main control device 510 via the game board relay terminal board 270. The pachinko machine 10 is provided with a large winning port solenoid 282, a normal electric device solenoid 284, and a prize ball number display device 286 as electrical components that operate based on signals from the main control device 510 via the game board relay terminal board 270. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with an electrical configuration that operates based on a signal from the main control device 510 via the pattern display device relay terminal board 250, including a first special pattern display device 251, a second special pattern display device 252, a first special pattern reserved number display device 261, a second special pattern reserved number display device 262, a normal pattern display device 253, and a normal pattern reserved number display device 263.

The first start gate switch 271 detects a ball entering the first start gate 241 and outputs a detection signal. The second start gate switch 272 detects a ball entering the second start gate 242 and outputs a detection signal. The normal symbol activation switch 273 detects the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol activation gate 243 and outputs a detection signal. The left prize gate switch 274 detects a ball entering the normal prize gate 246 and outputs a detection signal. The count switch 276 detects a ball entering the large prize gate 248 and outputs a detection signal. The magnet sensor 277 detects fraudulent acts using magnets against the pachinko machine 10 and outputs a detection signal. The radio wave sensor 278 detects fraudulent acts using radio waves against the pachinko machine 10 and outputs a detection signal.

The large prize opening solenoid 282 opens and closes the large prize opening 248 based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The normal electric device solenoid 284 opens and closes the normal electric device 245 based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The prize ball count display device 286 displays the number of prize balls to be added to the number of balls held based on a control signal from the main control device 510.

The first special symbol display device 251 displays the first special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The second special symbol display device 252 displays the second special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The first special symbol reserved number display device 261 displays the number of reserved memories related to the first special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The second special symbol reserved number display device 262 displays the number of reserved memories related to the second special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The normal symbol display device 253 displays normal symbols based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The normal symbol reserved number display device 263 displays the number of reserved memories related to normal symbols based on a control signal from the main control device 510.

The sub-integrated control device 520 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 510 in one direction from the main control device 510. The sub-integrated control device 520 controls various presentation devices according to the progress of the game based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The speaker 142 is a user interface that outputs sound based on a control signal from the sub-integrated control device 520. In this embodiment, the sub-integrated control device 520 is equipped with a volume adjustment switch 522 configured to adjust the volume output from the speaker 142. The light-emitting unit 144 is a user interface that emits light based on a control signal from the sub-integrated control device 520. The presentation button 146 is a user interface that detects the player's operation input for the pseudo presentation, and outputs the detection signal to the sub-integrated control device 520. The sub-integrated control device 520 is a user interface control device that controls the user interface (speaker 142, light-emitting unit 144, presentation button 146, and presentation pattern display device 230) based on information related to the game received from the main control device 510. The sub-integrated control device 520 is further configured to be able to communicate with the frame control device 560 in one direction from the frame control device 560, and controls the user interface (speaker 142, light emitting unit 144, performance button 146, and performance pattern display device 230) based on information received from the frame control device 560.

The performance pattern control device 530 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the sub-integrated control device 520. The performance pattern control device 530 controls the display of pseudo performances, including the display of changing performance patterns, on the performance pattern display device 230 based on a control signal from the sub-integrated control device 520. The performance pattern display device 230 executes the display of pseudo performances, including the display of changing performance patterns, based on the data and commands received from the performance pattern control device 530.

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 7, the frame control device 560 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 510 in one direction from the main control device 510. The frame control device 560 manages the number of balls that a player has in his possession, which are game balls that can be used for playing, based on information about the game sent from the main control device 510. In addition to managing the balls in his possession, the frame control device 560 also manages the processes related to the firing, collection, and circulation of game balls. Note that the main control device 510 and the frame control device 560 may be configured to be able to communicate in two directions.

The card unit 80 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the frame control device 560. The card unit 80 includes a user interface 810, a game ball lending device 850, and a CR unit 860. The game ball lending device 850 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the frame control device 560 and the CR unit 860. The game ball lending device 850 works in cooperation with the frame control device 560 to process the lending of game balls to players based on the information on the balls held recorded on the memory card in the card insertion port 820 and the information on the lending of game balls from the CR unit 860. The CR unit 860 controls the lending of game balls based on the bills inserted into the bill insertion port 830. The CR unit 860 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the hall computer 90 that manages the pachinko machine 10. The hall computer 90 is configured to receive information about games played on the pachinko machine 10 from the main control device 510 via the frame control device 560 and the card unit 80.

The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with an operation unit relay terminal board 160, a firing operation unit relay terminal board 180, a firing unit relay terminal board 312, a grinding unit relay terminal board 322, a lifting relay terminal board 332, and an inner frame relay terminal board 342 as circuit boards that relay between the frame control device 560 and the inner frame 120. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a counting switch 162 and a ball count display device 164 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the operation unit relay terminal board 160.

The pachinko machine 10 includes an unlocking solenoid 182, a firing intensity fixing switch 184, a handle volume 185, a touch switch 186, and a firing stop switch 187 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the firing operation unit relay terminal board 180. The pachinko machine 10 includes a ball sending sensor 314, a firing entrance sensor 315, a firing motor 316, and a ball sending solenoid 317 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the firing device relay terminal board 312.

The pachinko machine 10 includes a cassette switch 324, a grinding motor sensor 325, a cassette motor 326, and a grinding motor 327 as electrical components that exchange signals via the grinding device relay terminal board 322. The pachinko machine 10 includes a lifting motor 334, a lifting inlet sensor 336, and a lifting motor monitoring sensor 338 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the lifting relay terminal board 332.

The pachinko machine 10 includes an winning ball sensor 344, an out ball sensor 345, an appropriate amount sensor 346, a full tank sensor 347, and a nighttime monitoring device 352 as electrical components that output signals to the frame control device 560 via the inner frame relay terminal board 342. The pachinko machine 10 includes an alarm speaker 354 as electrical components that operate based on signals from the frame control device 560 via the inner frame relay terminal board 342.

The counting switch 162 detects the player's operation input to transfer information about the balls held managed by the pachinko machine 10 to the recording card of the card unit 80, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The ball count display device 164 displays the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 based on a control signal from the frame control device 560.

The release solenoid 182 is configured to be able to release the fixation of the rotating part 152 by the fixing button 154 on the handle 150 based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. In this embodiment, the release solenoid 182 is configured to be able to release the engagement of the fixing button 154 with the rotating part 152 by pressing an engagement portion of the fixing button 154 that engages with the rotating part 152. The release solenoid 182 functions as a release means for releasing the fixation of the emission intensity by the emission intensity fixing means.

The launch intensity fixation switch 184 detects the fixation of the rotating part 152 by the fixation button 154 on the handle 150, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The handle volume 185 detects the rotational position of the rotating part 152 on the handle 150 as the launch intensity, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The touch switch 186 detects contact with the handle 150 by the player, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The launch stop switch 187 detects the player's operation input to stop the launch of the game ball, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560.

The ball sending sensor 314 detects the game ball being sent to the launching device 310 and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The launch entrance sensor 315 detects the game ball being launched from the launching device 310 and passing through the inlet 214 and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The launch motor 316 launches the game ball based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. The ball sending solenoid 317 sends the game ball to a position where it can be launched based on a control signal from the frame control device 560.

The cassette switch 324 detects that a polishing cloth cassette (not shown) that contains polishing cloth for polishing game balls is installed in the polishing device 320, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The polishing motor sensor 325 detects the operation of the polishing motor 327, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The cassette motor 326 winds up the polishing cloth in the polishing cloth cassette (not shown) based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. The polishing motor 327 polishes the game ball by pressing the game ball against the polishing cloth based on a control signal from the frame control device 560.

The lifting motor 334 sends game balls from the lifting device 330 to the launching device 310 based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. The lifting inlet sensor 336 detects game balls being sent from the grinding device 320 to the lifting device 330 and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The lifting motor monitoring sensor 338 detects the operation of the lifting motor 334 and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560.

The winning ball sensor 344 detects a game ball that wins a prize on the game board 200 and is then collected from the game board 200 to the grinding device 320, and outputs a detection signal. The out ball sensor 345 detects a game ball that passes through the collection port 218 on the game board 200 and is then collected from the game board 200 to the grinding device 320, and outputs a detection signal. The appropriate amount sensor 346 detects that the amount of game balls transferred from the lifting device 330 to the launching device 310 is appropriate, and outputs a detection signal. The full tank sensor 347 detects that the amount of game balls transferred from the lifting device 330 to the launching device 310 is excessive, and outputs a detection signal. The nighttime monitoring device 352 is configured to be operable by a backup power source outside the operating hours (nighttime) of the pachinko machine 10, detects the opening of the inner frame 120, and outputs a detection signal. Nighttime monitoring switch The nighttime monitoring device 352 may detect the opening of the inner frame 120 based on the output signals from the inner frame opening switch 121 and the front frame opening switch 141, or may detect the opening of the inner frame 120 based on a signal from a switch other than the inner frame opening switch 121 and the front frame opening switch 141. In this embodiment, the frame control device 560 is configured to be able to output information indicating the number of times the inner frame 120 has been opened based on the detection signal from the nighttime monitoring device 352 to the hall computer 90 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on. The alarm speaker 354 outputs sound based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. In this embodiment, the frame control device 560 executes a control process to output an alarm from the alarm speaker 354 when the opening of the inner frame 120 is detected by the nighttime monitoring device 352.

The pachinko machine 10 judges whether the normal pattern is a winning symbol based on the ball entering the normal pattern activation gate 243. Based on the result of the judgment of whether the normal pattern is a winning symbol, the pachinko machine 10 displays a variable normal pattern on the normal pattern display device 253. If the result of the judgment of whether the normal pattern is a winning symbol is a winning symbol, the pachinko machine 10 confirms the display of the normal pattern, which is the winning symbol, on the normal pattern display device 253 and opens the normal electric device 245 for a predetermined period of time. This makes it possible to win at the second starting gate 242.

The pachinko machine 10 performs a hit/miss judgment regarding the first special pattern based on the ball entering the first starting hole 241. The pachinko machine 10 performs a variable display using the first special pattern on the first special pattern display device 251 based on the hit/miss judgment result regarding the first special pattern. The pachinko machine 10 performs a pseudo performance using a performance pattern on the performance pattern display device 230 in accordance with the variable display using the first special pattern on the first special pattern display device 251. If the hit/miss judgment result regarding the first special pattern is a jackpot, the pachinko machine 10 displays the first special pattern, which is a jackpot pattern, on the first special pattern display device 251, and then transitions to a jackpot game state (special game state) in which the jackpot winning hole 248 is opened in a predetermined operation pattern. This makes it possible to win a prize in the jackpot winning hole 248. The main control device 510 functions as a hit/miss determination means that determines whether or not a jackpot game state is to be executed based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 241.

The pachinko machine 10 performs a hit/miss judgment regarding the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting hole 242. The pachinko machine 10 performs a variable display using the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 252 based on the hit/miss judgment result regarding the second special symbol. The pachinko machine 10 performs a pseudo performance using a performance pattern on the performance pattern display device 230 in accordance with the variable display using the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 252. If the hit/miss judgment result regarding the second special symbol is a jackpot, the pachinko machine 10 displays the second special symbol, which is a jackpot symbol, on the second special symbol display device 252, and then transitions to a jackpot game state. This makes it possible to win a prize in the jackpot winning hole 248. The main control device 510 functions as a hit/miss judgment means for determining whether or not to execute a jackpot game state due to the game ball entering the second starting hole 242.

During the jackpot game, the pachinko machine 10 stops judging whether the first special symbol and the second special symbol are the winners. When there are reserved memories for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the pachinko machine 10 prioritizes judging whether the reserved memories for the second special symbol are the winners. After the jackpot game state ends, the pachinko machine 10 transitions to one of the following states: a normal game state, a time-saving game state, or a time-saving game state with a special probability of winning, depending on a predetermined condition. The normal game state is a game state in which a win/loss judgment is made for the normal symbol, the first special symbol, and the second special symbol with a normal probability of winning. The time-saving game state is a game state in which the time for which the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol are displayed in a variable manner is shortened compared to the normal game state, and the average opening time of the normal electric device 245 is extended compared to the normal game state. The time-saving special bonus game state is a game state in which, in addition to the operation of the time-saving game state, a win/loss judgment of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed with a higher probability of winning than in the normal game state. When a predetermined condition (for example, a win with a predetermined jackpot symbol) is satisfied, the main control device 510 operates as an opening extension execution means that executes an opening extension state (time-saving game state and time-saving special bonus game state) in which the opening time per one time of the normal electric role device 245 is extended more than in the normal game state after the jackpot game state ends.

In this embodiment, the variation time of the special symbol is 10 to 120 seconds during normal play when the time is not shortened, an average of 5 seconds during the time shortened, and an average of 30 seconds during the reach. The probability of winning the normal symbol is 1/6 during the time shortened and 5/6 during the time shortened. The variation time of the normal symbol is 5 seconds during the time shortened and 1 second during the time shortened. In addition, the opening time of the normal electric role 245 is 0.3 seconds during the time shortened and 1.5 seconds during the time shortened. These values are one example and can be changed as appropriate. The control of lengthening the opening time of the normal electric role 245 and shortening the variation time of the normal symbol is also simply called time shortening control.
The time-saving control is terminated when a jackpot game occurs based on a hit/miss judgment regarding the first or second special symbol during the time-saving game, or when the first or second special symbol changes a predetermined number of times during the time-saving game. This predetermined number of times is also called the time-saving number of times.

In the normal game state, since the first start hole 241 is located in the first game area 211, it is recommended to launch the game ball into the first game area 211 to play the game (so-called "left hit"). In the jackpot game state, since the big prize hole 248 is located in the second game area 212, it is recommended to launch the game ball into the second game area 212 to play the game (so-called "right hit"). In the time-saving game state and the time-saving game state with a certain probability of winning, since the normal symbol activation gate 243 and the second start hole 242 are located in the second game area 212, it is recommended to launch the game ball into the second game area 212 to play the game (right hit).

The pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with a power supply board (not shown), and the power supply is switched ON or OFF by a power switch (not shown).
6, the main control device 510 is provided with an RWM clear switch 290 and a setting key switch 291. The RWM clear switch 290 is mainly operated when clearing game information and the like stored in the RWM (RAM) built into the main control device 510. The RWM clear switch 290 may be provided in the frame control device 560 or the power supply board.
The setting key switch 291 is a key switch mechanism that is turned on by turning a key inserted into the keyhole in one direction. The pachinko machine 10 is a gaming machine with a setting function that allows the setting of the jackpot probability to be changed by the operation of a hall employee, etc., and the hall employee, etc. can change and check the setting of the jackpot probability by turning on the power with the setting key switch 291 turned on. The RWM clear switch 290 is also operated when changing the setting of the jackpot probability.
The power supply board is also equipped with a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor and the like, and stores power in the backup power supply while power is being supplied from the AC power supply. As a result, during a power outage, power is supplied to the main control device 510 and the like (for example, the RAM of the main control device 510, etc.), and data in the RAM of the main control device 510 is retained for a certain period of time even after the power supply from the AC power supply is stopped. The backup power supply may be provided in the main control device 510, or in a device other than the power supply board. In this case, the power supply board outputs a supply signal to a device equipped with a backup power supply while power is being supplied from the AC power supply, and outputs a power outage signal to the device equipped with a backup power supply while the power supply is stopped.

The pachinko machine 10 sets six stage setting values 1 to 6 according to the probability of winning in the hit/miss judgment in the stage setting value storage area of the RWM of the main control device 510. Then, the main control device 510 determines a hit/miss judgment table to be used in the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the stage setting value stored in the stage setting value storage area.
In this embodiment, when the stage setting value stored in the stage setting value storage area is "1", the jackpot probability in the normal state is set to 1/200, and the jackpot probability in the high probability state is set to 1/50. When the stage setting value in the stage setting value storage area is "2", the jackpot probability in the normal state is set to 1/190, and the jackpot probability in the high probability state is set to 1/49, and when the stage setting value in the stage setting value storage area is "3", the jackpot probability in the normal state is set to 1/180, and the jackpot probability in the high probability state is set to 1/48.
Similarly, when the stage setting value is set to "4", the probability of a jackpot in the normal state is set to 1/170, and the probability of a jackpot in the special probability state is set to 1/47; when the stage setting value is set to "5", the probability of a jackpot in the normal state is set to 1/160, and the probability of a jackpot in the special probability state is set to 1/46; and when the stage setting value is set to "6", the probability of a jackpot in the normal state is set to 1/150, and the probability of a jackpot in the special probability state is set to 1/45.

Note that the above-mentioned values of jackpot probability are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate.
Here, the probability of a jackpot in the normal state can be generalized as 1/PL (PL is a natural number), and the probability of a jackpot in the high probability state can be generalized as 1/PH (PH is a natural number), but it is preferable for 1/PH to be 5 to 10 times 1/PL.
In addition, in this embodiment, the stage setting value is linked to the jackpot probability in the normal state and the jackpot probability in the high probability state, but is not limited to this. For example, the pachinko machine 10 may keep either the jackpot probability in the normal state or the jackpot probability in the high probability state constant regardless of the stage setting value, while only the other one is changed according to the stage setting value. Furthermore, when the stage setting value is changed, the pachinko machine 10 may increase either the jackpot probability in the normal state or the jackpot probability in the high probability state, while decreasing the other one.

[Main routine]
Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a "main routine" executed by main control device 510. Main control device 510 starts the main routine of Fig. 8 based on an interrupt signal with a period of 2 ms (milliseconds). The period of the interrupt signal may be 4 ms or another period.

After starting the main routine, the main control unit 510 determines whether the current interrupt signal is a normal interrupt signal (step S100). If the current interrupt signal is not a normal interrupt (step S100: NO), the main control unit 510 executes an initial setting process (step S115) to set various control variables to initial values. Thereafter, the main control unit 510 repeatedly executes an initial value random number update process to update various random numbers until the next interrupt signal is received (step S111).

If the current interrupt signal is a normal interrupt signal (step S100: "YES"), the main control unit 510 executes an initial value random number update process to update various random numbers (step S101). After that, the main control unit 510 updates the random number for determining a jackpot, which is a random number used to determine whether or not the first special symbol and the second special symbol are a winner (step S102). After that, the main control unit 510 updates the random number for determining a jackpot pattern, which is a random number used to determine whether or not the first special symbol and the second special symbol are a winner (step S103). After that, the main control unit 510 updates the random number for determining a win, which is a random number used to determine whether or not the normal symbol is a winner (step S104). After that, the main control unit 510 updates the random number for reaching a win and the random number for determining a change pattern, which are random numbers used to determine the change time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (steps S105, S106).

After updating the random number (steps S101 to S106), the main control device 510 executes a winning confirmation process (step S107) to confirm the detection of a game ball by each switch connected to the main control device 510. The main control device 510 then executes a winning/losing determination process (step S108) to determine whether or not a winning/losing result is obtained with respect to the normal symbol, the first special symbol, and the second special symbol. In the winning/losing determination process (step S108), the main control device 510 operates as a winning/losing determination means for determining whether or not a jackpot game state is to be executed due to the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 241 and the second start hole 242.

After executing the win/loss determination process (step S108), the main control device 510 executes each output process (step S109) to output signals to each part of the pachinko machine 10. In each output process (step S109), the main control device 510 outputs various signals to the sub-integrated control device 520, the frame control device 560, the large prize opening solenoid 282, etc., and to the hall computer 90 via the frame control device 560 and the card unit 80, depending on the progress of the game, the detection state of fraudulent activity based on the magnet sensor 277 and the radio wave sensor 278, and the opening state based on the inner frame opening switch 121 and the front frame opening switch 141. After that, the main control device 510 executes a fraud monitoring process (step S110) to monitor fraudulent activity against the pachinko machine 10. After that, the main control device 510 repeatedly executes an initial value random number update process to update various random numbers until it receives the next interrupt signal (step S111).

[Start-up winning process]
9 is a flow chart showing the "start winning process" executed by the main control device 510. The start winning process in FIG. 9 is a subroutine included in the winning confirmation process (step S107) in FIG.

After starting the start winning process, the main control unit 510 judges whether or not a ball has entered the first start hole 241 based on the detection signal from the first start hole switch 271 (step S200). When a ball has entered the first start hole 241 (step S200: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not the reserved memory for the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number (four in this embodiment) (step S201). When the reserved memory for the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number, the random number for determining a jackpot, the random number for determining a jackpot symbol, the random number for determining a reach, and the random number for determining a variation pattern, which are extracted in response to the ball entering the first start hole 241, are stored as reserved memories for the first special symbol, and the first reserved memory counter indicating the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol is incremented (step S202). After that, the main control unit 510 executes a read-ahead judgment process (step S203) to read ahead the contents of the reserved memory for the first special symbol. Then, the main control device 510 transmits a first pre-reading judgment command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment process (step S203) to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S204). Then, the main control device 510 transmits a first reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the first reserved memory counter to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S205). The sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo-effect displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the first pre-reading judgment command and the first reserved number instruction command. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 520 increases the display number of the first reserved pattern indicating the number of reserved memories related to the first special pattern displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the first reserved number instruction command, and changes the first reserved pattern to a state according to the expectation of a jackpot based on the first pre-reading judgment command.

After completing the process for the first starting hole 241 (step S200: "NO", step S201: "NO", step S205), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not a ball has entered the second starting hole 242 based on the detection signal from the second starting hole switch 272 (step S206). If a ball has entered the second starting hole 242 (step S206: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not the reserved memory for the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number (four in this embodiment) (step S207). If the reserved memory for the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number, the random number for determining a jackpot, the random number for determining a jackpot symbol, the random number for reaching a reach, and the random number for determining a variation pattern extracted in response to the ball entering the second starting hole 242 are stored as reserved memory for the second special symbol, and the second reserved memory counter indicating the number of reserved memories for the second special symbol is incremented (step S208). Then, the main control device 510 executes a pre-reading judgment process (step S209) that pre-reads the contents of the reserved memory related to the second special pattern. Then, the main control device 510 transmits a second pre-reading judgment command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment process (step S209) to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S210). Then, the main control device 510 transmits a second reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the second reserved memory counter to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S211). The sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo-effect displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the second pre-reading judgment command and the second reserved number instruction command. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 520 increases the display number of the second reserved pattern indicating the number of reserved memories related to the second special pattern displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the second reserved number instruction command, and changes the second reserved pattern to a state according to the jackpot expectation based on the second pre-reading judgment command. The main control device 510 may send to the sub-integrated control device 520 a single command that combines the first look-ahead judgment command and the first reserved number instruction command, or may send to the sub-integrated control device 520 a single command that combines the second look-ahead judgment command and the second reserved number instruction command. The main control device 510 may send to the sub-integrated control device 520 a single command that combines the first look-ahead judgment command, the second look-ahead judgment command, the first reserved number instruction command, and the second reserved number instruction command.

In the pre-reading judgment process (steps S203, S209), the main control unit 510 checks whether the value of the random number for determining a jackpot for the first special symbol and the second special symbol is a value that causes a jackpot (jackpot value), and if it is a jackpot value, checks the type of jackpot symbol. If the value of the random number for determining a jackpot is a miss value different from the jackpot value, the main control unit 510 checks whether the fluctuation pattern associated with the miss value is a fluctuation pattern that makes the player expect a jackpot. The pre-reading judgment process may be a process of directly reading out the random number value stored in the reserved memory area and executing a judgment, or a process of reading out the random number value stored in a memory area for pre-reading judgment different from the reserved memory area and executing a judgment. The pre-reading judgment process may be executed in parallel with the process of storing the random number for determining a jackpot in the reserved memory area after obtaining the random number for determining a jackpot, or may be executed prior to the process of storing the random number for determining a jackpot in the reserved memory area. Regardless of the method used for the pre-reading judgment process, the contents of the reserved memory can be ascertained prior to the correct/incorrect judgment process (step S108).

After completing the process for the second starting hole 242 (step S206: "NO", step S207: "NO", step S211), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not a ball has entered the normal symbol operation gate 243 based on the detection signal from the normal symbol operation switch 273 (step S212). If a ball has entered the normal symbol operation gate 243 (step S212: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether the reserved memory for the normal symbol is less than the upper limit number (four in this embodiment) (step S213). If the reserved memory for the normal symbol is less than the upper limit number, the random number for winning determination extracted in response to the ball entering the normal symbol operation gate 243 is stored as a normal symbol reserved memory, and the normal symbol reserved memory counter indicating the number of reserved memories for the normal symbol is incremented (step S214). After that, the main control unit 510 transmits a normal symbol reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the normal symbol reserved memory counter to the sub integrated control unit 520 (step S211). After that, the main control device 510 returns. The sub-integrated control device 520 may control the pseudo-effects displayed on the effect pattern display device 230 based on the normal reserved number instruction command.

[Special drawing validity determination process]
10, 11, 12, and 13 are flowcharts showing the "special drawing hit/miss judgment process" executed by the main control device 510. This special drawing hit/miss judgment process is a subroutine corresponding to the hit/miss judgment process (step S107) in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, after starting the special symbol hit/miss judgment process, the main control unit 510 judges whether the condition device is not yet activated based on the jackpot flag (step S300). The jackpot flag is a flag that is activated when the hit/miss judgment regarding the first special symbol and the second special symbol is a jackpot, and when the jackpot flag is activated, the condition device is activated. If the condition device is activated (step S300: "NO"), the main control unit 510 moves to the special game process that controls the jackpot game state. If the condition device is not activated (step S300: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether it is a special symbol fluctuation stop period in which the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is stopped (step S301). If it is a special symbol fluctuation stop period (step S301: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether it is a fixed symbol non-display period in which the fixed symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not displayed (step S302).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 11, if it is the confirmed symbol non-display period (step S302 in FIG. 10: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not there is a reserved memory for the second special symbol (step S310). If there is no reserved memory for the second special symbol (step S310: "NO"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not there is a reserved memory for the first special symbol (step S311).

If there is a reserved memory for the first special pattern or the second special pattern (step S310: "YES", step S311: "YES"), the main control unit 510 reads the oldest reserved memory from the reserved memory for the target special pattern to be processed among the first special pattern and the second special pattern, and decrements the reserved memory counter for the target special pattern (step S312). The main control unit 510 then sends a reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the reserved memory counter for the target special pattern to the sub-integrated control unit 520 (step S313).

Then, the main control device 510 compares the random number for determining a jackpot read as reserved memory for the target special symbol with the judgment table for determining a jackpot (step S314). In this embodiment, the judgment table for determining a jackpot includes a normal probability table in which the jackpot probability is set to a low probability (for example, 1/200 when the stage setting value is "1"), and a high probability table in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability (for example, 1/20 when the stage setting value is "1"). The main control device 510 uses the normal probability table in the normal game state and the time-saving game state, and uses the high probability table in the time-saving game state with a certain probability change. The main control device 510 judges whether the target special symbol is a jackpot or not based on the comparison of the random number for determining a jackpot with the judgment table for determining a jackpot (step S314) (step S315).

If the target special symbol is a jackpot (step S315: "YES"), the main control device 510 determines the jackpot symbol based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol read as a reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S316). After that, the main control device 510 sets various conditions for the jackpot game state (performance time, performance pattern, etc.) (step S317). After that, the main control device 510 selects a variation pattern based on the random number for determining the variation pattern read as a reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S318). After that, the main control device 510 transmits a variation instruction command indicating the jackpot symbol and the variation pattern, etc. to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S320). As a result, the sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo-performance displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the variation instruction command. In addition, in conjunction with sending a change instruction command to the sub-integrated control device 520, the main control device 510 outputs a control signal to the first special chart display device 251 or the second special chart display device 252 to instruct the display to change.

If the target special symbol is a miss (step S315: NO), the main control device 510 determines the miss symbol based on the random number read as the reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S319). After that, the main control device 510 selects a variation pattern based on the random number read as the reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S318). After that, the main control device 510 transmits a variation instruction command indicating the miss symbol and the variation pattern to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S320). As a result, the sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo-performance displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the variation instruction command. In addition, the main control device 510 outputs a control signal to the first special symbol display device 251 or the second special symbol display device 252 to instruct the variation display in accordance with the transmission of the variation instruction command to the sub-integrated control device 520.
In this embodiment, a process of counting the number of deviation fluctuations HN is executed in the process of step 319. This process will be described later.

If there is no reserved memory for the first special symbol and the second special symbol (step S310: "NO", step S311: "NO"), and after sending a change instruction command to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S320), the main control device 510 transitions to special game processing that controls the jackpot game state.

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 12, if it is not the special symbol change stop period (step S301 in FIG. 10: "NO"), in other words, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing, the main control unit 510 judges whether the change time set based on the change pattern for the target special symbol that is changing has elapsed (step S330). If the change time has not elapsed (step S330: "NO"), the main control unit 510 moves to the special game processing that controls the jackpot game state. If the change time has elapsed (step S330: "YES"), the main control unit 510 outputs a control signal to the first special symbol display unit 251 or the second special symbol display unit 252 to display the jackpot symbol or the losing symbol, and transmits a symbol stop command to the sub-integrated control unit 520 to display the jackpot symbol or the losing symbol (step S331).

When the jackpot pattern is to be displayed as a confirmed hit (step S332: "YES"), the main control unit 510 sets the time for the jackpot pattern to be displayed as a confirmed hit (step S333), and activates the condition device by setting the jackpot flag to a valid value (step S334). After that, the main control unit 510 resets the probability hit flag and the time-saving flag to invalid values, and resets the probability hit counter and the time-saving counter to invalid values (step S335). The probability hit flag is a flag that sets whether or not a hit/miss judgment of the first special pattern and the second special pattern is performed with a higher probability of winning than in the normal game state. The time-saving flag is a flag that sets whether or not a time-saving game state is performed. The probability hit counter is a counter that sets the number of times that a hit/miss judgment of the first special pattern and the second special pattern is performed with a higher probability of winning than in the normal game state. The time-saving counter is a counter that sets the number of times that a time-saving game state is performed. After resetting various counters (step S335), the main control device 510 transmits a state designation command indicating the game state after the determined symbol display to the sub integrated control device 520 and the frame control device 560, and then transitions to special game processing that controls the jackpot game state.

When the losing symbol is to be displayed as a confirmed winning symbol (step S332: NO), the main control unit 510 sets the time for the losing symbol to be displayed as a confirmed winning symbol (step S337). After that, if the probability win flag is a valid value of "1" (step S338: YES), the main control unit 510 decrements the probability win counter (step S339). After that, if the probability win counter is "0" (step S340: YES), the main control unit 510 sets the probability win flag to an invalid value of "0" (step S341).

After completing the processing related to the probability change flag and probability change counter (step S338: "NO", step S340: "NO", step S341), if the time-saving flag is a valid value "1" (step S342: "YES"), the main control unit 510 decrements the time-saving counter (step S343). After that, if the time-saving counter is "0" (step S344: "YES"), the main control unit 510 sets the time-saving flag to an invalid value "0" (step S345). After completing the processing related to the time-saving flag and the time-saving counter (step S342: "NO", step S344: "NO", step S345), the main control unit 510 transmits a state designation command indicating the game state after the pattern confirmation display to the sub-integrated control unit 520 and the frame control unit 560, and then transitions to special game processing that controls the jackpot game state.

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 13, if it is not the fixed pattern non-display period in which the fixed patterns of the first special pattern and the second special pattern are not displayed (step S302 in FIG. 10: "NO"), in other words, if the first special pattern or the second special pattern is displayed as fixed, the main control unit 510 judges whether the fixed display time set based on the variable pattern related to the target special pattern displayed as fixed has elapsed (step S350). If the fixed display time has not elapsed (step S350: "NO"), the main control unit 510 transitions to special game processing for controlling the jackpot game state. If the fixed display time has elapsed (step S350: "YES"), the main control unit 510 outputs a control signal for ending the fixed display to the first special pattern display device 251 or the second special pattern display device 252, and transmits a command for ending the fixed display by the performance pattern to the sub-integrated control unit 520 (step S351). After that, the main control unit 510 transitions to special game processing for controlling the jackpot game state.

[Special Game Processing]
14, 15 and 16 are flow charts showing the "special game process" executed by the main control unit 510. This special game process is a subroutine that controls the big win game state. As shown in FIG. 14, after starting the special game process, the main control unit 510 judges whether or not the condition device is operating based on the big win flag (step S400). If the condition device is not operating (step S400: "NO"), the main control unit 510 returns to the main routine.

If the condition device is operating (step S400: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether the big prize opening 248 is closed (step S401). If the big prize opening 248 is closed (step S401: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether the big prize start performance prior to the big prize game state is being performed (step S402). If the big prize start performance is being performed (step S402: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether it is time to end the big prize start performance (step S403). If it is time to end the big prize start performance (step S403: "YES"), the main control unit 510 executes the big prize opening opening process (step S404) to open the big prize opening 248. If it is not time to end the big prize start performance (step S403: "NO"), and after executing the big prize opening opening process (step S404), the main control unit 510 returns to the main routine.

If the big win start performance is not being performed (step S402: "NO"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not it is during an interval, which is a period during which the big win opening 248 is temporarily closed between the previous opening period and the next opening period (step S405). If it is during an interval (step S405: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not it is time to end the interval (step S406). If it is time to end the interval (step S406: "YES"), the main control unit 510 executes a big win opening opening process (step S408) that opens the big win opening 248. If it is not time to end the interval (step S406: "NO"), and after executing the big win opening opening process (step S408), the main control unit 510 returns to the main routine.

If it is not during an interval (step S405: "NO"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not a jackpot end presentation is in progress (step S411). If it is not during a jackpot end presentation (step S411: "YES"), the main control unit 510 executes a jackpot start presentation process (step S412) that sends a command to the sub-integrated control unit 520 to instruct the jackpot start presentation. If it is during a jackpot end presentation (step S411: "NO") and after executing the jackpot start presentation process (step S412), the main control unit 510 returns to the main routine.

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 15, if the large prize opening 248 is not closed (step S401: "NO" in FIG. 14), in other words, if the large prize opening 248 is open, the main control unit 510 judges whether the number of prizes won through the open large prize opening 248 is less than a specified number (e.g., 9 prizes) (step S430). If the number of prizes won through the open large prize opening 248 is less than the specified number (step S430: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether the opening time for opening the large prize opening 248 has elapsed (step S431). If the opening time for opening the large prize opening 248 has not elapsed (step S431: "NO"), the main control unit 510 returns to the main routine.

If the number of winnings in the open large prize opening 248 exceeds the specified number (step S430: "NO"), or if the opening time for opening the large prize opening 248 has elapsed (step S431: "YES"), the main control unit 510 executes a large prize opening closing process (step S432) to close the large prize opening 248. The main control unit 510 then determines whether the round of the large prize game that ended in the previous large prize opening closing process (step S432) is the final round (e.g., the 13th round) (step S433). If it is not the final round (step S433: "NO"), the main control unit 510 executes an interval to temporarily close the large prize opening 248 between the previous opening period and the next opening period (step S438). The main control unit 510 then returns to the main routine.

If the round of the jackpot game that ended in the previous jackpot opening closing process (step S432) is the final round (step S433: "YES"), the main control unit 510 sends a command to the sub-integrated control unit 520 to instruct a jackpot end presentation indicating the end of the jackpot game state (step S436). The main control unit 510 then executes a condition device stop process (step S437) to stop the condition device.

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 16, after executing the condition device stop process (step S437 in FIG. 15), the main control unit 510 judges whether the bonus flag is a valid value of "1" or not (step S440). In this embodiment, the main control unit 510 sets the bonus flag to a valid value of "1" depending on the type of jackpot pattern. In other embodiments, if a game ball enters a special bonus hole (not shown) provided inside the big prize hole 248 in the final round of a jackpot game, the main control unit 510 may set the bonus flag to a valid value of "1".

If the bonus flag is a valid value of "1" (step S440: "YES"), the main control unit 510 sets the special bonus flag to a valid value of "1" (step S441) and sets the special bonus counter to a value of "500" (step S442). After that, the main control unit 510 sets the time-saving flag to a valid value of "1" (step S443) and sets the time-saving counter to a value of "500" (step S444). Note that the special bonus counter value and the time-saving counter value in this case may be different.

If the bonus flag is not a valid value of "1" (step S440: "NO"), in other words, if the bonus flag is an invalid value of "0", the main control unit 510 sets the high probability flag to an invalid value of "0" (step S451) and sets the high probability counter to a value of "0" (step S452). After that, the main control unit 510 sets the time-saving flag to a valid value of "1" (step S453) and sets the time-saving counter to a value of "200" (step S454).

After setting the time-saving counter (steps S444, S454), the main control device 510 resets the bonus flag to an invalid value of "0" (step S445). The main control device 510 then transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 520 to notify the game state after the jackpot game, which is set based on the high probability flag and the time-saving flag (step S446). The main control device 510 then transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 520 and the frame control device 560 to indicate the game state after the jackpot game, which is set based on the high probability flag and the time-saving flag (step S447). The main control device 510 then returns to the main routine.

[Winning confirmation process]
Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing the "winning confirmation process" executed by the main control unit 510. This winning confirmation process is a subroutine included in the winning confirmation process (step S107) of Fig. 8. After starting the winning confirmation process, the main control unit 510 judges whether or not a winning has been detected (step S512). The main control unit 510 judges whether or not a winning has been detected based on detection signals from the first start port switch 271, the second start port switch 272, the left winning port switch 274, and the count switch 276.

When a winning is detected (step S512: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges the number of prize balls to be added to the player's balls (step S514). When the detection signal is from the left winning port switch 274 that detects a winning in the normal winning port 246, the main control device 510 judges the number of prize balls to be 10. When the detection signal is from the first start port switch 271 that detects a winning in the first start port 241, and when the detection signal is from the second start port switch 272 that detects a winning in the second start port 242, the main control device 510 judges the number of prize balls to be 3. When the detection signal is from the count switch 276 that detects a winning in the large winning port 248, the main control device 510 judges the number of prize balls to be 13. The number of prize balls for each winning port can be set appropriately.

After determining the number of prize balls (step S514), and if no winning is detected (step S512: "NO"), the main control unit 510 instructs the prize ball number display device 286 to display the number of prize balls (step S516). This causes the prize ball number display device 286 to display the number of prize balls for each winning slot. If no winning is detected, the prize ball number display device 286 displays the number "0" indicating that no winning has occurred. After instructing the display of the number of prize balls (step S516), the main control unit 510 completes the winning confirmation process of FIG. 17 and returns to the main routine.

[Each output process]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing each output process executed by the main control device 510. Each output process is a subroutine corresponding to each output process (step S109) of FIG. 8. In each output process, the main control device 510 transmits prize ball information indicating the number of prize balls based on the winning confirmation process of FIG. 17 to the frame control device 560 by one-way communication from the main control device 510 (step S522). After that, the main control device 510 transmits prize ball information indicating the number of prize balls based on the winning confirmation process of FIG. 17 to the main control device 510 by one-way communication from the main control device 510 (step S524). In each output process, the main control device 510 outputs various information to the frame control device 560 and the main control device 510 in addition to the prize ball information. After outputting various information, the main control device 510 ends each output process of FIG. 18 and returns to the main routine.

The main control device 510 transmits the following information as game status information indicating the game status of the pachinko machine 10 from the frame control device 560 to the hall computer 90 via the card unit 80. <Name of information: Content of information>
Information A1: Jackpot Information A2 to A8: Reserve Information A9: Jackpot and time-saving Information A10: Chance bonus Information A11: Time-saving Information A12: Pattern change Information A13: Detection of fraudulent activity by radio wave sensor (error)
Information A14: Detection of fraudulent activity by magnet sensor (error)
Information A15: Detection of fraudulent winning (error)

The main control device 510 transmits the following information to the frame control device 560 as game status information indicating the game status of the pachinko machine 10. These pieces of information are not transmitted to the hall computer 90. <Name of information: Content of information>
Information B1: Start of jackpot game Information B2: Interval between rounds in jackpot game Information B3: End of jackpot game Information B4: Number of rounds in jackpot game Information B5: Pattern variation pattern Information B6 to B10: Reserve Information B11: With probability change (with time reduction)
Information B12: There is a chance of winning (no time reduction)
Information B13: No special bonus (time-saving)
Information B14: No special rate (no time reduction)
Information B15: Start of standby mode (power saving mode) Information B16: End of standby mode Information B17: Number of wins counted at the large prize slot Information B18: Number of wins counted at regular electric devices Information B19: Number of reserved items in the first reserved memory Information B20: Number of reserved items in the second reserved memory Information B21: Number of reserved items in the regular reserved memory Information B22: Wins at the regular prize slot

Regarding the start of the standby mode of information B15, the main control unit 510 starts the standby mode when a predetermined time has passed since all patterns have finished changing, in a state where there is no reserved memory for the normal pattern, the first special pattern, or the second special pattern. Regarding the end of the standby mode of information B16, the main control unit 510 ends the standby mode when a reserved memory for any of the normal pattern, the first special pattern, or the second special pattern is stored while the standby mode is being executed.

[Ball management processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the "balls in hand management process" executed by the frame control device 560. This balls in hand management process is a process for managing the number of balls in hand. The frame control device 560 repeatedly executes the balls in hand management process at a predetermined timing. After starting the balls in hand management process, the frame control device 560 judges whether or not it has received loan information from the card unit 80 (step S612). The loan information from the card unit 80 indicates the number of game balls to be loaned to the player based on the bill received from the player or the information read from the recording card, which is a recording medium. If the loan information is received (step S612: "YES"), the frame control device 560 adds the number of game balls based on the loan information to the number of balls in hand managed by the frame control device 560 (step S614).

After adding the number of balls held based on the rental information (step S614), or if rental information has not been received (step S612: "NO"), the frame control device 560 determines whether or not it has detected a launched ball, which is a game ball launched from the launch device 310 into the game area 210 (step S622). The frame control device 560 determines whether or not a launched ball has been detected based on a detection signal from the launch entrance sensor 315. If a launched ball is detected (step S622: "YES"), the frame control device 560 subtracts the number of launched balls from the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 (step S624).

After subtracting the number of balls held based on the fired ball (step S624), and if the fired ball has not been detected (step S622: "NO"), the frame control device 560 determines whether prize ball information indicating the number of prize balls has been received from the main control device 510 (step S632). If prize ball information has been received (step S632: "YES"), the frame control device 560 adds the number of prize balls based on the prize ball information to the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 (step S634).

After adding the number of balls held based on the prize ball information (step S634), or if no prize ball information has been received (step S632: "NO"), the frame control device 560 instructs the ball count display device 164 to display the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 (step S642). After that, the frame control device 560 ends the ball management process of FIG. 19.

[Information output processing]
20 is a flowchart showing the "information output process" executed by the frame control device 560. This information output process is a process for outputting various information to the sub-integrated control device 520. The frame control device 560 repeatedly executes the information output process at a predetermined timing. In the information output process, the frame control device 560 transmits ball information indicating the number of balls held based on the ball management process of FIG. 19 to the sub-integrated control device 520 by one-way communication from the frame control device 560 (step S644). In the information output process, the frame control device 560 transmits the following information to the sub-integrated control device 520 in addition to the ball information by one-way communication from the frame control device 560.
Information C1: winning ball detection information Information C2: out ball detection information Information C3: frame side error information Information C4: nighttime monitoring information Information C5: card notification information

The winning ball detection information (information C1) is information indicating the number of winning balls based on the detection signal from the winning ball sensor 344. The out ball detection information (information C2) is information indicating the number of out balls based on the detection signal from the out ball sensor 345. The frame side error information (information C3) is information indicating an abnormality in the equipment such as the launching device 310, the grinding device 320, and the lifting device 330 managed by the frame control device 560. The night monitoring information (information C4) is information indicating an abnormality based on the detection signal from the night monitoring device 352. The card notification information (information C5) is information indicating that the recording card is to be returned in the card unit 80. When the sub-integrated control device 520 receives an operation input to the counting switch 162, the sub-integrated control device 520 transmits the interval period until the next game state is started after the end of the big win game, and when the sub-integrated control device 520 receives an operation input to the return button 813, the sub-integrated control device 520 transmits the card notification information (information C5) to the sub-integrated control device 520.

[Ball display processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the "ball display process" executed by the sub-integrated control device 520. This ball display process is a process for displaying the number of balls held on the performance pattern display device 230. The sub-integrated control device 520 repeatedly executes the ball display process at a predetermined timing. After starting the ball display process, the sub-integrated control device 520 receives ball information indicating the number of balls held based on the ball management process of FIG. 19 from the frame control device 560 by one-way communication from the frame control device 560 (step S712). After that, the sub-integrated control device 520 instructs the performance pattern display device 230 to display the number of balls held based on the ball information from the frame control device 560 via the performance pattern control device 530 (step S714). After that, the sub-integrated control device 520 ends the ball display process. The sub-integrated control device 520 may receive ball information indicating the number of balls held from the frame control device 560 each time the number of balls held managed in the frame control device 560 changes by a predetermined number (for example, 10), or may receive ball information indicating the number of balls held from the frame control device 560 each time the number of balls held managed in the frame control device 560 changes. The sub-integrated control device 520 may calculate the number of balls held based on information different from the ball information transmitted from the frame control device 560, and instruct the performance pattern display device 230 via the performance pattern control device 530 to display the calculated number of balls held.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen 401 showing an example of a display in the performance pattern display device 230. The screen 401 includes performance pattern display areas 411, 412, and 413, a display area 422, and a display area 424. The performance pattern display area 411 is an area for performing variable display and fixed display of the performance pattern located on the left side. The performance pattern display area 412 is an area for performing variable display and fixed display of the performance pattern located in the center. The performance pattern display area 413 is an area for performing variable display and fixed display of the performance pattern located on the right side. The display area 422 is an area for displaying the number of prize balls based on the prize ball information from the main control device 510. The display area 424 is an area for displaying the number of balls held based on the ball information from the frame control device 560.
In addition, if the main control device 510 and the frame control device 560 are configured to be capable of two-way communication, data indicating the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 can be output to the main control device 510, and the main control device 510 can output data indicating the number of balls held to the sub-integrated control device 520, and the number of balls held can be displayed in the display area 424.

[Frame side error notification process]
23 is a flowchart showing the "frame side error notification process" executed by the sub-integrated control device 520. This frame side error notification process is a process for notifying the effect pattern display device 230 of an abnormality of the device managed by the frame control device 560. The sub-integrated control device 520 repeatedly executes the frame side error notification process at a predetermined timing. After starting the frame side error notification process, the sub-integrated control device 520 judges whether or not it has received frame side error information (information C3) from the frame control device 560 (step S732). If frame side error information (information C3) is received (step S732: "YES (abnormal)"), the sub-integrated control device 520 instructs the performance pattern display device 230 to notify the frame side error information (information C3) via the performance pattern control device 530 (step S734). When notifying the frame side error information (information C3), the sub-integrated control device 520 may instruct notifying by the speaker 142 emitting light and the light-emitting unit 144 outputting sound, in addition to the notification by the performance pattern display device 230. After instructing the notification of the frame side error information (information C3) (step S734), and if the frame side error information (information C3) has not been received (step S732: "NO (normal)"), the sub-integrated control device 520 terminates the frame side error notification process.

When reporting frame side error information (information C3) (step S734), sound output from the alarm speaker 354 may be performed under the control of the frame control device 560. When reporting frame side error information (information C3), the frame control device 560 may stop the launch of game balls by the launch device 310, making game play impossible, under the control of the frame control device 560. In this case, the frame control device 560 may notify the sub-integrated control device 520 of the stop of launch of game balls, and the sub-integrated control device 520 may instruct the performance pattern display device 230 to report the same.

Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen 403, which shows an example of a display on the effect pattern display device 230. Screen 403 is an example of a screen that is displayed when the sub-integrated control device 520 instructs the notification of frame-side error information (information C3). Like screen 401 in Figure 22, screen 403 has effect pattern display areas 411, 412, 413, display area 422, and display area 424. Screen 403 further has a display area 432. Display area 432 is an area that displays the contents of the frame-side error information (information C3). In the example of Figure 26, display area 432 displays the characters "Ball Circulation Error", which indicates an abnormality in the circulation system of the game balls.

[Card Notification Processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the "card notification process" executed by the sub-integrated control device 520. This card notification process is a process in which the performance pattern display device 230 notifies the user that the recording card is to be returned in the card unit 80. The sub-integrated control device 520 repeatedly executes the card notification process at a predetermined timing. After starting the card notification process, the sub-integrated control device 520 judges whether or not it has received card notification information (information C5) from the frame control device 560 (step S752). In a situation where an operation input is made to the return button 813, a jackpot game is ended, or an operation input is made to the counting switch 162, the frame control device 560 transmits card notification information (information C5) to the sub-integrated control device 520. If card notification information (information C5) is received (step S752: "YES"), the sub-integrated control device 520 instructs the performance pattern display device 230 via the performance pattern control device 530 to notify the card unit 80 that the recording card will be returned (step S754). After instructing the card unit 80 to notify the card unit 80 that the recording card will be returned (step S754), and if card notification information (information C5) has not been received (step S752: "NO"), the sub-integrated control device 520 terminates the card notification process.

When notifying that the record card will be returned after the end of a jackpot, the sub-integrated control board 520 can notify that the record card will be returned based on information from the main control board 510, so it may notify that the record card will be returned without receiving card notification information from the frame control board 560. Also, when notifying that the record card will be returned after each jackpot, it may notify that the record card will be returned after the end of a jackpot only when the jackpot game state ends from the normal game state, in order to avoid multiple notifications even if the record card has been removed. The same applies when the frame control device 560 sends card notification information.

Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen 405, which is an example of a display on the performance pattern display device 230. The screen 405 is an example of a screen that is displayed when a notification that the recording card is to be returned in the card unit 80 is instructed by the sub-integrated control device 520. The screen 405 has a display area 452. The display area 452 is an area that displays that the recording card is to be returned in the card unit 80. In the example of Figure 29, the display area 442 displays text indicating that the recording card is to be returned in the card unit 80.

In the process shown in Fig. 16, when the bonus flag is a valid value "1", the values of the probability variable flag and time-saving flag are set to "1" (hereinafter, also referred to as "setting the flag") (steps S441, S443), and the probability variable counter and time-saving counter are set to the value "500" (steps S442, S444), and when the bonus flag is a value "0", only the time-saving flag is set and the time-saving counter is set to the value "200" (steps S451 to S454). The time-saving control executed by this process is executed after the big win game ends (hereinafter, also referred to as "big win time-saving").
In addition to this jackpot time reduction, in this embodiment, time reduction control is also executed when the number of miss variations executed after a miss is determined in step S315 shown in Figure 11 reaches a predetermined number (hereinafter, this may be referred to as "ceiling time reduction").

[Ceiling time reduction]
[Counting the number of deviations HN]
Here, the process of counting the number of miss variations (also called the number of miss lotteries) HN in step 319 of FIG. 11 in the special drawing win/loss determination process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
The number of times of loss fluctuation HN indicates the number of times the random number for determining a big win read as a reserved memory for the special symbol in the step 314 is compared with the judgment table for determining a big win, and the comparison result is notified by the special symbol. Therefore, in other words, the number of times of loss lottery indicates the number of times the lottery result is notified by the special symbol, and does not include the lottery when a big win notice is given, etc.
In the "miss variation count HN count process" shown in Fig. 27, first, it is determined whether the current pachinko machine 10 is in a high probability state of winning, that is, in a state where the machine is not in a high probability game (step S1000). If the determination in step S1000 is affirmative, a process of incrementing the miss variation count HN is performed (step S1001). After the process in step S1001 is performed, or if the determination in step S1000 is negative, the process is returned to the process in step S319 in Fig. 11.
In this embodiment, when the probability of winning is high, the miss variation count HN is not incremented, so that the miss variation count HN is not incremented in the probability variable time-saving game state. However, in the normal time-saving game state, the miss variation count HN is incremented.

The process shown in FIG. 27 shows the number of miss variations HN when the result of the first hit/miss judgment, which compares the random number for determining a jackpot read as a reserved memory for the first special symbol in steps S314-S315 with the judgment table for determining a jackpot, and the second hit/miss judgment, which compares the random number for determining a jackpot read as a reserved memory for the second special symbol with the judgment table for determining a jackpot, is not a jackpot. The number of miss variations HN shows the sum of the number of miss variations HN1 in the first hit/miss judgment and the number of miss variations HN2 in the second hit/miss judgment. That is, when the number of miss variations HN is incremented, either the number of miss variations HN1 in the first hit/miss judgment or the number of miss variations HN2 in the second hit/miss judgment is incremented.
The miss variation count HN, the miss variation count HN1, and the miss variation count HN2 are initialized when a positive determination is made in step S315 of Fig. 11, that is, when a big win occurs. They can also be initialized when the RAM clear switch 290 or the like is operated to initialize the stored data, when the setting key switch 291 or the like is operated to change the value of the step setting value, etc.

In this embodiment, when the probability of winning a jackpot is in a high probability state, the number of times of miss fluctuations HN is not incremented, but it may be configured to increment. For example, in the case of a configuration in which the large prize winning port 14 is not opened continuously and the state transitions to a high probability state without winning many prize balls due to small wins, etc. (so-called sudden probability function), the number of times of miss fluctuations HN may be incremented even in the high probability state. This is because when the state transitions to a high probability state due to the sudden probability function, the player does not gain any profit from playing a jackpot.
If the number of miss variations HN is incremented when the probability of a sudden change to a high probability state is reached, the player can be rescued by time-saving control when no big win occurs in the high probability state. On the other hand, if the probability of a sudden change to a high probability state is reached and a big win occurs, the number of miss variations HN is initialized, so that the player is not given an excessive advantage.

[Time-saving control based on the number of deviations (ceiling time-saving)]
In the "miss fluctuation count time-saving set process" shown in Fig. 28, first, it is determined whether the miss fluctuation count HN has reached a predetermined upper limit count MHN (step S1005). If a negative determination is made that the miss fluctuation count HN has not reached the upper limit count MHN, the process returns.
In this embodiment, it is judged whether the miss count N has reached the upper limit count MHN, but it is also possible to simultaneously judge whether the miss fluctuation count HN1 in the first hit/miss judgment has reached the predetermined upper limit count MHN1, whether the miss fluctuation count HN2 in the second hit/miss judgment has reached the predetermined upper limit count MHN2, whether the small hit count has reached the upper limit count, etc. In this case, if any one of the judgments is judged to be positive, the process proceeds to S1006, and if all judgments have not reached the upper limit count, the process returns.

When it is determined that the miss fluctuation count HN has reached the predetermined upper limit count MHN (step S1005), a time-saving flag is set (set) and the miss fluctuation count HN is initialized (step S1006). Note that in this step S1006, the process of initializing the miss fluctuation count HN may be omitted.
After performing the processing of step S1006, the time-saving counter (also called the number of time-saving times STN) is set to 200 (step S1007), a process is performed to instruct notification of the game status (step S1008), and a process is performed to send a command instructing the game status (step S1009), after which the processing "returns."
The process of setting the time-saving flag (step S1006), the process of setting the time-saving count (step S1007), the process of instructing notification of the game status (step S1008), and the process of sending a command instructing the game status (step S1009) are similar to the processing steps S443, S444, S446, and S447 described in Figure 16.
The time-saving control is executed by setting the time-saving flag. As described above, the time-saving game state by the time-saving control is a game state in which the time for variably displaying the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is shortened from the normal game state, and the average opening time of the normal electric role device 245 is extended from the normal game state. Note that it is also possible to configure the time for variably displaying the first special symbol or the second special symbol not to be shortened.
When the deviation fluctuation count HN is initialized, the deviation fluctuation count HN1 and the deviation fluctuation count HN2 are also initialized.

The upper limit number of times MHN, etc. is determined in advance based on the performance of the gaming machine, such as the probability of a big win.
For example, if the probability of a big win during low probability is 1/LP, it can be considered that 2.5 x LP ≦ MHN ≦ 3.0 x LP. In this embodiment, the probability of a big win during low probability when the stage setting value is "1" is 1/200, so 500 ≦ MHN ≦ 600.
Similarly, the time-saving counter (time-saving count STN) is also determined in advance based on the performance of the gaming machine, such as the probability of a jackpot. For example, if the probability of a jackpot at a low probability is 1/LP, then it can be considered that 0.4×LP≦STN≦3.8×LP. If the probability of a jackpot is 1/200, then 80≦STN≦760. These values can be changed as appropriate.
In the configuration where the deviation fluctuation count HN is not initialized in step S1006, the upper limit count MHN is updated to a larger count within the range (500≦MHN≦600). In the configuration where the deviation fluctuation count HN is updated, if the upper limit count MHN is set to the maximum value within the range, it is sufficient to initialize the deviation fluctuation count HN when it reaches the maximum value, the upper limit count MHN.

[Display process of number of deviations HN]
The miss variation count HN is displayed on the screen 401 of the performance symbol display device 230 together with the upper limit count (also called the ceiling count) MHN. The display area 424 of the screen 401 displays the number of balls held based on the ball information from the frame control device 560 as described above, but the miss variation count HN is displayed in the display area 450, and the upper limit count MHN is displayed in the display area 451.
The difference between the upper limit number MHN and the miss variation number HN, i.e., the number of times the miss variation number HN needs to reach the upper limit number MHN, may be displayed in the display area 450. Of course, it is also possible to display the miss variation number HN together with the number of times the miss variation number HN needs to reach the upper limit number MHN in the display area 450. In short, it is sufficient for the player to know the number of misses required for the time-saving control based on the miss variation number HN to be executed, and the display mode is not important.
The number of miss variations HN may be displayed at all times or at a fixed timing. After the game starts, the number of miss variations due to the game after the game starts may be displayed, and the number of miss variations (cumulative number of miss variations) added to the number of miss variations due to the previous player may be displayed after a fixed time has passed.
In this embodiment, the number of times of the missing fluctuations HN is displayed when the cumulative number of times of the missing fluctuations HN is equal to or greater than a predetermined percentage (e.g., 50%) of the upper limit number of times MHN and when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the game. The number of times of the missing fluctuations due to the game after the player is changed is displayed separately immediately after the start of the game.
In this embodiment, the miss variation count HN displayed in the display area 450 is the cumulative miss variation count.

[Initialization process for number of deviations HN]
The miss variation count HN is initialized at least when a jackpot game occurs, but it may also be initialized when a condition other than the occurrence of a jackpot game is met. For example, it may be initialized in step S1006. Alternatively, it may be initialized after a certain period of time (for example, 1 to 2 hours) has passed after it is determined that the player has finished playing.
The miss variation count HN is stored for a certain period of time by the backup power supply even during a power outage, but it may be initialized under other conditions than those mentioned above. For example, it may be initialized when the RWM clear switch 290 or the like is operated to initialize the data stored in the RAM, or when the setting key switch 291 or the like is operated to change the setting of the jackpot probability.
In addition, when a jackpot game occurs, the time-saving flag and the time-saving counter of the ceiling time-saving are also initialized. In addition, when the value of the time-saving counter becomes zero, that is, when a jackpot game does not occur during the time-saving game, the time-saving flag is also initialized. The same applies to the specific time-saving.

In the first embodiment described above in detail, as shown in FIG. 16, when a jackpot game is won and a special flag is set, the values of the probability variable counter and the time-saving counter are both set to "500", and when the special flag is not set, the value of the probability variable counter is set to "0" and the value of the time-saving counter is set to "200". When the special flag is set, the probability of a jackpot when the stage setting value is "1" is 1/50 (high probability state), so it is no exaggeration to say that a jackpot game will always occur after 500 time-saving games. Even if a jackpot game does not occur, the miss fluctuation count HN is not counted when the special flag is set (FIG. 27), so the ceiling time-saving does not occur during a jackpot time-saving game.
On the other hand, when the bonus flag is not set, the probability of winning when the stage setting value is "1" is 1/200 (normal probability state), so 200 times of time-saving play does not necessarily result in a jackpot game. However, when the bonus flag is not set, the miss fluctuation count HN is counted (FIG. 27). Therefore, since the value of the miss fluctuation count is initialized at the start of the jackpot time-saving play, the value of the miss fluctuation count HN becomes 200 after 200 times of time-saving play, approaching the occurrence of the ceiling time-saving play, but does not reach the upper limit count MHN.
That is, the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment sets the number of time-saving times for a jackpot time-saving game in a high probability state to be equal to or greater than the upper limit number MHN, but sets the number of time-saving times for a jackpot time-saving game in a normal state to be less than the upper limit number MHN, thereby achieving the excellent effect of extremely increasing the probability of a jackpot game occurring when a bonus flag is set without generating a ceiling time-saving game during a jackpot time-saving game, and of incrementing the miss fluctuation number HN to attract the occurrence of a ceiling time-saving game when the bonus flag is not set.

In the first embodiment, the jackpot probability, number of time-saving times, upper limit number of times MHN, etc. are not limited to the values mentioned above, and the number of time-saving times for jackpot time-saving play in a high probability state can be set to a number equal to or more than twice the inverse of the jackpot probability, and the number of time-saving times for jackpot time-saving play in a normal state can be set to less than the upper limit number of times MHN.
However, since the number of time-saving times when the special flag is set is set to the upper limit number MHN or more to extremely increase the probability of a big win game, it is preferable that the probability of the special flag being set is 10% or less.
In the first embodiment, if the number of time-saving times in the high-probability state jackpot time-saving game is set to twice the reciprocal of the jackpot probability, the probability of a jackpot occurring during the time-saving game (2 times 50 time-saving times) is about 86.7%, since the probability of a jackpot occurring during the high-probability state when the stage setting value is "1" is 1/50. If the number of time-saving times is 500, the probability of a jackpot occurring is about 99.996%.

Second Embodiment
Next, the rate (probability) at which the bonus flag is set will be described in detail in the second embodiment.
As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the probability of a jackpot due to the first special pattern and the second special pattern is 1/200 when the stage setting value is 1 (the number in parentheses is the probability of a jackpot in the high probability state).
When the first special pattern is hit, the number of rounds is 10R at a 5% rate (probability) for the jackpot pattern 1, the number of rounds is 6R at a 85% rate for the jackpot pattern 2, and the number of rounds is 8R at a 10% rate for the jackpot pattern 3. A bonus flag is set for the jackpot pattern 1 and the jackpot pattern 3, but not for the jackpot pattern 2.
Similarly, when a jackpot is hit with the second special symbol, a jackpot game with 10R rounds is selected at a 5% rate for jackpot symbol 1, 6R rounds at a 80% rate for jackpot symbol 2, and 8R rounds at a 15% rate for jackpot symbol 3. A bonus flag is set for jackpot symbol 1 and jackpot symbol 3, but not for jackpot symbol 2.
In the first embodiment, there is no jackpot pattern 3, and the probability that jackpot pattern 1 is selected for both the first special pattern and the second special pattern is 10%, and the probability that jackpot pattern 2 is selected is 90%.

In the first special chart, when the jackpot pattern 1 is selected, the jackpot probability and the probability of hitting the normal pattern are in a high probability state and time-saving control is performed 500 times, when the jackpot pattern 2 is selected, the jackpot probability and the probability of hitting the normal pattern are in a low probability state and time-saving control is performed 200 times, and when the jackpot pattern 3 is selected, the jackpot probability and the probability of hitting the normal pattern are in a high probability state and time-saving control is performed 100 times, and when the jackpot probability and the probability of hitting the normal pattern are in a low probability state and time-saving control is performed 100 times.
Similarly, in the second special chart, when the jackpot pattern 1 is selected, the jackpot probability and the probability of hitting the normal pattern are in a high probability state and the time-saving control is performed 500 times, when the jackpot pattern 2 is selected, the jackpot probability and the probability of hitting the normal pattern are in a low probability state and the time-saving control is performed 200 times, and when the jackpot pattern 3 is selected, the jackpot probability and the probability of hitting the normal pattern are in a high probability state and the time-saving control is performed 100 times, and when the jackpot probability and the probability of hitting the normal pattern are in a low probability state and the time-saving control is performed 100 times.

On the other hand, the ceiling time reduction is performed when the number of misses of the first special chart reaches 400, or the number of misses of the second special chart reaches 350, or the total number of misses of the first special chart and the second special chart reaches 500. When the ceiling time reduction is performed, the time reduction flag is set and the time reduction counter is set to 200, as in the case of the jackpot time reduction described above. In this embodiment, the time reduction control is performed when the number of misses of the first special chart reaches 400, or the number of misses of the second special chart reaches 350, or the total number of misses of the first special chart and the second special chart reaches 500, but it is also possible to configure the time reduction control to be performed simply when the total number of misses reaches a predetermined number, and it is also possible to configure the time reduction control to be performed when the number of misses of the first special chart or the second special chart alone reaches a predetermined number.
The probability of winning the special chart 1 and the special chart 2 in the ceiling time reduction is 1/200. In addition, the time reduction flag that is set when the jackpot time reduction and the ceiling time reduction are executed may be the same flag because different types of time reduction control are not executed simultaneously, but it is preferable to set different flags to each other in order to determine which type of time reduction the time reduction number belongs to.

As mentioned above, the time for the special symbols to change during the jackpot time-saving feature is 10 to 120 seconds during normal play when the time-saving feature is not in effect, an average of 5 seconds during the time-saving feature, and an average of 30 seconds during the time-saving feature. The probability of winning a normal symbol is 1/6 in a low probability state, and 5/6 in a high probability state. The time for the normal symbols to change is 5 seconds during a non-time-saving feature, and 1 second during a time-saving feature. The opening time of the normal electric device 245 is 0.3 seconds during a non-time-saving feature, and 1.5 seconds during a time-saving feature.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, except for the opening time of the normal electric device 245 during time-saving play, the fluctuation time and winning probability are the same regardless of whether the jackpot time-saving or ceiling time-saving is selected.
On the other hand, the opening time of the normal electric device 245 during time-saving play is set to 1.5 seconds for the big win time-saving and 1.7 seconds for the ceiling time-saving. Of course, the variable time or winning probability may be different depending on the type of time-saving. Also, the time until the normal electric device is released after the winning is notified by the normal symbol may be different depending on the type of time-saving, or it may be the same.

In the second embodiment, the process shown in Fig. 32 is executed instead of the process shown in Fig. 16 of the first embodiment. The processes shown in steps S1441 to S1447 and steps S1451 to S1454 shown in Fig. 32 are similar to the processes shown in steps S441 to S447 and steps S451 to S454 shown in Fig. 16, except for the values set in each counter. The process of step S1440 shown in Fig. 32 differs from the process of step S440 shown in Fig. 16, and steps S1460 to S1463 are added.
In the second embodiment, for both special chart 1 and special chart 2, in the case of the jackpot pattern 1, the bonus flag is set to the value "1", in the case of the jackpot pattern 2, the bonus flag is set to the value "0", and in the case of the jackpot pattern 3, the bonus flag is set to the value "2".
In the process shown in Fig. 32, first, the value of the bonus flag is determined (step S1440). If the value of the bonus flag is "1", the processes of steps S1441 to S1447 are executed, the value "500" is set in the probability change counter (step S1442), and the value "500" is set in the time reduction counter (step S1444).
If the value of the bonus flag is "0", the processes of steps S1451 to S1454 are executed, and the time-saving counter is set to a value of "200" (step S1454).
On the other hand, if the value of the bonus flag is "2", steps S1460 to S1463 are executed, and the main control device 510 sets the high probability flag to a valid value of "1" (step S1460) and sets the high probability counter to a value of "100" (step S1461). After that, the main control device 510 sets the time-saving flag to a valid value of "1" (step S1462), sets the time-saving counter to a value of "200" (step S1463), and then proceeds to step S1445.

By executing the processing shown in Figure 32, if the same processing as the first embodiment other than the processing shown in Figure 16 is executed, as described above, for jackpot pattern 1, the jackpot probability and the hit probability of the normal pattern are in a high probability state, and time-saving control is performed 500 times, and for jackpot pattern 2, the jackpot probability and the hit probability of the normal pattern are in a low probability state, and time-saving control is performed 200 times.
On the other hand, for the jackpot pattern 3, the jackpot probability and the probability of hitting the normal pattern are in a high probability state and time-saving control is performed 100 times, and then the jackpot probability and the probability of hitting the normal pattern are in a low probability state and time-saving control is performed 100 times.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the miss variation count HN is displayed on the screen 401 of the performance symbol display device 230 together with the upper limit count (also called the ceiling count) MHN. This display process is similar to that in the second embodiment, but there are cases where the display of the miss variation count HN is restricted. The process of restricting this is described with reference to FIG.
In this process, first, it is determined whether the value of the time-saving counter is not zero (step S1500). The time-saving counter is decremented in step S343 of FIG. 12 described above, and if the decremented value is zero (step S1500 negative determination), the miss fluctuation count HN is displayed (step S1501). If the value of the time-saving counter is zero, the time-saving game is over.
If the value of the time-saving counter is not zero, the time-saving game is continuing, and then it is determined whether the value of the probability-changing counter is not zero (step S1502). The probability-changing counter is decremented in step S339 of FIG. 12, and if the decremented value is zero (step S1502 negative judgment), it means that the time-saving game in the normal state, not the high probability state, is being executed. On the other hand, if the value of the probability-changing counter is not zero (step S1502 positive judgment), it means that the time-saving game in the high probability state is being executed.
When a high probability state time-saving game is being played, the miss variation count HN is hidden and the time-saving count is decremented (steps S1503 to S1504). In this embodiment, when the bonus flag value is "1", the miss variation count HN and the upper limit count MHN are hidden. Also, when the bonus flag value is "2", the miss variation count HN is hidden during the period when the time-saving control is performed 60 times, which is 60% or more of the 100 times of the probability counter. When a normal state time-saving game is being played, the miss variation count HN is displayed (step S1505) and the time-saving count is decremented (step S1504). In this embodiment, the miss variation count HN is displayed during the period when the time-saving control is performed 60 times, which is 60% or more of the 100 times of the probability counter.

In the second embodiment, during time-saving play in a high probability state, the number of time-saving times is decremented, but the miss variation number HN and the upper limit number MHN are not displayed. On the other hand, during time-saving play in a low probability state that is not a high probability state, the number of time-saving times is decremented and the miss variation number HN is also displayed. When the miss variation number HN is displayed, the upper limit number MHN is also displayed.

In the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment, when a jackpot pattern 3, which is not included in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, is selected, a high probability time-saving game with 100 time-saving times is played, and then a low probability time-saving game with 100 time-saving times is played. In the low probability time-saving game, the miss variation number HN is counted (FIG. 27), but even if no jackpot occurs during this period, the time-saving number is 100 times, so the miss variation number HN does not reach the upper limit number MHN. This prevents the ceiling time-saving from occurring during the jackpot time-saving game.
In addition, in the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment, the miss variation count HN and the upper limit count MHN are not displayed during the time-saving game in the high probability state. This is expected to encourage players to concentrate on the high probability state where the probability of a jackpot game is high. On the other hand, the miss variation count HN is displayed during the time-saving game in the low probability state.
During the time-saving game in the low probability state, the probability of a big win occurring is not high compared to the time-saving game in the high probability state, but the number of miss fluctuations HN is counted and displayed. This is expected to have the effect of creating a sense of expectation for the occurrence of the ceiling time-saving even if a big win does not occur. It is expected to have the effect of providing a sense of security.

Other Embodiments
The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, example, and modification, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, among the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiment, example, and modification, those corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the Summary of the Invention column can be appropriately replaced and combined in order to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. In addition, technical features that are not described as essential in this specification can be appropriately deleted.
For example, in the present embodiment 1 or 2, a pachinko machine 10 that executes a jackpot time reduction and a ceiling time reduction has been described, but the machine may also be configured to execute time reduction control when a jackpot pattern displays a specific losing pattern.
In addition, the process shown in Fig. 32 may be executed in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, since there is no jackpot symbol 3, when the value of the time-saving counter is not zero, the value of the probability-change counter is also not zero, and the process of step S1505 in Fig. 33 is not executed.
Below, inventions in which the technical features of embodiments 1 and 2 are appropriately replaced, combined, or deleted are described as related inventions.

[Related invention 1]
A pinball game machine in which an operation detection unit provided on a game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal symbol has been hit, and at least one variable ball entrance is a starting port that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, and a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port, and when a hit is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is played.
a probability-variable control means for setting the probability of winning the jackpot lottery to a high probability state higher than a normal state on condition that a special symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
an open extension state transition means 1 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than normal, by one time of time reduction, on condition that the bonus symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won; and an open extension state transition means 2 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than normal, by two time reductions, on condition that the bonus symbol is not displayed when the jackpot lottery is won.
A miss variation counting means for counting the number of miss variations that notifies the player that the player will not win the big win lottery when the probability of winning the big win lottery is not in the high probability state;
When the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation counting means reaches a predetermined number, an open extension state transition means 3 transitions the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended more than usual, and a time reduction number 3;
A loss variation count initialization means for initializing the loss variation count due to winning the jackpot lottery,
The time-saving number 1 is set to a number equal to or greater than twice the reciprocal of the probability of the high probability state, and the time-saving number 2 is set to a number less than the predetermined number,
Further, a miss variation count display means does not display the miss variation count counted by the miss variation count count means while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed, and displays the miss variation count counted by the miss variation count count means while the open extension state transition means 2 is being executed;
A pinball game machine comprising:

Related invention 1 extremely increases the probability of winning in a high-probability jackpot time-saving mode, prevents a malfunction that would otherwise occur due to the execution of a low-probability jackpot time-saving mode, and has the effect of encouraging players to concentrate on playing the game in a high-probability jackpot time-saving mode, and the effect of encouraging players to anticipate the arrival of a low-probability jackpot time-saving mode.
This effect is achieved by having the invention specific matters of setting the number of time-saving times for a jackpot time-saving in a high probability state to a number that is at least twice the inverse of the winning probability and setting the number of time-saving times for a jackpot time-saving in a low probability state to less than the specified number of times for the ceiling time-saving, and by having the invention specific matters of not displaying the number of miss fluctuations during the jackpot time-saving in a high probability state and displaying the number of miss fluctuations during the jackpot time-saving in a low probability state.

[Related invention 2]
A pinball game machine in which an operation detection unit provided on a game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal symbol has been hit, and at least one variable ball entrance is a starting port that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, and a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port, and when a hit is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is played.
a probability-variable control means for setting the probability of winning the jackpot lottery to a high probability state higher than a normal state on condition that a special symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
an open extension state transition means 1 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state extended longer than normal in the high probability state for one time reduction, on condition that the bonus symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won, and then transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to the open extension state extended longer than normal in the normal state for two time reductions; a miss variation number counting means for counting the number of miss variations that notifies the player that the jackpot lottery will not be won when the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is not in the high probability state;
When the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation counting means reaches a predetermined number, an open extension state transition means 2 transitions the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended more than usual, and a time reduction number 3;
A miss variation count initialization means for initializing the miss variation count due to winning the jackpot lottery, and setting the time reduction count 2 to less than the predetermined count,
Further, a deviation fluctuation count display means that does not display the deviation fluctuation count counted by the deviation fluctuation count count means during the period when the time-saving count 1 of the open extension state transition means 1 is executed, and displays the deviation fluctuation count counted by the deviation fluctuation count count means during the period when the time-saving count 2 is executed;
A pinball game machine comprising:

[Related invention 3]
A pinball game machine in which an operation detection unit provided on a game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal symbol has been hit, and at least one variable ball entrance is a starting port that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, and a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port, and when a hit is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is played.
a probability-variable control means for setting the probability of winning the jackpot lottery to a high probability state higher than a normal state on condition that a special symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
an open extension state transition means 1 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than normal, by one time of time reduction, on condition that the bonus symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won; and an open extension state transition means 2 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than normal, by two time reductions, on condition that the bonus symbol is not displayed when the jackpot lottery is won.
A miss variation counting means for counting the number of miss variations that notifies the player that the player will not win the big win lottery when the probability of winning the big win lottery is not in the high probability state;
When the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation counting means reaches a predetermined number, an open extension state transition means 3 transitions the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended more than usual, and a time reduction number 3;
A loss variation count initialization means for initializing the loss variation count due to winning the jackpot lottery,
The time-saving number 1 is set to be equal to or greater than the predetermined number, and the time-saving number 2 is set to be less than the predetermined number,
Further, a miss variation count display means does not display the miss variation count counted by the miss variation count count means while the open extension state transition means 1 is being executed, and displays the miss variation count counted by the miss variation count count means while the open extension state transition means 2 is being executed;
A pinball game machine comprising:

[Correspondence to claims]
The correspondence between the terms used in the above description of each embodiment and the terms used in the claims will be described below.
The pachinko machine 10 corresponds to an example of a pinball game machine, the normal electric device 245 corresponds to a variable ball entrance, steps S441 to S444 of the "special game processing" shown in FIG. 16 correspond to an example of open extension state transition means 1, steps S451 to S454 of the "special game processing" shown in FIG. 16 correspond to an example of open extension state transition means 2, the "miss variation number HN count processing" shown in FIG. 27 corresponds to an example of a miss variation number counting means, and the "miss variation number time-shortened set processing" shown in FIG. 28 corresponds to an example of open extension state transition means 3.

10... Pachinko machine 80... Card unit 90... Hall computer 110... Outer frame 115... Hinge 120... Inner frame 121... Inner frame opening switch 140... Front frame 141... Front frame opening switch 142... Speaker 143... Transparent plate 144... Illuminating section 145... Hinge 146... Performance button 150... Handle 152... Rotating section 154... Fixing button 160... Operation section relay terminal board 162... Counting switch 164... Number of balls held display device 180... Firing operation section relay terminal board 182... Fixing release solenoid 184... Firing intensity fixing switch 185... Handle volume 186... Touch switch 187... Firing stop switch 200... Game board 210... Playing area 211... First playing area 212... Second playing area 214... Introduction port 218...Collection port 220...Center case 230...Performance pattern display device 241...First start port 242...Second start port 243...Normal pattern activation gate 245...Normal electric role device 246...Normal winning port 248...Large winning port 250...Pattern display device relay terminal board 251...First special pattern display device 252...Second special pattern display device 253...Normal pattern display device 261...First special pattern reserved number display device 262...Second special pattern reserved number display device 263...Normal pattern reserved number display device 270...Game board relay terminal board 271...First start port switch 272...Second start port switch 273...Normal pattern activation switch 274...Left winning port switch 276...Count switch 277...Magnet sensor 278...Radio wave sensor 282...Large winning port solenoid 284...Normal electric role device solenoid 286...Number of winning balls display device 290...RWM clear switch 291...Setting key switch 310...Launching device 312...Launching device relay terminal board 314...Ball delivery sensor 315...Launching entrance sensor 316...Launching motor 317...Ball delivery solenoid 320...Polishing device 322...Polishing device relay terminal board 324...Cassette switch 325...Polishing motor sensor 326...Cassette motor 327...Polishing motor 330...Lifting device 332...Lifting relay terminal board 334...Lifting motor 336...Lifting entrance sensor 338...Lifting motor monitoring sensor 342...Inner frame relay terminal board 344...Winning ball sensor 345...Out ball sensor 346...Proper amount sensor 347...Full tank sensor 352...Nighttime monitoring device 354...Alarm speaker 510...Main control device 520...Sub-integrated control device 522...Volume adjustment switch 530...Performance pattern control device 560...Frame control device 810...User interface 811...Balance display unit 812...Ball loan button 813...Return button 816...Handle lock display unit 820...Card insertion slot 830...Banknote insertion slot 850...Game ball etc. lending device 860...CR unit

Claims (1)

A pinball game machine in which an operation detection unit provided on a game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal symbol has been hit, and at least one variable ball entrance is a starting port that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, and a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port, and when a hit is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is played.
a probability-variable control means for setting the probability of winning the jackpot lottery to a high probability state higher than a normal state on condition that a special symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
an open extension state transition means 1 for transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than normal in the high probability state for one time reduction, and then transitioning the open state of the variable ball entrance to the open extension state in which the open state is extended longer than normal in the normal state for two time reductions, on condition that the bonus symbol is displayed when the jackpot lottery is won;
A miss variation counting means for counting the number of miss variations that notifies the player that the big win lottery will not be won when the high probability state is not reached;
When the number of miss variations counted by the miss variation counting means reaches a predetermined number, an open extension state transition means 2 transitions the open state of the variable ball entrance to an open extension state in which the open state is extended more than usual, and a time reduction number 3;
A loss variation count initialization means for initializing the loss variation count due to winning the jackpot lottery,
The time-saving number 2 is set to be less than the predetermined number.
A pinball game machine characterized by:

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