JP7497021B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine, and in particular to a pinball game machine that can transition to a bonus game state that is advantageous for increasing the number of times win/loss determinations are made.

Conventionally, pinball gaming machines (pachinko machines) are mainly equipped with a gameplay feature in which a judgment is made as to whether or not a jackpot will be hit when the ball enters the starting hole, and if a jackpot is determined to be hit, a special symbol is displayed in a varying manner, and then a jackpot game that is favorable for winning prize balls is executed.

Furthermore, this type of pachinko machine is known to transition to a bonus game state, such as a probability bonus state, a time-saving state, or an extended open state, after the end of a jackpot game. Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 1, there is known a pachinko machine that transitions to a bonus game state after the end of a jackpot game, and that continues in this bonus game state until a predetermined number of win/loss determinations have been made.

JP 2012-192171 A

However, in the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, the player playing the game can easily know when the bonus game state will end. Therefore, during the bonus game state, the game may become repetitive or lack tension. As a result, there is a risk that the game may lose interest in conventional pachinko machines.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a pinball gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of playing during the bonus game state.

The present invention relates to a starting port having a variable winning device,
A winning/losing determination means for determining whether or not a winning ball has been entered into the starting hole;
A display device that derives and displays a pattern that notifies the result of the winning/losing judgment;
A small win game implementation means for implementing a small win game by displaying a pattern indicating a small win on the display device when the result of the win/loss determination is a win;
a jackpot game implementation means for implementing a jackpot game by displaying a symbol indicating a jackpot win on the display device when the result of the win/loss determination is a win;
A bonus game control means for transitioning to a bonus game state in which it is easier to enter the variable winning device than in a normal state after a predetermined condition is satisfied, comprising:
A jackpot symbol selection means for selecting a jackpot symbol to be displayed on the display device from among a plurality of jackpot symbols when the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot;
A small win symbol selection means for selecting a small win symbol to be displayed on the display device from among a plurality of small win symbols when a small win is determined to be a win or loss.
the bonus game control means has a plurality of types of bonus game states each having a different ending condition,
The first special game state is terminated when at least the first small winning symbol is displayed.
The second special game state is ended when at least the second small winning symbol is displayed.
The first small winning symbol and the second small winning symbol are selected at different rates by the small winning symbol selection means,
In the third bonus game state, the termination condition is not the display of the first small win pattern and the second small win pattern, but rather the reaching of a predetermined number of times of the derived display associated with the win/loss determination, and the gist is that the first bonus game state and the second bonus game state have different operating modes that make it easier for the ball to enter the variable winning device than in the normal state .

The pinball game machine of the present invention is preferably configured to have a predetermined operating gate, a lottery for a normal symbol is held when a game ball passes through the operating gate, and the variable winning device opens and closes in a predetermined manner when the normal symbol is selected.

The pinball game machine of the present invention is provided with a first starting hole that allows a ball to enter at any time, and a second starting hole that is made up of a variable entry device. The special symbols may be a first special symbol that notifies the result of a win/loss judgment resulting from a ball entering the first starting hole, and a second special symbol that notifies the result of a win/loss judgment resulting from a ball entering the second starting hole. When the first special symbol and the second special symbol are provided, a small win may be possible only when the second special symbol resulting from a ball entering the second starting hole is judged to be a win/loss judgment.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the pinball game machine of the present invention is configured so that the large prize opening is opened and closed in a predetermined manner during small win play, and that during big win play, the large prize opening is opened and closed in a manner that allows a larger number of prize balls to be won than during small win play. In this case, it is desirable that the large prize opening be provided separately for the big win play and the small win play. This makes it easy to distinguish between big win play and small win play. It is not limited to this, but may be configured with a single large prize opening, and a common large prize opening may be opened for big win play and small win play.

In the present invention, the special game state is preferably a game state that includes at least one or more of the following functions: an extension function for the opening of a normal electric role with a starting hole, a function for shortening the time for normal symbols to change when a lottery is drawn for a normal symbol to open a normal electric role, and a probability change function that increases the probability of winning the lottery for a normal symbol. In the present invention, the probability change state is preferably configured to include a function such as shortening the time for special symbols to change.

According to the present invention, the condition for ending the bonus game state is the display of the first small win symbol or the second small win symbol, so the duration of the bonus game state is determined by when the first small win symbol or the second small win symbol is displayed. This allows for highly interesting gameplay in which the duration of the bonus game state cannot be easily predicted due to the frequency of small wins and the bias in the selection rate of the small win symbol, such as whether it is the first small win symbol or the second small win symbol. Furthermore, the third bonus game state, which is both a bonus game state and a probability-varying state, has a different end condition from the first and second bonus game states, so that the interest in playing during the bonus game state can be further increased.

The present invention may also be configured to determine the type of small win symbol that is the condition for ending the bonus game state according to the big win symbol selected by the big win symbol selection means.

This allows for highly entertaining gameplay in which the duration of the bonus game state cannot be easily predicted due to the bias in the jackpot symbol selection rate.

Furthermore, the present invention contemplates a configuration in which the operation mode of the variable winning device differs between the first special play state and the second special play state.

This allows for highly interesting gameplay, since the degree of advantage differs between the first and second bonus game states.

1 is a front view of a pinball game machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board installed in the pinball game machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pinball game machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the game specifications of the pinball game machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot pattern of a pinball game machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the small winning symbols of a pinball game machine. 4 is a flowchart showing a "start-up process" executed by the main control device. 4 is a first flowchart showing an "interrupt process" executed by the main control device. 11 is a second flowchart showing the "interrupt process" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing an "input determination process" executed in the interrupt process. This is a flowchart showing the "special ball entry confirmation process" executed during the input judgment process. This is a flowchart showing the "normal ball entry confirmation process" executed during the input judgment process. This is a flowchart showing the "pass/fail determination process" executed during the interrupt process. This is the first flowchart showing the "general pass/fail determination process" executed during the pass/fail determination process. This is a second flowchart showing the "general pass/fail determination process" executed during the pass/fail determination process. This is a third flowchart showing the "general pass/fail determination process" executed during the pass/fail determination process. This is the first flowchart showing the "regular game processing" executed during the regular game win/loss determination processing. This is a second flowchart showing the "regular game processing" executed during the regular game win/loss determination processing. This is a first flowchart showing the "first special chart hit/miss determination process" executed in the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is a second flowchart showing the "first special chart hit/miss determination process" executed in the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is the first flowchart showing the "second special chart hit/miss determination process" executed in the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is a second flowchart showing the "second special chart hit/miss determination process" executed during the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is a third flowchart showing the "second special chart hit/miss determination process" executed during the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is the fourth flowchart showing the "second special chart hit/miss determination process" executed in the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is the fifth flowchart showing the "second special chart hit/miss determination process" executed during the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is the first flowchart showing the "jackpot game processing" executed during the special chart hit/miss determination processing. This is a second flowchart showing the "jackpot game processing" executed during the special chart winning/losing determination processing. This is the third flowchart showing the "jackpot game processing" executed during the special chart winning/losing determination processing. This is the fourth flowchart showing the "jackpot game processing" executed during the special chart hit/miss determination processing. This is the first flowchart showing the "small win game processing" executed during the special chart win/loss determination processing. This is a second flowchart showing the "small win game processing" executed during the special chart win/loss determination processing. 13 is a first display example showing a display mode of the presentation. 13 is a second display example showing the display mode of the presentation. FIG. 11 is a front view of a game board installed in the pinball game machine of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a jackpot pattern of the pinball game machine of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram regarding the number of times the ceiling is reached in the pinball game machine of the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a time-saving pattern in the pinball game machine of the fourth embodiment. 13 is a timing chart showing the start of an electric support game in the pinball game machine of the fourth embodiment. A front view of a game board installed in a pinball game machine of a fifth embodiment. An explanatory diagram of the operation of the big prize opening provided on the game board. FIG. 13 is a first explanatory diagram showing the game specifications of the pinball game machine of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a second explanatory diagram showing the game specifications of the pinball game machine of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a third explanatory diagram showing the game specifications of the pinball game machine of the fifth embodiment.

[First embodiment]
A pinball game machine (pachinko machine) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the external configuration of a pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

(1. General Configuration of Pachinko Machine 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 1 is a gaming machine that can be played by a player and is installed in an amusement facility.

(1-1. Front configuration of pachinko machine 1)
The pachinko machine 1 is structured such that each component is held by an outer frame 10 that is a vertically long fixed outer holding frame. A front frame (glass frame) 11 in which a glass plate 110 is fitted and an inner frame 30 (see FIG. 3) are provided so as to be openable and closable via hinges 101, 101 provided at upper and lower positions on the left side of the outer frame 10. The front frame 11 and the inner frame 30 are locked to the outer frame 10 by a cylinder lock 18. By inserting a specified key into the cylinder lock 18 and turning the key clockwise to open the inner frame 30, the front frame 11 can be opened by turning it counterclockwise.
Behind the glass plate 110 of the front frame 11 is a game board 2 (see FIG. 2) held by an inner frame 30 .

Speakers 112, 112 are installed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 11, which output game sounds to enhance the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 11 is also equipped with frame-side decorative lamps 113 that light up according to the game status, as well as LEDs that notify of abnormalities in the game.

An upper tray 12 and a lower tray 13 are integrally formed in the lower half of the front frame 11. A launching handle 14 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 13, and by operating the launching handle 14 clockwise, the launching device is activated and game balls supplied from the upper tray 12 are launched toward the game board 2. Prize balls are also paid out onto the upper tray 12.
The lower tray 13 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 12, and by operating a ball removal lever, the game balls accumulated in the lower tray 13 can be transferred to a separate box (dollar box) provided in the game arcade.

This pachinko machine 1 is a so-called CR machine, and is adjacent to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) CR that reads and writes prepaid cards. On the right side of the upper tray 12 of the pachinko machine 1, a ball loan switch 171, a settlement switch 172, and a settlement display of the settlement display device 170 (see Figure 4) are provided. In addition, in the center of the upper tray 12, there is a performance button 15 that can be operated by the player, and a jog dial 16 is provided around the outer periphery.

(1-2. Configuration of the game board of the pachinko machine 1)
As shown in Fig. 2, the game board 2 has a substantially circular play area 20 surrounded by an outer rail 201 and an inner rail 202. A center case 200 is attached to the play area at a position near the upper center. This divides the play area 20 into a left play area 20L where game balls flow down when the game balls are shot with less than a predetermined shooting power, and a right play area 20R where game balls flow down when the game balls are shot with a predetermined shooting power or more. A large number of game nails and the like are planted in the play area 20.

The center case 200 has an LCD panel for the performance pattern display device 46 (not shown in full) in the center. The center case 200 is also equipped with a warp entrance, warp gutter, stage, etc., as is well known.

Directly below the center of the center case 200 in the left-right direction is a first special pattern start hole 23, where a game ball can always enter and where a first special pattern (hereafter referred to as the first special pattern) is determined based on the ball's entry. When a game ball enters the first special pattern start hole 23, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) are extracted, and these random numbers are stored as reserved memory for the first special pattern.

In addition, a first large prize opening 25 is located downstream of the first special chart start opening 23. The first large prize opening 25 is provided so that it can be opened and closed by an opening and closing plate of the special electric device, and is a prize opening that can be opened in a predetermined opening manner during a round of jackpot play.

The aim to get the ball to enter the first special chart start hole 23 arranged in this way is mainly by "hitting from the left" to make the game ball flow down to the left game area 20L. On the other hand, the aim to get the ball to enter the first big prize hole 25, which opens in a big win game, is mainly by "hitting from the right" to make the game ball flow down to the right game area 20R.

In addition, in the left game area 20L, diagonally below the left side of the center case 200 and to the left of the first special chart starting hole 23, there are multiple (three) general winning holes 27 through which balls can be entered at any time.

In the right game area 20R, a normal symbol operation port 21 is located to the right of the center case 200. The normal symbol operation port 21 is a gate through which a game ball can enter and pass, and whether or not a normal symbol (hereafter simply referred to as a normal symbol) is determined based on the ball passing through. When a game ball enters the normal symbol operation port 21, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) are extracted, and these random numbers are stored as reserved memory for the normal symbol.

In the right play area 20R, a normal electric device 22 (hereafter simply referred to as the normal electric device) is located downstream of the normal play operation port 21. The normal electric device 22 has a pair of left and right wings that can be opened and closed, and is a ball entry device that is normally difficult for a game ball to enter. Then, when the normal play is judged to be a win, the wings are opened in a predetermined opening manner, making it possible for the ball to enter.

The normal power device 22 has a second special symbol start hole 24 arranged inside. The second special symbol start hole 24 is configured to only allow the game ball that has entered the normal power device 22 to enter. The second special symbol start hole 24 is a winning hole where a judgment is made as to whether or not a second special symbol (hereafter referred to as the second special symbol) has been won when a game ball enters the second special symbol start hole 24. When a game ball enters the second special symbol start hole 24, multiple types of random numbers are extracted, and these random numbers are stored as reserved memory for the second special symbol.

Furthermore, in the right play area 20R, a second large prize opening 26 that is opened and closed by the opening and closing plate of the special electric device is located downstream of the normal electric device 22. The second large prize opening 26 is a prize opening that can be opened during a small prize game.

The aim of ball entry into the normal play opening 21, the normal play device 22, the second special play opening 24, and the second big prize opening 26 arranged in this way is mainly to make the game ball flow down to the right play area 20R by "playing from the right".

In the game area 20, at the bottom of the board directly below the first large winning hole 25, there is an outlet 203 that takes in game balls that have flowed down to the bottom of the game area 20 without entering any of the various winning holes.

In the game board 2, in the area outside the outer rail 201 at the lower right end, a first special symbol display device 281 and a second special symbol display device 283 consisting of seven-segment displays, and a first special symbol reserved number display device 282 and a second special symbol reserved number display device 284 consisting of four LED displays are arranged. In the same area, a normal symbol display device 285 and a normal symbol reserved number display device 286 consisting of multiple LED displays are also arranged.

(1-3. Back structure of pachinko machine 1)
3 shows the back of the pachinko machine 1, and the back side of the pachinko machine 1 houses an inner frame 30 to which the game board 2 is detachably attached. The inner frame 30 is hinged to the outer frame 10 at the top and bottom positions of one side edge (right side of FIG. 3) in the same manner as the front frame 11, and is installed so as to be openable and closable. A game ball flow passage is formed in the inner frame 30, and a ball tank 31, a tank rail 32, and a payout unit 33 are provided from the top (upstream), and a payout mechanism is provided in the payout unit 33. With this configuration, when a game ball enters a winning hole of the game board 2, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are paid out from the ball tank 31 through the tank rail 32 by the payout unit 33 through the payout ball flow passage to the upper tray 12. In addition, the payout unit 33, which pays out prize balls, also pays out loan balls paid out by operating the ball loan switch 171.

The back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control device 40, a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, a performance symbol control device 43, a launch control device 44, and a power supply board 45. The main control device 40, the sub-integrated control device 42, and the performance symbol control device 43 are provided on the game board 2, and the payout control device 41, the launch control device 44, and the power supply board 45 are provided on the inner frame 30. The launch control device 44 is not shown in Figure 3, but it is provided on the back side of the power supply board 45.

The main control device 40 is provided with an RWM clear switch and a setting key switch. The RWM clear switch is primarily operated when clearing game information and the like stored in the RWM built into the main control device 40. The RWM clear switch may also be located on the payout control device 41 or the power supply board 45.

The main control device 40 is provided with a performance display device consisting of four seven-segment LED displays. By providing the performance display device on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, the pachinko machine 1 can place the performance display device in a position that is not visible to the player during play.

The payout control device 41 is also provided with a fraud notification lamp that lights up an LED when the main control device 40 determines that fraud has occurred, thereby notifying employees of the gaming facility that fraud has occurred.

On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, to the right of the ball tank 31, an external connection terminal board 38 is arranged, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer 500 (see Figure 4) via the external connection terminal board 38. Note that, conventionally, two types of external connection terminal boards are used to send signals to the hall computer 500: one for the board (terminals for outputting signals output from the game board side to the hall computer 500) and one for the frame side (terminals for outputting signals output from the outer frame 10, front frame 11, and inner frame 30 to the hall computer 500). However, in this embodiment, signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer 500 via a single external connection terminal board 38.

(1-4. Operation of Pachinko Machine 1)
Returning to Fig. 2, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. When a game ball enters the normal symbol operation port 21, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random numbers related to the normal symbol hit/miss judgment, and judges the hit/miss based on the extracted random numbers. Based on the result of this hit/miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the normal symbol variable display on the normal symbol display device 285, and displays the fixed hit after a predetermined time.

If the result of the hit/miss judgment is a hit, the pachinko machine 1 opens the normal power device 22, allowing the ball to enter the second special chart starting hole 24. The opening time and number of times the normal power device 22 is opened are set, for example, to 0.2 seconds x 1 time in the normal state, and 1.0 to 2.0 seconds x 1 time in a game state that is advantageous to the player (the normal power device support state described below).

When a game ball enters the first special symbol start hole 23, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random number values related to the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol, and stores a predetermined number of the extracted random number values as reserved memory for the first special symbol. The pachinko machine 1 then performs a hit/miss judgment based on the reserved random number values, and judges whether it is a big hit or a miss. Based on the result of this hit/miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 281, and displays the final result after a predetermined time has passed. The pachinko machine 1 also starts the variable display of the pseudo performance symbol 700 (see Figure 33) corresponding to the first special symbol on the performance symbol display device 46, and displays the final result after a predetermined time has passed.

Similarly, when a game ball enters the second special symbol start hole 24, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random number values related to the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol, and stores a predetermined number of the extracted random number values as reserved memory for the second special symbol. The pachinko machine 1 then performs a hit/miss judgment based on the reserved random number value of the second special symbol, and judges whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or a miss. Based on this hit/miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 283, and displays the finalized second special symbol after a predetermined time has passed. The pachinko machine 1 also starts the variable display of the pseudo performance symbol 700 corresponding to the second special symbol on the performance symbol display device 46, and displays the finalized symbol after a predetermined time has passed.

The first and second special symbols are displayed in small size in the corners of the game board 2. The pachinko machine 1 performs a pseudo performance display using pseudo performance symbols 700 corresponding to the first and second special symbols on the performance symbol display device 46 provided in the center of the game area 20, and notifies the player of the result of the hit/miss judgment through the pseudo performance display. In the pseudo performance display, the pachinko machine 1 performs a variable display of three pseudo performance symbols 700, and if the result of the hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, the three pseudo performance symbols 700 are stopped with the same symbol. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 performs a reach performance in which two pseudo performance symbols 700 are stopped with the same symbol in the pseudo performance display, and the remaining one pseudo performance symbol 700 is displayed with a variable display, thereby giving the player a sense of expectation that the hit/miss judgment will be a jackpot.

Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 is configured such that the judgment of whether the first special chart is a hit or not and the judgment of whether the second special chart is a hit or not are performed according to the ball entering the first special chart start hole 23 and the second special chart start hole 24, respectively, and the first special chart and the second special chart can change simultaneously.

The pachinko machine 1 is configured such that when the first special chart and the second special chart are fluctuating simultaneously, the pseudo performance display performed by the performance pattern display device 46 displays a pseudo performance display targeting either the fluctuation of the first special chart or the second special chart, which is the main target, depending on the current game situation. For example, in a game state in which a left-handed play is recommended in which it is more advantageous to aim at the first special chart start hole 23 depending on the game situation, a pseudo performance display corresponding to the first special chart is displayed by the performance pattern display device 46. On the other hand, in a game state in which a right-handed play is recommended in which it is more advantageous to aim at the second special chart start hole 24, a pseudo performance display corresponding to the second special chart is displayed by the performance pattern display device 46.

When the first special chart and the second special chart change simultaneously, it is desirable for the pachinko machine 1 to display only the pseudo performance display of the main special chart on the performance pattern display device 46. In addition, without being limited to this, when the pseudo performance display of the main special chart is being implemented and the change of another special chart starts or ends, a small performance display corresponding to the start of the change of the other special chart and a performance display corresponding to the end of the change of the other special chart may be displayed in the corner of the display screen.

When the result of the first or second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a hit according to the confirmed display state of the first or second special symbol, the pachinko machine 1 executes a hit game. In this hit game, the pachinko machine 1 opens and closes the first large prize opening 25. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 closes the first large prize opening 25 when a predetermined time (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed since the first large prize opening 25 was started to be opened, or when the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 25 since the first large prize opening 25 was started to be opened reaches a specified number of winning balls (9 balls in this embodiment), and performs a predetermined number of round games, with one round consisting of such a series of actions. For example, the hit game is configured to perform 10 rounds of a round game in which the first large prize opening 25 is opened in a predetermined opening state.

If the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit according to the confirmed display state of the second special symbol, the pachinko machine 1 executes a small hit game. In this small hit game, the pachinko machine 1 opens and closes the second large winning opening 26. In the small hit game, for example, an opening operation is executed once to open the second large winning opening 26 for 6.0 seconds.

When the first and second special charts change simultaneously, for example, if the second special chart determination result is a small win and the second special chart displays a confirmation indicating a small win, the pachinko machine 1 halts the change of the first special chart. The change of the first special chart is halted during the small win game of the second special chart, and is resumed after the small win game ends.

In addition, when the first and second special patterns change simultaneously, for example, if the judgment result of either the first or second special pattern is a jackpot and a confirmation display is made indicating a jackpot for the first or second special pattern, the change of the other second or first special pattern is stopped. In this case, even if a hit/miss judgment is made for one special pattern while the other is changing to a jackpot, it is forcibly judged to be a miss, so the change of the other special pattern is stopped at the miss pattern and confirmed.

The pachinko machine 1 is a so-called probability variation machine, and is broadly divided into two game states: a game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is closed, and a game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is open. Furthermore, the game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is closed includes two game states: a normal state (low probability state) and a probability variation state (high probability state) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. The probability variation state is a game state in which the probability of a jackpot being determined by the hit/miss judgment of the first special chart and the second special chart is set higher than in the normal state. Furthermore, in the probability variation state, a function is given to shorten the time for which the special chart changes when the hit/miss judgment of the first special chart or the second special chart is performed (time-saving state). For example, the probability variation state continues until the next jackpot occurs.

The pachinko machine 1 also includes two types of jackpots: a special jackpot and a normal jackpot. When the first or second special chart is judged to be a special jackpot, the pachinko machine 1 selects a special jackpot pattern as the jackpot pattern. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 transitions to a special jackpot state after the jackpot play.

In addition, when the pachinko machine 1 transitions to the probability of winning state, it is given a normal power feature support function (normal power feature, normal power time-saving function, normal power feature open extension function) that increases the probability of winning when determining whether the normal power feature is a hit or not, shortens the normal power feature's fluctuation time, and extends the normal power feature's open time. This normal power feature support function (normal power support function) continues until the next big hit occurs, just like in the probability of winning state. While this normal power support function is operating, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the number of times the second special power feature and normal power feature are displayed within a certain period of time.

On the other hand, the pachinko machine 1 selects a normal symbol as the jackpot symbol when the first or second special symbol is judged to be a normal jackpot. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 has a low probability of winning when judging whether the first or second special symbol is a normal jackpot after playing a jackpot. On the other hand, the pachinko machine 1 has a high probability of winning when judging whether the normal symbol is a normal symbol after playing a jackpot, and transitions to a normal power support state in which the normal power support function is given, shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol and extending the opening time of the normal power device.

The pachinko machine 1 has multiple types of normal power support states, each of which has different functions that are granted depending on the type of jackpot game that causes it, i.e., the jackpot pattern. These multiple types of normal power support states are configured with different opening modes of the normal power device 22 and different termination conditions that end the normal power support state. The types of normal power support states and the termination conditions will be explained with reference to FIG. 6 below.

The pachinko machine 1 recommends that during a jackpot game, the player play a right-hand shot in which the game ball is shot into the right play area 20R, aiming for the ball to land in the first large prize hole 25. Furthermore, even if the game transitions to a normal power support state after the jackpot game ends, the game recommends that the player play a right-hand shot from the normal chart lottery, aiming for the ball to land in the second special chart start hole 24.

(2. Electrical Configuration of Pachinko Machine 1)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The pachinko machine 1 is configured with a main control device 40 that controls the game progress, etc., and sub-control devices such as a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, a performance symbol control device 43, and a launch control device 44. The main control device 40, the payout control device 41, the sub-integrated control device 42, and the performance symbol control device 43 all have a CPU, ROM, RAM, input port, output port, etc., and each of these control devices starts a program consisting of a main routine and a subroutine loaded in the ROM by the CPU in response to an interrupt signal with a 2 ms or 4 ms cycle, and various controls are executed. The main control device 40 also has a random number counter that extracts various random numbers.
In this embodiment, the launch control device 44 is not provided with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. However, this is not limited thereto, and the launch control device 44 may be provided with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc.

(2-1. Main Control Device 40)
As shown in Fig. 4, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 is centered around a main control device 40 that mainly controls the game. The main control device 40 is electrically connected to a hall computer 500 or a test firing device (not shown) via a rear wiring relay terminal board 530 and an external connection terminal board 38. An output signal from the main control device 40 is sent to the hall computer 500 or the test firing device via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530 and the external connection terminal board 38.

A glass frame opening switch 501 that detects whether the front frame 11 (see FIG. 1) is open or not, and an inner frame opening switch 502 that detects whether the inner frame 30 (see FIG. 3) is open or not are connected to the main control device 40 via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530. In the figure, the switches are simply written as SW. The glass frame opening switch 501 and the inner frame opening switch 502 each output a detection signal to the main control device 40. In FIG. 4, the "switch" is written as "SW."

In addition, the main control device 40 is connected, via the game board relay terminal board 531, to a first special symbol start port switch 503 which detects balls entering the first special symbol start port 23 (see Figure 2), a second special symbol start port switch 504 which detects balls entering the second special symbol start port 24 (see Figure 2), a normal symbol operation switch 505 which detects balls entering the normal symbol operation port 21 (see Figure 2), a first count switch 506 which counts the number of balls entering the first large prize port 25 (see Figure 2), a second count switch 507 which counts the number of balls entering the second large prize port 26 (see Figure 2), a general prize port switch 508 which detects balls entering the general prize port 27 (see Figure 2), and an out port switch 509 which detects game balls taken into the out port 203. The first special symbol start switch 503, the second special symbol start switch 504, the normal symbol activation switch 505, the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, the normal winning symbol switch 508, and the out switch 509 each output a detection signal to the main control device 40.

Furthermore, the main control unit 40 is connected to the first large prize opening solenoid 510 via the game board relay terminal board 531, and drives this to control the opening and closing of the first large prize opening 25 (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the main control unit 40 is connected to the second large prize opening solenoid 511 via the game board relay terminal board 531, and drives this to control the opening and closing of the second large prize opening 26 (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the main control unit 40 is connected to the normal power device solenoid 512 via the game board relay terminal board 531, and drives this to control the opening and closing of the normal power device 22 (see Figure 2). Note that in Figure 4, "solenoid" is written as "SOL".

The main control device 40 operates according to the installed program. The main control device 40 generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on various detection signals, etc., and outputs the commands to the payout control device 41 and the sub-integrated control device 42. Furthermore, the main control device 40 controls the display of the first special symbol display device 281, the first special symbol reserved number display device 282, the second special symbol display device 283, the second special symbol reserved number display device 284, the normal symbol display device 285, and the normal symbol reserved number display device 286, which are connected via the symbol display device relay terminal board 533.

The MPU (Micro Processing Unit) mounted on the main control device 40 mainly comprises a CPU, ROM, RAM, a counter circuit, a timer circuit, and a random number circuit. The CPU, ROM, RAM, counter circuit, timer circuit, and random number circuit are each connected via an internal bus, and the internal bus is communicatively connected to various switches and devices provided in the pachinko machine 1 via an external bus interface.

(2-2. Dispensing control device 41)
Next, the payout control device 41 will be described. The payout control device 41 is connected to the main control device 40 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The payout control device 41 is connected to the glass frame opening switch 501 and the inner frame opening switch 502 via the payout relay terminal board 534 and the back wiring relay terminal board 530. The payout control device 41 transmits information about the winning balls, information about the open/closed state of the front frame 11 and the inner frame 30, etc. to the hall computer 500 or the test firing device (not shown) via the external connection terminal board 38. The payout control device 41 also transmits a firing stop signal to the firing control device 44 to stop the firing of the game balls as necessary.

The dispensing control device 41 is also connected to a bulb-out switch 520, which detects when the bulb tank 31 (see FIG. 3) is empty, via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530. When the bulb-out switch 520 detects that the bulb tank 31 is empty, it outputs a detection signal to the dispensing control device 41.

Furthermore, the payout control device 41 is connected to a payout motor 521 that pays out game balls and a payout switch 522 that detects when game balls have been paid out via a payout relay terminal board 534. The payout control device 41 drives the payout motor 521 in response to commands sent from the main control device 40 to pay out game balls. When the payout switch 522 detects that game balls have been paid out, it outputs a detection signal to the payout control device 41. Furthermore, the payout control device 41 is connected to a full switch 523 that detects when the lower tray 13 is full. When the full switch 523 detects that the lower tray 13 is full, it outputs a detection signal to the payout control device 41.

When a detection signal is input from the out-of-ball switch 520 and when a detection signal is input from the full switch 523, the payout control device 41 stops the payout motor 521. This stops the payout operation of the payout unit 33 to pay out prize balls. The out-of-ball switch 520 continues to output a detection signal until the out-of-ball condition is resolved, and the full switch 523 continues to output a detection signal until the full condition of the lower tray 13 is released. Then, when the input of the detection signals from the out-of-ball switch 520 and the full switch 523 stops, the payout control device 41 resumes driving the payout motor 521.

When the present invention is applied to an enclosed gaming machine in which game balls enclosed within the machine are circulated to play the game, one-way communication may be used from the main control device 40 to the payout control device 41 (in the case of an enclosed gaming machine, since game balls are not paid out, it is preferable to call it a frame control device). In this case, the gaming machine can be configured to be difficult to tamper with.

The payout control device 41 is further connected to the CR unit CR and the settlement display device 170 via the CR unit terminal board 535 so as to be capable of two-way communication. A ball lending switch 171 and a settlement switch 172 operated by the player are connected to the settlement display device 170. The ball lending switch 171 is a switch that is operated when the player requests the lending of game balls, and the settlement switch 172 is a switch that is operated when the player requests settlement.

When the ball lending switch 171 detects an operation by the player, it outputs an operation signal requesting a loan. The loan request signal output by the ball lending switch 171 is input to the CR unit CR via the settlement display device 170, and a loan request signal is sent from the CR unit CR to the payout control device 41. Then, when the payout control device 41 receives the loan request signal from the CR unit CR, it drives the payout motor 521 to pay out game balls and control the display of the balance of the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit CR.

When the settlement switch 172 detects an operation by the player, it outputs an operation signal requesting settlement. The settlement request signal output by the settlement switch 172 is input to the CR unit CR via the settlement display device 170, and the CR unit CR controls the balance management and balance display of the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit CR in response to the settlement request signal.

The payout control device 41 is also provided with a fraud notification lamp, which is an LED that lights up if it is determined that the frequency of balls entering the general winning port 27 is abnormal. When the payout control device 41 receives a fraud command from the main control device 40, it lights up the fraud notification lamp, thereby alerting employees of the gaming facility that fraud may have occurred.

(2-3. Sub-integrated control device 42 and performance pattern control device 43)
The sub integrated control device 42 is connected to the main control device 40 via a performance relay terminal board 532, and enables communication from the main control device 40 to the sub integrated control device 42. The sub integrated control device 42 controls performance based on commands received from the main control device 40. The performance button 15 and jog dial 16 are connected to the sub integrated control device 42. The performance button 15 and jog dial 16 each input their respective detection signals to the sub integrated control device 42 when operated.

The sub-integrated control device 42 controls the output of sound by driving the speaker 112, and also controls the turning on and off of various LEDs and lamps, including the frame side decorative lamp 113. Furthermore, the sub-integrated control device 42 is provided with a volume adjustment switch that adjusts the volume output from the speaker 112. The sub-integrated control device 42 controls the volume output from the speaker 112 based on the operation signal input from the volume adjustment switch.

The effect pattern control device 43 is connected to the sub-integrated control device 42 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The sub-integrated control device 42 transmits commands to the effect pattern control device 43 regarding the display mode of pseudo effects that display characters and the pseudo patterns of special charts. Meanwhile, the effect pattern control device 43 displays pseudo effect patterns 700 corresponding to the commands sent from the sub-integrated control device 42 on the LCD panel of the effect pattern display device 46.

In addition, if the sub-integrated control device 42 determines that the frequency of balls entering the general winning port 27 is abnormal, it issues an error alert via the speaker 112, the frame side decorative lamp 113, and the performance pattern display device 46.

(2-4. Launch Control Device 44)
The launch control device 44 is connected to the payout control device 41 and enables communication from the payout control device 41 to the launch control device 44. The launch control device 44 controls the launch motor 526 based on commands sent from the main control device 40 via the payout control device 41 and rotation signals of the launch handle 14, and launches and stops the launch of game balls.

The launch control device 44 is also connected to a launch stop switch 524 provided on the launch handle 14, and a touch switch 525 that detects the player's contact with the launch handle 14. When the touch switch 525 detects the player's contact with the launch handle 14, it inputs a detection signal to the launch control device 44. When a detection signal is input from the touch switch 525, the launch control device 44 launches the game ball. On the other hand, the launch stop switch 524 inputs a detection signal to the launch control device 44 when operated by the player. When a detection signal is input from the launch stop switch 524, the launch control device 44 stops the launch of the game ball, even if a detection signal is input from the touch switch 525.

(2-5. Power supply board 45)
Although not shown, the power supply board 45 includes a power supply circuit, a power receiving circuit, a power failure detection circuit, and a backup power supply circuit. The power supply circuit converts AC voltage supplied from an external AC power supply (main power supply AC 24V) to generate DC voltage. A power switch is provided in the power receiving circuit, and the power supply circuit is connected to the AC power supply via the power receiving circuit. When the power switch is turned on, the power supply circuit is connected to the AC power supply, and the main power supply AC 24V is supplied to the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit then supplies the necessary DC voltage to various control devices, actuators, etc.

The power outage detection circuit monitors the voltage supplied from the power supply circuit. If the supplied voltage falls below a predetermined voltage, the power outage detection circuit determines that the power switch has been switched OFF or that a power outage has occurred, and sets the power outage detection signal output to the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41 to a high level (ON). On the other hand, if the voltage supplied from the power supply circuit rises above the predetermined voltage, the power outage detection circuit sets the power outage detection signal to a low level (OFF).

In this embodiment, the power outage detection circuit has been described as transmitting a power outage detection signal to the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the power outage detection circuit may be configured to transmit a power outage detection signal to only one of the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41, and transmit a power outage command from the main control device 40 to the dispensing control device 41, or from the dispensing control device 41 to the main control device 40.

The backup power supply circuit is composed of a capacitor, etc. The backup power supply circuit charges the DC 5V power generated while the power supply circuit supplies power from the AC power source, and in the event of a power outage, supplies the backup power (DC 5V) to the RWM of the main control device 40 and the RWM of the dispensing control device 41, etc.

In this embodiment, the backup power supply is supplied to the RWM of the main control device 40 and the RWM of the payout control device 41. Therefore, even after the power supply is cut off, the pachinko machine 1 can retain the contents stored in the main control device 40 and the payout control device 41 at the time of the power outage, such as the game status of the pachinko machine 1 and the number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls, for a certain period of time.

On the other hand, the backup power supply is not supplied to the RWM of the sub-integrated control device 42. Therefore, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is stopped, the contents stored in the RWM of the sub-integrated control device 42 are erased.

(3. Specifications of Pachinko Machine 1)
Next, the basic specifications of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the probability of a jackpot in the normal game state of the pachinko machine 1 is set to 1/250 for both the first special chart and the second special chart. The probability of a jackpot in the probability variation game state is set to 1/30 for both the first special chart and the second special chart.

In the pachinko machine 1, a small win is not determined when determining whether the first special symbol is a win or not. On the other hand, the probability of winning a small win on the second special symbol is set to 1/20 regardless of whether the game is in normal play mode or special play mode. However, the probability of winning a small win may be different depending on whether the game is in normal play mode, special play mode, or setting value.

In pachinko machine 1, the probability of winning a regular map is set to 1/6 in normal game mode. In normal game mode, the regular map fluctuation time is set to approximately 30 seconds. In normal power support mode, the probability of winning a regular map is set to 5/6, and the regular map fluctuation time is set to approximately 1 second.

In pachinko machine 1, the maximum number of reserved memories that can be stored is four for both the first special chart and the second special chart.

In pachinko machine 1, the probability of entering the special probability state after the end of a jackpot game is set to 60% for both the first special chart and the second special chart. The duration of the special probability state is set to 10,000 times. This setting means that the special probability state will continue until the next jackpot occurs.

In pachinko machine 1, the rate of entering the electric support mode, which transitions to the normal power support mode after the end of a jackpot game, is set to 100% for both the first special chart and the second special chart. In addition, pachinko machine 1 has multiple types of conditions for terminating the normal power support mode. The normal power support mode continues until a specific terminating condition is met.

When a jackpot occurs on the first or second special design of the pachinko machine 1, a jackpot game is played at the first large prize opening 25. In the jackpot game, 10 rounds of play are played in which the first large prize opening 25 is opened. In each round, the first large prize opening 25 is opened until the opening time reaches 29 seconds or until the number of balls that enter the first large prize opening 25 reaches the specified number of nine.

When a small win occurs on the second special chart, the pachinko machine 1 plays a small win game at the second large winning opening 26. In the small win game, the second large winning opening 26 is opened once over a period of 6.0 seconds. The specified number of small win games is one.

In the pachinko machine 1, the operation mode of the normal power feature 22 is different for the normal game state (non-electric support), the sure-change electric support state, the first non-sure-change electric support state, and the second non-sure-change electric support state. When a normal figure is won in the non-normal power support state, the normal power feature 22 is opened once for 0.2 seconds. In the sure-change electric support state, the normal power feature 22 is opened once for 1.0 seconds. In the first non-sure-change electric support state, the normal power feature 22 is opened once for 1.5 seconds. In the second non-sure-change electric support state, the normal power feature 22 is opened once for 2.0 seconds. In this way, the opening time of the normal power feature 22 is changed depending on whether or not it is in the normal power support state, and if it is in the normal power support state, which state it is in.

Next, the prize balls will be explained. The number of prize balls for the first special prize starting hole 23 and the second special prize starting hole 24 is set to three per ball that enters. The number of prize balls for the first large prize winning hole 25 and the second large prize winning hole 26 is set to 13 per ball that enters. The number of prize balls for the other general prize winning holes, such as the general prize winning hole 27, is set to ten per ball that enters.

(4. Big Winning Symbols and Small Winning Symbols)
Next, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, we will explain the big win pattern that is selected and set when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is hit, and the small win pattern that is selected and set when the second special pattern is hit.

(4-1. Jackpot symbols and electric support end conditions)
Next, the jackpot symbol selected and set when the first or second special symbol is hit will be explained with reference to Fig. 6. In the pachinko machine 1, the game state after the jackpot game is ended is set according to the jackpot symbol selected at the time of the jackpot judgment. As shown in Fig. 6, the jackpot symbol consists of five types of symbols, "first jackpot symbol" to "fifth jackpot symbol".

The "first jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern." By setting the "first jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a probability variable (high probability) and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. The normal power support state after the jackpot game ends with the "first jackpot pattern" continues until the number of times the first special pattern and second special pattern have changed reaches 10,000, in other words, until the next jackpot occurs. In other words, the end condition is the occurrence of the next jackpot, and there is no configuration in which the game ends when a small jackpot pattern is displayed.

The "second jackpot pattern" is a "non-probability variable pattern." By setting the "second jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a non-probability variable (low probability) normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. The normal power support state after the jackpot game ends with the "second jackpot pattern" continues until a small jackpot occurs with the "small jackpot pattern A," or until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern have changed reaches 200 times. In this way, the end condition is set to the "small jackpot pattern A" or 200 changes.

The "third jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern." By setting the "third jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a probability variable and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. The condition for ending the normal power support state after the jackpot game ends with the "third jackpot pattern" is the occurrence of the next jackpot, and there is no configuration in which the state ends when a small jackpot pattern is displayed.

The "fourth jackpot pattern" is a "non-probable variable pattern." By setting the "fourth jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a non-probable variable normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game. The normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game with the "second jackpot pattern" continues until a small jackpot occurs with the "small jackpot pattern B," or until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern have changed reaches 200 times. In this way, the end condition is set to the "small jackpot pattern B" or 200 changes.

The "5th jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern." By setting the "5th jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a probability variable and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. The condition for ending the normal power support state after the jackpot game ends for the "3rd jackpot pattern" is the occurrence of the next jackpot, and there is no configuration in which the state ends when a small jackpot pattern is displayed.

(4-2. Small winning pattern)
Next, referring to Fig. 7, the small win symbols selected and set at the time of the small win of the second special symbol will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, the small win symbols are composed of four types of symbols, "small win symbol A" to "small win symbol D". The ratio at which each small win symbol is selected is set as 1/5 for "small win symbol A", 2/5 for "small win symbol B", 1/5 for "small win symbol C", and 1/5 for "small win symbol D".

(5. Start-up process)
Next, the "start-up process" executed by the main control device 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. The start-up process is a process executed when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on.

As shown in FIG. 8, the main control unit 40 sets a stack pointer to a stack address as the first process of the startup process (process S1). Next, the main control unit 40 sets the interrupt vector address of the interrupt vector table to the corresponding register (process S2) and also sets the built-in register (process S3). Note that the interrupt vector address is used to specify the start address of the interrupt processing program, which will be described later, in the address space (memory space).

Next, the main control unit 40 reads the register of the input port (process S4) and determines whether the power outage stop signal is OFF or not (process S5). Then, if the power outage detection signal remains ON and a negative determination is made (process S5: No), the main control unit 40 determines that the voltage supplied from the power supply board 45 has not reached the predetermined voltage. In this case, the main control unit 40 returns to process S4 and repeatedly executes processes S4 and S5 until the power outage stop signal is turned OFF.

On the other hand, if the power outage detection signal switches to OFF and the result is positive (Process S5: Yes), the main control unit 40 determines that the voltage supplied from the power supply board 45 has reached or exceeded the predetermined voltage and is in a stable voltage supply state, and permits writing to the RWM 630 (Process S6).

After process S6, the main control unit 40 executes an initial setting process (process S7). This initial setting process (process S7) mainly sets the transition mode. After that, the main control unit 40 prohibits interrupts (process S8) and executes register evacuation (process S9). Furthermore, the main control unit 40 executes a gaming performance calculation process (process S10) that calculates gaming performance such as base values. In other words, the main control unit 40 performs calculations related to gaming performance outside the area of the RWM 630.

After process S10, the main control unit 40 executes register restoration (process S11) and allows interrupts (process S12), and returns to process S8. In this way, the main control unit 40 repeatedly executes processes S8 to S12 in the startup process. Meanwhile, the main control unit 40 periodically (e.g., at a processing S cycle of 4m) executes an interrupt process (see FIG. 9) described below, between the time when process S12 is executed and the time when process S8 is executed again.

(6. Interrupt Processing)
Next, the "interrupt process" executed by the main control unit 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 9, the main control unit 40 sets a timer and a watchdog timer as the first process executed in the interrupt process (process S21). In process S21, the main control unit 40 sets various timers provided in the main control unit 40 and clears and restarts the watchdog timer.

After process S21, the main control device 40 determines whether the mode value stored in the mode value storage area is "3" (process S22). As a result, if the mode value is "3" (process S22: Yes), it can be determined that the pachinko machine 1 is set to the game stop mode as the transition mode. In other words, it can be determined that the pachinko machine 1 is in a state where game play cannot be started and is waiting for the power switch to be switched to OFF. Therefore, in this case, the main control device 40 allows an interrupt (process S36) and returns to the startup process (see FIG. 8).

On the other hand, if the mode value stored in the mode value storage area is not "3" (Process S22: No), the main control unit 40 executes a timer update process to update various timers provided in the main control unit 40 (Process S23). Next, the main control unit 40 executes an input determination process (Process S24), which is a process related to the entry of game balls into various starting holes and various winning holes. Details of the input determination process (Process S24) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11. After Process S24, the main control unit 40 executes a win/loss determination process (Process S25), which is a process related to win/loss determination and jackpot play. Details of the win/loss determination process (Process S25) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14.

After process S25, the main control unit 40 executes a game state setting process (process S26) in which, if the game state has changed, a signal to that effect is sent to the hall computer 500. In process S26, the main control unit 40 sends a signal to the hall computer 500 after a predetermined time has elapsed after, for example, the jackpot game (special game) or winning game (regular game) has ended in the hit/miss determination process (process S25) described above.

When the pachinko machine 1 is connected to a test firing device (not shown), the main control device 40 transmits a test signal indicating that the game state has been changed to the test firing device (not shown) in process S26.

After process S26, the main control unit 40 performs an error monitoring process (process S27) to monitor whether an error has occurred. Examples of errors that the main control unit 40 monitors in the error monitoring process (process S27) include an open error indicating that the front frame 11 or the inner frame 30 is open, a radio wave error indicating that an abnormal radio wave has been detected by a radio wave sensor (not shown), and a vibration error indicating that an abnormal vibration has been detected by a vibration sensor (not shown).

After process S27, the main control device 40 executes a prize ball command transmission process (process S28) to transmit a prize ball command to the payout control device 41. Then, based on the received prize ball command, the payout control device 41 executes the payout of prize balls set for each of the various starting holes or various winning holes into which the ball entered.

After process S28, the main control device 40 executes a performance data output process (process S29) in which it creates image data, audio data, etc. according to the game content during execution and outputs the data to the sub-integrated control device 42. Furthermore, if the main control device 40 detects the occurrence of an error in the error monitoring process (process S27) described above, it will appropriately notify the error by displaying an error on the performance pattern display device 46, lighting or blinking the frame side decorative lamp 113, outputting audio from the speaker 112, etc., according to the content of the detected error.

After process S29, the main control unit 40 executes an external output process (process S30) to the hall computer 500 via the external connection terminal board 38. In process S30, the main control unit 40 transmits data related to the first large prize opening solenoid 510, the second large prize opening solenoid 511, and the normal power role solenoid 512 to the hall computer 500 based on the processing contents of the hit/miss determination process (process S25) described above. Also, in process S30, the main control unit 40 transmits a security signal to the hall computer 500 if it detects an error in the error monitoring process (process S27) described above. Note that if a test firing device is connected to the pachinko machine 1, the main control unit 40 transmits data related to the first large prize opening solenoid 510, the second large prize opening solenoid 511, and the normal power role solenoid 512 and a security signal to the test firing device in process S30.

As shown in FIG. 10, after process S30, the main control unit 40 performs register save (process S31) and executes performance display data creation process (process S32). In process S32, the main control unit 40 creates data to display on the performance display device the calculation results of the performance display calculation process (process S10) executed outside the RWM 630 area during the startup process (see FIG. 8) and the test results of the test firing. After process S31, the main control unit 40 executes register restore (process S33).

After process S33, the main control unit 40 executes a segment data creation process (process S34). In process S34, the main control unit 40 creates segment data for controlling the light emission of each common (8-bit display area related to an LED segment) of various LEDs provided on the performance display unit in preparation for displaying the data created in process S31 on the performance display unit.

After process S34, the main control unit 40 displays game performance and test firing data on the performance display device as a display process (process S35) for the various display devices. Also, in process S35, the main control unit 40 performs variable display and final display of various patterns on the first special pattern display device 281, the second special pattern display device 283, and the normal pattern display device 285 according to the game status being played. After process S35, the main control unit 40 allows an interrupt (process S36) and returns to the startup process (see Figure 8).

The main control unit 40 executes the performance display calculation process (process S10) in the startup process (Figure 8), while performing the process related to displaying the calculation results of the performance display calculation process (process S10) in the interrupt process. In this regard, the main control unit 40 performs the performance display calculation process (process S10), which has a large processing volume, in the startup process, thereby preventing interrupt prohibition (process S8, see Figure 8) from being executed before the performance display calculation process (process S10) is completed. On the other hand, the main control unit 40 can improve the efficiency of display control by executing the display process for the performance display device at the same timing as the display process for the first special chart display device 281, etc.

(7. Input Determination Process)
Next, the "input judgment process" (process S24) executed in the interrupt process (see FIG. 9) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the main control device 40 executes a special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) as the first process of the input judgment process (process S24). The special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) is a process executed when a game ball enters the first special ball start hole 23 or the second special ball start hole 24. The details of the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12.

After process S101, the main control device 40 executes a normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102). The normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) is a process that is executed when a game ball enters the normal ball operation port 21. Details of the normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13.

After process S102, the main control unit 40 executes a winning number count process (process S103). The winning number count process (process S103) is a process executed when a gaming ball enters the first large winning opening 25, the second large winning opening 26, or the general winning opening 27. Specifically, in process S103, when the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, or the general winning opening switch 509 detects a gaming ball, the main control unit 40 adds 1 to the value of a counter that counts the number of gaming balls that have entered the first large winning opening 25, the second large winning opening 26, or the general winning opening 27.

After process S103, the main control unit 40 executes the out count process (process S104). The out count process (process S104) is a process for tallying up the number of outs used to calculate the game performance. Specifically, in process S104, when the first special symbol start port switch 503, the second special symbol start port switch 504, the normal symbol activation switch 505, the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, the general winning port switch 509, and the out port switch 509 detect a game ball, the main control unit 40 adds 1 to the value of the counter that counts the number of outs.

After process S104, the main control unit 40 judges whether the frequency of balls entering the general winning opening 27 is abnormal (process S105). Specifically, in process S105, the main control unit 40 judges that fraud has occurred if the number of game balls entering the general winning opening 27 within a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) exceeds a specified number of winning balls (e.g., 10 balls). As a result, if the main control unit 40 judges that the frequency of balls entering is normal and the judgment is negative (process S105: No), it ends this process as is and returns to the interrupt process (see FIG. 9).

On the other hand, if the ball entry frequency is abnormal and the result is a positive judgment (Process S105: Yes), the main control unit 40 sends a fraud alarm command to the payout control unit 41 and the sub-integrated control unit 42 (Process S106) and ends this process. In Process S106, the payout control unit 41, which has received the fraud alarm command from the main control unit 40, turns on the fraud alarm lamp provided on the payout control unit 41.

In addition, the sub-integrated control device 42, which has received a fraud notification command from the main control device 40, issues an error notification by turning on or blinking the frame side decorative lamp 113, outputting a sound from the speaker 112, etc. Furthermore, the performance pattern control device 43, which has received a fraud notification command from the sub-integrated control device 42, displays a warning on the performance pattern display device 46 to the effect that fraud has occurred. The error notification via sound output from the speaker 112 ends 30 seconds after the error notification begins, and the warning display on the performance pattern display device 46 and the error notification by the frame side decorative lamp 113 end 5 minutes after the error notification begins.

(7-1. Special ball entry confirmation process)
Next, the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) executed in the input judgment process (process S24, see FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. The special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) extracts and reserves a plurality of first special ball random numbers according to the entry into the first special ball start hole 23, and extracts and reserves a plurality of second special ball random numbers according to the entry into the second special ball start hole 24. Then, it is a process of transmitting various commands resulting from the entry into the first special ball start hole 23 and the second special ball start hole 24 to the sub-integrated control device 42.

12, the "special drawing entry confirmation process" first determines in process S110 whether or not the first special drawing start port switch 503 detects an entry into the first special drawing start port 23. If the determination is negative (process S110: No), the process proceeds to process S115.
If the result is positive (processing S110: Yes), in processing S111, it is determined whether the number of reserved memories of the first special symbol stored in the reserved memory area for the first special symbol is full (whether the upper limit number has been reached). If the result is positive (processing S111: Yes), the process proceeds to processing S115.

If the result of the process S111 is negative (process S111: No), in process S112, the random numbers for determining the jackpot for the first special chart, the random numbers for determining the jackpot pattern, the random numbers for determining the reach, the random numbers for determining the variation pattern, etc. are extracted. The various extracted random numbers are stored in a temporary memory area of the reserved memory area for the first special chart. Furthermore, the various random numbers stored in the temporary memory area are stored in the main memory area of the reserved memory area for the first special chart as reserved memory for the first special chart. Note that even if the reserved memory number for the first special chart is "0", various random numbers such as the win/lose random number extracted when the game ball enters the first special chart start hole 23 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value.

Next, the first special chart pre-reading judgment process is executed in process S113. In this pre-reading judgment process, before the judgment of whether or not it will be a jackpot is made, it is confirmed whether the random numbers for determining a jackpot and the random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern stored in the temporary storage area of the reserved storage area for the first special chart are specific numerical values. For example, it is confirmed whether the specific numerical value is a numerical value that is determined to be a jackpot, a numerical value that is determined to be a super reach or a reach, and further, in the case of a jackpot, whether or not it is a jackpot that is granted a probability change play or a normal power support state. In this process, a pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment of the first special chart is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42. After that, in process S114, the reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the incremented value of the reserved memory counter of the first special chart is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42.

It is preferable that the read-ahead command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 when there is a possibility of a jackpot, a reach, or the like. Of course, it may be configured to send a read-ahead command to the sub-integrated control device 42 every time, regardless of the judgment content. In response to the read-ahead command, the sub-integrated control device 42 performs a read-ahead performance on the reserved memory patterns of the performance pattern display device 46, etc., suggesting the possibility of a jackpot or a reach.

In the next process S115, the second special symbol start hole switch 504 determines whether or not a ball has entered the second special symbol start hole 24. If the determination is negative (process S115: No), the process returns to the input determination process (see FIG. 11) and ends this process.
If the result is positive (process S115: Yes), in process S116, it is determined whether the number of reserved memories of the second special symbol stored in the reserved memory area for the second special symbol is full (whether the upper limit number has been reached). If the result is positive (process S116: Yes), the process returns.

If the result of the process S116 is negative (process S116: No), in process S117, the random numbers for determining the big win of the second special chart, the random numbers for determining the big win pattern, the random numbers for determining the small win pattern, the random numbers for reaching the limit, the random numbers for determining the variation pattern, etc. are extracted. The various extracted random numbers are stored in a temporary memory area of the reserved memory area for the second special chart. Furthermore, the various random numbers stored in the temporary memory area are stored in the main memory area of the reserved memory area for the second special chart as reserved memory for the second special chart. Furthermore, the random numbers stored in the specified memory area are stored as reserved memory. Note that even if the reserved memory number for the second special chart is "0", various random numbers such as the win/lose random number extracted when the game ball enters the second special chart start hole 24 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value.

Next, in process S118, a pre-reading judgment process for the second special chart is executed. In this pre-reading judgment process, before the judgment of whether or not it will be a jackpot, the random numbers for determining the jackpot and the random numbers for determining the jackpot pattern stored in the temporary storage area of the reserved storage area for the second special chart are confirmed to be specific values. For example, as the specific values, it is confirmed whether or not it is a value determined to be a jackpot, a value determined to be a super reach or a reach, and further, in the case of a jackpot, whether or not it is a jackpot that is given a probability variable play or a normal power support state. In this process, a pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment of the second special chart is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42. After that, in process S119, the reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the reserved memory counter of the first special chart that has been incremented is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42.
It is preferable that the read-ahead command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 when there is a possibility of a jackpot, a reach, or the like. Of course, it may be configured to send a read-ahead command to the sub-integrated control device 42 every time, regardless of the judgment content. In response to the read-ahead command, the sub-integrated control device 42 performs a read-ahead performance on the reserved memory patterns of the performance pattern display device 46, suggesting that there is a possibility of a jackpot or a reach.

In the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101), if the number of reserved memories is not full, the extracted random number is stored in a pre-set temporary storage area, and then the random number stored in the temporary storage area is stored in the main reserved storage area. Not limited to this, if the number of reserved memories is not full, the extracted random number may be stored in the temporary storage area and the main reserved storage area, respectively. Furthermore, when a random number is extracted due to a ball entering the first special ball start hole 23 or the second special ball start hole 24, the extracted random number is stored in the temporary storage area. Then, it is confirmed whether the number of reserved memories is full, and if it is not full, the random number stored in the temporary storage area may be stored in the main reserved storage area. In this case, if the number of reserved memories is full, the random number stored in the temporary storage area is erased.
In addition, in the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101), the look-ahead judgment process looks ahead and judges the random numbers stored in a temporary memory area, but it is not limited to this, and it may also be possible to look ahead and judge the random numbers stored in the subject's reserved memory area.

(7-2. Normal ball entry confirmation process)
Next, the normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) executed in the input judgment process (process S24, see FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. The normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) extracts and reserves random numbers related to multiple normal balls according to the entry into the normal ball operation port 21. Then, various commands resulting from the entry into the normal ball operation port 21 are sent to the sub-integrated control device 42.

As shown in Fig. 13, the "normal ball entry confirmation process" first determines in process S121 whether or not the normal symbol operation switch 505 has detected a ball entering the normal symbol operation port 21. If the determination is negative (process S121: No), the process returns to the input determination process (see Fig. 11) and ends this process.
If the answer is yes (step S121: Yes), the process proceeds to step S122, where it is determined whether the number of reserved memories for ordinary maps stored in the reserved memory area for ordinary maps is full (whether the upper limit has been reached). If the answer is yes (step S122: Yes), the process returns.

If the result of the process S122 is negative (process S122: No), in process S123, random numbers for determining whether a regular figure is a winning number, for determining a winning pattern, for determining a variation pattern, etc. are extracted. Then, the various extracted random numbers are stored in the regular figure reserve memory area as reserved memories for regular figures. Note that even if the reserved memory number for regular figures is "0", the various random numbers extracted when a game ball enters the regular figure operation port 21 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value. Then, in process S124, the reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number for regular figures is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the incremented reserved memory counter for regular figures is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42.

(8. Correct/incorrect decision process)
Next, the winning/losing determination process (process S25) executed in the interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the main control device 40 executes the winning/losing determination process (process S200) for the normal game winning/losing determination and the winning game (normal game) as the first process executed in the winning/losing determination process (process S25). Details of the normal game winning/losing determination process (process S200) will be described later with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 19.

Then, the main control device 40 executes a special pattern win/loss determination process (process S300) which is a process for determining whether the first or second special pattern has been won, and for the jackpot game (special game). Details of the special pattern win/loss determination process (process S300) will be described later with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 20 to 32.

(8-1: Normal map correctness determination process)
Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 15 to 19, we will explain the "regular winning/loosening process" (process S200) executed in the winning/loosening process (process S25, see Figure 14).

As shown in FIG. 15, the main control unit 40 determines whether the normal power device 22 that operates during a winning game (normal game) is in operation (processing S201) as the first process executed in the normal game win/loss determination process (processing S200). In process S201, if the normal power device 22 is in operation and the determination is positive (processing S201: Yes), the main control unit 40 determines that a winning game is in progress and proceeds to the normal game process (processing S250).

On the other hand, if the normal electric device 22 is not operating and the judgment is negative (Process S201: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not the normal pattern is being displayed in a changing manner on the normal pattern display device 285 (Process S202). As a result, if the normal pattern is being displayed in a changing manner and the judgment is positive (Process S202: Yes), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not the change time of the normal pattern being displayed in a changing manner has elapsed (Process S203).

Then, if the change time of the normal map being displayed has elapsed and the judgment is positive (Process S203: Yes), the main control unit 40 stops the change of the normal map, executes a confirmation display process to display the confirmation (Process S204), and proceeds to the normal map game process (Process S250). On the other hand, if the change time of the normal map being displayed has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (Process S203: No), the main control unit 40 skips Process S204 and proceeds to the normal map game process (Process S250).

If the normal map is not being displayed in a changing state in process S202 and the result is negative (process S202: No), the main control device 40 determines whether the normal map is being displayed in a fixed state on the normal pattern display device 285 (process S205).

Then, if the confirmed display of the normal map is in progress and the judgment is positive (Process S205: Yes), the main control unit 40 judges whether the confirmed display time of the normal map has elapsed (Process S206). As a result, if the confirmed display time has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (Process S206: No), the main control unit 40 proceeds to the normal map game processing (Process S250). On the other hand, if the confirmed display time of the normal map has elapsed and the judgment is positive (Process S206: Yes), the main control unit 40 executes the confirmed display end processing (Process S207).

In process S207, the main control device 40 sets the display of the normal symbol being confirmed and displayed on the normal symbol display device 285 to end. The main control device 40 also transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 42 to end the performance related to the normal symbol on the performance symbol display device 46. After process S207, the main control device 40 proceeds to process S208 shown in FIG. 16.

As shown in FIG. 16, in process S208, the main control device 40 judges whether the result of the normal map hit/miss judgment is a hit or not. Then, if the result of the normal map hit/miss judgment is a hit and the judgment is affirmative (process S208: Yes), the main control device 40 performs processing to start the winning game (normal map game). Specifically, the main control device 40 performs processing to start the operation of the normal power device 22 (process S209). In addition, the main control device 40 transmits a winning game start command to the sub-integrated control device 42 to instruct the start of the winning game presentation (process S210), and starts timing the start interval time of the winning game. After process S210, the main control device 40 proceeds to normal map game processing (process S250, see FIG. 15).

On the other hand, in process S208, if the result of the normal drawing judgment is a miss and the judgment is negative (process S208: No), the main control device 40 skips processes S209 and S210 and proceeds to the normal drawing game processing (process S250).

Returning to FIG. 15, we will continue to explain the process for determining whether the regular map is correct (Process S200). In Process S205, if the regular map is not being displayed as confirmed and the result is negative (Process S205: No), the main control unit 40 determines whether there is a reserved memory for the regular map (Process S211).

As a result, if there is no reserved memory for a regular map and the judgment is negative (processing S211: No), the main control unit 40 proceeds to regular map game processing (processing S250). On the other hand, if there is a reserved memory for a regular map and the judgment is positive (processing S211: Yes), the main control unit 40 performs a shift process for the reserved memory for the regular map (processing S212) and makes a win/loss judgment based on the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories for the regular map. Also, in conjunction with this process S212, the main control unit 40 subtracts 1 from the number of reserved memories for the regular map. Then, after process S212, the process proceeds to process S213 shown in FIG. 17.

As shown in FIG. 17, in process S213, the main control unit 40 performs a win/lose determination based on the win/lose determination table (normal table) used for the normal figure and the win determination random number. As a result, if the result of the win/lose determination is a win and the determination is affirmative (process S214: Yes), the main control unit 40 determines the winning pattern of the normal figure based on the winning pattern determination random number (process S215) and determines the variation pattern based on the variation pattern determination random number (process S216). After that, the main control unit 40 executes a win setting process (process S217) that sets the start interval time and end interval time of the winning game.

On the other hand, if the result of the win/loss determination is a loss and the determination is negative in process S214 (process S214: No), the main control unit 40 determines the losing symbol based on the random number for determining the winning symbol (process S218) and determines the fluctuation pattern based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern (process S219).

In addition, in processes S216 and S219, if the game state is a normal power support state, etc., the main control device 40 determines a fluctuation pattern so that the normal figure fluctuation time is shorter than in the normal game state (non-normal power support state). For example, if the game state is a normal power support state, the main control device 40 selects a fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 6.2 seconds, and if the game state is a normal power support state, it selects a fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of about 1 second, which is shorter than in the normal game state.

After process S217 or process S219, the main control device 40 transmits reserved memory information, including information indicating a decrease in the reserved memory of the regular pattern, to the sub-integrated control device 42 (process S220). Then, the sub-integrated control device 42, which has received the reserved memory information, transmits the reserved memory information to the performance pattern control device 43 and updates the display content of the reserved display of the regular pattern (not shown) on the performance pattern display device 46.

After process S220, the main control device 40 transmits a normal map variation start command to the sub-integrated control device 42 (process S221). Process S221 is a pre-process for performing a performance corresponding to the normal map on the performance pattern display device 46 in conjunction with the display of the normal map variation on the normal pattern display device 285. Specifically, the main control device 40 transmits to the sub-integrated control device 42, as a normal map variation start command, a pattern variation start command including the result of the win/loss judgment and the normal map variation pattern, etc., and a performance designation command that designates a performance according to the winning pattern or losing pattern determined in process S215 or process S218. After process S221, the main control device 40 executes normal map game processing (process S250, FIG. 15).

(8-2. Normal game processing)
Next, the "regular game processing" (processing S250) executed in the regular game winning/losing judgment processing (processing S200) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 18, the main control device 40 judges whether the regular game device 22 is being opened (processing S251) as the first processing executed in the regular game processing (processing S250). Then, if the regular game device 22 is opened and the judgment is positive (processing S251: Yes), the main control device 40 proceeds to processing S252 shown in FIG. 19.

As shown in FIG. 19, in process S252, the main control unit 40 judges whether or not one game ball has entered the normal power device 22 based on the detection signal of the second special chart start switch 504. Then, if the game ball that entered the normal power device 22 has not reached one and the judgment is negative (process S252: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the normal power device 22 was released (process S253). Then, if the predetermined time has not passed since the normal power device 22 was released and the judgment is negative (process S253: No), the main control unit 40 ends the normal chart game processing (process S250, see FIG. 18) and returns to the win/loss judgment processing (see FIG. 14).

On the other hand, if the number of game balls entering the normal power device 22 reaches four and the result of processing S252 is positive (processing S252: Yes), or if a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal power device 22 was opened and the result of processing S252 is positive (processing S253: Yes), the main control device 40 drives the normal power device solenoid 512 to close the normal power device 22 (processing S254). Next, the main control device 40 executes an end interval process (processing S255) that starts timing the end interval time. After processing S255, the main control device 40 ends the normal game process (processing S250) and returns.

Returning to FIG. 18, the explanation of the normal game process (process S250) will continue. If the judgment in process S251 is negative (process S251: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not it is during the end interval (process S256). As a result, if it is during the end interval and the judgment is positive (process S256: Yes), the main control unit 40 then judges whether or not the end interval time has elapsed (process S257).

As a result, if the judgment in process S257 is positive (process S257: Yes), the main control device 40 executes the process of ending the winning game of the normal map in process S258, and transmits a winning game end command to the sub-integrated control device 42 in process S259. Then, the sub-integrated control device 42, having received the winning game end command, ends the winning game presentation. After process S259, the main control device 40 ends the normal map game process (process S250, see FIG. 18) and returns to the winning/losing determination process (see FIG. 14). On the other hand, if the end interval time has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (process S257: No), the main control device 40 ends the normal map game process (process S250) as it is, and returns to the winning/losing determination process.

If the judgment in process S256 is negative (process S256: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether the start interval time has elapsed (process S260). As a result, if the start interval time has elapsed and the judgment is positive (process S260: Yes), the main control unit 40 drives the normal power device solenoid 512 in process S261 to open the normal power device 22. On the other hand, if the judgment in process S260 is negative (process S260: No), the main control unit 40 ends the normal game processing (process S250) as is and returns to the win/lose judgment processing.

(8-3. Special drawing right or wrong judgment processing)
Next, the "special pattern hit/miss judgment process" (process S300) executed in the hit/miss judgment process (process S25, see FIG. 14) will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. 20 to FIG. 32. The special pattern hit/miss judgment process (process S300) sequentially executes the "first special pattern hit/miss judgment process" shown in FIG. 20 to FIG. 21, the "second special pattern hit/miss judgment process" shown in FIG. 22 to FIG. 26, the "big hit game process" shown in FIG. 27 to FIG. 30, and the "small hit game process" shown in FIG. 31 to FIG. 32.

In the "special drawing hit/miss judgment process" (process S300), the hit/miss judgment of the first special drawing and the hit/miss judgment of the second special drawing are performed separately in the "first special drawing hit/miss judgment process" and the "second special drawing hit/miss judgment process".

(8-4. First special drawing win/loss determination process)
As shown in Fig. 20, the "first special symbol hit/miss judgment process" first checks whether the special electric device is not in operation in process S301 and judges whether the player is not in a big hit game or a small hit game. If the judgment is negative (process S301: No), the process is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol hit/miss judgment process.

If the answer is positive (Process S301: Yes), it is determined in Process S302 whether the first special symbol is stopped from changing. If the answer is positive (Process S302: Yes), it is determined in Process S303 whether the determined symbol of the first special symbol is not yet displayed.

If the determination is positive in the process S303 (process S303: Yes), then in process S304 it is determined whether or not there is a reserved memory of the first special drawing. If the determination is negative (process S304: No), then return is made. If the determination is positive (process S304: Yes), then in process S305 the number of reserved memories of the first special drawing is subtracted, and a shift process of the reserved memories is performed. As a result of this shift process, the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the first special drawing becomes the subject of the judgment of whether or not it is correct.

Next, in process S310 shown in FIG. 21, it is determined whether the current gaming state is a special chance (high probability) state. Specifically, it is determined whether the chance flag is "1". The chance flag is a flag that indicates that the gaming state is in a chance state, and when it is set (the flag value is "1"), the gaming state is in a chance state. On the other hand, when it is released (the flag value is "0"), the gaming state is in a normal (low probability) state.

If the result of the process S310 is positive (S310: Yes), a judgment is made in process S311 by comparing the winning/losing determination table during a special bonus with the random number for determining a winning jackpot in the reserved memory of the first special chart that is the subject of the winning/losing determination. If the result of the process S310 is negative (S310: No), a judgment is made in process S312 by comparing the winning/losing determination table for a low probability with the random number for determining a winning jackpot in the reserved memory of the first special chart that is the subject of the winning/losing determination.

Next, in process S313, it is determined whether the second special chart is fluctuating towards a jackpot. If the determination is positive (process S313: Yes), the hit/miss determination of the first special chart is forcibly determined to be a miss, and the process proceeds to process S320. If the determination is negative (process S313: No), in process S314, it is determined whether the hit/miss determination of process S311 or process S312 is a jackpot or not. If the determination is negative (process S314: No), the hit/miss determination of the first special chart is determined to be a miss, and the process proceeds to process S320.

If the result of the process S314 is positive (Process S314: Yes), the jackpot pattern is determined in Process S315 based on the random number for determining the jackpot pattern in the reserved memory of the first special pattern that is the subject of the hit/miss determination. This determines one of the patterns "jackpot pattern A" to "jackpot pattern D" (see FIG. 9).

Next, in process S316, a variation pattern such as the variation time of the winning symbol of the first special symbol is determined from the variation table based on the random number for determining the variation pattern in the reserved memory of the first special symbol that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 determines the variation table according to the previous winning symbol and the game state at the time of the hit/miss judgment. Then, from the determined variation table, a variation pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the variation pattern.

After the variation pattern is determined, the jackpot setting process is performed in process S317. In this process, based on the determined jackpot pattern, the content of the jackpot game, such as implementing a 10R jackpot game, the transition to a certain probability state or a normal power support state after the jackpot game ends, the number of times these will continue, the time for the jackpot start presentation of the jackpot game implemented by the presentation pattern display device 46, the time for the jackpot end presentation, etc. are set.

Next, in process S318, information on the reserved memory of the first special chart after the correct/incorrect decision is made (e.g., information indicating a decrease in the reserved memory after the correct/incorrect decision is made) is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42.

Furthermore, in process S319, the first special symbol display device 281 performs pattern variation start control, and transmits a pattern variation start command and a pattern designation command to the sub integrated control device 42. Then, it returns. The variation start command and pattern designation command include the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the result of the judgment of whether the first special symbol is a hit or miss, etc. Depending on the configuration, a pattern confirmation command may be sent to indicate the end of the variation time. However, this is not essential since the variation time is specified in advance by the variation pattern, etc.

If the result of the process S313 is positive (process S313: Yes) or the result of the process S314 is negative (process S314: No), the first special symbol is determined to be a miss, so the miss symbol is determined in process S320, and the fluctuation pattern of the miss symbol is determined in process S321 based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern in the reserved memory of the first special symbol that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment. Furthermore, a miss setting process is performed in process S322. After that, the processes S318 and S319 are performed in the same way as when a hit is judged. Then, return is performed.

(8-5. Processing for determining whether the second special drawing is correct or not)
Next, as shown in Fig. 22, the "second special symbol hit/miss judgment process" first checks whether the special electric device is not in operation in process S331 and judges whether the big hit or small hit is not being played. If the judgment is negative (process S331: No), this process is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol hit/miss judgment process.

If the answer is positive (Process S331: Yes), it is determined in Process S332 whether the second special symbol is stopped from changing. If the answer is positive (Process S332: Yes), it is determined in Process S333 whether the fixed symbol of the second special symbol is not yet displayed.

If the determination is positive in the process S333 (process S333: Yes), then in process S334 it is determined whether or not there is a reserved memory of the second special design. If the determination is negative (process S334: No), then return is made. If the determination is positive (process S334: Yes), then in process S335 the number of reserved memories of the second special design is subtracted, and a shift process of the reserved memories is performed. As a result of this shift process, the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the second special design becomes the subject of the determination of whether or not it is correct.

Next, in process S340 shown in FIG. 23, it is determined whether the current game state is in a special pattern's special chance state. If the determination is positive (process S340: Yes), a determination is made in process S341 by comparing the winning/losing determination table during a special chance state with the random number for determining a jackpot for the second special pattern that is the subject of the winning/losing determination. If the determination is negative (process S340: No), a determination is made in process S342 by comparing the low-probability winning/losing determination table with the random number for determining a jackpot for the second special pattern that is the subject of the winning/losing determination.

Next, in process S343, it is determined whether the first special chart is fluctuating to indicate a jackpot. If the determination is positive (process S343: Yes), the hit/miss determination of the second special chart is forcibly determined to be a miss, and the process moves to process S355. If the determination is negative (process S343: No), in process S344, it is determined whether the hit/miss determination of process S341 or process S342 indicates a jackpot.

If the result of the process S344 is positive (Process S344: Yes), the process S345 determines the jackpot pattern based on the random number for determining the jackpot pattern of the second special pattern that is the subject of the hit/miss determination. This determines one of the patterns "jackpot pattern A" to "jackpot pattern D" (see FIG. 9).

Next, in process S346, a fluctuation pattern such as the fluctuation time of the jackpot pattern of the second special chart is determined from the fluctuation table based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern of the second special chart that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment. In this case, as in process S316, the fluctuation table is determined according to the previous jackpot pattern and the game state at the time of the hit/miss judgment. Then, from the determined fluctuation table, a fluctuation pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern.

After the variation pattern is determined, a jackpot setting process is performed in process S347. In this process, the content of the jackpot game is set based on the determined jackpot pattern, for example, a 10R jackpot game is performed. In addition, the transition to a certain probability change state or a normal power support state after the jackpot game ends, the number of times these will continue, the time for the jackpot start presentation of the jackpot game performed by the presentation pattern display device 46, the time for the jackpot end presentation, etc. are set.

Next, in process S348, information on the reserved memory after the hit/miss determination of the second special chart (e.g., information indicating a decrease in the reserved memory after the hit/miss determination is performed) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42.

In the next process S349, the second special symbol display device 283 performs symbol variation start control, and transmits a symbol variation start command and a symbol designation command to the sub-integrated control device 42. Then, it returns. The variation start command and symbol designation command include the variation pattern of the second special symbol, the result of the judgment of whether the second special symbol is correct or not, etc. Furthermore, depending on the configuration, a symbol determination command may be sent to indicate the end of the variation time. However, this is not essential since the variation time is specified in advance by the variation pattern, etc.

If the result of the process S344 is negative (Process S344: No), a determination is made in Process S350 as to whether the result of the process S341 or the process S342 is a small win or not. If the result is positive (Process S350: Yes), a small win pattern is determined in Process S351 based on the random number for determining the small win pattern of the second special chart that is the subject of the win/loss determination.

Next, in process S352, a variation pattern, such as the variation time of the small win pattern of the second special chart, is determined based on the random number for determining the variation pattern of the second special chart that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment.

Next, in process S353, a small win setting process is performed. In this process, based on the determined small win pattern, the contents of the small win game, the time of the small win start presentation of the small win game performed by the presentation pattern display device 46, the time of the small win end presentation, etc. are set. After that, the process S348 and the process S349 are executed, and then the process returns.

If the judgment in the process S343 is affirmative (process S343: Yes) or the judgment in the process S350 is negative (process S350: No), the second special chart is judged to be a losing one, so the losing symbol of the second special chart is determined in process S355, and the fluctuation pattern, such as the fluctuation time of the losing symbol, is determined in process S356 based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern of the second special chart that is the subject of the winning/losing judgment. Next, a losing setting process is performed in process S357. After that, the process S348 and the process S349 are executed, and then the process returns.

If the determination is negative in the process S302 (FIG. 20) or the process S332 (FIG. 22) (process S302 or process S332: No), as shown in FIG. 24, in process S360, it is determined whether the pattern change time of the first special pattern or the second special pattern has elapsed (process S360). If the determination is positive (process S360: Yes), in process S361, the first special pattern display device 281 ends the change display and controls the first special pattern to be displayed in a confirmed manner, or the second special pattern display device 283 ends the change display and controls the second special pattern to be displayed in a confirmed manner. Furthermore, a command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance pattern control device 43 to display the pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the special pattern in a confirmed manner. Since the change time is specified by the change start command, a configuration may be adopted in which the pattern confirmation command is not sent. With this configuration, the performance display can be performed equally while suppressing the number of commands.

Next, in process S362, it is determined whether the special symbol confirmed and displayed in process S361 is a small win symbol. If the determination is positive (process S362: Yes), the interruption flag is set to "1" in process S363. Then, the process proceeds to "big win game process".

If the result of the process S362 is negative (S362: No), the process S364 determines whether the special symbol is a jackpot symbol. If the result of the process S362 is negative (S364: No), the process proceeds to "jackpot game process".
If the determination is affirmative (step S364: Yes), the stop flag is set to "1" in step S365. Then, the process proceeds to "big win game process."

If the determination in step S360 is negative (step S360: No), then in step S366 it is determined whether the interruption flag is set to "1". If the determination is positive (step S366: Yes), then in step S367 special chart variation interruption processing is performed. Then, the process proceeds to jackpot game processing.

The special chart change interruption process is a process for interrupting the change of the other special chart (first special chart) that is changing because one of the first and second special charts (second special chart) has been confirmed and displayed as a small win pattern. Furthermore, this process is a process for stopping the measurement of the change time of the other special chart, and when the small win game based on the confirmed display of one special chart ends, the change of the other special chart is resumed.

If the determination is negative in process S366 (process S366: No), then in process S368 it is determined whether or not the stop flag is set to "1". If the determination is negative (process S368: No), then the process proceeds to "jackpot game processing". If the determination is positive (process S368: Yes), then in process S369 special chart variation stop processing is performed, and then the process proceeds to "jackpot game processing".

The special chart change stop process is a process in which, since one of the first and second special charts has been confirmed and displayed as a winning pattern, the change of the other special chart that is currently changing is stopped at a losing pattern.

If the determination is negative in the process S303 or the process S333 (process S303 or process S333: No), as shown in FIG. 25, in process S370, it is determined whether or not the determined pattern display time for the first special symbol or the second special symbol has elapsed. If the determination is negative (process S370: No), the process proceeds to "jackpot game process".

On the other hand, if the judgment is positive (Process S370: Yes), in Process S371, control is performed to terminate the display of the confirmed pattern of the first special pattern by the first special pattern display device 281 or the display of the confirmed pattern of the second special pattern by the second special pattern display device 283, and a command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 to terminate the confirmed display of the pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the first special pattern or the second special pattern.

Next, in process S372, it is determined whether the symbols on the first special chart or the second special chart are a combination that will result in a jackpot. If the determination is positive (process S372: Yes), it is determined in process S373 whether the special chance flag indicating the special chance state is "1". If the determination is negative (process S373: No), the process proceeds to process S375. If the determination is positive (process S373: Yes), the special chance flag is reset to "0" in process S374.

In process S375, it is determined whether the electric support flag, which indicates the normal electric support state, is "1". If the determination is negative (process S375: No), the process proceeds to process S377. If the determination is positive (process S375: Yes), the electric support flag is reset to "0" in process S376.

The power support flag is a flag that indicates that the game state is in a normal power support state. When it is set (the flag value becomes "1"), the game state is normal power support. On the other hand, when it is released (the flag value becomes "0"), the game state is non-normal power support.

These processes reset the game state regarding the special mode and normal power support mode during jackpot play to the normal game state.

Next, in process S377, the operation of the condition device is started. The condition device is operated when the first or second special symbol is judged to be a jackpot and the jackpot symbol is displayed as a confirmed jackpot, thereby establishing the conditions for starting the jackpot game, and is a device necessary for the operation of the device for continuously operating the role in the jackpot game.

In the next process S378, the continuous operation device for the reels is operated. Furthermore, the special electric reels are operated in response to the operation of the continuous operation device for the reels. This makes it possible to start the jackpot game, and in the next process S379, the jackpot game start process is performed.

In the jackpot game start process, a command to start the jackpot game and information related to the jackpot game (jackpot opening time, opening pattern, jackpot ending time, number of rounds, etc.) are sent to the sub-integrated control device 42. After that, it moves to the "jackpot game process".

If the determination is negative in the process S372 (process S372: No), as shown in FIG. 26, in process S380, it is determined whether or not the patterns on the second special chart are a combination that will result in a small win. If the determination is negative (process S380: No), the process proceeds to process S383 described below. If the determination is positive (process S380: Yes), in process S381, a process to start the operation of the special electric device is performed. In the following process S382, a process to start the small win game is performed. In this process, a command to start the small win game and information related to the small win game (small win opening time, opening pattern, small win ending time, etc.) are sent to the sub-integrated control device 42.

In process S383, which is either continued to process S382 or moved to if process S380 judges negative (process S380: No), it is determined whether the electric support flag is "1". If the judgement is negative (process S383: No), it moves to process S387. If the judgement is positive (process S383: Yes), it performs a process in process S384 to determine the conditions for ending the normal electric support state.

In this process, when determining the condition for ending the normal power support state, the number of times the first and second special charts change after the end of the jackpot game that caused the transition to the normal power support state is first counted by the electric support counter. In this case, the electric support counter count is the sum of the number of times the first and second special charts change.

Next, in this process, the type of normal power support state is determined. That is, it is determined whether the normal power support state is a "probable normal power support state" after the end of a jackpot game caused by the "first jackpot pattern," "third jackpot pattern," or "fifth jackpot pattern," a "first non-probable normal power support state" after the end of a jackpot game caused by the "second jackpot pattern," or a "second non-probable normal power support state" after the end of a jackpot game caused by the "fourth jackpot pattern."

If the result of determining the type of normal power support state is the "high probability normal power support state," the electric support counter determines whether the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart have changed has reached "10,000 times." If the number of times has reached "10,000 times," it is determined that the end condition has been met.

If the result of determining the type of normal power support state is the "first non-probable normal power support state", the result of the hit/miss determination is checked to see if it is a "small hit". If the determination result is a "small hit", it is checked to see if the selected small hit pattern is "small hit pattern A". If the small hit pattern is "small hit pattern A", it is determined that the end condition is met.

On the other hand, if the result of the hit/miss judgment is not a "small hit," or if the result of the hit/miss judgment is a "small hit" but the small hit pattern is not "small hit pattern A," the electric support counter judges whether the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern have changed has reached "200 times." If the number of times has reached "200 times," it is determined that the end condition has been met.

If the result of determining the type of normal power support state is the "second non-probable normal power support state", the result of the hit/miss determination is checked to see if it is a "small hit". If the determination result is a "small hit", it is checked to see if the selected small hit pattern is "small hit pattern B". If the small hit pattern is "small hit pattern B", it is determined that the end condition has been met.

On the other hand, if the result of the hit/miss judgment is not a "small hit," or if the result of the hit/miss judgment is a "small hit" but the small hit pattern is not "small hit pattern B," the electric support counter judges whether the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern have changed has reached "200 times." If the number of times has reached "200 times," it is determined that the end condition has been met.

Next, in process S385, it is determined whether the condition for ending the normal power support state has been met. If the determination is negative (process S385: No), the process proceeds to process S387. If the determination is positive (process S385: Yes), the electric support flag is reset to "0" in process S386. This transitions the game state to a non-normal power support state.

Next, in process S387, a state designation command indicating whether the current game state is a special state or not, a normal power support state or not, etc. is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42. After that, the process moves to "jackpot game process".

(8-6. Jackpot Game Processing)
Next, the "jackpot game processing" will be described with reference to Figures 27 to 30.
As shown in Fig. 29, in the "big win game processing", first, in process S400, it is determined whether the accessory continuous operation device is in operation. If the determination is negative (process S400: No), the process is terminated and the process proceeds to the "small win game processing". On the other hand, if the determination is positive (process S400: Yes), it is determined in process S401 whether the first big win opening 25 is open.

If the determination is negative in the process S401 (process S401: No), the process S402 determines whether or not the jackpot game is in an interval, and if the determination is negative (process S402: No), the process S403 determines whether or not the jackpot end performance is in progress. If the determination is negative (process S403: No), the process S404 determines whether or not the jackpot start performance time has elapsed. If the determination is negative (process S404: No), the process returns to the special chart hit/miss determination process.
If the result is positive (step S404: Yes), the first big prize opening opening process in step S405 controls the opening of the first big prize opening 25 in the first round. In step S405, a command to start a big prize game is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42. Then, the process returns.

If the result of step S401 is positive (step S401: Yes), as shown in FIG. 31, a determination is made as to whether or not 10 wins have been made in the first large prize opening 25 (prescribed number of wins) (step S410), or whether or not the opening time of the first large prize opening 25 has ended (step S411). If either result is positive (step S410 or step S411: Yes), the first large prize opening 25 is closed in step S412, and the process of starting the jackpot interval is executed in the following step S413. Then, the process returns (see FIG. 27). Note that if both steps S410 and S411 are negative (step S410: No, step S411: No), the process returns.

If the judgment is positive in the process S402 (FIG. 27) (Process S402: Yes), as shown in FIG. 29, it is judged in process S420 whether the jackpot interval time has elapsed. If the judgment is negative (Process S420: No), the process returns (see FIG. 27). If the judgment is positive (Process S420: Yes), it is judged in process S421 whether it is the final round. If the judgment is positive (Process S421: Yes), the process of the jackpot end presentation is executed in process S422, and in this process a jackpot end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the presentation pattern control device 43, the jackpot game ends, and the process returns.

On the other hand, if the result of step S421 is negative (step S421: No), the first large prize opening 25 is opened in the next round by the first large prize opening opening process of step S423, and then the process returns.

If the determination is positive in the process S403 (FIG. 27) (Process S403: Yes), as shown in FIG. 30, it is determined in process S430 whether the jackpot end presentation time has elapsed. If the determination is negative (Process S430: No), the process returns (see FIG. 27). If the determination is positive (Process S430: Yes), a process is executed in process S431 to stop the operation of the continuous operation device of the role, and then a process is executed in process S432 to stop the operation of the condition device and the special electric role.

Next, in process S433, it is determined whether or not the setting is such that a special state will be established after the end of the special play in accordance with the jackpot pattern. If the determination is negative (process S433: No), the process proceeds to process S436. If the determination is positive (process S433: Yes), the number of special states to continue the special state is set in process S434. In this case, the special state will continue until the next jackpot, so for example, the number of special states is set to 10,000. Next, in process S435, the special state flag is set to "1". This grants the special state after the end of the jackpot play.

Next, in process S436, it is determined whether or not the normal power support state is set to occur after the end of the jackpot game according to the jackpot pattern. If the determination is negative (process S436: No), the process proceeds to process S439. If the determination is positive (process S436: Yes), in process S437, the number of times the normal power support state is continued is set to the number of times set in process S317 or process S347. Next, in process S438, the electric support flag is set to "1". This allows the normal power support state to be granted after the end of the jackpot game.

Next, in process S439, it is determined whether the value of the stop flag is "1". If the determination is negative (process S439: No), the process proceeds to process S441. If the determination is positive (process S439: Yes), the stop flag is reset to "0" in process S440.

In the next process S441, the process of sending a jackpot end command is executed, and in this process, the jackpot end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42, etc. In addition, in process S442, a state designation command such as a sure-win state or a normal power support state is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42, etc. Then, the process returns (see FIG. 27).

If the continuous reel operation device is not in operation in process S400 (FIG. 27) (process S400: No), the process moves to "small win game process."

(8-7. Small Win Game Processing)
Next, the "small win game processing" will be explained with reference to Figures 31 and 32.
As shown in FIG. 31, in the "small win game processing", first, in processing S450, it is determined whether or not the special electric role is in operation. If it is a negative determination (processing S450: No), the processing is terminated and the process returns to the special chart hit/miss determination processing. If it is a positive determination (processing S450: Yes), it is determined in processing S451 whether or not the small win start performance is in progress.

If the determination is positive in step S451 (step S451: Yes), then in step S452 it is determined whether the small win start presentation time has elapsed. If the determination is negative (step S452: No), then the process returns. If the determination is positive (step S452: Yes), then in step S453 the second large winning port 26 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. Then the process returns.

If the determination is negative in step S451 (step S451: No), then in step S454 it is determined whether the second large prize opening 26 is open or not. If the determination is positive (step S454: Yes), then it is determined whether 10 prizes have been won in the second large prize opening 26 (prescribed number of prizes) (step S455), or whether the opening time for the second large prize opening 26 has ended (step S456). If either of these is positive (step S455 or step S456: Yes), then in step S457 the second large prize opening 26 is closed. Then it returns. If both of these are negative (step S455 or step S456: No), then it returns.

If the determination in step S454 is negative (step S454: No), the operation of the special electric device is stopped in step S460, as shown in FIG. 32.

Next, in process S461, it is determined whether the interruption flag is "1". If the determination is affirmative (process S461: Yes), the interruption flag is reset to "0" in process S462. This causes the first special chart, whose fluctuation has been suspended, to resume fluctuation.

On the other hand, if the result of the process S461 is negative (process S461: No), a small win end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 in process S463. After this, a state designation command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 in process S464, and the process returns. This ends the small win game.

(9. Display Mode of Effects)
Next, the display mode of the effects implemented in the effect pattern display device 46 will be described with reference to Figures 33 and 34.
When the pattern variation of the first or second special pattern starts in response to the win/loss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the variation of the pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the first or second special pattern in the performance pattern display device 46. As shown in FIG. 33(a), the display screen of the performance pattern display device 46 displays a pseudo performance pattern 700 consisting of three number patterns corresponding to the variation of the first or second special pattern in a large manner in the lower half. In addition, a character image 710 of "Tatsuyoshi the Bear", the main character of the pachinko machine 1, is displayed in the upper right part of the display screen. In the lower left part of the display screen, a first reserved memory display image 721 indicating the presence of the reserved memory of the first special pattern is displayed. In the illustrated example, a black circle display indicates the presence of the reserved memory of the first special pattern. In addition, in the lower right part of the display screen, a second reserved memory display image 722 indicating the presence of the reserved memory of the second special pattern is displayed.

If the result of the hit/miss judgment of the first or second special chart is a hit, as shown in FIG. 33(b), a large pseudo-hit performance pattern 701 consisting of three identical patterns corresponding to the hit pattern of the first or second special chart is displayed in the lower half of the display screen of the performance pattern display device 46. In addition, a smiling "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" is displayed as the character image 710.

If the result of the hit/miss judgment of the first or second special chart is a small hit, as shown in FIG. 33(c), a small hit pseudo-performance pattern 702 consisting of three identical small hit patterns corresponding to the small hit patterns of the first or second special chart is displayed large in the lower half of the display screen of the performance pattern display device 46. In addition, a smiling "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" is displayed as the character image 710.

Next, the example of the effect display shown in FIG. 34 shows an example of the display of the normal power support state at the end of a jackpot game. In the normal power support state, a right-hit notification image 741 that encourages right-hit play is prominently displayed at a position toward the left at the top of the screen on the display screen of the effect pattern display device 46. In addition, an electric support start image 751 that indicates that the state is normal power support is displayed directly below the right-hit notification image 741.

(10. Effects of the First Embodiment)
The pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration. That is, it is equipped with the starting hole 24 consisting of the variable winning device 22, a winning/losing judgment means (processing S311, processing S312, processing S341, processing S342) that judges whether or not a winning ball has entered the starting hole 24, a display device 283 that derives and displays a pattern that notifies the result of the winning/losing judgment, a small winning game implementation means (processing S453) that implements a small winning game when the result of the winning/losing judgment is a winning ball and a pattern indicating a winning small winning is displayed on the display device 283, and a big winning game implementation means (processing S405) that implements a big winning game when the result of the winning/losing judgment is a winning ball and a pattern indicating a winning big winning is displayed on the pattern display device 283. The pinball game machine is also equipped with a probability variable control means (process S435) that can transition to a probability variable state in which the winning probability based on the hit/miss judgment is higher than the normal state after the hit game ends, and a special game control means (process S438) that transitions to a special game state (normal power support state) in which it is easier to enter the variable winning device 22 than the normal state after the hit game ends.The pinball game machine is also equipped with a big win symbol selection means (process S315, process 345) that selects a big win symbol to be displayed on the display device 283 from among multiple types of big win symbols when a big win based on the hit/miss judgment is won, and a small win symbol selection means (process S351) that selects a small win symbol to be displayed on the display device 283 from among multiple types of small win symbols when a small win based on the hit/miss judgment is won. Furthermore, the bonus game control means has a plurality of types of bonus game states with different ending conditions, the first bonus game state has an ending condition that at least the first small win symbol (small win symbol A) is displayed, the second bonus game state has an ending condition that at least the second small win symbol (small win symbol B) is displayed, and the selection rate by the small win symbol selection means is different between the first small win symbol (small win symbol A) and the second small win symbol (small win symbol B). Furthermore, the third bonus game state, which becomes a bonus game state and a probability variable state after the end of the big win game by winning with a predetermined big win symbol, has an ending condition only that the derived display accompanying the win/loss judgment reaches a predetermined number of times.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is also configured to determine the type of small win symbol that is the condition for ending the bonus game state according to the big win symbol selected by the big win symbol selection means.

Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has a configuration in which the operating mode of the variable prize winning device 22 differs between the first special play state and the second special play state.

According to the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the end condition of the normal power support state is the display of "small win pattern A" or "small win pattern B", so the duration of the normal power support state is determined by when "small win pattern A" or "small win pattern B" is displayed. This allows for highly interesting gameplay in which the duration of the normal power support state cannot be easily predicted due to the frequency of small wins and the bias in the selection rate of the small win pattern, such as whether "small win pattern A" or "small win pattern B" is selected at the time of a small win. Furthermore, the end condition of the third special game state, which is both a normal power support state and a probability variable state, is different from the first and second special game states, so the interest in playing during the special game state can be further increased.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the end conditions based on the number of times the first and second special symbols change in the "first non-probability change normal power support state" and the "second non-probability change normal power support state" are both the same "200 times", but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to make them different between the "first non-probability change normal power support state" and the "second non-probability change normal power support state". In that case, if the specific small win pattern that is the end condition of the non-probability change normal power support state is a small win pattern with a high appearance rate, the number of times the first and second special symbols change can be set to be relatively small, or vice versa, the number of times the first and second special symbols change can be set to be large, thereby realizing an interesting gameplay in which a longer normal power support state can be obtained compared to when the specific small win pattern is not displayed. For example, the end condition of the "first non-probability change normal power support state" can be set to "300 times", and the end condition of the "second non-probability change normal power support state" can be set to "150 times".

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has different opening times for the opening mode of the normal power feature 22 in the "first non-probable variable normal power support state" and the "second non-probable variable normal power support state", and has a normal power support state in which it is easier to score a ball and a normal power support state in which it is harder to score a ball, making the normal power support state more interesting. From this perspective, it is also possible to increase the difference in ease and difficulty of scoring a ball in the opening mode of the normal power feature 22 in the normal power support state. In that case, it is preferable to set the opening time so that the number of balls held does not increase during the normal power support state in either normal power support state.

Second Example
(11. Small Win Rush)
Next, a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The present invention can be suitably applied to a pachinko machine that can transition to a small win rush state. In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which a specific small win pattern is displayed as a condition for ending the normal power support state (a condition for starting the small win rush) in a pachinko machine equipped with a small win rush function. The basic configuration of the pachinko machine of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and the differences will be mainly described.

The pachinko machine of this embodiment is configured to be able to transition to a gaming state in which small wins are frequently played (the so-called small win rush state) by transitioning the gaming state to a sure-win state, a special time-saving state, and a non-regular power support state.

Figure 35 shows the game board 2A of the pachinko machine of this embodiment. The game board 2A has a first special game start hole 23 that can always receive a game ball located directly below the center of the center case 200 in the left-right direction.

On the game board 2A, a normal play opening 21 is arranged in the right play area 20R on the right side of the center case 200. Furthermore, in the right play area 20R, a normal play device 22A is arranged downstream of the normal play opening 21. The normal play device 22A is configured to be opened and closed by an opening and closing plate, and normally the opening and closing plate is in a closed position flush with the game board, and the game ball passes in front of the opening and closing plate, preventing the ball from entering. On the other hand, when a normal play is won, the opening and closing plate of the normal play device 22A takes an open position in which the opening and closing plate protrudes to the front of the game board, and the opening and closing plate receives the game ball flowing down and allows the ball to enter.

A second special chart start hole 24A is arranged inside the normal power device 22A. The second special chart start hole 24A is configured so that only game balls that have entered the normal power device 22A can enter it.

In addition, in the right play area 20R, a second special chart start hole 24B, which can always be entered by a ball, is located to the right of the normal electric device 22A. It is preferable that the second special chart start hole 24B is configured so that the ball can be entered frequently during right-handed play.

Furthermore, in the right play area 20R, a large prize slot 25 is located directly below the regular play device 22A.

In this way, the pachinko machine has the normal power device 22A located directly above the large prize opening 25 on the game board 2A. For this reason, if the normal power device 22A is open for a long period of time, it is difficult for a ball to enter the large prize opening 25 even if the large prize opening 25 is opened by a small prize. Also, in this pachinko machine, the number of prize balls (3 balls) that enter the normal power device 22A is smaller than the number of prize balls (13 balls) in the large prize opening 25. Therefore, in the normal power support state where the normal power device 22A is open for a long period of time, the pachinko machine is configured such that a small prize ball cannot be won and the player cannot sufficiently increase the number of balls he or she has.

On the other hand, pachinko machines are configured to be able to transition to a special chance state after a jackpot play ends. In addition, when the pachinko machine goes into a special chance state, a time-saving function for the special chart is activated, which shortens the time that the first and second special charts change. If the pachinko machine transitions to a special chance state, time-saving for the special chart, and normal power support state after a jackpot play ends, the time-saving for the special chart will continue during the special chance state, even if the normal power support state ends first. For example, the average time that the special chart changes is usually about 11 seconds, but in the time-saving state for the special chart, the average time is about 2.0 seconds. Furthermore, pachinko machines are configured to transition to a high probability of small wins in the special chance state. For example, the probability of small wins in the special chance state is set to 19/20.

The pachinko machine allows the player to continue playing with the right hand even when it transitions to the probability change, the time reduction of the special chart, or the non-regular power support state, and allows the player to play by aiming for the second special chart start hole 24B, which can be entered with high frequency. By entering the second special chart start hole 24B, the player will win a small jackpot with a high probability (19/20) based on the hit/miss judgment of the second special chart, which has changed for a short time, and until the probability change and the time reduction of the special chart end, the frequency of opening the regular power device 22A is low, and small jackpot games that can easily enter the large prize hole 25 occur frequently, creating a small jackpot rush state in which many prize balls can be won. The small jackpot rush ends when the hit/miss judgment of the second special chart (or the first special chart) results in a jackpot, or when the probability change state and the time reduction state of the special chart end. Also, in the normal state (low probability), the time it takes for the second special chart to change due to the ball hitting the second starting hole 24B is long (about 10 minutes), so even if you aim for the second starting hole 24B with a right hit in the normal state, the game will not be completed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 36, the jackpot symbol that is selected and set when the first or second special symbol is hit will be explained. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 sets the game state after the jackpot game ends according to the jackpot symbol selected at the time of jackpot determination. As shown in FIG. 36, the jackpot symbol consists of five types of symbols, "first jackpot symbol" to "fifth jackpot symbol".

The "first jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern". By setting the "first jackpot pattern", the game state is set to a probability variable, time-saving special pattern, and normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game. The probability variable state after the end of the jackpot game of the "first jackpot pattern" continues until the number of times the first and second special patterns change reaches 10,000, in other words, until the next jackpot occurs. On the other hand, the normal power support state continues until a small jackpot occurs due to the "small jackpot pattern C" or until the number of times the first and second special patterns change reaches "50 times". In this way, the end condition of the normal power support state is set to the "small jackpot pattern C" or 50 changes. Therefore, the "first jackpot pattern" is configured to transition to a probability variable, time-saving special pattern, and non-normal power support state when the normal power support state ends, and to a small jackpot rush.

The "second jackpot pattern" is a "non-probability variable pattern." By setting the "second jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a non-probability variable normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game. The normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game with the "second jackpot pattern" continues until a small jackpot occurs with the "small jackpot pattern A," or until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern have changed reaches 200 times. In this way, the end condition is set to the "small jackpot pattern A" or 200 changes. The "second jackpot pattern" is configured such that it cannot transition to a small jackpot rush.

The "third jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern". By setting the "third jackpot pattern", the game state is set to a probability variable, time-saving special pattern, and normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game. The probability variable state after the end of the jackpot game of the "third jackpot pattern" continues until the number of times the first and second special patterns change reaches 10,000, in other words, until the next jackpot occurs. On the other hand, the normal power support state continues until a small jackpot occurs due to the "small jackpot pattern B" or until the number of times the first and second special patterns change reaches "50 times". In this way, the end condition is set to "small jackpot pattern B" or 50 changes. Therefore, the "third jackpot pattern" is configured to transition to a probability variable, time-saving special pattern, and non-normal power support state when the normal power support state ends, and to a small jackpot rush.

The "fourth jackpot pattern" is a "non-probable variable pattern". By setting the "fourth jackpot pattern", the game state is set to a non-probable variable normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game. The normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game with the "fourth jackpot pattern" continues until a small jackpot occurs with the "small jackpot pattern B" or until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern have changed reaches 200 times. In this way, the end condition is set to "small jackpot pattern B" or 200 changes. The "fourth jackpot pattern" is configured such that it cannot transition to a small jackpot rush.

The "5th jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern". By setting the "5th jackpot pattern", the game state is set to a probability variable, time-saving special pattern, and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. The probability variable state after the jackpot game ends for the "5th jackpot pattern" continues until the number of times the first and second special patterns change reaches 10,000, in other words, until the next jackpot occurs. On the other hand, the normal power support state continues until the number of times the first and second special patterns change reaches "30 times". In this way, the end condition is set to 30 changes. Therefore, the "5th jackpot pattern" is configured to transition to a probability variable, time-saving special pattern, and non-normal power support state when the normal power support state ends, and can transition to a small jackpot rush.

After the end of a jackpot game with the "first jackpot symbol" or "third jackpot symbol", the pachinko machine transitions to a state of probability change, time-saving special symbols, and normal power support. When a specific small jackpot symbol (small jackpot symbol C or small jackpot symbol B) is displayed during the probability change, time-saving special symbols, and normal power support state, only the normal power support state ends and the machine enters a probability change, time-saving special symbols, and non-normal power support state, entering a small jackpot rush state. The probability change, time-saving special symbols, and non-normal power support states continue until the next jackpot occurs.

(12. Effects of the Second Embodiment)
In the pachinko machine of this embodiment, when the game moves to the probability change, the time reduction of the special chart, and the normal power support state after the end of the big win game, the earlier the normal power support state ends, the earlier the game moves to the small win rush, which is advantageous for the player. Therefore, the end condition of the normal power support state in the probability change, the time reduction of the special chart, and the normal power support state is set to the display of the "small win pattern C" or the "small win pattern B", so the duration of the normal power support state, that is, the start timing of the small win rush, is randomly determined depending on when the "small win pattern C" or the "small win pattern B" is displayed. For this reason, the duration of the normal power support state cannot be easily predicted due to the frequency of small wins and the bias of the small win pattern selection rate, such as whether the "small win pattern C" or the "small win pattern B" is selected at the time of the small win, and the start timing of the small win rush changes randomly, so the number of prize balls given to the player in the small win rush also changes, and it is possible to realize a highly interesting gameplay such as whether the small win rush can be enjoyed for a long time.

In addition, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, during the normal power support state, the opening time of the large prize opening 25 during a small win game may be shorter than the opening time of the normal power device 22A due to a win in the normal drawing during the normal power support state. Specifically, for example, the opening time of the large prize opening 25 during a small win game may be about 0.2 seconds. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the player from confusing the large prize opening 25 with the normal power device 22A during the normal power support state. Therefore, the player can properly distinguish between balls entering the normal power device 22A and balls entering the large prize opening 25, making it easier to accurately grasp the number of winning balls.

In addition, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the normal power device 22A is positioned directly above the large prize opening 25 so as to block balls from entering the large prize opening 25 when the normal power device 22A is opened, but the position of the normal power device 22A is not limited to directly above the large prize opening 25, and it is possible to position it within a range that can block balls from entering the opened large prize opening 25. In other words, the normal power device 22A may be positioned, for example, on the path that the game ball takes toward the large prize opening 25 so as to block balls from entering the large prize opening 25 when it is opened.

Third Example
(13. Ceiling Function)
Next, a pachinko machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The present invention can be suitably applied to a pachinko machine equipped with a ceiling function that can transition to a normal power support state when a predetermined number of misses occur consecutively in a normal game state (non-probability change state). In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which a specific small winning pattern is displayed as a condition for ending the normal power support state (hereinafter simply referred to as the ceiling normal power support state) by the ceiling function in a pachinko machine equipped with a ceiling function. The basic configuration of the pachinko machine of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and the differences will be mainly described.

The pachinko machine of this embodiment transitions to a normal game state when the number of times the first and second special charts have changed reaches a predetermined number of times in a non-probability-variable normal power support state after the end of a jackpot game, thereby establishing a termination condition. The pachinko machine then transitions to a non-probability-variable ceiling normal power support state when the number of times the first and second special charts have changed since the end of the previous jackpot game reaches a preset number of times to reach the ceiling.

With reference to FIG. 37, the jackpot pattern of the first or second special pattern used in the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 37, the jackpot pattern consists of five types of patterns, "first jackpot pattern" to "fifth jackpot pattern".

The "first jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern." By setting the "first jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a probability variable and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. The probability variable and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends for the "first jackpot pattern" continues until the number of times the first special pattern and second special pattern have changed reaches 10,000, that is, until the next jackpot occurs. Therefore, the "first jackpot pattern" is configured not to have a ceiling function.

The "second jackpot pattern" is a "non-probability variable pattern." By setting the "second jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a non-probability variable normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. The normal power support state after the jackpot game ends for the "second jackpot pattern" continues until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern have changed reaches 100 times. The "second jackpot pattern" is then given a ceiling function at the end of the jackpot game, and the number of times the ceiling can be reached is set to "900 times."

The ceiling normal power support state when the "second big win pattern" reaches the ceiling continues until a small win occurs with the "small win pattern A" or until the number of fluctuations of the first special pattern and the second special pattern reaches 200. In this way, the end condition of the ceiling normal power support state is set to the "small win pattern A" or 200 fluctuations.

The "third jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern." By setting the "third jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a probability variable and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. The probability variable and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends for the "third jackpot pattern" continues until the number of times the first special pattern and second special pattern have changed reaches 10,000, that is, until the next jackpot occurs. Therefore, the "third jackpot pattern" is configured not to have a ceiling function.

The "fourth jackpot pattern" is a "non-probability variable pattern". By setting the "fourth jackpot pattern", the game state is set to a non-probability variable normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game. The normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game of the "fourth jackpot pattern" continues until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern have changed reaches 100 times. The "fourth jackpot pattern" is given a ceiling function at the end of the jackpot game, and the number of times the ceiling can be reached is set to "900 times".

The ceiling normal power support state when the "fourth big win pattern" reaches the ceiling continues until a small win occurs with the "small win pattern B" or until the number of fluctuations of the first special pattern and the second special pattern reaches 500. In this way, the end condition of the ceiling normal power support state is set to the "small win pattern B" or 500 fluctuations.

The "5th jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern." By setting the "5th jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a probability variable and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. The probability variable and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends for the "5th jackpot pattern" continues until the number of times the 1st special pattern and the 2nd special pattern have changed reaches 10,000, that is, until the next jackpot occurs. Therefore, the "5th jackpot pattern" is configured not to have a ceiling function.

The pachinko machine transitions to a non-probability variable normal power support state after the end of a jackpot game with the "second jackpot pattern" or the "fourth jackpot pattern", and when the number of times the first and second special patterns change in this non-probability variable normal power support state reaches a specified number of times, the normal power support state ends and the machine transitions to a non-probability variable non-normal power support state. After that, when the number of times the first and second special patterns change from the end of the jackpot game reaches the ceiling reach number, the machine transitions to a non-probability variable ceiling normal power support state. In addition, in the non-probability variable normal power support state transitioned to by reaching the ceiling reach number, the ceiling normal power support state is terminated when a specific small win pattern (small win pattern A or small win pattern B) is displayed.

(14. Effects of the Third Embodiment)
According to the pachinko machine of this embodiment, even in the ceiling normal power support state entered by the ceiling function, the duration of the ceiling normal power support state is determined by what time "small win pattern A" or "small win pattern B" is displayed. Therefore, a pachinko machine with a ceiling function can realize a highly interesting gameplay in which the duration of the normal power support state cannot be easily predicted due to the frequency of small wins and the bias of the small win pattern selection rate, such as whether "small win pattern A" or "small win pattern B" is displayed at the time of a small win.

In addition, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, in the special probability and normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game set by the "special probability pattern", the special probability and normal power support state continues until the next jackpot, and the ceiling function is not applied, but it is not limited to this, and for example, when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches 100 times, it may be configured to transition to a non-special probability and non-normal power support state and apply the ceiling function. In this case, it is desirable that the ceiling normal power support state that is applied when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the ceiling number continues until a small jackpot occurs due to a specific small jackpot pattern, or until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern change reaches a predetermined number.

[Fourth embodiment]
(15. Time-saving pattern function)
Next, a pachinko machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The present invention can be suitably applied to a pachinko machine equipped with a time-saving pattern function that can transition to a normal power support state by displaying a specific time-saving pattern regardless of whether it is a big win pattern, a small win pattern, or a losing pattern. This embodiment describes a configuration in which a specific small win pattern is displayed as a condition for ending the normal power support state in a pachinko machine equipped with a time-saving pattern function. The basic configuration of the pachinko machine of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and the differences will be mainly described.

The big win symbol, small win symbol, miss symbol, and time-saving symbol used in the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 38 and 39. As shown in Figure 38, the pachinko machine has at least 13 types of special symbols, such as "First big win symbol," "Second big win symbol," "Third big win symbol," "Fourth big win symbol," "Fifth big win symbol," "Small win symbol A," "Small win symbol B," "Small win symbol C," "Small win symbol D," "Miss symbol 1," "Miss symbol 2," "Miss symbol 3," and "Miss symbol 4." Note that Figure 39 shows the start timing of the normal power support state according to the time-saving symbol.

The "first jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern." After the jackpot game ends, the "first jackpot pattern" sets the game state to a probability variable and normal power support state. (See FIG. 39 (A)). The probability variable and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends for the "first jackpot pattern" continues until the number of times the first special pattern and second special pattern have changed reaches 10,000, that is, until the next jackpot occurs. Therefore, the end condition is the occurrence of the next jackpot, and there is no configuration in which the game ends when a small jackpot pattern is displayed.

The "second jackpot pattern" is a "non-probability variable pattern." By setting the "second jackpot pattern," the game state is set to a non-probability variable (low probability) normal power support state after the jackpot game ends (see FIG. 39 (A)). The normal power support state after the jackpot game ends with the "second jackpot pattern" continues until a small jackpot occurs with the "small jackpot pattern A," or until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern have changed reaches 200 times. In this way, the end condition is set to the "small jackpot pattern A" or 200 changes.

The "third jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern." After the jackpot game ends, the "third jackpot pattern" sets the game state to a probability variable and normal power support state (see FIG. 39 (A)). The condition for ending the normal power support state after the jackpot game ends for the "third jackpot pattern" is the occurrence of the next jackpot, and there is no configuration in which the state ends when a small jackpot pattern is displayed.

The "fourth jackpot pattern" is a "non-probable variable pattern". By setting the "fourth jackpot pattern", the game state is set to a non-probable variable normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game (see Figure 39 (A)). The normal power support state after the end of the jackpot game with the "fourth jackpot pattern" continues until a small jackpot occurs with the "small jackpot pattern B" or until the number of times the first special pattern and second special pattern have changed reaches 200 times. In this way, the end condition is set to the "small jackpot pattern B" or 200 changes.

The "5th jackpot pattern" is a "probability variable pattern." After the jackpot game ends, the "5th jackpot pattern" sets the game state to a probability variable and normal power support state (see FIG. 39 (A)). The condition for ending the normal power support state after the jackpot game ends for the "5th jackpot pattern" is the occurrence of the next jackpot, and there is no configuration in which the state ends when a small jackpot pattern is displayed.

The "small win pattern C" is a time-saving pattern, and is a pattern that can transition to a normal power support state after a small win game (see Figure 39 (a)). The normal power support state after the small win game of the "small win pattern C" ends continues until a small win occurs with the "small win pattern A" or until the number of times the first special pattern and second special pattern have changed reaches 200 times. In this way, the end condition is set to the "small win pattern A" or 200 changes.

The "small win pattern D" is a time-saving pattern, and is a pattern that can transition to a normal power support state after a small win game (see Figure 39 (a)). The normal power support state after the small win game of the "small win pattern D" ends continues until a small win occurs with the "small win pattern B" or until the number of times the first special pattern and second special pattern have changed reaches 200 times. In this way, the end condition is set to the "small win pattern B" or 200 changes.

"Missing symbol 3" is a time-saving symbol, and is a symbol that can transition to a normal power support state after the missing symbol changes (see Figure 39 (c)). The normal power support state after the missing symbol changes of "Missing symbol 3" continues until a small hit occurs due to "small hit symbol A" or until the number of changes of the first special symbol and second special symbol reaches 200. In this way, the end condition is set to "small hit symbol A" or 200 changes.

"Missing symbol 4" is a time-saving symbol, and is a symbol that can transition to a normal power support state after the missing symbol changes (see Figure 39 (c)). The normal power support state after the missing symbol changes of "Missing symbol 4" continues until a small hit occurs due to "small hit symbol B" or until the number of changes of the first special symbol and second special symbol reaches 200 times. In this way, the end condition is set to "small hit symbol B" or 200 changes.

In addition, "Small Winning Pattern A", "Small Winning Pattern B", "Missing Pattern 1" and "Missing Pattern 2" are not considered time-saving patterns.

The pachinko machine transitions to a normal power support state when the "2nd jackpot symbol", "4th jackpot symbol", "small jackpot symbol C", "small jackpot symbol D", "miss symbol 3" and "miss symbol 4" are displayed, and the normal power support state ends when a specific small jackpot symbol (small jackpot symbol A or small jackpot symbol B) is displayed in this normal power support state, or when the number of times the 1st special symbol and the 2nd special symbol change reaches a predetermined number of times.

(16. Effects of the Fourth Embodiment)
According to the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the same action and effect as in the first embodiment is obtained, and the duration of the normal power support state is determined by what time "small win pattern A" or "small win pattern B" is displayed. Therefore, a pachinko machine equipped with time-saving patterns can realize a highly interesting gameplay in which the duration of the normal power support state cannot be easily predicted due to the frequency of small wins and the bias in the selection rate of small win patterns, such as whether "small win pattern A" or "small win pattern B" is displayed at the time of a small win.

In addition, the pachinko machine of this embodiment has different selection rates for each small win symbol when a small win is won based on the win/loss judgment, and different selection rates for each losing symbol (time-saving symbol) when a loss occurs, so that the transition rate to the normal power support state without a big win and the end of the normal power support state that has been transitioned to can be set at will, increasing the interest of the bonus game state.

Fifth Example
(17. Type 1 and Type 2 Mixer)
Next, a pachinko machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The present invention can be suitably applied to a first-type/second-type mixed type pachinko machine that has a symbol jackpot function and a special feature jackpot function that develops into a jackpot by making the ball enter a specific area during a small jackpot game. This embodiment describes a configuration in a first-type/second-type mixed type pachinko machine that sets the condition for ending the normal power support state as the display of a specific small jackpot symbol. The basic configuration of the pachinko machine of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and the differences will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 40, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, a first large prize opening 25 that can be opened and closed by a first special electric door of a first special electric device is arranged on the game board 2B downstream of the normal electric device 22 in the right play area 20R. The first large prize opening 25 is opened in a predetermined manner in a jackpot game that is performed when the first or second special design is hit, and is configured to allow game balls to enter when it is opened.

Furthermore, in the right game area 20R, a second large prize opening 26A is disposed downstream of the first large prize opening 25, and is provided so as to be able to be opened and closed by the second special electric door of the second special electric device. The second large prize opening 26A is opened in a predetermined manner in a small prize game that is performed when a small prize is won on the second special chart, and is configured so that a game ball can enter when it is opened. The second large prize opening 26A is a prize-winning device having inside it a specific area 262, which is a V prize opening, and a shutter 263 that determines whether or not the game ball enters the specific area 262.

As shown in FIG. 41, the second large prize opening 26A is provided with a ball entrance 260 whose upper end can be opened and closed by a second electric door, and game balls can enter when the second electric door is open. Game balls that enter the ball entrance 260 are taken in from the center of the ball entrance 260 and sent into the device through a tunnel-shaped outlet 261.

The second large prize opening 26A has a specific area 262 located in the lower center inside. The specific area 262 is an area where a game ball can enter and progress from a small win game to a big win game (a special big win). A shutter 263 that closes or opens the specific area 262 is provided between the outlet 261 and an upper position of the specific area 262. The shutter 263 closes the specific area 262 by bringing a pair of left and right opening and closing bodies together in a palm-to-palm shape, and opens to the left and right to open the specific area 262. The shutter 263 constantly repeats a constant opening and closing operation.

When the shutter 263 is open, the game ball sent out from the outlet 261 enters the specific area 262, and when the shutter 263 is closed, the ball is taken into the game board through a pair of intake ports 264, 264 provided on both the left and right sides of the shutter 263, and is discharged from the second large prize opening 26A.

The probability of the ball entering the specific area 262 of the second large winning opening 26A changes depending on the timing at which the ball entry opening 260 opens and the operation of the shutter 263. Therefore, by adjusting the opening timing of the ball entry opening 260 relative to the shutter 263, which opens and closes constantly, the probability of the ball entering the specific area 262 can be controlled. For example, the pachinko machine 1 sets the probability of the ball entering the specific area 262 to 1/1. In other words, every ball that enters the second large winning opening 26A enters the specific area 262.

A game ball that enters the second large winning opening 26A is detected by a ball detection sensor provided in the ball entrance 260 and is counted as a winning ball. In addition, the game balls that enter the specific area 262 and the game balls that are taken into each intake port 264, 264 are compared with the winning ball count to confirm whether or not there are any game balls remaining in the second large winning opening 26A.

The basic specifications of the pachinko machine are explained. As shown in FIG. 42, the probability of a big win for both the first and second special designs in pachinko machine 1 is always set to 1/199. The pachinko machine does not determine whether a small win has occurred when determining whether the first special design has been won. On the other hand, the probability of a small win for the second special design is always set to 1/5.8 (11/64).

The pachinko machine has a normal small win and a specific small win. The pachinko machine is configured so that when a small win other than the specific small win occurs in the normal power support state, there is a nearly 100% probability of a special big win. In a normal small win game, the second big win opening 26A is opened once over 6.0 seconds. The specified number of small wins is 1. The V win rate is approximately 1/1. On the other hand, in a specific small win game, the second big win opening 26A is opened once over 6.0 seconds. The specified number of small wins is 1. The V win rate is approximately 0.

Next, the game state after a pachinko machine's jackpot will be explained. In the case of a symbol jackpot determined by the hit/miss judgment of the first special chart, for example, a jackpot game with "10R time reduction" is selected. In the jackpot game with "10R time reduction", a jackpot game is played over 10 rounds, and a normal power support state is set after the jackpot game ends. The end condition for the normal power support state after the jackpot game ends is a single change of the second special chart.

When a pattern jackpot is determined based on the hit/miss judgment of the second special chart, for example, a jackpot game with "13R time reduction" is selected. A jackpot game with "13R time reduction" is a jackpot game in which round play is carried out over 13 rounds, and a normal power support state is set after the jackpot game ends. The end condition for the normal power support state after the jackpot game ends is 99 changes in the second special chart, or a specific small jackpot is won, as described below.

When a special jackpot is hit with the second special chart, for example, a "13R time-saving" jackpot game is selected. A "13R time-saving" jackpot game is a jackpot game in which round play is carried out over 13 rounds, and a normal power support state is set after the jackpot game ends. The end condition for the normal power support state after the jackpot game ends is 99 fluctuations of the second special chart, or a specific small jackpot, as described below, is won.

Next, we will explain the game specifications related to the judgment of whether the normal figure is a hit or not and the operation of the normal power device. In the normal game mode of the pachinko machine, the fluctuation time of the normal figure is set to 6.2 seconds. The probability of winning a normal figure is also set to 1/100. The opening time and number of times that the normal power device 22, which is activated when a win is made, is set to 0.2 seconds x 1 time.

In the normal power support state, the normal chart fluctuation time is set to 0.7 seconds. The probability of winning a normal chart is also set to 99/100. The opening time and number of times that the normal power device 22, which is activated when a normal chart is won, is set to 1.0 seconds x 1 time in the normal power support state after a pattern jackpot, regardless of whether it is the first or second special chart.

Next, we will explain the opening time and number of times of the normal power device 22, which is activated by winning the normal chart after the device jackpot from a small win. The pachinko machine has at least four types of small wins, "small win A" to "small win D", and any one of the small wins can be selected. Of these, "small win A" and "small win B" are considered to be specific small wins.

The opening time and number of times the normal power feature 22 is opened in the normal power support state after a special feature jackpot from "small hit A" is set to 2.0 seconds x 1 time. The opening time and number of times the normal power feature 22 is opened in the normal power support state after a special feature jackpot from "small hit B" is set to 1.0 seconds x 2 times. The opening time and number of times the normal power feature 22 is opened in the normal power support state after a special feature jackpot from "small hit C" is set to 2.0 seconds x 1 time. The opening time and number of times the normal power feature 22 is opened in the normal power support state after a special feature jackpot from "small hit D" is set to 1.0 seconds x 2 times.

With reference to Figure 43, the conditions for terminating the normal power support state after a symbol jackpot or a bonus jackpot on the pachinko machine 1 will be described in detail.
Figure 43 (a) shows the electric support end conditions when the first special pattern hits the jackpot. The pachinko machine has 10 types of games, "electric support 10R with time reduction 1" to "electric support 10R with time reduction 10", as the first special pattern hits the jackpot. The end condition of the normal electric support state after these games is that the number of times the first special pattern changes reaches 99 times, or the number of times the second special pattern changes reaches 1 time.

Figure 43 (b) shows the electric support end conditions when a pattern jackpot occurs on the second special chart. The pachinko machine has 10 types of play, from "electric support 13R with time reduction 1" to "electric support 13R with time reduction 10", as a pattern jackpot on the second special chart. The end condition of the normal electric support state after the end of play of "electric support 13R with time reduction 1" to "electric support 13R with time reduction 5" is that the number of times the first and second special charts change reaches 99 times, or the "small win pattern A" is displayed in the hit/miss judgment of the second special chart. On the other hand, the end condition of the normal electric support state after the end of play of "electric support 13R with time reduction 6" to "electric support 13R with time reduction 10" is that the number of times the first and second special charts change reaches 99 times, or the "small win pattern B" is displayed in the hit/miss judgment of the second special chart.

Figure 43 (c) shows the electric support end conditions when the special feature hits the second special feature. The end conditions in the normal electric support state after a special feature hit from "small hit pattern A" are that the number of times the first and second special features change reaches 99 times, or that "small hit pattern A" is displayed in the hit/miss judgment of the second special feature. The end conditions in the normal electric support state after a special feature hit from "small hit pattern B" are that the number of times the first and second special features change reaches 99 times, or that "small hit pattern B" is displayed in the hit/miss judgment of the second special feature. The end conditions in the normal electric support state after a special feature hit from "small hit pattern C" are that the number of times the first and second special features change reaches 99 times, or that "small hit pattern A" is displayed in the hit/miss judgment of the second special feature. The end condition in the normal power support state after a special jackpot from "small jackpot pattern D" is when the number of times the first and second special patterns change reaches 99, or when the "small jackpot pattern B" is displayed when determining whether the second special pattern is a hit or miss.

FIG. 44 shows the symbol selection ratio when a small win is won and the total appearance rate of each small win symbol.
As shown in FIG. 44, the selection rate at the time of winning a small win is 2/11 for "small win pattern A", 1/11 for "small win pattern B", and 4/11 for "small win pattern C" and "small win pattern D". The appearance rate at the time of winning/losing judgment is 1/32 for "small win pattern A", 1/64 for "small win pattern B", and 1/16 for "small win pattern C" and "small win pattern D". Therefore, the "small win pattern C" and "small win pattern D", which are usually small win patterns, have a probability of winning of 1/8 in one winning/losing judgment of the second special chart.

(18. Effects of the Fifth Embodiment)
According to the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the type of electric support (specific type of small win) after the end of the big win game is determined by the type of small win pattern of the second special chart when the special big win occurs. Then, when a specific small win pattern (A, B) is displayed when a small win is won, the electric support ends, and the special big win does not occur in the small win operation (the opening time (0.2 seconds) during which it is difficult to win in the second big win port 26A, and the shutter 263 in the second win port 26A always guides the game ball to a place other than the specific area 262). In this way, the pachinko machine of this embodiment can obtain the same action and effect as the first embodiment, and the duration of the normal electric support state is determined by what time the "small win pattern A" or "small win pattern B" is displayed. For this reason, a highly interesting gameplay in which the duration of the normal power support state cannot be easily predicted due to the frequency of occurrence of small wins and the bias in the selection rate of the small win pattern, such as whether the small win pattern is "small win pattern A" or "small win pattern B," can be realized in a Type 1/Type 2 mixed pachinko machine.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can of course be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the present invention may be applied to an enclosed gaming machine in which the launched gaming balls are collected inside the gaming machine and launched again by the launching device, and the number of balls held by the player is managed as data using a storage medium such as an IC card.

1: Pachinko machine, 2, 2A, 2B: Game board, 20: Game area, 20L: Left game area, 20R: Right game area, 46: Performance pattern display device, 22: Ordinary electric role (variable winning device), 23: First special pattern start port, 24: Second special pattern start port (start port), 25: First large winning port, 26, 26A: Second large winning port (large winning port), 262: Specific area, 281: First special pattern display device, 283: Second special pattern display device (display device), 40: Main control device (win/lose determination means, small win game implementation means, big win game implementation means, probability change control means, special game control means, small win pattern selection means, big win pattern selection means), 42: Sub-integrated control device

Claims (1)

A starting port consisting of a variable winning device;
A winning/losing determination means for determining whether or not a winning ball has been entered into the starting hole;
A display device that derives and displays a pattern that notifies the result of the winning/losing judgment;
A small win game implementation means for implementing a small win game by displaying a pattern indicating a small win on the display device when the result of the win/loss determination is a win;
a jackpot game implementation means for implementing a jackpot game by displaying a symbol indicating a jackpot win on the display device when the result of the win/loss determination is a win;
A bonus game control means for transitioning to a bonus game state in which it is easier to enter the variable winning device than in a normal state after a predetermined condition is satisfied, comprising:
A jackpot symbol selection means for selecting a jackpot symbol to be displayed on the display device from among a plurality of jackpot symbols when the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot;
A small win symbol selection means for selecting a small win symbol to be displayed on the display device from among a plurality of small win symbols when a small win is determined to be a win or loss.
the bonus game control means has a plurality of types of bonus game states each having a different ending condition,
The first special game state is terminated when at least the first small winning symbol is displayed.
The second special game state is ended when at least the second small winning symbol is displayed.
The first small winning symbol and the second small winning symbol are selected at different rates by the small winning symbol selection means,
In the third bonus game state, the end condition is not that the first small win symbol and the second small win symbol are displayed, but that the derived display accompanying the hit/miss determination reaches a predetermined number of times ;
The pinball game machine has different operating modes in the first special game state and the second special game state, making it easier for a ball to enter the variable winning device than in a normal state .

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