JP7586874B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, when a gaming ball enters a start entry port provided in the gaming area, a win/lose lottery is held to determine whether or not a special game will be played, and a special pattern showing the result of the win/lose lottery is determined. The special pattern is then displayed in a variable manner, and a specific pattern (jackpot pattern) is displayed in a stopped state to indicate that the result of the win/lose lottery is that a special game will be played (a jackpot has been won), thereby playing a special game in which many prize balls can be won.
In such gaming machines, in order to increase the player's interest, multiple game states with different degrees of advantage are provided, and when a predetermined specific pattern is determined, the game state after the special game ends is set to a game state with a different degree of advantage (for example, a time-saving game state).
Also, in recent years, in order to increase the interest of players, in the above-mentioned win/lose lottery, in addition to the lottery result that a special game will be played, a specific lottery result that sets a game state with a different degree of advantage (time-saving game state) without the need for a special game has been derived, and a gaming machine has been devised in which a special pattern (time-saving pattern) indicating the specific lottery result is displayed in a predetermined game state (normal game state), thereby setting a game state with a different degree of advantage from the predetermined game state without the need for a special game (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2021-78994 A

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

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

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.
(1) The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising a determination means capable of deriving any one of a plurality of determination results including a first determination result, a second determination result, and a third determination result based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition, a special game execution means capable of executing a special game advantageous to a player on condition that at least the third determination result is derived, and a setting means capable of setting any one of a plurality of game states including a first game state, wherein the setting means is configured to set a second game state different from the first game state when the first determination result is derived in the first game state, to set a third game state more advantageous than the first game state and the second game state when the second determination result is derived, and to maintain the second game state when the first determination result is derived in the second game state, and is characterized in that after the special game executed on condition that the third determination result is derived is completed, a different game state can be set depending on the game state at a predetermined reference time.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, after the special game that is executed on the condition that the third determination result is derived ends, a different game state is set according to the game state at a predetermined reference time, which results in a wide variety of game state settings and can increase the interest of the player.

(2) In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is equipped with an awarding means for awarding a predetermined amount of game value based on the satisfaction of predetermined conditions, and a test signal control means for generating a test signal that can be output to the outside of the gaming machine and indicates the progress and state of the game.The gaming machine is capable of setting a non-playable state in which game progress is impossible based on a differential amount, which is the difference between the amount of game value awarded by the awarding means from a predetermined calculation start point and the amount of game value used in the game, reaching a specific amount.If the non-playable state is set during the generation of the test signal, the generation of the test signal may be continued after the non-playable state is set.
Here, the gaming value includes physical gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals, as well as numerical data that has the same value as gaming media and stores a value corresponding to the number of gaming media. Also, granting gaming value includes actually paying out a corresponding amount of gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals (executing the payout of physical gaming media) based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, as well as adding a corresponding amount to the above-mentioned numerical data based on the establishment of a predetermined condition.
In view of the above, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes not only a gaming machine that imparts gaming value by actually paying out a corresponding amount of gaming media such as gaming balls or gaming medals (executing the payout of physical gaming media) based on the satisfaction of predetermined conditions, but also a gaming machine that has numerical data having the same value as gaming media and in which a value equivalent to the number of gaming media is stored, and instead of paying out gaming media based on the satisfaction of predetermined conditions, imparts gaming value by adding a corresponding amount to the above-mentioned numerical data based on the satisfaction of the predetermined conditions.
In addition, in the case where the gaming machine is a pachinko machine, the predetermined condition may include a ball entering a winning hole (start winning hole, big winning hole, etc.) provided in a gaming area where the gaming ball can flow down, etc. In the case where the gaming machine is a slot machine, the predetermined condition may include a small winning combination being won by a winning combination lottery, and a symbol combination corresponding to the winning small winning combination being displayed on the pay line when all the rotating reels have stopped.

(3) The gaming machine according to the present invention further comprises a gaming board having a gaming area through which gaming balls flow down, an outer rail and an inner rail attached to the gaming board, a guide passage formed between the outer rail and the inner rail and capable of guiding a launched gaming ball to the gaming area, and a backflow prevention means for preventing a gaming ball that has entered the gaming area from returning to the guide passage, the backflow prevention means comprising a displacement means capable of displacing the backflow prevention means into a first state, a second state, and a third state, the displacement means comprising a side portion facing the outer rail and a tip portion located at the tip of the side portion, the first state being a state in which a specific distance, which is the distance from the tip portion to the outer rail, is a The second state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than the first state, and the third state is a state in which an entering game ball that is entering the game area from the guide passage comes into contact with the side portion, the outer rail, and a returning game ball that is returning from the game area to the guide passage, and the returning game ball comes into contact with the tip portion, the outer rail, and the entering game ball, so that the specific distance is longer than the first state and shorter than the second state, and is also shorter than the distance from the lowest point of the returning game ball to the outer rail.

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

1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment with a front door open; FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a game board of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an inner rail of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. 1 is an exploded oblique view of a backflow prevention unit of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a front schematic view of a backflow prevention section of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment when the rotating base is in a non-rotating state. FIG. A front schematic view of the backflow prevention part when the rotating base of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment is in a rotating state. A front schematic view of the backflow prevention part when the rotating base of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment is in a rotating state. 1 is a front enlarged view of a rotary valve in a backflow prevention section when the rotary base of a pachinko machine of a first embodiment is in a rotating state. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the rear side of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. 1 is an external oblique view of a main control board of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. An enlarged view of the second starting winning port and movable piece of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 1 is a front schematic view of the inside of an attacker device of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a special pattern random number determination table for a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a special electric device operation table of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a game status setting table of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a variation pattern table of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a variation pattern table of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a stop display time table for a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a winning determination random number judgment table for a pachinko machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a normal symbol variation pattern determination table for a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a movable piece operation control table of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. An explanatory diagram regarding the control state set when power is restored in the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. An explanatory diagram regarding the control state set when power is restored in the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the power cut-off evacuation process in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when power is restored in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the difference ball control reset processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of timer interrupt processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed during sensor detection in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a gate is detected in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when the first start winning port is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine of the first embodiment. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a second start winning port is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of a pre-determination process in a main control board of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a large prize opening is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a general winning port is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when an out is detected in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a specific area is detected in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. A flowchart showing an outline of special chart-related control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special symbol variation start processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the win/loss determination process in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the variation pattern determination process in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special symbol variation stop processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of post-stop processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game control processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game ending processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the general map-related control processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the normal pattern variation start processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the normal symbol lottery process in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the normal symbol variation stop processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing after the normal symbol stops in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of a movable piece control process in a main control board of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of solenoid control processing in a main control board of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the difference ball related command set processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the difference ball determination control process in the main control board of the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of setting-related processing in a main control board of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. A state transition diagram showing the transition to each game state of a pachinko machine of the first embodiment. A state transition diagram showing the transition to each presentation state of a pachinko machine of the first form. A figure showing an example of a variation presentation mode of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. A figure showing an example of a variation presentation mode of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. A figure showing an example of a variation presentation mode of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. A figure showing an example of a variation presentation mode of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. A figure showing an example of a variation presentation mode of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. A figure showing an example of a variation presentation mode of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a variable presentation determination table for a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a variable presentation determination table for a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. A figure showing an example of various presentations and various suggestions of the pachinko machine of the first form. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main processing in the sub-control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of timer interrupt processing in the sub-control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the game status setting related command receiving process in the sub-control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the power interruption recovery command receiving process in the sub-control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the stop display end command receiving process in the sub-control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the variable pattern command receiving process in the sub-control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the difference ball related command receiving process in the sub-control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. A flowchart showing an outline of the prize ball designation command receiving process in the sub-control board of the pachinko machine of the first embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table in another setting example of a pachinko machine relating to the first form. An explanatory diagram of a special pattern random number determination table in another setting example of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a win/lose random number determination table for a pachinko machine of the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a special pattern random number determination table for a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the special electric device operation table of the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a game status setting table of a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a variation pattern table of a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a stop display time table for a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a special area is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special symbol variation start processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the second embodiment. A flowchart showing an outline of the win/loss determination process in the main control board of a pachinko machine of the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special symbol variation stop processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the game status setting process during a stop display in the main control board of a pachinko machine of the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of post-stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the small win game control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game ending processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine of the second embodiment. A figure showing an example of the variable presentation of a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. A diagram explaining various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to the third embodiment. A diagram explaining various setting contents of a pachinko machine relating to the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special symbol variation stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine according to the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the remaining variation number update process in the main control board of a pachinko machine according to the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the remaining win count update process in the main control board of a pachinko machine according to the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the game state control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine according to the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game ending processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine according to the third embodiment.

(First form)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(External configuration of pachinko machine P)
The gaming machine according to this embodiment is a pachinko machine P that uses gaming balls as a gaming medium. Although not shown in the figure, in an amusement parlor where the pachinko machines P are installed, a plurality of pachinko machines P are arranged side by side in an area where the gaming machines are installed, called an island, and a gaming ball lending device for lending the gaming balls is installed adjacent to each pachinko machine P. Each pachinko machine P is connected to a corresponding gaming ball lending device R.
The game ball lending device R can accept the insertion of bills and a storage medium (card) that stores value information required for lending game balls. After inserting bills (or a card) into the game ball lending device R, a player can receive game balls from the game ball lending device R by performing a predetermined operation on the pachinko machine P.

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

1, a speaker serving as a sound output device 10 is provided at the lower left of the machine frame 1. A game board 11 for forming a game area 12 is housed in the hollow portion of the main body frame 2. The front door 3 is provided with a transparent plate 4 covering the opening, an upper tray 6 and a receiving tray 7 located below the transparent plate 4 and capable of receiving game balls, an operating handle 5 attached to the right of the receiving tray 7 for operating to launch the game balls, and two speakers serving as sound output devices 10 attached to the upper left and right of the transparent plate 4, one each.
1, a front door performance lamp DL that produces effects by emitting light in various colors and light patterns is provided on the outer periphery of the front door 3, and a status notification lamp EL that emits light in various colors to notify various states that occur when predetermined conditions are met is provided on the upper left of the outer periphery of the front door 3. Both the front door performance lamp DL and the status notification lamp EL are composed of LEDs that can emit light in multiple colors.

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

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

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

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

Here, the rails 13a and 13b will be described in detail.
The game board 11 is a plate-like member that is generally rectangular when viewed from the front (see FIG. 3A), and as described above, a pair of rails 13a, 13b is provided on the surface of the game board 11. In the following, the rail 13a located on the outside (the rail closer to the outer periphery of the game board 11) of the rails 13a, 13b is also referred to as the outer rail 13a, and the rail 13b located on the inside (the rail farther from the outer periphery of the game board 11) is also referred to as the inner rail 13b.

The outer rail 13a is a long, thin metal plate-like member with a width larger than the diameter of the game ball (see FIG. 3A), and is attached (supported) along the base surface of a rail base (not specifically shown) that is installed on the surface of the game board 11. The rail base is a plate-like member that is roughly C-shaped when viewed from the front, and is cut out so that it opens toward the lower right when installed on the surface of the game board 11, and is in an arc shape (i.e., an arc shape that is convex toward the left) centered on the approximate center of the game area 12 (game board 11). The cutout surface formed by this cutout becomes the base surface. By attaching the outer rail 13a to the base surface, it is arranged in an arc shape that is convex toward the left, starting from a position to the left of the lower center of the game board 11 and extending to the left end, top end, and upper right end of the game board 11 (see FIG. 2).

The inner rail 13b is a long, thin, synthetic resin member having approximately the same width as the outer rail 13a, and is erected on the surface of the game board 11 so as to face the outer rail 13a across a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball. It begins slightly to the left of the lower center of the game board 11 and is arranged in an arc shape that convex to the left from the left end to the upper left end of the game board 11.
The front surface of the space between the outer rail 13a and the inner rail 13b faces the back surface of the transparent plate 4b, forming a guide passage 640 through which the game balls launched by the launching device can pass (see Figs. 3D to 3G). The guide passage 640 is connected to the game area 12 and guides the game balls launched by the launching device to the game area 12.
In addition, a backflow prevention section 700 is provided at the upper end of the inner rail 13b (the tip of the inner rail 13b, in other words, the boundary between the guide passage 640 and the game area 12) to prevent a game ball that has entered the game area 12 from returning to the guide passage 640.

As shown in Figures 3B and 3C, the backflow prevention unit 700 includes a rotating unit 710, a case unit 730 in which the rotating unit 710 is disposed, and a cover plate 750 that covers the case unit 730 when the rotating unit 710 is disposed. The rotating unit 710 is attached to the case unit 730 and the cover plate 750 so that it can rotate when sandwiched between the case unit 730 and the cover plate 750.

The case portion 730 comprises a thin synthetic resin base plate 731 which is fixed to the game board 11, and a thin synthetic resin side plate 732 which stands up from a portion corresponding to approximately the right half of the outer periphery of the base plate 731 (approximately the right half of the base plate 731 when fixed to the game board 11). The base plate 731 and the side plate 732 form a space S which opens toward the front of the game board 11 and toward the guide passage 640 (see Figure 3C).
The base plate 731 is provided with a cylindrical boss 731a located at its upper end (the upper end of the base plate 731 when fixed to the game board 11) and standing up from the base plate 731, a cylindrical base side bearing portion 731b located below the boss 731a (slightly above the center of the base plate 731) and standing up from the base plate 731, a roughly fan-shaped guide groove 731c located below the base side bearing portion 731b (slightly below the center of the base plate 731) and passing through the base plate 731, and a thin, rod-shaped engagement pin 731d located below the guide groove 731c (the lower end of the base plate 731) and standing up from the base plate 731 (see Figure 3C).

The cover plate 750 is a thin plate-like member made of synthetic resin that covers the opening in the case portion 730 facing the front of the game board 11. The cover plate 750 is provided with a screw hole 750a that is disposed at a position corresponding to the boss 731a of the base plate 731 when the above-mentioned opening is covered, which penetrates the cover plate 750, a cylindrical cover side bearing portion 750b that is disposed at a position corresponding to the base side bearing portion 731b of the base plate 731 on the back surface of the cover plate 750 (the surface facing the base plate 731 when the above-mentioned opening is covered) and stands upright from the back surface of the cover plate 750, and an engagement hole 750c that is disposed at a position corresponding to the engagement pin 731d of the base plate 731 when the above-mentioned opening is covered and penetrates the cover plate 750 (see FIG. 3C).

The rotating part 710 is a member with a "L"-shaped outer shape, and includes a synthetic resin rotating base 711 in the shape of an approximately elliptical cylinder that is rotatably attached to the base plate 731 and the cover plate 750, and a synthetic resin thin plate-shaped rotating valve 712 that protrudes from near the upper end of the rotating base 711 (near the upper end of the rotating base 711 when attached to the case part 730) (see FIG. 3C). When the rotating part 710 is attached to the case part 730, the rotating base 711 is located in the space S of the case part 730 and can rotate within this space S while being sandwiched between the base plate 731 and the cover plate 750, and the rotating valve 712 protrudes outside the space S through an opening in the case part 730 toward the guide passage 640, and can rotate together with the rotating base 711.

The rotating base 711 has a roughly elliptical base bottom surface 711a that faces the base plate 731 when attached to the case portion 730, a base side surface 711b that stands up from the outer peripheral edge of the base bottom surface 711a, and a roughly elliptical base top surface 711c that is located at the standing end of the base side surface 711b and faces the base bottom surface 711a across the base side surface 711b (see Figure 3C).
In addition, when the rotating base 711 is attached to the case portion 730, an axial hole 711d that penetrates from the base top surface 711c to the base bottom surface 711a is provided at a position corresponding to the base side bearing portion 731b of the base plate 731 and the cover side bearing portion 750b of the cover plate 750, and a guide pin (not specifically shown) that protrudes from the base bottom surface 711a toward the base plate 731 is provided at a position corresponding to the guide groove 731c of the base plate 731.
In addition, the length from the bottom surface 711a of the base to the top surface 711c of the base is slightly shorter than the length from the surface of the base plate 731 of the case part 730 to the upright end of the side plate 732. As a result, when the rotating part 710 is attached to the case part 730, the rotating base 711 is stored in the space S while being sandwiched between the base plate 731 and the cover plate 750.

The pivotable valve 712 is a roughly rectangular thin plate-like member extending vertically upward from the upper left end of the base side surface 711b of the pivotable base 711 when attached to the case portion 730, and is provided with a guide passage side surface 712a facing the guide passage 640 (facing the guide passage 640), a play area side surface 712b facing the guide passage side surface 712a and facing the play area 12 (facing the play area 12), a downwardly sloping upper end surface 712c extending from the upper edge of the guide passage side surface 712a to the upper edge of the play area side surface 712b, and a protruding piece 712d protruding from roughly the center of the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the play area side surface 712b toward the play area 12 (see Figure 3C).
The length from the base side surface 711b to the upper edge of the guide passage side surface 712a is longer than the length from the base side surface 711b to the upper edge of the play area side surface 712b.
When the rotating base 711 is attached to the case 730, the rotating valve 712 protrudes from the space S into the guide passage 640 through an opening in the case 730 facing the guide passage 640, and in a normal state, extends vertically upward within the guide passage 640, with the tip of the rotating valve 712 positioned slightly below the outer rail 13a (see FIG. 3D). In other words, the length from the base side surface 711b of the rotating base 711 to the tip of the rotating valve 712 is such that the guide passage 640 can be almost completely blocked in the normal state when the rotating base 711 is attached to the case 730.

When attaching the above-mentioned rotating part 710 to the above-mentioned case part 730 and cover plate 750, first, the rotating part 710 is positioned in the case part 730 so that the base side bearing part 731b of the base plate 731 and the shaft hole 711d of the rotating base 711 are aligned and the guide pin of the rotating base 711 is inserted into the guide groove 731c of the base plate 731. Next, a thin, rod-shaped axial pin 760 whose length reaches from the base side bearing portion 731b to the cover side bearing portion 750b of the cover plate 750 is inserted into the axial hole 711d of the rotating base 711, and the boss 731a of the base plate 731 is aligned with the screw hole 750a of the cover plate 750, and the cover side bearing portion 750b is aligned with the tip of the axial pin 760 protruding from the axial hole 711d of the rotating base 711.Furthermore, the cover plate 750 is positioned so that the engagement pin 731d of the base plate 731 is inserted into the engagement hole 750c of the cover plate 750. Finally, by screwing the screw 764 into the boss 731a and the screw hole 750a from the front side of the cover plate 750 (the side facing the back side of the cover plate 750), the rotating base 711 is sandwiched between the base plate 731 and the cover plate 750 (with the cover plate 750 covering the opening in the case portion 730 facing the front side of the game board 11), and the rotating portion 710 is attached to the case portion 730 and the cover plate 750 (see Figures 3C and 3D, etc.).

Then, as described above, when the rotating part 710 is attached to the case part 730 and the cover plate 750, one end of the pivot pin 760 is engaged with the base side bearing part 731b and the other end is engaged with the cover side bearing part 750b, so that the rotating base 711 is supported in a sandwiched state between the base plate 731 and the cover plate 750 so as to be rotatable around the pivot pin 760 as the axis.
As described above, the pivot base 711 is a member having an approximately elliptical cylindrical shape, the pivot valve 712 extending from the pivot base 711 is a thin plate-like member, and the pivot base 711 is a member heavier than the pivot valve 712.
As a result, when the rotating part 710 is attached to the case part 730 and the cover plate 750, in a normal state, the rotating base 711 is biased by its own weight to rotate counterclockwise about the shaft pin 760 as an axis, but the guide pin inserted into the guide groove 731c of the base plate 731 remains in contact with the left end of the guide groove 731c. At this time, the rotating valve 712 is in a state of extending vertically upward within the guide passage 640, and the guide passage 640 is almost completely blocked by the rotating valve 712 (see FIG. 3D).
On the other hand, when a game ball launched by the launching device and rising in the guide passage 640 contacts the guide passage side surface 712a of the rotating piece 712, the rotating base 711 rotates clockwise against its own weight about the pivot pin 760 as an axis until the game area side surface 712b of the rotating piece 712 abuts against the side surface of the boss 731a of the base plate 731. In addition, when the game area side surface 712b abuts against the side surface of the boss 731a, the rotating valve 712 is extended toward the upper right (toward the upper end of the game area 12), and the guide passage 640 is opened (see FIG. 3E).

Next, the rotation of the pivot valve 712 and the prevention by the pivot valve 712 of backflow of game balls that have entered the play area 12 into the guide passage 640 will be described in detail. Note that, hereinafter, the normal state of the pivot part 710 when attached to the case part 730 and the cover plate 750 (when the pivot valve 712 extends vertically upward) may be referred to as the "non-rotating state", the state in which the pivot base 711 has rotated and the play area 712b is in contact with the side of the boss 731a may be referred to as the "rotating state", and the state in which the pivot base 711 is in between the non-rotating state and the rotating state (the state in which the pivot base 711 is rotating) may be referred to as the "rotating state".

As described above, in the non-rotating state, the rotating valve 712 extends vertically upward within the guide passage 640, and the distance from the tip of the rotating valve 712 (the upper edge of the guide passage side surface 712a) to the outer rail 13a at this time is shorter than the diameter of the game ball, and furthermore, it is the shortest distance from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a between the non-rotating state and the rotating state.
Also, as described above, in the rotating state, the rotating valve 712 extends to the upper right, and the distance from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a at this time is longer than the diameter of the game ball, and furthermore, it is the longest distance from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a between the non-rotating state and the rotating state.

In the non-rotating state, when a game ball launched by the launching device and rising in the guide passage 640 contacts the guide passage side surface 712a of the rotating piece 712, the rotating base 711 rotates until the rotating state is reached. As described above, in this rotating state, the distance from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is longer than the diameter of the game ball, and the guide passage 640 is opened. As a result, the game ball that contacts the guide passage side surface 712a enters the game area 12.
After the game ball enters the game area 12, the force generated by the game ball contacting the guide passage side surface 712a is released, and the rotating base 711 quickly rotates counterclockwise under its own weight to enter a non-rotating state. In this non-rotating state, the guide pin abuts against the left end of the guide groove 731c, so the rotating base 711 cannot rotate counterclockwise any further, and the distance from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is shorter than the diameter of the game ball, and the guide passage 640 is almost blocked by the rotating valve 712. Then, even if the game ball that entered the game area 12 comes into contact with, for example, a windmill or a nail and heads from the game area 12 to the guide passage 640, it will come into contact with the game area side surface 712b of the rotating valve 712, and will be prevented from entering the guide passage 640. In this way, in the non-rotating state, the rotating valve 712 prevents the game ball that has entered the game area 12 from returning to the guide passage 640.

In addition, in the rotating state between the rotating state and the non-rotating state, a game ball BB that has entered the play area 12 but is returning into the guide passage 640 (hereinafter also referred to as a returning game ball) may come into contact with a game ball BG that has been launched by the launching device, rises through the guide passage 640, and is entering the play area 12 (hereinafter also referred to as an entering game ball) (hereinafter also referred to as a rotating contact state) (see Figures 3F and 3G).

In this contact state during rotation, the entering game ball BG is in contact with the guide passage side surface 712a of the rotating valve 712, the outer rail 13a, and the returning game ball BB, and the returning game ball BB is in contact with the tip of the rotating valve 712, the outer rail 13a, and the entering game ball BG (see Figures 3F and 3G).
In addition, in this contact state during rotation, the distance from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is longer than the distance from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a in the non-rotating state, and shorter than the distance from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a in the rotating state, and further, the distance D1 from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is shorter than the distance D2 from the lowest point P of the returning game ball BB to the outer rail 13a (see Figure 3G).
Furthermore, in this contact state during rotation, the tip of the rotating piece 712 is positioned to the upper left of the lowest point P of the returning game ball BB (i.e., above and to the left of the lowest point P of the returning game ball BB) (see Figure 3G).

In this rotating contact state, if the entering game ball BG and the returning game ball BB come into contact and then the returning game ball BB tries to return into the guide passage 640, the returning game ball BB will come into contact with the tip of the rotary valve 712 from the direction of the game area 12, and the rotary valve 712 that has come into contact with the returning game ball BB will rotate counterclockwise and try to displace to a non-rotating state. Then, as it displaces toward the non-rotating state, the distance from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a gradually becomes shorter, and the guide passage 640 will be blocked by the rotary valve 712. Therefore, in this case, the entering game ball BG rising up the guide passage 640 will flow down (backflow) the guide passage 640 that has risen, but it will be difficult for the returning game ball BB to return into the guide passage 640. In this way, if the entering game ball BG and the returning game ball BB come into contact with each other at the boundary between the guide passage 640 and the game area 112 when they are in contact with each other during rotation, the returning game ball BB can be prevented from returning to the guide passage 640, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which both the entering game ball BG and the returning game ball BB flow down the guide passage 640.

In addition, if the distance D1 from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is longer than the distance D2 from the lowest point P of the returning game ball BB to the outer rail 13a in the above-mentioned rotating contact state, after the entering game ball BG and the returning game ball BB come into contact, the returning game ball BB is likely to get into the gap between the tip of the rotary valve 712 and the outer guide rail 13a. If the returning game ball BB gets into this gap, the returning game ball BB will rotate the rotary valve 712 clockwise, causing it to move to a rotating state. Then, as it moves toward the rotating state, the distance from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a will gradually become longer, and the guide passage 640 will open, resulting in a situation in which the returning game ball BB returns into the guide passage 640.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, in the above-mentioned contact state during rotation, the distance D1 from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is shorter than the distance D2 from the lowest point P of the returning game ball BB to the outer rail 13a, thereby preventing the occurrence of the above-mentioned situation.

Now, we return to the explanation of the game area 12.
As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the game area 12 includes a windmill and numerous nails for making the direction of the game balls flow irregularly, a general winning hole 14 through which the game balls can enter, a first starting winning hole 15 and a second starting winning hole 16 as starting areas, a gate 20 through which the game balls can pass, an attacker device 17 that operates when a predetermined condition is satisfied, an outlet 19 that guides the game balls out of the game area 12, a performance display device 21 that performs various performances and various suggestions (notifications) as the game progresses, a board performance lamp GL, a right hit notification lamp RL (not shown), and a special device performance device YS. Note that Figure 3A shows only some of the nails, and the other nails are omitted.

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

As shown in FIG. 3A, the first start winning hole 15 is located slightly below the center of the game area 12. In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, only game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning hole 15, and game balls flowing down the second game area 12b cannot enter the first start winning hole 15.

As shown in Fig. 3A, the gate 20 is provided at the top of the second game area 12b (at a position slightly above the center of the right part of the game area 12). In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through the gate 20, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot pass through the gate 20. In addition, the pachinko machine P is configured so that almost all game balls that enter the second game area 12b pass through the gate 20.
When the game ball passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is held. If the result of the lottery for the normal symbol is a winning one, a movable piece 16b, which will be described later, is caused to protrude for a predetermined period of time.

Below the gate 20, as shown in FIG. 3A, the second start winning hole 16 and a flat movable piece 16b (a normal electric device) that can be protruded and retracted into the game board 11 are arranged side by side.
The upper surface of the movable piece 16b is formed so as to slope downward from the right end to the left end when protruding from the game board 11. The right end of the movable piece 16b is located directly below the gate 20, and the second start winning hole 16 is located to the left of the left end of the movable piece 16b. The second start winning hole 16 is cup-shaped with an upward opening, and a game ball that reaches the opening enters the second start winning hole 16. In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the time it takes for a game ball at the right end of the upper surface of the movable piece 16b to reach the opening of the second start winning hole 16 (hereinafter also referred to as the opening arrival time) is configured to be approximately 0.3 seconds.
In a state where the movable piece 16b protrudes from the game board 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the protruding state), the upper surface of the movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball to the opening of the second start winning hole 16 (see FIG. 4(b)). In contrast, in a state where the movable piece 16b is sunk into the game board 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the sunk state), the movable piece 16b cannot guide the game ball to the opening of the second start winning hole 16 (see FIG. 4(a)).
In addition, only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the second start winning port 16, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot enter the second start winning port 16.

It should be noted that the second starting winning hole 16 and the movable piece 16b are not limited to the configuration described above.
For example, the second start winning opening 16 may be provided with a wing member as the movable piece 16b that can rotate left and right about an axis perpendicular to the game board 11 to open and close the second start winning opening 16. Specifically, when the movable piece 16b (wing member) is closed, the second start winning opening 16 is in a closed state, and it is impossible for a game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16, whereas when the movable piece 16b is open, the second start winning opening 16 is in an open state, and the movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball toward the second start winning opening 16, thereby enabling the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16.
In addition, the movable piece 16b may be a cover member that rotates back and forth around an axis horizontal to the game board 11 to open and close the second start winning opening 16, or it may be a shutter member that slides up and down to open and close the second start winning opening 16.

The installation positions of the first start winning opening 15 and the second start winning opening 16 are not particularly limited. For example, the first start winning opening 15 and the second start winning opening 16 may be placed in a position that allows game balls flowing down either game area 12 (first game area 12a, second game area 12b) to easily enter the opening.

When a game ball enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and a winning/losing lottery is held to determine whether or not a jackpot (described below) has been won (hereinafter also referred to as winning or losing a jackpot) and whether or not a time-saving game state (described below) will be granted (hereinafter also referred to as granting or losing a time-saving game state), and one special symbol is selected from a number of pre-determined special symbols according to the result of the winning/losing lottery. There are a number of types of special symbols that can be selected, and depending on the type of special symbol selected, a game benefit such as the execution of a special game advantageous to the player or the granting of a time-saving game state (setting of a time-saving game state JT1 or JT2 described below) is awarded.
The number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16 is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more, and may be any number. The number of prize balls may be the same or different between the first start winning hole 15 (a starting winning hole without the movable piece 16b) and the second start winning hole 16 (a starting winning hole with the movable piece 16b). In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15 is three, and the number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16 is one.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the attacker device 17 is provided in the center of the right part of the game area 12 (below the second start winning hole 16 and the movable piece 16b). The attacker device 17 includes a large winning hole 18 into which a game ball can enter, and an opening/closing door 18b for opening and closing the large winning hole 18. Normally, the opening/closing door 18b is closed and the large winning hole 18 is closed, so that a game ball cannot enter the large winning hole 18. However, when the special game is played, the opening/closing door 18b opens and the large winning hole 18 is opened, so that a game ball can enter the large winning hole 18. Specifically, during the special game, a round game in which the large winning hole 18 is opened is played multiple times. When one game ball enters the large winning hole 18, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out.
3A, game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the large prize opening 18, but game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot enter the large prize opening 18. Although not shown, nails, windmills, etc. are arranged so that almost all game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can reach the large prize opening 18, except for those that enter the second start prize opening 16. Therefore, as long as game balls continue to be shot out as long as the large prize opening 18 is open, the game balls will enter the large prize opening 18.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 5(a) and (b), a rolling path 51 is provided inside the attacker device 17 along which a gaming ball that has entered the large prize opening 18 can roll to the left. This rolling path 51 branches into an upper passage 52 and a lower passage 53 at a predetermined position in the rolling direction, and at the end of the upper passage 52 is provided a general area 58 into which a gaming ball that has entered the large prize opening 18 can enter, while at the end of the lower passage 53 is provided a specific area 57 into which a gaming ball that has entered the large prize opening 18 can enter (see Figs. 5(a) and (b)).

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

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

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the manner in which the opening and closing door 18b opens and closes (opening and closing pattern) and the manner in which the distribution member 59 operates (operation pattern) in the round game executed during the above-mentioned special game are set for each type of special pattern determined when a jackpot is won.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a predetermined number of game balls (one in this embodiment) enter the specific area 57 during a specific round of play, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, which is a game state that is advantageous to the player, and a time-saving game state JT2 described later. On the other hand, when a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during a specific round of play (i.e., when all game balls that entered the big prize opening 18 enter the general area 58), the game state after the special game ends is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, which is a game state that combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT2.
The opening and closing pattern of the opening and closing door 18b, the operation pattern of the sorting member 59, and the game state settings will be described in detail later.
As described above, the game state after the end of the special game may not be set to a high probability time-saving game state or a low probability time-saving game state LJT2 depending on whether a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 in the round game during the special game, but may be set to a high probability time-saving game state or a low probability time-saving game state LJT2 depending on the type of special symbol determined when a jackpot is won. For example, when a jackpot is won and a specific special symbol is determined, the game state after the end of the special game may be set to a high probability time-saving game state, but when a special symbol other than the specific special symbol is determined, the game state after the end of the special game may be set to a low probability time-saving game state LJT2 or a normal game state. In this way, when the game state after the end of the special game is determined depending on the type of special symbol, there is no need to provide the above-mentioned specific area 57.

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

As shown in Fig. 3A, the performance display device 21 is provided in the approximate center of the play area 12. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as the performance display device 21. The performance display device 21 is provided with a display section 21a for displaying images such as moving images and still images, and in addition to displaying a background image on the display section 21a, performance symbols 50 (dummy symbols) are displayed in a variable manner, and a variable performance is performed to notify the player of the result of the winning/losing lottery depending on the stop display mode of each performance symbol 50.
During special play, the display unit 21a performs an opening performance executed at the start of the special play, a round play performance executed during the round play described below, and an ending performance executed after all round plays have ended (at the end of the special play) (hereinafter, the opening performance, round play performance, and ending performance are collectively referred to as special play performance). An opening image is displayed in the opening performance, a round play image is displayed in the round play performance, and an ending image is displayed in the ending performance.
In addition, the performance display device 21 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be, for example, a drum-type display device that uses multiple drums with patterns on the outer circumference to display various information.

As shown in Fig. 2, the board performance lamp GL is provided at the top of the game area 12, and is a device that performs performances and gives suggestions by emitting light in various colors and light patterns. The board performance lamp GL is composed of LEDs that can emit light in multiple colors. The installation position and the number of board performance lamps GL are not particularly limited.
Although not specifically shown, the right-hit notification lamp RL is located on the right side of the performance display device 21 and is composed of an LED that can be turned on and off.

The role-playing device YS is a device that performs effects by operating in a predetermined manner.
The role production device YS of this embodiment is a disk-shaped structure as shown in Fig. 2, and can be displaced (moved) up and down within a range from an initial position corresponding to the upper end of the center of the play area 12 to a movable position corresponding to a position above the center of the play area 12 by a drive motor M (not shown). In addition, the role production device YS can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise at the movable position by a rotation motor RM (not shown). The role production device YS normally stays at the initial position, and is displaced to the movable position at various times (for example, during the execution of a reach development performance described later), and at this movable position, a role rotation performance is performed in which the role rotation rotates clockwise or counterclockwise (operates in a predetermined manner).
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the initial position is above the upper center of the performance display device 21, and the movable position is the upper center of the performance display device 21. That is, the reel performance device YS does not overlap the performance display device 21 at the initial position where it stops in the normal state, but overlaps the performance display device 21 at the movable position with a predetermined gap between them. This prevents the variable performance executed by the performance display device 21 from being hindered by the reel performance device YS in the normal state, and ensures the visibility of the variable performance. On the other hand, the reel rotation performance is performed by displacing the reel performance device YS to the movable position, so that the player can be made to pay attention to the reel rotation performance. In addition, when the reel performance device YS is in the movable position, it overlaps the activation warning character image displayed on the display unit 21a, which will be described later, in front of it, and the activation warning character image is difficult or impossible to see due to the reel performance device YS.
In addition, the performance performed by the accessory performance device YS is not limited to the accessory rotation performance. For example, a lamp such as an LED may be provided on the accessory performance device YS, and the performance may be performed such that the lamp is lit in a predetermined manner.
The pachinko machine P in this embodiment is equipped with, as a performance device, a performance display device 21, as well as a speaker as the above-mentioned audio output device 10, and a lamp (see Figure 1) as a performance lighting device 23 that produces performance by emitting light in various colors and lighting patterns.
It should be noted that the presentation devices are not limited to these, and may include, for example, prop devices that move at various times and in various manners.

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

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

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

Also, as shown in FIG. 3H, on the back side of the game board 11, a main control board 100 that stores the setting values and the control state of the pachinko machine P described below and controls the basic operation of the pachinko machine P is attached in a state stored in a transparent box-shaped main control board case 150, a launch and payout control board 200 that controls the launch of game balls and the payout of prize balls is attached in a state stored in a transparent box-shaped launch and payout control board case 250, a sub-control board 300 that controls various effects is attached in a state stored in a transparent box-shaped sub-control board case 350, and a game ball lending control board 400 that relays operations to the game ball lending device R is attached in a state stored in a transparent box-shaped game ball lending control board case 450.

Further, on the rear side of the game board 11, a power supply board 600 for supplying power to each board is provided, and this power supply board 600 is provided with a power switch 650.
The power switch 650 can be switched on or off. When the power switch 650 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply board 600 to each board, and when the power switch 650 is turned off, the supply of power from the power supply board 600 to each board is stopped.
In this specification, when the power switch 650 is turned on and power is supplied, this is also referred to as "power on," and when the power switch 650 is turned off and the supply of power is stopped, this is also referred to as "power off."

(Configuration of the control means of the pachinko machine P)
Next, the control means for controlling the operation of the pachinko machine P will be described.
The above-mentioned control means is composed of a main control board 100, a launch and payout control board 200, a sub-control board 300, a game ball lending control board 400 and a power supply board 600, as shown in FIG.
6, the main control board 100 is connected to a launching/payout control board 200 and a sub-control board 300, and the launching/payout control board 200 is connected to a game ball lending control board 400. The main control board 100 and the launching/payout control board 200 are connected to an external information terminal board 500 for transmitting various external signals (hereinafter, also referred to as external information) relating to the progress of the game to the outside of the pachinko machine P (for example, a hall computer in an amusement facility). A power supply board 600 is also connected to each board.

(Outline of main control board 100)
As described above, the main control board 100 stores the setting values and the control state of the pachinko machine P, and controls the games played on the pachinko machine P. Specifically, it controls the special symbol game (lottery for winning or losing, determination of the special symbol, display of the special symbol variation (hereinafter also referred to as the variation of the special symbol), etc.) that is started when the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, the regular symbol game (lottery for the regular symbol, display of the regular symbol variation (hereinafter also referred to as the variation of the regular symbol), etc.) that is started when the game ball passes through the gate 20, and the above-mentioned special games, etc.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, only one setting level, setting value 1, is defined for the setting of the balls dispensed, and the win/lose random number determination table 110 used in the win/lose lottery described later is provided corresponding to this setting value 1.
The setting for the ball output may be set not only in one stage, but also in multiple stages, such as six stages from setting value 1 to setting value 6. When multiple stages are set for the setting for the ball output, the probability of winning the jackpot in the winning/losing lottery can be set to be different depending on the difference in the setting value. For example, the setting value 6 can be set to have a higher probability of winning the jackpot than the setting value 1, and if the probability of winning the jackpot is high, the possibility of winning prize balls is also high, so by changing the setting value, the expected amount of prize balls to be paid out in the pachinko machine P changes. The winning/losing random number determination table 110 used in the winning/losing lottery is provided corresponding to each of the setting values 1 to 6, and when the setting value is changed, the winning/losing random number determination table 110 provided for each setting value is changed in its entirety.
The main control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch 109 and a setting switch 108, as described below. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the front door 3 is open and the power is turned on with both the RAM clear switch 109 and the setting switch 108 on, the machine transitions to a setting change state in which the setting value can be changed. In this setting change state, the setting value can be changed by pressing the RAM clear switch 109. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, only one setting value, 1, is defined as the setting for the ball output, so even if the RAM clear switch 109 is pressed during the setting change state, the setting value remains 1 (i.e., the setting value is not changed).
In addition, whether the pachinko machine has only one setting for ball output or multiple settings for ball output, the settings are set so that the same control and processing can be performed for the setting value (i.e., a common processing program (module) is provided for the control and processing for the setting value), but for example, in a pachinko machine with only one setting for ball output as in this embodiment, the setting value is not changed even if the RAM clear switch 109 is pressed during the setting change state as described above, and some control and processing are executed or not executed depending on the number of setting stages. In this specification, various controls and processing related to the setting value are explained on the premise that the pachinko machine has multiple settings for ball output, and as necessary, the difference in control and processing when only one setting for ball output is provided as in this embodiment is supplemented.

In addition, when the power is on, the pachinko machine P in this embodiment remains in one of four control states: a playable state in which game play can be performed, a setting confirmation state in which the set setting values can be confirmed, a setting change state in which the set setting values can be changed, and a game stopped state in which game play cannot be performed, and the setting values cannot be confirmed or changed.
When the control state of the pachinko machine P is in the setting change state, the set setting value can be changed (switched) by pressing the above-mentioned RAM clear switch 109. As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, only one setting value, 1, is defined, so that the setting value will not be changed even if the RAM clear switch 109 is pressed during the setting change state.
The storage and modification of set values, the control states that are set when the power is turned on, etc. will be described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 3I, the main control board 100 in this embodiment is a rectangular plate-shaped board, and is a single-sided board (single-layer board) with a wiring pattern provided on only one side. Note that the main control board 100 may also be a double-sided board (two-layer board) with a wiring pattern provided on both sides.

As shown in FIG. 3I, the surface of the main control board 100 is provided with a one-chip type main IC 104 that integrates the main CPU 101, main ROM 102, and main RAM 103, as well as multiple other ICs, a main information display device 105, a connector 106, a test-only output terminal 107, a setting switch 108, a RAM clear switch 109, etc.

The main CPU 101 is a device that performs various calculation processes. The main ROM 102 is a device (Read Only Memory) that has a memory area that stores a spec code that indicates the specifications of the pachinko machine P (such as the high and low probability of winning a jackpot, and the method of determining the game state after the special game ends), a control program required for the game, and tables (such as a win/lose random number determination table 110 and a special symbol random number determination table 111, which will be described later). The main RAM 103 is a device (Read Write Memory) that can store the above-mentioned setting values, the control state of the pachinko machine P, various data related to the progress of the game, and has a readable and writable memory area that is used for storing temporary data during calculation processes by the main CPU 101.
The main CPU 101 reads out control programs and tables stored in the main ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processing based on signals from various sensors and timers described below, and also performs processing such as controlling various devices connected to the main CPU 101 and sending commands to other boards (such as the sub-control board 300) based on the results of the arithmetic processing.

Although not specifically shown, the memory area of the main RAM 103 in this embodiment is broadly divided into a used area, which is the area between a predetermined start address (for example, F00H (alphanumeric characters with an "H" at the end are written in hexadecimal; the same applies below)) and a predetermined final address (for example, F200H), and an unused area, which is the area between a specific start address (for example, F300H) that is a specific distance (for example, 16 bytes) or more away from the final address of the used area and a specific final address (for example, F400H).

Also, although not specifically shown, the used area includes four areas, a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area, arranged in order from a specified start address to a specified end address.
The first area stores a setting value and a gaming machine state flag indicating the control state during the current time (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stopped state). The second area stores a checksum of the main RAM 103 calculated when the power is turned off, and a backup flag for determining whether there is an abnormality in the backup process of the main RAM 103 performed when the power is turned off. The third area stores information on errors that have occurred in the pachinko machine P, etc.
In addition, the fourth area stores various data related to the progress of the game (information on the special symbols during the change, the launch position of the game ball (the game area 12 from which the game ball is shot), the number of reserved first special symbols, the number of reserved second special symbols, the number of high probability times, the number of time-saving times, execution phase data showing the progress of the special symbol game, the number of reserved regular symbols, regular symbol execution phase data showing the progress of the regular symbol game, information that the special symbol is not changing, etc.). Note that the data stored in the fourth area is not limited to these, and for example, in a pachinko machine P set so that a special change pattern is determined when the number of changes after the special game ends reaches a specific number, the information on the specific number of times described above may be stored.

In addition, the unused area stores data such as the number of balls shot and the number of prize balls paid out since the game started in the initial state after shipping from the factory, etc. Specifically, the total number of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the general winning port 14, the first start winning port 15, the second start winning port 16, and the large winning port 18 (hereinafter referred to as the total number of prize balls), the total number of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the large winning port 18 (hereinafter referred to as the total number of special electric role prize balls), the total number of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the first start winning port 15, the second start winning port 16, and the large winning port 18 (hereinafter referred to as the total number of role prize balls), etc. are stored.
In this unused area, information relating to the game, such as the payout rate, the special electric device ratio, and the device ratio, is calculated based on data such as the number of balls fired and the number of winning balls mentioned above.
Here, the payout rate is the ratio of the total number of winning balls to the number of shot balls, and is a value calculated by total number of winning balls/number of shot balls. The special electric device ratio is the ratio of the total number of winning balls of special electric devices to the total number of winning balls, and is a value calculated by total number of winning balls of special electric devices/total number of winning balls. The device ratio is the ratio of the total number of winning balls of devices to the total number of winning balls, and is a value calculated by total number of winning balls of devices/total number of winning balls.

It should be noted that the data stored in the unused area is not limited to these, and for example, the total number of winning balls based on the entry of game balls into the general winning port 14 may be stored.
In addition, in this specification, data such as the number of balls fired and the number of winning balls paid out stored in the above-mentioned unused area are also referred to as "game performance data," and information related to the game, such as the above-mentioned ball payout rate, is also referred to as "game performance display information."

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a difference ball count value used for the operation stop control based on the difference ball count (hereinafter also referred to as the difference ball operation stop control) described later, difference ball operation stop control phase data for setting various states related to the difference ball operation stop control (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state, activation state described later), test signal information described later, and activation security information described later are stored in a specific area in the non-use area. Note that the difference ball count value, difference ball operation stop control phase data, test signal information, and activation security information may be stored in, for example, the first area or the fourth area of the use area, rather than being stored in the non-use area.
The difference ball operation stop control will be described in detail later.

The main information display device 105 is a device that displays various information, and is composed of four 7-segment displays with decimal points arranged side by side. The main information display device 105 in this embodiment does not incorporate a processing device such as a CPU that performs its own calculation processing on the data it receives, and only displays information based on the data it receives from the main IC 104.
Specifically, during a setting confirmation state or during a setting change state, the setting values stored in the use area (first area) of the main RAM 103 are displayed. During a playable state, game performance display information stored in a non-use area of the main RAM 103 is displayed. During a game stop state or if an error occurs in the pachinko machine P, a code indicating that fact is displayed.
Note that main information display device 105 may be configured with a liquid crystal display, a dot matrix display, etc., instead of a seven-segment display. Also, main information display device 105 may have other devices built in as long as it does not have a device for independently processing data received from main IC 104, and may have a driver circuit or the like built in for controlling the operation of main information display device 105.

The connectors 106 are for connecting various harnesses, cables, etc., and are provided in plurality on the surface of the main control board 100 .
The test-only output terminal 107 is a terminal for outputting a test signal used in a type test, and is provided on the surface of the main control board 100. Here, the type test is a test for determining whether the pachinko machine P complies with a predetermined regulation, and the test signal is a signal used in the type test. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, various test signals are generated by the main CPU 101 at various times, and the generated test signals can be output from the test-only output terminal 107 to the outside of the pachinko machine P. Specifically, a test computer (not shown) is used for the type test, and this test computer is provided with a dedicated receiving terminal (not shown) that can be connected to the test-only output terminal 107. Then, when the above-mentioned receiving terminal is connected to the test-only output terminal 107, the test signal generated by the main CPU 101 and output from the test-only output terminal 107 is input to the test computer outside the pachinko machine P via this receiving terminal.
The output of the test signal will be described in detail later.

The setting switch 108 is referenced to set the control state (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stopped state) when the power is turned on. The setting switch 108 is provided with an operating section (not shown) with a keyhole, and is formed so that it can be rotated when a specified key is inserted into the keyhole. Normally, the setting switch 108 is off, but when a rotation operation is performed, the setting switch 108 is turned on.
The RAM clear switch 109 is used to clear various data stored in the main RAM 103 and to change settings. This RAM clear switch 109 is provided with a push button 109a (see FIG. 3I) that can be pressed, and when this push button 109a is not pressed, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, but when the push button 109a is pressed, the RAM clear switch 109 is turned on.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the power goes from off to on (recovery from a power outage), one of the control states is set depending on the control state that was in place before the power was turned off (just before the power outage occurred), whether the setting switch 108 is on or off at the time the power is turned on (when the power outage is restored), whether the RAM clear switch 109 is on or off, whether the main body frame open detection sensor 2a described later is on or off (i.e., whether the main body frame 2 is open or closed), whether an abnormality has occurred in the backup process of the main RAM 103 performed at the time the power is turned off, and whether an abnormality has occurred in the main RAM 103.
The set value can be changed (switched) by operating the push button 109a (the RAM clear switch 109 is turned on) during the setting change state. As described above, the set value is stored in the usage area of the main RAM 103, and when the set value is changed, the set value stored in the usage area of the main RAM 103 is changed.

In this embodiment, the main RAM 103 stores not only the game performance data and setting values described above, but also various data related to the progress of the game (the number of first special charts reserved, the number of second special charts reserved, execution phase data indicating the progress of the special chart game, the number of regular charts reserved, regular chart execution phase data indicating the progress of the regular chart game, etc.).
In addition, the devices and electronic components provided on the surface of the main control board 100 are not limited to those described above, and for example, switches for displaying various information on the main information display device 105 and switching the display content may be provided.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, both clearing of data stored in the main RAM 103 and changing of set values are performed by operating the RAM clear switch 109, but this is not limited to this. For example, a setting change switch separate and independent from the RAM clear switch 109 may be provided, and the RAM clear switch 109 may be set to be used for clearing data stored in the main RAM 103, and the setting change switch may be set to be used for changing set values.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main control board 100 includes a general winning opening detection sensor 14a that detects when a game ball enters the general winning opening 14, a first start winning opening detection sensor 15a that detects when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15, a second start winning opening detection sensor 16a that detects when a game ball enters the second start winning opening 16, a large winning opening detection sensor 18a that detects when a game ball enters the large winning opening 18, and a gate detection sensor 19a that detects when a game ball passes through the gate 20. 20a, a setting switch 108, a RAM clear switch 109, a magnetic detection sensor 70a that detects magnetism directed toward the game board 11, a radio wave detection sensor 71a that detects radio waves irradiated to specific locations on the game board 11 (the first start winning hole 15, the second start winning hole 16, the large winning hole 18, etc.), a vibration detection sensor 72 that detects vibrations caused by fraudulent activities such as shaking the pachinko machine P, and a specific area detection sensor 57a that detects the entry of a game ball into the specific area 57 are connected.
The detection signals output from each of these detection sensors and signals indicating the on/off state of each switch are input to a main control board 100.
It should be noted that the sensors connected to the main control board 100 are not limited to these, and for example, a general area detection sensor that detects when a gaming ball enters the general area 58 may be provided.

When the magnetic detection sensor 70a detects magnetism, it turns on and outputs a magnetic detection signal to the main control board 100, and the magnetic detection signal is output continuously while the magnetic field is being detected. When the magnetic detection sensor 70a no longer detects magnetism, it turns off and stops outputting the magnetic detection signal to the main control board 100. When the magnetic detection signal is input from the magnetic detection sensor 70a, the main control board 100 determines that a main control magnetic error has occurred.
Furthermore, when the radio wave detection sensor 71a detects radio waves, it turns on and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the main control board 100, and while radio waves are being detected, the radio wave detection signal is output continuously. When the radio wave detection sensor 71a no longer detects radio waves, it turns off and stops outputting the radio wave detection signal to the main control board 100. Furthermore, when the radio wave detection signal is input from the radio wave detection sensor 71a, the main control board 100 determines that a main control radio wave error has occurred.
Furthermore, when the vibration detection sensor 72 detects that the pachinko machine P is vibrating, it turns on and outputs a vibration detection signal to the main control board 100, and while vibration is being detected, the vibration detection signal is output continuously. When the vibration detection sensor 72 no longer detects vibration of the pachinko machine P, it turns off and stops outputting the vibration detection signal to the main control board 100. Furthermore, when a vibration detection signal is input from the vibration detection sensor 72, the main control board 100 determines that a main control vibration error has occurred.

The special prize opening detection sensor 18a is provided midway along the path from the special prize opening 18 to the special prize opening outlet. In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the time from when the game ball enters the special prize opening 18 until the game ball is detected by the special prize opening detection sensor 18a is approximately 0.5 seconds.

Furthermore, the main control board 100 is connected, as devices to be controlled, with a movable piece solenoid 16c which drives the movable piece 16b provided adjacent to the second start winning opening 16 to protrude and retract, a large prize opening solenoid 18c which drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large prize opening 18 to open and close, a distribution member solenoid 59c which displaces the distribution member 59, the first special pattern display device 30, the second special pattern display device 31, the normal pattern display device 32, the first special pattern reserve display device 38, the second special pattern reserve display device 39, the normal pattern reserve display device 33, and a main information display device 105.
The main control board 100 drives each solenoid to control the projection and recession of the movable piece 16b attached to the second start winning port 16, the opening and closing of the large winning port 18, and the displacement of the sorting member 59, as well as controlling the display of each display device.

(Overview of the firing and dispensing control board 200)
The launch and payout control board 200 mainly controls the payout of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into various winning ports and game balls loaned out based on specific operations by the player, as well as the launch of game balls.
As shown in Figure 6, the launch payout control board 200 is equipped with a payout CPU 201, a payout ROM 202 and a payout RAM 203, and is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

As shown in FIG. 6, the launch/dispatch control board 200 is connected to devices for controlling the launch of game balls, including a touch sensor 5a that detects when the player touches the operating handle 5, an operating volume 5b that detects the operating angle (rotation angle) of the operating handle 5, a launch stop switch 5c that stops the launch of game balls, a ball feed solenoid 60 that sends the game balls held in the upper tray 6 to a launch device (not shown), a launch motor 61 that launches the game balls, and a launched ball detection sensor 64 that detects when the game balls are launched by the launch motor 61. Control signals output from the touch sensor 5a, the operating volume 5b, and the launch stop switch 5c are input to the launch/dispatch control board 200.

When the control state of the pachinko machine P is in a playable state and the state regarding the difference ball operation stop control described later is in a pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, or activation notice state, if the player touches the operation handle 5 to perform a rotation operation, a control signal (hereinafter also referred to as a rotation operation signal) from the touch sensor 5a and the operation volume 5b is input to the launching and dispensing control board 200, and the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launching motor 61 are energized to control the launching of game balls. While the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launching motor 61 are energized, game balls are continuously launched at 0.6 second intervals (i.e., a launch pace of 100 balls per minute). When the player releases contact with the operation handle 5 or stops rotating the operation handle 5, the input of the rotation operation signal to the launching and dispensing control board 200 stops, and the control of launching game balls also stops.
In addition, even if a rotation operation signal is input to the launch/payout control board 200, when a control signal from the launch stop switch 5c (hereinafter also referred to as the launch stop control signal) is input to the launch/payout control board 200, control is performed to stop the flow of electricity to the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launch motor 61 and stop the launch of the game ball.
Furthermore, when the control state of the pachinko machine P is in a play-stop state, or when the control state of the pachinko machine P is in a playable state and the state regarding the difference ball operation stop control is in an activated state, even if a rotation operation signal is input to the launch/payout control board 200, the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launch motor 61 are not energized, and no control is performed to launch the game balls.
In addition, when the control state of the pachinko machine P is a game stop state, or when the control state of the pachinko machine P is a playable state, regardless of the state regarding the difference ball operation stop control (i.e., whether the state regarding the difference ball operation stop control is a pre-activation warning state, an activation warning state, an activation notice state, or an activation state), the launch payout control board 200 transmits a handle operation command to the main control board 100 when a rotation operation signal is input, and stops transmitting the handle operation command to the main control board 100 when the input of the rotation operation signal stops. In other words, while the rotation operation signal is being input (while the player is touching the operating handle 5 to perform a rotation operation), the handle operation command is continuously transmitted to the main control board 100.
In addition, a rotary solenoid may be used instead of the launch motor 61 as a device for launching the game ball.

6, a payout motor 62 that pays out game balls stored in a game ball storage section (not shown) and a payout counting switch 63 that detects and counts the paid-out game balls are connected to the launch payout control board 200. Although not shown, the payout counting switch 63 has a built-in payout radio wave detection sensor that detects radio waves irradiated to the switch.
When the launch payout control board 200 receives the prize ball designation command transmitted from the main control board 100, the launch payout control board 200 controls the payout motor 62 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) based on the prize ball designation command. At this time, the number of paid-out game balls is counted by the payout count switch 63, making it possible to determine whether the predetermined number of game balls have been paid out.

In addition, the launch payout control board 200 in this embodiment transmits a payout ball signal based on the fact that game balls have actually been paid out by the payout motor 62 (the game balls have been counted by the payout count switch 63) to the external information terminal board 500 as an external signal to be transmitted to the outside of the pachinko machine P. As a result, the payout ball signal is transmitted to the outside of the pachinko machine P (such as an external information display device or hall computer that displays information such as the number of fluctuations and the number of jackpots) via the external information terminal board 500, and the number of game balls actually paid out can be grasped in a device external to the pachinko machine P.
In addition, the external signal related to the payout of game balls (prize balls) is not limited to the payout prize ball signal. For example, instead of a signal based on the actual payout of game balls, a received prize ball signal based on the reception of a prize ball designation command from the main control board 100 may be transmitted to the external information terminal board 500. This may allow an external device of the pachinko machine P to know the number of game balls to be paid out based on the received prize ball designation command.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the launch and payout control board 200 is connected to a main frame open detection sensor 2a that detects the open state of the main frame 2, a front door open detection sensor 3a that detects the open state of the front door 3, a tray full detection sensor 7a that detects the full state of the tray 7, an out sensor 19a that detects game balls that are received into the out port 19 or that enter each winning port and are guided to the back side of the game board 11 through the out passage, and an out port radio wave detection sensor 71b that detects radio waves irradiated to the out port 19.

The main body frame open detection sensor 2a turns on when it detects that the main body frame 2 is open, and outputs a main body frame open detection signal to the launch/dispense control board 200. The main body frame open detection signal is output continuously while the main body frame 2 is open. Then, when the main body frame open detection signal is input, the launch/dispense control board 200 transmits a main body frame open command to the main control board 100.
In response to this, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a turns off when it no longer detects that the main body frame 2 is open, and stops outputting the main body frame open detection signal. When the input of the main body frame open detection signal stops, the launch and payout control board 200 determines that the main body frame 2 is closed, and stops sending the main body frame open command to the main control board 100.

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

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

The out sensor 19a is provided in the out passage. The out sensor 19a turns on every time it detects a game ball that is received at the out port 19 or enters each winning port and passes through the out passage, and outputs an out signal to the launch/payout control board 200. The launch/payout control board 200 then transmits an out command to the main control board 100 every time an out signal is input.

The outlet radio wave detection sensor 71 b is provided at a predetermined position around the outlet 19 .
In addition, the outlet radio wave detection sensor 71b turns on when it detects radio waves and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the release/dispense control board 200, and while it is detecting radio waves, the radio wave detection signal is output continuously. In contrast, when the outlet radio wave detection sensor 71b no longer detects radio waves, it turns off and stops outputting the radio wave detection signal to the release/dispense control board 200.

As described above, the dispensing radio wave detection sensor is built into the dispensing counting switch 63.
In addition, the dispensing radio wave detection sensor turns on when it detects radio waves and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the dispensing control board 200. While it is detecting radio waves, the radio wave detection signal is continuously output. In contrast, when the dispensing radio wave detection sensor no longer detects radio waves, it turns off and stops outputting the radio wave detection signal to the dispensing control board 200.

As described above, the launching and dispensing control board 200 is connected to a game ball lending control board 400 that relays operations to the game ball lending device R. As shown in Fig. 6, the launching and dispensing control board 200 is connected to a value information display device 35, a ball lending switch 36a that detects the pressing operation of the ball lending button 36, and a card return switch 37a that detects the pressing operation of the card return button 37 via the game ball lending control board 400.
In addition, these devices may be connected directly to the launching and dispensing control board 200 rather than being connected to the launching and dispensing control board 200 via the game ball lending control board 400.

When a card storing value information for lending game balls (i.e., a card with a balance) is inserted into the game ball lending device R and recognized, a value information signal indicating the value information is transmitted from the game ball lending device R to the value information display device 35 via the launch/payout control board 200 and the game ball lending control board 400. As a result, the value information display device 35 displays value information corresponding to the received value information signal.

In addition, when a card storing value information for lending game balls is inserted into the game ball lending device R and the ball lending button 36 is pressed while it is recognized, a detection signal output from the ball lending switch 36a is transmitted to the game ball lending device R via the game ball lending control board 400 and the launching and dispensing control board 200.
Upon receiving the above-mentioned detection signal, the game ball lending device R performs a process of subtracting predetermined value information from the stored value information, and sends a loan ball payout command to the launching and payout control board 200 to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted value information (for example, 125 balls) as loan balls, and also sends a subtraction command corresponding to the subtracted value information to the value information display device 35 via the launching and payout control board 200 and the game ball lending control board 400.
Then, when a ball dispense command is received, the ball dispense control board 200 performs control to dispense a number of game balls (for example, 125 balls) corresponding to the subtracted value information. Also, when a subtraction command is received, the value information display device 35 updates and displays the value information after the subtraction.

When the card return button 37 is pressed, a detection signal output from the card return switch 37a is input to the launch/payout control board 200, which then transmits a return request signal to the game ball lending device R, requesting the return of the card. When the game ball lending device R receives the return request signal, it controls the game ball lending device R to eject the card.

In addition, the game ball lending device R may also control the card to be ejected when a card that does not store value information for lending game balls (i.e., a card with no balance) is inserted into the game ball lending device R, or when the ball lending button 36 is pressed to subtract a certain amount of value information, resulting in all of the value information stored in the card being lost (i.e., when the card has no balance).

As described above, the launch payout control board 200 controls both the payout of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the various winning ports (general winning port 14, first start winning port 15, second start winning port 16, and large winning port 18), and the payout of game balls (loan balls) that are lent based on the player's operation.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, errors related to the equipment connected to the launch and payout control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as payout-related errors) may occur, such as a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, a payout motor error, and a door open error.
The launching payout control board 200 is configured to determine (detect) the occurrence of payout-related errors, such as a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, and a payout motor error, based on the operating status of the above-mentioned switches connected to the launching payout control board 200, and the various signals output to the launching payout control board 200 from the above-mentioned sensors connected to the launching payout control board 200.
In this specification, determining that an error has occurred does not only mean specifically determining that an error has occurred based on the operation status of the switch and detection by various sensors (for example, the dispensing radio wave detection sensor, the main frame opening detection sensor 2a, etc.), but also means that the operation status of the switch and detection by various sensors have been detected.

A ball out error is an error that occurs when there are no game balls stored in the game ball storage section. The launch/payout control board 200 determines that a ball out error has occurred when the payout motor 62 is operating to pay out game balls, but the payout counting switch 63 does not count the game balls for a specified period of time. When a ball out error occurs, a ball out error command indicating this is sent from the launch/payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of a ball out error.

A full tank error is an error that occurs when the tray 7 is full. When the tray detection signal is input, the launch/dispense control board 200 determines that a full tank error has occurred. When a full tank error occurs, a full tank error command indicating this is sent from the launch/dispense control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of a full tank error.

A payout counting switch error is an error that occurs when the payout counting switch 63 does not operate due to a broken harness, etc. The launch payout control board 200 determines that a payout counting switch error has occurred when it is unable to confirm the operation of the payout counting switch 63. When a payout counting switch error occurs, a payout counting switch error command indicating this is sent from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to grasp the occurrence of a payout counting switch error.

A ball jam error is an error that occurs when an operational abnormality occurs in the payout motor 62. The launch/payout control board 200 determines that a ball jam error has occurred when the payout motor 62 receives an activation signal but does not operate. When a ball jam error occurs, a ball jam error command indicating this is sent from the launch/payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to grasp the occurrence of a ball jam error.

An excess prize ball error is an error that occurs when game balls are dispensed despite no prize ball designation command having been received, or when more game balls are dispensed than the number of game balls that were scheduled to be dispensed based on the received prize ball designation command. The launch payout control board 200 determines that an excess prize ball error has occurred when the number of game balls dispensed despite not being scheduled reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). When an excess prize ball error occurs, an excess prize ball error command indicating this is sent from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to grasp the occurrence of the excess prize ball error.

A dispensing radio wave error is an error that occurs when irradiation of radio waves is detected. When a radio wave detection signal is input from the outlet radio wave detection sensor 71b or the dispensing radio wave detection sensor, the release/dispensing control board 200 determines that a dispensing radio wave error has occurred. When a dispensing radio wave error occurs, a dispensing radio wave error command indicating this is sent from the release/dispensing control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to grasp the occurrence of a dispensing radio wave error.

A payout motor error is an error that occurs when the payout motor 62 does not operate due to a broken harness, etc. The launch/payout control board 200 determines that a payout motor error has occurred when it is unable to confirm that the payout motor 62 is operating. When a payout motor error occurs, a payout motor error command indicating this is sent from the launch/payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to grasp the occurrence of a payout motor error.

Furthermore, among the dispensing-related errors, a door open error is an error that occurs when the main frame 2 or the front door 3 is open.
As described above, the main frame opening detection sensor 2a, which detects the opening of the main frame 2, and the front door opening detection sensor 3a, which detects the opening of the front door 3, are both connected to the launching and dispensing control board 200, but the determination of the occurrence of a door opening error is made by the main control board 100, not the launching and dispensing control board 200.
Specifically, when the main control board 100 receives at least one of a main frame open command transmitted from the launching/dispensing control board 200 when a main frame open detection signal is input to the launching/dispensing control board 200, or a front door open command transmitted from the launching/dispensing control board 200 when a front door open detection signal is input to the launching/dispensing control board 200, the main control board 100 determines that a door open error has occurred.
When it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, the main control board 100 transmits a payout stop command for stopping the control of the payout operation of the game balls to the launch payout control board 200. As a result, while the door opening error is occurring, the launch payout control board 200 performs control to stop the payout operation of the game balls.

Note that among the dispensing-related errors, the occurrence of which is determined by the main control board 100 is not limited to door open errors, and the occurrence of other errors may also be determined by the main control board 100.

In addition, the main control board 100 is also configured to determine the occurrence of errors related to the devices connected to the main control board 100 (such as the above-mentioned main control radio wave error, main control magnetic error, main control vibration error, abnormal winning errors that occur when an excessive number of game balls enter the first start winning port 15, the second start winning port 16, or the large winning port 18, and illegal winning errors that occur when a game ball enters the large winning port 18 other than when a special game is being played, hereinafter referred to as main control related errors).
When the main control board 100 detects the occurrence of a dispensing-related error other than a door-opening error, or when it is determined that a door-opening error or a main control-related error has occurred, the main CPU 101 transmits an error indication command indicating the error that has occurred to the sub-control board 300. This allows the sub-control board 300 to also detect the occurrence of various errors, and the error that has occurred is indicated by displaying an error indication image corresponding to the error that has occurred on the performance display device 21, lighting up various lamps (board performance lamp GL, front door performance lamp DL, status notification lamp EL) in a manner corresponding to the error that has occurred, and outputting an error indication sound corresponding to the error that has occurred from the sound output device 10.
Furthermore, when the cause of the error disappears and the error that occurred is resolved, the main control board 100 grasps or judges that the error that occurred has been resolved by, for example, no longer receiving commands used to judge the error. Then, when the main CPU 101 grasps that the error that occurred has been resolved or judges that the error that occurred has been resolved, it transmits an error resolution command indicating that the error has been resolved to the sub-control board 300. This allows the sub-control board 300 to grasp that the error that occurred has been resolved and to end the suggestion of the error that occurred.

(Outline of the sub-control board 300)
The sub-control board 300 controls the presentation that is executed during play, standby, etc.
As shown in Figure 6, this sub-control board 300 is equipped with a sub-CPU 301 that performs various types of calculation processing, a sub-ROM 302 that stores control programs for executing performances, data and tables necessary for executing performances, etc., and a sub-RAM 303 that is used as a temporary memory area during calculation processing, and is connected so as to enable one-way communication from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300.

In addition, based on commands transmitted from the main control board 100 and signals from a timer, the sub-CPU 301 reads out control programs stored in the sub-ROM 302 and performs calculations, and transmits commands for executing performances to an image control board (not specifically shown) for controlling image display, an audio control board (not specifically shown) for controlling audio output, an illumination control board (not specifically shown) for controlling the lighting of various lamps, and an operation control board (not specifically shown) for controlling the displacement of the prop performance device YS and the prop rotation performance.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the audio control board and the illumination control board are provided separately, but it is also possible to provide a single board (audio and illumination control board) that combines the functions of these boards, and to use this board to control both the audio output and the lighting of the lights.

The sub-control board 300 is also connected to the performance display device 21 via an image control board, and to the audio output device 10 and the cross key detection sensor 25a that detects the pressing operation of the cross key 25 via an audio control board. The sub-control board 300 is also connected to various lamps (front door performance lamp DL, status notification lamp EL, board performance lamp GL, right hit notification lamp RL), a rotation operation detection sensor 9c that detects the rotation operation of the operation dial 9a, and a pressing operation detection sensor 9d that detects the pressing operation of the operation button 9b via an illumination control board. The sub-control board 300 is also connected to a drive motor M and a rotation motor RM via an operation control board.

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

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

The illumination control board controls the turning on and off of various lamps (front door performance lamp DL, status notification lamp EL, board performance lamp GL, right hit notification lamp RL) based on commands from the sub-control board 300 (such as commands related to the execution of various performances and various suggestions). In addition, when the illumination control board receives a rotation operation detection signal output from the rotation operation detection sensor 9c based on the rotation operation of the operation dial 9a, or a press operation detection signal output from the press operation detection sensor 9d based on the press operation of the operation button 9b, it sends a specified command to the sub-control board 300.

The operation control board controls the driving of the drive motor M and the rotation motor RM based on commands from the sub-control board 300. When the drive motor M is driven, the prop device YS is displaced vertically within the range between the initial position and the movable position, and when the rotation motor RM is driven, the prop device YS rotates in the movable position (rotating clockwise or counterclockwise).

(Outline of power supply board 600)
The power supply board 600 supplies power to each board such as the main control board 100, the launch/payout control board 200, and the sub-control board 300. The power supply board 600 is provided with a backup power supply. In addition, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is provided with a power interruption detection circuit for detecting the voltage value of the power supplied from the power supply board 600. This power supply detection circuit judges that a power interruption has occurred when the voltage value of the supplied power falls below a predetermined value (for example, when the power switch 650 is turned off or an unexpected power interruption has occurred) and transmits a power interruption occurrence signal to the main control board 100. In addition, when the voltage value becomes greater than a predetermined value (for example, when the power switch 650 is turned on or when the power is restored from an unexpected power interruption), it judges that the power has been restored from the power interruption and stops transmitting the power interruption occurrence signal to the main control board 100.

When the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 detects a power interruption signal (a power interruption has occurred), it prohibits access to the main RAM 103, calculates the checksum of the main RAM 103 (used area and unused area) and sets a backup flag, and performs backup processing to retain various data stored in the memory area of the main RAM 103 (setting values, gaming machine status flag indicating the control status, test signal information, checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game (number of first special charts reserved, number of second special charts reserved, execution phase data indicating the progress of special chart play, number of regular charts reserved, regular chart execution phase data indicating the progress of regular chart play), and game performance data). When the power interruption signal is no longer detected (power is restored), the checksum calculated when the power interruption occurred is compared with the checksum calculated when the power is restored, and the backup flag set when the power interruption occurred is checked to determine whether or not there is an inconsistency between the data stored in main RAM 103 when the power interruption occurred and the data stored in main RAM 103 when the power is restored (i.e., whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the above-mentioned backup process), and then the process when the power is restored is executed.

To prevent the processing when a power outage occurs from becoming complicated, the sub-control board 300 in this embodiment is not provided with a power outage detection circuit, and the sub-control board 300 does not perform the backup processing described above. Therefore, when power is restored after a power outage, the sub-CPU 301 controls the presentation based on the various commands sent from the main CPU 101, so that the appropriate presentation can be executed at that time.

Furthermore, when the main CPU 101 no longer detects the power interruption occurrence signal (recovery from power interruption), if a playable state or a setting change state described below is set, or if a setting confirmation state described below is set, at the end of that setting confirmation state, the main CPU 101 transmits an initial processing execution signal to the sub-control board 300 to execute an initial processing for stopping the reel performance device YS at its initial position. Then, when this initial processing execution signal is received, the sub-control board 300 executes the initial processing of the reel performance device YS.
Specifically, when this initial process is executed, the bonus effect device YS moves to a movable position and then moves to an initial position. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the time from the start to the end of the initial process is 25 seconds.

(Overview of Pachinko Machine P)
Next, the game in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment will be described based on various tables stored in the main ROM 102.
As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the special game and the normal game proceed in parallel. In addition, as the game state when these two games proceed, either a low probability game state (so-called non-variable state) or a high probability game state (so-called variable state) is set as a game state that combines either a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state. In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, two time-saving game states, a time-saving game state JT1 and a time-saving game state JT2, are provided as time-saving game states, and either of the time-saving game states can be set.
Specifically, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, one of the following game states is set: a normal game state which is a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state; a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 which is a game state combining a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT1; a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 which is a game state combining a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT2; or a high-probability time-saving game state which is a game state combining a high-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT2.

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

The non-time-saving game state, the time-saving game state JT1 and the time-saving game state JT2 are each set to a predetermined frequency for the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 (the difficulty of the ball entering, in other words, the frequency of the winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16).
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the time-saving game state JT2 is set so that the movable piece 16b is more likely to be maintained in a protruding state (i.e., the game ball is more likely to enter the second start winning hole 16) than in the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1. Also, although there are slight differences as described below, both the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1 are set so that the movable piece 16b is hardly maintained in a protruding state (i.e., the game ball hardly enters the second start winning hole 16).
In addition, the normal game state is set immediately after shipment from the factory, or in the initial state after execution of the abnormality initialization process or normal initialization process described below.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball launched by a launching device (not shown) and flowing down the game area 12 enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, a winning/losing lottery is held, and a special symbol corresponding to the result of the winning/losing lottery is determined. In the winning/losing lottery in this embodiment, first, a judgment is made as to whether or not a jackpot has been won, and if a judgment result is derived that the jackpot has not been won (hereinafter also referred to as a non-winner of the jackpot), then a judgment is made as to whether or not a time-saving game state is to be granted (whether or not a time-saving game state is to be granted, in other words, whether or not a time-saving game state is to be set), and if a judgment result is derived that the time-saving game state is not to be granted (hereinafter also referred to as a non-winner of the time-saving game state), then the winning/losing lottery is held.
Then, when the result of the lottery indicates that the jackpot has been won (i.e., when the jackpot has been won), the jackpot opening 18 is opened and a special game is played that allows a game ball to enter the jackpot opening 18, and the game state after the special game ends is set to either a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 or a high-probability time-saving game state. In other words, after the special game ends, the game state transitions to either a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 or a high-probability time-saving game state.

In addition, when the above-mentioned win/lose lottery results in a determination that a time-saving game state will be granted (hereinafter also referred to as a win for the time-saving grant), either the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined as a special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as a time-saving pattern) associated with the win for the time-saving grant, as described below.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined in the normal game state, the time-saving game state JT1 is set without changing the low-probability game state. That is, when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined by the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery in the normal game state, the low-probability game state is left as it is, and the non-time-saving game state is changed to the time-saving game state JT1, thereby transitioning to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. Also, when the time-saving symbol J2 is determined in the normal game state, the time-saving game state JT2 is set without changing the low-probability game state. That is, when the time-saving symbol J2 is determined by the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery in the normal game state, the non-time-saving game state is changed to the time-saving game state JT2, while the low-probability game state is left as it is, thereby transitioning to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2.
In contrast, if the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery results in a loss during normal game mode (if the player does not win the jackpot and does not win the time-saving bonus), the game mode will remain in the normal game mode.
In this way, in the pachinko machine according to this embodiment, in the normal game state, the time-saving game state (time-saving game state JT1 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1) or time-saving game state JT2 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT2)) can be set without going through the winning of a jackpot or the execution of a special game. In other words, the game state can be changed without going through the winning of a jackpot or the execution of a special game.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even during game states other than the normal game state (i.e., during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, and during the high-probability time-saving game state (time-saving game state)), the above-mentioned win/loss lottery is used to determine whether or not a time-saving award has been awarded, and if a time-saving award is awarded, the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 can be determined.
However, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even if the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined by winning the time-saving award during a game state other than the normal game state, a new time-saving game state based on the determination is not set, and the game state set at the time of the determination is maintained. In other words, even if the time-saving award is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, or the high-probability time-saving game state, the time-saving game state based on the winning is not set again, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, or the high-probability time-saving game state that is currently set continues.
In this way, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, in a game state other than the normal game state, unlike the normal game state, a new time-saving game state is not set without first going through the winning of a jackpot and the execution of a special game.

The determination of whether or not the time-saving bonus will be awarded may be made only in the win/loss lottery during the normal game state, rather than in the win/loss lottery during all game states. In other words, it may be possible to win the time-saving bonus depending on the win/loss lottery during the normal game state, but not to win the time-saving bonus depending on the win/loss lottery during game states other than the normal game state. In this case, since the time-saving bonus will not be awarded during game states other than the normal game state, a new time-saving game state will not be set without going through the winning of a jackpot and the execution of a special game.

Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning hole 15. Also, game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through the gate 20, enter the second start winning hole 16, and enter the big winning hole 18.
During the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left hit) so that the game ball will enter the first start winning port 15, and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the high-probability time-saving game state and the special game, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b (so-called right hit) so that the game ball will enter the large winning port 18 or pass through the gate 20 and enter the second start winning port 16. In other words, during the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the player is mainly allowed to play in the first game area 12a, and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 and the high-probability time-saving game state, the player is mainly allowed to play in the second game area 12b.
Specifically, when the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high probability time-saving game state is set, or when a special game is started, a right-hit suggestion is given to encourage the player to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b (for example, a right-hit suggestion image "→→→ right hit" is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, and the right-hit notification lamp RL is turned on to encourage the player to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b). Also, when the normal game state is set, a left-hit suggestion is given to encourage the player to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (for example, a left-hit suggestion image "←←← left hit" is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, and the right-hit notification lamp RL is turned off). In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the time-saving pattern J1 is determined in the normal game state, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, but when the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, the above-mentioned left-hit suggestion is not made.

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

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

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

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

The pachinko machine P of this embodiment has a win/lose random number determination table 110 for determining the result of a win/lose lottery, a special pattern random number determination table 111 for determining the type of special pattern, a special electric device operation table 112 for controlling a special game that is executed when a jackpot is won, a game state setting table 113 for setting the game state after a time-saving award is won (after the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 has been determined) or after the special game has ended, a fluctuation pattern table 114 for determining a fluctuation pattern command, and a stop display time table 115 for determining the stop display time for which the special pattern is stopped after the fluctuation display of the special pattern has ended.
It should be noted that tables related to winning/losing lotteries etc. are not limited to these, and in cases where it is necessary to make other judgments or decisions based on random numbers, tables may be provided as appropriate.

The win/lose random number judgment table 110 is used to judge the result of the win/lose lottery (won the jackpot, won the time-saving bonus or lost), and is roughly divided into a low probability judgment table 110a that is referenced in low probability game states (normal game state, low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2), and a high probability judgment table 110b that is referenced in high probability game states (high probability time-saving game state). As mentioned above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, only one setting level, setting value 1, is set for the setting of the balls to be dispensed, and only one type of low probability judgment table 110a and high probability judgment table 110b is provided, which corresponds to setting value 1.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, one win/loss random number within the numerical range of 0 to 65535 is obtained. Then, depending on the game state at the time of the win/loss lottery, either the low probability judgment table 110a or the high probability judgment table 110b is selected as the win/loss random number judgment table 110, and the win/loss lottery is performed based on the obtained win/loss random number and the selected win/loss random number judgment table 110.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), according to the low probability determination table 110a, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1217, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 3000 and 6275, it is determined that a time-saving bonus has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0 to 999, 1218 to 2999, 6276 to 65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in this low probability determination table 110a, the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/300, and the probability of winning a time-saving bonus is approximately 1/20.

As shown in Fig. 7(b), according to the high probability judgment table 110b, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 2309, it is judged to be a jackpot win, if the win/loss random number is between 3000 and 6275, it is judged to be a time-saving win, and if the win/loss random number is any other than these (0 to 999, 2310 to 2999, 6276 to 65535), it is judged to be a loss. Therefore, in this high probability judgment table 110b, the probability of winning a jackpot win is approximately 1/50, and the probability of winning a time-saving win is approximately 1/20.
That is, the high probability determination table 110b is set so that the probability of winning the jackpot is about six times higher than that of the low probability determination table 110a. Also, the low probability determination table 110a and the high probability determination table 110b are set so that the probability of winning the time-saving bonus is the same.

In addition, the numerical range of the hit/miss random number determined to be a hit in the low probability judgment table 110a is set to be included in the numerical range of the hit/miss random number determined to be a hit in the high probability judgment table 110b (specifically, the lower limit value in the numerical range determined to be a hit is the same and the upper limit value is different). In other words, the hit/miss random number determined to be a hit in the low probability judgment table 110a will also be determined to be a hit in the high probability judgment table 110b.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the lower limit value in the numerical range of the win/lose random number that determines whether or not a jackpot has been won is set to be the same and the upper limit value is set to be different, but this is not limited to this, and the upper limit values may be set to be the same and the lower limit values to be different.

In addition, the numerical range of the win/lose random number that is determined to be a winning entry for the time-saving award in the low probability determination table 110a and the numerical range of the win/lose random number that is determined to be a winning entry for the time-saving award in the high probability determination table 110b are outside the numerical range of the win/lose random number that is determined to be a winning entry for the jackpot, and are set so that the upper and lower limits of the numerical ranges are the same, so that the probability of winning the time-saving award is the same in both the low probability determination table 110a and the high probability determination table 110b.

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

In addition, when multiple settings for ball output are defined, the high probability judgment table may be set so that when a high probability judgment table and a low probability judgment table corresponding to the same setting value are compared, the high probability judgment table has a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the low probability judgment table.
Similarly, the probability of winning the time-saving bonus may be set to be the same in both the high probability determination table and the low probability determination table corresponding to the same setting value.

The special pattern random number determination table 111 is used to determine the type of special pattern, and as shown in Figures 8 (a) and (b), it includes a first start winning gate determination table 111a which is referenced when a win/loss lottery is conducted using a first special pattern random number, and a second start winning gate determination table 111b which is referenced when a win/loss lottery is conducted using a second special pattern random number.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, one special symbol random number is obtained within a numerical range of 0 to 199. Then, when the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery is performed, the special symbol random number determination table 111 of either the first start winning port determination table 111a or the second start winning port determination table 111b is selected according to the start winning port into which the game ball entered, and the type of special symbol is determined based on the obtained special symbol random number and the selected special symbol random number determination table 111.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, six types of jackpot symbols (X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6) are provided as special symbols (hereafter referred to as jackpot symbols) that are determined in the event of a jackpot win, two types of time-saving symbols (J1, J2) are provided as special symbols (time-saving symbols) that are determined in the event of a time-saving win, and two types of loss symbols (Z1, Z2) are provided as special symbols (hereafter referred to as loss symbols) that are determined in the event of a loss.

8(a), according to the first start winning port judgment table 111a, when a jackpot is won, if the special pattern random number is 0 to 99, the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, if the special pattern random number is 100 to 193, the jackpot pattern X2 is determined, and if the special pattern random number is 194 to 199, the jackpot pattern X3 is determined. That is, in this first start winning port judgment table 111a, when a jackpot is won, the probability that the jackpot pattern X1 is determined is 50%, the probability that the jackpot pattern X2 is determined is 47%, and the probability that the jackpot pattern X3 is determined is 3%.
In addition, in the case where the time-saving bonus is won, the time-saving bonus J1 is determined when the special bonus random number is between 0 and 169, and the time-saving bonus J2 is determined when the special bonus random number is between 170 and 199. In other words, in the first start winning port determination table 111a, in the case where the time-saving bonus is won, the probability that the time-saving bonus J1 is determined is 85%, and the probability that the time-saving bonus J2 is determined is 15%.

As shown in Fig. 8(b), according to the second start winning port judgment table 111b, when a jackpot is won, if the special pattern random number is 0 to 39, the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, if the special pattern random number is 40 to 139, the jackpot pattern X5 is determined, and if the special pattern random number is 140 to 199, the jackpot pattern X6 is determined. That is, in this second start winning port judgment table 111b, when a jackpot is won, the probability that the jackpot pattern X4 is determined is 20%, the probability that the jackpot pattern X5 is determined is 50%, and the probability that the jackpot pattern X5 is determined is 30%.
In addition, in the case where the time-saving award is won, the time-saving pattern J1 is determined when the special pattern random number is between 0 and 169, and the time-saving pattern J2 is determined when the special pattern random number is between 170 and 199. That is, in the second start winning port judgment table 111b, similar to the first start winning port judgment table 111a, in the case where the time-saving award is won, the probability that the time-saving pattern J1 is determined is 85%, and the probability that the time-saving pattern J2 is determined is 15%.

In addition, if the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number results in a loss, the losing pattern Z1 is determined without the above-mentioned lottery based on the special random number. In addition, if the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number results in a loss, the losing pattern Z2 is determined without the above-mentioned lottery based on the special random number.
In other words, the special pattern random number determination table 111 is referenced when a jackpot is won or when a time-saving bonus is awarded, but is not referenced when a loss occurs.

The special electric device operation table 112 is for controlling the special game that is executed when a jackpot is won, and is referenced to operate the jackpot opening solenoid 18c and the distribution member solenoid 59c during the execution of the special game. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 9(a) to (c), the special electric device operation table 112 includes a first operation table 112a that is referenced when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 or X4 is determined, a second operation table 112b that is referenced when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X2 or X5 is determined, and a third operation table 112c that is referenced when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X3 or X6 is determined.

Specifically, when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 or X4 is determined, a special game is executed by referring to the first operation table 112a shown in Fig. 9(a). According to this first operation table 112a, a round game is executed three times in total, from round 1 to round 3, which ends when either the big prize winning hole 18 is opened for 29.0 seconds or 10 game balls enter the big prize winning hole 18. During the execution of each round game, the opening and closing door 18b is displaced from the closed position to the open position, and is positioned at the open position for 29.0 seconds, and then displaced from the open position to the closed position (opening and closing pattern), so that the big prize winning hole 18 is opened only once, and the time (i.e., the interval time) during which the big prize winning hole 18 is closed between each round game is set to 2.0 seconds.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9(a), when the jackpot pattern X1 or X4 is determined, the allocating member 59 operates in such a manner (operation pattern) that it remains (is located) at the first position during each of the first and third rounds of play, and furthermore, during the second round of play, the allocating member 59 also operates in such a manner that it remains at the first position.

In addition, when a jackpot is won and the jackpot symbol X2 or X5 is determined, a special game is executed by referring to the second operation table 112b shown in Fig. 9(b). According to this second operation table 112b, a round game that ends under the same conditions as the above-mentioned first operation table 112a is executed three times in total, from round 1 to round 3. The opening and closing pattern of the opening and closing door 18b and the interval time are also set to the same contents as the first operation table 112a.
9(b), when the jackpot symbol X2 or X5 is determined, the allocating member 59 operates to stop at the first position during the first and third rounds of play, in the same manner as when the jackpot symbol X1 or X4 is determined. On the other hand, during the second round of play, the allocating member 59 operates to stop at the second position.

In addition, when the jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X3 or X6 is determined, a special game is executed by referring to the third operation table 112c shown in Fig. 9(c). According to this third operation table 112c, a round game that ends under the same conditions as the first operation table 112a and the second operation table 112b is executed a total of 10 times from round 1 to round 10. The opening and closing pattern and interval time of the opening and closing door 18b are set to the same contents as the first operation table 112a and the second operation table 112b.
Also, as shown in FIG. 9(c), when the jackpot symbol X3 or X6 is determined, the allocating member 59 operates to stop at the first position during each of the first, third, fourth to tenth rounds of play, in the same manner as when the jackpot symbol X1, X2, X4 or X5 is determined, and further, during the second round of play, the allocating member 59 operates to stop at the second position, in the same manner as when the jackpot symbol X2 or X5 is determined.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the jackpot pattern X2, X3, X5 or X6 is determined, the jackpot opening 18 is opened continuously for 29.0 seconds during two rounds of play (specific round play), and the distribution member 59 is stopped at the second position. Therefore, as long as game balls are shot toward the second game area 12b, the game balls enter the jackpot opening 18 and a predetermined number of game balls (one in this embodiment) can be reliably admitted to the specific area 57.
In contrast, when the jackpot pattern X1 or X4 is determined, in two rounds of play, the large prize opening 18 is opened continuously for 29.0 seconds, but the distribution member 59 remains in the first position, so that even if a game ball enters the large prize opening 18, the game ball will all enter the general area 58, and it is impossible for the game ball to enter the specific area 57.

The game state setting table 113 is used to set the game state after the end of a special game when the special game is executed, and the game state after a time-saving bonus is awarded in a normal game state and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a special game is executed, the game state after the special game ends is set depending on whether or not a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 during the special game. Also, when a time-saving award is won in the normal game state and the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined, the game state is set according to the determined time-saving symbol. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described later, whether or not the game ball can enter the specific area 57 is set according to the type of the determined jackpot symbol, and essentially, depending on the determined jackpot symbol, whether or not the game will transition to a high-probability time-saving game state after the special game ends based on the determination is determined.

As shown in Figs. 10(a) to (d), the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment has a first game state setting table 113a that is referenced when a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 during special play, a second game state setting table 113b that is referenced when a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during special play, a third game state setting table 113c that is referenced when a time-saving bonus is awarded in the normal play state and the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, and a fourth game state setting table 113d that is referenced when a time-saving bonus is awarded in the normal play state and the time-saving symbol J2 is determined.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10(a), if a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during a special game, the game state after the special game ends is set to a low-probability game state and is set to a time-saving game state JT2. That is, after the special game ends, a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set. Also, the number of times the time-saving game state continues (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of time-saving times) is set to 100 times.
In this case, after the special game ends, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 continues until the result of the win/lose lottery is derived 100 times without winning the jackpot (until the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 100). Then, if the result of the win/lose lottery during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is other than a jackpot win in all 100 times (i.e., a win or loss for the time-saving grant), the low-probability game state remains as it is, and the time-saving game state JT2 is changed to a non-time-saving game state, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state is approximately 1/300 (see Figure 7 (a)), so it is not necessarily the case that a jackpot will be won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2.

As shown in Fig. 10(b), when a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 during a special game, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high probability time-saving game state, and is set to the time-saving game state JT2. That is, after the special game ends, a high probability time-saving game state is set. In addition, the number of times the high probability game state continues (hereinafter also referred to as the high probability number of times) and the number of times the time-saving game state continues are both set to 10,000 times.
In this case, after the special game ends, the high probability time-saving game state continues until the result of the win/lose lottery is derived 10,000 times without winning the jackpot (until the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 10,000 times). Then, if the result of the win/lose lottery during the high probability time-saving game state is other than the jackpot win for all 10,000 times, the high probability game state is changed to a low probability game state, and the time-saving game state JT2 is changed to a non-time-saving game state, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot in the high-probability game state is approximately 1/50 (see Figure 7 (b)), and in effect, the above-mentioned high-probability time-saving game state will continue until a jackpot is won again.

Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, when a jackpot is won and the jackpot symbol X2, X3, X5, or X6 is determined, the allocating member 59 stays at the second position during the two rounds of the special game based on the determination, so that as long as game balls are shot into the second game area 12b to enter the big prize opening 18, a predetermined number of game balls will always enter the specific area 57. In other words, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the jackpot symbol X2, X3, X5, or X6 is determined, as long as game balls are shot into the second game area 12b, a high probability time-saving game state is set in principle.
However, even if the jackpot pattern X2, X3, X5 or X6 is determined, if a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on that determination due to an abnormality such as the jackpot opening 18 not opening, the game state after the special game ends is set to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2.

As described above, when a jackpot is won and the jackpot symbol X1 or X4 is determined, the allocating member 59 stays at the first position during any round of the special game based on the determination, so that even if the game balls enter the big prize opening 18, the predetermined number of game balls will not enter the specific area 57. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the jackpot symbol X1 or X4 is determined, the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set as a rule.
However, even if the jackpot pattern X1 or X4 is determined, if a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 during a special game based on that determination due to an abnormality such as the distribution member 59 stopping at the second position, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high probability time-saving game state.

As shown in Fig. 10(c), when the time-saving symbol J1 is selected in the normal game state, the variable display of the time-saving symbol J1 as a special symbol ends and the stop display time for the special symbol to be stopped has elapsed, the low probability game state remains as it is, and the non-time-saving game state is changed to the time-saving game state JT1. In other words, when the variable display of the time-saving symbol J1 ends and the stop display time has elapsed, the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set. Also, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times.
In this case, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 continues until the result of the win/lose lottery is derived 10,000 times without winning the jackpot (until the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 10,000 times). Then, if the result of the win/lose lottery during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is other than a jackpot win for all 10,000 times, the low-probability game state remains as it is, and the time-saving game state JT1 is changed to a non-time-saving game state, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state is approximately 1/300 (see Figure 7 (a)), and in effect, the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 will continue until a jackpot is won again.

As shown in Fig. 10(d), when the time-saving symbol J2 is selected as the winning symbol in the normal game state, the non-time-saving game state is changed to the time-saving game state JT2 while the low-probability game state remains as it is when the variable display of the time-saving symbol J2 as the special symbol ends and the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed, while the low-probability game state remains as it is. In other words, when the variable display of the time-saving symbol J2 ends and the stop display time has elapsed, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set. Also, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times.
In this case, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 continues until the result of the win/lose lottery is derived 10,000 times without winning the jackpot (until the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 10,000 times). Then, if the result of the win/lose lottery during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is other than a jackpot win for all 10,000 times, the low-probability game state remains as it is, and the time-saving game state JT2 is changed to a non-time-saving game state, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability game state is approximately 1/300 (see Figure 7 (a)), and in effect, the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 will continue until a jackpot is won again.

As mentioned above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even in game states other than the normal game state (low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2, high probability time-saving game state), there are cases where a time-saving award is won and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, but in this case, the game state that has been set will continue as is.

In addition, the timing for setting the game state to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2 when a time-saving award is won during normal game mode is not limited to the point at which the above-mentioned stopped display time has elapsed, but may be any point from when the variable display of the above-mentioned time-saving pattern begins to when it ends (for example, the start point, any point during the variable display, the end point, etc.).

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

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

The pachinko machine P in this embodiment has, as the variation pattern table 114, table MP1 that is referenced during the normal game state, table MP2 that is referenced during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, table MP3 that is referenced during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, and table MP4 that is referenced during the high-probability time-saving game state (see Figures 11 and 12).

When a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, one fluctuation pattern random number within the numerical range of 0 to 249 is obtained, and a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on this obtained fluctuation pattern random number, the special symbol determined as described above, the current reserved number (first reserved number or second reserved number), and the fluctuation pattern table 114 according to the current game state.

Here, in the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, in order to have the player play in the first game area 12a, in principle, the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, and the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 irregularly, but even if the game ball enters either the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, the variation pattern command is determined using the same variation pattern table 114 according to the current game state. When the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 ends and the normal game state is set, the second special chart random number obtained based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 may be stored, and for this second special chart random number, the variation pattern command is determined using the variation pattern table 114 according to the normal game state.
Similarly, during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high probability time-saving game state, the player is made to play in the second game area 12b, so that in principle the game ball enters the second start winning port 16 and the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 is irregular; however, regardless of whether the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, the fluctuation pattern command is determined using the same fluctuation pattern table 114 according to the current game state.
In addition, when a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on a game ball entering the first start winning port 15, the first reserved number at that time is referenced, and when a fluctuation pattern command is determined based on a game ball entering the second start winning port 16, the second reserved number at that time is referenced.

In addition, as the fluctuation pattern table 114, a separate table may be provided for each of the current game state and the type of start winning port into which the game ball has entered (first start winning port 15 (first special random number), second start winning port 16 (second special random number)). In other words, the fluctuation pattern command may be determined by referring to the fluctuation pattern table 114 corresponding to the current game state and the start winning port into which the game ball has entered.

As shown in FIG. 11(a), according to table MP1 referenced during normal game mode, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined (i.e., the result of the winning/losing lottery is a losing symbol) and the current reserved number (first reserved number, second reserved number) is 0 or 1, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 219, the fluctuation pattern command "00H" associated with the fluctuation pattern "13-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 13 seconds) is determined, and the fluctuation pattern command "00H" is determined. When the fluctuation pattern random number is between 220 and 239, a fluctuation pattern command "02H" is determined that is associated with a fluctuation pattern called "20-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time for the first half is set to 13 seconds and the fluctuation time for the second half is set to 7 seconds), and when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 240 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "03H" is determined that is associated with a fluctuation pattern called "60-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time for the first half is set to 13 seconds and the fluctuation time for the second half is set to 47 seconds).

In addition, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current number of reserved symbols is 2 or more, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 219, a fluctuation pattern command "01H" is determined to which a fluctuation pattern called "3-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time for the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time for the second half is set to 3 seconds) is associated, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 220 and 239, a fluctuation pattern command "02H" is determined to which a fluctuation pattern called "20-second fluctuation" is associated, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 240 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "03H" is determined to which a fluctuation pattern called "60-second fluctuation" is associated.

In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined (i.e. the result of the lottery is a jackpot), regardless of the current number of reserved balls, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 24, the fluctuation pattern command "0AH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 25 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "0BH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved balls, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 249 (i.e., whatever the value of the fluctuation pattern random number), the fluctuation pattern command "0EH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, when the time-saving symbol J2 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved symbols, when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "0FH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined.

As shown in FIG. 11(b), according to table MP2 referenced during low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current reserved number is 0 or 1, if the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 219, the fluctuation pattern command "10H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is 220 to 239, the fluctuation pattern command "12H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is 240 to 249, the fluctuation pattern command "13H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current number of reserved symbols is 2 or more, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 219, the fluctuation pattern command "11H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "3-second fluctuation" is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 220 and 239, the fluctuation pattern command "12H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 240 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "13H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved symbols, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 24, the fluctuation pattern command "1AH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 25 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "1BH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "60-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, the fluctuation pattern command "1CH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined when the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 249, regardless of the current number of reserved symbols.

As shown in FIG. 12(a), according to table MP3 referenced during low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current reserved number is 0 or 1, if the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 219, a fluctuation pattern command "20H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is 220 to 239, a fluctuation pattern command "22H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is 240 to 249, a fluctuation pattern command "23H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" (the fluctuation time of the first half is 13 seconds, and the fluctuation time of the second half is 32 seconds) is determined.

In addition, when a losing pattern Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current number of reserved symbols is 2 or more, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 219, a fluctuation pattern command "21H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "2-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 2 seconds) is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 220 and 239, a fluctuation pattern command "22H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 240 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "23H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved symbols, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 24, the fluctuation pattern command "2AH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 25 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "2BH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined and the current reserved number is 0 or 1, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 219, the fluctuation pattern command "2CH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 220 to 239, the fluctuation pattern command "2EH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 240 to 249, the fluctuation pattern command "2FH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, when the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined and the current number of reserved symbols is 2 or more, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 219, the fluctuation pattern command "2DH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "2-second fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 220 to 239, the fluctuation pattern command "2EH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 240 to 249, the fluctuation pattern command "2FH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined.

As shown in FIG. 12(b), according to table MP4 which is referenced during the high probability time-saving game state, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current reserved number is 0 or 1, if the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 219, the fluctuation pattern command "30H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is 220 to 239, the fluctuation pattern command "32H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is 240 to 249, the fluctuation pattern command "33H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined and the current number of reserved symbols is 2 or more, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 219, a fluctuation pattern command "31H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "1 second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 1 second) is determined, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 220 and 239, a fluctuation pattern command "32H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "20 second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 240 and 249, a fluctuation pattern command "33H" associated with a fluctuation pattern of "45 second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved symbols, if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 0 and 24, the fluctuation pattern command "3AH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is between 25 and 249, the fluctuation pattern command "3BH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined.

In addition, when the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined and the current reserved number is 0 or 1, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 219, the fluctuation pattern command "3CH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 220 to 239, the fluctuation pattern command "3EH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20-second fluctuation" is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 240 to 249, the fluctuation pattern command "3FH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45-second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, when the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined and the current number of reserved symbols is 2 or more, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 219, the fluctuation pattern command "3DH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "1 second fluctuation" is determined, when the fluctuation pattern random number is 220 to 239, the fluctuation pattern command "3EH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "20 second fluctuation" is determined, and when the fluctuation pattern random number is 240 to 249, the fluctuation pattern command "3FH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "45 second fluctuation" is determined.

The variation pattern command determined as above is transmitted to the sub-control board 300, and the specific form of the first half of the variation performance and the specific form of the second half of the variation performance are determined based on the variation pattern command. Then, the variation performance is executed according to the specific form determined in this way, and the sum of the variation time of the first half and the variation time of the second half set in the variation pattern command becomes the time from the start to the end of the variation performance (variable display of special symbols).
For example, if the determined fluctuation pattern command is "02H" (the fluctuation time of the first half is 13 seconds, and the fluctuation time of the second half is 7 seconds), the sum of the fluctuation time of the first half and the fluctuation time of the second half, 20 seconds (= 13 seconds + 7 seconds), becomes the fluctuation time of the entire fluctuation performance (the entire fluctuation display of the special pattern).
In addition, for the fluctuation pattern commands "00H", "01H", "0EH", "0FH", "10H", "11H", "1CH", "20H", "21H", "2CH", "2DH", "30H", "31H", "3CH", and "3DH", "0 seconds" is set as the fluctuation time of the first half. When these fluctuation pattern commands are determined, the entire fluctuation performance is executed in the manner determined according to the fluctuation pattern command during the corresponding fluctuation time of the second half.

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

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

As described above, the stop display time table 115 is for determining the stop display time for which the special symbol is stopped after the varying display of the special symbol has finished.
In this stop display time table 115, the stop display time is determined according to the current game state (the game state when the winning/losing lottery is executed) and the type of special symbol determined as described above. The main CPU 101 refers to this stop display time table 115 to determine the stop display time according to the current game state and the determined special symbol. Then, when the variable display of the special symbol ends (stops), the special symbol is displayed in a stopped state until the determined stop display time has elapsed.
As shown in FIG. 13, according to the stop display time table 115, when the current game state is the normal game state, a stop display time of 0.5 seconds is determined when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined, a stop display time of 0.5 seconds is determined when a jackpot symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined, and a stop display time of 20 seconds is determined when a time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined.
In addition, when the current game state is the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high-probability time-saving game state, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined, when a jackpot symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined, or when a time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined, a stop display time of 0.5 seconds is determined.

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

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

The winning decision random number judgment table 116 is for judging whether or not a winning is obtained by drawing a normal pattern, and as shown in Fig. 14 (a) to (c), includes a first judgment table 116a referred to during a non-time-saving game state (i.e., during a normal game state), a second judgment table 116b referred to during a time-saving game state JT1 (i.e., during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1), and a third judgment table 116c referred to during a time-saving game state JT2 (i.e., during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 or during a high-probability time-saving game state). Although not shown in the figure, the first judgment table 116a is also referred to during a special game.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the gate 20, one winning random number is obtained within the range of 0 to 65535. If the game state at the time of drawing the normal symbol is the non-time-saving game state, the first judgment table 116a is selected, and the normal symbol is drawn based on the obtained winning random number and the selected first judgment table 116a. If the game state at the time of drawing the normal symbol is the time-saving game state JT1, the second judgment table 116b is selected, and the normal symbol is drawn based on the obtained winning random number and the selected second judgment table 116b. If the game state at the time of drawing the normal symbol is the time-saving game state JT2, the third judgment table 116c is selected, and the normal symbol is drawn based on the obtained winning random number and the selected third judgment table 116c.

14A, according to the first judgment table 116a, a winning decision random number between 1 and 65500 is determined to be a winning number, and a losing decision random number between 0, 65501 and 65535 is determined to be a losing number. Therefore, the probability of winning in this first judgment table 116a is approximately 99/100.
14(b), according to the second judgment table 116b, like the first judgment table 116a, a winning decision is made when the winning decision random number is between 1 and 65500, and a losing decision is made when the winning decision random number is other than this (0, 65501 to 65535). Therefore, like the first judgment table 116a, the probability of winning in this second judgment table 116b is also approximately 99/100.
14(c), according to the third judgment table 116c, similarly to the first judgment table 116a and the second judgment table 116b, a win is determined when the winning determination random number is between 1 and 65500, and a loss is determined when the winning determination random number is other than this (0, 65501 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of a win in this third judgment table 116c is also approximately 99/100, similarly to the first judgment table 116a and the second judgment table 116b.
As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the probability of winning by drawing normal symbols is set to be the same regardless of the game state.
If the normal symbol is selected by lottery, a winning symbol is determined, and if it is not selected, a losing symbol is determined.

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

The normal symbol variation pattern determination table 117 is for determining the variation pattern of the normal symbol. As described above, when the game ball passes through the gate 20 and the lottery for the normal symbol is performed, the variation pattern of the normal symbol is determined based on the normal symbol variation pattern determination table 117.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 15, when the game state is the non-time-saving game state, a normal symbol variation pattern with a 10-second variation time is determined, when the game state is the time-saving game state JT1, a normal symbol variation pattern with a 9.5-second variation time, which is slightly shorter than the non-time-saving game state, is determined, and when the game state is the time-saving game state JT2, a normal symbol variation pattern with a 1-second variation time, which is much shorter than the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1, is determined. Although not shown in particular, during special play, a normal symbol variation pattern with a 10-second variation time is determined, as in the non-time-saving game state.
Then, when the normal symbol variation pattern is determined, the normal symbol display device 32 (see FIG. 3A) is flashed during the variation time set for the normal symbol variation pattern. When the normal symbol lottery results in a winning symbol being determined, the normal symbol display device 32 is turned on, and when the normal symbol lottery results in a losing symbol being determined, the normal symbol display device 32 is turned off.
In this specification, the flashing display of the ordinary pattern display device 32 is referred to as the "change in ordinary pattern", and the lighting or turning off of the ordinary pattern display device 32 is referred to as the "stopped display of ordinary pattern", "stop of change in ordinary pattern", "stop of change in ordinary pattern", etc.

In addition, the movable piece operation control table 118 is referenced to control the operation of the movable piece 16b provided adjacent to the second start winning port 16.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the normal symbol display device 32 is turned on, the movable piece 16b is operated in a manner determined by the movable piece operation control table 118. Specifically, when the game state is a non-time-saving game state, as shown in Fig. 16, the movable piece solenoid 16c is energized for 0.05 seconds (=0.05 seconds x 1 time), so that the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state for 0.05 seconds. Also, when the game state is a time-saving game state JT1, as shown in Fig. 16, the movable piece solenoid 16c is energized for 0.08 seconds (=0.08 seconds x 1 time), so that the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state for 0.08 seconds, which is slightly longer than the non-time-saving game state. Also, when the game state is the time-saving game state JT2, as shown in Fig. 16, the movable piece solenoid 16c is energized for 3 seconds (= 3 seconds x 1 time), so that the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state for 3 seconds, which is longer than the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1. Although not specifically shown, during special play, the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state for 0.05 seconds, as in the non-time-saving game state.

As described above, during the non-time-saving game state (normal game state), there is an extremely high probability of winning in the lottery for the normal symbol that is executed when the game ball passes through the gate 20, and there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in the protruding state. However, since the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 10 seconds and the operation time of the movable piece 16b is 0.05 seconds, the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from the recessed state to the protruding state is long (the interval from the protruding state to the next protruding state is long), and the time the movable piece 16b is maintained in the protruding state is extremely short. Furthermore, the time it is maintained in this protruding state is shorter than the opening arrival time (the time it takes for the game ball at the right end of the upper surface of the movable piece 16b to reach the opening of the second start winning hole 16), which is approximately 0.3 seconds. Therefore, during the non-time-saving play state, the movable piece 16b is almost always in a submerged state, and even if it does protrude, the game ball at the right end of the upper surface of the movable piece 16b will be in a submerged state before it reaches the opening of the second start winning hole 16, so in principle, it is impossible for a game ball that has entered the second play area 12b to enter the second start winning hole 16.

In addition, during the time-saving game state JT1 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1), the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols is the same as during the non-time-saving game state, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in a protruding state, just as during the non-time-saving game state. However, since the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 9.5 seconds and the operation time of the movable piece 16b is 0.08 seconds, just as during the non-time-saving game state, the time it takes for the movable piece 16b to go from the immersed state to the protruding state is long, and the time the movable piece 16b is maintained in the protruding state is extremely short. Furthermore, the time that the movable piece 16b is maintained in this protruding state is shorter than the opening arrival time mentioned above (approximately 0.3 seconds). Therefore, although there are some differences from the non-time-saving game state in terms of the normal pattern change time and the operation time of the movable piece 16b, even during the time-saving game state JT1, the movable piece 16b is almost always in a immersed state, and even if it is in a protruding state, the game ball at the right end of the upper surface of the movable piece 16b will be in a immersed state before it reaches the opening of the second start winning hole 16, so in principle it is impossible for a game ball that has entered the second game area 12b to enter the second start winning hole 16.

In contrast, during the time-saving game state JT2 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, high-probability time-saving game state), the probability of winning in the lottery for the normal symbol is the same as during the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1, so there are many opportunities for the movable piece 16b to be in the protruding state, just like during the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1. And since the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 1 second, which is shorter than during the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1, and the operating time of the movable piece 16b is 3 seconds, which is longer than during the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1, the time until the movable piece 16b goes from the immersed state to the protruding state is shorter than during the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1, and the time the movable piece 16b is maintained in the protruding state is longer. Furthermore, the time that this protruding state is maintained is longer than the opening arrival time (approximately 0.3 seconds) mentioned above. Therefore, during the time-saving game state JT2, the period during which the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state becomes longer, and the game ball at the right end of the upper surface of the movable piece 16b can be guided to the opening of the second start winning hole 16, so that the game ball that has entered the second game area 12b can enter the second start winning hole 16 with a high frequency.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern is set to be extremely high overall in all of the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving game state JT1, and the time-saving game state JT2, but by making the fluctuation time of the normal pattern and the operation time of the movable piece 16b different, the possibility of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 can be changed.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during both the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state JT1, it is impossible for a game ball to enter the second start winning hole 16, but during the time-saving game state JT2, it is possible for a game ball to enter the second start winning hole 16 with high frequency. Therefore, during the time-saving game state JT2 (during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 and the high-probability time-saving game state), it is possible to frequently obtain prize balls based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16, and therefore it is possible to obtain more opportunities for winning or losing lottery per predetermined time while suppressing the decrease in game balls as the game progresses than during the non-time-saving game state (during the normal game state) and the time-saving game state JT1 (during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the time-shortened game state JT2, control is performed to shorten the average time for the special symbol to fluctuate (the so-called special symbol fluctuating shortening function is activated) compared to during the non-time-shortened game state and the time-shortened game state JT1 (see Figures 11 and 12). This, combined with the change in the frequency with which the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 described above, makes it easier to execute the win/lose lottery and the display of the fluctuating special symbols during the time-shortened game state JT2 compared to during the non-time-shortened game state and the time-shortened game state JT1. In other words, the frequency with which the win/lose lottery is executed (in other words, the frequency with which the display of the fluctuating special symbols is executed) is changed.

In order to vary the probability of the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16, the frequency of the winning/losing lottery and the display of the special symbol fluctuation for each game state, one or more of the elements that determine the performance of the normal symbol game (probability of winning in the lottery for the normal symbol, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol, the operation time of the movable piece 16b) may be set to be different for each game state, or all of the elements may be set to be different. Also, while all of the elements that determine the performance of the normal symbol game are set to be the same in any game state, the average fluctuation time of the special symbol may be set to be different for each game state.

(Outline of processing when power is restored in the main control board 100)
As described above, when the power of the pachinko machine P goes from off to on (recovery from a power outage), the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 sets one of the control states depending on the control state it was in before the power was turned off (just before the power outage occurred), the on or off state of the setting switch 108 at the time the power was turned on (when the power outage is restored), the on or off state of the RAM clear switch 109, the on or off state of the main frame open detection sensor 2a (opening or closing of the main frame 2), whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the backup process of the main RAM 103 performed at the time the power was turned off (hereinafter referred to as a backup abnormality), and whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the main RAM 103 (hereinafter referred to as a RAM abnormality).

(Occurrence and release of backup abnormality and RAM abnormality in the main control board 100)
Here, the occurrence and release of backup abnormalities and RAM abnormalities in the main control board 100 will be described.
When power is restored, if there is an inconsistency between the data stored in main RAM 103 at the time the power outage occurred and the data stored in main RAM 103 at the time the power outage was restored, it is determined that a backup abnormality has occurred, and if the above-mentioned inconsistency does not occur, it is determined that no backup abnormality has occurred.
This backup abnormality is highly likely to occur due to a temporary cause (for example, a failure to read or store data due to a temporary abnormality in one of the devices, etc.) In addition, when a new main ROM 102, main RAM 103, etc. are installed and the power supply of the pachinko machine P is turned on, a backup abnormality is bound to occur because the backup process has not been executed before that.

Moreover, if it becomes impossible to read or write data within the used area of the main RAM 103, it is determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, only the used area is judged to have a RAM abnormality, and if data cannot be read or written in the non-used area, it is not judged that a RAM abnormality has occurred. It is also possible to judge whether a RAM abnormality has occurred not only in the used area, but also in both the used area and the non-used area. Then, when set in this way, if data cannot be read or written in at least one of the used area and the non-used area, it is judged that a RAM abnormality has occurred, and the processing described later (initialization processing in the event of an abnormality, setting of a game stop state) may be performed.
This RAM abnormality is highly likely to occur due to an abnormality in the hardware itself, such as chip damage, and requires replacement or repair of the main RAM 103.

If a backup abnormality occurs when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of the backup abnormality is set, except when the setting change conditions described below are satisfied. If a RAM abnormality occurs when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of the RAM abnormality is set. If a backup abnormality and a RAM abnormality occur at the same time, an abnormality initialization process is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of the RAM abnormality is set, with priority given to the backup abnormality.
As will be described later, in the abnormality initialization process executed when a game stop state is set, all data stored in the main RAM 103 (i.e., all data stored in the used area and the unused area, specifically, setting values, game machine status flags, test signal information, checksum, backup flags, error information, various data related to the progress of the game, and game performance data) is cleared.

When a game-stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality, when power is restored, the setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change conditions for setting the control state to the setting change state (specifically, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, and the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on), and then the playable state is set by turning off the setting switch 108. On the other hand, if the setting change conditions are not satisfied, the game will remain in the game-stop state.
Furthermore, if a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality, the setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change conditions in a state where the RAM abnormality is resolved when power is restored (a state where the main RAM 103 has been replaced or repaired and there is no RAM abnormality), and then the playable state is set by turning off the setting switch 108. On the other hand, if the RAM abnormality is not resolved when power is restored or if the setting change conditions are not satisfied, the game will remain in the game stop state.
In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a play-stop state is set due to the occurrence of a backup abnormality or RAM abnormality, the playable state is not directly set even if the power is turned back on, but the playable state is set (transition to the playable state) via the setting change state that is set by turning the power on with the setting change conditions satisfied.

(Setting of control state when power is restored)
Hereinafter, the control state that is set when power is restored will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 17 and FIG.
(1) When the power is restored after the power interruption, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Fig. 17, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power interruption was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, the control state immediately before the power interruption is set when the power interruption is restored. In other words, the control state when the power interruption is restored remains the control state that existed immediately before the power interruption.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state and a special game was in progress, the special game will be resumed when the power outage is restored.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in principle, the machine remains in the setting change state or setting confirmation state only while the setting switch 108 is on. In the above-mentioned case, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was the setting change state, the setting change state is set when the power is restored, and if the control state immediately before the power interruption was the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is set when the power is restored, but since the setting switch 108 is off, the playable state is set (changed to the playable state) immediately after the setting change state or setting confirmation state is set.

(2) When the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred when power is restored. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, the control state immediately before the power outage is set when power is restored.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state and a special game was in progress, the special game will be resumed when the power outage is restored.
In this case, if the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is set when power is restored after an interruption, the playable state will not be set immediately thereafter.

(3) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality occurs, and no RAM abnormality occurs In this case, as shown in Fig. 17, if the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state or a setting confirmation state, normal initialization processing is performed based on the RAM clear switch 109 being on when the power is restored, and the playable state is set. Also, if the control state immediately before the power failure was a setting change state, normal initialization processing is performed when power is restored, and the setting change state is set. Also, if the control state immediately before the power failure was a play stop state, the play stop state is set when power is restored.
As will be described later, in the normal initialization process that is executed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the data stored in the second to fourth areas in the use area of the main RAM 103 (i.e., checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game) are cleared. Therefore, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, and a hold was stored or a variable display of a special or normal pattern was in progress, the stored hold is cleared and the variable display of the special or normal pattern is reset. If a special game was in progress, the special game is also reset.
Furthermore, when the control state immediately before the power outage occurred was a setting change state and the setting value was being changed, the setting value is not cleared in the normal initialization process described above, so that the setting value being changed immediately before the power outage (the setting value stored in main RAM 103) is maintained as is even in the setting change state set after the power outage is restored. Then, the playable state is set immediately after the setting change state is set. This ends the setting change state, and the setting value being changed is confirmed, as described below.

(4) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality occurs, and no RAM abnormality occurs. In this case as well, as shown in Fig. 17, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a playable state and a setting confirmation state, normal initialization processing is performed and the playable state is set when power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a setting change state, normal initialization processing is performed and the setting change state is set when power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a play stopped state, the play stopped state is set when power is restored.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, and if a reserved symbol was stored or if a special symbol or normal symbol was being displayed in a variable manner, the stored reserved symbol is cleared and the variable display of the special symbol or normal symbol is reset. If a special game was being played, the special game is also reset.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a setting change state and the setting value was being changed, the setting value being changed immediately before the power outage will be maintained even in the setting change state set after the power outage is restored. And since the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set and the setting change state does not end, the setting value being changed is not finalized at this point.

(5) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, the control state immediately before the power outage is set when power is restored.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state and a special game was in progress, the special game will be resumed when the power outage is restored.
Also, the playable state is set immediately after the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is set.

(6) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Fig. 17, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a playable state or a setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is set when power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a setting change state, the setting change state is set when power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a play stopped state, the play stopped state is set when power is restored.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state and a special game was in progress, a setting confirmation state is set when the power is restored, and then, when the setting switch 108 is turned off, the special game is resumed.
Also, the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set.

(7) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred In this case, as shown in Fig. 17, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a playable state and a setting confirmation state, normal initialization processing is performed and the playable state is set when power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a setting change state, normal initialization processing is performed and the setting change state is set when power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a play stopped state, the play stopped state is set when power is restored.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, and if a reserved symbol was stored or if a special symbol or normal symbol was being displayed in a variable manner, the stored reserved symbol is cleared and the variable display of the special symbol or normal symbol is reset. If a special game was being played, the special game is also reset.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a setting change state and the setting value was being changed, the setting value being changed immediately before the power outage is maintained even in the setting change state set after the power outage is restored. Then, the playable state is set immediately after the setting change state is set. This ends the setting change state, and the setting value being changed is confirmed.

(8) When power is restored after the power outage, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting confirmation state, or a play-stop state, when power is restored after the power outage, normal initialization processing is executed and the setting change state is set.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, and if a reserved symbol was stored or if a special symbol or normal symbol was being displayed in a variable manner, the stored reserved symbol is cleared and the variable display of the special symbol or normal symbol is reset. If a special game was being played, the special game is also reset.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a setting change state and the setting value was being changed, the setting value being changed immediately before the power outage will be maintained even in the setting change state set after the power outage is restored. And since the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set and the setting change state does not end, the setting value being changed is not finalized at this point.

(9) When power is restored, a backup abnormality occurs but no RAM abnormality occurs (except when the setting switch 108, the RAM clear switch 109, and the main body frame open detection sensor 2a are all on).
That is, when power is restored, if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred If the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, then when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play-stop state based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality is set (see FIG. 17 ).

(10) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, but no RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and the setting change state is set.
In addition, if the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, and if a reserved symbol was stored or if a special symbol or normal symbol was being displayed in a variable manner, the stored reserved symbol is cleared and the variable display of the special symbol or normal symbol is reset. If a special game was being played, the special game is also reset.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in this case (when a backup abnormality occurs when the power is restored), the setting value is also cleared in the abnormality initialization process executed when the power is restored. Therefore, when the control state immediately before the power failure is a setting change state and the setting value is being changed, in the setting change state set after the power is restored, the setting value being changed immediately before the power failure (the setting value stored in the main RAM 103) is not maintained, and the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 is changed to a setting value ("1" in this embodiment) that is predetermined as an initial value. Note that the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set, and the setting change state does not end, so the setting value is not determined at this point.

(11) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when no backup abnormality has occurred, it may not be possible to find (detect) a RAM abnormality even if one has occurred. Also, only the used area is subject to the determination of the occurrence of a RAM abnormality, and if data cannot be read or written in the unused area, it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this way, when a RAM abnormality cannot be found or when it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, it is assumed that no RAM abnormality has occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the above-mentioned case (1).

(12) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set.
In addition, if no RAM abnormality is found or if it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, it is assumed that no RAM abnormality has occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the above-mentioned (2).

(13) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set.
In addition, if no RAM abnormality is found or if it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, it is assumed that no RAM abnormality has occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the above-mentioned (3).

(14) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set.
In addition, if no RAM abnormality is found or if it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, it is assumed that no RAM abnormality has occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the above-mentioned (4).

(15) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set.
In addition, if no RAM abnormality is found or if it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, it is assumed that no RAM abnormality has occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the above-mentioned (5).

(16) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set.
Furthermore, if no RAM abnormality is found or if it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, it is assumed that no RAM abnormality has occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the above-mentioned (6).

(17) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set.
In addition, if no RAM abnormality is found or if it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, it is assumed that no RAM abnormality has occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the above-mentioned (7).

(18) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set.
Furthermore, if no RAM abnormality is found or if it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, it is assumed that no RAM abnormality has occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the above-mentioned (8).
In this way, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a RAM abnormality occurs, the game stop state will be set in priority to the setting change state, even if the setting change conditions are met.

(19) When a backup abnormality and a RAM abnormality have occurred when power is restored. In other words, when power is restored, if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, If there is a RAM abnormality, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred; if there is a setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred; if there is a setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when the power is restored after the power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed, and a play stopped state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set in preference to a play stopped state based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality (see Figure 18).

Then, when the setting confirmation state or the setting change state is set by executing the above-mentioned processes (1) to (19), the main information display device 105 displays the setting value stored in the main RAM 103. When the playable state is set, the main information display device 105 displays game performance display information based on the game performance data stored in the main RAM 103. When the game stop state is set, the main information display device 105 displays a code indicating that the game stop state has been set.
In addition, if the playable state is set immediately after the setting confirmation state or the setting change state is set, the setting value will be displayed for a moment on the main information display device 105, and then the game performance display information will be displayed in conjunction with the setting of the playable state.

In addition, if the setting confirmation state or setting change state is set based on the setting switch 108 being on, when the setting switch 108 is subsequently turned off, a process is executed to switch the currently set setting confirmation state or setting change state to a playable state, and the playable state is set. Then, by setting the playable state, the display on the main information display device 105 also switches to the corresponding content.

In a pachinko machine having multiple settings, during the setting change state, the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 is changed by one step each time the push button 109a is pressed and the RAM clear switch 109 is turned on, provided that the body frame opening detection sensor 2a detects the opening of the body frame 2. Specifically, the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 is changed to a value incremented by one.
For example, in a pachinko machine P having setting values of "1" to "6" (six levels of setting), if the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 is "2," and the push button 109a is pressed while the body frame 2 is open, the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 will be changed to "3." Then, each time the push button 109a is pressed while the body frame 2 is open, the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 will change from "4" to "5" to "6," and after "6," it will be changed to "1." Each time the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 is changed, the display of the setting value on the main information display device 105 will also be changed.
When the setting switch 108 is turned off, it becomes impossible to change the setting value stored in the main RAM 103. That is, the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 at this point in time is confirmed as the new setting value.
In the pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment, since only one setting level is provided, the setting value is not changed even if the push button 109a is pressed. Also, the display of the setting value on the main information display device 105 is not changed.

(Processing when an abnormal setting occurs)
When noise or the like occurs in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a situation may occur in which the setting value stored in the usage area of the main RAM 103 is rewritten to an abnormal value (for example, a value other than "1"). When a situation occurs in which the stored setting value becomes an abnormal value (hereinafter also referred to as a setting value abnormality), it is not possible to draw a jackpot based on the appropriate setting value, which may seriously affect the progress of the game.
Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the main CPU 101 performs a setting value abnormality determination process to determine whether or not a setting value abnormality has occurred at the time when the lottery for the jackpot or the lottery for the normal symbol is performed during a playable state. If it is determined in this setting value abnormality determination process that a setting value abnormality has occurred, the abnormality initialization process described above is performed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of the setting value abnormality is set.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, since the drawing of the next big win and the variable display of the special symbol are not performed during the execution of the special game, the setting value abnormality determination process based on the drawing of the big win can be performed only when the special game is not being executed. On the other hand, since the drawing of the normal symbol is performed both when the special game is not being executed and when it is being executed, the setting value abnormality determination process based on the drawing of the normal symbol can be performed both when the special game is not being executed and when it is being executed.

In the case where a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, when power is restored, the setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change conditions, and then the playable state is set by turning off the setting switch 108. On the other hand, when the setting change conditions are not satisfied, the game remains in the game stop state.
In other words, when a play-stop state is set based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, just as when a play-stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality or RAM abnormality, the playable state is not directly set even if the power is turned back on, but the playable state is set via the setting change state that is set by turning the power on while the setting change conditions are satisfied.

(Normal initialization process, abnormal initialization process, clear process)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality, a RAM abnormality, or a setting value abnormality, an abnormality initialization process is executed. Also, when a backup abnormality occurs at the time of power recovery, and the setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change condition, an abnormality initialization process is executed.
In this abnormality initialization process, as described above, all data stored in the main RAM 103 (all data stored in the used area and unused area, specifically, setting values, gaming machine status flags, test signal information, checksum, backup flags, error information, various data related to the progress of the game, gaming performance data, etc.) is cleared.
In addition, when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality, a RAM abnormality, or a setting value abnormality, the setting change state may then be set, and "1" may be automatically stored in the used area of the main RAM 103 as the default setting value.

Furthermore, when power is restored after a power outage, if the RAM clear switch 109 is on and a control state other than the game-stop state (playable state, setting change state, setting confirmation state) is set, normal initialization processing is executed except when the abnormality initialization processing is executed as described above (when a backup abnormality occurs when power is restored and the setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change conditions). In this normal initialization processing, as described above, the data stored in the second to fourth areas in the usage area of the main RAM 103 (checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game) are cleared.
Furthermore, when the power is restored, if the RAM clear switch 109 is off and the playable state or the setting confirmation state is set, a clear process is executed to clear a part of the main RAM 103. In this clear process, the data stored in the second and third areas in the usage area of the main RAM 103 (i.e., the checksum, backup flag, and error information) is cleared.
In the following description, the abnormal initialization process and the normal initialization process may be collectively referred to simply as RAM clear.

(Outline of various controls when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, a backup abnormality, or a RAM abnormality)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the special game, normal game, or special game is being played in a playable state, noise or the like may cause a set value abnormality, causing a game stop state to be set based on the occurrence of a set value abnormality. In addition, in the above-mentioned case, for example, a momentary power outage (i.e., a momentary blackout) may occur, and when the power outage is restored (when the power is restored), a backup abnormality or RAM abnormality may occur in the main control board 100, causing a game stop state to be set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality or RAM abnormality.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the game remains in a stopped state due to the above-mentioned setting being performed based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, a backup abnormality, or a RAM abnormality, the special game, normal game, and special game that were being performed during the playable state before the game stopped state was set are not performed, and the game does not progress.

Specifically, when the game is in a playable state and the state regarding the difference ball operation stop control described later is a pre-activation warning state, an activation warning state, or an activation notice state, when the operating handle 5 is rotated, the launching and dispensing control board 200 controls the launching of game balls. On the other hand, in a game stop state, even if the operating handle 5 is rotated, the launching and dispensing control board 200 does not control the launching of game balls.
In other words, when the game is in a playable state and the state regarding the differential ball operation stop control described below is the pre-activation warning state, the activation warning state, or the activation notice state, the game ball will be launched when the operating handle 5 is rotated, but in a game-stopped state, the game ball will not be launched even if the operating handle 5 is rotated.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when each control state (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, play stop state) is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 transmits a state setting command indicating that each control state has been set to the launch/payout control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. This allows the launch/payout control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 to grasp the set control state.

In addition, in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 is configured not to detect the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, or the passage of a game ball through the gate 20. As a result, even if a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, a lottery for a jackpot based on the ball is not performed, and even if a game ball passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol is not performed based on the passage, and new prize balls, new reserved memories of special random numbers, and new reserved memories of normal random numbers are not generated.
In addition, if the display of changing special patterns, the display of changing normal patterns, or a special game is being executed during a playable state, when a game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the display of changing special patterns, the display of changing normal patterns, and the execution of the special game.
In this manner, in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 performs the above-mentioned control, so that the game does not progress.

In addition, when the machine is in a playable state and in the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, or activation notice state, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls the transmission of a winning signal as an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P via the external information terminal board 500 during the period from a predetermined start point after the ball enters the machine (for example, the start point of the changing display of the special pattern) to a predetermined end point (for example, the point when a predetermined time (for example, 3000 ms) has elapsed from the predetermined start point). In addition, when the machine is in a playable state and in the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, or activation notice state, if a jackpot is won, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls the transmission of a jackpot signal as an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P via the external information terminal board 500 during the period from a predetermined start point after the jackpot is won (for example, the start point of a special game based on the jackpot winning) to a predetermined end point (for example, the end point of a special game based on the jackpot winning).
This makes it possible for devices external to the pachinko machine P to grasp the changing display of special patterns and winning of a jackpot based on the ball entering the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16.

In contrast, when the game is stopped, since the game does not progress as described above, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 also restricts control over the transmission of external signals such as the above-mentioned winning signal and jackpot signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P.
For example, if the game is stopped while the winning signal is being transmitted, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the variable display of the special symbols, and the main CPU 101 is unable to stop the ongoing transmission of the winning signal, and the winning signal remains in the transmitted state. Also, if the game is stopped when the winning signal is not being transmitted, even if a game ball subsequently enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not detect the ball, and the main CPU 101 is unable to start transmitting the winning signal.
Furthermore, if the game is stopped while the jackpot signal is being transmitted, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the execution of the special game, and the main CPU 101 is unable to stop the transmission of the jackpot signal being transmitted, so the jackpot signal remains in the transmitted state. Furthermore, if the game is stopped when the jackpot signal is not being transmitted, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not start the special game thereafter, and therefore the main CPU 101 does not start the transmission of the jackpot signal.

In addition, when the game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 displays an error code on the main information display device 105, sends a state setting command (hereinafter also referred to as a game stop command) to the sub-control board 300 indicating that the game stop state has been set, generates a security signal indicating that the game stop state has been set as an external signal, and outputs the security signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P via the external information terminal board 500.
When the sub-control board 300 receives a game stop command, a predetermined game stop state setting suggestion image is displayed on the performance display device 21, a predetermined game stop state suggestion sound is output from the audio output device 10, and the front door performance lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, and the board performance lamp GL are turned on or off in a predetermined lighting pattern to suggest that the game stop state has been set. Also, the security signal output to the outside of the pachinko machine P can be received by the hall computer or an external display device for displaying various information, so that the hall computer can grasp that the game stop state has been set, and the external display device can suggest that the game stop state has been set.

(Outline of control of the movable piece 16b and the opening/closing door 18b during a game stop state)
Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when play is stopped, the operation of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and the opening/closing door 18b of the large winning opening 18 is restricted.
Specifically, when game play is stopped, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls the movable piece solenoid 16c, which drives the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 to protrude and retract, so as not to operate, and also controls the large winning opening solenoid 18c, which drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large winning opening 18 to open and close, so as not to operate.

As a result, for example, if the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is protruding during the playable state, the movable piece 16b is retracted when the play stop state is set, and the retracted state of the movable piece 16b is maintained during the play stop state. Also, for example, if the opening and closing door 18b of the large winning opening 18 is open during the playable state, the opening and closing door 18b is closed when the play stop state is set, and the closed state of the opening and closing door 18b is maintained during the play stop state.
Also, for example, if a game stop state is set before the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 protrudes after a winning normal symbol lottery is drawn during a playable state, the movable piece 16b will not protrude, and the movable piece 16b will remain recessed during the game stop state. Also, for example, if a special game is being played during a playable state, and after a predetermined round of game is ended and the opening/closing door 18b of the large winning opening 18 is closed, and the game stop state is set before the next round of game is started and the opening/closing door 18b opens, the opening/closing door 18b will not be opened, and the opening/closing door 18b will remain closed during the game stop state.

(Outline of control related to payout of game balls during game stop state)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the game is stopped, the main CPU 101 performs the above-mentioned control so that the game does not proceed.
On the other hand, during a game stop state, the control of launching game balls by the launch/payout control board 200 is stopped, but the control of the payout of game balls by the launch/payout control board 200 is not stopped.

Specifically, after the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 transmits a prize ball designation command to the launch payout control board 200 to pay out a corresponding number of prize balls based on the entry of a game ball into the general winning port 14, the first start winning port 15, the second start winning port 16, or the large winning port 18 (i.e., after the launch payout control board 200 receives the prize ball designation command), the launch payout control board 200 continues to control the payout of game balls even if a game stop state is set.

As a result, for example, when prize balls are being paid out sequentially as a result of game balls entering the big prize opening 18 during the execution of a special game (i.e., a playable state), even if a game stop state is set, all prize balls based on the above-mentioned balls entering the big prize opening 18 will be paid out. In other words, all prize balls that were acquired by game balls entering the big prize opening 18 before the game stop state was set but have not yet been paid out at the time the game stop state was set will also be paid out.
In this manner, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a game ball enters one of the winning ports while in a playable state, and a game stop state is set in the middle of the payout of prize balls based on that ball, the progress of the game by the main control board 100 and the firing of game balls by the launch/payout control board 200 are stopped, but the payout of prize balls by the launch/payout control board 200 continues without being stopped even during the game stop state.

Similarly, even if a game stop state is set after the player presses the ball lending button 36 and the game ball lending device R sends a loan ball payout command to the launch and payout control board 200 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as loan balls, the control of the payout of the game balls by the launch and payout control board 200 is still executed.
As a result, even if a game stop state is set when a predetermined number of game balls (loan balls) are being paid out by pressing the ball loan button 36, all of the predetermined number of game balls are paid out. In other words, even if the ball loan button 36 is pressed before the game stop state is set and the payout of game balls has started, but the payout of game balls has not been completed at the time the game stop state is set, are all paid out.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even when play is stopped, the operation of the game ball lending device R, value information display device 35, ball lending switch 36a, and card return switch 37a is not restricted, and the transmission of signals and commands from these devices, and the reception of signals and commands by these devices are not restricted.
As a result, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even if the ball loan button 36 is pressed while the game is stopped, all of the specified number of game balls are paid out.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even when the game is stopped, the value information continues to be displayed on the value information display device 35. Also, when the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the game is stopped, the game ball lending device R transmits a subtraction command to the value information display device 35, so that the value information is updated and displayed on the value information display device 35 even during the game is stopped.
Furthermore, even if the card return button 37 is pressed while the game is stopped, the card return switch 37a sends a return request signal to the game ball lending device R, so that the game ball lending device R controls the ejection of the card even while the game is stopped.

(Outline of Determination of Payout-Related Errors During a Game Stop State)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, among the payout-related errors, the ball out error, the full tank error, the payout count switch error, the ball jam error, the excess prize ball error, the radio wave error, and the payout motor error are judged (detected) by the launch payout control board 200. Also, among the payout-related errors, the door open error is judged (detected) by the main control board 100.

Here, when the game is in a playable state and the state regarding the difference ball operation stop control described below is a pre-activation warning state, an activation warning state, or an activation notice state, both the main control board 100 and the launch and payout control board 200 determine whether a corresponding error has occurred.
In contrast, during a game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 only determines whether a door opening error has occurred, and does not determine whether other errors (the main control-related errors mentioned above) that can be determined by the main control board 100 have occurred.
Specifically, even when play is stopped, when the main body frame 2 or the front door 3 is opened, a main body frame open detection signal or a front door open detection signal is input to the launch/payout control board 200, which causes the launch/payout control board 200 to transmit a main body frame open command or a front door open command to the main control board 100. When the main control board 100 receives the main body frame open command or the front door open command, the main CPU 101 determines that a door open error has occurred.
On the other hand, even when the game is stopped, for example, if a magnetism is directed toward the game board 11, the magnetic detection sensor 70a detects the magnetism and outputs a magnetic detection signal to the main control board 100, but even if the magnetic detection signal is input to the main control board 100, the main CPU 101 does not determine that a main control magnetic error has occurred. Therefore, even if a magnetism is directed toward the game board 11 during the game stop state, a main control magnetic error will not occur.
Similarly, for example, when radio waves are applied to the game board 11, the radio wave detection sensor 71a detects the radio waves and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the main control board 100, but the main CPU 101 does not determine that a main control radio wave error has occurred even if the radio wave detection signal is input to the main control board 100. Therefore, while the game is stopped, even if radio waves are applied to the game board 11, a main control radio wave error does not occur.
In other words, even if an event occurs that causes a main control-related error while the game is stopped, the main CPU 101 does not determine the occurrence of a main control-related error, and therefore a main control-related error will not occur.

As described above, even if the game is stopped, if it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, the main CPU 101 sends an error indication command corresponding to the door opening error to the sub-control board 300. As a result, even if the game is stopped, if the main frame 2 or the front door 3 is opened, it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, and the performance display device 21, various lamps, and audio output device 10 indicate that a door opening error has occurred.

In addition, during a game stop state, the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 does not judge the occurrence of any error. Therefore, during a game stop state, the occurrence of a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, and a payout motor error is not judged.
Specifically, even if the payout motor 62 is operating during a game stop state and the payout counting switch 63 does not count the game balls for a predetermined period of time, the payout CPU 201 does not determine that a ball out error has occurred. Therefore, during a game stop state, even if the payout counting switch 63 does not count the game balls for a predetermined period of time, a ball out error does not occur. And, since the payout CPU 201 does not determine that a ball out error has occurred, a ball out error command is not sent from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the main control board 100 does not recognize that a ball out error has occurred.
Similarly, during a game stop state, for example, when radio waves are irradiated to the outlet 19, the outlet radio wave detection sensor 71b detects radio waves and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the launch/payout control board 200, but even if a radio wave detection signal is input to the launch/payout control board 200, the payout CPU 201 does not determine that a payout radio wave error has occurred. Therefore, during a game stop state, even if radio waves are irradiated to the outlet 19, a payout radio wave error does not occur. And, since the payout CPU 201 does not determine that a payout radio wave error has occurred, a payout radio wave error command is not transmitted from the launch/payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the main control board 100 does not recognize that a payout radio wave error has occurred.
In other words, even if an event that causes a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, or a payout motor error occurs during a game stop state, the payout CPU 201 does not determine the occurrence of these errors, so these errors do not occur. Also, the occurrence of these errors is not recognized by the main control board 100.

Even when the game is stopped, the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 may continue to determine the occurrence of a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, or a payout motor error.

(Outline of external signal transmission to outside of pachinko machine P during game stop state)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls the transmission of external signals such as a winning signal and a jackpot signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P, and the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 controls the transmission of external signals such as a prize ball payout signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P.
Here, when the game is in a playable state and in the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, or activation announcement state, the main CPU 101 controls the transmission of external signals such as a winning signal or a jackpot signal, and the payout CPU 201 controls the transmission of external signals such as a prize ball payout signal.
On the other hand, while the game is stopped, as described above, the control by the main control board 100 to transmit external signals such as a winning signal or a big win signal is restricted.

In addition, while the game is stopped, the control of transmitting external signals such as a prize ball payout signal by the launch and payout control board 200 continues without any restriction.
Specifically, for example, even if a game stop state is set while the payout CPU 201 is transmitting an external signal such as a payout ball signal, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the payout CPU 201 ends the transmission of the external signal. Also, for example, when game balls are paid out after the game stop state is set and the number of paid out game balls reaches a predetermined number, the payout CPU 201 transmits a payout ball signal, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the payout CPU 201 ends the transmission of the payout ball signal.

(Overview of control when the setting change state or setting confirmation state is set)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is set, the game ball is not shot even if the operating handle 5 is rotated, and the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not detect the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16 or the game ball passing through the gate 20, and stops the display of the special symbol variation, the display of the normal symbol variation, and the execution of the special game. As a result, in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the game does not progress, just like in the game stop state.
Furthermore, in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls so as not to operate the movable piece solenoid 16c that drives the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 to protrude and retract, and also controls so as not to operate the large winning opening solenoid 18c that drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large winning opening 18 to open and close. As a result, similar to the game stop state, during the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the movable piece 16b remains retracted and the opening and closing door 18b remains closed.
Furthermore, in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, similar to the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 only determines whether a door opening error has occurred, and does not determine whether other errors (the main control-related errors mentioned above) that can be determined by the main control board 100 have occurred.

Furthermore, during the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the payout of game balls continues by the launch and payout control board 200, just as in the game stop state, but the occurrence of a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, or a payout motor error is not detected, and the control of the transmission of external signals such as a payout ball signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is not restricted.
In addition, during the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the payout of game balls by the launch and payout control board 200 may be stopped, or the occurrence of a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, or a payout motor error may be continuously determined, or the control of the transmission of external signals such as a payout ball signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P may be restricted.

(Overview of ball difference activation stop control (activation stop control based on ball difference number))
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, in order to prevent a situation in which a player acquires an excessive number of game balls during play and the game becomes too gambling-like, the main CPU 101 executes operation stop control (difference ball operation stop control) to stop the operation of the pachinko machine P based on the difference ball number from a predetermined calculation start point during a playable state reaching a predetermined operation stop number (95,000 in this embodiment).

The difference in the number of balls is the difference between the number of prize balls (prize balls paid out based on the detection of game balls by the general prize opening detection sensor 14a, the first start prize opening detection sensor 15a, the second start prize opening detection sensor 16a, and the large prize opening detection sensor 18a) that are paid out based on the entry of game balls into each winning opening (general prize opening 14, first start prize opening 15, second start prize opening 16, and large prize opening 18) and the number of game balls that are shot by the player and enter each winning opening or are received by the out opening 19 (game balls detected by the out sensor 19a, in other words, game balls used in the game).

As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the difference ball count value used to determine the difference ball number is stored in a specific area in the unused area provided in the main RAM 103.
The difference ball count value stored in this specific area is reset when the power is restored (when the power is turned on and off) in a state other than the activation notice state and activation state (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state) described below without a specific error occurring, and is not reset when the power is restored when a specific error occurs. In other words, in the pre-activation warning state or activation warning state, if the power is restored when a specific error occurs, the difference ball count value stored at the time of the power failure is maintained. In addition, in the activation notice state and activation state, the above-mentioned difference ball count value is reset by performing an initialization process (normal initialization process) associated with the setting of the setting change state. When reset, the difference ball count value is set to an initial value (100,000 in this embodiment).
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, errors that have a significant effect on the progress of the game (for example, a main control radio wave error that may induce a malfunction of the main CPU 101, an illegal winning error that may cause a malfunction of the big winning port 18, etc.) are defined as specific errors. The specific errors are not limited to these, and may be, for example, errors that cause a game stop state to be set when they occur.

The difference ball count value is incremented by the number of prize balls to be paid out based on a game ball entering each winning hole (each time a game ball is detected by the general winning hole detection sensor 14a, the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, or the large winning hole detection sensor 18a), and is decremented by 1 each time a game ball is detected by the out sensor 19a.When the difference ball count value is 0, even if a game ball is detected by the out sensor 19a, the difference ball count value is not decremented and remains 0.
Then, when the difference ball count value reaches a second reference value (195,000 in this embodiment) described later, the difference ball count reaches the predetermined operation stop number (95,000).

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, each time a game ball enters each winning port, the number of prize balls scheduled to be paid out based on that ball is added to the difference ball count value, but this is not limited to this, and each time prize balls are actually paid out based on a game ball entering each winning port, the number of prize balls paid out may be added to the difference ball count value.
As described above, the difference ball count value is decremented by 1 each time a game ball is detected by the out sensor 19a, but this is not limited to the above, and the difference ball count value may be decremented by 1 each time a launched game ball reaches the game area 12. In other words, the difference ball count value may be decremented by 1 each time a game ball is used in a game.
Also, as described above, in the activation prediction state and activation state, the difference ball count value is reset by performing the initialization process (normal initialization process) associated with setting the setting change state, but this is not limited to this, and the difference ball count value may be reset by performing the initialization process that is executed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on when power is restored and the playable state is set (i.e., the normal initialization process that is executed without setting the setting change state), or it may be reset by performing the abnormality initialization process.
Also, as described above, in the pre-activation warning state and activation warning state, the difference ball count value is reset when power is restored, but this is not limited to this, and like the activation notice state and activation state, it may be reset by performing an initialization process (normal initialization process) associated with setting the setting change state, or it may be reset by performing an initialization process (normal initialization process executed without setting the setting change state) that is executed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on when power is restored and a playable state is set, or it may be reset by performing an abnormality initialization process.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, four types of states related to the difference ball operation stop control are provided: a pre-activation warning state, an activation warning state, an activation notice state, and an activation state. During the playable state, the machine stays in one of the four states described above.

(Pre-warning state)
The pre-warning state is set by resetting the difference ball count value, and is a state in which the game remains when the difference ball count value has not reached a first reference value (190,000 in this embodiment), and the game remains in this pre-warning state mainly during the playable state. When the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value, the pre-warning state ends and the activation warning state is set.
That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the difference ball count value remains in the pre-warning state from when it is reset until it reaches the first reference value.

(Activation warning state)
The activation warning state is set when the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value as described above. Then, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value (195,000), the activation warning state ends. If a special game was being played at the time of reaching the second reference value (195,000), the activation notice state is set, and if a special game was not being played, the activation state is set.
That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the differential ball count value remains in the activated warning state from the time it reaches the first reference value until it reaches the second reference value.

Also, when the activation warning state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a first ball difference operation stop control designation command indicating that to the sub-control board 300. Then, when the sub-control board 300 receives the first ball difference operation stop control designation command, until a termination condition is met, that is, until a power outage occurs, until the activation warning state ends, or until a predetermined time (600 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed, an activation warning suggestion is performed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, suggesting that the first reference value has been reached and that the second reference value will soon be reached (for example, an activation warning text image is displayed saying "There are about 5000 shots left until the limit is reached") (see Fig. 61 (c) to (e)), and the front door performance lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, and the board performance lamp GL are turned on or off according to a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, only the front door performance lamp DL is turned on in blue, etc.). In addition, when the first difference ball operation stop control designation command is received, an activation warning sound (for example, a sound saying "There are about 5000 shots left until the limit is reached") is output from the time (i.e., the time when the activation warning state is set) until a predetermined activation warning sound output time (5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed. This indicates that the activation warning state has been set.
The activation warning sound may be continuously output until a power outage occurs, or may be continuously output until the activation warning state ends.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, after the activation warning state is set, even if the difference ball count value falls below the first reference value, the activation warning state will not end and the pre-activation warning state will not be set unless a power cut is restored. Note that, if the difference ball count value falls below the first reference value after the activation warning state is set, the activation warning state may be ended and the pre-activation warning state may be set.

(Activation notice state)
As described above, the activation notice state is set when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and a special game is being played at the time of this reaching. When the special game being played ends, the activation notice state ends and the activation state is set. Also, when the initialization process (normal initialization process) associated with the setting of the setting change state described above is performed during the activation notice state, the activation notice state ends and the pre-activation warning state is set.
In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the machine will remain in the activation notice state from when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value until the special game being executed ends or the initialization process associated with setting the setting change state is performed.

The activation warning state does not end when the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed, but may end when the initialization process is performed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on when power is restored and the playable state is set (normal initialization process performed without setting the setting change state), or when an abnormality initialization process is performed.

In addition, when the activation notice state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a second ball difference operation stop control designation command indicating that to the sub-control board 300. Then, when the sub-control board 300 receives the second ball difference operation stop control designation command, an activation notice suggestion (for example, an activation notice text image of "The game will end after the big win" is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21) indicating that the operation of the pachinko machine P will stop after the special game ends until a power outage occurs or the activation notice state ends, and the front door performance lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, and the board performance lamp GL are turned on or off according to a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, only the front door performance lamp DL is turned on in blue, etc.). In addition, when the second ball activation stop control designation command is received, an activation notice sound (for example, a sound saying "The game will end after the big win") is output from the time (i.e., the time when the activation notice state is set) until a predetermined activation notice sound output time (7 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed. This indicates that the activation notice state has been set.
The activation notice indication and the lighting or extinguishing of various lamps in a predetermined lighting pattern may be performed within a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds). The activation notice sound may be continuously output until a power outage occurs, or may be continuously output until the activation notice state ends.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described later, when the activation state is set based on the difference ball count value reaching the second reference value, the game does not proceed (the game stops); however, as described above, when a special game is being played when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the activation notice state is set instead of the activation state, and when the special game being played ends, the activation notice state ends and the activation state is set. In other words, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value during the execution of a special game, the game is not immediately stopped based on the reaching of the second reference value and the special game being played is not forcibly ended, but the game proceeds until the final round of the special game being played ends. This makes it possible to maintain the interest of the player even if the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value during the execution of a special game.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even if the activation notice state is set but the difference ball count value decreases during the activation notice state and falls below the second reference value when the special game being executed ends, the activation notice state ends and the activation state is set. Note that, if the difference ball count value falls below the second reference value when the special game ends, the activation state may not be set.

(Activated state)
As described above, the activation state is set when the special game is not being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, or when the special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and the currently executed special game ends. Then, when the initialization process (normal initialization process) accompanying the setting of the setting change state described above is performed, the activation state ends and the pre-activation warning state is set.
That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if a special game is not being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the machine will stay in the activation state from the time the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value until the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed. Also, if a special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the machine will stay in the activation state from the time the special game being executed ends until the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed.
In other words, after the activation state is set, the activation state will not end and will continue unless an initialization process is performed in conjunction with the setting of the setting change state.

The activated state does not end when the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed, but may end when the initialization process is performed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on when the power is restored and the playable state is set (normal initialization process performed without setting the setting change state), or when an abnormality initialization process is performed.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits an activation state setting command indicating that the activation state has been set to the launch/payout control board 200. This allows the launch/payout control board 200 to know that the activation state has been set.
In the activation state, the game ball is not launched even if the operating handle 5 is rotated, as in the above-mentioned game stop state. Also, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 is not configured to detect the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, or the passage of the game ball through the gate 20. As a result, even if the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, a lottery for a big win based on the ball is not performed, and even if the game ball passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal pattern based on the passage is not performed, and new prize balls, new reserved memory for a special random number, and new reserved memory for a normal random number are not generated. Furthermore, if the variable display of the special pattern or the variable display of the normal pattern is being executed, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 is configured to stop the variable display of the special pattern or the variable display of the normal pattern.
In this manner, in the activated state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 performs the above-mentioned control, so that the game does not progress (the game stops), just as in the game stop state.
As described above, when the operating handle 5 is rotated in the activated state, a game ball is not launched, but a handle operation command is transmitted from the launch/payout control board 200 to the main control board 100. Then, when the main CPU 101 receives the handle operation command, it transmits a rotation operation command to the sub-control board 300. Therefore, even during the activated state, the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 300 can grasp that the operating handle 5 has been rotated.

In addition, since in the activated state, the game does not progress as described above, the control of the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 to transmit external signals such as winning signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P is also restricted, similar to the game stopped state.
For example, if the activation state is set while a winning signal is being transmitted, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the variable display of the special symbol, so the main CPU 101 is unable to stop the ongoing transmission of the winning signal, and the winning signal remains in the transmitted state. Also, if the activation state is set when the winning signal is not being transmitted, even if a game ball subsequently enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not detect the ball, so the main CPU 101 is unable to start transmitting the winning signal.

Furthermore, in the activated state, similar to the game stop state, the operation of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and the opening and closing door 18b of the large winning opening 18 is restricted.
Specifically, in the activated state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls the movable piece solenoid 16c, which drives the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 to protrude and retract, so as not to operate, and also controls the large winning opening solenoid 18c, which drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large winning opening 18 to open and close, so as not to operate.
As a result, for example, if the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is protruding, the movable piece 16b will sink when the activation state is set, and the movable piece 16b will remain in the recessed state during the activation state. Also, during the activation state, the opening and closing door 18b will be maintained in a closed state. Also, for example, after a winning normal symbol is drawn, if the activation state is set before the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 protrudes, the movable piece 16b will not protrude, and the movable piece 16b will remain recessed during the activation state.

In addition, in the activated state, as in the game stop state, the control of the launching and paying out control board 200 to launch the game balls is stopped, but the control of the payout of the game balls by the launching and paying out control board 200 is not stopped.

Specifically, after the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 transmits a prize ball designation command to the launch payout control board 200 to pay out a corresponding number of prize balls based on the entry of a game ball into the general winning port 14, the first start winning port 15, the second start winning port 16, or the large winning port 18 (i.e., after the launch payout control board 200 receives the prize ball designation command), the launch payout control board 200 continues to control the payout of game balls even if the activation state is set.

As a result, for example, even if the activation state is set when prize balls based on game balls entering any of the winning slots have been paid out, all prize balls based on the above-mentioned ball entries will be paid out. In other words, all prize balls that were acquired by game balls entering any of the winning slots before the activation state was set but have not yet been paid out at the time the activation state was set will also be paid out.
In this way, if a game ball enters one of the winning ports before the activation state is set, and the activation state is set while prize balls based on that ball are being paid out, the progress of the game by the main control board 100 and the firing of game balls by the launching and payout control board 200 will stop, but the payout of prize balls by the launching and payout control board 200 will continue even during the activation state without being stopped.

Similarly, even if the activation state is set after the player presses the ball lending button 36 and the game ball lending device R sends a loan ball payout command to the launch and payout control board 200 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as loan balls, the launch and payout control board 200 still controls the payout of the game balls.
As a result, even if the activation state is set when a predetermined number of game balls (loaned balls) are being paid out by pressing the ball loan button 36, all of the predetermined number of game balls are paid out. In other words, even if the ball loan button 36 is pressed before the activation state is set and the payout of game balls is started, all game balls that have not yet been paid out at the time the activation state is set are paid out.

Furthermore, even when in an activated state, the operation of the game ball lending device R, value information display device 35, ball lending switch 36a, and card return switch 37a is not restricted, and the transmission of signals and commands from these devices, or the reception of signals and commands by these devices, is not restricted.
As a result, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even if the ball loan button 36 is pressed during the activation state, all of the specified number of game balls are paid out.

Moreover, even during the activation state, the display of value information continues on the value information display device 35. Also, when the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the activation state, the game ball lending device R transmits a subtraction command to the value information display device 35, so that the update display of the value information is performed on the value information display device 35 even during the activation state. Furthermore, when the card return button 37 is pressed during the activation state, the card return switch 37a transmits a return request signal to the game ball lending device R, so that the game ball lending device R controls the ejection of the card even during the activation state.
When the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the activation state, the game balls may not be paid out and the update display of the value information may not be performed on the value information display device 35. When the card return button 37 is pressed during the activation state, the game ball lending device R may not control the ejection of the card.

Also, in the activated state, as in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 only judges whether a door opening error has occurred, and does not judge whether other errors (main control related errors mentioned above) that are judged by the main control board 100 have occurred. Even during the activated state, if it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, the main CPU 101 transmits an error indication command corresponding to the door opening error to the sub-control board 300. As described above, even during the activated state, if the main frame 2 or the front door 3 is opened, it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, and the performance display device 21, various lamps, and audio output device 10 indicate that a door opening error has occurred.
Furthermore, in the activation state, as in the game stop state, the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 does not judge the occurrence of any error. Therefore, during the game stop state, the occurrence of a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, and a payout motor error is not judged.
Note that even during the activation state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 may also determine the occurrence of an error (main control related error) other than the door open error determined by the main control board 100. As a result, even during the activation state, if the occurrence condition for an error other than the door open error is satisfied, the error will occur.
In addition, during the activation state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 may be configured not to determine whether a door opening error has occurred.
In addition, even when in the activated state, the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 may continue to determine the occurrence of a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, or a payout motor error.

Also, in the activated state, as in the game stop state, the control by the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 to send external signals such as winning signals and jackpot signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P is restricted, but the control by the launch and payout control board 200 to send external signals such as prize ball payout signals is not restricted and continues to be performed.
In addition, in the activated state, the control of the launch and payout control board 200 to transmit the payout ball signal may also be restricted.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the activation state, the game does not progress and the control for launching the game balls is stopped, so that the game balls cannot be launched, but this is not limited to the above. For example, in the activation state, the game may not progress, but the control for launching the game balls by the launch/payout control board 200 may not be stopped. In other words, in the activation state, the game may not progress, but the game balls may be launched.

In addition, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 clears the display on the first special symbol display device 30, the second special symbol display device 31, the normal symbol display device 32, the first special symbol reserved display device 38, the second special symbol reserved display device 39, and the normal symbol reserved display device 33. Specifically, these display devices are composed of LEDs that can be turned on or off, and the LEDs constituting each display device are turned off. As a result, the special symbols that were being displayed in a variable manner or in a stopped manner on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 32, the normal symbols that were being displayed in a variable manner or in a stopped manner on the normal symbol display device 32, the number of first special symbols reserved displayed by the first special symbol reserved display device 38, the number of second special symbols reserved displayed by the second special symbol reserved display device 39, and the number of normal symbols reserved displayed by the normal symbol reserved display device 33 are all cleared.
In contrast to this, if the right-hit notification lamp RL connected to the sub-control board 300 is lit when the activation state is set, this right-hit notification lamp RL will continue to be lit even after the activation state is set.
In addition to the right hit notification lamp RL, for example, if a reserved number lamp that indicates the reserved number of the first special chart or the reserved number of the second special chart by lighting in a predetermined manner is connected to the sub-control board 300, the reserved number lamp may also be made to continue lighting in a predetermined manner indicating the reserved number of the first special chart or the reserved number of the second special chart even after the activation state is set. In other words, for a display device connected to the sub-control board 300 that gives a suggestion regarding the progress of the game, the suggestion may be made to continue even after the activation state is set.

In addition, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a third ball difference operation stop control designation command to the sub-control board 300, indicating that the activation state has been set. Then, when the sub-control board 300 receives the third ball difference operation stop control designation command, the various effect images, such as the effect pattern 50 displayed on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21 at this time, the reserved image (not shown in particular) indicating that reserved storage is being performed, the background image, and the right hit suggestion image, are cleared, and an activation indication (for example, "Ball difference operation stop function in operation, play will be stopped due to reaching the upper limit of ball difference") indicating that the operation of the pachinko machine P has stopped is displayed on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21 until a power outage occurs. An activation text image stating "Please call an attendant" is displayed (see Figure 61 (g)), a predetermined activation sound (for example, a sound stating "Playing will stop as the ball difference limit has been reached") is output from the audio output device 10, and the front door performance lamp DL, status notification lamp EL, and board performance lamp GL light up or turn off in a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, the front door performance lamp DL lights up in blue, the status notification lamp EL lights up in red, and the board performance lamp GL is turned off), indicating that the activation state has been set.
In addition, the activation suggestion, the output of the activation sound, and the indication that the activation state has been set by turning on or off various lamps may not be performed until a power outage occurs, but may be performed only until a predetermined time has passed (a time longer than the time for which the indication that the activation warning state has been set is given (for example, 10 minutes)).
In addition, the various effect images displayed at the time the activation state is set may be continued to be displayed instead of being cleared. The above-mentioned activation suggestion (display of an activation text image) may be superimposed on these various effect images.

Furthermore, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 displays a code indicating the activation state on the main information display device 105. This allows the user to know from the main information display device 105 that the activation state has been set.
When the activated state is set, no display may be provided on the main information display device 105. In other words, the display on the main information display device 105 may be cleared.

Furthermore, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 generates a security signal indicating that the activation state has been set as an external signal, and outputs the security signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P (such as a hall computer or an external display device) via the external information terminal board 500. This security signal can be received by the hall computer or the above-mentioned external display device, so that the hall computer can grasp that the activation state has been set, and the external display device can indicate that the activation state has been set. Furthermore, while a security signal based on the setting of the activation state is being generated and output, activation security information indicating that the security signal is being generated and output is stored in a specific area in the non-use area of the main RAM 103.
Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if power is restored (power is turned off and on) during the activation state without executing the initialization process that would end the activation state (i.e., the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state), the generation and output of the above-mentioned security signal is resumed. As a result, even if a power interruption occurs during the activation state, after power is restored, the hall computer can once again grasp that the activation state is in progress, and the external display device can once again indicate that the activation state is in progress.
In addition, even when the activation prediction state is set, a security signal is generated and output in the same manner as when the activation state is set, and if power is restored during the activation prediction state without performing an initialization process that would end the activation prediction state (i.e., the initialization process associated with setting the setting change state), the generation and output of the security signal may be resumed.

In addition, in the activation state, the game does not progress and the game ball is not launched, so the game ball does not enter the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, and the special symbol variation display, special game, and normal game are not executed. Therefore, various commands accompanying these executions (game progress) (for example, a start winning command based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, a variation mode command or a variation pattern command based on the start of variation of the special symbol, an opening command based on the start of the special game, etc.) are not transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300.
In addition, a pressing operation detection sensor 9d that detects pressing of the operation button 9b is connected to the sub-control board 300, and detection by this sensor is performed even in the activated state. This allows the sub-control board 300 to grasp pressing of the operation button 9b even in the activated state.

(Outline of various state settings related to the difference ball operation stop control)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, differential ball operation stop control phase data for setting various states related to the differential ball operation stop control (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state, activation state) is stored in a specific area in the unused area provided in the main RAM 103. By storing state values corresponding to the various states described above in this differential ball operation stop control phase data, one of the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state, and activation state is set.

Specifically, when power is restored in the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state, or when initialization processing is performed in the activation notice state or the activation state in association with the setting of the setting change state, the main CPU 101 clears the difference ball operation stop control phase data and then stores a state value corresponding to the pre-activation warning state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This sets the pre-activation warning state.
That is, when the power is restored in the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state, the difference ball count value is reset as described above, and the pre-activation warning state is set. Also, when the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed in the activation notice state or the activation state, these states end and the difference ball count value is reset, and the pre-activation warning state is set.

In addition, when the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation warning state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to a state value corresponding to the activation warning state. This sets the activation warning state.
In addition, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and a special game is being executed at the time of reaching the second reference value, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation notice state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to a state value corresponding to the activation notice state. This sets the activation notice state.
In addition, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and the special game was not being executed when the difference ball count value reached the second reference value, or when the special game that was being executed when the difference ball count value reached the second reference value is ended, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to a state value corresponding to the activation state. This sets the activation state.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, in the game stop state, setting change state or setting confirmation state, which are control states in which game play does not progress, the operation of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and the opening and closing door 18b of the large winning opening 18 is restricted, and during the control state in which game play does not progress, the movable piece 16b remains submerged and the large winning opening 18 remains closed.
This prevents the movable part solenoid 16c and the special prize opening solenoid 18c from continuing to operate even when a game is not in progress, which can prevent these components from overheating, causing malfunctions or damage. Also, by keeping the special prize opening 18 open, it can prevent fraudulent acts such as inserting illegal parts into the special prize opening to win prize balls while a game is not in progress.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, in the game stop state, which is a control state in which the game does not progress, game balls are not fired, but the firing and payout control board 200 continues to pay out game balls (both the payout of prize balls and the payout of loan balls), and the value information is displayed on the value information display device 35, and cards are dispensed by the game ball lending device R, etc.
This makes it possible to prevent, for example, the occurrence of a disadvantage in which, even though a game ball entered any of the winning holes before the game stop state was set, the payout of prize balls is stopped because the game stop state was set, and a player is unable to acquire some of the prize balls based on the ball entry, or the occurrence of a disadvantage in which, even though the ball lending switch 36 was pressed by the player before the game stop state was set, the payout of loaned balls is stopped because the game stop state was set, and a player is unable to acquire some of the loaned balls. In addition, even if the game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 does not need to execute special processing such as sending a signal or command to the launch payout control board 200 to stop operation or stop the payout of game balls, and therefore it is possible to prevent an increase in the load on the hardware resources of the main CPU 101, etc.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during a game stop state, which is a control state in which the game does not progress, the occurrence of only door open errors, among the errors whose occurrence is determined by the main control board 100, is determined.
This makes it possible to prevent situations in which the main frame 2 or front door 3 is opened while play is stopped, and fraudulent acts are committed against the main control board 100.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during a game stop state, which is a control state in which the game is not progressing, the control of the main control board 100 to transmit external signals such as winning signals and jackpot signals to outside the pachinko machine P is restricted, but the control of the launch and payout control board 200 to transmit external signals such as prize ball payout signals to outside the pachinko machine P is not restricted.
This allows information regarding the payout of game balls to be reliably grasped by devices outside the pachinko machine P even during a game stop state in which the payout control board 200 continues to control the payout of game balls. Even when a game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 does not need to execute special processing such as sending a command to the payout control board 200 to stop the transmission of signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P, and since the control of the transmission of external signals such as winning signals and big win signals by the main control board 100 is limited, it is possible to prevent an increase in the load on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the time during which the main control board 100 transmits an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is set to be longer than the time during which the launch and payout control board 200 transmits an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P.
As a result, the external signal transmitted from the main control board 100 to the outside of the pachinko machine P is transmitted more reliably to the outside of the pachinko machine P than the external signal transmitted from the firing and payout control board 200 to the outside of the pachinko machine P.

The setting of the transmission time is not limited to this.
For example, the time taken for the launch and payout control board 200 to transmit an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P may be set to be longer than the time taken for the main control board 100 to transmit an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P.
When set up in this manner, the external signal transmitted from the launch and payout control board 200 to the outside of the pachinko machine P is more reliably transmitted to the outside of the pachinko machine P than the external signal transmitted from the main control board 100 to the outside of the pachinko machine P.
In addition, the time at which the launch and payout control board 200 transmits an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P may be set to be the same as the time at which the main control board 100 transmits an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, an activation state is set in which the game does not progress and no game balls are fired, based on the difference ball count value reaching a second reference value (the difference ball count reaching a predetermined activation stop number).
This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which a player acquires an excessive number of game balls during play, leading to an excessively high level of gambling, and also produces the same effect as during the game stop state described above.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during the activation state, as in the game stop state, the occurrence of only the door open error is determined by the main control board 100.
This makes it possible to prevent situations in which the main frame 2 or front door 3 is opened during activation and fraudulent acts are committed against the main control board 100.

(Overview of test signal generation and output)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the main CPU 101 generates test signals used during type testing at various times, and is capable of outputting these signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P from the test-only output terminal 107.
In principle, the main CPU 101 continues to output the test signal being generated to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 from the start to the end of the generation of the test signal (from the satisfaction of the output start condition to the satisfaction of the output end condition). At this time, by connecting a dedicated receiving terminal to the test-dedicated output terminal 107, the above-mentioned test signal is input to a test computer equipped with the receiving terminal. That is, by connecting a dedicated receiving terminal to the test-dedicated output terminal 107, the test signal being generated is output to the outside of the pachinko machine P (the test computer) via the test-dedicated output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal. On the other hand, if a dedicated receiving terminal is not connected to the test-dedicated output terminal 107, the test signal being generated is output to the test-dedicated output terminal 107, but is not output to the outside of the pachinko machine P.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, while each test signal is being generated and output, test signal information indicating the test signal being generated and output (indicating that each test signal is being generated and output) is stored in a specific area in the unused area of the main RAM 103.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, test signals that can be generated by the main CPU 101 and output to a test computer include a test signal regarding the progress of the game, a test signal regarding the game status, and a test signal regarding the status based on the difference ball operation stop control.
As test signals relating to the progress of the game, a test signal during normal game fluctuation, a test signal during normal game win, a test signal during movable piece opening, a test signal during first special game fluctuation, a test signal during first special game jackpot, a test signal during second special game fluctuation, a test signal during second special game jackpot, and a test signal during round play are provided. As test signals relating to the game state, a test signal for normal game high probability state, a test signal for normal game shortening state, a test signal for movable piece operation extension state, a test signal for special game high probability state, and a test signal for special game shortening state are provided. As a test signal relating to the state based on the difference ball operation stop control, a test signal for the state before activation setting is provided.

The test signal during normal pattern fluctuation is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from when the display of the normal pattern fluctuation begins to when it ends (i.e., while the normal pattern is fluctuating), and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a normal symbol variation test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of the normal symbol variation display (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the normal symbol variation display (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this normal symbol variation test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer (i.e., outside the pachinko machine P) can understand that the normal symbol variation display is being performed in the pachinko machine P that output the normal symbol variation test signal.

The normal winning test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from when a winning normal symbol is drawn to when the operation of the movable piece 16b ends (i.e., from when a winning normal symbol is drawn to when all operation of the movable piece 16b based on the winning normal symbol is completed) and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a normal winning test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 when the normal symbol is selected as a winning symbol and the movable piece 16b starts to operate based on the winning symbol (the output start condition is satisfied), and ends the generation and output when all the movable pieces 16b operate (the output end condition is satisfied). By inputting this normal winning test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the movable piece 16b is operating based on the winning symbol selected in the pachinko machine P that output the normal winning test signal.

The movable piece open test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start of one opening of the movable piece 16b to its end (closing) and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a movable piece open test signal and outputting it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 when one opening of the movable piece 16b starts (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output when one opening of the movable piece 16b ends (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this movable piece open test signal to a test computer via the test-dedicated output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that one opening of the movable piece 16b is being performed in the pachinko machine P that output the movable piece open test signal.

The test signal during the first special pattern change is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from when the display of the special pattern change based on the first special pattern random number starts to when it ends, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a first special symbol variation test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of the variation display of the special symbol based on the first special symbol random number (the output start condition is satisfied), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the variation display (the output end condition is satisfied). By inputting this first special symbol variation test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the variation display of the special symbol based on the first special symbol random number is being performed in the pachinko machine P that output the first special symbol variation test signal.

The test signal during the first special jackpot is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot by the first special random number, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a first special jackpot test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of a special game based on the winning of a jackpot by the first special random number (the output start condition is satisfied), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the special game (the output end condition is satisfied). By inputting this first special jackpot test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that a special game based on the winning of a jackpot by the first special random number is being played in the pachinko machine P that output the first special jackpot test signal.

The test signal during the second special pattern change is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from when the display of the special pattern change based on the second special pattern random number starts to when it ends, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a second special symbol variation test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of the variation display of the special symbol based on the second special symbol random number (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the variation display (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this second special symbol variation test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the variation display of the special symbol based on the second special symbol random number is being performed in the pachinko machine P that output the second special symbol variation test signal.

The test signal during the second special jackpot is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot by the second special random number, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating the second special jackpot test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of the special game based on the winning of the jackpot by the second special random number (the output start condition is satisfied), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the special game (the output end condition is satisfied). By inputting this second special jackpot test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the special game based on the winning of the jackpot by the second special random number is being played in the pachinko machine P that output the second special jackpot test signal.

The test signal during a round of play is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a round of play in a special game, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a round-play test signal and outputting it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 based on the start of a round play (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the round play (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this round-play test signal to the test computer via the test-dedicated output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that a round play is being played on the pachinko machine P that output the round-play test signal.

The normal symbol high probability state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a game state in which the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is relatively high, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols is set to be the same during the time-saving game state (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, high-probability time-saving game state) and during the non-time-saving game state (normal game state) (see Figure 14), so although a normal symbol high-probability state test signal is provided, it is not generated or output.

The normal pattern variation shortening state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a game state in which the normal pattern variation time is relatively short, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2, high probability time-saving game state) is set to have a shorter fluctuation time of the normal symbol than the non-time-saving game state (normal game state) (see FIG. 15), so the main CPU 101 starts generating a normal symbol fluctuation shortening state test signal and outputting it to the test-only output terminal 107 based on the setting of the time-saving game state (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the time-saving game state (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this normal symbol fluctuation shortening state test signal to the test computer via the test-only output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the game state in which the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is relatively short is set in the pachinko machine P that output the normal symbol fluctuation shortening state test signal.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the normal pattern fluctuation time is set to be approximately the same during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 and during the normal game state, so the normal pattern fluctuation shortening state test signal may be generated and output only during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 and the high-probability time-saving game state, and the normal pattern fluctuation shortening state test signal may not be generated and output during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.

The movable piece operation extended state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a game state in which the operation time of the movable piece 16b is relatively long when a winning normal pattern is selected by lottery, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the operating time of the movable piece 16b is set to be longer during the time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2, high probability time-saving game state) than during the non-time-saving game state (normal game state) (see FIG. 16), so the main CPU 101 starts generating the movable piece operating extension state test signal and outputting it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 based on the setting of the time-saving game state (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the time-saving game state (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this movable piece operating extension state test signal to the test computer via the test-dedicated output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the pachinko machine P that output the movable piece operating extension state test signal is set to a game state in which the operating time of the movable piece 16b is relatively long.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the operation time of the movable piece 16b is set to be approximately the same during the low-probability time-shortening game state LJT1 and during the normal game state, so the movable piece operation extension state test signal may be generated and output only during the low-probability time-shortening game state LJT2 and the high-probability time-shortening game state, and the movable piece operation extension state test signal may not be generated and output during the low-probability time-shortening game state LJT1.

The special chart high probability state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is relatively high, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot is set to be higher during a high probability game state (high probability time-saving game state) than during a low probability game state (normal game state) (see FIG. 7), so the main CPU 101 starts generating a special probability state test signal and outputting it to the test-only output terminal 107 based on the setting of the high probability game state (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the high probability game state (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this special probability state test signal to the test computer via the test-only output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is relatively high is set in the pachinko machine P that output the special probability state test signal.

The special pattern variation shortening state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a game state in which the variation time of the special pattern is relatively short, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 and the high probability time-saving game state are set so that the variation time of the special symbol is shorter than that in the normal game state and the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 (see Figs. 11 and 12), so the main CPU 101 starts generating a special symbol variation shortening state test signal and outputting it to the test-only output terminal 107 based on the setting of the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high probability time-saving game state (establishment of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the game state (establishment of the output end condition). By inputting this special symbol variation shortening state test signal to the test computer via the test-only output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the game state in which the variation time of the special symbol is relatively short is set in the pachinko machine P that output the special symbol variation shortening state test signal.

The pre-activation setting state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period in which the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined pre-activation setting judgment value (175,000 in this embodiment) and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, when the difference ball count value is less than the pre-activation setting judgment value, the main CPU 101 does not generate a pre-activation setting state test signal and does not output it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107, but when the difference ball count value becomes equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value (the output start condition is satisfied), the main CPU 101 starts generating a pre-activation setting state test signal and outputting it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107. Also, after the generation of the pre-activation setting state test signal and its output to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 are started, if the difference ball count value becomes less than the pre-activation setting judgment value again (the output end condition is satisfied) before the activation state or the activation notice state is set (before the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value (195,000)), the main CPU 101 ends the generation of the pre-activation setting state test signal and its output to the test-dedicated output terminal 107.
This pre-activation setting state test signal is input to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, enabling the test computer to determine that the difference ball count value in the pachinko machine P that output the pre-activation setting state test signal is equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value, and thus to determine that the activation state is about to be set.

(Outline of test signal generation and output control when activation state is set)
Here, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, an activation state is set on the condition that the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, and the game does not proceed, but if the activation state is set while the above-mentioned test signal is being generated and output, the generation and output of the test signal continues even after the activation state is set.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the test signals related to the progress of the game (normal chart fluctuation test signal, normal chart hit test signal, movable piece open test signal, first special chart fluctuation test signal, first special chart jackpot test signal, second special chart fluctuation test signal, second special chart jackpot test signal, round game test signal), and test signals related to the game state (normal chart high probability state test signal, normal chart fluctuation shortened state test signal, movable piece operation extension state test signal, special chart high probability state test signal, special chart fluctuation shortened state test signal) are generated and output during the setting of the activation state, when a power interruption occurs, the generation and output of these test signals are temporarily stopped, but are resumed after the power interruption is restored and the activation state is resumed again (i.e., after the power interruption is restored without the initialization process (normal initialization process) that ends the activation state is performed). The output of these test signals is continued until the activation state is terminated (i.e., until the above-mentioned initialization process is performed).
In other words, the test signals regarding the progress of the game and the test signals regarding the game status that are generated and output while the activation state is set will continue to be generated and output until the activation state (except when a power outage occurs) ends.

In contrast, if a pre-activation setting state test signal (a test signal related to the state based on the differential ball operation stop control) is generated and output while the activation state is being set, when a power outage occurs, the generation and output of the test signal stops, and remains stopped without being resumed even after the power outage is recovered and the activation state is resumed.
In other words, the pre-activation setting state test signal that was generated and output while the activation state was being set will continue to be generated and output until the activation state ends if no power interruption occurs during the activation state, but if a power interruption occurs during the activation state, generation and output will end at this point.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a power outage occurs while the pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output, and during the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state (when the difference ball count value is less than the second reference value), the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal is temporarily stopped, as in the activation state.
Then, after the above-mentioned temporary stop, if the power is restored while the above-mentioned specific error (an error that has a significant effect on the progress of the game) has occurred and the pre-activation warning state or activation warning state is entered again, the difference ball count value stored at the time of the power interruption is maintained, and this difference ball count value is equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value, so that the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal are resumed after the power is restored. On the other hand, if the power is restored without the specific error having occurred, the difference ball count value is reset, and this difference ball count value is less than the pre-activation setting judgment value, so that the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal are not resumed after the power is restored.
Also, although not specifically shown, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during the startup preparation period from when power is restored until a specified startup time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed, a preparation image (for example, a text image saying ``Screen is restoring, please continue playing'') is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 to indicate that the preparation period is underway until various performances such as the display of background images and variable performances can be executed, and if the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal is resumed after the above-mentioned temporary stop, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal will be performed during the above-mentioned startup preparation period.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if a power interruption occurs during the generation and output of a pre-activation setting state test signal and during the activation notice state, the generation and output of the test signal stops, just as in the activation state, and remains stopped without being resumed even after the power interruption is restored and the activation notice state is resumed. In other words, when a power interruption occurs during the activation notice state, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal that was generated and output during the activation notice state ends at this point. In addition, if a power interruption occurs during the activation notice state, when the power interruption is restored without the initialization process that would end the activation notice state being performed, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal may be resumed.

(Specific example)
Next, the generation of the test signal and the control of the output when the activation state is set will be described with a concrete example.
For example, a test signal during normal pattern fluctuation (a test signal related to the progress of the game) is generated and output while the normal pattern is being displayed. When an activation state is set while the normal pattern is being displayed, the display of the normal pattern fluctuation stops while the generation and output of the test signal during normal pattern fluctuation continues. Also, if a power outage occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the test signal during normal pattern fluctuation stops temporarily, but when the power outage is restored without the initialization process that would end the activation state being performed, the generation and output of the test signal during normal pattern fluctuation resumes. Then, when the activation state being set ends, the generation and output of the test signal during normal pattern fluctuation also ends.
Also, for example, the first special pattern variation test signal (test signal regarding the progress of the game) is generated and output during the variation display of the special pattern based on the first special pattern random number. When the activation state is set during the variation display of the special pattern, the variation display of the special pattern being executed stops, while the generation and output of the first special pattern variation test signal continues. Also, when a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the first special pattern variation test signal stops once, but when the power interruption is restored without performing the initialization process that ends the activation state, the generation and output of the first special pattern variation test signal resumes. And when the activation state being set ends, the generation and output of the first special pattern variation test signal also ends.
Also, for example, the second special jackpot test signal (test signal regarding the progress of the game) is generated and output during the execution of a special game based on the winning of a jackpot by the second special random number. When the activation state is set during the execution of the special game, the special game stops, and when the jackpot opening 18 is open, the jackpot opening 18 closes, while the generation and output of the second special jackpot test signal continues. Also, when a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the second special jackpot test signal stops once, but when the power interruption is restored without performing the initialization process that ends the activation state, the generation and output of the second special jackpot test signal is resumed. Then, when the activation state being set ends, the generation and output of the second special jackpot test signal also ends.

For example, the special chart high probability state test signal (test signal related to the game state) is generated and output during a high probability time-saving game state (during a high probability game state). When an activation state is set during the high probability time-saving game state, the game stops progressing, but the generation and output of the special chart high probability state test signal continues. Also, if a power outage occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the special chart high probability state test signal temporarily stops, but when the power outage is restored without the initialization process that would end the activation state being performed, the generation and output of the special chart high probability state test signal resumes. Then, when the activation state being set ends, the generation and output of the special chart high probability state test signal also ends.

In addition, the pre-activation setting state signal (a test signal related to the state based on the difference ball operation stop control) is generated and output while the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value. If the activation state is set during this time, the game stops progressing, but the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state signal continues. In addition, if a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state signal ends based on this, and even if the power interruption is restored, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state signal does not resume. In addition, if a power interruption does not occur during this activation state, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state signal continues during the activation state, and when the activation state ends, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state signal also ends.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, it is possible to generate and output test signals relating to the progress of the game, test signals relating to the game state, and pre-activation setting state test signals (test signals relating to the state based on the difference ball operation stop control) as test signals that are used during type testing and can be output to the outside of the pachinko machine P (to a test computer).
Here, if the game progress stops and the type test is interrupted by the activation state being set, the final test results cannot be obtained, and the data such as the payout rate accumulated over a long period of time may be wasted. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the pre-activation setting state test signal is generated and can be output, so that it is possible to know that the activation state is about to be set by the test signal, and therefore it is possible to take measures such as resetting the difference ball count value in advance to prevent the activation state from being set, and it is possible to appropriately prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned situation.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if an activation state is set while a test signal regarding the progress of the game, a test signal regarding the game status, or a pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output, the generation and output of these test signals continues even after the activation state is set.
This eliminates the need for processing to generate a test signal and stop output based on the setting of the activation state, thereby reducing the processing load on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101. In addition, even after the activation state is set, the test computer can grasp the game progress and game state before the activation state was set, improving the convenience of the test signal and enabling efficient type testing.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if test signals related to the progress of the game and test signals related to the game status are generated and output while the activation state is being set, when a power outage occurs, the generation and output of these test signals are resumed after the power outage is restored without performing the initialization process that would end the activation state.
As a result, even if a power outage occurs during the activation state, after power is restored the test computer will be able to grasp the progress of the game and the game status before the activation state was set, further increasing the convenience of the test signal and enabling type testing to be carried out more efficiently.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a pre-activation setting state test signal is generated and output while the activation state is being set, when a power outage occurs, even if the power is restored from the power outage without performing the initialization process that would end the activation state, the generation and output of the test signal will not resume.
After the activation state is set, the game is not played, and as described below, an activation suggestion is given on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 to suggest that the activation state is being set, so that it is possible to know that the activation state is being set from the outside of the pachinko machine P without generating and outputting a pre-activation setting state test signal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if a power interruption occurs while the activation state is being set, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal is not resumed even after the power interruption is restored, thereby making it possible to reduce the processing load on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101 when a power interruption occurs while the activation state is being set.
Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when an activation state is set, a security signal indicating that the activation state has been set is generated and output, and if a power outage occurs while the activation state is being set, the generation and output of the security signal is resumed after power recovery from the power outage without performing an initialization process that would end the activation state.
As a result, even if, for example, an activation suggestion is not executed due to a failure of the performance display device 21, and the progress of the game is not stopped due to a failure of the main CPU 101, and it is not possible to know from the outside of the pachinko machine P that the activation state is being set, it is possible to know that the activation state is being set by checking whether or not the above-mentioned security signal is generated (output).

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a power interruption occurs while a pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output, and while in the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state, when the power interruption is restored while a specific error (an error that has a significant impact on the progress of the game) has occurred and the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state is entered again, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal will be resumed, and this generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal will be performed during the startup preparation period from when the power interruption is restored until a specified startup time has elapsed.
As a result, even if a preparation image is being displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 during the startup preparation period, it is possible to know that the activation state is about to be set by checking whether or not a pre-activation setting state test signal has been output.

(Modifications regarding generation and output of test signals)
The test signals relating to the game progress status and the game status that the main CPU 101 can generate and output are not limited to those described above, and test signals other than the above test signals may be generated and output according to the game specifications, etc., or some of the above test signals may be generated and output. Even in such a case, the test signals may be controlled in the same manner as in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment (such as control after the activation state is set).
For example, in a pachinko machine P that is set to execute a special game with a different number of rounds depending on the type of special symbol determined when a jackpot is won, a different special symbol jackpot test signal may be provided for each special game as a test signal regarding the progress of the game. Specifically, for example, in the case where a jackpot is won by the first special symbol random number, if a special game in which a round game of three rounds is executed when the special symbol A is determined, and a special game in which a round game of eight rounds is executed when the special symbol B is determined, a first special symbol jackpot signal A that can be generated and output during a special game based on the determination of the special symbol A, and a first special symbol jackpot signal B that can be generated and output during a special game based on the determination of the special symbol B may be provided.
Also, for example, in a pachinko machine P that is set up so that not only a big win but also a small win can be won by a big win lottery, a small win test signal may be provided as a test signal regarding the progress of the game, which can be generated and output between the time a small win is won and the time the small win game based on that win ends.
Also, for example, in a pachinko machine P that is set up so that a special game begins when the game ball passes through a specified passing area after a jackpot is won, a game ball passing waiting test signal may be provided as a test signal regarding the progress of the game, which can be generated and output during the period from when the jackpot is won until the game ball passes through the passing area.
Also, for example, in a pachinko machine P having a high-probability non-time-shortened game state that combines a high-probability game state and a non-time-shortened game state, and set so that the special pattern variation time is shorter during this high-probability non-time-shortened game state than in the normal game state, a special pattern variation shortening test signal may be generated and output as a test signal regarding the game state during this high-probability non-time-shortened game state.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in order to make the performance of the normal game higher in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state, the probability of winning by lottery of the normal symbol, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b are made different among the three elements, but this is not limited to this, and at least one of these elements may be made different, or all of the elements may be made different. Then, a test signal regarding the game state may be generated and output according to the different elements.
For example, although the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern is higher in the time-saving play state than in the non-time-saving play state, if the normal pattern fluctuation time and the operation time of the movable piece 16b are both set to be the same in the play state, during the time-saving play state, it is possible to output only a normal pattern high probability state test signal as a test signal related to the play state, and not output a normal pattern fluctuation shortened state test signal or a movable piece operation extended state test signal.
Even in the above case, the same effects as those of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment can be achieved.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value (170,000), a pre-activation setting state test signal, which is a signal regarding the state based on the difference ball operation stop control, can be generated and output, and the pre-activation setting judgment value is set to a value smaller than the first reference value (190,000) at which the activation warning state is set, and the second reference value (195,000) at which the activation state is set, but is not limited to this as long as it is a value smaller than the second reference value.
For example, the pre-activation setting judgment value may be the same as the first reference value, or may be a value greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value.
Even in the above case, the same effects as those of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment can be achieved.

Furthermore, the test signal regarding the state based on the difference ball operation stop control that can be generated and output by the main CPU 101 is not limited to the pre-activation setting state test signal.
For example, in addition to this pre-activation setting state test signal, when the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value (e.g., 190,000, which is the same as the first reference value) that is greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value and less than the second reference value, a pre-activation setting state test signal indicating this may be generated and output. Also, when the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than the activation setting proximity judgment value (e.g., 160,000, etc.) that is smaller than the pre-activation setting judgment value, a pre-activation setting proximity test signal indicating this may be generated and output. These test signals may be controlled in the same manner as the pre-activation setting state test signal of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P of this embodiment can be achieved, and it becomes possible to grasp in more detail in the test computer how long it will take until the activation state is set.

Furthermore, as a test signal that can be generated and output by the main CPU 101, a game progress impossible test signal that can be generated and output during a game stop state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, and an activation state and indicates that a game is not progressing may be provided. Furthermore, if a power interruption occurs during the generation and output of the game progress impossible test signal, if the state before the power interruption remains even after recovery from the power interruption, the generation and output of the game progress impossible test signal may not be resumed.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P of this embodiment is achieved, and by simply checking whether or not the above-mentioned test signal has been output, it becomes possible to know in the test computer that the game is not progressing.
In addition, by generating and enabling the same game progress disable test signal to be output in any of the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, and the activation state, it is possible to grasp that the game is in a state in which the game is not progressing, but it is not possible to grasp the type of the state that is set. Also, by generating and enabling the different game progress disable test signals to be output for each set state, it is possible to grasp both that the game is in a state in which the game is not progressing and the type of the set state.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if an activation state is set while a test signal related to the progress of the game and a test signal related to the game status are being generated and output, the generation and output of the test signal continues even after the activation state is set, and if a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the above-mentioned test signal is resumed when the power interruption is restored without the initialization process being performed that would end the activation state, but this control may be performed only for some of the test signals rather than for all test signals.
For example, among the test signals relating to the progress of the game and the test signals relating to the game status, the above-mentioned control is performed for test signals relating to special game play and special games (test signal during first special game change, test signal during first special game jackpot, test signal during second special game change, test signal during second special game jackpot, test signal during round game, test signal for special game high probability state, test signal for special game change shortened state), but the above-mentioned control may not be performed for test signals relating to normal game play (test signal during normal game change, test signal during normal game win, test signal during movable piece open, test signal for normal game high probability state, test signal for normal game change shortened state, test signal for movable piece operation extended state).
In addition, although the above-mentioned test signals for special game and special feature game, and the test signals for normal game are all continuously generated and output even after the activation state is set, if a power outage occurs during the activation state, the generation and output of the test signals for special game and special game may be resumed after the power is restored from the power outage, but the generation and output of the test signals for normal game may not be resumed after the power is restored from the power outage.
In the above-described case, various controls regarding the output of the test signal can be executed according to the game specifications of the pachinko machine P, thereby making it possible to further increase the convenience of the test signal.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if the activation state is set while a pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output, the generation and output of the test signal continues even after the activation state is set, and if a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the above-mentioned test signal is not resumed after recovery from the power interruption, but the control over the pre-activation setting state test signal is not limited to this.
For example, if the activation state is set while a pre-activation state test signal is being generated and output, the generation and output of the test signal may be terminated after the activation state is set. Also, if the generation and output of the test signal are set to continue even after the activation state is set, and a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the test signal may be resumed when the power interruption is restored without performing the initialization process that would end the activation state.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output, and a power interruption occurs during the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state and a specific error occurs, when the power interruption is restored, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal is resumed, but this control may be performed as follows.
For example, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal may be resumed whenever the power is restored after the power interruption. Also, when the power is restored after the power interruption, if the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined restart determination value (e.g., 180,000), the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal may be resumed, but if the difference ball count value is less than the restart determination value, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal may not be resumed. Also, if the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal is not resumed when the difference ball count value is less than the restart determination value, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal may be resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power is restored (e.g., after the above-mentioned startup preparation period has elapsed).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game stop state is set, a security signal indicating that is generated and output, and when an activation state is set, a security signal indicating that is generated and output. In other words, when a game stop state is set and when an activation state is set, different security signals are generated and output, respectively, and it is possible to know whether a game stop state or an activation state is set according to the generated and output security signal, but the generation and output of the security signal is not limited to the above.
For example, the same security signal may be generated and output whether a game stop state is set or an activation state is set, so that while it is possible to know that a state in which game play will not progress has been set, it is not possible to know whether a game stop state or an activation state has been set.
In addition, with regard to security signals based on the activation state setting, if a power outage occurs during the activation state and the power is restored without performing the initialization process that would end the activation state, generation and output are resumed, but it is also possible to configure the generation and output not to be resumed.

(Outline of processing in pachinko machine P)
Next, an overview of the processing executed by the main control board 100 as the special game, normal game, and special game progress as described above will be explained using a flowchart.
First, the power cut-off and evacuation process of the main control board 100 will be described.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the voltage of the power supply falls below a predetermined value, the main processing of the main control board 100 described later is interrupted and the power cut-off evacuation processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 19 is executed.

In step 100, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected. If it is judged that a power interruption occurrence signal has not been detected, the power interruption evacuation process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step 101.
In step 101, the main CPU 101 executes a process of calculating checksums of the used area and unused area in the main RAM 103, and stores the calculated checksums in a second area.

In step 102, the main CPU 101 executes a backup process to hold various data (setting values, game machine status flags indicating control status, test signal information, checksums, backup flags, error information, various data relating to game progress, and game performance data) stored in the storage area of the main RAM 103, and stores a backup flag indicating the result of this backup process in the second area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 103.
In step 103, the main CPU 101 prohibits access to the main RAM 103. As a result, it becomes impossible to store various data in the main RAM 103 or to read (load) various data from the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 104.

In step 104, the main CPU 101 stops transmitting various signals to the launch/payout control board 200 (such as a main command permission signal indicating that two-way communication with the main control board 100 has been established and commands can be sent to the main control board 100, and a launch permission signal that permits the launch of game balls). Furthermore, if one or more test signals have been generated and output, the main CPU 101 stops generating and outputting all test signals. Furthermore, if a security signal based on an activation state has been generated and output, the main CPU 101 stops generating and outputting the security signal. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 105.
In step 105, the main CPU 101 sets the power interruption monitoring time (3000 ms) in the power interruption monitoring time timer counter. Then, the process proceeds to step 106.

In step 106, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected. If it is judged that a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected, the process returns to step 105. On the other hand, if it is judged that a power interruption occurrence signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to the next step 107.
In step 107, the main CPU 101 judges whether the power interruption monitoring time set in step 105 has elapsed. If it is judged that the power interruption monitoring time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 106. On the other hand, if it is judged that the power interruption monitoring time has elapsed, the process ends and executes the power interruption recovery process described below. Note that a subtraction timer is used for the power interruption monitoring time timer counter, and the timer counter is subtracted by one each time the above-mentioned power interruption occurrence signal detection judgment is executed, and when it reaches 0, it is judged that the power interruption monitoring time has elapsed. If a power interruption occurs, the operation of the pachinko machine P is stopped while the above-mentioned steps 105 to 107 are looped.

Next, the main processing of the main control board 100 will be described.
When power is supplied from the power supply board 600 (when power is restored after a power outage), a system reset occurs in the main CPU 101, and the main CPU 101 executes the main processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In step 110, the main CPU 101 executes a power interruption recovery process. Then, the process proceeds to step 111.
In step 111, the main CPU 101 updates the initial value update random number for special symbol random numbers, which is referenced when updating the special symbol random numbers. This initial value update random number for special symbol random numbers is used to determine the initial value of the special symbol random numbers. In other words, the special symbol random numbers are updated with the initial value update random number for special symbol random numbers at the time when the update is started as the initial value. Then, once this random number range has been completed, the update of the special symbol random numbers is continued with the initial value update random number for special symbol random numbers at that time as the initial value. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 112.
In step 112, the main CPU 101 updates the fluctuation pattern random number for determining the fluctuation pattern. Then, when the process of step 112 is completed, the processes of steps 111 and 112 are repeatedly executed thereafter until a timer interrupt process, which will be described later, is performed.

Next, the power interruption recovery process of step 110 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 130, the main CPU 101 reads a startup program from the main ROM 102 and executes the initial setting process required to execute various processes when the power is restored (when the power switch 650 is turned on, when the power is restored from an unexpected power outage). In addition, the main CPU 101 starts transmitting various signals (launch permission signal, main command permission signal, etc.) to the launching/discharging control board 200. This enables the launching/discharging control board 200 to execute control of launching game balls based on the rotation operation of the operating handle 5, and enables the launching/discharging control board 200 to transmit commands to the main control board 100. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the main CPU 101 allows access to the main RAM 103. This enables various data to be stored in the main RAM 103 and various data to be read (loaded) from the main RAM 103 thereafter. In addition, the main CPU 101 analyzes various commands used to execute the special game and the normal game. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 131.
In step 131, the main CPU 101 calculates the checksum of the main RAM 103 at this time point, and determines whether or not a backup abnormality has occurred based on the calculated checksum, the checksum stored in the second area of the main RAM 103 (the checksum calculated in step 101 just before the power interruption occurred), and the backup flag stored in the second area. If it is determined that a backup abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to step 136. On the other hand, if it is determined that no backup abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to the next step 132.

In step 132, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 109 is on. If it is determined that the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the process proceeds to step 136. On the other hand, if it is determined that the RAM clear switch 109 is not on (i.e., is off), the process proceeds to the next step 133.
In step 133, the main CPU 101 determines whether the current control state (the control state before the power interruption occurred) is a playable state and whether the conditions for terminating the playable state and setting the setting confirmation state are met (i.e., whether the current control state (the control state before the power interruption occurred) is a playable state, the setting switch 108 is on, and the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on). If it determines that the conditions are not met, it proceeds to step 135. On the other hand, if it determines that the conditions are met, it proceeds to the next step 134.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, a gaming machine status flag indicating the control status during the stay is stored in the first area in the use area of the main RAM 103, and the control status during the stay can be determined by referring to this gaming machine status flag.

In step 134, the main CPU 101 sets the setting confirmation state and stores a gaming machine state flag indicating that in the first area.
In step 135, the main CPU 101 executes a clear process if the setting confirmation state is set in the above-mentioned step 134. In addition, if a RAM abnormality occurs, the main CPU 101 executes the setting of a game stop state based on the RAM abnormality described below, and the stop-related process based on the setting of the game stop state, and further executes an abnormality initialization process, but if no RAM abnormality occurs, the control state before the power interruption occurs is set. Then, the process proceeds to step 144.

Furthermore, if it is determined in the above step 131 that a backup abnormality has occurred, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a RAM abnormality has occurred in step 136, which is reached when it is determined in the above step 132 that the RAM clear switch 109 is on. If it is determined that a RAM abnormality has not occurred, the process proceeds to step 138. On the other hand, if it is determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to the next step 137.
In step 137, the main CPU 101 sets a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality, and stores in the first area a game machine state flag indicating that the game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality has been set. The main CPU 101 also executes a stop-related process based on the setting of the game stop state. Specifically, the stop-related process includes a process of stopping the transmission of a launch permission signal to the launch payout control board 200, a process of stopping the variable display of special symbols, the variable display of normal symbols, and the special game if they were being executed before the setting of the game stop state, a process of stopping the determination of a main control-related error, a process of stopping (limiting) the control of transmitting a winning signal and a big win signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P, a process of displaying an error code on the main information display device 105, a process of generating a security signal based on the setting of the game stop state and outputting it to the outside of the pachinko machine P, and a process of stopping (terminating) the generation and output of a test signal that was being generated and output. As a result, even if the operating handle 5 is rotated, the control of the launching and dispensing control board 200 to launch the game balls cannot be executed, and the progress of the game is stopped. Furthermore, among the errors judged to have occurred by the main control board 100, the judgment of errors other than the door open error is not performed, and the control of outputting external signals such as the winning signal and the big win signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is restricted. On the other hand, the control of the launching and dispensing control board 200 to pay out the game balls and the control of sending external signals such as the payout ball signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P continues, but the judgment of the ball out error, the full tank error, the payout counting switch error, the ball jam error, the excess prize ball error, and the payout radio wave error is no longer performed. Then, proceed to step 143.

In step 138, which is reached if it is determined in step 136 that no RAM abnormality has occurred, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the setting change conditions (i.e., setting switch 108 is on, RAM clear switch 109 is on, and main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on) are met. If it is determined that the setting change conditions are not met, the process proceeds to step 140. On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting change conditions are met, the process proceeds to the next step 139.
In step 139, the main CPU 101 sets the setting change state and stores a gaming machine state flag indicating that in the first area.

In step 140, which is reached if it is determined in step 138 that the setting change condition is not satisfied, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a backup abnormality has occurred. If it is determined that a backup abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to step 142. On the other hand, if it is determined that a backup abnormality has not occurred, the process proceeds to the next step 141.
In step 141, the main CPU 101 sets the gameable state and stores a gaming machine state flag indicating that state in the first area.

In step 142, which is reached when it is determined in step 140 that a backup abnormality has occurred, the main CPU 101 sets a game stop state based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality and stores a game machine state flag indicating this in the first area. The main CPU 101 also executes a stop-related process based on the setting of the game stop state. This stop-related process is similar to the process executed when a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality has been set (the process executed in step 137 above), and therefore will not be described here. Then, the process proceeds to step 143.
In step 143, the main CPU 101 executes an abnormality initialization process if a game stop state based on a RAM abnormality or a backup abnormality is set, or if a backup abnormality occurs but the setting change condition is met and the setting change state is set. Also, if no backup abnormality occurs and the setting change condition is met and the setting change state is set, or if the RAM clear switch 109 is on and the playable state is set, the main CPU 101 executes a normal initialization process. Then, the process proceeds to step 144.

In step 144, the main CPU 101 transmits various commands corresponding to the processing executed when the power is restored to the sub-control board 300. These various commands include a RAM clear command indicating that a RAM clear (initialization processing in the event of an abnormality, normal initialization processing) has been executed, a power restoration command indicating that the power has been restored without a RAM clear, a state setting command indicating the control state when the power is restored (such as a game stop command indicating that a game stop state has been set), a first reserved number designation command indicating the first reserved number, a second reserved number designation command indicating the second reserved number, a game state designation command indicating the game state when the power is restored, and a launch position designation command indicating the direction of the game ball (either right or left). Then, by receiving the above-mentioned RAM clear command or power restoration command, the sub-control board 300 can grasp that the main control board 100 has been restored from the power interruption, and when the power is restored, the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 can display a background image or the above-mentioned preparation image. Then, proceed to the next step 145.
In step 145, the main CPU 101 transmits various commands (such as the above-mentioned power recovery command, RAM clear command, status setting command, etc.) corresponding to the processing executed when the power was restored to the launch/dispatch control board 200. This allows the launch/dispatch control board 200 to know that the main control board 100 has been restored to power. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 146.

In step 146, the main CPU 101 executes the ball difference control reset process, which is performed based on the power interruption recovery. Then, the power interruption recovery process ends.

Next, the ball difference control reset process of step 146 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 150, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state is stored in the difference ball operation stop phase data. If it is judged that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state is not stored (i.e., a state value corresponding to the activation pre-warning state or the activation warning state is stored), the process proceeds to step 156. On the other hand, if it is judged that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state is stored, the process proceeds to the next step 151.
In step 151, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the initialization process (normal initialization process) associated with the setting of the setting change state has been executed in the above-mentioned power interruption recovery process. If it is determined that the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state has not been executed, the process proceeds to step 155. On the other hand, if it is determined that the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state has been executed, the process proceeds to the next step 152.

In step 152, the main CPU 101 clears the difference ball operation stop control phase data and stores a state value corresponding to the activation warning pre-state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This ends the activation state or activation notice state being set, and the activation warning pre-state is set. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 153.
In step 153, the main CPU 101 resets the ball difference count value. Then, the process proceeds to step 154.

In step 154, the main CPU 101 clears all test signal information if one or more test signal information has been stored in a specific area of the main RAM 103 (i.e., one or more test signals have been generated and output before the power outage), and clears the activated security information if the activated security information has been stored in a specific area of the main RAM 103 (i.e., the activated state was set before the power outage). As a result, if one or more test signals had been generated and output before the power outage, the generation and output of all test signals is terminated, and if the activated state was set before the power outage, the generation and output of the security signal based on the setting of the activated state is terminated. Then, the difference ball control reset process is terminated.
In addition, in step 155, which is performed when it is determined in the above-mentioned step 151 that the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state has not been performed, the main CPU 101 clears the test signal information if test signal information for the pre-activation setting state test signal is stored in a specific area of the main RAM 103 (i.e., if the pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output). As a result, if the pre-activation setting state test signal was generated and output before the power interruption occurred, the generation and output are terminated. On the other hand, if test signal information for the test signal related to the progress of the game, test signal information for the test signal related to the game state, and activation security information are stored in the specific area, the main CPU 101 does not clear these test signal information and activation security information. As a result, if the test signal related to the progress of the game and the test signal related to the game state were generated and output before the power interruption occurred, the generation and output are resumed. Also, if the security signal based on the setting of the activation state was generated and output before the power interruption occurred, the generation and output are resumed. Then, the difference ball control reset process is terminated.

In step 156, which is reached when it is determined in step 150 that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state has not been stored, the main CPU 101 clears the difference ball operation stop control phase data and stores a state value corresponding to the activation warning pre-state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. As a result, if the activation warning pre-state was in the activation warning state before the power failure, the activation warning pre-state is ended and the activation warning pre-state is set again. In addition, if the activation warning state was in the activation warning state before the power failure, the activation warning pre-state is ended and the activation warning pre-state is set. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 157.
In step 157, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a specific error has occurred. If it is judged that a specific error has occurred, the difference ball control reset process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a specific error has not occurred, the process proceeds to the next step 158.

In step 158, the main CPU 101 resets the ball difference count value stored in the main RAM 103. Then, the ball difference control reset process is terminated.
In addition, when a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state is not stored (i.e., when the activation warning pre-state or the activation warning state is set), regardless of whether a specific error is occurring or not, even if test signal information on the test signal related to the game progress, the test signal information on the test signal related to the game state, and the test signal information on the activation pre-setting state signal are stored, these test signal information are not cleared. As a result, if the test signal related to the game progress, the test signal related to the game state, and the activation pre-setting state signal were generated and output before the power outage, the generation and output are resumed.

Next, the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 will be described.
A reset clock pulse generating circuit provided on the main control board 100 generates a clock pulse at a predetermined period (4 milliseconds in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment), thereby executing the timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 23.

In step 200, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current control state is a playable state and whether the state related to the differential ball operation stop control is other than the activation state (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state). If it is judged that the state is not a playable state (i.e., a game stop state, a setting change state, or a setting confirmation state), or that the state is a playable state but not other than the activation state (i.e., an activation state), the process proceeds to step 218. On the other hand, if it is judged that the state is a playable state and other than the activation state, the process proceeds to the next step 201.
In step 201, the main CPU 101 executes a timer update process to update various timer counters. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 202. The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment employs a countdown timer, and the timer counter is counted down by 1 each time the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 is executed, and the countdown stops when the timer counter reaches 0.

In step 202, the main CPU 101 updates the special symbol random number. Specifically, the random number counter is updated by adding "1", and if the result of the addition exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, the random number counter is returned to "0", and if the random number counter has completed one cycle, the random number is updated from the value of the special symbol random number initial value update random number at that time. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 203.
In step 203, the main CPU 101 judges whether there is an input to the gate detection sensor 20a, the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, the large winning hole detection sensor 18a, the specific area detection sensor 57a, the general winning hole detection sensor 14a, and the out sensor 19a, and executes a sensor detection process to perform a predetermined process based on the input. Note that this sensor detection process is not executed during the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, and the activation state. As a result, during these states, even if the game ball enters the general winning hole 14, the first start winning hole 15, the second start winning hole 16, or the large winning hole 18, or even if the game ball passes through the gate 20, no new prize balls, new reserved memory of special random numbers, or new reserved memory of general random numbers are generated. Then, proceed to the next step 204.

In step 204, the main CPU 101 executes a special symbol-related control process for controlling the special symbol game and the special game. This special symbol-related control process is not executed during the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, and the activation state. As a result, during these states, the lottery for the big win, the variable display of the special symbol, and the special game are not executed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 205.
In step 205, the main CPU 101 executes a normal symbol-related control process for controlling the normal symbol game. This normal symbol-related control process is not executed during the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, or the activation state. As a result, the lottery for the normal symbol is not executed during these states. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 206.

In step 206, the main CPU 101 executes a launch position control process for controlling the game areas (the first game area 12a, the second game area 12b) into which the game balls are shot out depending on the game state (normal game state, low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2, high probability time-saving game state). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 207.
In step 207, the main CPU 101 executes a state control process for carrying out various processes related to the error.
Specifically, when the main CPU 101 is in a playable state and is not in an activation state (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state), it determines whether a door opening error or a main control related error has occurred, and also determines whether a determination has been made that a payout related error other than a door opening error has occurred in the launch payout control board 200. If it determines that a door opening error or a main control related error has occurred, or if it determines that a payout related error other than a door opening error has occurred in the launch payout control board 200 (i.e., if it has grasped the occurrence of a payout related error other than a door opening error), the main CPU 101 transmits an error indication command indicating the error that has occurred to the sub-control board 300 or the external information terminal board 500. As a result, an error indication image corresponding to the error that has occurred is displayed on the performance display device 21, various lamps (board performance lamp GL, front door performance lamp DL, status notification lamp EL) are lit in a manner corresponding to the error that has occurred, and an error indication sound corresponding to the error that has occurred is output from the audio output device 10, thereby indicating the error that has occurred and notifying the hall computer, etc. that the above-mentioned error has occurred.
Also, when the game is stopped, the setting is changed, or the setting is confirmed, or when the game is playable and activated, the main CPU 101 judges only whether or not a door opening error has occurred. If it is judged that a door opening error has occurred, the main CPU 101 transmits an error indication command indicating the door opening error to the sub-control board 300 or the external information terminal board 500, as described above. As a result, an error indication image corresponding to the door opening error is displayed on the performance display device 21, various lamps (board performance lamp GL, front door performance lamp DL, status notification lamp EL) are turned on in a manner corresponding to the door opening error, and an error indication sound corresponding to the door opening error is output from the sound output device 10, thereby suggesting the occurrence of a door opening error and informing the hall computer or the like that a door opening error has occurred.
Furthermore, when the main CPU 101 determines that the error that occurred has been resolved, or when it determines that the error that occurred has been resolved, it transmits an error resolution command to the sub-control board 300 and the external information terminal board 500. This makes it possible to terminate the error indication that was being executed, and the hall computer, etc. is notified that the error that occurred has been resolved.
Then, proceed to the next step 208.

In step 208, the main CPU 101 executes a payout control process for carrying out various processes required for paying out game balls on the launch payout control board 200.
Specifically, when detection signals from the general winning hole detection sensor 14a, the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, and the large winning hole detection sensor 18a are input to the main CPU 101, the main CPU 101 updates the prize ball counters provided corresponding to the respective detection signals, and transmits prize ball designation commands corresponding to the respective detection signals to the launch payout control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. Furthermore, the main CPU 101 increments the difference ball count value by the number of prize balls corresponding to the above-mentioned detection signals (the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the entry of game balls into each winning hole).
As described above, even if the game stop state, setting change state, setting confirmation state, or activation state is set after a prize ball designation command is sent to the launching and payout control board 200, the control of the payout of prize balls by the launching and payout control board 200 based on the prize ball designation command continues.
In addition, as described above, during the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, and the activation state, the game does not progress, so the general winning hole detection sensor 14a, the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, and the large winning hole detection sensor 18a do not detect game balls. Therefore, during the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, and the activation state, a new payout control process is not started.
Then, proceed to the next step 209.

In step 209, the main CPU 101 executes an external information control process for controlling the output of various external signals to the external information terminal board 500. When the game is playable and in a state other than the activation state, the execution of this external information control process controls the transmission of external signals such as the above-mentioned winning signal and big win signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P. However, during the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, and the activation state, the game does not progress, so the control of outputting external signals such as the winning signal and big win signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is restricted. Also, when the game stop state is set, a control is performed to generate a security signal based on the setting of the game stop state and output it to the outside of the pachinko machine P. Also, when the activation state is set, a control is performed to generate a security signal based on the setting of the activation state and output it to the outside of the pachinko machine P, and a control is performed to store the activation security information in a specific area of the main RAM 103.
For example, if the game stops, the setting changes, the setting checks, or the activation state is entered while the winning signal, which is an external signal, is being output, the winning signal will continue to be output. Also, even if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16 after the game stops, the setting changes, the setting checks, or the activation state is entered, the main CPU 101 does not detect the ball, so the output of a new winning signal will not be started.
In addition, if the game is stopped, the setting is changed, or the setting is confirmed while the jackpot signal, which is an external signal, is being output, the jackpot signal will continue to be output. After the game is stopped, the setting is changed, the setting is confirmed, or the activation state is reached, the main CPU 101 does not start a special game, so the output of the jackpot signal will not be started again.
Then, proceed to the next step 210.

In step 210, the main CPU 101 executes a solenoid control process to set, in a predetermined solenoid memory area, movable piece solenoid data for controlling the projection and recession of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16, and special winning opening solenoid data for controlling the opening and closing of the opening and closing door 18b of the special winning opening 18. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 211.
In step 211, the main CPU 101 executes a display data creation process to create display data for various display devices (first special symbol display device 30, second special symbol display device 31, normal symbol display device 32, first special symbol reserved display device 38, second special symbol reserved display device 39, and normal symbol reserved display device 33). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 212.

In step 212, the main CPU 101 executes a port output process to output the movable piece solenoid data and the special prize opening solenoid data set in the above-mentioned step 210, as well as the display data created in the above-mentioned step 211, to the corresponding ports. As a result, based on this data, the movable piece 16b of the second start prize opening 16 is pushed in and out, the opening and closing door 18b of the special prize opening 18 is opened and closed, and various displays are displayed. The main CPU 101 also executes a process to transmit commands stored in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 213.
In step 213, the main CPU 101 executes a performance display control process for displaying game performance display information on the main information display device 105. Then, the process proceeds to step 214.

In step 214, the main CPU 101 executes a ball difference related command set process.
In step 215, the main CPU 101 executes a ball difference determination control process.

In step 216, the main CPU 101 executes a test signal control process relating to the generation of a test signal and control of the start and end of its output.
Specifically, when a condition (output start condition) for starting the generation and output of each test signal is met, the main CPU 101 starts the generation and output of the test signal, and stores test signal information corresponding to the test signal in a specific area of the main RAM 103. Furthermore, when a condition (output end condition) for ending the generation and output of each test signal is met while the test signal is being generated and output, the main CPU 101 ends the generation and output of the test signal, and clears the test signal information corresponding to the test signal stored in the specific area of the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 217.

In step 217 , the main CPU 101 executes a handle operation command control process based on the handle operation command transmitted from the launch payout control means 200 .
Specifically, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a handle operation command has been received from the launch/payout control board 200, and if it determines that a handle operation command has been received, it stores a rotation operation command indicating that the operating handle 5 is being rotated in a performance transmission data storage area. This makes it possible to transmit to the sub-control board 300 that the operating handle 5 is being rotated. On the other hand, if it determines that a handle operation command has not been received, the main CPU 101 does not perform any particular processing.
As described above, when the control state of the pachinko machine P is in a game stop state, or when the control state of the pachinko machine P is in a game playable state regardless of the state related to the difference ball operation stop control, if the operating handle 5 is being rotated, a handle operation command is transmitted from the shot/payout control board 200 to the main control board 100. Therefore, even if the game is stopped or activated, if the operating handle 5 is being rotated, a rotation operation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 300, and the sub-control board 300 can grasp that the operating handle 5 is being rotated.
Then, the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100 is terminated.

In step 218, which is reached when it is determined in step 200 that the game is not in a playable state, or that the game is in a playable state but not in a state other than an activated state, the main CPU 101 determines whether the current control state is a setting change state or a setting confirmation state. If it is determined that the current control state is neither a setting change state nor a setting confirmation state (i.e., a game stop state, or a game is in a playable state and is in an activated state), the process proceeds to step 207. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current control state is a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, the process proceeds to the next step 219.
In step 218, the main CPU 101 executes setting-related processing. Then, the process proceeds to step 207.

Next, the sensor detection process in step 203 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 300, the main CPU 101 executes a gate detection process for performing a lottery for a normal symbol based on the fact that the gaming ball has passed through the gate 20. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 301.
In step 301, the main CPU 101 executes a first start winning hole detection process for performing a win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 302.

In step 302, the main CPU 101 executes a second start winning hole detection process for performing a winning/losing lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 303.
In step 303, the main CPU 101 executes a special winning hole detection process for carrying out a predetermined process based on the fact that the gaming ball has entered the special winning hole 18. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 304.

In step 304, the main CPU 101 executes a general winning hole detection process for carrying out a predetermined process based on the game ball entering the general winning hole 14. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 305.
In step 305, the main CPU 101 executes an out detection process for carrying out a predetermined process based on the detection of the gaming ball by the out sensor 19a.

In step 303, the main CPU 101 executes a specific area detection process to perform a predetermined process based on the game ball entering the specific area 57. Then, the sensor detection process ends.

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

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

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

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

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

In step 506, the main CPU 101 increments by 1 the value of the first start winning port ball entry counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the first start winning port 15. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 507.
In step 507, the main CPU 101 generates a start winning command indicating that the first special symbol random number has been stored, and stores the command in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step 508.

In step 508, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state or a time-saving gaming state JT1. If it is judged that the current gaming state is neither a non-time-saving gaming state nor a time-saving gaming state JT1 (i.e., the current gaming state is a time-saving gaming state JT2), the first start winning hole detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state or a time-saving gaming state JT1, the process proceeds to the next step 509.
In step 509, the main CPU 101 executes a pre-judgment process for making various judgments regarding the winning/losing lottery for the stored first special random number before the special pattern based on the first special random number starts to change (at the time when the first special random number is acquired (stored as reserved)). Then, the process at the time of detection of the first start winning port is terminated.

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

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

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

In step 606, the main CPU 101 increments by 1 the value of the second start winning port ball entry counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the second start winning port 16. Then, the process proceeds to step 607.
In step 607, the main CPU 101 generates a start winning command indicating that the second special symbol random number has been stored, and stores the command in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step 608.

In step 608, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current gaming state is the time-saving gaming state JT2 or not. If it is judged that the current gaming state is not the time-saving gaming state JT2 (i.e., the current gaming state is the non-time-saving gaming state or the time-saving gaming state JT1), the second start winning port detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current gaming state is the time-saving gaming state JT2, the process proceeds to the next step 609.
In step 609, the main CPU 101 executes a pre-judgment process for making various judgments regarding the winning/losing lottery for the stored second special random number before the special pattern based on the second special random number starts to change (at the time when the second special random number is acquired (stored as reserved)). Then, the process at the time of detection of the second start winning port is terminated.

Next, the above-mentioned pre-determination process of step 509 and step 609 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 28. In the above-mentioned pre-determination process of step 509, the following process is executed based on the win/loss random number, special symbol random number, and variable pattern random number stored in the storage unit of the first reserved storage area, and the first reserved number, and in the above-mentioned pre-determination process of step 609, the following process is executed based on the win/loss random number, special symbol random number, and variable pattern random number stored in the storage unit of the second reserved storage area, and the second reserved number.
In step 650, the main CPU 101 checks the type of start winning hole into which the game ball entered (first start winning hole 15, second start winning hole 16), the number of reserved balls (first reserved number, second reserved number), and the game state (normal game state, low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2, high probability time-saving game state). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 651.

In step 651, the main CPU 101 acquires one of the win/loss random number judgment tables 110 (low probability judgment table 110a, high probability judgment table 110b) corresponding to the game state confirmed in the above-mentioned step 650, and executes a win/loss judgment process to judge the result of the win/loss lottery based on the acquired table and the stored win/loss random number. After that, data related to the result of the judgment (win of the jackpot, win or loss of the time-saving grant) is stored in a specified processing area of the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 652.
In step 652, the main CPU 101 executes a special symbol determination process to determine the type of special symbol. Specifically, if the start winning hole into which the game ball entered is the first start winning hole 15 (first special symbol random number), the first start winning hole determination table 111a is acquired, and based on the table, the result of the winning/losing lottery determined in the above-mentioned step 651, and the stored special symbol random number, the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol X1, X2, X3), the type of time-saving symbol (time-saving symbol J1, J2), or the type of loss symbol (loss symbol Z1) is determined. Also, if the starting winning hole into which the game ball entered is the second starting winning hole 16 (second special symbol random number), the second starting winning hole determination table 111b is acquired, and based on the table, the result of the winning/losing lottery determined in the above-mentioned step 651, and the stored special symbol random number, the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol X4, X5, X6), the type of time-saving symbol (time-saving symbol J1, J2), or the type of loss symbol (loss symbol Z2) is determined. The main CPU 101 stores data related to the result of the determination (type of special symbol) in a specified processing area of the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 653.

In step 653, the main CPU 101 acquires the variation pattern table 114 corresponding to the gaming state confirmed in the above-mentioned step 650. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 654.
In step 654, the main CPU 101 executes a variation pattern command determination process to determine a variation pattern command based on the type of special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 652, the reserved number, the variation pattern table 114 acquired in the above-mentioned step 653, and the stored variation pattern random number. Then, proceed to the next step 655.

In step 655, the main CPU 101 stores in the performance transmission data storage area the result of the winning/losing lottery determined in the above-mentioned step 651, the type of special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 652, and the pre-determination command including the variation pattern command determined in the above-mentioned step 654. Then, the pre-determination process is terminated.
Through the above processing, for the first special pattern random number or the second special pattern random number stored as pending, the result of the win/lose lottery determined when the special pattern begins to change, the type of special pattern, and the change pattern command are transmitted to the sub-control board 300 in advance (i.e., before the change begins) at the time the random number is obtained by the advance determination command.

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

Next, the process of detecting the big prize opening in step 303 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 660, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the large prize opening detection sensor 18a. If it is judged that a detection signal has not been input from the large prize opening detection sensor 18a, the large prize opening detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a detection signal has been input from the large prize opening detection sensor 18a, the process proceeds to the next step 661.
In step 661, the main CPU 101 increments by 1 the value of the special prize opening ball entry counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the special prize opening 18. Then, the special prize opening detection process is terminated.

Next, the process of detecting the general winning port in step 304 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 663, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the general prize opening detection sensor 14a. If it is judged that a detection signal has not been input from the general prize opening detection sensor 14a, the main CPU 101 ends the general prize opening detection process. On the other hand, if it is judged that a detection signal has been input from the general prize opening detection sensor 14a, the process proceeds to the next step 664.
In step 664, the main CPU 101 increments by 1 the value of the general winning port ball entry counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the general winning port 14. Then, the general winning port detection process is terminated.

Next, the above-mentioned out detection process in step 305 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 667, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not it has received an OUT command (a command sent each time a gaming ball passes through the OUT passage) sent from the launch/payout control board 200. If it is judged that an OUT command has not been received, it ends the OUT detection process. On the other hand, if it is judged that an OUT command has been received, it proceeds to the next step 668.
In step 668, the main CPU 101 decrements the ball difference count value by 1. Then, the out detection process ends.

Next, the specific area detection process in step 306 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 670, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a special game is being played. If it is judged that a special game is not being played, the specific area detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a special game is being played, the process proceeds to step 671.
In step 671, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the detection signal from the specific area detection sensor 57a has been input a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, once). If it is judged that the detection signal from the specific area detection sensor 57a has not been input the predetermined number of times, the specific area detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the detection signal from the specific area detection sensor 57a has been input the predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to the next step 672.
In step 672, the main CPU 101 turns on an entry flag indicating that a predetermined number of gaming balls have entered the specific area 57. Then, the specific area detection process is terminated.

Next, the special drawing related control processing in step 204 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 700, the main CPU 101 loads the value of the execution phase data. This execution phase data indicates which of a plurality of function modules (subroutines) constituting the special symbol related control processing is to be executed. Specifically, this execution phase data has data "00" indicating the execution of a special symbol variation start processing described later, data "01" indicating the execution of a special symbol variation stop processing described later, data "02" indicating the execution of a post-stop processing described later, data "03" indicating the execution of a special game control processing described later, and data "04" indicating the execution of a special game end processing described later.
Then, the main CPU 101 executes any one of the following processes based on the value of the execution phase data loaded in the above-mentioned step 700: special symbol variation start process (step 701), special symbol variation stop process (step 702), post-stop process (step 703), special game control process (step 704), or special game end process (step 705). Then, the special symbol-related control process is terminated.

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

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

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

In step 806, the main CPU 101 executes a win/lose determination process to derive the result of the win/lose lottery. Then, the process proceeds to step 807.
In step 807, the main CPU 101 executes a special symbol determination process to determine the type of special symbol. Specifically, if the start winning hole into which the game ball entered is the first start winning hole 15 (first special symbol random number), the first start winning hole determination table 111a is acquired, and based on the table, the result of the winning/losing lottery determined in the above-mentioned step 806 (winning the jackpot, winning the time-saving grant, losing), and the special symbol random number stored in a predetermined processing area in the above-mentioned step 803 or step 804, the type of the jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol X1, X2, X3), the type of the time-saving symbol (time-saving symbol J1, J2), or the type of the losing symbol (losing symbol Z1) is determined. In addition, if the start winning hole into which the game ball entered is the second start winning hole 16 (second special symbol random number), the second start winning hole determination table 111b is acquired, and based on the table, the result of the winning/losing lottery determined in the above-mentioned step 806 (winning the jackpot, winning the time-saving grant, losing), and the special symbol random number stored in the predetermined processing area in the above-mentioned step 803 or step 804, the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol X4, X5, X6), the type of time-saving symbol (time-saving symbol J1, J2), or the type of losing symbol (losing symbol Z2) is determined. Then, data corresponding to the determined special symbol is stored in a predetermined temporary storage area of the main RAM 103. In addition, in this special symbol determination process, the current game state, that is, the game state at the time when the special symbol is determined, is stored in the game state buffer. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 808.
In addition, in the special pattern variation start processing of the pachinko machine P in this embodiment, when both the first special pattern random number and the second special pattern random number are stored, the second special pattern random number is processed in priority to the first special pattern random number, but this is not limited to this, and they may be processed in the order in which they are stored in the reserved memory area.

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

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

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

Next, the pass/fail determination process in step 806 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 850, the main CPU 101 loads the setting value stored in the first area of the main RAM 103, and judges whether or not this setting value is a normal value (i.e., "1"). If it is judged that this setting value is not a normal value (i.e., a value other than "1"), the process proceeds to step 858. On the other hand, if it is judged that this setting value is a normal value, the process proceeds to the next step 851.
In step 851, the main CPU 101 selects one of the winning/losing random number determination tables 110 (low probability determination table 110a, high probability determination table 110b) corresponding to the current game state (low probability game state, high probability game state), and executes a winning/losing jackpot determination process to determine whether or not a jackpot will be won (i.e., to determine whether or not a jackpot will be won) based on the selected table and the winning/losing random number stored in the predetermined processing area in step 803 or step 804 described above. Specifically, the main CPU 101 obtains information on the numerical range that will result in a winning jackpot from the above table, and determines whether or not the winning/losing random number described above falls within this obtained numerical range. Then, if the winning/losing random number described above falls within the numerical range, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, and if the winning/losing random number described above does not fall within the numerical range, it is determined that a jackpot has not been won. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 852.

In step 852, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the result of the jackpot winning/losing judgment process executed in the above-mentioned step 851 was a winning jackpot (i.e., whether or not a jackpot was won). If it is judged that a jackpot was not won (a non-winning jackpot), the process proceeds to step 854. On the other hand, if it is judged that a jackpot was won, the process proceeds to the next step 853.
In step 853, the main 101 stores the fact that a jackpot has been won in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. Then, the win/loss determination process ends.

In step 854, which is performed when it is determined in step 852 that the jackpot is not won, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving award determination process to determine whether or not the time-saving award is won (i.e., to determine whether or not the time-saving award is won) based on the table selected in step 851 and the winning/losing random number stored in the predetermined processing area in step 803 or step 804 (i.e., the winning/losing random number is the same as the winning/losing random number that was the subject of determination in step 851). Specifically, the main CPU 101 obtains information on the numerical range that will result in the winning of the time-saving award from the table, and determines whether or not the winning/losing random number falls within this obtained numerical range. Then, if the winning/losing random number falls within the numerical range, it is determined that the time-saving award is won, and if the winning/losing random number does not fall within the numerical range, it is determined that the time-saving award is not won. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 855.
In step 855, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the result of the time-saving grant judgment process executed in the above-mentioned step 854 was a win for the time-saving grant (i.e., whether or not the time-saving grant was won). If it is judged that the time-saving grant was not won (i.e., the time-saving grant was not won), the process proceeds to step 857. On the other hand, if it is judged that the time-saving grant was won, the process proceeds to the next step 856.

In step 856, the main 101 stores the fact that the time-saving bonus has been awarded in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. Then, the win/loss determination process ends.
In step 856, which is reached when it is determined in step 855 that the time-saving bonus has not been awarded, the main CPU 101 stores a loss in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. Then, the winning/losing determination process is terminated.

In step 858, which is reached when it is determined in step 850 that the set value is not normal, the main CPU 101 sets a game stop state based on the occurrence of a set value abnormality, and stores a game machine state flag indicating this in the first area. The main CPU 101 also executes a stop-related process based on the setting of the game stop state. This stop-related process is similar to the process executed when a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set (the process executed in step 137 above), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. Then, the process proceeds to step 859.
In step 859, the main CPU 101 executes an abnormality initialization process. The main CPU 101 also transmits a RAM clear command to the launch/dispense control board 200. Then, the process proceeds to step 200 of the timer interrupt process.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the jackpot hit/miss determination process and the time-saving grant hit/miss determination process are both executed by a common processing program (the same module) for selecting the hit/miss random number determination table 110 corresponding to the game state, obtaining information on the numerical range to be determined, and determining whether the hit/miss random number belongs to the numerical range.

Next, the fluctuation pattern determination process in step 809 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 900, the main CPU 101 checks the type of start winning hole into which the game ball entered (first start winning hole 15, second start winning hole 16), the number of reserved balls (first reserved number, second reserved number), and the game state (normal game state, low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2, high probability time-saving game state). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 901.
In step 901, the main CPU 101 acquires the variation pattern table 114 corresponding to the gaming state confirmed in the above-mentioned step 900. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 902.

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

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

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

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

In step 1003, the main CPU 101 stores a symbol determination command indicating that the special symbol has been determined in the performance transmission data storage area.
In step 1004, the main CPU 101 refers to the stop display time table 115 to determine the stop display time corresponding to the current game state and the type of special symbol determined in the above step 807, and sets this determined stop display time in the stop display time timer counter. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, when the current game state is the normal game state, when the losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined, and when the jackpot symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, or X6 is determined, the stop display time is set to 0.5 seconds, and when the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined, the stop display time is set to 20 seconds (see FIG. 13). In addition, when the current game state is other than the normal game state (low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2, high probability time-saving game state), when the losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined, when the big win symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined, and when the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined, a stop display time of 0.5 seconds is set (see FIG. 13). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1005.

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

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

In step 1102, the main CPU 101 stores a stop display end command, which indicates that the stop display time has elapsed, in the performance transmission data storage area. This notifies the sub-control board 300 that the stop display time has elapsed. The main CPU 101 also stores the current game status in the game status buffer. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1103.
In step 1103, the main CPU 101 executes a time-shortening count update process. Specifically, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not either the first time-shortening game flag indicating that the current game state is the time-shortening game state JT1 or the second time-shortening game flag indicating that the current game state is the time-shortening game state JT2 is on. If it is judged that the first time-shortening game flag or the second time-shortening game flag is on, it updates a time-shortening count storage area provided in the main RAM 103. In this time-shortening count storage area, the remaining number of fluctuations until the time-shortening game state being set ends is stored. Then, the stored remaining number of fluctuations is decremented by "1". If it is judged that neither the first time-shortening game flag nor the second time-shortening game flag is on, the main CPU 101 does not perform any process. Then, it proceeds to the next step 1104.

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

In step 1105, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special symbol displayed as stopped is a big win symbol. If it is judged that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a big win symbol (i.e., a time-saving symbol or a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 1111. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol displayed as stopped is a big win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1106.
In step 1106, the main CPU 101 sets a command for transmitting the game state when the jackpot is won and the type of the jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6) that is stopped and displayed to the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1107.

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

In step 1109, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds in the main RAM 103 based on the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed. Specifically, if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is X1, X2, X4, or X5, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds to "3", and if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is X3 or X6, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds to "10". Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1110.
In step 1110, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "03" so that the special game control process is executed in the special chart-related control process. Then, the post-stop process is terminated.

In step 1111, which is reached when it is determined in step 1105 that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a big win symbol, the main CPU 101 determines whether the special symbol displayed as stopped is a time-saving symbol or not. If it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a time-saving symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 1115. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is a time-saving symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1112.
In step 1112, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current game state (i.e., the game state at the time when the winning/losing lottery is executed, and the game state at the time when the special symbol starts to fluctuate) is a normal game state or not. If it is judged that the game state is not a normal game state (i.e., the game state is a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, or a high-probability time-saving game state), the process proceeds to step 1114. On the other hand, if it is judged that the game state is a normal game state, the process proceeds to the next step 1113.

In step 1113, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving game state setting process for setting a game state according to the time-saving symbol that is stopped and displayed. Specifically, if the time-saving symbol that is stopped and displayed is J1, the main CPU 101 turns on the first time-saving game flag and sets the time-saving number of times to "10000". As a result, a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 in which the time-saving number of times is 10000 times is set (the normal game state is changed to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 (the time-saving number of times is 10000 times)). Also, if the time-saving symbol that is stopped and displayed is J2, the main CPU 101 turns on the second time-saving game flag and sets the time-saving number of times to "10000". As a result, a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the time-saving number of times is 10000 times is set (the normal game state is changed to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (the time-saving number of times is 10000 times)). Then, proceed to step 1115.
In step 1114, which is performed when it is determined that the normal game state is not set in step 1112, the main CPU 101 executes a normal game state setting process for setting the normal game state based on the remaining number of changes until the time-saving game state being set ends and the remaining number of changes until the high-probability game state ends. Specifically, when the remaining number of changes stored in the time-saving number storage area updated in step 1103 above becomes "0", the first time-saving game flag or the second time-saving game flag that was turned on is turned off. In addition, when the remaining number of changes stored in the high-probability number storage area updated in step 1104 above becomes "0", the high-probability game flag that was turned on is turned off. This sets the normal game state (the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, or the high-probability time-saving game state that was set is changed to the normal game state). In addition, if the remaining number of times of change stored in the updated time-saving number storage area is "1" or more, if the remaining number of times of change stored in the updated time-saving number storage area is "1" or more, the main CPU 101 does not perform any processing. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1115.

In step 1115, the main CPU 101 checks the game state set after the execution of the process of step 1113 or step 1114, and stores a game state command indicating the game state in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step 1116.
In step 1116, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "00" so that the special symbol variation start process is executed in the special symbol related control process. Then, the post-stop process is terminated.

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

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

In step 1204, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not it is the time when each round of play has started. If it is judged that each round of play has not started, the process proceeds to step 1206. On the other hand, if it is judged that each round of play has started, the process proceeds to the next step 1205.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, at the start of each round of play, the opening time (29.0 seconds) for the big prize opening 18 to be opened in each round of play is set in the big prize opening timer counter based on the special electric role operation table 112 corresponding to the type of the big prize symbol stopped and displayed. The main CPU 101 can determine whether or not each round of play has started by checking the value of this big prize opening timer counter.

In step 1205, the main CPU 101 stores a round game start command indicating the start of the round game in the performance transmission data storage area. The main CPU 101 also turns on a special prize opening flag indicating that the special prize opening 18 is open. This special prize opening flag is turned off at the start of the special game. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1206.
In addition, a round play start command is provided for each number of round plays, which makes it possible to transmit to the sub-control board 300 which number of round plays that has started.

In step 1206, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the round game has ended. If it is judged that the round game has not ended, the special game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the round game has ended, the process proceeds to the next step 1207.
In addition, the main CPU 101 can determine whether or not a round of play has ended by checking whether the opening time set in the large prize opening timer counter has elapsed or whether 10 game balls have entered the large prize opening 18.

In step 1207, the main CPU 101 decrements the number of rounds stored in the main RAM 103 by "1". The main CPU 101 also turns off the big prize slot flag. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1208.

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

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

In step 1212, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "04" so that the special game end process is executed in the special chart related control process. Then, the special game control process is ended.

Next, the special game ending process in step 705 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 1300, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is "04", which indicates the execution of the special game end process. If it is judged that the execution phase data is not "04", the special game end process is ended. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is "04", the process proceeds to the next step 1301.
In step 1301, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the entry flag is on. If it is determined that the entry flag is not on (i.e., is off), the process proceeds to step 1303. On the other hand, if it is determined that the entry flag is on, the process proceeds to the next step 1302.

In step 1302, the main CPU 101 executes a high probability game state setting process to set the game state to a high probability game state. Specifically, the main CPU 101 turns on a high probability game flag and sets the high probability count to "10000". Then, the process proceeds to step 1304.
In step 1303, which is reached when it is determined in step 1301 that the entry flag is not on, the main CPU 101 executes a low probability game state setting process for setting the game state to a low probability game state. Specifically, the high probability game flag is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1304.

In step 1304, the main CPU 101 executes a time-shortened game state JT2 setting process to set the game state to the time-shortened game state JT2. Specifically, the main CPU 101 turns on the second time-shortened game flag and sets the time-shortened number of times to "100". Then, the process proceeds to step 1305.
In step 1305, the main CPU 101 turns off the entry flag, and then proceeds to the next step 1306.

In step 1306, the main CPU 101 sets a game state designation command in the performance transmission data storage area according to the game state set as described above. This game state designation command includes information on whether the high probability game flag is on or off, information on whether the second time-saving game flag is on or off, the number of high probability games, and the number of time-saving games, all of which are set as described above. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1307.
In step 1307, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "00" so that the variable start process is executed in the special chart related control process. Then, the special game end process is ended.

Next, the map-related control process in step 205 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1400, the main CPU 101 loads the value of the normal pattern execution phase data. This normal pattern execution phase data indicates which of the multiple function modules (subroutines) constituting the normal pattern related control process is to be executed. Specifically, this normal pattern execution phase data has data "10" indicating the execution of the normal pattern variation start process described later, data "11" indicating the execution of the normal pattern variation stop process described later, data "12" indicating the execution of the normal pattern stop post-processing described later, and data "13" indicating the execution of the movable piece control process described later.
Then, the main CPU 101 executes either the normal symbol variation start process (step 1401), the normal symbol variation stop process (step 1402), the normal symbol stop post-stop process (step 1403), or the movable piece control process (step 1404) based on the value of the normal symbol execution phase data loaded in the above-mentioned step 1400. Then, the normal symbol related control process is terminated.

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

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

In step 1504, the main CPU 101 executes a normal symbol lottery process. Then, the process proceeds to step 1505.
In step 1505, the main CPU 101 checks whether the current game state is a non-time-saving game state, a time-saving game state JT1, or a time-saving game state JT2, and sets the normal symbol fluctuation time timer counter to the normal symbol fluctuation time corresponding to the current game state by referring to the normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination table 117. Specifically, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol fluctuation time timer counter to "10 seconds" when in a non-time-saving game state, sets the normal symbol fluctuation time timer counter to "9.5 seconds" when in the time-saving game state JT1, and sets the normal symbol fluctuation time timer counter to "1 second" when in the time-saving game state JT2. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1506.

In step 1506, the main CPU 101 sets the variable display data for starting the variable display of the normal symbol. As a result, when the variable display of the normal symbol is performed, the normal symbol display device 32 starts blinking. In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the winning determination random number is stored in the normal symbol reservation memory area, the normal symbol reservation display device 33 is displayed in a manner that allows the number of reserved normal symbols to be recognized. Then, when the variable display of the normal symbol is performed, the display of the normal symbol reservation display device 33 is controlled so as to indicate that the number of reserved normal symbols is reduced by one at the same time as the variable display starts. Then, proceed to the next step 1507.
In step 1507, the main CPU 101 stores the current gaming state in the gaming machine state buffer as the gaming state at the start of the fluctuation. Then, the process proceeds to step 1508.

In step 1508, the main CPU 101 sets the regular pattern execution phase data to "11" so that the regular pattern change stop process is executed in the regular pattern related control process. Then, the regular pattern change start process is terminated.

Next, the normal symbol lottery process in step 1504 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1550, the main CPU 101 loads the setting value stored in the first area of the main RAM 103, and judges whether or not this setting value is a normal value (i.e., "1"). If it is judged that this setting value is a normal value, the process proceeds to step 1553. On the other hand, if it is judged that this setting value is not a normal value (i.e., a value other than "1"), the process proceeds to the next step 1551.
In step 1551, the main CPU 101 sets a game stop state based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, and stores a game machine state flag indicating that in the first area. The main CPU 101 also executes a stop-related process based on the setting of the game stop state. This stop-related process is similar to the process executed when a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set (the process executed in step 137 described above), so a description thereof will be omitted here. Then, the process proceeds to step 1552.

In step 1552, the main CPU 101 executes an abnormality initialization process. Also, the main CPU 101 transmits a RAM clear command to the launch/dispense control board 200. Then, the process proceeds to step 200 of the timer interrupt process.
In step 1553, which is reached when the set value is determined to be normal in step 1550, the main CPU 101 selects a winning determination random number determination table 116 (either the first determination table 116a, the second determination table 116b, or the third determination table 116c) corresponding to the current game state (non-time-saving game state, time-saving game state JT1, time-saving game state JT2), and executes a winning determination process to derive the result of the lottery for the normal symbol based on the selected table and the winning determination random number stored in a predetermined processing area in step 1503. Specifically, the main CPU 101 refers to the first determination table 116a when in the non-time-saving game state, refers to the second determination table 116b when in the time-saving game state JT1, and refers to the third determination table 116c when in the time-saving game state JT2, and determines the winning determination random number stored in the processing area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1554.

In step 1554, the main CPU 101 stores data of the normal symbol based on the result of the winning determination process in step 1553 described above in a predetermined normal symbol memory area of the main RAM 103. Specifically, if the result of the winning determination process is a winning symbol, the winning symbol data is stored in the predetermined normal symbol memory area, and if the result of the winning determination process is a losing symbol, the losing symbol data is stored in the predetermined normal symbol memory area. Then, the normal symbol lottery process ends.

Next, the normal symbol variation stop processing in step 1402 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1600, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal pattern execution phase data is data "11" indicating the execution of the normal pattern variation stop processing. If it is judged that the normal pattern execution phase data is not "11", the normal pattern variation stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal pattern execution phase data is "11", the process proceeds to the next step 1601.
In step 1601, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal symbol variation time set in the normal symbol variation time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 1505 has elapsed. If it is judged that the variation time has not elapsed, the normal symbol variation stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the variation time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1602.

In step 1602, the main CPU 101 sets the stop display data (the winning symbol data or the losing symbol data stored in the normal symbol memory area in the above-mentioned step 1554) for stopping and displaying the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 32, and executes the stopping and displaying of the normal symbol. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1603.
In step 1603, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol stop display time for stopping and displaying the normal symbol in the normal symbol stop display time timer counter. Then, the process proceeds to step 1604.

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

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

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

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

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

In step 1802, the main CPU 101 checks whether the game state at the start of the variation of the normal symbols was in the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving game state JT1, or the time-saving game state JT2. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1803.
In step 1803, the main CPU 101 refers to the movable piece operation control table 118 and sets the number of operations (number of energizations) and the operation time (energization time) as the operation control data (energization control data) of the movable piece solenoid 16c according to the game state confirmed in the above-mentioned step 1802. As a result, the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state. In addition, the main CPU 101 turns on the movable piece flag indicating that the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state. Then, the movable piece control process is terminated.

In step 1804, which is reached when it is determined in step 1801 that the movable piece 16b is under operation control, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the operation time (energization time) set in step 1803 has elapsed. If it is determined that the operation time (energization time) has not elapsed, the movable piece control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation time (energization time) has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1805.
In step 1805, the main CPU 101 stops the operation of the movable piece 16b, i.e., stops the power supply to the movable piece solenoid 16c. This causes the movable piece 16b to enter the immersed state. In addition, the movable piece flag is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1806.

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

Next, the solenoid control process in step 210 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1850, the main CPU 101 sets, as movable piece solenoid data, immersion data for immersing the movable piece 16b (de-energizing the movable piece solenoid 16c) in a predetermined solenoid data storage area.
In step 1851, the main CPU 101 sets closing data for closing the large prize opening 18 (closing the opening/closing door 18b, not energizing the large prize opening solenoid 18c) as the large prize opening solenoid data in a predetermined solenoid data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1852.

In step 1852, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current control state is a playable state and whether the state related to the differential ball operation stop control is other than the activation state (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state). If it is judged that the state is not a playable state (i.e., a game stop state, a setting change state, or a setting confirmation state), or that the state is a playable state but not other than the activation state (i.e., an activation state), the solenoid control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the state is a playable state and other than the activation state, the process proceeds to the next step 1853.
In step 1853, the main CPU 101 judges whether the movable piece flag is on or not. If it is judged that the movable piece flag is not on (i.e., it is off), the solenoid control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the movable piece flag is on, the process proceeds to the next step 1854.

In step 1854, the main CPU 101 sets, as movable piece solenoid data, projection data for projecting the movable piece 16b (energizing the movable piece solenoid 16c) in a predetermined solenoid data storage area.
In step 1855, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special prize opening flag is on or not. If it is judged that the special prize opening flag is not on (i.e., it is off), the solenoid control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special prize opening flag is on, the process proceeds to the next step 1856.

In step 1856, the main CPU 101 sets opening data for opening the large prize opening 18 (opening the opening door 18b, energizing the large prize opening solenoid 18c) as the large prize opening solenoid data in a predetermined solenoid data storage area. Then, the solenoid control process is terminated.
By carrying out the above-mentioned processing, when the immersion data is set, the movable piece 16b is immersed, and when the closing data is set, the opening and closing door 18b is closed and the large prize opening 18 is closed. On the other hand, when the protruding data is set, the movable piece 16b is protruding, and when the opening data is set, the opening and closing door 18b is opened and the large prize opening 18 is opened. In addition, when the game is not in a playable state, and when the game is in a playable state but in an activated state, the immersion data and the closing data are both set. Therefore, in the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, and the activated state, the movable piece 16 is always immersed and the large prize opening 18 is always closed.
This solenoid control process is executed in a timer interrupt process that is executed at a predetermined cycle (4 milliseconds). That is, in the game stop state, setting change state, setting confirmation state, and activation state, the process of restricting the operation of the movable piece 16b and the opening and closing door 18b is performed at a predetermined timing.

Next, the ball difference related command set process in step 214 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1870, the main CPU 101 judges whether the control state during the current time is a playable state or not. If it is judged that the control state is not a playable state, the difference ball related command set process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the control state is a playable state, the process proceeds to the next step 1871.
In step 1871, the main CPU 101 judges whether the difference ball operation stop control phase data has been changed. If it is judged that the difference ball operation stop control phase data has not been changed, the difference ball related command set process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the difference ball operation stop control phase data has been changed, the process proceeds to the next step 1872.
The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment has a management buffer that is configured by a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. When the difference ball operation stop control phase data is cleared and a state value corresponding to the state before the activation warning is stored in this difference ball operation stop control phase data, the state value corresponding to the state before the activation warning is also stored in the management buffer accordingly. After that, when the state related to the difference ball operation stop control is changed, first, the state value corresponding to the changed state is stored only in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. Then, in this step 1871, it is determined whether the state value stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data and the state value stored in the management buffer match, and if they match, it is determined that the difference ball operation stop control phase data has not been changed. On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined that the difference ball operation stop control phase data has been changed, and the state value stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data is also stored in the management buffer accordingly.

In step 1872, the main CPU 101 stores either a first difference ball operation stop control designation command, a second difference ball operation stop control designation command, or a third difference ball operation stop control designation command in the performance transmission data storage area, depending on the state value stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data.
Specifically, when a state value corresponding to the activation warning state is stored in the differential ball activation stop control phase data (i.e., when the activation warning state is set), the first differential ball activation stop control designation command is stored in the performance transmission data storage area. This causes the first differential ball activation stop control designation command to be transmitted to the sub-control board 300, and the fact that the activation warning state has been set can also be understood by the sub-control board 300.
When a state value corresponding to the activation notice state is stored in the difference ball activation stop control phase data (i.e., when the activation notice state is set), the second difference ball activation stop control designation command is stored in the performance transmission data storage area. This causes the second difference ball activation stop control designation command to be transmitted to the sub-control board 300, and the fact that the activation notice state has been set can also be grasped by the sub-control board 300.
When a state value corresponding to the activation state is stored in the difference ball activation stop control phase data (i.e., when the activation state is set), a third difference ball activation stop control designation command is stored in the performance transmission data storage area. This causes the third difference ball activation stop control designation command to be sent to the sub-control board 300, and the sub-control board 300 can also understand that the activation state has been set. Furthermore, the main CPU 101 sends an activation state setting command indicating that the activation state has been set to the launch/payout control board 200. This allows the launch/payout control board 200 to also understand that the activation state has been set.
Then, the difference ball related command set process ends.

Next, the difference ball judgment control process in step 215 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1880, the main CPU 101 judges whether the control state during the current time is a playable state or not. If it is judged that the control state is not a playable state, the main CPU 101 ends the ball difference judgment control process. On the other hand, if it is judged that the control state is a playable state, the main CPU 101 proceeds to the next step 1881.
In step 1881, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a first reference value reaching flag (a flag provided on the main control board 100) indicating that the ball difference count value has reached the first reference value is off. If it is determined that the first reference value reaching flag is not off (i.e., it is on), the process proceeds to step 1884. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first reference value reaching flag is off, the process proceeds to the next step 1882.
The first reference value reaching flag is set to be turned off when the ball difference count value is reset.

In step 1882, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the difference ball count value has reached a first reference value. If it is judged that the difference ball count value has not reached the first reference value, the process proceeds to step 1884. On the other hand, if it is judged that the difference ball count value has reached the first reference value, the process proceeds to the next step 1883.
In step 1883, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation warning state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This sets the activation warning state. The main CPU 101 also turns on the first reference value arrival flag. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1884.

In step 1884, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a second reference value reaching flag (a flag provided on the main control board 100) indicating that the ball difference count value has reached the second reference value is off. If the main CPU 101 determines that the second reference value reaching flag is not off (i.e., is on), the process proceeds to step 1889. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the second reference value reaching flag is off, the process proceeds to the next step 1885.
The second reference value reaching flag is set to be turned off when the ball difference count value is reset.
In step 1885, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the difference ball count value has reached the second reference value. If it is judged that the difference ball count value has not reached the second reference value, the process proceeds to step 1889. On the other hand, if it is judged that the difference ball count value has reached the second reference value, the process proceeds to the next step 1886.

In step 1886, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a special game is being played. If it is judged that a special game is not being played, the process proceeds to step 1888. On the other hand, if it is judged that a special game is being played, the process proceeds to the next step 1887.
In step 1887, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation notice state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This sets the activation notice state. The main CPU 101 also turns on the second reference value arrival flag. Then, the process proceeds to step 1889.

In step 1888, which is reached when it is determined in step 1886 that the special game is not in progress, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This sets the activation state. The main CPU 101 also turns on the second reference value arrival flag. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1889.
In step 1889, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a state value corresponding to the activation notice state is stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data (i.e., whether or not the activation notice state is in progress). If it is judged that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state is not stored, the difference ball judgment control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state is stored, the process proceeds to step 1890.

In step 1890, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special game has ended. If it is judged that the special game has not ended, the main CPU 101 ends the ball difference judgment control process. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special game has ended, the main CPU 101 proceeds to the next step 1891.
In step 1891, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This sets the activation state. Then, the difference ball determination control process ends.

Next, the setting-related processing in step 219 mentioned above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1900, the main CPU 101 determines whether the current control state is a setting change state. If it is determined that the current control state is not a setting change state, the process proceeds to step 1908. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current control state is a setting change state, the process proceeds to the next step 1901.
In step 1901, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the setting switch 108 is off. If it is determined that the setting switch 108 is off, the process proceeds to step 1905. On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting switch 108 is not off (i.e., is on), the process proceeds to the next step 1902.

In step 1902, the main CPU 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 109 is on or not. If it is judged that the RAM clear switch 109 is not on (i.e., off), the setting-related processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the processing proceeds to the next step 1903.
In step 1903, the main CPU 101 determines whether the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on or not (i.e., whether the main body frame 2 is open or not). Specifically, if a main body frame open command transmitted from the launch/delivery control board 200 has been received, the main CPU 101 determines that the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on. Then, if it is determined that the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is not on (i.e., it is off), the setting-related processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, the process proceeds to the next step 1904.

In step 1904, the main CPU 101 changes the setting value stored in the main RAM 103. Specifically, if multiple settings are provided, the currently stored setting value is changed to a setting value incremented by one. Note that in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, no processing is performed here. Then, the setting change processing ends.
In step 1905, which is reached when it is determined in step 1901 that the setting switch 108 is off, the main CPU 101 stores a setting change state end command, which indicates that the setting change state has ended and a playable state has been set, in the performance transmission data storage area. The command stored here is transmitted to the sub-control board 300 in step 114. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1906.

In step 1906, the main CPU 101 stores various commands (for example, commands indicating the setting values stored at the end of the setting change state or the setting confirmation state) to be transmitted to the sub-control board 300 in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1907.
In step 1907, the main CPU 101 sets the gameable state and stores a gaming machine state flag indicating that in the first area, and then ends the setting-related processing.

In step 1908, which is reached if it is determined in step 1900 that the current control state is not the setting change state, the main CPU 101 determines whether the setting switch 108 is off. If it is determined that the setting switch 108 is not off, the setting change process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting switch 108 is off, the process proceeds to the next step 1909.
In step 1909, the main CPU 101 stores a setting confirmation state end command, which indicates that the setting confirmation state has ended and a playable state has been set, in the effect transmission data storage area.

(Gameability of the Pachinko Machine P According to the Present Embodiment)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the game progresses by setting either a normal game state (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state), a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT1), a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (a game state combining a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT2), or a high-probability time-saving game state (a game state combining a high-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT2).

As described above, in the initial state after the RAM is cleared (initialization process in the event of an abnormality, initialization process in the normal state), the normal game state is set.
During normal game play, the probability of winning a jackpot is set to approximately 1/300, and even if a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, the game ball will not enter the second start winning hole 16 (see Figures 7(a), 14(a), 15, and 16).
Also, as described above, during the normal game state, the player is made to play in the first game area 12a, and as long as the game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a, there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the first start winning hole 15. When the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 during the normal game state, a jackpot or time-saving bonus can be won in a winning/losing lottery based on the ball entry, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X3 is determined, and when a time-saving bonus is won, a time-saving bonus pattern J1 or J2 is determined (see FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 8(a)).

If a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls will not enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on that determination, so the game state after the special game ends is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, and the number of time-saving times is set to 100 (see FIG. 10(a)). If a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X2 or X3 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls can enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on that determination, and when the predetermined number of game balls enter, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and both the high-probability number and the number of time-saving times are set to 10,000 (see FIG. 10(b)).
In addition, if the time-saving symbol J1 is selected during the normal game state, the game state after the variable display of the time-saving symbol J1 ends and the stop display time has elapsed is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 (see FIG. 10(c)). If the time-saving symbol J2 is selected during the normal game state, the game state after the variable display of the time-saving symbol J2 ends and the stop display time has elapsed is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, and the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 (see FIG. 10(d)).
In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a during the normal game state, based on winning a jackpot or winning a time-saving bonus, the machine will transition to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 (time-saving count is 10,000 times), a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (time-saving count is 100 times), or a high-probability time-saving game state (high-probability count and time-saving count are 10,000 times) (see Figure 51).

Here, during the normal game state (low probability game state), the probability of winning the time-saving award is about 1/20, so it is easy to win the time-saving award, and since the probability of winning this time-saving award is much higher than the probability of winning a jackpot during the normal game state (about 1/300), it is easier to win the time-saving award than to win a jackpot (see FIG. 7(a)). Furthermore, when the time-saving award is won, the probability that the time-saving pattern J1 is determined is 85%, and the probability that the time-saving pattern J2 is determined is 15%, so it is easier to determine the time-saving pattern J1 than the time-saving pattern J2 (see FIGS. 8(a) and (b)).
From the above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, it is difficult to remain in the normal game state, and it is more likely to transition to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 (the number of time-saving times is 10,000) by determining the time-saving pattern J1 based on winning the time-saving grant, than to transition to another game state through the execution of a special game based on winning a jackpot or the determination of the time-saving pattern J2 based on winning the time-saving grant.

During the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the probability of winning a jackpot is the same as during the normal game state, and just as during the normal game state, even if a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, the game ball will not enter the second start winning hole 16 (see Figures 7(a), 14(b), 15 and 16).
During the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the player is allowed to play in the first game area 12a, as in the normal game state, and as long as the game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a, the game ball has a possibility of entering the first start winning hole 15. When the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, a jackpot or time-saving award can be won in a win/lose lottery based on the ball entry, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X3 is determined, and when a time-saving award is won, a time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined (see FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 8(a)).

If a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls will not enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on that determination, so the game state after the special game ends is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, and the number of time-saving times is set to 100 (see FIG. 10(a)). If a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X2 or X3 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls can enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on that determination, and when the predetermined number of game balls enter, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and both the high-probability number and the number of time-saving times are set to 10,000 (see FIG. 10(b)).
On the other hand, as described above, if a time-saving bonus is awarded during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, a new time-saving game state JT1 or JT2 is not set based on that determination, and the currently set low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 continues, so there is no transition to another game state (see Figures 10 (c) and (d)).
In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, upon winning a jackpot, the game will transition to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (time-saving count is 100 times) or a high-probability time-saving game state (high probability count and time-saving count are 10,000 times) (see Figure 51).

Here, when the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J1 during the normal game state, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000, and since the probability of winning a jackpot during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 (low-probability game state) is approximately 1/300, as described above, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 essentially continues until a jackpot is won. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, it is difficult to stay in the normal game state, and it is easy to transition from the normal game state to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 based on the winning of the time-saving grant, so there is a high possibility that the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 will stay longer than the normal game state.
Furthermore, during both the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the player is allowed to play in the first game area 12a, the probability of winning a jackpot is the same, and the performance of the normal game is also almost the same (even if a game ball is shot into the second game area 12b, it is impossible for the game ball to enter the second start winning port 16), so it is impossible to recognize whether the player is in the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 from the mode of game operation (shotting a game ball into the first game area 12a) and the performance of the normal game.
As mentioned above, in order to change the possibility of the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 for each game state, one or more of the elements that determine the performance of the normal game (probability of winning in the lottery for the normal pattern, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b) can be set to be different.
Here, in order to make it impossible for a game ball to enter the second start winning port 16 both during the normal game state and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, for example, the operating time of the movable piece 16b may be the same time that is shorter than the opening arrival time both during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 and during the normal game state, but at least one of the following settings may be made: the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is shorter during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 than in the normal game state, and/or the probability of winning in the lottery for the normal pattern is higher during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 than in the normal game state. Even in this case, if the second start winning port 16 and the movable piece 16b are configured as in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment (see Figure 4), since the operating time of the movable piece 16b is shorter than the opening arrival time, even if other elements (the fluctuation time of the normal pattern, the probability of winning in the normal pattern lottery) are set to be more favorable in the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 than in the normal game state, the game ball cannot be made to enter the second start winning port 16 in either game state, and the performance of the normal game will be the same as that of the pachinko machine of this embodiment.

During the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the probability of winning a jackpot is the same as during the normal game state and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, but when a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, the game ball can enter the second start winning hole 16 with a high frequency (see Fig. 7(a), Fig. 14(c), Fig. 15, Fig. 16). In other words, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, prize balls based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 can be obtained frequently, and the decrease in game balls as the game progresses can be suppressed more than during the normal game state and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, making it a more advantageous game state than during the normal game state and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.
As described above, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the player is made to play in the second game area 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, the game ball will frequently enter the second start winning hole 16. When a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, a jackpot or time-saving bonus can be won in a winning/losing lottery based on the ball's entry. When a jackpot is won, the jackpot symbol X4, X5, or X6 is determined, and when a time-saving bonus is won, the time-saving bonus symbol J1 or J2 is determined (see FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 8(b)).

If a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls will not enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on that determination, so the game state after the special game ends is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, and the number of time-saving times is set to 100 (see FIG. 10(a)). If a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X5 or X6 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls can enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on that determination, and when the predetermined number of game balls enter, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and both the high-probability number and the number of time-saving times are set to 10,000 (see FIG. 10(b)).
On the other hand, as described above, if a time-saving bonus is awarded during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, a new time-saving game state JT1 or JT2 is not set based on that determination, and the currently set low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 continues, so there is no transition to another game state (see Figures 10 (c) and (d)).
In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, upon winning a jackpot, the game will transition to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (time-saving count is 100 times) or a high-probability time-saving game state (high probability count and time-saving count are 10,000 times) (see Figure 51).

During the high-probability time-saving game state, the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than during the normal game state, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, and similarly to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, when a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, there is a high frequency that the game ball will enter the second start winning port 16 (see Figures 7(b), 14(c), 15, and 16). In other words, during the high-probability time-saving game state, the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than during the normal game state, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, and prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the second start winning port 16 can be obtained more frequently, and the decrease in game balls as the game progresses can be suppressed more than during the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, making this a more advantageous game state (the most advantageous game state) than during the normal game state, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2.
During the high- and low-probability time-saving game state, as described above, the player is made to play in the second game area 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, the game ball will frequently enter the second start winning hole 16. When a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 during the high-probability time-saving game state, a jackpot or time-saving award can be won in a win/lose lottery based on the ball's entry, and when a jackpot is won, the jackpot pattern X4, X5, or X6 is determined, and when a time-saving award is won, the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined (see FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 8(b)).

If a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls will not enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on that determination, so the game state after the special game ends is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, and the number of time-saving times is set to 100 (see FIG. 10(a)). If a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X5 or X6 is determined, a predetermined number of game balls can enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on that determination, and when the predetermined number of game balls enter, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and both the high-probability number and the number of time-saving times are set to 10,000 (see FIG. 10(b)).
On the other hand, as described above, if a time-saving bonus is awarded during a high-probability time-saving game state and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, a new time-saving game state JT1 or JT2 is not set based on that determination, and the currently set low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 continues, so there is no transition to another game state (see Figures 10 (c) and (d)).
In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b during a high-probability time-saving game state, upon winning a jackpot, the game will transition to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (time-saving count is 100 times) or a high-probability time-saving game state (high probability count and time-saving count are 10,000 times) (see Figure 51).

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the probability of winning the time-saving award is high (about 1/20) during the normal game state that is set after the RAM is cleared or after the end of the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times, and when the time-saving award is won, the time-saving symbol J1 is more likely to be determined than the time-saving symbol J2. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the machine will transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 before winning a jackpot in the normal game state.
In the normal game state, when the time-saving symbol J2 is determined by winning the time-saving award, the game state transitions to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the number of time-saving times is 10,000. In contrast, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 to which the game state transitions from the normal game state as described above, even if the time-saving symbol J2 is determined by winning the time-saving award, the game state does not transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the number of time-saving times is 10,000. In other words, after transitioning from the normal game state to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, unless the normal game state is set again, the game state does not transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the number of time-saving times is 10,000, even if the time-saving award is won.
As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the normal game state set after the RAM is cleared or after the end of the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times, if a jackpot is won or the time-saving pattern J2 is determined before the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, the game machine transitions to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times, which is advantageous for the player and allows the player to reliably win a jackpot while suppressing the decrease in game balls that accompanies the progress of the game. On the other hand, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, which is easy to transition to from the normal game state and is easy to stay in longer than the normal game state, the game machine does not transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times. Therefore, a novel game feature can be imparted in which the normal game state becomes a chance zone where there is a possibility of transitioning to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the number of time-saving times advantageous to the player is 10,000, thereby enhancing the interest of the player.
In addition, during both the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the player is made to play in the first game area 12a, so that it is possible to switch from the normal game state to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, which is a different game state, without making the player change his/her game operation, thereby providing an innovative gameplay.

(Outline of the effects in Pachinko machine P)
As described above, the special game, the normal game, and the special game proceed by executing various processes in the main control board 100. During the progress of these games, the main control board 100 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 300, which receives the commands and controls the presentation as the games proceed.
The following describes the change presentation that is executed in conjunction with the changing display of the special pattern and can notify (indicate) the result of the win/lose lottery.

(Overview of the production status)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a plurality of presentation states are provided to be referenced for executing the variable presentation described later, and the sub-CPU 301 is set to one of the presentation states based on the transition to the above-mentioned game states (normal game state, low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2, high probability time-saving game state), the occurrence of a power outage, winning the time-saving award, etc. Also, the execution mode of the variable presentation selectable for each presentation state is determined, and the variable presentation can be executed by one of the execution modes according to the presentation state being set.
Specifically, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the presentation states include a normal presentation state which remains during the normal game state, a low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 and a low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 which remain during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, a low-probability time-saving presentation state B which remains during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with the time-saving count of 10,000 times, a low-probability time-saving presentation state C which remains during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with the time-saving count of 100 times, and a high-probability time-saving presentation state which remains during the high-probability time-saving game state.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52, when the normal gaming state is set (transition to the normal gaming state), the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state (the normal presentation state is started).
In the normal presentation state based on the setting of the normal game state, when a time-saving award is won and a time-saving pattern J1 is determined, resulting in a transition to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the presentation state is set to a low-probability time-saving presentation state A1. When a time-saving award is won and a time-saving pattern J2 is determined, resulting in a transition to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving plays, the presentation state is set to a low-probability time-saving presentation state B. When a jackpot is won and the game transitions to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving plays, the presentation state is set to a low-probability time-saving presentation state C. When a jackpot is won and the game transitions to a high-probability time-saving game state, the presentation state is set to a high-probability time-saving presentation state (see Figure 52). Although not specifically shown, if a power outage occurs while the normal presentation state (normal game state) is being set and the power is restored without the RAM being cleared (initialization processing in an abnormal state, initialization processing in normal mode) (i.e., recovery from power outage without satisfying the conditions for executing a RAM clear, hereinafter also referred to as recovery from normal power outage), the presentation state will remain in the normal presentation state.

During the setting of the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 based on the transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, if a power interruption occurs and a normal power interruption return is performed, the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 (see FIG. 52). Also, during the setting of the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, if a time-saving award is won and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 (see FIG. 52). Although not shown in particular, if a power interruption occurs and a normal power interruption return is performed during the setting of the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, the presentation state remains in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2.
Furthermore, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, regardless of whether the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 or A2 is set, when a transition is made to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles based on a jackpot win, the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state C, and when a transition is made to a high-probability time-saving game state based on a jackpot win, the presentation state is set to the high-probability time-saving presentation state, and when a transition is made to the normal game state because the special pattern variable display has been performed 10,000 times without a jackpot win, the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state (see Figure 52).

When the low probability time-saving performance state B is set based on a transition to the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times, and the game transitions to the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times based on a jackpot win, the performance state is set to the low probability time-saving performance state C, and when the game transitions to the high probability time-saving game state based on a jackpot win, the performance state is set to the high probability time-saving performance state, and when the game transitions to the normal game state due to the special pattern variable display being performed 10,000 times without a jackpot win, the performance state is set to the normal performance state (see FIG. 52). Although not shown in particular, if a power interruption occurs during the setting of the low probability time-saving performance state B (low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times) and normal power interruption is restored, the performance state remains in the low probability time-saving performance state B.

During the setting of the low-probability time-saving presentation state C based on the transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times, if the game transitions again to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times based on winning a jackpot, the presentation state is reset to the low-probability time-saving presentation state C, and if the game transitions to a high-probability time-saving game state based on winning a jackpot, the presentation state is set to the high-probability time-saving presentation state, and if the game transitions to the normal game state by the special pattern variable display being performed 100 times without winning a jackpot, the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state (see FIG. 52). Although not shown in particular, if a power interruption occurs during the setting of the low-probability time-saving presentation state C (low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times) and normal power interruption is restored, the presentation state remains in the low-probability time-saving presentation state C.

When the high probability time-saving presentation state is set based on a transition to a high probability time-saving game state, if the game transitions to a low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles based on a jackpot win, the presentation state is set to the low probability time-saving presentation state C. If the game transitions again to the high probability time-saving game state based on a jackpot win, the presentation state is reset to the high probability time-saving presentation state. If the game transitions to the normal game state because the special pattern variable display has been performed 10,000 times without a jackpot win, the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state (see FIG. 52). Although not shown in particular, if a power interruption occurs during the setting of the high probability time-saving presentation state (high probability time-saving game state) and normal power interruption is restored, the presentation state will remain in the high probability time-saving presentation state.

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

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 53 to 57, the performance symbols 50 are symbols displaying the numbers "1" to "9" (hereinafter also referred to as number symbols).
In addition, the performance pattern 50 is not limited to a number pattern, and a special pattern (for example, a pseudo consecutive pattern indicating that a pseudo consecutive performance will be executed, a look-ahead pattern indicating that a look-ahead performance will be executed, etc.) indicating that a predetermined performance will be executed when the performance is stopped (for example, a pseudo consecutive performance in which a temporary stop is executed a predetermined number of times by a predetermined temporary stop display mode, or a look-ahead performance that is executed for a predetermined hold and can be executed before a variable performance based on the hold) may be provided. In addition, the performance pattern 50 may be a pattern consisting of a number display section that displays numbers and a non-number display section that displays other images other than numbers (for example, an image of a character, etc.).

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the variable display of the special symbols starts, the variable display of all the performance symbols 50 starts from the state where all the performance symbols 50 are displayed stationary (see Fig. 53(a)-(b), Fig. 54(a)-(b), Fig. 55(a)-(b), Fig. 56(a)-(b), Fig. 57(a)-(b)). Note that the downward arrow in the figure indicates that the performance symbols 50 are displayed scrolling from top to bottom.
After that, the performance pattern 50 located on the left side (hereinafter also referred to as the first stop pattern), the performance pattern 50 located on the right side (hereinafter also referred to as the second stop pattern), and the performance pattern 50 located in the center (hereinafter also referred to as the third stop pattern) are displayed in that order (see Figures 53 (c) to (e)).

If the result of the lottery is a jackpot, the first stop pattern, second stop pattern, and third stop pattern will all stop and display the same number pattern (for example, 222, 555, etc.), thereby announcing that the jackpot has been won (see FIG. 54(e)). Note that, hereinafter, this type of stop display pattern will also be referred to as the "win pattern."

On the other hand, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning or losing of the time-saving grant, at least one of the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern, and the third stop pattern is stopped and displayed with a different number pattern, thereby notifying the winning or losing of the time-saving grant (see FIG. 53(e), FIG. 55(e), FIG. 56(f), FIG. 57(f)). In the following, such a stop display mode will also be called a "non-winning mode". In this way, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the stop display mode of the performance pattern 50 is a non-winning mode in either the winning or losing case of the time-saving grant, so that the player can understand from the stop display mode of the performance pattern 50 that the result of the winning/losing lottery is not a winning of the jackpot, but cannot understand whether the time-saving grant is a winning or a losing case.
In addition, when a time-saving award is won, the stopped display mode of the performance patterns 50 may be a special mode different from the winning mode and non-winning mode described above (for example, a mode in which all performance patterns 50 are stopped and displayed as a special pattern corresponding to the winning of the time-saving award (for example, the alphabet "J")). In this case, the stopped display mode of the performance patterns 50 allows the player to understand that the time-saving award has been won.

In addition, the execution modes of the variation effects are roughly classified into normal non-winning variation patterns, reach variation patterns with development, reach variation patterns without development, special reach variation patterns, and special non-winning variation patterns.
The normal non-winning variation pattern is an execution mode in which the first and second stopping patterns are displayed as different numerical patterns, and then the third stopping pattern is displayed as is, and the stopped display mode of the performance pattern 50 becomes a non-winning mode (see Figures 53 (c) to (e)).
The reach variation pattern with development is an execution mode in which a reach display is performed in which the first and second stopping patterns are displayed stopped with the same numerical pattern, and then a reach development effect is executed in which a predetermined development effect image is displayed on the display unit 21a together with the changing display of the third stopping pattern, and then the third stopping pattern is displayed stopped, and the stopped display mode of the effect pattern 50 becomes a non-winning mode or a winning mode (see Figures 54 (c) to (e)).
Although not specifically shown, the no-development reach variation pattern is an execution mode in which, after a reach display is made, the third stop pattern is stopped and displayed without the above-mentioned reach development performance being executed, and the stopped display mode of the performance pattern 50 becomes a non-winning mode or a winning mode.
The special reach variation pattern is an execution mode in which, after the variation display of the performance pattern 50 starts, a special teasing effect is executed on the display unit 21a in which a special development effect image is displayed along with the variation display of the first stop pattern, second stop pattern, and third stop pattern, suggesting whether or not a special reach development effect will be executed, a reach display is executed after a suggestion that the special reach development effect will be executed, the third stop pattern is displayed as stopped after the above-mentioned special reach development effect is executed, and the stopped display mode of the performance pattern 50 becomes a non-winning mode (see Figures 56 (c) to (f) and Figures 57 (c) to (f)).
The special non-winning variation pattern is an execution mode in which, after the varying display of the performance pattern 50 begins, the above-mentioned special teasing performance is executed on the display unit 21a along with the varying display of the first, second and third stopping patterns, but an indication is given that the special reach development performance will not be executed, no reach display is performed, the first, second and third stopping patterns are stopped and displayed, and the stopped display mode of the performance pattern 50 becomes a non-winning mode (see Figures 55 (c) to (e)).

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the reach variation pattern with development is set to be more likely to be executed when a jackpot is won than the reach variation pattern without development, which heightens the player's sense of anticipation.

In addition, for each execution mode, various settings are made for the way in which the changing display of the performance pattern 50 is made, and various images to be displayed during the changing display (for example, a preview image which is a video or still image different from the performance pattern 50 and which heightens the anticipation of winning the jackpot, or the above-mentioned development performance image).
For example, the development performance images displayed in the reach development performance of the development reach fluctuation pattern include low expectation development performance images which can be displayed in either the case of a miss, a win that grants a time reduction, or a win of a jackpot, but which have a relatively low probability of being displayed in the case of a jackpot; high expectation development performance images which can be displayed in either the case of a miss, a win that grants a time reduction, or a win of a jackpot, but which have a relatively high probability of being displayed in the case of a jackpot; and confirmed jackpot development performance images which are not displayed in the case of a miss or a win that grants a time reduction, but which are displayed only in the case of a jackpot.
As a result, in the reach development presentation, when a high expectation development presentation image is displayed, the expectation of winning a jackpot is higher than when a low expectation development presentation image is displayed, and when a jackpot confirmed development presentation image is displayed, the player can recognize that he or she has won a jackpot, thereby enhancing the player's interest.

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

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the execution mode of the variable presentation that can be executed is determined for each presentation state and the result of the win/lose lottery, and the variable presentation is executed in any of the execution modes that can be executed according to the currently set presentation state and the result of the win/lose lottery.
The outline of the variable presentation executed during each presentation state will be described in detail later.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned display of the effect pattern 50, the mini-pattern MD, which is much smaller than the effect pattern 50 and is harder for the player to see than the effect pattern 50, is displayed in the lower right corner of the display section 21a in response to the display of the special pattern (see FIG. 53(a) and the like). The result of the winning/losing lottery is also notified (suggested) to the player by the combination (stop display mode) of the mini-pattern MD that is stopped and displayed after the display of the variation.

The mini pattern MDs are the same as the performance pattern 50, with the numbers "1" to "9", and the number "0" not used in the performance pattern 50, and as shown in FIG. 53 etc., three mini pattern MDs are displayed side by side. When the variable display of the special pattern starts, all mini pattern MDs are displayed frozen, and then the variable display (scrolling display from top to bottom) of all mini pattern MDs starts, and when the variable display of the special pattern ends (when the special pattern is displayed frozen), the mini pattern MD located on the left, the mini pattern MD located in the center, and the mini pattern MD located on the right are all displayed frozen at the same time.

At this time, regardless of the presentation state, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a losing or big win, and if the winning is a time-saving award in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, the low-probability time-saving presentation state B, the low-probability time-saving presentation state C, or the high-probability time-saving presentation state, the mini pattern MD located on the left side is displayed as a stopped pattern with the same number pattern as the presentation pattern 50 located on the left side (first stop pattern), the mini pattern MD located in the center is displayed as a stopped pattern with the same number pattern as the presentation pattern 50 located in the center (third stop pattern), and the mini pattern MD located on the right side is displayed as a stopped pattern with the same number pattern as the presentation pattern 50 located on the right side (second stop pattern) (see Figures 53(e), 54(e), and 55(e)). That is, the presentation patterns 50 and mini pattern MD at the corresponding positions are both displayed as stopped patterns with the same number patterns.
On the other hand, if a time-saving bonus is awarded in the normal presentation state or the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, the mini pattern MD located on the left side is displayed stopped with the same number pattern as the presentation pattern 50 located on the left side, and the mini pattern MD located on the right side is displayed stopped with the same number pattern as the presentation pattern 50 located on the right side, but the mini pattern MD located in the center is displayed stopped with the number pattern "0" (i.e., a number pattern different from the presentation pattern 50 located in the center) (see Figures 56 (f) and 57 (f)).

(Overview of background image display)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the background images displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 include a first background image corresponding to the normal game state and a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 with 10,000 time-saving plays (see Figures 53(a)-(e), 54(a)-(c), 55(a)-(b) and (e), 56(a)-(b), 57(a)-(b) and (g)), a second background image corresponding to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving plays (see Figure 58(b)), and a third background image corresponding to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving plays and a high-probability time-saving game state (see Figure 56(g)). During each game state, the background image is displayed on the display unit 21a.

Specifically, the first background image is displayed during the normal game state that is set after the RAM is cleared (initialization process in the event of an abnormality, normal initialization process), or after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times is ended due to the execution of 100 times of variable display of special symbols without winning a jackpot, and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 with 10,000 time-saving times that is set based on the determination of the time-saving symbol J1 during the normal game state. That is, the same background image is displayed during both the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. This makes it impossible for the player to know whether the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set from the displayed background image.
A second background image is displayed during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times, which is set after the special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 or X4 ends (when the predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57).
The third background image is displayed during both the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times set based on the determination of the time-saving symbol J2 during the normal game state, and the high-probability time-saving game state set after the end of the special game based on the determination of the jackpot symbol X2, X3, X5, or X6 (when a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57). That is, the same background image is displayed during both the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times and the high-probability time-saving game state. Although these are different game states with different probabilities of winning a jackpot, both continue until a jackpot is won and the performance of the normal game is the same, so that it can be said that they are substantially game states with the same advantage. Therefore, by displaying the same background image, it is possible to give the player the impression that he is playing in the same game state without actively suggesting that they are different game states.
In addition, different background images may be displayed during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the number of time-saving times is 10,000, and during the high-probability time-saving game state.

In addition, although not shown, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the normal game state, during the low probability time-saving game state LJT1, during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2, and during the high probability time-saving game state, when the first special chart random number or the second special chart random number is acquired and stored as reserved, or when the first special chart random number or the second special chart random number stored as reserved is read out, a reserved display is performed to display a reserved image in a predetermined display mode. This reserved display indicates the reserved number of the first special chart or the reserved number of the second special chart.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, although not shown in the figure, the game ball is shot (left shot) toward the first game area 12a, and during the normal game state and the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 in which the game ball mainly enters the first start winning hole 15, a hold display is displayed suggesting the hold of the first special random number. On the other hand, the game ball is shot (right shot) toward the second game area 12b, and during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 and the high probability time-saving game state in which the game ball mainly enters the second start winning hole 16, a hold display is displayed suggesting the hold of the second special random number. Also, although not shown in the figure, during the special game, neither the hold display suggesting the hold of the first special random number nor the hold display suggesting the hold of the second special random number is displayed.

(Overview of effects that can be performed during each effect state)
Below, we will explain in detail the various effects that can be executed during each effect state.
(1) During normal performance (normal gameplay)
As described above, after the RAM is cleared or after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the time-saving count is 100 times ends due to 100 variable displays of special symbols being executed without winning a jackpot, the normal game state is set and the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state.
Then, with the setting of the normal presentation state (normal game state), the display unit 21a displays the first background image and indicates a chance zone stay suggestion (for example, a chance zone stay suggestion image in which the text "Super time with a character appearing!?" scrolls horizontally) to indicate that the player may be staying in the normal game state, which is a chance zone (see Figs. 53(a)-(e), 54(a)-(c), 55(a)-(e), 56(a)-(f), and 57(a)-(f)). The display of the first background image and the indication of staying in the chance zone are continuously executed during the normal presentation state (normal game state) except for a certain period. Note that, if a power interruption occurs during the normal presentation state (normal game state) and normal power interruption is restored, the normal presentation state (normal game state) remains, so that the display of the first background image and the indication of staying in the chance zone are performed even after the power interruption is restored.
In addition, although not shown, when the normal game state is set, a left hit suggestion is made to suggest that the game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a (for example, a left hit suggestion image of "←←← left hit" is displayed, and a left hit lamp is turned on to suggest the shot, etc.). This left hit suggestion may be made to continue during the normal presentation state (normal game state), or may be made to continue until a predetermined end point after the normal presentation state (normal game state) is set (for example, a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the first variable presentation started).

Then, a change performance is executed in accordance with the change in the display of the special symbol.
(1-1) If the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss If the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss during the normal presentation state (normal gaming state), a variation presentation can be executed using any one of the following: a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern, a development reach variation pattern, or a special non-winning variation pattern.

Specifically, in the case of a variation presentation based on a normal non-winning variation pattern, when the variation display of the special pattern (losing pattern) starts while the indication of remaining in the chance zone is being given on the display unit 21a as described above, the variation display of all the performance patterns 50 starts in the center of the display unit 21a, and the variation display of all the mini patterns MD starts in the lower right corner of the display unit 21a (see Figures 53 (a) to (b)).
As described above, in the variation presentation based on this normal non-winning variation pattern, no reach display is performed (see Figures 53 (c) to (d)).
Then, when the special pattern variation time has elapsed and a losing pattern is stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31, all the performance patterns 50 are stopped and displayed due to the non-winning mode, and the mini pattern MD at the position corresponding to each performance pattern 50 is stopped and displayed with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50 (see FIG. 53(c) to (e)). After that, these performance patterns 50 and mini pattern MD are stopped and displayed until the stop display time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed.

In the variation performance by the reach variation pattern without development, as in the variation performance by the normal non-winning variation pattern described above, when the variation display of the special symbol (miss symbol) starts while the chance zone stay suggestion is being performed, the variation display of the performance symbol 50 and the mini symbol MD starts (see FIG. 54(a)-(b)). After that, the reach display is performed in the center of the display section 21a (see FIG. 54(c)).
In the variation presentation based on this no-development reach variation pattern, as described above, no reach development presentation is performed after the reach is displayed.
Then, similar to the above-mentioned normal non-winning variation pattern variation performance, when the variation time of the special symbols has passed and the losing symbols are stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31, all the performance symbols 50 are stopped and displayed due to the non-winning mode, and the mini symbol MD at the position corresponding to each performance symbol 50 is stopped and displayed with the same number symbol as the performance symbol 50. After that, the performance symbols 50 and the mini symbol MD are stopped and displayed until the stop display time (0.5 seconds) has passed.

In the change presentation based on the reach change pattern with development, similarly to the change presentation based on the reach change pattern without development described above, when the change display of the special pattern (missing pattern) starts while the suggestion of remaining in the chance zone is being made, the change display of the performance pattern 50 and the mini pattern MD starts, and then the reach display is made in the center of the display unit 21a (see Figures 54 (a) to (c)).
After the reach display is performed, a reach development effect is executed. In this reach development effect, various development effect images (such as the above-mentioned low expectation development effect image and high expectation development effect image) are displayed on a part or the entire surface of the display unit 21a (see FIG. 54(d)).
In addition, during the execution of the reach development performance, in order to prevent a decrease in visibility of the development performance image, the changing display of the performance pattern 50 (reach display using the first and second stopping patterns, and the changing display of the third stopping pattern) is performed in the upper right corner rather than in the center of the display unit 21a, and no suggestion of remaining in the chance zone is made (see Figure 54 (d)).
In addition, while the reach development performance is being executed, the display of the change in the performance pattern 50 may not be performed at all, and even when the reach development performance is being executed, a suggestion of staying in the chance zone may be given.
Then, in this reach development performance, a failure indication is given to indicate that the result of the winning/losing lottery is a failure (for example, a failure indication image is displayed to indicate that the result of the predetermined story shown by the development performance image is a failure), and the reach development performance ends. Note that this reach development performance ends just before the special symbol variation time has elapsed (the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31).
After that, similar to the above-mentioned variation performance due to the reach variation pattern without development, when the variation time of the special symbols has passed and a losing symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31, all the performance symbols 50 are stopped and displayed in a non-winning state in the center of the display section 21a, and the mini symbol MD in the position corresponding to each performance symbol 50 is stopped and displayed with the same number symbol as the performance symbol 50. After that, the performance symbols 50 and mini symbol MD are stopped and displayed until the stop display time (0.5 seconds) has passed.

In the case of the special non-winning variation pattern variation presentation, similar to the variation presentation based on the no-development reach variation pattern described above, when the indication of remaining in the chance zone is kept and the variation display of the special pattern (losing pattern) starts, the variation display of the performance pattern 50 and the mini pattern MD starts (see Figures 55 (a) to (b)).
After that, a special provocation effect is executed to inspire whether or not a special reach development effect will be executed, which will be described later. In this special provocation effect, a special provocation image (for example, an image inciting whether or not a character used in the special reach development effect will appear (an image that builds up anticipation for the appearance of the character)) is displayed on the entire surface of the display unit 21a (see FIG. 55(c)).
In addition, during the execution of the special stimulating performance, in order to prevent a decrease in the visibility of the special stimulating image, the display of the variation of the performance pattern 50 (the variation of the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern, and the third stop pattern) is performed in the upper right corner, not in the center of the display unit 21a (see FIG. 55(c)). On the other hand, the suggestion of staying in the chance zone is continuously performed even during the execution of the special stimulating performance (see FIG. 55(c) to (d)).
In addition, while the special teasing effect is being executed, the display of the changing effect pattern 50 may not be performed at all, and no suggestion of remaining in the chance zone may be given.
Then, in this special provocative performance, as described above, a suggestion is made that the special reach development performance will not be executed (for example, a non-execution suggestion image is displayed to suggest that a character used in the special reach development performance has not appeared) (see Figure 55 (d)), and the special provocative performance ends. Note that this special provocative performance ends immediately before the special pattern variation time has elapsed (the losing pattern is displayed stationary on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31).
After that, similar to the above-mentioned variation performance due to the reach variation pattern without development and the reach variation pattern with development, when the variation time of the special symbol has passed and the losing symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31, all the performance symbols 50 are stopped and displayed in the non-winning mode in the center of the display section 21a, and the mini symbol MD in the position corresponding to each performance symbol 50 is stopped and displayed with the same number symbol as the performance symbol 50. After that, the display of these performance symbols 50 and mini symbol MD is stopped and displayed until the stop display time (0.5 seconds) has passed.

(1-2) When the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win: When the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win during the normal presentation state (normal gaming state), a variation presentation can be executed using either a reach variation pattern without development or a reach variation pattern with development.

When the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning jackpot, the variation performance based on the no-development reach variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation performance based on the no-development reach variation pattern in the case of a losing jackpot described above. When the variation time of the special symbols has elapsed and the jackpot symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31, all the performance symbols 50 are displayed in the center of the display unit 21a according to the winning mode, and the mini symbol MD in the position corresponding to each performance symbol 50 is displayed in the same number symbol as the performance symbol 50 (see FIG. 54(e)). Also, on the display unit 21a, a winning notification image (for example, an image that says "BONUS!") that notifies the user that a jackpot has been won is displayed (see FIG. 54(f)). Then, the performance symbols 50 and mini symbol MD are displayed in a stopped state until the stop display time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed, and the special game starts when the stop display time has elapsed.

When the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot, the change presentation due to the reach change pattern with development is executed in a manner similar to the change presentation due to the reach change pattern with development in the case of a miss described above, but in the reach development presentation, unlike the case of a miss, a jackpot suggestion is given that suggests that the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot (for example, the display of a jackpot suggestion image that indicates that the outcome of a specified story shown in the development presentation image has been successful).
Then, when the special pattern variation time has elapsed and the big win pattern is displayed on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31, all the performance patterns 50 are displayed in a stopped state in the center of the display unit 21a according to the winning mode, and the mini pattern MD in the position corresponding to each performance pattern 50 is displayed in a stopped state with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50 (see FIG. 54(e)). Also, the above-mentioned winning notification image is displayed on the display unit 21a (see FIG. 54(f)). Then, the performance patterns 50 and the mini pattern MD are displayed in a stopped state until the stop display time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed, and the special game starts when the stop display time has elapsed.

(1-3) When the result of the lottery for whether or not a player is selected is a win for the time-saving feature and the time-saving pattern J2 has been determined: During the normal presentation state (normal gaming state), when the result of the lottery for whether or not a player is selected is a win for the time-saving feature and the time-saving pattern J2 has been determined, a special reach variation pattern is executed.

In the variation performance by the special reach variation pattern executed when the time-saving pattern J2 is determined, as in the variation performance by the special non-winning variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery described above is a losing one, when the variation display of the special pattern (time-saving pattern J2) starts while the chance zone stay suggestion is being performed, the variation display of the performance pattern 50 and the mini pattern MD starts, and then the special stimulating performance is executed (see FIG. 56(a) to (c)). In addition, the variation display of the performance pattern 50 during the execution of the special stimulating performance and the aspect of the chance zone stay suggestion are also the same as the variation performance by the special non-winning variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery described above is a losing one (see FIG. 56(c)).
Then, in this special provocative performance, as described above, a suggestion is made that a special reach development performance will be executed (for example, an execution suggestion image is displayed suggesting the appearance of a character used in the special reach development performance) (see FIG. 56(d)), and the special provocative performance ends. This special provocative performance ends just before the special pattern variation time has elapsed (the time-saving pattern J2 is displayed stopped on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31).
After that, when the time for changing the special symbol has elapsed and the time-saving symbol J2 is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31, a reach display is performed in the upper right corner of the display unit 21a, and a special reach development performance (for example, display of an image of a showdown between an appeared character and an enemy character) is started on the entire surface of the display unit 21a (see FIG. 56(e)). Also, at this time, the mini symbol MD at the position corresponding to the first stop symbol is stopped and displayed with the same number symbol as the performance symbol 50, the mini symbol MD at the position corresponding to the second stop symbol is stopped and displayed with the same number symbol as the performance symbol 50, and the mini symbol MD at the position corresponding to the third stop symbol is stopped and displayed with the number symbol "0" (see FIG. 56(e)). As a result, although it is difficult to see, the stop display mode of the mini symbol MD suggests that the time-saving grant has been won.
In this special reach development performance, a highly advantageous result is determined (for example, an image of "WIN!" is displayed indicating that the character has won the battle) which indicates that the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J2 has been determined (i.e., the game will move to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times), and at the upper right corner of the display unit 21a, the third stop pattern is stopped and displayed as a number pattern different from the first stop pattern and the second stop pattern (for example, a number pattern that is one number different from the first stop pattern and the second stop pattern), so that all the performance patterns 50 are stopped and displayed due to a non-winning mode, and the special reach development performance ends. This special reach development performance ends just before the stop display time (20 seconds) has elapsed. In other words, the special reach development performance is performed from the time when the time-saving pattern J2 is stopped and displayed until the stop display time (20 seconds) has elapsed.
Thereafter, the stop display of the performance symbol 50 and the mini symbol MD is performed until the stop display time (20 seconds) has elapsed, and when the stop display time has elapsed, a low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times is set, and the performance state is set to the low probability time-saving performance state B. At this time, the chance zone stay suggestion performed on the display unit 21a ends, and a third background image is displayed, a high-advantage state setting suggestion (for example, display of a high-advantage state setting suggestion image such as "Super time start!") that suggests that the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times has been set, and a right hit suggestion (for example, display of a right hit suggestion image such as "→→→ right hit", lighting of the right hit notification lamp RL, etc.) are also performed (see FIG. 46(g)).
In addition, this right-hit suggestion may be continuously executed during the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (low-probability time-saving presentation state B), or may be continuously executed from the time the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (low-probability time-saving presentation state B) is set until a predetermined end point (for example, the time when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the first variable presentation was started).

(1-4) When the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 is determined: When the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 is determined during the normal presentation state (normal game state), a change presentation based on the special reach change pattern is executed, just as in the case where the time-saving pattern J2 is determined.

In the variation performance by the special reach variation pattern executed when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, the mode of the suggestion of staying in the chance zone, the mode of the variation display of the performance symbol 50 and the mini symbol MD that starts with the start of the variation display of the special symbol (time-saving symbol J1), and the mode of the special provocative performance are all the same as the variation performance by the special reach variation pattern executed when the above-mentioned time-saving symbol J2 is determined (see FIG. 57(a)-(d)). Note that the special provocative performance ends just before the variation time of the special symbol elapses (the time-saving symbol J1 is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31).
After that, similar to the variation performance by the special reach variation pattern executed when the time-saving pattern J2 is determined, when the variation time of the special pattern has elapsed and the time-saving pattern J1 is stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31, a reach display is performed in the upper right corner of the display unit 21a, and a special reach development performance is started on the entire surface of the display unit 21a (see FIG. 57 (e)). Also, at this time, the mini pattern MD at the position corresponding to the first stop pattern is stopped and displayed with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50, the mini pattern MD at the position corresponding to the second stop pattern is stopped and displayed with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50, and the mini pattern MD at the position corresponding to the third stop pattern is stopped and displayed with the number pattern "0" (see FIG. 57 (e)). As a result, although it is difficult to see, the stop display mode of the mini pattern MD suggests that the time-saving grant has been won.
In this special reach development performance, a low-advantage result determination suggestion (for example, display of an image of "LOSE..." indicating that the character that appeared has lost the battle) is performed, which indicates that the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 has been determined (i.e., transition to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1), and at the upper right corner of the display unit 21a, the third stop pattern is stopped and displayed as a number pattern different from the first stop pattern and the second stop pattern (for example, a number pattern that is one number different from the first stop pattern and the second stop pattern, etc.), and all the performance patterns 50 are stopped and displayed due to a non-winning mode, and the special reach development performance ends. This special reach development performance ends just before the stop display time (20 seconds) has elapsed. In other words, the special reach development performance is performed from the time when the time-saving pattern J1 is stopped and displayed until the stop display time (20 seconds) has elapsed.
After that, the display symbols 50 and mini symbols MD are displayed until the stop display time (20 seconds) has elapsed, and when the stop display time has elapsed, the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, and the display state is set to the low probability time-saving display state A1 (see FIG. 52). At this time, the suggestion of staying in the chance zone that was being performed on the display unit 21a ends, but the first background image that was displayed during the normal display state (normal game state) continues to be displayed (see FIG. 57(g)).

(2) During low probability time-saving performance state A1 (during low probability time-saving game state LJT1)
As described above, when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined by winning the time-saving award during the normal game state, the game state transitions to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1. Also, when the time-saving award is won during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 (the presentation state set when the game returns from a power outage without the RAM being cleared (initialization process in the event of an abnormality, normal initialization process) during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1), and the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined, the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1.
Then, when the normal game state is shifted to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 and the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, as described above, the suggestion of staying in the chance zone that was performed during the normal presentation state (normal game state) ends, while the display of the first background image continues (see FIG. 57(g)). Also, as described later, in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, the display of the first background image and the suggestion of staying in the chance zone are performed in the same way as during the normal presentation state, but when the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, the suggestion of staying in the chance zone ends, while the display of the first background image continues.
In other words, during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, the same first background image as during the normal presentation state and the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 is displayed, but no suggestion of staying in the chance zone is made.
In addition, when the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, unlike when the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state (normal game play state), the above-mentioned left-hit suggestion is not made (see Figure 57 (g)).

Then, a change performance is executed in accordance with the change in the display of the special symbol.
(2-1) If the result of the win/loss lottery is a loss If the result of the win/loss lottery is a loss during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, unlike when the result of the win/loss lottery is a loss during the normal presentation state, a variation presentation based on a special non-winning variation pattern is not executed, and a variation presentation based on either a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern or a development reach variation pattern can be executed.
And, except for the point that there is no indication of staying in the chance zone, the variation presentation by the normal non-winning variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation by the normal non-winning variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the normal presentation state is a lose, the variation presentation by the no-development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation by the no-development variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the normal presentation state is a lose, and the variation presentation by the development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation by the development variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the normal presentation state is a lose.

(2-2) When the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot If the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, a variation presentation can be executed using either a no-development reach variation pattern or a development reach variation pattern, just as in the case where the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot during the normal presentation state.
And, except for the point that no suggestion of staying in the chance zone is made, the variation presentation by the no-development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation by the no-development variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the normal presentation state is a jackpot win, and the variation presentation by the development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation by the development variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the normal presentation state is a jackpot win.

(2-3) When the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined During the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, when the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, a presentation based on a normal non-winning variation pattern is executed instead of a presentation based on a special reach variation pattern, unlike when the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined in the normal presentation state.
As described above, during the low probability time-saving presentation state A1, unlike during the normal presentation state, no suggestion of staying in the chance zone is made, and the chance zone staying suggestion image is not displayed on the display unit 21a, and the variation presentation is executed using the normal non-winning variation pattern.
In the variation performance by this normal non-winning variation pattern, as in the normal performance state, when the variation display of the special symbol (time-saving symbol J1 or J2) starts, the variation display of all the performance symbols 50 starts in the center of the display section 21a, and the variation display of all the mini symbols MD starts in the lower right corner of the display section 21a. In the variation performance by this normal non-winning variation pattern, the reach display is not performed.
Then, when the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31 after the variation time of the special pattern has elapsed, all the performance patterns 50 are stopped and displayed due to the non-winning mode, and the mini pattern MD at the position corresponding to each performance pattern 50 is stopped and displayed with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50. After that, the performance patterns 50 and mini pattern MD are stopped and displayed until the stop display time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed.
In addition, since the game state being set is the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, even if the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined, the game state is not changed even if the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 being set continues. Also, the presentation state continues as the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 (see FIG. 52).

In the low-probability time-saving performance state A1, even if the time-saving award is won, the set game state remains the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. Therefore, if a change performance based on a special reach change pattern is executed and the determination of the time-saving pattern J1 or the time-saving pattern J2 is suggested, as in the case where the time-saving award is won during the normal performance state, the player may be given the impression that the game state has been changed.
Therefore, in the low probability time-saving performance state A1, if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for time-saving grant, a variation performance is performed using a normal non-winning variation pattern that can be executed if the result of the win/lose lottery is a loss, and the display of the performance pattern 50 in a non-winning mode and the display of the mini pattern MD with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50 are stopped.
As a result, in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, even if a player wins the time-saving award, the player cannot know that he or she has won from the execution mode of the variable presentation, the stopped display mode of the presentation pattern 50, and the stopped display mode of the mini pattern MD, giving the player the impression that the result of the win/lose lottery was a loss, and ultimately preventing the player from getting the impression that the game state has been changed.

(3) During low probability time-saving performance state A2 (during low probability time-saving game state LJT1)
As described above, when a power outage occurs during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 and the power is restored without the RAM being cleared (when a normal power outage recovery is performed), the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 while the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 remains unchanged.
When the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, the display unit 21a displays the first background image and suggests staying in the chance zone, as in the normal presentation state (see Figs. 53(a)-(e), 54(a)-(c), 55(a)-(e), 56(a)-(f), and 57(a)-(f)). The display of the first background image and the suggestion of staying in the chance zone are continuously executed in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, except for a certain period. In addition, if a power interruption occurs during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 (during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1) and normal power interruption is restored, the state remains in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1), so that the display of the first background image and the suggestion of staying in the chance zone are performed even after the power interruption is restored.
In addition, when the power is restored after a power outage and the game state is set to the low probability time-saving presentation state A2, the left hit suggestion may or may not be executed.

Then, a change performance is executed in accordance with the change in the display of the special symbol.
(3-1) If the result of the win/loss lottery is a loss If the result of the win/loss lottery is a loss during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, a variation presentation can be executed using any of the following variations: a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern, a development reach variation pattern, or a special non-winning variation pattern, just as in the case where the result of the win/loss lottery is a loss during the normal presentation state.
The variation performance according to these execution modes is executed while the chance zone stay suggestion is performed, as in the normal performance state. The variation performance according to the normal non-winning variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation performance according to the normal non-winning variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss in the normal performance state, the variation performance according to the non-development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation performance according to the non-development variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss in the normal performance state, the variation performance according to the development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation performance according to the development variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss in the normal performance state, and the variation performance according to the special non-winning variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation performance according to the special non-winning variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss in the normal performance state (see FIG. 53, FIG. 55, etc.).

(3-2) If the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot If the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, a variation presentation can be executed using either a reach variation pattern with no development or a reach variation pattern with development, in the same way as when the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot during the normal presentation state.
The variation performance according to these execution modes is executed while the chance zone stay suggestion is performed, as in the normal performance state. The variation performance according to the non-development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation performance according to the non-development variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the normal performance state is a big win, and the variation performance according to the development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation performance according to the development variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the normal performance state is a big win (see FIG. 54, etc.).

(3-3) When the result of the lottery for granting a time-saving symbol is a win and the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined During the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, in either case, the suggestion of remaining in the chance zone remains, and a variation presentation based on a special non-winning variation pattern is executed.
The special non-winning variation pattern based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is executed in a manner substantially similar to the special non-winning variation pattern in the case of a miss in the normal performance state.
Specifically, when the varying display of the special pattern (time-saving pattern J1 or J2) begins, the varying display of the performance pattern 50 and the mini pattern MD begins, and then the special promotional performance is executed (see Figures 55 (a) to (d)).
In this special provocation performance, a suggestion is made that the special reach development performance will not be executed (see FIG. 55(d)), and the special provocation performance ends. Note that this special provocation performance ends just before the special symbol variation time elapses (when the losing symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31).
After that, when the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31 after the special pattern change time has elapsed, all the performance patterns 50 are stopped and displayed in a non-winning state in the center of the display section 21a, and the mini pattern MD in the position corresponding to each performance pattern 50 is stopped and displayed with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50. After that, the performance patterns 50 and mini pattern MD are stopped and displayed until the stop display time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed.
Here, since the game state being set is the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, although the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 has been determined, the game state is not changed even after the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 being set continues. In contrast, the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 (see FIG. 52). At this time, although the suggestion of staying in the chance zone that was being performed on the display unit 21a ends, the first background image that was displayed during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 (during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1) continues to be displayed (see FIG. 57(g)).

(4) During low probability time-saving performance state B (during low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times)
As described above, when a time-saving award is won during the normal game state and the time-saving pattern J2 is determined, the game state transitions to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving turns, and the presentation state is set to a low-probability time-saving presentation state B.
Then, when the game state transitions from the normal game state to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions and the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state B, as described above, the suggestion of staying in the chance zone that was performed during the normal presentation state (normal game state) ends and the third background image is displayed (see Figure 56 (g)).

Then, a change performance is executed in accordance with the change in the display of the special symbol.
(4-1) If the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss If the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss during low-probability time-saving presentation state B (during low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions), although not specifically shown, it is possible to execute a variation presentation using either a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern, or a development reach variation pattern, just as in the case where the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss in low-probability time-saving presentation state A1.
The fluctuation presentation based on the normal non-winning fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the normal non-winning fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 is a losing one, the fluctuation presentation based on the no-development fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the no-development fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 is a losing one, and the fluctuation presentation based on the development fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the development fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 is a losing one.

(4-2) If the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot If the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot during low-probability time-saving presentation state B (low-probability time-saving play state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions), then, although not specifically shown, a variation presentation can be executed using either a no-development reach variation pattern or a development reach variation pattern, just as in the case where the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot in low-probability time-saving presentation state A1.
The variation presentation based on the no-development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation based on the no-development variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 is a jackpot win, and the variation presentation based on the development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation based on the development variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 is a jackpot win.

(4-3) When the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined During the low-probability time-saving presentation state B (during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions), if the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, although not specifically shown, it is possible to execute a variation presentation with either a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern, or a development reach variation pattern, just as in the case when the result of the win/loss lottery in this low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a loss.
The fluctuation presentation based on the normal non-winning fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the normal non-winning fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a losing result, the fluctuation presentation based on the no-development fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the no-development fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a losing result, and the fluctuation presentation based on the development fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the development fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a losing result.
In addition, since the currently set game state is the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, even if the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, the game state does not change, and the currently set low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 continues.

In this way, in the low probability time-saving performance state B, if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for time-saving grant, a performance change is performed in accordance with either a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern, or a development reach variation pattern, which can be executed in the event that the result of the win/lose lottery is a loss, and the performance pattern 50 is displayed stopped in a non-winning state, and a mini pattern MD with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50 is displayed stopped.
As a result, in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B, even if a player wins the time-saving award, the player cannot know that he or she has won from the execution mode of the variable presentation, the stopped display mode of the presentation pattern 50, and the stopped display mode of the mini pattern MD, giving the player the impression that the result of the win/lose lottery was a loss, and ultimately preventing the player from getting the impression that the game state will be changed by winning the time-saving award.

(5) In low probability time-saving performance state C (in low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times)
As described above, when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1 or X4 is determined, and a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on the determination, the game transitions to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles, and the presentation state is set to a low-probability time-saving presentation state C.
Then, when the above-mentioned special game ends, the special game performance (for example, the display of a special game image to liven up the special game (see FIG. 58(a))) that was performed during the special game ends. Then, when the game transitions to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times and the performance state is set to the low-probability time-saving performance state C, the second background image is displayed, a low-advantage state setting suggestion (for example, the display of a low-advantage state setting suggestion image such as "revenge time start!") that suggests that the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times has been set, and a right-hit suggestion is performed (see FIG. 48(b)). Furthermore, in the lower left corner of the display unit 21a, a number suggestion is also performed that suggests the number of times the special pattern will change until the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times ends (see FIG. 58(b)).

Then, a change performance is executed in accordance with the change in the display of the special symbol.
(5-1) If the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss If the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss during low-probability time-saving presentation state C (low-probability time-saving play state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles), then, although not specifically shown, a variation presentation can be executed using either a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern, or a development reach variation pattern, just as in the case where the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss during low-probability time-saving presentation state B (low-probability time-saving play state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving cycles).
The fluctuation presentation based on the normal non-winning fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the normal non-winning fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a losing result, the fluctuation presentation based on the no-development fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the no-development fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a losing result, and the fluctuation presentation based on the development fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the development fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a losing result.

(5-2) When the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot When the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot during low-probability time-saving presentation state C (low-probability time-saving play state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles), although not specifically shown, it is possible to execute a variation presentation using either a reach variation pattern with no development or a reach variation pattern with development, in the same way as when the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot during low-probability time-saving presentation state B (low-probability time-saving play state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving cycles).
The variation presentation based on the no-development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation based on the no-development variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a jackpot win, and the variation presentation based on the development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation based on the development variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a jackpot win.

(5-3) When the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined During the low-probability time-saving presentation state C (during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions), if the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, although not specifically shown, it is possible to execute a variation presentation with either a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern, or a development reach variation pattern, just as in the case when the result of the win/loss lottery in this low-probability time-saving presentation state C is a loss.
The variation presentation based on the normal non-winning variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation based on the normal non-winning variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state C is a losing result, the variation presentation based on the no-development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation based on the no-development variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state C is a losing result, and the variation presentation based on the development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation based on the development variation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state C is a losing result.
In addition, since the currently set game state is the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, even if the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, the game state does not change, and the currently set low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 continues.

In this way, in the low probability time-saving performance state C, if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for time-saving grant, a performance change is performed in accordance with either a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern, or a development reach variation pattern, which can be executed in the event that the result of the win/lose lottery is a loss, and the performance pattern 50 is displayed stopped in a non-winning state, and a mini pattern MD with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50 is displayed stopped.
As a result, in low-probability time-saving presentation state C, just like low-probability time-saving presentation state B, etc., even if a player wins the time-saving award, he or she cannot know that he or she has won the time-saving award from the execution mode of the variable presentation, the stopped display mode of the presentation pattern 50, and the stopped display mode of the mini pattern MD, giving the player the impression that the result of the win/lose lottery was a loss, and ultimately preventing the player from getting the impression that the game state will be changed by winning the time-saving award.

(6) During high probability time-saving performance state (during high probability time-saving game state)
As described above, when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X2, X3, X5 or X6 is determined, and a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 during the special game based on the determination, a transition is made to a high probability time-saving game state, and the presentation state is set to a high probability time-saving presentation state.
Then, when the special game ends, the special game effect that was being performed during the special game ends. Then, when the game transitions to a high probability time-saving game state and the effect state is set to the high probability time-saving effect state, the third background image is displayed, a high advantageous state setting suggestion, and a right hit suggestion are performed in the same manner as when the low probability time-saving effect state B (low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times) is set (see FIG. 56(g)).
That is, when the presentation state is set to the high probability time-saving presentation state, the same high-advantage state setting suggestion is made as when the presentation state is set to the low probability time-saving presentation state B, and during the high probability time-saving presentation state, the same background image is displayed as during the low probability time-saving presentation state B. As a result, it is not possible to know from the background image or the suggestion that a transition has been made to the above-mentioned game state (high-advantage state setting suggestion) whether the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving cycles or the high probability time-saving game state has been set, and the player can be given the impression that a transition has been made to the same game state.
In addition, when the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times is set and when the high-probability time-saving game state is set, the background image displayed may be different, and the indication of the transition to these game states may be different. In this way, it is possible to understand whether the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times or the high-probability time-saving game state has been set.

Then, a change performance is executed in accordance with the change in the display of the special symbol.
(6-1) If the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss If the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss during the high-probability time-saving presentation state (high-probability time-saving game state), although not specifically shown, it is possible to execute a variation presentation using either the normal non-winning variation pattern, the no-development reach variation pattern, or the development reach variation pattern, in the same way as when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss during the low-probability time-saving presentation state B (low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving cycles).
The fluctuation presentation based on the normal non-winning fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the normal non-winning fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a losing result, the fluctuation presentation based on the no-development fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the no-development fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a losing result, and the fluctuation presentation based on the development fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the development fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a losing result.

(6-2) When the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot If the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot during the high-probability time-saving presentation state (high-probability time-saving play state), although not specifically shown, it is possible to execute a variation presentation using either a no-development reach variation pattern or a development reach variation pattern, in the same way as when the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot during the low-probability time-saving presentation state B (low-probability time-saving play state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions).
The variation presentation based on the no-development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation based on the no-development variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a jackpot win, and the variation presentation based on the development variation pattern is executed in the same manner as the variation presentation based on the development variation pattern when the result of the win/lose lottery in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B is a jackpot win.

(6-3) When the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined During a high-probability time-saving presentation state (high-probability time-saving game state), when the result of the win/loss lottery is a win for time-saving grant and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, although not specifically shown, it is possible to execute a variation presentation with either a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern, or a development reach variation pattern, just as in the case when the result of the win/loss lottery is a loss in this high-probability time-saving presentation state.
The fluctuation presentation based on the normal non-winning fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the normal non-winning fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the high-probability time-saving presentation state is a losing result, the fluctuation presentation based on the no-development fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the no-development fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the high-probability time-saving presentation state is a losing result, and the fluctuation presentation based on the development fluctuation pattern is executed in the same manner as the fluctuation presentation based on the development fluctuation pattern when the result of the winning/losing lottery in the high-probability time-saving presentation state is a losing result.
In addition, since the currently set game state is a high probability time-saving game state, even if the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, the game state is not changed, and the currently set high probability time-saving game state continues.

In this way, in the high probability time-saving performance state, if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for time-saving grant, a performance change is performed in accordance with either a normal non-winning variation pattern, a no-development reach variation pattern, or a development reach variation pattern, which can be executed in the event that the result of the win/lose lottery is a loss, and the performance pattern 50 is displayed stopped in a non-winning state, and a mini pattern MD with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50 is displayed stopped.
As a result, in the high probability time-saving presentation state, just like in the low probability time-saving presentation state B and the low probability time-saving presentation state C, even if a player wins the time-saving presentation, the player cannot know that he or she has won the time-saving presentation from the execution mode of the variable presentation, the stopped display mode of the presentation pattern 50, and the stopped display mode of the mini pattern MD, giving the player the impression that the result of the win/lose lottery was a loss, and ultimately making it possible to prevent the player from getting the impression that the game state will be changed by winning the time-saving presentation.

(Determination of execution mode of variable performance)
Next, the determination of the execution mode of the above-mentioned variable performance will be explained.
The main ROM 302 of the sub-control board 300 stores a plurality of variable performance determination tables 119 for determining the execution mode of the variable performance.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 59 and 60, the variable presentation decision table 119 includes a first variable presentation decision table 119a referenced in the normal presentation state, a second variable presentation decision table 119b referenced in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, a third variable presentation decision table 119c referenced in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, a fourth variable presentation decision table 119d referenced in the low-probability time-saving presentation state B or the low-probability time-saving presentation state C, and a fifth variable presentation decision table 119e referenced in the high-probability time-saving presentation state.

In each variable performance determination table 119, a variable performance execution mode is determined in association with each variable performance random number acquired within a predetermined numerical range (0 to 249 in this embodiment) and a variable pattern command that can be determined in the main control board 100. When the sub-CPU 301 of the sub-control board 300 receives a variable pattern command from the main control board 100, it acquires a variable performance random number of 1 from the predetermined numerical range (0 to 249). The sub-CPU 301 refers to the variable performance determination table 119 that corresponds to the performance state being set, and determines the execution mode of the variable performance based on the received variable pattern command and the acquired variable performance random number.
In addition, a performance data table is provided in the sub-ROM 302 of the sub-control board 300, and performance data defining the specific execution content of various performances is stored in this performance data table. Then, the sub-CPU 301 acquires performance data corresponding to the execution mode of the determined variable performance, and the variable performance according to the determined execution mode is executed based on the acquired performance data.

As shown in FIG. 59(a), according to the first variation performance determination table 119a, when the received variation pattern command is "00H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), either a normal non-winning variation pattern or a special non-winning variation pattern is determined, when the received variation pattern command is "01H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a normal non-winning variation pattern is determined, when the received variation pattern command is "02H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a no-development reach variation pattern is determined, and when the received variation pattern command is "03H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a development reach variation pattern is determined.
In addition, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "0AH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win), a reach fluctuation pattern without development is determined, and if the received fluctuation pattern command is "0BH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win), a reach fluctuation pattern with development is determined.
In addition, if the received variation pattern command is "0EH" or "0FH" (if the result of the lottery is a win for the time-saving bonus), a special non-winning variation pattern is determined.

As shown in FIG. 59(b), according to the second variation performance determination table 119b, when the received variation pattern command is "10H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a normal non-winning variation pattern is determined, when the received variation pattern command is "11H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a normal non-winning variation pattern is determined, when the received variation pattern command is "12H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a no-development reach variation pattern is determined, and when the received variation pattern command is "13H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a development reach variation pattern is determined.
In addition, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "1AH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win), a reach fluctuation pattern without development is determined, and if the received fluctuation pattern command is "1BH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win), a reach fluctuation pattern with development is determined.
In addition, if the received variation pattern command is "1CH" (if the result of the lottery is a win for time-saving), a normal non-winning variation pattern is determined.

As shown in FIG. 59 (c), according to the third variation performance determination table 119c, when the received variation pattern command is "10H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a normal non-winning variation pattern is determined, when the received variation pattern command is "11H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a normal non-winning variation pattern is determined, when the received variation pattern command is "12H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a no-development reach variation pattern is determined, and when the received variation pattern command is "13H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a development reach variation pattern is determined.
In addition, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "1AH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win), a reach fluctuation pattern without development is determined, and if the received fluctuation pattern command is "1BH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win), a reach fluctuation pattern with development is determined.
In addition, when the received variation pattern command is "1CH" (when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a winning for time-saving grant), a special non-winning variation pattern is determined.

As shown in FIG. 60(a), according to the fourth variation performance determination table 119d, when the received variation pattern command is "20H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a normal non-winning variation pattern is determined, when the received variation pattern command is "21H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a normal non-winning variation pattern is determined, when the received variation pattern command is "22H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a no-development reach variation pattern is determined, and when the received variation pattern command is "23H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a development reach variation pattern is determined.
In addition, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "2AH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win), a reach fluctuation pattern without development is determined, and if the received fluctuation pattern command is "2BH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win), a reach fluctuation pattern with development is determined.
In addition, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "2CH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for the time-saving grant), a normal non-winning fluctuation pattern is determined, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "2DH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for the time-saving grant), a normal non-winning fluctuation pattern is determined, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "2EH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for the time-saving grant), a no-development reach fluctuation pattern is determined, and if the received fluctuation pattern command is "2FH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for the time-saving grant), a development reach fluctuation pattern is determined.

As shown in FIG. 60(b), according to the fifth variation performance determination table 119e, when the received variation pattern command is "30H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a normal non-winning variation pattern is determined, when the received variation pattern command is "31H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a normal non-winning variation pattern is determined, when the received variation pattern command is "32H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a no-development reach variation pattern is determined, and when the received variation pattern command is "33H" (when the result of the win/lose lottery is a miss), a development reach variation pattern is determined.
In addition, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "3AH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win), a reach fluctuation pattern without development is determined, and if the received fluctuation pattern command is "3BH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a jackpot win), a reach fluctuation pattern with development is determined.
In addition, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "3CH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for the time-saving grant), a normal non-winning fluctuation pattern is determined, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "3DH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for the time-saving grant), a normal non-winning fluctuation pattern is determined, if the received fluctuation pattern command is "3EH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for the time-saving grant), a no-development reach fluctuation pattern is determined, and if the received fluctuation pattern command is "3FH" (if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for the time-saving grant), a development reach fluctuation pattern is determined.

In addition, in Figures 59 and 60, the numbers shown in each area where a variation pattern command and a variation performance execution mode correspond to each other indicate the range of variation performance random numbers allocated to that area, i.e., the selection ratio (determination ratio) of that area.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the selection ratios for the execution mode of the variable presentation are set separately for the cases where the result of the winning/losing lottery is a losing one, where a jackpot is won, and where a time-saving bonus is awarded.

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

(Summary of special game effects)
During the special game, a special game performance is executed. In this special game performance, a special game image for livening up the special game being played is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 (see FIG. 58(a), FIG. 61(a), and FIG. 61(c)-(f)). During the special game, an image of the number of rounds suggesting the round game being played is also displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 (see FIG. 61(a), (c)-(f)). By displaying this image of the number of rounds, it is possible to suggest to the player which round of round game is being played.
In addition, during the special game performance, not only is a special game image displayed, but in conjunction with the display of the special game image, predetermined background music and sound are output from the audio output device 10 (speaker), and the performance lighting device 23 (lamp) emits light in a predetermined lighting pattern and color.

(Overview of display of winning balls)
When a jackpot is won in the normal game state, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions, and a special game based on the winning jackpot is started, a display of the number of prize balls won indicating the cumulative number of prize balls from the start point (i.e., the cumulative number of prize balls paid out and won by the player based on the entry of game balls into each winning port (general winning port 14, first start winning port 15, second start winning port 16, large winning port 18)) begins (for example, when the cumulative number of prize balls reaches 700, a text image of "700 pt" or the like is displayed (see Figures 61 (a) to (d))).
The display of the number of prize balls won is updated every time a game ball enters each winning port. That is, it is updated to a value obtained by adding the number of prize balls scheduled to be paid out based on the ball entering. Note that, instead of updating the value by adding the number of prize balls scheduled to be paid out every time a game ball enters each winning port, it may be updated by adding the number of prize balls actually paid out based on the game ball entering each winning port.
The display of the number of winning balls continues during the high-probability time-saving game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles that is set after the special game ends, and during the special game that is executed based on winning a jackpot in the high-probability time-saving game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles, and ends when the high-probability time-saving game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles ends without winning a jackpot.
In other words, when a special game based on winning a jackpot during a normal game state, during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving cycles, is started, the number of winning prize balls is continuously displayed while the setting of a high-probability time-saving game state or a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles, and the execution of a special game based on winning a jackpot during the high-probability time-saving game state or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles are being repeated.

Here, when the setting of the high probability time-saving game state or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times is repeated, and the special game based on winning the jackpot during the high probability time-saving game state or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times is repeated, the number of prize balls acquired displayed will gradually increase. However, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the number of prize balls acquired reaches a number equivalent to the difference in the number of balls at which the game will stop (i.e., 95,000 balls, which is the number at which the operation will stop), the number of prize balls acquired is not displayed, and the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 displays a difference in the number of balls acquired indicating that the number equivalent to the difference in the number of balls has been reached (for example, a difference in the number of balls that reads "COMPLETE!") instead of the number of prize balls acquired (see Figures 61 (e) to (f)).
In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even if the number of winning prize balls reaches a number equivalent to the difference in the number of balls at which the game will stop, the number equivalent to that difference in the number of balls is not displayed as the number of winning prize balls.
During special play, during high probability time-saving play, and during low probability time-saving play LJT2 with 100 time-saving times, the number of winning balls is displayed, but if players or hall staff who see this recognize it as the difference in balls, if the number of winning balls equivalent to the difference in balls at which the game will stop (95,000 balls, which is the number of balls that will stop the game) is displayed as the number of winning balls, it may give the player the misunderstanding that the game stop based on the setting of the activation state is not functioning properly. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even if the number of winning balls reaches the number equivalent to the difference in balls at which the game will stop, the number equivalent to the difference in balls is not displayed as the number of winning balls. This makes it possible to prevent the above-mentioned misunderstanding from occurring.

Even if the number of winning balls reaches a number equivalent to the difference in the number of balls at which the game will stop, the control that prevents the number equivalent to that difference in the number of winning balls from being displayed as the number of winning balls is not limited to the above-mentioned difference in the number of balls reached display (display of a difference in the number of balls reached image).
For example, the number of winning balls may be displayed up to one less than the number corresponding to the difference in the number of winning balls at which the game will stop (94,999 balls), but the update of the number of winning balls may be stopped (i.e., the counting may be stopped) after the number is displayed. Also, the difference in the number of winning balls image may be an image in which a specified character is displayed, instead of an image in which text information is displayed as described above.

The number of prize balls won may not be displayed during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles. In this case, the display of the number of prize balls won continues during the normal game state, during the special game based on winning a jackpot during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving cycles, during the high-probability time-saving game state that is set after the special game ends, and during the special game that is executed based on winning a jackpot in the high-probability time-saving game state, and ends when the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning a jackpot.

(Summary of suggestions regarding differential ball operation stop control)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, when the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value and the activation warning state is set, until the end condition is met, that is, the power is cut off, the activation warning state ends, or a predetermined time (600 seconds) has passed, an activation warning indication (display of an activation warning text image) and an indication that the activation warning state has been set is given by turning on or off various lamps. Also, an activation warning sound is output from the time the activation warning state is set until the activation warning sound output time (5 seconds) has passed.
When the activation warning state is set during a special game, an activation warning text image is displayed together with the special game image and the right hit suggestion image, and when the activation warning state is set other than during a special game, an activation warning text image is displayed together with the performance pattern 50, the reserved image (not shown) displayed at the bottom of the display unit 21a, and the right hit suggestion image. This activation warning text image is displayed in a small size at the top center of the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 so as not to interfere with the visibility of the special game image, the performance pattern 50, the reserved image, and the right hit suggestion image (see Figures 61(c) to (e)).

As described above, when the ball difference count value reaches the second reference value and the activation notice state is set because a special game was being executed at the time of the reaching, an activation notice suggestion (display of an activation notice text image) and an indication that the activation notice state has been set by turning on or off various lamps are performed until a power outage occurs or a termination condition is met that the activation notice state ends. Also, an activation notice sound is output from the time the activation notice state is set until the activation notice sound output time (7 seconds) has elapsed.
Since the activation notice state is set during a special game, an activation notice text image is displayed together with the special game image and the right-hit suggestion image. Also, like the activation warning text image, this activation notice text image is displayed in a small size at the top center of the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 so as not to interfere with the visibility of the special game image and the right-hit suggestion image (see FIG. 61(f)).

Furthermore, as described above, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and an activation state is set because a special game was not being played at the time the difference ball count value reached the second reference value, or because a special game that was being played when the difference ball count value reached the second reference value ended, an activation indication (display of an activation text image), an activation sound is output, and various lamps are turned on or off to indicate that the activation state has been set, until a power outage occurs.
After the special game ends, normally, the display would show the change in the performance pattern 50, a reserved image (not specifically shown), the number of winning balls won, etc. (see Figure 61 (b)), but when the special game ends and the activation state is set, these displays are not made and instead an activation text image is displayed.
Also, even in non-special games (high probability time-saving game state, low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2, normal game state), normally, the display of the change of the performance pattern 50, the display of the reserved image, the display of the number of winning balls, the display of the right-hit suggestion image, etc. are performed, but when the activation state is set in a non-special game, all of these displays are cleared and the activation character image is displayed. For example, even if the display of the change of the performance pattern 50 is being performed in conjunction with the display of the change of the special pattern, the display of the change of the performance pattern 50 is forcibly ended and the display of the change is cleared.
In this way, when the activation state is set, the performance pattern 50, reserved image, number of winning balls won, right-hit suggestion image, etc. are cleared, so that there is no situation that interferes with the visibility of these, and therefore the activation text image is displayed on the entire surface of the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 in a size larger than the activation warning text image and the activation notice text image (see Figure 61 (g)).

Next, the control process in the sub-control board 300 for executing the various processes described above will be described.
First, the main processing of the sub-control board 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step 10000, in response to power-on, the main processing program is read from the sub-ROM 302, and initialization and setting processes of flags and the like stored in the sub-RAM 303 are executed.
In step 10001, the sub-CPU 301 executes a process of updating each effect random number (variable effect random number), and thereafter, repeats the process of step 10001 until an interrupt process is performed. Here, each effect random number is updated asynchronously.

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

In step 10100, the sub-CPU 301 executes an update process for various timer counters used in the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 10101.
In addition, the pachinko machine P in this embodiment employs a countdown timer, and the timer counter is decremented by one each time the timer interrupt process of the sub-control board 300 is executed, and the countdown stops when it reaches 0.
In step 10101, the sub-CPU 301 analyzes the command stored in the receive buffer of the sub-RAM 303, and executes various processes according to the received command. Specifically, when a command is transmitted from the main control board 100, the sub-control board 300 performs a command reception interrupt process, and the command transmitted from the main control board 100 is stored in the receive buffer. The sub-CPU 301 then analyzes the command stored in the receive buffer by the command reception interrupt process. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 10102.

In step 10102, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the operation of the performance operation device 9 is acceptable or not according to the progress of the variable performance being executed, and judges whether the operation signal is input from the rotation operation detection sensor 9c and the press operation detection sensor 9d. If the operation of the performance operation device 9 is being accepted when the operation signal is input from the rotation operation detection sensor 9c or the press operation detection sensor 9d, the command is stored in the transmission buffer to transmit the fact that the performance operation device 9 has been operated to various control boards such as an image control board (not shown), an audio control board (not shown), and an illumination control board (not shown). Then, proceed to the next step 10103.
In step 10103, the sub-CPU 301 transmits the commands set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 303 to various control boards such as the image control board, the audio control board, the illumination control board, etc. Then, the timer interrupt process of the sub-control board 300 is terminated.

Next, the game state setting related command receiving process executed when various commands related to the setting of the game state are received among the command analysis process of the above-mentioned step 10101 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 64. Specifically, the game state setting related command receiving process is executed when the main control board 100 receives a RAM clear command or a game state designation command stored in step 144 of the power interruption evacuation process and transmitted to the sub-control board 300, a game state command stored in step 1115 of the post-stop process and transmitted to the sub-control board 300, or a game state designation command stored in step 1306 of the special game end process and transmitted to the sub-control board 300.
In step 10200, the sub-CPU 301 executes a game status storage process to store the game status indicated by the above-mentioned command received from the main control board 100 as the current game status in a specified memory area of the sub-RAM 303.
Specifically, when a RAM clear command is received, the normal game state is stored as the current game state. Also, when a game state command is received, if the current game state stored in the specified memory area is different from the game state indicated by the game state command, the game state indicated by the game state command is stored as the current game state, and if the current game state stored in the specified memory area is the same as the game state indicated by the game state command, no processing is performed here. Also, when a game state designation command is received, the game state indicated by the game state designation command is stored as the current game state.
Then, proceed to the next step 10201.

In step 10201, when the game state is stored in the above-mentioned step 10200, the sub-CPU 301 executes a presentation state setting process to set the presentation state by storing the presentation state corresponding to the stored game state as the current presentation state in a specified memory area of the sub-RAM 303.
Specifically, when a normal game state is stored as the current game state, a normal presentation state is stored as the current presentation state, and the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state. When a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is stored as the current game state, a low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 is stored as the current presentation state, and the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1. When a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times is stored as the current game state, a low-probability time-saving presentation state B is stored as the current presentation state, and the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state B. When a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times is stored as the current game state, a low-probability time-saving presentation state C is stored as the current presentation state, and the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state C. When a high probability time-shortening game state is stored as the current game state, a high probability time-shortening presentation state is stored as the current presentation state, and the presentation state is thereby set to the high probability time-shortening presentation state.
In addition, when the presentation state is set as described above, the sub-CPU 301 performs control to execute various presentations according to the setting of the presentation state. Specifically, when the presentation state is set to the normal game presentation state, the display unit 21a displays a first background image, and controls to execute a left hit suggestion and a chance zone stay suggestion. When the presentation state is set to the low probability time-saving presentation state A1, the display unit 21a displays a third background image, and controls to execute a high-advantage state setting suggestion and a right hit suggestion. When the presentation state is set to the low probability time-saving presentation state C, the display unit 21a displays a second background image, and controls to execute a low-advantage state setting suggestion and a right hit suggestion. When the presentation state is set to the high probability time-saving presentation state, the display unit 21a displays a third background image, and controls to execute a high-advantage state setting suggestion and a right hit suggestion.
Then, the game status setting related command reception process is terminated.

Next, the power interruption recovery command reception process executed when a power interruption recovery command is received among the command analysis processes in step 10101 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 65. As described above, the power interruption recovery command is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300 by step 144 of the power interruption recovery process.
In step 10300, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the set presentation state (the presentation state stored in the specified memory area) is the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 or not. If it is judged that it is not the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, the power interruption recovery command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that it is the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, the process proceeds to the next step 10301.
In step 10301, the sub-CPU 301 stores the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 in a predetermined storage area as the current presentation state, thereby setting the presentation state to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, and controls the execution of various presentations according to this low-probability time-saving presentation state A2. Specifically, the first background image is displayed on the display unit 21a, and when a left-hit suggestion is made, the left-hit suggestion and the chance zone stay suggestion are executed. Then, the power interruption recovery command reception process is terminated.

Next, the stop display end command reception process executed when a stop display end command is received among the command analysis processes in step 10101 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 66. As described above, the stop display end command is stored in the main control board 100 in step 1102 of the post-stop process, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 300 by the port output process in step 212.
In step 10400, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the set presentation state (the presentation state stored in the predetermined memory area) is the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 or not. If it is judged that it is not the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, it ends the stop display end command reception process. On the other hand, if it is judged that it is the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, it proceeds to the next step 10401.
In step 10401, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the special symbol that was stopped before the stop display time elapsed was the time-saving symbol J1 or J2. If it is judged that the special symbol was neither the time-saving symbol J1 nor the time-saving symbol J2, the sub-CPU 301 ends the stop display end command reception process. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol was the time-saving symbol J1 or J2, the process proceeds to the next step 10402.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the symbol determination command stored in step 808 of the special symbol variation start process and transmitted to the sub-control board 300 includes information on the special symbol determined based on the result of the win/lose lottery, and when the symbol determination command is received, the above-mentioned special symbol is stored in a predetermined storage area of the sub-RAM 303. This allows the sub-CPU 301 to determine the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed.

In step 10402, the sub-CPU 301 stores the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 in a specified memory area as the current presentation state, thereby setting the presentation state to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, and controls the execution of various presentations according to this low-probability time-saving presentation state A1. Specifically, control is performed to end the suggestion to stay in the chance zone. Then, the stop display end command reception process is terminated.

Next, the variation pattern command reception process executed when a variation pattern command is received among the command analysis processes in step 10101 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 67. As described above, the variation pattern command is stored in the main control board 100 in step 903 of the variation pattern determination process, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 300 by the port output process in step 212.
In step 10500, the sub-CPU 301 acquires the variable performance random number updated in the above-mentioned step 10001. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 10501.
In step 10501, the sub-CPU 301 selects the variable presentation determination table 119 corresponding to the presentation state that has been set. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 10502.

In step 10502, the sub-CPU 301 refers to the variable performance determination table 119 selected in the above-mentioned step 10501, and determines the execution mode of the variable performance based on the variable performance random number acquired in the above-mentioned step 10500 and the received variable pattern command. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 10503.
In step 10503, the sub-CPU 301 sets a variable performance execution command corresponding to the determined execution mode of the variable performance in the transmission buffer. The variable performance execution command set here is transmitted to various control boards in the above-mentioned step 10103, and these control boards control the execution of the variable performance based on the received variable performance execution command. Then, the variable pattern command reception process is terminated.

Next, the difference ball related command receiving process executed when the first difference ball operation stop control designation command, the second difference ball operation stop control designation command, or the third difference ball operation stop control designation command is received from the command analysis process of step 10101 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 68. The first difference ball operation stop control designation command, the second difference ball operation stop control designation command, and the third difference ball operation stop control designation command are stored in the main control board 100 in step 1872 of the difference ball related command set process, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 300 by the port output process of step 212.
In step 10700, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the first difference ball operation stop control designation command has been received. If it is determined that the first difference ball operation stop control designation command has not been received, the process proceeds to step 10702. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first difference ball operation stop control designation command has been received, the process proceeds to the next step 10701.
In step 10701, the sub-CPU 301 sets an execution command for executing the indication that the activated warning state has been set in the transmission buffer. The execution command set here is transmitted to the various control boards in the above-mentioned step 10110, and these control boards perform control for executing the indication that the activated warning state has been set based on the received execution command. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 10702.

In step 10702, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the second difference ball operation stop control designation command has been received. If it is determined that the second difference ball operation stop control designation command has not been received, the process proceeds to step 10704. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second difference ball operation stop control designation command has been received, the process proceeds to the next step 10703.
In step 10703, the sub-CPU 301 sets an execution command to execute the indication that the activation advance notice state has been set in the transmission buffer. The execution command set here is transmitted to the various control boards in the above-mentioned step 10110, and these control boards perform control to execute the indication that the activation advance notice state has been set based on the received execution command. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 10704.

In step 10704, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the third difference ball operation stop control designation command has been received. If it is judged that the third difference ball operation stop control designation command has not been received, the difference ball related command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the third difference ball operation stop control designation command has been received, the process proceeds to the next step 10705.
In step 10705, the sub-CPU 301 sets an execution command to the transmission buffer to execute the indication that the activation state has been set. The execution command set here is transmitted to various control boards in the above-mentioned step 10110, and these control boards control the execution of the indication that the activation state has been set based on the received execution command. Note that the activation sound is output from the sound output device 10 at maximum volume regardless of the currently set volume. Then, the difference ball related command receiving process ends.

Next, the prize ball designation command reception process of the command analysis process of step 10101 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 69. As described above, the prize ball designation command is stored in the main control board 100 in step 208 of the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 300 by the port output process of step 212. Although not shown in particular, at the start of a special game based on a big win during a normal game state or during the low probability time-saving game state LJT1, the sub-CPU 301 executes an initial display (for example, display of a text image of 0pt) for the display of the number of prize balls obtained in the lower right corner of the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21.
In step 10900, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the game is in a special game or a predetermined game state (high-probability time-saving game state, low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times). If it is judged that the game is not in a special game or a predetermined game state (i.e., in a normal game state, low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times, or low-probability time-saving game state LJT1), the prize ball designation command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the game is in a special game or a predetermined game state, the process proceeds to the next step 10901.

In step 10901, the sub-CPU 301 increments the value of an acquired prize ball display counter, which is composed of a specified memory area of the sub-RAM 303 and accumulates the number of game balls acquired during special play and a specified game state, by the number of prize balls corresponding to the received prize ball designation command. In other words, when a prize ball designation command corresponding to the general prize entry port 14 is received, the value of the won prize ball display counter is incremented by the number of prize balls paid out based on a game ball entering the general prize entry port 14; when a prize ball designation command corresponding to the first start prize entry port 15 is received, the value of the won prize ball display counter is incremented by the number of prize balls paid out based on a game ball entering the first start prize entry port 15; when a prize ball designation command corresponding to the second start prize entry port 16 is received, the value of the won prize ball display counter is incremented by the number of prize balls paid out based on a game ball entering the second start prize entry port 16; and when a prize ball designation command corresponding to the large prize entry port 18 is received, the value of the won prize ball display counter is incremented by the number of prize balls paid out based on a game ball entering the large prize entry port 18.
The value of this winning ball display counter is reset when the high probability time-saving game state or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles ends, and is set to 0 at the start of a special game based on winning a jackpot during the normal game state, the low probability time-saving game state LJT1, or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving cycles.
Then, proceed to the next step 10902.

In step 10902, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the difference ball arrival display (display of the difference ball arrival image) is being executed. If it is judged that the difference ball arrival display is being executed, the process of receiving the prize ball designation command is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the difference ball arrival display is not being executed, the process proceeds to the next step 10903.
In step 10903, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the value of the acquired prize ball display counter is equal to or greater than the number of balls that will cause the game to stop (i.e., 95,000, which is the operation stop number). If it is judged that the value is not equal to or greater than the operation stop number (i.e., less than the operation stop number), the process proceeds to step 10905. On the other hand, if it is judged that the value is equal to or greater than the operation stop number, the process proceeds to the next step 10904.

In step 10904, the sub-CPU 301 sets an execution command for displaying the difference ball in the transmission buffer. The execution command set here is transmitted to various control boards in step 10110 described above, and these control boards control the display of the difference ball based on the received execution command. Then, the prize ball designation command reception process ends.
In step 10905, which is reached when it is determined in step 10903 that the number of balls is not equal to or greater than the operation stop number, the sub-CPU 301 sets in the transmission buffer an execution command for updating the displayed number of acquired prize balls to the current value of the acquired prize ball display counter. The execution command set here is transmitted to various control boards in step 10110, and these control boards control the execution of the above-mentioned update display based on the received execution command. Then, the prize ball designation command reception process ends.
Although not specifically shown, when the high probability time-saving game state or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles ends without winning a jackpot, the sub-CPU 301 clears the display of the number of winning prize balls.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the normal presentation state (normal game state), the first background image is displayed and the chance zone stay suggestion is performed, and when the time-saving award is won and the time-saving pattern J1 is determined during the normal presentation state (normal game state), the state transitions to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, and the display of the first background image and the chance zone stay suggestion are terminated. Also, when a power interruption occurs during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 or the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 (during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1) and the normal power interruption is restored, the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 while remaining in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and the first background image is displayed and the chance zone stay suggestion is performed.
That is, when the RAM is cleared (initialization process in an abnormal state, normal initialization process) and the normal game state is set (when the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state), and when the normal power interruption is restored during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 continues (when the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2), the same background image is displayed and the indication of staying in the chance zone is performed, so that it is not possible to know whether the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set from these presentations. This makes it possible for the player to have the expectation that the RAM has been cleared and a normal game state with a higher advantage than the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 has been set, which in turn improves the operation of the pachinko machine P.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the normal performance state (normal game state), the stop display time when a miss occurs and a miss pattern is determined, and when a jackpot is won and a jackpot pattern is determined are both 0.5 seconds, but when a time-saving grant is won and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined, the stop display time is 20 seconds, which is longer than the stop display time when a miss occurs and when a jackpot is won. During the stop display time when a miss occurs, the display unit 21a displays the stop display of the performance pattern 50 according to the non-winning mode, and during the stop display time when a jackpot is won, the display unit 21a displays the stop display of the performance pattern 50 according to the winning mode. In contrast, during the lapse of the stop display time in the case where a time-saving bonus is awarded, a special reach development presentation is performed on the display unit 21a, which suggests the game state that will be set after the lapse of the stop display time (a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving bonuses).
This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which, when the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined during a normal game state, the game state is changed immediately after the variable display of the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 ends, causing a player to feel uncomfortable. In addition, since the stop display time is longer when the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined than when a losing symbol is determined, it is easier to confirm the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 that is stopped and displayed, so that it is easier to grasp the change in the game state thereafter. Furthermore, during the stop display time that is longer than the stop display time when a losing symbol is determined, a special reach development effect that suggests the game state to be set is performed, so that the special reach development effect also makes it easier to grasp the change in the game state thereafter.

(Modifications of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, although it is possible to transition from the normal game state to a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-shortened counts, it is not possible to transition from the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1, which is more likely to be transitioned to from the normal game state and in which the player is more likely to remain in the state longer than the normal game state, to the above-mentioned low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-shortened counts. This makes the normal game state more advantageous than the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1, but the setting for making the normal game state more advantageous than the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1 is not limited to this.

For example, in both cases where a jackpot is won during a normal game state and where a jackpot is won during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1, it may be set so that a transition to a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 is possible after the end of a special game based on the winning, and it may also be set so that the number of time-shortened times in the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 to which the game is transitioned after the end of a special game based on a jackpot win during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1 is greater than the number of time-shortened times in the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 to which the game is transitioned after the end of a special game based on a jackpot win during the normal game state.
Even in this case, the normal gaming state is more advantageous than the low-probability time-saving gaming state LJT1.

Also, for example, the average of the variable time that can be determined in the game state set after the end of the special game based on the winning of the jackpot during the normal game state may be set to be shorter than the average of the variable time that can be determined in the game state set after the end of the special game based on the winning of the jackpot during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. In other words, in the game state that is set when a jackpot is won during the normal game state, the ratio of selecting a shorter variable time may be set to be higher than in the game state that is set when a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.
More specifically, for example, when a jackpot is won during the normal game state and when a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, it is possible to set the game state to be able to transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high-probability time-saving game state, and the average of the variable time (e.g., 3.5 seconds, etc.) that can be determined when a miss occurs in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high-probability time-saving game state that is set based on the winning of a jackpot during the normal game state may be set to be shorter than the average of the variable time (e.g., 5.5 seconds, etc.) that can be determined when a miss occurs in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high-probability time-saving game state that is set based on the winning of a jackpot during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. The variable time that can be determined when a jackpot is won may also be set to be the same as described above.
In this case, the game state set when a jackpot is won during the normal game state has more win/lose lotteries performed in the same time period than the game state set when a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, so the chances of winning a jackpot are higher. Therefore, the normal game state is more advantageous than the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.

Also, for example, the opening time of a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a normal game state, or a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 or a high-probability time-shortened game state transitioned from a normal game state, may be set to be shorter than the opening time of a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1, or a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 or a high-probability time-shortened game state transitioned from the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1. In addition, the ending time of a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a normal game state, or a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 or a high-probability time-shortened game state transitioned from a normal game state, may be set to be shorter than the ending time of a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1, or a special game executed based on winning a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 or a high-probability time-shortened game state transitioned from the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1.
In this case, when a jackpot is won during the normal game state, the time from the start to the end of the special game is shorter than when a jackpot is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and the number of win/loss lotteries that can be executed is increased accordingly, so that the possibility of winning a jackpot earlier increases. Therefore, the normal game state is more advantageous than the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the same background image (first background image) is displayed during the normal presentation state and during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, but by suggesting staying in the chance zone only during the normal presentation state, it is possible to know whether the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set from the presentation mode during both presentation states, but this is not limited to this.

For example, the same background image may be displayed during the normal presentation state and during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, but no indication of remaining in the chance zone as described above may be given during either presentation state, so that it is not possible to know from the presentation patterns during both presentation states whether the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 has been set.
Also, for example, the same background image may be displayed during the normal presentation state and during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, but the above-mentioned suggestion of staying in the chance zone may not be performed during either presentation state, and a specific presentation (such as displaying an image of a shooting star) whose execution probability is set higher during the normal presentation state than during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 may be executed. In this way, whether the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving presentation state LJT1 is set can be inferred from the frequency of execution of the specific presentation, while it cannot be ascertained from the display of the background image or the presence or absence of the suggestion of staying in the chance zone.

In addition, for example, the same background image may be displayed during the normal presentation state and during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, but the above-mentioned suggestion of staying in the chance zone may not be performed during either presentation state, and a specific presentation may be executed that is not executed during the normal game state and is executed with a predetermined execution probability only during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. By doing this, it is possible to know that the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 has been set by executing the specific presentation, while making it impossible to know whether the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 has been set from the display of the background image or the presence or absence of the suggestion of staying in the chance zone.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a transition is made to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the number of time-saving times (10,000 times) is set so that the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 will continue until a jackpot is won, but the number of time-saving times when the game state is set is not limited to this.
For example, the number of time-saving times (for example, 200 times, 500 times) may be set so that a jackpot is not necessarily won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. In other words, the number of time-saving times may be set so that the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 may end and the normal game state may be set by the number of times that the variable display of the special symbol reaches the time-saving times without winning a jackpot.
In this case, when the number of times the special symbol changes display reaches the number of times for time-saving without winning the jackpot, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 ends, and then the game transitions again to a normal game state which is positioned as a chance zone, thereby increasing the interest of the player.
In addition, in the case described above, a countdown display of the remaining number of time-saving times until the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 ends may be executed, and when the number of time-saving times is reached and the game state transitions to the normal game state, a presentation celebrating the return to the normal game state (for example, the display of a congratulatory image saying "Congratulations!! The Chance Zone is back!!") may be executed.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, one type of time-saving symbol is provided which corresponds to a transition from a normal game state to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and one type of time-saving symbol is provided which corresponds to a transition from a normal game state to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving cycles, but the types of time-saving symbols are not limited to this.
For example, a plurality of types of time-saving symbols may be provided, each of which corresponds to a transition from a normal game state to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and a plurality of types of time-saving symbols may be provided, each of which corresponds to a transition from a normal game state to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with a time-saving count of 10,000. A different stop display time may be determined according to each time-saving symbol.
In this case, the variation in the stop display time is wide, and the special reach development performance executed during the passage of this stop display time can be performed in various forms.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the special reach development performance in the special reach variation pattern is started from the time when the special symbol is displayed stopped (the time when the stopped display time starts to elapse), but this is not limited to this, and it may be started from a predetermined time before the special symbol is displayed stopped.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P of this embodiment can be achieved, and the special reach development presentation can be made more varied.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 into which a transition occurs from a normal game state based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J2, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 set after the end of a special game based on the determination of the jackpot pattern X1 or X4, have different advantageous degrees due to the different number of time-saving times set (the former is 10,000 times, the latter is 100 times), but the same number of time-saving times may be set in both game states (for example, 100 times) to give them the same advantageous degree.
In addition, although the performance of the normal game is the same in both game states, the performance of the normal game in one of the game states may be set to be higher than the other.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, it is possible to win the time-saving award by a winning/losing lottery, and if the time-saving award is won, a time-saving symbol is determined and the time-saving game state can be set, but it is also possible to make it so that the lottery result of winning the time-saving award is not derived in the winning/losing lottery, and to determine whether or not the time-saving game state is set according to the type of the determined losing symbol by determining one of a plurality of losing symbols. In other words, instead of setting the time-saving award winning and the time-saving symbol to set the time-saving game state, a specific losing symbol that can be determined in the case of a losing prize may be used as the time-saving symbol, and the time-saving game state may be set when the specific losing symbol is determined.
Specifically, for example, losing symbols ZA1, ZA2, ZA3, etc. may be provided as losing symbols that are determined when a winning/losing lottery based on the first special symbol random number results in a losing combination, and when losing symbol ZA1 is determined, a time-saving game state JT1 is set, when losing symbol ZA2 is determined, a time-saving game state JT2 is set, and when losing symbol ZA3 is determined, none of the time-saving game states is set.
In addition, the timing for setting the time-saving game state may be any time from the time a loss occurs (when the losing symbol is determined) to the time when the fluctuation based on the loss ends (for example, the time when the losing lottery result is derived, when the losing symbol starts to fluctuate, when the fluctuation of the losing symbol ends (when the next special symbol starts to fluctuate), etc.).
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the pachinko machine P of this embodiment can be achieved, and since data regarding the time-saving patterns is not required, the load on hardware resources such as the main ROM 102 can be reduced.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery, a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 or a high-probability time-saving game state can be set after the special game based on the winning is completed; however, this is not limited to this, and after the special game based on the winning of the jackpot is completed, the high-probability time-saving game state may not be set, and a normal game state or a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 may be set.
In addition, the machine may be set up so that a small prize can be won in addition to a big prize by a winning/losing lottery, and a special game may be executed not only when a big prize is won, but also when a game ball enters a special area provided in a big prize opening in a small prize game based on a small prize win (configured as a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine), and after the special game ends, a normal game state or a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 may be set.
Even in the above case, as with the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, it is possible to transition from the normal game state to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 based on winning the time-saving grant, and it is possible to transition from the normal game state to a relatively more advantageous low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (for example, 10,000 time-saving plays), but it is not possible to transition from the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 to the relatively more advantageous low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, thereby providing a gameplay in which the normal game state set after the RAM is cleared, etc., is positioned as a chance zone.

In addition, in so-called type 1 and type 2 mixed pachinko machines, when a small prize is won by a win/lose lottery, the difference ball operation stop control may be executed for the small prize game based on the winning prize, similar to the special game in this embodiment.
Specifically, when the difference ball count value reaches a first reference value, an activation warning state is set, and if a small win game is being played when the difference ball count value reaches a second reference value, an activation notice state is set, when the small win game being played ends without the game ball entering the special area, an activation state is set when the small win game ends, and when a game ball enters the special area during a small win game and a special game is played after the small win game ends, an activation state is set when the special game ends.
In this case, even if the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value during a small win game or a special game executed through a small win game, the game continues until the small win game or the special game ends, so that the player's interest can be sustained.
In addition, when the activation prediction state is set, when the small win game currently being played ends, the activation state may always be set regardless of whether or not the game ball enters the special area during the small win game.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the difference ball operation stop control is executed based on the difference ball number, but this is not limited to this. For example, the same control as the difference ball operation stop control of this embodiment may be executed based on the cumulative number of prize balls paid out (i.e., the number of prize balls acquired). For example, when the number of prize balls acquired reaches the warning execution number (the number of acquired prize balls that is a predetermined number (for example, 5,000 balls) less than the operation stop number at which the game will stop), an activation warning state is set, when the number of acquired prize balls acquired reaches the operation stop number (the number of acquired prize balls acquired at which the game will stop) and a special game is being executed at the time of the reaching, an activation notice state is set, and when the special game is not being executed when the special game ends or the number of acquired prize balls acquired reaches the operation stop number, an activation state may be set. In addition, the number of acquired prize balls acquired displayed during the special game or the high probability time-saving game state may not display the operation stop number at which the game will stop.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment can be achieved.

In this embodiment, the control states of the pachinko machine P are set to four states, namely, a game stop state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, and a playable state, and the activation state, which is set based on the difference ball count value reaching the second reference value, performs various controls as one state in the playable state, but is not limited to this. For example, the control states of the pachinko machine P may be set to an activation state in addition to the above four, and this activation state may be set as a control state that can be set separately from the playable state, and perform various controls similar to those of this embodiment.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the pachinko machine P of this embodiment can be achieved.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, a winning signal and a jackpot signal are provided as external signals that can be output by the main control board 100 to the outside of the pachinko machine P (such as a hall computer or an external display device), but this is not limited to this.
For example, a specific external signal may be provided that can be output continuously from the time when a special game is started based on winning a jackpot during a normal game state, during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions, or during a low-probability time-saving game state LTJ1, until the high-probability time-saving game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving repetitions ends without winning a jackpot and the normal game state is set.
Specifically, when the main CPU 101 wins a jackpot during a normal game state, during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-shortened times or during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1, and a special game based on the winning is started, the main CPU 101 starts outputting a specific external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P. After that, while the setting of a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 with 100 time-shortened times or a high-probability time-shortened game state after the special game ends, and the execution of a special game based on the winning of a jackpot during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 with 100 time-shortened times or during a high-probability time-shortened game state are repeatedly performed, the main CPU 101 continues to output a specific external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P. Then, when the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high probability time-saving game state in which the time-saving count is 100 times ends without winning a jackpot (when the number of times the special pattern is displayed in a variable manner reaches the time-saving count (high probability count) without winning a jackpot), the main CPU 101 may end the output of a specific external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P.
In this way, the special game is continuously executed through the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high probability time-saving game state in which the game progresses while suppressing the consumption of game balls, and the state in which the number of winning balls acquired by the player is likely to increase (hereinafter also referred to as the consecutive win continuation state) can be reliably recognized by the hall computer, etc. Also, for example, an external display device can display the fact that the consecutive win continuation state is in place, which can increase the interest of the player.

The time when the output of the specific external signal is to be terminated is not limited to the above. For example, the main CPU 101 may continue to output the specific external signal during the normal game state set after the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times or the high probability time-saving game state is terminated, and when the normal game state is terminated by the determination of the time-saving pattern J1 during the normal game state (when the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set), the output of the specific external signal may be terminated. Then, when a jackpot is won during the normal game state or when the normal game state is terminated by the determination of the time-saving pattern J2 (when the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set), the output of the specific external signal may be continued.
As described above, the normal game state is positioned as a chance zone that may transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, which is advantageous for the player, and by continuing to output a specific external signal during the normal game state that is set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles or the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning a jackpot, the hall computer or the like can be made to recognize that the consecutive wins are continuing even during this normal game state. Furthermore, the external display device can display that the consecutive wins are continuing even during the above-mentioned normal game state, which can further increase the player's interest.

Also, as described above, even if the output of the specific external signal is continued during the normal game state set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times or the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning a jackpot, the specific external signal may not be output during the normal game state set after the RAM is cleared. In other words, the specific external signal may be output during the normal game state set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times or the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning a jackpot, but the specific external signal may not be output during the normal game state set after the RAM is cleared.
By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player mistakenly believes that a winning streak is continuing even after the RAM has been cleared.

Also, as described above, during the normal game state where the game ball mainly enters the first start winning port 15 and during the low probability time-saving game state LJT1, a hold display indicating the hold of the first special random number is displayed, and during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 and during the high probability time-saving game state where the game ball mainly enters the second start winning port 16, a hold display indicating the hold of the second special random number is displayed, and during special game, neither the hold display indicating the hold of the first special random number nor the hold display indicating the hold of the second special random number is displayed.
Here, if the output of a specific external signal is continued even during the normal game state which is set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving repetitions or the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning a jackpot, a display indicating the reservation of the first special chart random number may not be displayed during the normal game state.
In this case, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize that he is in the normal game mode, and it is possible to give the player a strong impression that he is in a continuous winning streak.

In addition, the output of a specific external signal may be initiated not only by the start of a special game based on winning a jackpot during a normal game state, during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions, or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, but also by the determination of a time-saving pattern J2 during a normal game state and the setting of a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions based on that determination.
Specifically, the main CPU 101 starts outputting specific external information when the time-saving symbol J2 is determined during the normal game state, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with the time-saving count of 10,000 times is set based on the determination. When the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 ends without winning a jackpot (when the number of times the variable display of the special symbol reaches the time-saving count without winning a jackpot), the main CPU 101 ends outputting specific external signals. In contrast, when a jackpot is won during the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 and a special game based on the winning is executed, the main CPU 101 continues outputting specific external signals while the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with the time-saving count of 100 times or the high-probability time-saving game state is set after the special game ends, and the special game based on the winning of the jackpot during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with the time-saving count of 100 times or the high-probability time-saving game state is repeatedly executed. Then, when the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles or the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning the jackpot, the main CPU 101 may end the output of the specific external signal.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in both the win/lose lottery based on the first or second special chart random number during the low probability game state (normal game state, low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2) and the win/lose lottery based on the first or second special chart random number during the high probability game state (high probability time-saving game state), the lottery result is either a jackpot win, a time-saving award win, or a loss. The probability of winning a time-saving award is set to approximately 1/20, but is not limited to this and may be set as in the other example settings below.

(Other setting examples)
Other setting examples will be described in detail below.
In another setting example, as shown in FIG. 70, the win/loss random number determination table 110 includes a first low probability determination table 110a1 referenced in a win/loss lottery based on the first special chart random number (random number obtained by the game ball entering the first start winning port 15) during a low probability game state, a second low probability determination table 110a2 referenced in a win/loss lottery based on the second special chart random number (random number obtained by the game ball entering the second start winning port 16) during a low probability game state, a first high probability determination table 110b1 referenced in a win/loss lottery based on the first special chart random number during a high probability game state, and a second high probability determination table 110b2 referenced in a win/loss lottery based on the second special chart random number during a high probability game state. In the first low probability judgment table 110a1, all numbers other than the random numbers determined to be a jackpot are set to be judged as winnings that result in a time-saving bonus, and in the second low probability judgment table 110a2, the first high probability judgment table 110b1, and the second high probability judgment table 110b2, all numbers other than the random numbers determined to be a jackpot are set to be judged as losings.
That is, in another setting example, in the win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number during the low probability game state, only the lottery result of winning the jackpot or the time-saving lottery is derived. In other words, if the jackpot is not won, the time-saving lottery is always won, and there is no loss.
In addition, in the lottery based on the second special random number during the low probability time-saving game state and the lottery based on the first or second special random number during the high probability game state, only the lottery results of winning or losing the jackpot are derived. In other words, if the jackpot is not won, it will always be a loss, and the time-saving award will not be won.

In another setting example, as shown in Figure 71, the special pattern random number determination table 111 includes a first start winning port determination table 111a1 which is referenced when a win/loss lottery is conducted using a first special pattern random number, and a second start winning port determination table 111b1 which is referenced when a win/loss lottery is conducted using a second special pattern random number.
As shown in FIG. 71(a), in the first start winning port determination table 111a1, similarly to the pachinko machine P of the above-mentioned form, when a jackpot is won, one of the jackpot patterns X1, X2 or X3 is determined, and when a time-saving bonus is awarded, one of the time-saving patterns J1 or J2 is determined.
Also, as shown in FIG. 71(b), in the second start winning port determination table 111b1, similarly to the pachinko machine P of the above-mentioned form, it is set so that in the event of a jackpot win, one of the jackpot patterns X4, X5 or X6 is determined, and in the event of a miss, it is set so that the miss pattern Z2 is determined.
In addition, the specifications of the special game that is executed when each of the above-mentioned jackpot patterns is determined, the type and specifications of the game state that is set after the special game ends, and the type and specifications of the game state that is set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern are set in the same way as in the pachinko machine P of the above-mentioned form.

By setting as described above, in other setting examples, based on the determination of the jackpot symbol and time-saving symbol, the game state transition is made in the same manner as in the pachinko machine P of the above-mentioned form.
Here, as described above, in the win/loss lottery based on the second special random number during the low probability game state, the time-saving grant is not won. Therefore, when the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high probability time-saving game state ends without winning the jackpot and the normal game state is set, even if the second special random number obtained during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high probability time-saving game state is stored, the time-saving pattern is not determined based on this second special random number, and the time-saving game state is not set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern.

As described above, in the win/loss lottery based on the first special random number during the low probability game state, the player does not lose, but wins either the jackpot or the time-saving bonus. Since the probability of winning the jackpot during the low probability game state is about 1/300, the player has an extremely high probability (about 299/300) of winning the time-saving bonus.
Therefore, when the normal game state is set after the RAM is cleared, the player is almost certain to win the time-saving grant in the first winning/losing lottery based on the first special chart random number after the setting of this normal game state, and a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J1, or a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J2.
Also, when the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 or the high probability time-saving game state ends and the normal game state is set, if the second special random number was not stored, the first winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number after the setting of this normal game state will almost always result in a win for time-saving grant, and the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 will be set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J1, or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 will be set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J2. On the other hand, if the second special random number was stored, the first winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number after the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number ends without a big win, will almost always result in a win for time-saving grant, and the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 will be set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J1, or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 will be set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J2.

In this way, in another setting example, in the first winning/losing lottery by the first special random number after the normal game state is set, unless the jackpot is won, the time-saving grant is won, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set. In other words, when the winning/losing lottery by the first special random number is performed after the normal game state is set, either the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set with an extremely high probability.
Therefore, only in the first win/loss lottery using the first special chart random number after the normal game state is set, there is a possibility of a lottery result being a win for the time-saving grant which makes it possible to set the advantageous low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, which increases the player's interest in the win/loss lottery and improves gameplay.

In other setting examples, a specific external signal may be output as an external signal, similar to the pachinko machine P according to the above-mentioned embodiment.
For example, this specific external signal may be output continuously from the time when a special game is started based on winning a jackpot during a normal game state, during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving repetitions, or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, until a normal game state is set when the high-probability time-saving game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving repetitions ends without winning a jackpot, and the first win/loss lottery using the first special chart random number is held after the normal game state is set, thereby setting the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.

Specifically, when the main CPU 101 wins a jackpot during a normal game state, during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and a special game based on the winning is started, the main CPU 101 starts outputting a specific external signal. After that, while the setting of a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times or a high-probability time-saving game state after the special game ends, and the execution of a special game based on the winning of a jackpot during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times or during a high-probability time-saving game state are repeatedly performed, the main CPU 101 continues to output a specific external signal. Then, when the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving turns or the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning a jackpot and the normal game state is set, and the player wins the time-saving award in the first win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number after the normal game state is set, and the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, the normal game state ends and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, and the main CPU 101 stops outputting the specific external signal.
In addition, when the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times or the high probability time-saving game state ends without winning a jackpot and the normal game state is set, the second special random number is stored, and if the jackpot is won by the second special random number, the main CPU 101 continues to output the specific external signal. In addition, even if the time-saving grant is won in the first win/loss lottery by the first special random number after the above-mentioned normal game state is set, and the normal game state ends and the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times is set by determining the time-saving pattern J2, the main CPU 101 continues to output the specific external signal. In addition, even if the jackpot is won in the first win/loss lottery by the first special random number after the above-mentioned normal game state is set, the main CPU 101 continues to output the specific external signal.

In the above-mentioned case, the hall computer or the like can be made to recognize that the consecutive win state is continuing even during the normal game state that is set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the time-saving count is 100 times or the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning the jackpot. Furthermore, the external display device can display that the consecutive win state is continuing even during the above-mentioned normal game state, further increasing the interest of the player.

Also, as described above, even if the output of the specific external signal is continued during the normal game state set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times or the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning a jackpot, the specific external signal may not be output during the normal game state set after the RAM is cleared. In other words, the specific external signal may be output during the normal game state set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving times or the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning a jackpot, but the specific external signal may not be output during the normal game state set after the RAM is cleared.
By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player mistakenly believes that a winning streak is continuing even after the RAM has been cleared.

In other setting examples, as in the pachinko machine P of the above-mentioned form, a hold display suggesting the hold of the first special random number is displayed during the normal game state where the game ball mainly enters the first start winning port 15 and during the low probability time-saving game state LJT1, a hold display suggesting the hold of the second special random number is displayed during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 where the game ball mainly enters the second start winning port 16 and during the high probability time-saving game state, and during the special game, neither the hold display suggesting the hold of the first special random number nor the hold display suggesting the hold of the second special random number is displayed.
Here, if the output of a specific external signal is continued even during the normal game state which is set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving turns or the high-probability time-saving game state has ended without winning a jackpot, a display suggesting the reservation of the first special chart random number is not made during the normal game state, and when the time-saving award is won in the first win/loss lottery based on the first special chart random number after the normal game state is set and the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, the normal game state ends and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, a display suggesting the reservation of the first special chart random number may be made.
In addition, during the normal game state that is set after the RAM is cleared, a display may be made suggesting that the first special chart random number is on hold.
In this case, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize that he or she is in the normal game state which is set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles or the high-probability time-saving game state ends, and it is possible to give the player the impression that he or she is in a continuous winning streak state.

In other setting examples, when the normal game state is set, a left-hit suggestion is made to encourage the player to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (a left-hit suggestion image "←←←left hit" is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, and the right-hit notification lamp RL is turned off).
Here, in the case where the output of a specific external signal is continued even during the normal game state which is set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving turns or the high-probability time-saving game state has ended without winning a jackpot, when the normal game state is set, the right-hit notification lamp RL is turned off, whereas if the first special chart random number has not been stored at the time the normal game state is set, a left-hit suggestion image is displayed at this time, and if the first special chart random number has been stored at the time the normal game state is set, a left-hit suggestion image is not displayed at this time, but when the time-saving award is won in a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number and the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, the normal game state ends and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, the left-hit suggestion image may be displayed.
Also, when the normal game state is set based on clearing the RAM, a left hit suggestion image may be displayed at this point.
In this case, even if the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving turns or the high probability time-saving game state ends without winning a jackpot and the normal game state is set, if the first special chart random number has been stored, the left hit suggestion image will not be displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, which is the player's main focus, making it difficult for the player to recognize that he is in the normal game state and giving the player the impression that he is in a continuous winning streak.

In addition, when the output of the specific external signal is continued during the normal game state that is set after the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the time-saving count is 100 times or the high probability time-saving game state is ended without winning the jackpot, during the variation performance based on the second special chart random number stored when the normal game state is set, and during the first variation performance based on the first special chart random number after the normal game state is set, it is preferable to display a special background image that is different from the first background image and makes it difficult for the player to recognize that the normal game state is set, rather than displaying the first background image corresponding to the normal game state. In addition, it is preferable to perform both variation performances in the same manner (for example, special pattern A in which the button pressing operation performance described later is executed (see Figures 86(b) and (c) and the like)).
Even in this case, it is difficult for the player to recognize that he is in the normal game state which is set after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles or the high-probability time-saving game state ends without winning the jackpot, and it is possible to give the player the impression that he is in a continuous winning streak state.

The time when the output of the specific external signal is to be terminated is not limited to the above. For example, the main CPU 101 may terminate the output of the specific external signal when the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 100 time-saving cycles or the high-probability time-saving game state ends and the normal game state is set.

In addition, in other setting examples, similar to the pachinko machine P according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the output of a specific external signal may be started not only when a special game is started based on winning a jackpot during a normal game state, during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times, or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, but also when a time-saving pattern J2 is determined during a normal game state and a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with 10,000 time-saving times is set based on the determination.

(Second form)
The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.
The pachinko machine P of this embodiment is a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, and is configured so that a special game is executed when a big win is won, or when a game ball enters a special area, which will be described later, during a small win game based on a small win.

The configuration of the game board 11 of the pachinko machine P in this embodiment, and the devices and components installed on the game board 11, are the same as those in the first embodiment, except for the attacker device 17.
The attacker device 17 of this form differs from the attacker device 17 of the first form in that, instead of the specific area 57 in the first form, it is provided with a special area which has the same structure and installation position as the specific area 57 but a different function; otherwise, it has the same structure as the attacker device 17 of the first form (including a transfer road 51, an upper passage 52, a lower passage 53, a general area 58, a sorting member 59, etc.).

During a special game based on winning a big prize or during a small prize game based on winning a small prize, the big prize opening 18 opens and game balls can enter the big prize opening 18. However, during a special game, the allocating member 59 stays at the first position, and game balls that enter the big prize opening 18 do not enter the special area, but all enter the general area 58. Similarly, during a small prize game based on the determination of a small prize pattern other than the predetermined small prize patterns (Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8, and Y9 described below), the allocating member 59 stays at the first position, and game balls that enter the big prize opening 18 do not enter the special area, but all enter the general area 58. In contrast, during a small prize game based on the determination of a predetermined small prize pattern, the distribution member 59 is stopped at the second position, and the game ball that enters the large prize opening 18 does not enter the general area 58, but all enters the special area.
That is, game balls can enter the special area only during a small win game based on the determination of a predetermined small win symbol, and thus a predetermined number of game balls (one in this embodiment) enter the special area during the small win game. Then, a special game is executed based on the predetermined number of game balls entering the special area during the small win game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the game state after the end of the special game executed based on the determination of the jackpot pattern or the small prize pattern is set according to the jackpot pattern determined when the jackpot is won or the small prize pattern determined when the small prize is won.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the settable game states include a normal game state which combines a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state, a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 which combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT1, and a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 which combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT2, and the game progresses by setting one of the game states.
In this way, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the low probability game state is always set in any game state. Therefore, in any game state, the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery does not change and is always the same.
In addition, the frequency of balls entering the second start winning hole 16 in the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving game state JT1, and the time-saving game state JT2 is the same as in the first form. That is, the probability of winning in the lottery for the normal symbols, the fluctuation time of the normal symbols, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b in the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving game state JT1, and the time-saving game state JT2 are all set in the same manner as in the first form (see Figures 14 to 16).
In addition, the normal game state is set immediately after shipment from the factory, or in the initial state after abnormality initialization processing or normal initialization processing is executed.

During the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the player is made to shoot (hit left) the game ball toward the first game area 12a so that the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the special game, and the small win game, the player is made to shoot (hit right) the game ball toward the second game area 12b so that the game ball enters the big winning hole 18 or passes through the gate 20 and enters the second start winning hole 16. That is, during the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the player is made to play mainly in the first game area 12a, and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the player is made to play mainly in the second game area 12b.

Here, in this embodiment, the reserved memory area of the main RAM 103 is composed of a total of eight memory sections, from the first memory section to the eighth memory section, and is capable of storing a total of eight sets of first special chart random numbers and second special chart random numbers.
The first special random number and the second special random number are stored from the first storage unit in the order of ball entry into each start winning hole. For example, when no random numbers are stored in any storage unit, if game balls enter the first start winning hole 15 → the first start winning hole 15 → the second start winning hole 16 in that order, the first special random number related to the ball entering the first first winning hole 15 is stored in the first storage unit, the first special random number related to the ball entering the second first winning hole 15 is stored in the second storage unit, and the second special random number related to the ball entering the third second winning hole 16 is stored in the third storage unit. If the above-mentioned random numbers have already been stored in several storage units, the above-mentioned random number is stored in the storage unit with the smallest number among the empty storage units.
However, the number of sets of first special random numbers and the number of sets of second special random numbers that can be stored in the reserved memory area are each limited to four. Therefore, when four sets of first special random numbers are already stored in the reserved memory area, even if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special random number related to this ball entry is not stored in the reserved memory area. Similarly, when four sets of second special random numbers are already stored in the reserved memory area, even if a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, the second special random number related to this ball entry is not stored in the reserved memory area.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, when both the first special random number and the second special random number are stored, they are processed in the order in which they were stored in the reserved memory area. For example, if both the first special random number and the second special random number are stored when the display of the special pattern changes is started, and the first special random number is stored in the reserved memory area before the second special random number, a winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number and the display of the special pattern changes are performed first, and when the display of the special pattern changes is completed, a winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number and the display of the special pattern changes are performed next.

As shown in FIG. 72, the pachinko machine P of this embodiment is equipped with a win/lose random number determination table 110, which includes a first low probability determination table 110c that is referenced in a win/lose lottery based on a first special random number (a random number obtained by a game ball entering the first start winning hole 15), and a second low probability determination table 110d that is referenced in a win/lose lottery based on a second special random number (a random number obtained by a game ball entering the second start winning hole 16).

As shown in FIG. 72(a), according to the first low probability judgment table 110c, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1328, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 6368, it is determined that a small jackpot has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 12000 and 14183, it is determined that a time-saving bonus has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0-999, 1329-1999, 6369-11999, 14184-65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in this first low probability judgment table 110c, the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/199, the probability of winning a small jackpot is approximately 1/15, and the probability of winning a time-saving bonus is approximately 1/30.

As shown in FIG. 72(b), according to the second low probability judgment table 110d, if the win/loss random number is between 1000 and 1328, it is determined that a jackpot has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 2000 and 11361, it is determined that a small jackpot has been won, if the win/loss random number is between 12000 and 14183, it is determined that a time-saving bonus has been won, and if the win/loss random number is any other number (0-999, 1329-1999, 11362-11999, 14184-65535), it is determined that a loss has been won. Therefore, in this second low probability judgment table 110d, the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/199, the probability of winning a small jackpot is approximately 1/7, and the probability of winning a time-saving bonus is approximately 1/30.

In this form of lottery, first, a judgment is made as to whether or not the winner has won the big prize, and if the judgment result is derived that the winner has not won the big prize, then a judgment is made as to whether or not the winner has won the small prize, and if the judgment result is derived that the winner has not won the small prize (hereinafter also referred to as a small prize not being won), then a judgment is made as to whether or not the winner has won the time-saving bonus, and if the judgment result is derived that the winner has not won the time-saving bonus, then the winner has lost.

In addition, as shown in Figure 73, the pachinko machine P of this embodiment is equipped with a first start winning port judgment table 111c, which is referenced when a win/loss lottery is conducted based on a first special pattern random number, and a second start winning port judgment table 111d, which is referenced when a win/loss lottery is conducted based on a second special pattern random number, as special pattern random number judgment tables 111.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, 12 kinds of big win symbols (X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11, X12), 9 kinds of small win symbols (Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8, Y9) as special symbols determined when a small win occurs (hereinafter, also called small win symbols), and 3 kinds of time-saving symbols (J1, J2, J3) are provided. Also, as in the first embodiment, 2 kinds of losing symbols (Z1, Z2) are provided.

As shown in Fig. 73(a), according to the first start winning gate judgment table 111c, in the case where a jackpot is won by the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, when the special pattern random number is 0 to 31, the jackpot pattern X1 is determined, when the special pattern random number is 32 to 63, the jackpot pattern X2 is determined, when the special pattern random number is 64 to 98, the jackpot pattern X3 is determined, when the special pattern random number is 99 to 130, the jackpot pattern X4 is determined, when the special pattern random number is 131 to 163, the jackpot pattern X5 is determined, and when the special pattern random number is 164 to 199, the jackpot pattern X6 is determined. In this first start winning gate judgment table 111c, when a jackpot is won, the probability that the jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X3 is determined is 49%, and the probability that the jackpot pattern X4, X5, or X6 is determined is 51%.
In addition, in the case where a small prize is won by the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, the small prize pattern Y1 is determined when the special pattern random number is 0 to 49, the small prize pattern Y2 is determined when the special pattern random number is 50 to 99, the small prize pattern Y3 is determined when the special pattern random number is 100 to 149, and the small prize pattern Y4 is determined when the special pattern random number is 150 to 199. In this first start winning port judgment table 111c, in the case where a small prize is won, the probability that the small prize pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined is 50%, and the probability that the small prize pattern Y3 or Y4 is determined is 50%.
In addition, in the case where the time-saving bonus is awarded by the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, the time-saving bonus J1 is determined when the special bonus random number is between 0 and 179, and the time-saving bonus J2 is determined when the special bonus random number is between 180 and 199. In this first start winning port determination table 111c, in the case where the time-saving bonus is awarded, the probability that the time-saving bonus J1 is determined is 90%, and the probability that the time-saving bonus J2 is determined is 10%.
Furthermore, if the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery results in a losing result, a losing symbol Z1 is determined.

As shown in Fig. 73(b), according to the second start winning gate judgment table 111d, in the case where a jackpot is won by the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, when the special pattern random number is 0 to 31, the jackpot pattern X7 is determined, when the special pattern random number is 32 to 63, the jackpot pattern X8 is determined, when the special pattern random number is 64 to 98, the jackpot pattern X9 is determined, when the special pattern random number is 99 to 130, the jackpot pattern X10 is determined, when the special pattern random number is 131 to 163, the jackpot pattern X11 is determined, and when the special pattern random number is 164 to 199, the jackpot pattern X12 is determined. In this second start winning gate judgment table 111d, when a jackpot is won, the probability that the jackpot pattern X7, X8, or X9 is determined is 49%, and the probability that the jackpot pattern X10, X11, or X12 is determined is 51%.
In addition, in the case where a small prize is won by the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, the small prize pattern Y5 is determined when the special pattern random number is 0 to 49, the small prize pattern Y6 is determined when the special pattern random number is 50 to 99, the small prize pattern Y7 is determined when the special pattern random number is 100 to 149, the small prize pattern Y8 is determined when the special pattern random number is 150 to 179, and the small prize pattern Y9 is determined when the special pattern random number is 180 to 199. In this second start winning port judgment table 111d, in the case where a small prize is won, the probability that the small prize pattern Y5 or Y6 is determined is 50%, and the probability that the small prize pattern Y7, Y8, or Y9 is determined is 50%.
In addition, in the case where the time-saving bonus is awarded by the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery, the time-saving bonus J3 is determined when the special bonus random number is between 0 and 199. In this second start winning port determination table 111d, in the case where the time-saving bonus is awarded, the probability that the time-saving bonus J3 is determined is 100%.
Furthermore, if the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery results in a losing result, a losing symbol Z2 is determined.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when a special symbol is determined, a change pattern command is determined based on the result of the determination, which corresponds to a change pattern that defines the change time of the special symbol and the manner of change presentation, and the stop display time (so-called symbol determination time), which is the time during which the special symbol is displayed stationary after the display of the special symbol change has ended, is also determined.

As shown in FIG. 74, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is provided with the following special electric device operation tables 112: a first operation table 112d referred to in a special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6; a second operation table 112e referred to in a special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 or X12, or a small win game based on the determination of the small win symbol Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 or Y9; a third operation table 112f referred to in a small win game based on the determination of the small win symbol Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4; and a fourth operation table 112g referred to in a small win game based on the determination of the small win symbol Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 or Y9.

As shown in FIG. 74(a), according to the first operation table 112d, in the special game that is executed when the jackpot is won in the lottery based on the first special random number and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined, a total of three round games are executed, which end when either the jackpot opening 18 is open for 29.0 seconds or 10 game balls enter the jackpot opening 18. In addition, in each round game, the jackpot opening 18 is opened only once (one opening for 29.0 seconds is executed), and the interval time between each round game is set to 2.0 seconds. Furthermore, the distribution member 59 remains at the first position during each round game.

As shown in FIG. 74(b), according to the second operation table 112e, in the special game that is executed when a big win is won in the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number and the big win pattern X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 or X12 is determined, or in the special game that is executed when a small win is won in the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number and a predetermined number (one ball) of game balls enter the special area during the small win game based on the determination of the small win pattern Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 or Y9, a round game that ends under the same conditions as the above-mentioned first operation table 112d is set to be executed a total of 10 times. The opening/closing pattern of the opening/closing door 18b during the round game, the operation mode of the distribution member 59, and the interval time are also set to the same contents as the first operation table 112d.

As shown in Fig. 74(c), according to the third operation table 112e, the small prize game that is executed when the small prize is won in the win/lose lottery based on the first special symbol random number and the small prize symbol Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 is determined is set to end when either the large prize opening 18 is opened once for 0.05 seconds or 10 game balls enter the open large prize opening 18. Also, while the large prize opening 18 is open, the distribution member 59 stays at the first position.
That is, when a small prize is won based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15, the large prize hole 18 is opened for only 0.05 seconds during the small prize game, regardless of which small prize symbol is determined. Therefore, even if a so-called right hit is performed during this small prize game, it is extremely difficult to get the game ball to enter the large prize hole 18. Also, since the distribution member 59 stays at the first position during this small prize game, even if the game ball enters the large prize hole 18, the game ball will not enter the special area.

As shown in Fig. 74(d), according to the fourth operation table 112f, the small prize game that is executed by winning the small prize in the winning/losing lottery based on the second special pattern random number and determining the small prize pattern Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 or Y9 is set to end when either of the following conditions is met: the large prize winning hole 18 is opened twice for 0.9 seconds, or 10 game balls enter the large prize winning hole 18 during the opening. In addition, the closing time of the large prize winning hole 18 from the end of the first opening to the start of the second opening is set to 0.6 seconds. Furthermore, while the large prize winning hole 18 is open, the distribution member 59 stops at the second position.
That is, when a small prize is won based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start winning hole 16, the large winning hole 18 is opened for a total of 1.8 seconds during the small prize game, regardless of which small prize symbol is determined. Therefore, if a so-called right hit is performed during this small prize game, the gaming ball can be made to enter the large winning hole 18. Also, since the distribution member 59 is stopped at the second position during this small prize game, the gaming ball that enters the large winning hole 18 always enters the special area.
Therefore, when a small prize is won based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16, if a so-called right hit is performed, a predetermined number (one) of game balls will enter the special area during the small prize game based on that winning, and the above-mentioned special game (see Figure 74 (b)) will be executed based on that entry.

(Overview of game state to be set)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a special game is executed based on the determination of a jackpot pattern (winning a jackpot), the game state after the special game ends is set according to the type of jackpot pattern that has been determined.

In addition, when a small win game is executed based on the determination of a small win symbol (winning a small win), and a special game is executed based on a predetermined number (one) of game balls entering a special area during the small win game, the game state after the special game ends is set according to the type of the determined small win symbol. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, game balls can enter the special area during a small win game based on the determination of the small win symbol Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8, or Y9, so when a predetermined number of game balls enter the special area during these small win games and a special game is executed, the game state after the special game ends is set according to the type of the determined small win symbol.
In addition, if the predetermined number of game balls do not enter the special area during the small win game and the special game is not executed, the above-mentioned processing is not performed. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the game balls cannot enter the special area during the small win game based on the determination of the small win pattern Y1, Y2, Y3, or Y4, and the predetermined number of game balls do not enter the special area during these small win games, and the special game is not executed. Also, if the game ball does not enter the large prize opening 18 during the small win game based on the determination of the small win pattern Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8, or Y9, for example, because the right hit is not performed, the predetermined number of game balls do not enter the special area, and the special game is not executed. In these cases, the above-mentioned processing is not performed.

In addition, in a non-time-saving game state (normal game state), when a time-saving pattern is determined (a win for the time-saving award) and the time-saving pattern is displayed stationary, the game state after the time-saving pattern is displayed stationary (after the variable display of the time-saving pattern has ended) is set according to the type of time-saving pattern determined. In contrast, in a time-saving game state (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 (time-saving game state JT1), low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (time-saving game state JT2)), when a time-saving pattern is determined and the time-saving pattern is displayed stationary, no new game state based on the determination of the time-saving pattern is set after the time-saving pattern is displayed stationary, and the game state that was set when the time-saving pattern was determined (when the win/lose lottery was executed) is maintained. In other words, even if a time-saving symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol when a time-saving award is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the time-saving game state based on the award is not reset, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 that is currently set continues.

As shown in FIG. 75, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment has, as the game state setting table 113, a first game state setting table 113e that specifies the setting contents of the game state after the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot based on the first special random number and determining the jackpot pattern X1, X2 or X3, or after the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot based on the second special random number and determining the jackpot pattern X7, X8 or X9, and a second game state setting table 113f that specifies the setting contents of the game state after the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot based on the first special random number and determining the jackpot pattern X4, X5 or X6, after the end of a special game based on winning a jackpot based on the second special random number and determining the jackpot pattern X10, X11 or X12, or after the end of a special game based on winning a small jackpot based on the second special random number and determining the small jackpot pattern Y5, Y6, Y7, The second game state setting table 113f defines the setting contents of the game state after the end of the special game executed through the small win game based on the determination of Y8 or Y9; the third game state setting table 113g defines the setting contents of the game state set based on the fact that the time-saving award is won by the first special random number in the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, and the time-saving pattern J1 is stopped and displayed; and the fourth game state setting table 113h defines the setting contents of the game state set based on the fact that the time-saving award is won by the first special random number in the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving pattern J2 is determined, and the time-saving pattern J2 is stopped and displayed, or the time-saving award is won by the second special random number in the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving pattern J3 is determined, and the time-saving pattern J3 is stopped and displayed.

As shown in FIG. 75(a), regardless of the game state being set, if a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special random number and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, or X3 is determined, or if a jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special random number and the jackpot pattern X7, X8, or X9 is determined, the game state after the special game based on that determination is completed is set to a low probability game state and a non-time-saving game state. In other words, the normal game state is set after the special game is completed.

As shown in Fig. 75(b), regardless of the game state being set, if a big win is won by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number and the big win pattern X4, X5 or X6 is determined, if a big win is won by the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number and the big win pattern X10, X11 or X12 is determined, or if a small win is won by the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number and a predetermined number of game balls enter the special area during a small win game based on the small win pattern Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 or Y9 is determined, the game state after the end of the special game based on these is set to a low probability game state and a time-saving game state JT2. That is, after the end of the special game, a low probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, two types of time-saving number of times are set, a first time-saving number of times and a second time-saving number of times, and when the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set, the first time-saving number of times is set to 6 times and the second time-saving number of times is set to 11 times.
In the following, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the first time-saving number is set to 6 and the second time-saving number is set to 11) that is set after the end of the above-mentioned special game will also be referred to as the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A.

When the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A is set, after the game state is set, (1) the number of times the special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the second special pattern) based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 has changed has reached the first time-saving number (6 times) without the special game being played (the result of the winning/losing lottery using the second special pattern random number has been derived 6 times), or (2) the number of times the special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the first special pattern) based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15 has changed has reached the first time-saving number (6 times) without the special game being played. The low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A continues until one of the following time-saving end conditions is met: (1) the total number of times the ...

Here, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, a first time-saving number memory area and a second time-saving number memory area are provided as time-saving number memory areas provided in the main RAM 103, and the first time-saving number memory area stores the remaining number of times the special pattern will change until the above-mentioned first time-saving number becomes 0 (hereinafter also referred to as the first remaining number of changes), and the second time-saving number memory area stores the remaining number of times the special pattern will change until the above-mentioned second time-saving number becomes 0 (hereinafter also referred to as the second remaining number of changes).
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, an end determination count memory area is provided in the main RAM 103, and this end determination count memory area stores the remaining number of times that small win patterns will be determined until the above-mentioned end determination count becomes 0 (hereinafter also referred to as the remaining small win determination count).
During the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A, when a special symbol is displayed based on a game ball entering the second start winning port 16, both the first remaining number of changes stored in the first time-saving number storage area and the first remaining number of changes stored in the second time-saving number storage area are updated at the end of the display of the special symbol, and when a special symbol is displayed based on a game ball entering the first start winning port 15, only the second remaining number of changes stored in the second time-saving number storage area is updated at the end of the display of the special symbol. Also, when a small win symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined, the remaining small win determination number stored in the end determination number storage area is updated at the end of the display of the special symbol.
Then, when any of the above-mentioned time-saving end conditions is met as a result of these processes, the low-probability game state is left as it is, and the game state is changed to the normal game state by changing the time-saving game state JT2 to a non-time-saving game state.

As shown in Fig. 75(c), in the non-time-saving game state (normal game state), if the time-saving symbol J1 is selected by a lottery based on the first special symbol random number and the time-saving symbol J1 is displayed in a stopped state, the non-time-saving game state is changed to the time-saving game state JT1 while the low-probability game state remains as it is when the variable display of the time-saving symbol J1 as the special symbol ends (when the time-saving symbol J1 is displayed in a stopped state), as shown in Fig. 75(c), the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set at the end of the variable display of the time-saving symbol J1 (i.e., before the stopped display time has elapsed).
In addition, when the above-mentioned low probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, the first time-saving number of times is set to 300 times, and the second time-saving number of times is set to 305 times.

When the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, after the game state is set, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 continues until one of the following time-saving end conditions is met: (1) the number of times the first special chart changes reaches the first time-saving number (300 times) without a special game being played (the result of the win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number has been derived 300 times), (2) the total number of times the first special chart changes and the number of times the second special chart changes reaches the second time-saving number (305 times) without a special game being played (the result of the win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number and the result of the win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number have been derived a total of 305 times), or (3) the number of times the small winning pattern Y1 or Y2, which can be determined based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15, has reached the end determination number without a special game being played. In addition, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the number of times the above-mentioned termination decision is made is set to one, which is less than the upper limit of the first reserved number (four).

In addition, during the low probability time-saving game state LJT1, when a special symbol is displayed based on a game ball entering the first start winning hole 15, both the first remaining number of changes stored in the first time-saving number storage area and the second remaining number of changes stored in the second time-saving number storage area are updated at the time when the display of the special symbol is completed, and when a special symbol is displayed based on a game ball entering the second start winning hole 16, only the second remaining number of changes stored in the second time-saving number storage area is updated at the time when the display of the special symbol is completed. In addition, when a small winning symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined, the remaining small winning determination number stored in the end determination number storage area is updated at the time when the display of the special symbol is completed.
Then, when any of the above-mentioned time-saving end conditions is met as a result of these processes, the low-probability game state is left as it is, and the game state is changed to a normal game state by changing the time-saving game state JT1 to a non-time-saving game state.

As shown in Fig. 75(d), in the non-time-saving game state (normal game state), if the player wins the time-saving lottery based on the first special random number and the time-saving symbol J2 is determined and the time-saving symbol J2 is stopped and displayed, or if the player wins the time-saving lottery based on the second special random number and the time-saving symbol J3 is determined and the time-saving symbol J3 is stopped and displayed, the non-time-saving game state is changed to the time-saving game state JT2 while the low-probability game state remains as it is when the variable display of the time-saving symbol J2 or J3 as the special symbol ends (when the time-saving symbol J2 or J3 is stopped and displayed). In other words, when the variable display of the time-saving symbol J2 or J3 ends, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set at this end (before the stopped display time has elapsed).
In addition, when the above-mentioned low probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set, the first time-saving number of times is set to 1 time, and the second time-saving number of times is set to 6 times.
In the following, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the first time-saving number is set to 1 and the second time-saving number is set to 6) that is set after the above-mentioned time-saving pattern is stopped and displayed will also be referred to as the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B.

When the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set, after the game state is set, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B continues until one of the following time-saving end conditions is met: (1) the number of times the second special chart changes reaches the first time-saving number (1 time) without a special game being played (the result of the win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number has been derived 1 time), (2) the total number of times the first special chart changes and the number of times the second special chart changes reaches the second time-saving number (6 times) without a special game being played (the result of the win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number and the result of the win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number have been derived a total of 6 times), or (3) the number of times the small win pattern Y1 or Y2, which can be determined based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning port 15, has reached the end determination number without a special game being played. In addition, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, the number of times the above-mentioned termination decision is made is set to 5 times, which is more than the upper limit of the first reserved number (4).

In addition, during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, when a special symbol is displayed based on a game ball entering the second start winning hole 16, both the first remaining number of changes stored in the first time-saving number storage area and the second remaining number of changes stored in the second time-saving number storage area are updated at the time when the display of the special symbol is completed, and when a special symbol is displayed based on a game ball entering the first start winning hole 15, only the second remaining number of changes stored in the second time-saving number storage area is updated at the time when the display of the special symbol is completed. In addition, when a small winning symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined, the remaining small winning determination number stored in the end determination number storage area is updated at the time when the display of the special symbol is completed.
Then, when any of the above-mentioned time-saving end conditions is met as a result of these processes, the low-probability game state is left as it is, and the game state is changed to a normal game state by changing the time-saving game state JT2 to a non-time-saving game state.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 in which left-handed play is performed, it is possible that a time-saving bonus will be awarded in a win/loss lottery based on the first special chart random number, and, although this is less likely, it is also possible that a time-saving bonus will be awarded in a win/loss lottery based on the second special chart random number.
In addition, in the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B where right-hand hits are performed, a win or loss lottery for the time-saving award may be performed based on the second special chart random number, and a win or loss lottery for the time-saving award may be performed based on the first special chart random number.
In this way, even in game states other than the normal game state (low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A, low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B), a time-saving bonus may be awarded in a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number or the second special chart random number, and the time-saving symbol J1, J2 or J3 may be determined and displayed as a stopped bonus; in this case, the game state currently set will continue as is.

(About the conditions for ending the time-saving game mode (time-saving end conditions))
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot is the same during both the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and even if a game ball is shot toward the second game state 12b, the game ball will not enter the second start winning hole 16. During these game states, the player is made to play in the first game area 12a, and there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the first start winning hole 15.
If a jackpot is won based on a win/lose lottery using the first special chart random number (a random number obtained by the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15) during the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, a special game in which three rounds of play are played is executed, and a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A can be set after the special game ends.
In addition, if during the normal game state, a time-saving symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol due to a win/loss lottery based on the first special random number, the game state is set to either the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B. On the other hand, during the low-probability time-saving game state LTJ1, even if a time-saving symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol due to a win/loss lottery based on the first special random number, the game state is not changed and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 continues.

During the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, the probability of winning a jackpot is the same as during the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, but when a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, the game ball can enter the second start winning hole 16 with a high frequency. During these game states, the player is made to play in the second game area 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the second start winning hole 16.
If a big win is won based on a winning/losing lottery using the second special random number (a random number obtained by the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16), a special game in which 10 rounds of play are played is executed, and a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A can be set after the special game ends. Also, if a small win is won, a special game in which 10 rounds of play are played via the small win game can be executed, and a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A can be set after the special game ends.
In other words, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, the loss of game balls as the game progresses can be suppressed compared to the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 due to the prize balls based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16, and special games can be played not only on the winning of a jackpot but also on the winning of a small jackpot. Furthermore, in the special game, more rounds of play are played than during special games when a jackpot is won during the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, making it a more advantageous game state than the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.
As described above, when the time-saving symbol is displayed in a stopped state during the normal game state, either the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set, but after the normal game state is switched to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is not set even if the time-saving symbol is displayed in a stopped state during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. Therefore, the normal game state in which the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B can be set by the time-saving symbol and the stopped display is a more advantageous game state than the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. As a result, as in the first form, a novel game feature can be provided in which the normal game state before the transition to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 becomes a chance zone, and the player's interest can be enhanced.

Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the low probability time-saving game state LJT1, the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A, and the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B are terminated not only by the number of times the first special symbol changes or the number of times the second special symbol changes, but also by the number of times the small winning symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined, which can be determined based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15. In other words, the number of times the small winning symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined is set as the termination condition of the time-saving game state (time-saving termination condition).
This ends the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1, the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2-A, and the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2-B, and increases the opportunities for a normal game state positioned as a chance zone to be set, thereby increasing the player's interest.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the number of times the small winning symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined (end determination number: 1 time) that ends the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set to be different from the number of times the small winning symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined (end determination number: 5 times) that ends the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B. Specifically, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B are not terminated even if the time-saving termination condition related to the number of times the small winning symbol Y1 or Y2 is determined (end determination number) that ends the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is satisfied.
This makes it possible to differentiate the trigger for ending the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1, the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2-A, and the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2-B based on the determination of the small winning pattern Y1 or Y2, thereby improving gameplay and increasing the player's interest.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the number of times that the small winning pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined (number of ending determinations: 5 times), which will end the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, is set to be greater than the upper limit number (4) of the first reserved number.
As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when both the first special random number and the second special random number are stored, they are processed in the order in which they were stored in the reserved memory area. Therefore, for example, when a jackpot is won during a normal game state in which a left shot is performed or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A is set after the special game based on the winning is completed, or when a time-saving grant is won during a normal game state, a time-saving pattern J2 is determined, and the time-saving pattern J2 is stopped and displayed, and a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set based on the fact that the time-saving pattern J2 is stopped and displayed, if the first special random number obtained during the normal game state or during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 before the setting is stored when these game states are set, the stored first special random number is processed before the second special random number newly obtained during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B. Then, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, a small jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number, and the small jackpot pattern Y1 or Y2 may be determined.

Here, for example, if the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set to end by determining the small winning pattern Y1 or Y2 a number of times equal to or less than the upper limit number (4) of the first reserved number, the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B may end before the player starts shooting the game ball toward the second game area 12b. Then, even though the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, which are more advantageous than the normal game state or the low probability time-saving game state LJT1, is set, the game ball cannot be entered into the second start winning hole 16 (without receiving the winning/losing lottery based on the second special pattern random number), and these advantageous game states may end, which may reduce the interest of the player.
Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, the number of times (number of times of ending determination) of the small winning symbol Y1 or Y2 that ends the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set to be greater than the upper limit number (4) of the first reserved number. As a result, even if all the first special symbol random numbers stored before the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B are set are ones that lead to the determination of the small winning symbol Y1 or Y2, the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B will not end. Therefore, even after all the winning/losing lotteries based on the above-mentioned first special chart random numbers have been completed, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B continues, so that the player can enter the second start winning port 16 and take part in the winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number, thereby preventing a decline in the player's interest.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the time-saving game state (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A, low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B) is ended based on the number of times a specific small win pattern (Y1 or Y2) is determined among all small win patterns that can be determined, but this is not limited to this, and the time-saving game state may be ended based on the number of times all small win patterns are determined (i.e., the number of times a small win is won).
In addition, various conditions for the time-saving end of the small win may be adopted. For example, the time-saving game state may be ended when the number of times each of the small win symbols is determined reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, when the number of times the small win symbol Y1 is determined reaches two (number of times to determine the end) and the number of times the small win symbol Y2 is determined reaches three (number of times to determine the end)). In addition, the time-saving game state may be ended when the small win symbols are determined in a predetermined order (for example, when the small win symbols are determined in the order of small win symbol Y1 → small win symbol Y2 → small win symbol Y1). In addition, the time-saving game state may be ended when the small win symbols are determined a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period (for example, when the number of times the small win symbol Y1 is determined reaches three (number of times to determine the end) during the period from when the time-saving game state is set until the variable display of the special symbol is performed 30 times).
In addition, the time-saving end condition for the small win may be set only in some of the time-saving game states, not in all of the time-saving game states. For example, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 may be set to end based on the condition for determining the small win, but the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B may be set not to end based on the condition for determining the small win.
In the above-mentioned case, the trigger for ending the time-saving game state can be varied, improving the gameplay and increasing the interest of the player.

(Processing when you win the time-saving bonus when the time-saving game mode ends)
As described above, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 ends when the first remaining number of changes or the second remaining number of changes is updated at the time when the display of the special symbol is finished, for example, when the number of changes of the first special symbol reaches the first time-saving number, and the normal game state is set. Also, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B end when the first remaining number of changes or the second remaining number of changes is updated at the time when the display of the special symbol is finished, for example, when the number of changes of the second special symbol reaches the first time-saving number, and the normal game state is set. In the following, the process of updating the first remaining number of changes or the second remaining number of changes is also referred to as the "remaining number of changes update process".
On the other hand, in the normal game state, when a time-saving bonus is awarded and a time-saving pattern is determined and displayed stationary, at the time when the time-saving pattern is displayed stationary (at the time when the variable display of the time-saving pattern has ended), a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set according to the type of the time-saving pattern determined.

Here, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, there are cases where a player wins the time-saving award in a win/lose lottery when the number of times the first special chart changes reaches the first time-saving number, and in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, there are cases where a player wins the time-saving award in a win/lose lottery when the number of times the second special chart changes reaches the first time-saving number.
The processing for setting the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B based on the stopped display of the time-saving pattern (processing for setting the time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving pattern), and the remaining change count update processing are both performed at the time when the changing display of the time-saving pattern ends (at the time when the time-saving pattern is stopped), but it is assumed that the processing for setting the time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving pattern is performed after the remaining change count update processing is performed.
Then, in the above-mentioned case, when the remaining variation count update process is performed, the normal game state is set, so that at the time when the process for setting the time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving pattern is executed, the time-saving pattern is stopped and displayed in the normal game state, and the time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state LJT1 or low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B) is set again. In other words, if the process for setting the time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving pattern is executed after the remaining variation count update process is performed, in the above-mentioned case, a situation occurs in which multiple time-saving game states are set consecutively, and the division of the time-saving game state and the setting trigger become unclear, which may cause a sense of discomfort in the game.

Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, after performing processing related to setting the time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving symbol, a remaining variation number update processing is performed.
As a result, in the above-mentioned case, at the time of executing the process related to the setting of the time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving symbol, the remaining variation number update process has not been performed, the time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state LJT1, low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A, low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B) remains set, and the time-saving symbol is stopped and displayed in the time-saving game state. Therefore, the setting of a new time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving symbol is not performed. Then, the normal game state is set by performing the remaining variation number update process. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the division of the time-saving game state and the setting trigger become unclear, and it is possible to prevent the possibility of an uncomfortable feeling occurring in the game.

As described above, the device may be configured to perform processing related to setting the time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving symbol after the remaining variation count update processing has been performed, and in the above-mentioned case, multiple time-saving game states may be set consecutively.

(Overview of fluctuation pattern table 114)
As shown in FIG. 76, the pachinko machine P of this embodiment is provided with, as the fluctuation pattern table 114, a table MP11 which is referenced during a normal game state, a table MP21 which is referenced during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1, and a table MP31 which is referenced during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 (during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2-A, during a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2-B).
In these fluctuation pattern tables 114, as in the first form, fluctuation pattern commands corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a predetermined fluctuation time are determined according to the determined special symbols (losing symbols Z1, Z2; big win symbols X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11, X12; small win symbols Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8, Y9; time-saving symbols J1, J2, J3), the current reserved number (first reserved number, second reserved number at the time when the fluctuation pattern command is determined (the time when the win/lose lottery is executed)), and the fluctuation pattern random number.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 76(a), in table MP11 (variation pattern table 114 referenced during normal game mode), when the winning/losing lottery based on the first special chart random number results in a loss and a losing symbol Z1 is determined, a variation pattern command (variation pattern) is determined that is the same as when a losing symbol Z1 is determined during normal game mode in the first form.
In addition, when a jackpot is won by a lottery based on the first special random number and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined, a variation pattern command is determined similarly to when the jackpot pattern X1, X2 or X3 is determined during the normal game state in the first form.
In addition, if a small prize is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number and the small prize pattern Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 is determined, the fluctuation pattern command "05H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "13-second fluctuation" is determined regardless of the current number of reserved numbers or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number.
In addition, if the time-saving symbol J1 is determined by the win/loss lottery based on the first special symbol random number, a variation pattern command is determined similarly to the case where the time-saving symbol J1 is determined during normal game play in the first form, and if the time-saving symbol J2 is determined by the win/loss lottery based on the first special symbol random number, a variation pattern command is determined similarly to the case where the time-saving symbol J2 is determined during normal game play in the first form.

Also, as shown in FIG. 76(a), in table MP11, when the winning/losing lottery based on the second special pattern random number results in a losing draw and the losing pattern Z2 is determined, regardless of the number of reserved numbers at the current time and regardless of the value of the fluctuation pattern random number, the fluctuation pattern command "04H" associated with the fluctuation pattern "10 second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time for the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time for the second half is set to 10 seconds) is determined.
In addition, when a jackpot is won by a lottery based on the second special chart random number and the jackpot pattern X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 or X12 is determined, the fluctuation pattern command "09H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "10-second fluctuation" is determined regardless of the current number of reserved numbers or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number.
In addition, if a small prize is won by the lottery based on the second special chart random number and the small prize pattern Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 or Y9 is determined, the fluctuation pattern command "06H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "10 second fluctuation" is determined regardless of the current number of reserved numbers or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number.
In addition, in the case where a time-saving symbol J3 is selected by a lottery based on the second special symbol random number, when the time-saving symbol J3 is selected, the fluctuation pattern command "0CH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "10-second fluctuation" is selected regardless of the number of reserved symbols at the current time and regardless of the value of the fluctuation pattern random number.

As shown in FIG. 76(b), in table MP21 (the fluctuation pattern table 114 referenced during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1), when the winning/losing lottery based on the first special chart random number results in a loss and the losing symbol Z1 is determined, a fluctuation pattern command is determined that is the same as when the losing symbol Z1 is determined during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 in the first form.
In addition, when a jackpot is won by a lottery based on the first special chart random number and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined, the same variation pattern command as when the jackpot pattern X1, X2 or X3 is determined during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 in the first form is determined.
In addition, in the case where a small prize is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number, when the small prize pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved numbers and whatever the value of the fluctuation pattern random number, a fluctuation pattern command "15H" corresponding to a fluctuation pattern of "15-second fluctuation" (a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first half is set to 0 seconds and the fluctuation time of the second half is set to 15 seconds) is determined, and when the small prize pattern Y3 or Y4 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved numbers and whatever the value of the fluctuation pattern random number, a fluctuation pattern command "16H" corresponding to a fluctuation pattern of "15-second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined by the win/loss lottery based on the first special symbol random number, a variation pattern command is determined similar to that when the time-saving symbol J1 is determined during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 in the first form, and when the time-saving symbol J2 is determined by the win/loss lottery based on the first special symbol random number, a variation pattern command is determined similar to that when the time-saving symbol J2 is determined during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 in the first form.

Also, as shown in Figure 76 (b), in table MP21, if the winning/losing lottery based on the second special pattern random number results in a losing result and the losing pattern Z2 is determined, the fluctuation pattern command "14H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "10 second fluctuation" is determined regardless of the current number of reserved numbers and regardless of the value of the fluctuation pattern random number.
In addition, when a jackpot is won by a lottery based on the second special chart random number and the jackpot pattern X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 or X12 is determined, the fluctuation pattern command "19H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "10-second fluctuation" is determined regardless of the current number of reserved numbers or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number.
In addition, if a small prize is won by the lottery based on the second special chart random number and the small prize pattern Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 or Y9 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved numbers or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number, the fluctuation pattern command "17H" corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of "10 second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, in the case where a time-saving symbol J3 is selected by a lottery based on the second special symbol random number, when the time-saving symbol J3 is selected, the fluctuation pattern command "1DH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "10-second fluctuation" is selected regardless of the number of reserved symbols at the current time and regardless of the value of the fluctuation pattern random number.

As shown in FIG. 76 (c), in table MP31 (the fluctuation pattern table 114 referenced during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2), when the winning/losing lottery based on the first special pattern random number results in a losing result and the losing pattern Z1 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved numbers or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number, the fluctuation pattern command "50H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "2-second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, when a jackpot is won by a lottery based on the first special chart random number and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined, regardless of the number of reserved numbers at the current time or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number, the fluctuation pattern command "5AH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "2-second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, if a small prize is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number and the small prize pattern Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved numbers or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number, the fluctuation pattern command "55H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "2-second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, if the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined as a result of a lottery based on the first special symbol random number, the fluctuation pattern command "5DH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "2-second fluctuation" will be determined regardless of the current number of reserved symbols or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number.
In addition, if the result of the lottery based on the second special pattern random number is a loss and the losing pattern Z2 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved numbers or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number, the fluctuation pattern command "51H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "10 second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, if a jackpot is won by a lottery based on the second special chart random number and the jackpot pattern X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 or X12 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved numbers or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number, the fluctuation pattern command "59H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "10 second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, if a small prize is won by the lottery based on the second special chart random number and the small prize pattern Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 or Y9 is determined, regardless of the current number of reserved numbers or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number, the fluctuation pattern command "56H" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "10 second fluctuation" is determined.
In addition, if the time-saving symbol J3 is selected as a winner based on the second special symbol random number, the fluctuation pattern command "5EH" associated with the fluctuation pattern of "10-second fluctuation" will be determined regardless of the current number of reserved symbols or the value of the fluctuation pattern random number.

(Summary of stop display time)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the stop display time table 115 has the stop display time determined according to the current game state (the game state at the time when the win/lose lottery is executed) and the type of special pattern.
As shown in FIG. 77, according to the stop display time table 115, in the case where the current game state is the normal game state, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined, a stop display time of 0.5 seconds is determined, when a big win symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 or X12 is determined, a stop display time of 0.5 seconds is determined, when a small win symbol Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 or Y9 is determined, a stop display time of 0.5 seconds is determined, when a time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined, a stop display time of 20 seconds is determined, and when a time-saving symbol J3 is determined, a stop display time of 0.5 seconds is determined.
In addition, when the current game state is the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, when a losing symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined, when a big win symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 or X12 is determined, when a small win symbol Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 or Y9 is determined, or when a time-saving symbol J1, J2 or J3 is determined, a stop display time of 0.5 seconds is determined.

(Outline of special symbol stop display)
Although not specifically shown, both the first special pattern display device 30 and the second special pattern display device 31 are composed of a plurality of LEDs, and different lighting patterns for the LEDs are determined for each type of special pattern.
Then, when a special symbol (first special symbol) is determined based on the ball entering the first start winning hole 15, the LED of the first special symbol display device 30 starts blinking (i.e., the variable display of the special symbol starts), and after the variable time has elapsed, the LED stops blinking (i.e., the variable display of the special symbol ends), and the LED lights up in a lighting pattern corresponding to the determined first special symbol. This causes the first special symbol to stop being displayed.
In addition, when a special symbol (second special symbol) is determined based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16, the above-mentioned LED of the second special symbol display device 31 starts blinking, and after the variable time has elapsed, the blinking of the LED ends and the above-mentioned LED is lit up in a lighting pattern corresponding to the determined second special symbol. This causes the stop display of the second special symbol.

Here, as described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a special game is executed based on the winning of a big win, after the special game ends, a game state is set according to the type of big win symbol determined based on the winning of the big win. Also, when a special game is executed through a small win game based on the winning of a small win, after the special game ends, a game state is set according to the type of small win symbol determined based on the winning of the small win. Also, when a time-saving bonus is won during a normal game state, after the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning ends, a game state is set according to the type of time-saving symbol determined based on the winning of the time-saving bonus.
In this way, a new game state may be set depending on the type of special symbol determined based on the winning/losing lottery, and when a new game state is set, the type of this game state is determined, so players are very interested in the type of special symbol that has been determined. Therefore, many players check the lighting patterns of the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 30 and the second special symbol display device 31 to determine the type of special symbol that has been stopped and displayed.

Incidentally, the big win pattern, small win pattern and time-saving pattern are all displayed in a stopped state on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31 until the above-mentioned stopped display time has elapsed and the variable display of the next special pattern begins.
When a jackpot symbol (any of X1 to X12) is determined, a special game based on the determination is executed after the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed, and if the first special symbol random number or the second special symbol random number is stored when the special game ends, the variable display of the next special symbol begins. Therefore, the jackpot symbol will be displayed in a stopped state even after the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed until the above-mentioned special game ends.
Similarly, for example, when a small win symbol (any of Y5 to Y9) is determined, a small win game based on the determination is executed after the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed, and further, when a special game is executed through the small win game, if the first special symbol random number or the second special symbol random number is stored when the special game ends, the variable display of the next special symbol is started. Therefore, when a special game is executed through a small win game, the small win symbol will be displayed in a stopped state even after the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed until the special game executed through the small win game ends.
In contrast, when a time-saving symbol (any of J1 to J3) is determined during the normal game state, if the first or second special symbol random number is stored when the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed, the variable display of the next special symbol will begin. Here, since players often continue to shoot game balls as long as the reserved number (first reserved number, second reserved number) has not reached the upper limit, it is highly likely that the first or second special symbol random number will be stored when the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed. Therefore, when a time-saving symbol is determined during the normal game state, it is highly likely that the time-saving symbol will be displayed in a stopped state only until the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed.

Then, when a time-saving symbol is determined by winning the time-saving bonus during normal game mode, the time-saving symbol is displayed in a stopped state for 0.5 seconds or 20 seconds (see FIG. 77).
On the other hand, when a big win is won and a big win symbol is determined, the big win symbol is displayed stationary for a predetermined stop display time of 0.5 seconds (see FIG. 77), as well as for the period from when the special game starts to when it ends (opening time (10 seconds in this embodiment), execution time of all rounds of the game (at least about 30 seconds in the case of 4 rounds, at least about 80 seconds in the case of 10 rounds), ending time (10 seconds in this embodiment)). Also, when a small win is won and the above-mentioned small win symbol (any of Y5 to Y9) is determined, the small win symbol is displayed stationary for a predetermined stop display time of 0.5 seconds (see FIG. 77), as well as for the period from when the small win game starts to when it ends (opening time (3 seconds in this embodiment), execution time of the small win game (about 2.5 seconds), ending time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment)), and for the period from when the special game starts to when it ends.
That is, when a time-saving symbol is determined during a normal game state, the period during which the time-saving symbol is displayed is shorter than the period during which the big win symbol or the small win symbol is displayed when the big win symbol or the small win symbol is determined. Therefore, it is more difficult to determine the type of the time-saving symbol determined during a normal game state by checking the lighting patterns of the LEDs on the first special symbol display device 30 and the second special symbol display device 31 than it is to determine the type of the big win symbol or the small win symbol, which may reduce the player's interest.

Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the number of types of time-saving symbols that can be determined when a time-saving bonus is awarded (three types of time-saving symbols J1 to J3) is set to be fewer than the number of types of jackpot symbols that can be determined when a jackpot is awarded (12 types of jackpot symbols X1 to X12) and the number of small win symbols that can be determined when a small win is awarded (nine types of small win symbols Y1 to Y9).
As a result, the number of types of lighting patterns of the LEDs displayed on the first special pattern display device 30 and the second special pattern display device 31 when a time-saving award is won is fewer than the number of types of lighting patterns of the LEDs displayed on the first special pattern display device 30 and the second special pattern display device 31 when a big win or small win is won. Therefore, it is easier to determine the type of time-saving pattern from the LED lighting pattern than the type of big win pattern or small win pattern, thereby preventing a decrease in the player's interest.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the types of special patterns stopped and displayed on each special pattern display device are set so that the types of time-saving patterns that can be determined when a time-saving award is won are fewer than the types of big win patterns that can be determined when a big win is won and the types of small win patterns that can be determined when a small win is won.
Specifically, in the first special symbol display device 30, when a big win is won, six types (X1 to X6) of big win symbols can be displayed, when a small win is won, four types (Y1 to Y4) of small win symbols can be displayed, and when a time-saving grant is won, two types (J1, J2) of time-saving symbols can be displayed. In addition, in the second special symbol display device 31, when a big win is won, six types (X7 to X12) of big win symbols can be displayed, when a small win is won, five types (Y5 to Y9) of small win symbols can be displayed, and when a time-saving grant is won, one type (J3) of time-saving symbol can be displayed.
As a result, in both the first special symbol display device 30 and the second special symbol display device 31, the types of lighting patterns of the LEDs that are lit when a time-saving bonus is awarded are fewer than the types of lighting patterns of the LEDs that are lit when a big win or small win is awarded. Therefore, in both special symbol display devices, it is easier to determine the type of time-saving symbol from the lighting patterns of the LEDs than to determine the type of big win symbol or small win symbol, so that it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the player.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the types of special symbols associated with each setting content (set game state) based on the determination of the special symbols are set so that the types of time-saving symbols that can be determined when a time-saving award is won are fewer than the types of jackpot symbols that can be determined when a jackpot is won and the types of small jackpot symbols that can be determined when a small jackpot is won.
Specifically, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, six types of jackpot symbols (X1 to X3, X7 to X9) are provided so that a normal game state is set after the special game ends, six types of jackpot symbols (X4 to X6, X10 to X12) are provided so that a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A is set after the special game ends, and four types of small jackpot symbols (Y1 to Y4) are provided so that a special game is not executed via a small jackpot game. A special game is executed through the game, and five types of small winning symbols (Y5 to Y9) are provided which are determined so that a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2-A is set after the special game ends, one type of time-shortened symbol (J1) is provided which is determined so that a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1 is set when the special game is determined during a normal game state, and two types of time-shortened symbols (J2, J3) are provided which are determined so that a low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2-B is set when the special game is determined during a normal game state.
This makes it easier to determine the type of time-saving pattern than the type of big win pattern or small win pattern by the lighting pattern of the LEDs, and also makes it easier to determine the setting contents based on the determination of the special pattern for the time-saving pattern than for the big win pattern or small win pattern, preventing a decrease in the interest of the player.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, multiple types of big win symbols are provided for each game state that is set after the special game ends, and multiple types of small win symbols are provided depending on whether or not the special game can be executed. However, for example, multiple types of big win symbols and small win symbols may be provided for each number of round games executed during the special game.
Specifically, multiple types of jackpot symbols that are determined to execute three rounds of play during a special play may be provided, and multiple types of jackpot symbols that are determined to execute ten rounds of play during a special play may be provided. Also, multiple types of small win symbols that are determined to execute three rounds of play during a special play via a small win play may be provided, and multiple types of small win symbols that are determined to execute ten rounds of play during a special play via a small win play may be provided.
Even when set as described above, the number of types of time-saving symbols that can be determined when a time-saving award is won may be set to be fewer than the number of types of jackpot symbols that can be determined when a jackpot is won, or the number of types of small win symbols that can be determined when a small win is won.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, specific external information may be output to an external device. For example, when the main CPU 101 wins a jackpot by a win/lose lottery based on the first special symbol random number during the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the main CPU 101 may start outputting specific external information to an external device, and then when the normal game state is set, the time-saving symbol J1 is determined during the normal game state, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, the outputting of specific external information to the external device may be terminated.
Other controls relating to the output of specific external information may be set to the same contents as those in the first embodiment or the other setting examples described above.

(Outline of processing in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment)
Next, the outline of the processing executed by the main control board 100 as the special game, normal game, small win game, and special game progress will be explained using a flowchart, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the same processing as the first embodiment or processing that is almost the same as the first embodiment and that a person skilled in the art would understand how to implement (apply to) this embodiment will be given the same step number as the first embodiment, and explanations will be omitted in principle.

First, the special area detection process for carrying out a predetermined process based on the game ball entering a special area will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 78. This special area detection process is executed instead of the specific area detection process of the first embodiment (see Fig. 32).
In step 670-1, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a small win game is being played. If it is judged that a small win game is not being played, the special area detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a small win game is being played, the process proceeds to the next step 671-1.
In step 671-1, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a detection signal has been input a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, once) from a special area detection sensor (not shown) that is connected to the main control board 100 and detects the entry of the game ball into the special area. If it is determined that the detection signal from the special area detection sensor has not been input the predetermined number of times, the special area detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection signal from the special area detection sensor has been input the predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to the next step 672-2.
In step 672-2, the main CPU 101 turns on an entry flag indicating that a predetermined number of gaming balls have entered the special area, and then ends the special area detection process.

Next, the special pattern variation start processing (step 701 of the special pattern related control processing (see FIG. 33)) will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 801-1, the main CPU 101 judges whether the first special random number or the second special random number is stored in the reserved memory area, that is, whether the first reserved number counter is "1" or more, or the second reserved number counter is "1" or more. If it is judged that either is stored, the process proceeds to step 803-1. On the other hand, if it is judged that neither is stored, the process proceeds to step 812, where a customer waiting judgment process is performed.
In step 803-1, the main CPU 101 executes a shift process of the reserved memory area. Specifically, each random number stored in the first memory unit is stored in a predetermined processing area provided in the main RAM 103, and each random number stored in the second memory unit to the eighth memory unit is shifted to a memory unit with a smaller number by one. This allows each random number stored in the reserved memory area to be used in the win/lose determination process on a so-called first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Then, the process proceeds to step 805, where processing related to the fluctuation count counter is performed.

Next, the win/loss determination process (step 806 of the special pattern variation start process (see Figures 34 and 79)) will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 80.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when it is determined that a jackpot has not been won, a small jackpot win determination process is executed to determine whether or not a small jackpot has been won before executing a time-saving grant win/loss determination process (step 853) to determine whether or not a time-saving grant has been won.

Specifically, if it is determined in step 851 that the jackpot has not been won, the process proceeds to step 852-1.
In step 852-1, the main CPU 101 executes a small win determination process to determine whether or not a small win will be won (i.e., to determine whether or not a small win will be won) based on the selected win/loss random number determination table 110 and the win/loss random number stored in a predetermined processing area in step 803-1 (the same win/loss random number as the win/loss random number that was the subject of determination in the big win win/loss determination process). Specifically, the main CPU 101 obtains information on the numerical range that will result in a small win from the above-mentioned table, and determines whether or not the above-mentioned win/loss random number falls within this obtained numerical range. Then, if the above-mentioned win/loss random number falls within the above-mentioned numerical range, it is determined that a small win has been won, and if the above-mentioned win/loss random number does not fall within the above-mentioned numerical range, it is determined that a small win has not been won. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 852-2.
In step 852-2, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the result of the small win judgment process executed in the above-mentioned step 852-1 was a small win (i.e., whether or not a small win was won). If it is judged that a small win was not won (a small win was not won), the process proceeds to step 853, where a time-saving award judgment process is performed. On the other hand, if it is judged that a small win was won, the process proceeds to the next step 852-3.
In step 852-3, the main 101 stores the fact that a small win has been won in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. Then, the win/loss determination process ends.

Next, the special symbol variation stop processing (step 702 of the special symbol related control processing (see FIG. 33)) will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 1003-1, the main CPU 101 executes a game state setting process for setting a game state when a stop display is performed, and then proceeds to the next step 1003-2.
In step 1003-2, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the time-saving gaming state (low-probability time-saving gaming state LJT1, low-probability time-saving gaming state LJT2-B) has been set in the above-mentioned step 1003-1. If it is judged that the time-saving gaming state has been set, the process proceeds to step 1004. On the other hand, if it is judged that the time-saving gaming state has not been set, the process proceeds to the next step 1003-3.

In step 1003-3, the main CPU 101 executes a remaining change count update process for updating the first remaining change count and the second remaining change count.
Specifically, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a first time-saving game flag indicating that the current game state is the time-saving game state JT1 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1), or a second time-saving game flag indicating that the current game state is the time-saving game state JT2 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A, low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B) is on. When it is judged that the first time-saving game flag is on, when the first special chart is stopped and displayed, both the first remaining change number and the second remaining change number are decremented by 1, and when the second special chart is stopped and displayed, only the second remaining change number is decremented by 1. On the other hand, when it is judged that the second time-saving game flag is on, when the second special chart is stopped and displayed, both the first remaining change number and the second remaining change number are decremented by 1, and when the first special chart is stopped and displayed, only the second remaining change number is decremented by 1. Furthermore, when either the first remaining number of fluctuations or the second remaining number of fluctuations becomes "0" as a result of updating (i.e., when the time-saving end condition for ending the time-saving game state is met), a process is executed to turn off the first time-saving game flag or the second time-saving game flag that was on. This ends the time-saving game state JT1 or the time-saving game state JT2 that is being set, and a non-time-saving game state (normal game state) is set. Note that if neither the first time-saving game flag nor the second time-saving game flag is on, the main CPU 101 does not perform any process here. Then, the process proceeds to step 1004 in which the stop display time is determined and set.

Next, the game state setting process at the time of the stopped display in step 1003-1 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1050, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is a time-saving symbol. If it is judged that the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is not a time-saving symbol (i.e., a big win symbol, a small win symbol, or a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 1053. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is a time-saving symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1051.
In step 1051, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current gaming state is the normal gaming state or not. If it is judged that the current gaming state is not the normal gaming state (i.e., the current gaming state is the low-probability time-saving gaming state LJT1, the low-probability time-saving gaming state LJT2-A, or the low-probability time-saving gaming state LJT2-B), the main CPU 101 ends the game state setting process at the time of the stop display. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current gaming state is the normal gaming state, the process proceeds to the next step 1052.

In step 1052, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving game state setting process for setting a game state according to the time-saving symbol that has been stopped and displayed.
Specifically, when the time-saving symbol displayed in the stopped state is J1, the main CPU 101 turns on the first time-saving game flag, sets the first time-saving number of times "300" in the first time-saving number of times memory area, sets the second time-saving number of times "305" in the second time-saving number of times memory area, and sets the end determination number of times "1" in the end determination number of times memory area. This sets the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.
In addition, when the time-saving symbol displayed in the stopped state is J2 or J3, the main CPU 101 turns on the second time-saving game flag, sets the first time-saving number of times "1" in the first time-saving number of times memory area, sets the second time-saving number of times "6" in the second time-saving number of times memory area, and sets the end determination number of times "5" in the end determination number of times memory area. This sets the low probability game state LJT2-B.
Then, the game status setting process at the time of the stopped display is terminated.

In step 1053, which is reached when it is determined in step 1050 that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a time-saving symbol, the main CPU 101 determines whether the special symbol displayed as stopped is a small win symbol Y1 or Y2. If it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is neither the small win symbol Y1 nor Y2, the game state setting process at the time of stopped display is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is the small win symbol Y1 or Y2, the process proceeds to the next step 1054.
In step 1054, the main CPU 101 executes a process for updating the number of times that a small amount win has been determined. Specifically, if the number of times that a small amount win has been determined is 1 or more, the main CPU 101 decrements the number of times that a small amount win has been determined by 1. On the other hand, if the number of times that a small amount win has been determined is 0, the main CPU 101 does not perform any process here. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1055.

In step 1055, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current gaming state is a time-shortened gaming state (low-probability time-shortened gaming state LJT1, low-probability time-shortened gaming state LJT2-A, or low-probability time-shortened gaming state LJT2-B). If it is judged that the current gaming state is not a time-shortened gaming state (i.e., a normal gaming state), the main CPU 101 ends the gaming state setting process at the time of the stopped display. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current gaming state is a time-shortened gaming state, the process proceeds to the next step 1056.
In step 1056, the main CPU 101 judges whether the number of remaining win determinations has become 0 (i.e., whether the number of determinations of the small win symbols Y1 or Y2 has reached the end determination number) due to the decrement of the number of remaining win determinations by 1 in the above-mentioned step 1054. If it is judged that the number of remaining win determinations is not 0, the game state setting process at the time of the stopped display is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of remaining win determinations has become 0, the process proceeds to the next step 1057.

In step 1057, the main CPU 101 executes a normal game state setting process to end the currently set time-saving game state and set the normal game state. Specifically, it turns off both the first time-saving game flag and the second time-saving game flag, and clears the first time-saving count storage area, the second time-saving count storage area, and the end determination count storage area. This ends the currently set low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A, or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, and sets the normal game state (non-time-saving game state). Then, it ends the game state setting process when the stop display is displayed.

Next, the post-stop processing (step 703 of the special chart related control processing (see FIG. 33)) will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when it is determined that the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is not a big win symbol, it is determined whether or not the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is a small win symbol.

Specifically, if it is determined in step 1105 that the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is not a big win symbol, the process proceeds to step 1111-1.
In step 1111-1, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special symbol displayed as stopped is a small win symbol. If it is judged that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a small win symbol (i.e., it is a time-saving symbol or a losing symbol), the main CPU 101 proceeds to step 1115, where a game status command is stored in a performance transmission data storage area. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol displayed as stopped is a small win symbol, the main CPU 101 proceeds to the next step 1111-2.
In step 1111-2, the main CPU 101 sets the small win opening time, which is the waiting time set at the start of the small win game, in the small win opening time timer counter, and stores a small win opening command indicating that the opening process in the small win game is to start in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1111-3.

In step 111-3, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "05" so that the small win game control process is executed in the special chart-related control process. Although not specifically shown, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment has a small win game control process that controls the small win game as a functional module that constitutes the special chart-related control process, and the execution phase data indicating the execution of this small win game control process is "05". By setting the execution phase data to "05" as described above, the small win game control process is executed. Then, the post-stop process is terminated.

Next, the small win game control processing (functional module (not specifically shown) that constitutes the special chart related control processing) will be explained with reference to the flowchart of Figure 84.
In step 1250, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is "05", which indicates the execution of the small win game control process. If it is judged that the execution phase data is not "05", the small win game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is "05", the process proceeds to the next step 1251.
In step 1251, the main CPU 101 judges whether the small win opening time set in the small win opening time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 1111-2 has elapsed. If it is judged that the small win opening time has not elapsed, the small win game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the small win opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1252.

In step 1252, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the small win ending process, which is a waiting process performed after the opening and closing of the large prize opening 18 in this small win game control process, is in progress. If it is judged that the small win ending process is in progress, the process proceeds to step 1256. On the other hand, if it is judged that the small win ending process is not in progress, the process proceeds to the next step 1253.
In step 1253, the main CPU 101 performs a large prize opening opening/closing control process for opening and closing the large prize opening 18 based on the special electric role operation table 112 (the third operation table 112f or the fourth operation table 112g) corresponding to the type of the small prize symbol stopped and displayed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1254.

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

In step 1256, which is performed when it is determined in step 1252 that the small win ending process is in progress, the main CPU 101 determines whether the small win ending time set in the small win ending time timer counter in step 1255 has elapsed. If it is determined that the small win ending time has not elapsed, the small win game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the small win ending time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1257.
In step 1257, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the entry flag is on. If it is judged that the entry flag is not on (i.e., is off), the process proceeds to step 1264. On the other hand, if it is judged that the entry flag is on, the process proceeds to the next step 1259.

In step 1259, the main CPU 101 turns off the entry flag, and then proceeds to the next step 1260.
In step 1260, the main CPU 101 resets the current game state. Then, the process proceeds to step 1261.

In step 1261, the main CPU 101 sets an opening time, which is a waiting time set at the start of a special game, in an opening time timer counter, and stores an opening command indicating that an opening process is to be started in a performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1262.
In step 1262, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds in the main RAM 103 based on the type of small win symbol that is stopped and displayed. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the small win symbol that is stopped and displayed is Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8, or Y9, a predetermined number of game balls can enter the special area during the small win game, and the entry flag can be turned on. In this case, the main CPU 101 sets "10" as the number of rounds. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1263.
In step 1263, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "03" so that the special game control process is executed in the special chart related control process. Then, the small win game control process is terminated.

In step 1264, which is reached when it is determined in step 1258 that the entry flag is not on, the main CPU 101 checks the set game state and stores a game state command indicating that game state in the performance transmission data storage area. The main CPU 101 also sets the execution phase data to "00" so that the special symbol variation process is executed in the special symbol related control process. Then, the small win game control process is terminated.

Next, the special game end processing (step 706 of the special chart related control processing (see FIG. 33)) will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 1301-1, which is reached when the execution phase data in step 1300 is data "04" indicating the execution of special game end processing, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special symbol displayed as stopped is a predetermined big win symbol (big win symbol X4, X5, X6, X10, X11, X12) or a predetermined small win symbol (small win symbol Y5, Y6, Y7, Y9). If it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is neither a predetermined big win symbol nor a predetermined small win symbol, the process proceeds to step 1304-2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is a predetermined big win symbol or small win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1304-1.
In step 1304-1, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving game state setting process for setting a time-saving game state. Specifically, the main CPU 101 turns on the second time-saving game flag, sets the first time-saving number of times to "6" in the first time-saving number of times storage area, sets the second time-saving number of times to "11" in the second time-saving number of times storage area, and sets the end determination number to "5" in the end determination number of times storage area. This sets the low probability game state LJT2-A. Then, the process proceeds to step 1306 in which the game state designation command is stored in the performance transmission data storage area.

In step 1304-2, which is reached when it is determined that the special symbol stopped and displayed in step 1301-1 above is neither the specified big win symbol nor the specified small win symbol, the main CPU 101 executes a normal game state setting process to set the normal game state. Specifically, it turns off both the first time-saving game flag and the second time-saving game flag, and clears the first time-saving number storage area, the second time-saving number storage area, and the end determination number storage area. This sets the normal game state (non-time-saving game state). Then it proceeds to step 1306, where a game state designation command is stored in the performance transmission data storage area.

(Outline of the variable effects in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment)
Next, the variable presentation executed in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment will be explained, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

(1) During the normal game state In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the RAM is cleared, a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X7, X8 or X9 is determined and the special game based on the determination is ended, or when a time-saving end condition for ending the time-saving game state is met during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, the normal game state is set and the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state similar to that of the first embodiment.

When the RAM is cleared and the normal game state is set, and when a jackpot is won and the jackpot pattern X1, X2, X3, X7, X8 or X9 is determined and the special game based on that determination ends, the same presentation control (display of the first background image, execution of the suggestion to stay in the chance zone, execution of the suggestion to hit to the left, etc.) is performed as when the normal game state is set in the first form.

When the time-saving end condition is met during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 ends, and the normal game state is set, the first background image is displayed during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 as in the first form, as described below, and this first background image continues to be displayed. Also, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a as in the normal game state, so no left-hit suggestion is made. Also, as in the first form, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, there are both times when the chance zone stay suggestion is made and times when it is not made, but when the normal game state is set as described above, the chance zone stay suggestion is executed.

Incidentally, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, the game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b and enters the second start winning port 16 with high frequency, so when the time-saving end condition is met and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B ends and the normal game state is set, there is a high possibility that the second special chart random number will be reserved and stored.
Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the time-saving end condition is satisfied during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B ends and the normal game state is set, until the display of the variation of the special symbol based on the second special symbol random number (hereinafter also referred to as the second special symbol remaining reservation) stored at the time of this setting ends, the same presentation control (display of the third background image, etc.) as that during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B before the normal game state is set is performed. Then, when the display of the variation of the special symbol based on the second special symbol remaining reservation ends, the same presentation control (display of the first background image, execution of the chance zone stay suggestion, execution of the left hit suggestion, etc.) as that when the normal game state is set in the first embodiment is performed.

In addition, if a losing symbol Z1 is determined during the normal game state (if the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number results in a losing result), the variable presentation is executed in the same control and manner as when the winning/losing lottery results in a losing result during the normal game state in the first form. If a jackpot symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, or X6 is determined during the normal game state (if the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number results in a winning jackpot), the variable presentation is executed in the same control and manner as when the winning/losing lottery results in a winning jackpot during the normal game state in the first form. If a time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined during the normal game state (if the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number results in a winning time-saving lottery), the variable presentation is executed in the same control and manner as when the winning/losing lottery results in a winning time-saving lottery during the normal game state in the first form and the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined.

Also, although not specifically shown, when the small win pattern Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 is determined during the normal game state (when the small win is won by the win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number), a variation presentation is executed according to the normal non-winning variation pattern which is executed when the result of the win/lose lottery during the normal game state in the first form is a miss.
In addition, when a small winning pattern is determined in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the stopping display mode of the performance pattern 50 is set to be the non-winning mode of the first embodiment, but this is not limited to this, and the stopping display mode may be different from the non-winning mode and the winning mode.

In addition, when a win/loss lottery based on the second special chart random number (second special chart remaining reserve) is conducted during the normal game state (i.e., when a win/loss lottery based on the second special chart random number during the normal game state results in a loss and loss pattern Z2 is determined, when a win/loss lottery based on the second special chart random number during the normal game state results in a big win and big win pattern X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 or X12 is determined, when a win/loss lottery based on the second special chart random number during the normal game state results in a small win and small win pattern Y5, Y6, Y8 or Y9 is determined, and when a win/loss lottery based on the second special chart random number during the normal game state results in a time-saving grant and time-saving pattern J3 is determined), a variable performance using special pattern A is performed in all of these cases.

This special pattern A is a mode in which the display of all the performance patterns 50 begins to change as the display of the special pattern begins to change, and when the change time has elapsed, the display of all the performance patterns 50 ends at the same time (all the performance patterns 50 are displayed stationary at the same time). In the change display using this special pattern A, in conjunction with the display of the change of the performance patterns 50, a button press operation display is executed on the entire surface of the display unit 21a, which suggests the result of the win/lose lottery based on the player pressing the operation button 9b.

Specifically, in the button press operation performance, when the display of the performance pattern 50 starts to change, a press operation performance execution image (for example, a text image saying "One hit chance") indicating that the button press operation performance will be executed and a press operation performance explanation image (for example, a text image saying "Press the button and decide with one hit!!") explaining the contents of the button press operation performance are displayed (see FIG. 86(b)). After that, a press operation suggestion image encouraging the pressing of the operation button 9b is displayed (see FIG. 86(c)). Then, if the operation button 9b is pressed before the valid press operation time (for example, 3 seconds) during which the pressing operation of the operation button 9b becomes valid has elapsed, or if the valid press operation time has elapsed without the operation button 9b being pressed, then if the result of the win/lose lottery is a big win or a small win, a special medium win indication is made to that effect (for example, display of a special medium win indication image such as "BONUS!!"), if the result of the win/lose lottery is a win for a time-saving grant, a special medium time-saving grant indication is made to that effect (for example, display of a special medium time-saving grant winning indication image such as "SUPER TIME!!"), and if the result of the win/lose lottery is a loss, a special loss indication is made to that effect (for example, display of a special loss indication image such as "LOSE...") (see Figures 86(d) to (f)).
In addition, in the button press operation presentation, it is set up so that the same type of special medium win suggestion is made regardless of whether the result of the win/lose lottery is a big win or a small win, but this is not limited to this, and different types of special medium win suggestions may be made depending on whether a small win is won or a big win.

(2) During the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the time-saving grant is won by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number during the normal game state and the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, and the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 similar to the first embodiment. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the power is restored from a power outage without RAM clearing during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 similar to the first embodiment. Then, during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2, when the time-saving grant is won by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number and the time-saving symbol J1 or J2 is determined, or when the time-saving grant is won by the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number and the time-saving symbol J3 is determined, the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, even if a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, the game ball will not enter the second start winning port 16, so basically, a win/loss lottery based on the second special chart random number is not held during this low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. However, for example, in a case where, during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 and the first special chart random number is reserved and stored, and further, a game ball enters the second start winning port 16 and the second special chart random number is reserved and stored, after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B ends and the normal game state is set, a win/lose lottery is held based on the above-mentioned reserved and stored first special chart random number, and when the time-saving award is won and the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is then set, so that during the set low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, a win/lose lottery may be held based on the second special chart random number reserved and stored during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B.

(2-1) During the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 As described above, by determining the time-saving pattern J1 during the normal game state, a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, and when the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 similar to the first form, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set in the first form, and presentation control is performed similar to when the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 (ending the suggestion to stay in the chance zone, continuing to display the first background image, not executing the suggestion to hit left, etc.).

In addition, if a losing symbol Z1 is determined during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 (if the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number results in a losing result), the variable performance is executed in the same control and manner as when the winning/losing lottery results in a losing result during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 in the first form. If a winning symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, or X6 is determined during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 (if the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number results in a winning jackpot), the variable performance is executed in the same control and manner as when the winning/losing lottery results in a winning jackpot during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 in the first form. If the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 (if the time-saving grant is won by the win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number), the variable performance is executed with the same control and manner as when the win/lose lottery results in a win for the time-saving grant during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 in the first form and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined.

In addition, although not specifically shown, if the small win pattern Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 is determined during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 (if the small win is won by the win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number), a variation performance is executed according to the normal non-winning variation pattern executed during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 in the first form.

In addition, in the case where a winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number (second special chart remaining reserve) is conducted during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 (i.e., when a winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 results in a losing result and a losing symbol Z2 is determined, when a winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 results in a big winning result and a big winning symbol X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 or X12 is determined, when a winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 results in a small winning result and a small winning symbol Y5, Y6, Y8 or Y9 is determined, and when a winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1 results in a time-saving grant winning result and a time-saving symbol J3 is determined), in all of these cases, a variable performance based on the special pattern A is conducted, just like in the normal game state.
Also, in the same way as in the normal game state, in the button press operation presentation, if there is a miss, a special miss suggestion is made, and if there is a big win or a small win, a special win suggestion is made. In contrast, even if a time-saving grant is won during the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1), a new time-saving game state is not set, so if a time-saving grant is won, a special time-saving grant suggestion is not made, and a special miss suggestion is made.

(2-2) During low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 If a power outage occurs during low-probability time-saving presentation state A1, and the power is restored without RAM clear processing being performed (normal power outage restoration is performed), and the presentation state is set to low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 while leaving the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 unchanged, presentation control (execution of a suggestion to stay in the chance zone, display of the first background image, etc.) is performed in the same manner as when the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2 in the first form.

In addition, if a losing symbol Z1 is determined during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 (if the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number results in a losing result), the variable performance is executed in the same control and manner as when the winning/losing lottery results in a losing result during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 in the first form. If a winning symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, or X6 is determined during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 (if the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number results in a winning jackpot), the variable performance is executed in the same control and manner as when the winning/losing lottery results in a winning jackpot during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 in the first form. If the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 (if the time-saving grant is won by the win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number), the variable performance is executed with the same control and manner as when the win/lose lottery results in a win for the time-saving grant during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 in the first form and the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined.

In addition, although not specifically shown, if the small win pattern Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 is determined during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 (if the small win is won by the win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number), a variation performance is executed according to the normal non-winning variation pattern executed during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 in the first form.

In addition, in the case where a winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number (second special chart remaining reserve) is conducted during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 (i.e., when a winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 results in a losing result and a losing symbol Z2 is determined, when a winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 results in a big winning result and a big winning symbol X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 or X12 is determined, when a winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 results in a small winning result and a small winning symbol Y5, Y6, Y8 or Y9 is determined, and when a winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 results in a time-saving grant winning result and a time-saving symbol J3 is determined), a variable performance based on the special pattern A is conducted in the same manner as during the normal game state and during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1.
Also, in the same manner as during the normal game state and during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1, in the button press operation performance, if there is a miss, a special miss suggestion is made, and if there is a big win or a small win, a special win suggestion is made. In contrast, even if a time-saving award is won during the low-probability time-saving performance state A2 (during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1), a new time-saving game state is not set, so that in the case of a time-saving award win, as during the low-probability time-saving performance state A1, a special time-saving award suggestion is not made, and a special miss suggestion is made.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, although not specifically shown, when the variable presentation executed at the time when the time-saving end condition is satisfied during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 ends, a normal game state setting suggestion presentation (for example, display of a specific character image, etc.) is executed to suggest that the normal game state will be set.
This allows the player to understand that the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 has ended and the normal game state has been set, even in a case where, for example, it is not possible to know whether the game is in the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 because the game is in the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2.

(3) During low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (during low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A, during low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the time-saving symbol J2 is selected by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special symbol random number during the normal game state, or when the time-saving symbol J3 is selected by the winning/losing lottery based on the second special symbol random number during the normal game state, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set, and the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state B-1. Also, when the big win is won, the big win symbol X4, X5, X6, X10, X11 or X12 is determined, and the special game based on the determination ends, or when the small win is won, the small win symbol Y5, Y6, Y7 or Y8 is determined, and the special game executed through the small win game based on the determination ends, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A is set, and the presentation state is set to the low-probability time-saving presentation state B-1 similar to the case where the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set.

As described above, when the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set and the presentation state is set to the low probability time-saving presentation state B-1, the same presentation control as when the low probability time-saving presentation state B is set in the first form is performed (if a suggestion of staying in the chance zone has been performed, the suggestion of staying in the chance zone is ended, the third background image is displayed, a suggestion of setting a highly advantageous state is executed, a suggestion of hitting to the right is executed, etc.) (see FIG. 86(a)).

Here, as described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the first special chart random number that is reserved and stored before the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set may be processed (a win/loss lottery and a variable display of the first special chart are executed) after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set.
Then, when a losing symbol Z1 is determined during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B (when a losing symbol is determined by a winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number), when a winning symbol X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 or X6 is determined during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B (when a winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number is determined), the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 When the small win pattern Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 is determined during -A or the low-probability time-saving play state LJT2-B (when a small win is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number), and when the time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined during the low-probability time-saving play state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving play state LJT2-B (when a time-saving grant is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number), a variable performance using special pattern B is performed.

In this special pattern B, like special pattern A, the display of the special pattern begins and the display of all the performance patterns 50 begins, and when the display time has elapsed, the display of all the performance patterns 50 ends at the same time (all the performance patterns 50 are displayed stopped at the same time). However, in the display of the change by special pattern B, the button press operation display is not executed. And, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a loss without the button press operation display being executed, the above-mentioned special mid-time loss suggestion is executed, and if the big win is won, a special mid-time win suggestion is executed. In contrast, even if the time-saving grant is won during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, a new time-saving game state is not set, so if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a win for the time-saving grant, a special mid-time time-saving grant suggestion is not executed, and a special mid-time loss suggestion is executed. Also, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a win for a small win, a special mid-time win suggestion is not executed, and a special mid-time loss suggestion is executed.

In addition, when a lottery for determining whether a winning or losing symbol is selected based on the second special random number during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B (i.e., when a lottery for determining whether a winning or losing symbol is selected based on the second special random number during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B results in a loss and the losing symbol Z2 is determined, when a lottery for determining whether a winning or losing symbol is selected based on the second special random number during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B results in a winning or losing symbol X7, X8, X9, X10, X11, or X12 is determined) In all of the following cases, when a small jackpot is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B and the small jackpot pattern Y5, Y6, Y8 or Y9 is determined, and when a time-saving award is won by a win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B and the time-saving pattern J3 is determined, a variable presentation using special pattern A is performed, just like during the normal game state, the low-probability time-saving presentation state A1 or the low-probability time-saving presentation state A2.
Also, in the normal game state, as in the low probability time-saving presentation state A1 and the low probability time-saving presentation state A2, in the button press operation presentation, if there is a miss, a special miss suggestion is made, and if there is a big win or a small win, a special win suggestion is made. On the other hand, if there is a win for time-saving award, as in the low probability time-saving presentation state A1 and the low probability time-saving presentation state A2, no special time-saving award suggestion is made, and a special miss suggestion is made.

(Modifications of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the time-saving end conditions for terminating the time-saving game state are set as the time-saving end conditions for special patterns such as the number of times the special pattern changes (the number of times the special pattern changes) and the number of times the small winning pattern is determined, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to set the time-saving end conditions for normal patterns such as the number of times the normal pattern changes (the number of times the normal pattern changes).

Specifically, for example, the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-A, the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, and the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-B may be set to end when the time-saving end condition of the number of times of fluctuation of the first special pattern or the second special pattern described above is satisfied, as well as when the time-saving end condition of the number of times of fluctuation of the normal pattern reaches a predetermined number of times of time-saving of the normal pattern (for example, 5 times, etc.) is satisfied. Also, when set in this way, a gate through which the game ball can pass and the lottery of the normal pattern and the variable display of the normal pattern are executed when the game ball passes is provided not only in the second game area 12b but also in the first game area 12a. Note that, instead of the gate, the first game area 12a may be provided with a normal pattern start winning hole through which the game ball can enter and the lottery of the normal pattern and the variable display of the normal pattern are executed when the game ball enters.
In this manner, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B in which the player mainly plays in the second game area 12b, the currently set low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B end and the normal game state is set not only when a time-saving end condition is met regarding the number of times the special pattern (second special pattern) is displayed in a variable manner, which is mainly caused by the game ball entering the second start winning port 16, but also when a time-saving end condition is met regarding the number of times the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner, which is mainly caused by the game ball passing through the gate 20 provided in the second game area 12b.
In addition, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 in which the player mainly plays in the first game area 12a, the currently set low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 ends and the normal game state is set not only when a time-saving end condition is met regarding the number of times the special pattern (first special pattern) changes, which is mainly caused by the game ball entering the first start winning port 15, but also when a time-saving end condition is met regarding the number of times the normal pattern changes, which is mainly caused by the game ball passing through a gate provided in the first game area 12a (or by the game ball entering the normal pattern start winning port).
By doing as described above, the variety of triggers for ending the time-saving gaming state is increased, improving gameplay and increasing the player's interest.

Furthermore, when a time-saving termination condition is set not only regarding the number of times that the special pattern changes, as described above, but also regarding the number of times that the normal pattern changes, an indication of the remaining number of times that the special pattern changes until the set time-saving game state ends (first remaining number of times, second remaining number of times, etc.) and an indication that the set time-saving game state has ended and the normal game state has been set when the remaining number of times that the special pattern changes has reached 0 may be given, but an indication of the remaining number of times that the normal pattern changes until the set time-saving game state ends and an indication that the set time-saving game state has ended and the normal game state has been set when the remaining number of times that the normal pattern changes has reached 0 may not be given.
In other words, while the success or failure of the time-saving termination condition for the special pattern and the termination of the time-saving game state based on the time-saving termination condition are not kept secret, the success or failure of the time-saving termination condition for the normal pattern and the termination of the time-saving game state based on the time-saving termination condition may be kept secret.
In this case, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to know when the currently set time-saving game state will end and when it has ended, thereby improving gameplay and increasing the player's interest.

Also, in the above-mentioned cases, no indication may be given of the remaining number of times the special pattern will change until the set time-shortened game state ends, and no indication may be given that the set time-shortened game state has ended and the normal game state has been set because the number of times the remaining special pattern will change has reached 0, and further no indication may be given of the remaining number of times the normal pattern will change until the set time-shortened game state ends, and no indication may be given that the set time-shortened game state has ended and the normal game state has been set because the number of times the remaining normal pattern will change has reached 0.
In other words, it is possible to keep confidential all of the following: whether the time-saving end condition for the special pattern is met and the end of the time-saving game state based on that time-saving end condition, and whether the time-saving end condition for the normal pattern is met and the end of the time-saving game state based on that time-saving end condition.

In addition, rather than defining both a time-saving end condition for special symbols and a time-saving end condition for normal symbols in all time-saving game states that can be set, it is possible to define both a time-saving end condition for special symbols and a time-saving end condition for normal symbols only in some time-saving game states, and to define only a time-saving end condition for special symbols in other time-saving game states.
For example, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, both a time-saving end condition related to the number of times the special pattern changes and a time-saving end condition related to the number of times the normal pattern changes may be set, and in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, only a time-saving end condition related to the number of times the special pattern changes may be set.
Also, for example, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-A and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, both a time-saving end condition related to the number of times the special pattern changes and a time-saving end condition related to the number of times the normal pattern changes may be set, and in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, only a time-saving end condition related to the number of times the special pattern changes may be set.
In this case, the trigger for ending the time-saving gaming state differs depending on the type of the time-saving gaming state, improving gameplay and enhancing the interest of the player.

In addition, in the same time-saving game state, multiple time-saving end conditions for normal symbols may be set.
For example, time-saving patterns J1-1 and J1-2 are provided as time-saving patterns for setting the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, which is set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J1-1 in the normal game state, may be set to end when the number of times the normal pattern changes reaches a first normal time-saving number (for example, 5 times), and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, which is set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J1-2 in the normal game state, may be set to end when the number of times the normal pattern changes reaches a second normal time-saving number (for example, 10 times).
In this case, the same time-saving game state will end depending on the time-saving ending conditions related to different normal symbols, improving gameplay and increasing the player's interest.

In addition, even when both a time-saving end condition for a special pattern and a time-saving end condition for a normal pattern are defined, the time-saving end condition for the special pattern may be defined not only by the number of times the special pattern is displayed in a variable manner, but also by the number of times the small winning pattern is determined, as in the second form.
In addition, the conditions for ending the time-saving mode for normal symbols may be determined not only by the number of times the normal symbols are displayed in a variable manner, but also by the number of times that a winning normal symbol has been drawn in a lottery, the number of times that a losing normal symbol has been drawn in a lottery, the number of times that a losing normal symbol has been determined in a lottery, and the number of times that a predetermined normal symbol has been determined may be determined in a predetermined number, after setting the game so that a normal symbol is selected from a plurality of normal symbols when a losing normal symbol is drawn in a lottery.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the winning/losing lottery based on the first special chart random number derives either a big win, a small win, a win for the time-saving bonus, or a loss, and the probability of winning the time-saving bonus is set to approximately 1/30, but is not limited to this.
For example, it may be set so that the lottery result of either the big win, the small win, or the time-saving award is derived without deriving a miss lottery result, and all the numbers other than the win/no win random numbers that are determined to be the big win or the small win are determined to be the time-saving award. In other words, it may be set so that if the big win or the small win is not won, the time-saving award is always won.
In this case, since there is an extremely high probability of winning the time-saving grant, when the normal game state is set, the first winning/losing lottery using the first special pattern random number after the normal game state is set almost always results in winning the time-saving grant, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J1, or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B is set based on the determination of the time-saving pattern J2. In other words, only in the first winning/losing lottery after the normal game state is set, the expectation of the lottery result of winning the time-saving grant, which allows the setting of the advantageous low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-B, is high, and therefore the playability can be improved.

In addition, the winning/losing lottery based on the second special chart random number may also be set in the same manner as described above.
Also, in the case of a pachinko machine where the lottery result of the small prize is not derived, and only the lottery result of the big prize and the time-saving grant is derived, the same setting may be made. Specifically, in the lottery, the lottery result of the loss is not derived, and the lottery result of either the big prize or the time-saving grant is derived, and all the numbers other than the random numbers determined to be the big prize are determined to be the time-saving grant. In other words, if the big prize is not won, it may be set to always be the time-saving grant.
Even when set as described above, a specific external signal may be output in the same manner as in the pachinko machine P according to the first form or the above-mentioned form. For example, when the main CPU 101 wins a jackpot by a win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number during the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the main CPU 101 may start outputting a specific external signal, and then when the normal game state is set, the time-saving pattern J1 is determined during the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, the output of the specific external signal may be terminated. In addition, other controls related to the output of the specific external signal may be set to the same contents as in the first form or the other setting examples described above.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the varying display of the special pattern has finished, processing is performed to set the time-saving play state based on the stopped display of the time-saving pattern, and then a remaining variation count update process is executed so that the time-saving pattern is displayed stopped in the time-saving play state, but this is not limited to this.
For example, when the variable display of the special symbol starts, information such as the game state set at the start time, the first remaining number of changes, the second remaining number of changes, etc. is stored in a predetermined reserve area of the main RAM 103, and when the variable display of the special symbol ends, the information stored in this reserve area is stored in a predetermined memory area. Then, if the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is a time-saving symbol, information on the game state set at the start time of the variable display of the special symbol is referenced from among the information stored in this predetermined memory area, and if the game state is a time-saving game state, processing may be performed so that the time-saving symbol is displayed in a stopped state in the time-saving game state.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the pachinko machine P of this embodiment can be achieved.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the varying display of the special pattern ends (when the special pattern is displayed stopped), processing is performed to set the time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving pattern, and processing is performed to update the remaining number of variations, but this is not limited to this.
For example, when the variable display of the special symbol ends and the stop display time has elapsed, a process for setting the time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving symbol and a process for updating the remaining number of changes may be executed. Even in this case, when the above-mentioned stop display time has elapsed, a process for setting the time-saving game state based on the stopped display of the time-saving symbol is executed, and then a process for updating the remaining number of changes may be executed, so that the time-saving symbol is stopped and displayed in the time-saving game state.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the pachinko machine P of this embodiment can be achieved.

(Third Form)
The third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this description, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.
The pachinko machine P of this embodiment, like the second embodiment, is a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed pachinko machine, and is configured so that a special game is executed when a big win is won or when the game ball enters a special area during a small win game based on a small win.

The configuration of the game board 11 of the pachinko machine P in this embodiment, and the devices and components installed on the game board 11 are the same as those in the second embodiment.
Also, similarly to the second form, during a special game based on winning a big prize or during a small prize game based on winning a small prize, the big prize opening 18 opens and game balls can enter the big prize opening 18. During a special game, the allocating member 59 stays at the first position, and game balls that enter the big prize opening 18 do not enter the special area, but all enter the general area 58. In contrast, during a small prize game based on the determination of a small prize pattern, the allocating member 59 stays at the second position, and game balls that enter the big prize opening 18 do not enter the general area 58, but all enter the special area.
That is, game balls can enter the special area only during a small win game based on the determination of the small win symbol, and thus a predetermined number of game balls (one in this embodiment) enter the special area during the small win game. Then, a special game is executed based on the predetermined number of game balls entering the special area during the small win game.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the game state after the end of the special game executed based on the determination of the jackpot pattern or the small prize pattern is set according to the jackpot pattern determined when the jackpot is won or the small prize pattern determined when the small prize is won.
Also, similarly to the second form, the settable game states include a normal game state which combines a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state, a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 which combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT1, and a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 which combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state JT2, and the game progresses by setting one of the game states.
In this way, the low probability game state is always set in any game state, as in the second mode. Therefore, regardless of the game state, the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery does not change and is always the same (1/300) (see FIG. 87).

In addition, the frequency of game balls entering the second start winning hole 16 in the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving game state JT1, and the time-saving game state JT2 is the same as in the second form. That is, the probability of winning in the lottery for the normal symbol, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol, and the operation time of the movable piece 16b in the non-time-saving game state, the time-saving game state JT1, and the time-saving game state JT2 are all set to the same as in the second form (first form) (see Figures 14 to 16 and Figure 87 (c)).

In addition, the normal game mode is set in the initial state, such as immediately after shipping from the factory or after the RAM is cleared (initialization process in the event of an abnormality or normal initialization process).

During the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the player is made to shoot the game ball (hit to the left) toward the first game area 12a so that the game ball will enter the first start winning port 15 (the player is instructed to hit to the left), and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, during the special game, and during the small win game, the player is made to shoot the game ball (hit to the right) toward the second game area 12b so that the game ball will enter the large winning port 18, or pass through the gate 20 and enter the second start winning port 16 (the player is instructed to hit to the right).
That is, during the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the player is made to play mainly in the first game area 12a, and as long as the game is being played in the first game area 12a, the game ball can enter the first start winning hole 15. Also, during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the player is made to play mainly in the second game area 12b, and as long as the game is being played in the second game area 12b, the game ball can pass through the gate 20 and enter the second start winning hole 16.
Then, a winning/losing lottery is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 and the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16.

Here, the reserved memory area of the main RAM 103 in this embodiment is composed of a first reserved memory area for storing the first special random number and a second reserved memory area for storing the second special random number, similar to the first embodiment (different from the second embodiment), and each of these reserved memory areas is composed of a total of four memory areas from the first memory area to the fourth memory area, and can store a total of four sets of the first special random number and a total of four sets of the second special random number. When a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special random number is stored in order from the first memory area of the first reserved memory area, and when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, the second special random number is stored in order from the first memory area of the second reserved memory area.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment (different from the second embodiment), when both the first special random number and the second special random number are stored, the second special random number is processed in preference to the first special random number. For example, when both the first special random number and the second special random number are stored when the variable display of the special pattern is started, first, a winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number and a variable display of the special pattern are performed, and when the variable display is finished, next, a winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number and a variable display of the special pattern are performed.
In this embodiment, the pending memory area may be configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and when both the first special chart random number and the second special chart random number are stored, they may be processed in the order in which they are stored in the pending memory area.

As shown in FIG. 87(a), in a lottery to determine whether a game ball enters the first start winning port 15, it is possible to win a big win, a small win, or a time-saving bonus. If a big win is won, a big win pattern X1 is determined, if a small win is won, a small win pattern Y1 or Y2 is determined, and if a time-saving bonus is won, a time-saving pattern J1 or J2 is determined.
In addition, the probability of winning a big win is set to about 1/300, and the probability of the big win symbol X1 being determined when the big win is won is set to 100/100 (100%). The probability of winning a small win is set to about 1/300, and the probability of the small win symbols Y1 and Y2 being determined when the small win is won is both set to 50/100 (50%). The probability of winning a time-saving bonus is set to about 298/300, and the probability of the time-saving bonus symbol J1 being determined when the time-saving bonus is won is set to 90/100 (90%), and the probability of the time-saving bonus symbol J2 being determined is set to 10/100 (10%).
In this way, in the lottery based on the first special random number, the lottery result is derived as either a big win, a small win, or a time-saving win. In other words, if you do not win a big win or a small win, you will always win the time-saving win, and it will not be a loss.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 87(a), in the lottery for determining whether a game ball enters the second start winning port 16, it is possible to win a big win or a small win. If a big win is won, a big win pattern X2 is determined, and if a small win is won, a small win pattern Y3 or Y4 is determined.
The probability of winning the big prize is set to about 1/300, and the probability of the big prize symbol X2 being determined when the big prize is won is set to 100/100 (100%). The probability of the small prize is set to about 50/300 (about 1/6), and the probability of the small prize symbol Y3 being determined when the small prize is won is set to 30/100 (30%), and the probability of the small prize symbol Y4 being determined is set to 70/100 (70%). Furthermore, if the above-mentioned winning/losing lottery results in a loss, the loss symbol Z2 is determined.
In this way, the lottery based on the second special random number will result in either a big win, a small win, or a loss. In other words, if you do not win a big win or a small win, you will always lose, and you will not be awarded the time-saving bonus.

Furthermore, in the winning/losing lottery in this form, as in the second form, first a determination is made as to whether or not a jackpot has been awarded, and if a determination result that a jackpot has not been awarded is derived, then a determination is made as to whether or not a small jackpot has been awarded, and if a determination result that a small jackpot has not been awarded is derived, then a determination is made as to whether or not a time-saving bonus has been awarded, and if it is determined that a time-saving bonus has not been awarded, then the bonus is lost.
Furthermore, similarly to the second form, when a special symbol is determined, a change pattern command corresponding to a change pattern in which the change time of the special symbol, the manner of change presentation, etc. are determined based on the result of the determination.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the stop display time (so-called pattern determination time), which is the time during which the special pattern is stopped and displayed after the variable display of the special pattern has ended, is the same (0.5 seconds in this embodiment) regardless of the game state at the time of the winning/losing lottery or the type of the special pattern determined. The stop display time may be determined based on the game state at the time of the winning/losing lottery or the type of the special pattern determined, as in the first and second embodiments.

87(b), the small prize game that is executed when the small prize is won and the small prize pattern Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 is determined is set to end when either of the following conditions is met: the large prize opening 18 opens for 0.45 seconds four times, or 10 game balls enter the open large prize opening 18. The closing time (interval time) of the large prize opening 18 from the end of the opening to the start of the next opening is set to 0.6 seconds. Furthermore, while the large prize opening 18 is open, the distribution member 59 stays at the second position.
That is, when a small prize is won, the large prize opening 18 is opened for a total of 1.8 seconds during the small prize game, regardless of which small prize symbol is determined. Therefore, if a right hit is performed during this small prize game, the game ball can be made to enter the large prize opening 18. Also, since the distribution member 59 is stopped at the second position during this small prize game, the game ball that enters the large prize opening 18 always enters the special area.
Therefore, when a small win is won, if the player hits from the right, a predetermined number (one) of game balls will enter the special area during the small win game based on the win, and a special game will be executed based on the balls entering the special area.

In addition, although not shown in particular, when the big win symbol X1 is determined, or when the small win symbol Y1, Y2, or Y3 is determined and a predetermined number of game balls (1 in this example) enter the special area during the small win game based on the determination, a total of three round games are set to be executed, which end when either the big win opening 18 opens for 29.0 seconds or 10 game balls enter the big win opening 18. In addition, in each round game, the big win opening 18 is opened only once (opening for 29.0 seconds is executed once), and the interval time between each round game is set to 2.0 seconds. Furthermore, the distribution member 59 stays at the first position during each round game.
In addition, when the big win symbol X2 is determined, or when the small win symbol Y4 is determined and a predetermined number of game balls enter the special area during the small win game based on the determination, a special game is executed in which 10 rounds of play are played. The opening and closing pattern of the opening and closing door 18b during the round game, the operating state of the distribution member 59, and the interval time are set to the same contents as those of the special game based on the determination of the big win symbol X1 and the determination of the small win symbol Y1, Y2, or Y3 described above.

(Overview of game state to be set)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a special game is executed based on the determination of a jackpot pattern (winning a jackpot), the game state after the end of the special game is set according to the type of the determined jackpot pattern and the game state at a predetermined reference time (hereinafter also referred to as the reference time game state).
In addition, when a small win game is executed based on the determination of a small win pattern (winning a small win), and a special game is executed based on a predetermined number (one) of game balls entering a special area during the small win game, the game state after the special game ends is set according to the type of the determined small win pattern and the game state at the time of reference.
In addition, if a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the special area during a small win game (for example, if a game ball does not enter the large prize opening 18 because a right hit is not performed during a small win game), the special game is not executed, and the above-mentioned game state is not set. Specifically, when a small win is won during a non-time-saving game state and a small win game is executed, the end of the small win game will be the non-time-saving game state before the small win game. In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described later, if a small win is won during a time-saving game state, the time-saving game state will end, and the non-time-saving game state will be set after the end of the small win game.

Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described below, when the number of small wins during the time-saving game state (during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2) reaches a predetermined end determination number, or the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the time-saving number, the currently set time-saving game state ends and a non-time-saving game state is set.
In addition, during the time-saving game state, the remaining number of times the special pattern will change until the time-saving count is reached is updated in the special pattern change stop process executed when the display of the special pattern changes ends, and when a small win is won, the remaining number of times the small win will be won until the end determination count is reached is updated in the special pattern change stop process described above.
Then, when the main CPU 101 determines that the number of times the special patterns change has reached the time-saving number based on the update of the number of times the remaining special patterns change, or when it determines that the number of times the small prize has been won has reached the end determination number based on the update of the number of times the remaining small prize has been won, it ends the currently set time-saving game state and sets a non-time-saving game state, and when it determines that neither of these has been reached, it maintains the currently set time-saving game state (i.e., does nothing with respect to the currently set time-saving game state).
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the point at which the processing is completed is defined as the reference point described above, and when a big win or a small win is won, the game state after the special game ends is set by referring to the game state at that point (game state at reference time).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if the game state at the time when the win/loss lottery is executed is a non-time-saving game state (normal game state), when a time-saving award is won and a time-saving pattern is determined, the game state after the time-saving pattern is displayed stationary (after the variable display of the time-saving pattern has ended) is set according to the type of the time-saving pattern.
In contrast, if the game state at the time when the winning/losing lottery is executed is a time-saving game state (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2), when the time-saving award is won and the time-saving pattern is determined, after the time-saving pattern is stopped and displayed, a new game state based on the determination of the time-saving pattern is not set, and the currently set time-saving game state continues.
In addition, the presence or absence of the time-saving game state may be determined not according to the game state at the time of executing the winning/losing lottery, but according to the game state at the time of the stopped display of the time-saving pattern or the game state at the above-mentioned reference time. For example, when the time-saving grant is won and the time-saving pattern is determined, if the game state at the time of the stopped display of the time-saving pattern is a non-time-saving game state, a game state according to the type of the time-saving pattern may be set, and if the game state at the time of the stopped display of the time-saving pattern is a time-saving game state, the set time-saving game state may be continued.

The game state setting will be explained in more detail below.
(When the big win symbol X1 or X2, or the small win symbol Y1, Y3, or Y4 is determined)
As shown in FIG. 88(a), whether the reference time game state is a normal game state (non-time-saving game state) or a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2 (time-saving game state), if a big win is won and a big win pattern X1 is determined by a win/loss lottery based on the first special random number, a small win is won and a small win pattern Y1 is determined by a win/loss lottery based on the first special random number, and a predetermined number of game balls are placed in the special area during the small win game based on the determination. When the ball enters the special area, if a big win is won and the big win pattern X2 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the second special random number, or if a small win is won and the small win pattern Y3 or Y4 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the second special random number, and a predetermined number of game balls enter the special area during the small win game based on that determination, the game state after the end of the special game based on these is set to a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (time-saving game state JT2).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the time-saving game mode is set, two types of time-saving numbers, a first time-saving number and a second time-saving number, are set, and an end determination number, which is the number of small wins that will end the time-saving game mode, is set.
In the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 that is set when the reference time game state is a non-time-saving game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 1, the second time-saving number of times is set to 6, and the end determination number of times is set to 100. In contrast, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 that is set when the reference time game state is a time-saving game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 6, the second time-saving number of times is set to 11, and the end determination number of times is set to 100.
In the following, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the first time-saving number of times is set to 1, the second time-saving number of times is set to 6, and the end determination number of times is set to 100 will also be referred to as the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 in which the first time-saving number of times is set to 6, the second time-saving number of times is set to 11, and the end determination number of times is set to 100 will also be referred to as the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-D.

The low probability time-saving game state LJT2-C or LJT2-D ends when any of the following time-saving end conditions is met: (1) the number of times the second special symbol (the special symbol that changes based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16) changes reaches the first time-saving number without a special game being played (a win/lose lottery based on the second special symbol random number is played once); (2) the total number of times the first special symbol (the special symbol that changes based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15) and the second special symbol change reaches the second time-saving number without a special game being played (a total of six win/lose lotteries based on the first special symbol random number and the second special symbol random number are played); (3) the number of times the small prize has been won reaches the end determination number; (4) a small prize is won; or (5) a big prize is won.

Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the main RAM 103 is provided with a first time-saving number storage area and a second time-saving number storage area, and the first time-saving number storage area stores the first remaining number of changes (the remaining number of changes of the special symbol until the first time-saving number is reached), and the second time-saving number storage area stores the second remaining number of changes (the remaining number of changes of the special symbol until the second time-saving number is reached). When the time-saving game state is set, the first time-saving number storage area stores the first time-saving number (the initial value of the remaining number of changes of the special symbol until the first time-saving number is reached), and the second time-saving number storage area stores the second time-saving number (the initial value of the remaining number of changes of the special symbol until the second time-saving number is reached).
As in the second embodiment, the main RAM 103 is provided with an end determination count storage area, and this end determination count storage area stores the remaining number of small wins (hereinafter also referred to as the remaining number of small wins) until the end determination count becomes 0. When the time-saving game state is set, the end determination count (the initial value of the remaining number of small wins until the end determination count is reached) is set (stored) in the end determination count storage area.

In addition, during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2-C or LJT2-D, when a special symbol variation display based on a game ball entering the second start winning port 16 is performed, in the special symbol variation stop process executed at the end of the special symbol variation display, both the value stored in the first time-saving count storage area (first remaining variation count) and the value stored in the second time-saving count storage area (second remaining variation count) are decremented by 1, and when a special symbol variation display based on a game ball entering the first start winning port 15 is performed, in the above-mentioned special symbol variation stop process, only the second remaining variation count stored in the second time-saving count storage area is decremented by 1. In addition, when a small win is won, in the above-mentioned special symbol variation stop process, the value stored in the end determination count storage area (remaining small win count) is decremented by 1.
Then, as a result of updating the first remaining number of fluctuations, the second remaining number of fluctuations, and the remaining number of small wins executed in the above-mentioned special symbol fluctuation stopping process, if any of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) above is satisfied, the time-saving game state JT2 ends and a non-time-saving game state is set, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state. On the other hand, if none of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied, the game state remains in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C or LJT2-D.

Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the special pattern variation stop process described above, after the various number of updates described above have been performed, a determination is made as to whether or not the time-saving end condition (4) has been met (i.e., whether or not a small win has been won).
When a small jackpot is won in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C or LJT2-D, the number of times to determine the end is 100. Therefore, depending on the result of updating the number of remaining small jackpots executed in the special pattern change stop processing, the time-saving end condition (3) is not met. However, after the above-mentioned update is performed in the special pattern change stop processing, it is determined that the time-saving end condition (4) is met.
Therefore, when a small jackpot is won in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C or LJT2-D, the game state remains in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C or LJT2-D at the time when the remaining number of small jackpots is updated, but then, if it is determined that a small jackpot has been won, at the time when this determination is made, the time-saving game state JT2 ends and a non-time-saving game state is set, thereby changing the game state to the normal game state.

(When small winning symbol Y2 is determined)
As shown in Fig. 88(a), when the game state at the time of reference is the normal game state (non-time-saving game state), the small prize is won by the winning/losing lottery based on the first special pattern random number, and the small prize pattern Y2 is determined, and when a predetermined number of game balls enter the special area during the small prize game based on the determination, the game state after the special game based on this is set to the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 (time-saving game state JT1). Also, the first time-saving number of times is set to 10,000 times, the second time-saving number of times is set to 10,000 times, and the end determination number is set to 1 time.

This low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 ends based on the establishment of any one of the time-saving ending conditions (1) to (5) similar to the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game states LJT2-C and LJT2-D.
Also, during this low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, similar to the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving game states LJT2-C and LJT2-D, the first remaining number of fluctuations, the second remaining number of fluctuations, and the remaining number of small wins are updated in the special pattern fluctuation stop processing.
Then, as a result of updating the first remaining number of variations, the second remaining number of variations, and the remaining number of small wins executed in the above-mentioned special symbol variation stop processing, if any of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) above is satisfied, the time-saving game state JT1 ends and a non-time-saving game state is set, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state. On the other hand, if none of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied, the game state remains in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.

During this low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, in principle, a winning/losing lottery is executed based on the first special chart random number. However, since the first and second time-saving numbers are both 10,000 and the probability of winning a big win and the probability of winning a small win are both 1/300 (see Figure 87 (a)), in effect, the time-saving end conditions (1) and (2) are never met, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 continues until a big win or small win is won.
Also, as described above, in this low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the number of times of the end determination is set to one. When a small win is won in this low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, when the number of remaining small wins is updated in the special pattern variation stop processing, the time-saving end condition (3) (i.e., the time-saving end condition that the number of times of winning small wins reaches the end determination number) is established as a result of this update. Therefore, when a small win is won in this low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the number of times of winning small wins reaches the end determination number at the time when the number of remaining small wins is updated, and the time-saving game state JT1 ends, a non-time-saving game state is set, and the game state is changed to a normal game state.

Also, as shown in FIG. 88(a), when the game state at the time of reference is the time-saving game state, a small win is won by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number, and the small win pattern Y2 is determined, and a predetermined number of game balls enter the special area during the small win game based on this determination, the game state after the special game based on this ends is set to the normal game state (non-time-saving game state).

(When the time-saving pattern J1 is determined)
As shown in Fig. 88(b), when the game state is the normal game state at the time of executing the winning/losing lottery, when the winning/losing lottery based on the first special pattern random number wins the time-saving grant, the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, and the time-saving pattern J1 is stopped and displayed, the non-time-saving game state is changed to the time-saving game state JT1 at the time of the stopped display, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set. Also, the first time-saving number of times is set to 10,000 times, the second time-saving number of times is set to 10,000 times, and the end determination number of times is set to 1 time.

This low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 also ends based on the establishment of any of the time-saving ending conditions (1) to (5) similar to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 set based on winning a big win or a small win described above, and in the special pattern change stop processing, the first remaining number of changes, the second remaining number of changes, and the remaining number of small wins are updated.
Then, as a result of updating the first remaining number of variations, the second remaining number of variations, and the remaining number of small wins executed in the above-mentioned special symbol variation stop processing, if any of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) above is satisfied, the time-saving game state JT1 ends and a non-time-saving game state is set, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state. On the other hand, if none of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied, the game state remains in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.
In addition, in this low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the time-saving end conditions (1) and (2) are not actually satisfied, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 continues until a big win or a small win is won.
Even if a small jackpot is won in this low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the number of small jackpot wins will reach the end determination number at the time the remaining number of small jackpot wins is updated (the time-saving end condition (3) is met), and the time-saving game state JT1 will end, a non-time-saving game state will be set, and the game state will be changed to the normal game state.

Also, as shown in FIG. 88(b), if the game state at the time the winning/losing lottery is executed is the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2 (time-saving game state JT1 or JT2), and the winning/losing lottery based on the first special chart random number wins the time-saving grant, the time-saving symbol J1 is determined, and the time-saving symbol J1 is stopped and displayed, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2 that is currently set will continue.

(When the time-saving pattern J2 is determined)
As shown in Fig. 88(b), when the game state at the time of the winning/losing lottery is the normal game state (non-time-saving game state), when the winning/losing lottery based on the first special pattern random number wins the time-saving grant, the time-saving pattern J2 is determined, and the time-saving pattern J2 is stopped and displayed, the non-time-saving game state is changed to the time-saving game state JT2 at the time of the stopped display, and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C) is set. Also, the first time-saving number of times is set to 1, the second time-saving number of times is set to 6, and the end determination number of times is set to 100.

This low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C also ends based on the establishment of any of the time-saving ending conditions (1) to (5) similar to those of the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C, which are set based on winning a big win or a small win as described above, and in the special pattern change stop processing, the first remaining number of changes, the second remaining number of changes, and the remaining number of small wins are updated.
Then, as a result of updating the first remaining number of fluctuations, the second remaining number of fluctuations, and the remaining number of small wins executed in the above-mentioned special symbol fluctuation stopping process, if any of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) above is satisfied, the time-saving game state JT2 ends and a non-time-saving game state is set, changing the game state to a normal game state. On the other hand, if none of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied, the game state remains in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C.
Furthermore, even if a small jackpot is won in this low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C, the time-saving end condition (3) is not met at the time the remaining number of small jackpots is updated, and the game state remains in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2-C. However, it is then determined that a small jackpot has been won (the time-saving end condition (4) is met), and at the time that this determination is made, the time-saving game state JT2 ends and a non-time-saving game state is set, thereby changing the game state to the normal game state.

Also, as shown in FIG. 88(b), if the game state at the time the winning/losing lottery is executed is the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2 (time-saving game state JT1 or JT2), and the winning/losing lottery based on the first special chart random number wins the time-saving grant, the time-saving pattern J2 is determined, and the time-saving pattern J2 is stopped and displayed, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2 that is currently set will continue.

(Processing when the small winning symbol Y2 is determined during the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 or the low probability time-saving game state LJT2)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot is the same during both the normal game state and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and even if a game ball is shot toward the second game state 12b, the game ball will not enter the second start winning hole 16. During these game states, the player is made to play in the first game area 12a, and there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the first start winning hole 15.
During the normal game state or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, if a big win is won based on the winning/losing lottery using the first special random number, a special game in which three rounds of play are played is executed, and after the special game ends, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (LJT2-C) is set (see FIG. 87(a) and FIG. 88(a)). Also, if a small win is won based on the winning/losing lottery using the first special random number, a special game in which three rounds of play are played via a small win game can be executed, and after the special game ends, either the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (LJT2-C) or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set (see FIG. 87(a) and FIG. 88(a)).
In addition, in the normal game state, if the player wins the time-saving award based on the winning/losing lottery using the first special random number and the time-saving symbol is stopped and displayed, the game state after that is set to either the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (LJT2-C) or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 (see FIG. 88(b)). On the other hand, even if the player wins the time-saving award based on the winning/losing lottery using the first special random number and the time-saving symbol is stopped and displayed during the low-probability time-saving game state LTJ1, the game state is not changed and the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 continues thereafter.

During the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the probability of winning a jackpot is the same as during the normal game state and during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, but when a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, the game ball can enter the second start winning hole 16 with a high frequency. During this game state, the player is allowed to play in the second game area 12b, and as long as the game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the second start winning hole 16.
If a big win is won based on the winning/losing lottery using the second special random number, a special game in which 10 rounds of play are played is executed, and after the special game ends, the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 (LJT2-D) is set again (see Figures 87(a) and 88(a)). Also, if a small win is won based on the winning/losing lottery using the second special random number, a special game in which 3 or 10 rounds of play are played via the small win game can be executed, and after the special game ends, the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 (LJT2-D) is set again (see Figures 87(a) and 88(a)).
In other words, during the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2, the loss of game balls as the game progresses can be suppressed compared to during the normal game state and the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1 due to the prize balls based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16, and in the special game executed through the winning of a big win or a small win, it is possible that more rounds of play can be played than in the special game executed through the winning of a big win or a small win during the normal game state or the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1, and further, after the special game ends, the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT2 (LJT2-D) is always set again, making it a more advantageous game state than the normal game state and the low-probability time-shortened game state LJT1.
Also, as described above, in the normal game state, if the time-saving symbol is stopped and displayed based on the winning/losing lottery by the first special random number, either the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (LJT2-C) is set, but after the normal game state is switched to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, even if the time-saving symbol is stopped and displayed based on the winning/losing lottery by the first special random number during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is not set. Therefore, the normal game state in which the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 (LJT2-C) can be set by the winning of the time-saving game and the stop display of the time-saving symbol is a more advantageous game state than the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. This allows for a novel gameplay in which the normal game state before transitioning to the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 becomes a chance zone, similar to the second form, thereby enhancing the player's interest.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the winning/losing lottery based on the first special symbol random number in the normal game state is executed mainly after the RAM is cleared (initialization process in the case of an abnormality, normal initialization process), or after the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 ends without winning a big win or a small win and the winning/losing lottery and the variable display of the special symbol are executed for all the second special symbol random numbers (second special symbol remaining reserve) stored at the time of the end. In this winning/losing lottery, the time-saving grant is almost always won, and the time-saving symbol J1 is determined with an extremely high probability (see FIG. 87(a)), so when the winning/losing lottery is executed and the variable display of the special symbol ends, there is a high possibility that the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 will be set. Also, as described above, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 continues until the big win or small win is won.
Therefore, during play in this mode, the player will generally remain in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.

Here, as described above, in the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 (time-saving game state JT1), the end determination number is set to 1, and in the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 (time-saving game state JT2), the end determination number is set to 100. Then, when a small win is won during these game states, the remaining small win count is updated (incremented by 1) in the special symbol variation stop processing, and then the game state processing based on the result of this update is performed, and the game state after the end of the special game executed through the winning of the small win is set by referring to the game state at the time when the processing is completed.
Then, if a small win is won and the small win pattern Y2 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, the remaining small win count is updated to 0, and the number of small wins reaches the end determination count. This sets a non-time-saving game state. In other words, since the reference time game state becomes a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the end of the special game based on the determination of the small win pattern Y2 becomes a low-probability time-saving game state JT1 (time-saving game state JT1) (see FIG. 88(a)).
On the other hand, if a small win is won and the small win pattern Y2 is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the first special pattern random number during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the remaining number of small wins is updated to 99, and the number of small wins does not reach the end determination number. Therefore, the game state remains unchanged in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2. In other words, since the reference time game state is the time-saving game state, the game state after the end of the special game based on the determination of the small win pattern Y2 becomes the normal game state (non-time-saving game state) (see FIG. 88(a)).

In this way, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the time-saving game state can be ended depending on the number of times a small jackpot has been won, and by varying the number of times a small jackpot has been won that can end the time-saving game state in each of the multiple types of time-saving game states, the game state at the above-mentioned reference time is controlled to be either a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state. This makes it possible to make the game state after the end of the special game based on the determination different between when the small jackpot symbol Y2 is determined during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 and when the small jackpot symbol Y2 is determined during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.

For example, when the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set, before the game ball enters the second start winning port 16 and the win/loss lottery based on the second special chart random number is started, a win/loss lottery based on the first special chart random number that was obtained and stored before the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 was set is executed, and although the probability is low, there are cases in which a small win is won by this win/loss lottery and the small win pattern Y2 is determined.
In principle, when a time-saving game state is set after the end of a special game based on the determination of a special symbol, the content must correspond to the type of special symbol determined, and the same time-saving game state must be set when the same special symbol is determined. Note that if the game state at the reference time is different (either a time-saving game state or a non-time-saving game state), it is possible to set the time-saving game state to be set or not depending on the game state at the reference time, even when the same special symbol is determined.
Here, for example, when the small winning symbol Y2 is determined, it is assumed that the time-saving game state JT1 is set after the special game based on the determination is completed. In this case, when the small winning symbol Y2 is determined during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, or when the small winning symbol Y2 is determined during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 (time-saving game state JT1) is set after the special game based on the determination is completed. In this case, even though the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 with a high degree of advantage is set, the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 with a low degree of advantage is set after the special game is completed, which may cause the player to feel a great sense of loss.
Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the small winning symbol Y2 is determined during the low probability time-saving game state LJT1, the reference time game state becomes a non-time-saving game state, and after the special game based on the determination is completed, the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set again, but when the small winning symbol Y2 is determined during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 as in the above case, the reference time game state becomes a time-saving game state, and after the special game based on the determination is completed, the non-time-saving game state is set. As described above, the non-time-saving game state is positioned as a chance zone where the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 can be set, so that even if the above case unfortunately occurs, the sense of loss given to the player can be reduced.

Also, although not specifically shown, the pachinko machine P in this form, like the second form, is provided with a fluctuation pattern table 114 for determining a fluctuation pattern, which includes a table to be referenced during a normal game state, a table to be referenced during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, and a table to be referenced during a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2.
In these fluctuation pattern tables 114, as in the second form, fluctuation pattern commands corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a predetermined fluctuation time are defined according to the determined special symbols (miss symbol Z2, big win symbols X1, X2, small win symbols Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, time-saving symbols J1, J2), the current reserved numbers (first reserved number, second reserved number at the time when the fluctuation pattern command is determined (time when the win/lose lottery is executed)), and the fluctuation pattern random number.
Then, when the winning/losing lottery is performed and the special symbol is determined, the main CPU 101 determines a variation pattern command according to the determined special symbol, the current reserved number, and the variation pattern random number based on the variation pattern table 114 corresponding to the game state at the time when the winning/losing lottery is performed. The determined variation pattern command is transmitted to the sub-control board 300, and the sub-CPU 301 determines the execution mode of the variation presentation based on the received variation pattern command.

(Outline of processing in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment)
Next, the outline of the processing executed by the main control board 100 as the special game, normal game, small win game, and special game progress will be explained using a flowchart, focusing on the differences from the first and second forms. Note that the same processing as the first and second forms, or processing that is almost the same as the first and second forms and that a person skilled in the art can understand how to implement (apply to) this form, will be given the same step numbers as the first and second forms, and explanations will be omitted in principle.

The special symbol variation start process (step 701 of the special symbol related control process (see FIG. 33)) in the pachinko machine P in this embodiment is different from that in the second embodiment, but is the same process as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 34), so a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the special symbol variation stop processing (step 702 of the special symbol related control processing (see FIG. 33)) will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 1003-11, the main CPU 101 executes a remaining change count update process for updating the first remaining change count and the second remaining change count, and then proceeds to the next step 1003-12.
In step 1003-12, the main CPU 101 executes a remaining win count update process for updating the remaining win count, and then proceeds to the next step 1003-13.

In step 1003-13, the main CPU 101 executes a game state control process related to setting the game state, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step 1004, where a process for setting the stop display time is executed.

Next, the remaining change count update process in step 1003-11 described above will be described with reference to the flow chart in FIG.
In step 1010, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current game state (the time when the winning/losing lottery is executed) is a time-saving game state (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, low-probability time-saving game state LJT2), i.e., whether the time-saving game state is being set. If it is judged that the game state is not a time-saving game state (i.e., a non-time-saving game state (normal game state)), the remaining number of variations update process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the game state is a time-saving game state, the process proceeds to the next step 1011.
In step 1011, the main CPU 101 updates the first remaining change count and the second remaining change count. Specifically, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, the main CPU 101 decrements both the first remaining change count and the second remaining change count by 1, and when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed, the main CPU 101 decrements only the second remaining change count by 1. Then, the remaining change count update process is terminated.

Next, the remaining win count update process in step 1003-12 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 1020, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is a small win symbol. If it is judged that the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is not a small win symbol (i.e., a big win symbol, a time-saving symbol, or a losing symbol), the remaining small win count update process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is a small win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1021.
In step 1021, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current game state is a time-saving game state or not. If it is judged that the current game state is not a time-saving game state, the remaining win count update process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current game state is a time-saving game state, the process proceeds to the next step 1022.

In step 1022, the main CPU 101 updates the number of remaining wins. Specifically, if the number of remaining wins is 1 or more, the main CPU 101 decrements the number of remaining wins by 1. On the other hand, if the number of remaining wins is 0, no processing is performed. Then, the remaining win count update processing ends.

Next, the game state control process in step 1003-13 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1030, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the current gaming state is a time-shortened gaming state. If it is judged that the current gaming state is not a time-shortened gaming state, the process proceeds to step 1036. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current gaming state is a time-shortened gaming state, the process proceeds to the next step 1031.
In step 1031, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not any of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) described above (i.e., the time-saving end conditions related to the number of times the time-saving is performed and the number of times the small win is won) is satisfied. If it is judged that none of the conditions is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 1033. On the other hand, if it is judged that the conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to the next step 1032.

In step 1032, the main CPU 101 executes a normal game state setting process to end the time-saving game state being set and set the normal game state. Specifically, the first time-saving game flag indicating the time-saving game state JT1 and the second time-saving game flag indicating the time-saving game state JT2 are both turned off, and the first time-saving number storage area, the second time-saving number storage area, and the end determination number storage area are cleared. This ends the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2 being set, and the normal game state (non-time-saving game state) is set. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1033.
In step 1033, the main CPU 101 stores the game state at that time as the reference time game state in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. Specifically, when the normal game state is set in the above-mentioned step 1032, which is reached when it is determined in the above-mentioned step 1031 that any of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied, a non-time-saving game state is stored as the reference time game state. Also, when it is determined in the above-mentioned step 1031 that any of the time-saving end conditions (1) to (3) is not satisfied, a time-saving game state is stored as the reference time game state. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1034.

In step 1034, the main CPU 101 judges whether the above-mentioned (4) time-saving end condition (i.e., winning a small win) is satisfied. If it is judged that the condition is not satisfied, the game state control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next step 1035.
In step 1035, the main CPU 101 executes a normal game state setting process. This process is the same as step 1032 described above, so a description is omitted. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if a small win is won during the setting of the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, the time-saving end condition (3) that the number of wins of the small win reaches the end determination number is not satisfied depending on the result of the remaining small win count update process described above, and the process of step 1032 described above is not executed, but since it is determined that the time-saving end condition (4) is satisfied in step 1034 described above, the normal game state is set here. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if a small win is won in either the time-saving game state JT1 or JT2 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2), the time-saving game state being set ends and the normal game state is set. Then, the game state control process is terminated.

In step 1036, which is reached when it is determined in step 1030 that the game is not in a time-saving game state, the main CPU 101 determines whether the special symbol displayed as stopped is a time-saving symbol. If it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is not a time-saving symbol (i.e., a big win symbol, a small win symbol, or a losing symbol), the game state control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol displayed as stopped is a time-saving symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1037.
In step 1037, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving game state setting process for setting a game state according to the time-saving symbol that has been stopped and displayed.
Specifically, when the time-saving symbol displayed in the stopped state is J1, the main CPU 101 turns on the first time-saving game flag and turns off the second time-saving game flag, sets the first time-saving number of times "10000" in the first time-saving number of times memory area, sets the second time-saving number of times "10000" in the second time-saving number of times memory area, and sets the end determination number of times "1" in the end determination number memory area. This sets the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.
In addition, when the time-saving symbol displayed in the stopped state is J2, the main CPU 101 turns off the first time-saving game flag and turns on the second time-saving game flag, sets the first time-saving number of times "1" in the first time-saving number of times memory area, sets the second time-saving number of times "6" in the second time-saving number of times memory area, and sets the end determination number of times "100" in the end determination number of times memory area. This sets the low probability game state LJT2 (LJT2-C).
Then, the game state control process is terminated.

Next, the special game end processing (step 706 of the special chart related control processing (see FIG. 33)) will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 1304-11, which is reached when the execution phase data in step 1300 is data "04" indicating the execution of special game end processing, the main CPU 101 executes a game state setting process to set the game state based on the game state at the time of reference stored in the main RAM 103 and the type of special pattern displayed in a stopped state.
Specifically, when the reference time game state is a non-time-saving game state and the special symbols stopped and displayed are the big win symbol X1 or X2, or the small win symbol Y1, Y3, or Y4, the main CPU 101 turns off the first time-saving game flag and turns on the second time-saving game flag, sets the first time-saving number of times "1" in the first time-saving number of times storage area, sets the second time-saving number of times "6" in the second time-saving number of times storage area, and sets the end decision number of times "100" in the end decision number of times storage area. This sets the low probability game state LJT2 (LJT2-C).
Also, when the reference time game state is the time-saving game state and the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is the big win symbol X1 or X2, or the small win symbol Y1, Y3 or Y4, the main CPU 101 turns off the first time-saving game flag and turns on the second time-saving game flag, sets the first time-saving number of times "6" in the first time-saving number of times memory area, sets the second time-saving number of times "11" in the second time-saving number of times memory area, and sets the end decision number of times "100" in the end decision number of times memory area. This sets the low probability game state LJT2 (LJT2-D).
Also, when the reference time gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state and the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is the small winning symbol Y2, the main CPU 101 turns on the first time-saving gaming flag and turns off the second time-saving gaming flag, sets the first time-saving count "10000" in the first time-saving count memory area, sets the second time-saving count "10000" in the second time-saving count memory area, and sets the end determination count "1" in the end determination count memory area. This sets the low probability gaming state LJT1.
In addition, when the reference game state is the time-saving game state and the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is the small winning symbol Y2, the main CPU 101 turns off both the first time-saving game flag and the second time-saving game flag, and clears the first time-saving number storage area, the second time-saving number storage area, and the end determination number storage area. This sets the normal game state (non-time-saving game state).
Then, the process proceeds to step 1306 in which the game state designation command is stored in the transmission data storage area for presentation.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the special area detection process (see FIG. 78), the win/lose determination process (see FIG. 80), the post-stop process (see FIG. 83), the small win game control process (see FIG. 84), etc. of the second embodiment are executed, but as they are the same as those of the second embodiment, their explanations are omitted here.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the reference time game state is different when the small win pattern Y2 is determined during the low probability time-saving game state LJT1 and when the small win pattern Y2 is determined during the low probability time-saving game state LJT2. As a result, after the special game executed via the small win pattern Y2 ends, a different game state (low probability time-saving game state LJT1 or normal game state) is set according to the reference time game state.
According to the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the game state settings can be varied to increase the interest of the player.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, in either the time-saving game state JT1 or JT2 (low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or LJT2), if a small jackpot is won, the time-saving end condition (4) described above is satisfied, so that the currently set time-saving game state ends and the normal game state is set.
If the time-saving game state were set not to end when a small win is won, the time-saving game state would be in effect during the small win game based on the winning of the small win. In this case, the payout rate during the time-saving game state would increase due to the payout of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the large prize opening 18 during the small win game, which could lead to a situation in which the gambling nature of the time-saving game state becomes too high.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, by being configured as described above, the normal game state (non-time-saving game state) occurs during small win play, making it possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the tendency to play gamble becomes too high during the time-saving game state.

(Outline of various effects in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment)
Next, an overview of the various effects executed in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment will be explained for each game state.
(1) Low probability time-saving game state LJT1
As described above, during play in this mode, the player mainly stays in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1. When the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 is set, a left-handed hit suggestion is made in the first or second mode, and during this low-probability time-saving game state LJT1, a background image corresponding to the game state is displayed. This background image makes it possible to know that the player is in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1.
In addition, in the low probability time-saving game state LJT1, as a general rule, a win/lose lottery is carried out based on the first special chart random number, and in the variable presentation in the event that a big win or small win is won through this win/lose lottery, the performance pattern 50 is displayed stopped in the winning mode of the first or second form (see Figure 54 (e) etc.), and in the variable presentation in the event that a time-saving bonus is awarded through this win/lose lottery, the performance pattern 50 is displayed stopped in the non-winning mode of the first or second form (see Figure 54 (a) etc.), and in the variable presentation in the event that a loss is won through this win/lose lottery, the performance pattern 50 is displayed stopped in the non-winning mode described above.
In addition, during a small win game based on a small win, or during a special game executed through a small win or a big win, a right-hit suggestion of the first or second form is performed. In addition, during a small win game, a small win game performance corresponding to the game is executed, and during a special game, a special game performance (see FIG. 58(a) and the like) is executed.

(2) Low probability time-saving game state LJT2
When the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is set, the above-mentioned right-hit suggestion is performed, and during this low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, a background image corresponding to the game state is displayed. This background image makes it possible to know that the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 is in effect.
In addition, in the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, a winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number is executed as a rule, and in the variable performance when a big win or small win is won by this winning/losing lottery, the display of the performance pattern 50 is stopped according to the above-mentioned winning mode, and in the variable performance when a loss is obtained by this winning/losing lottery, the display of the performance pattern 50 is stopped according to the non-winning mode. Note that during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2, a variable performance is performed according to the special pattern A (see FIG. 86, etc.).

(3) Normal game state When the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 ends without winning a big win or a small win, and the normal game state is set, the background image corresponding to the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 continues to be displayed until the display of the second special symbol based on the remaining reserved second special symbol ends. Then, when the display of the second special symbol ends, the above-mentioned left hit suggestion is made, and the background image corresponding to the normal game state is displayed. This background image makes it possible to know that the normal game state is in progress.
In addition, during normal game mode, a winning/losing lottery is held based on the remaining reserved second special chart, and if the winning/losing lottery results in a big win or a small win, the variable presentation will display the performance pattern 50 stopped in the winning mode described above, and if the winning/losing lottery results in a loss, the variable presentation will display the performance pattern 50 stopped in the non-winning mode.
In addition, during the normal game state, a winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number is performed, and in the variable performance when a big win or small win is won by this winning/losing lottery, the performance pattern 50 is stopped and displayed in the winning mode described above, and in the variable performance when a time-saving grant is won by this winning/losing lottery, the performance pattern 50 is stopped and displayed in the non-winning mode. In addition, in the case where a time-saving grant is won, when the time-saving pattern J1 is determined, a suggestion is made that a low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 will be set thereafter (see FIG. 86(f) and the like), and when the time-saving pattern J2 is determined, a suggestion is made that a low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 will be set thereafter (see FIG. 86(e) and the like).
In addition, during normal gameplay, special pattern A is used to perform a variable effect.

The effects that can be executed in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment are not limited to those described above, and effects in the first and second embodiments may be applied as long as no contradictions arise.

(Modifications of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the lottery result for the jackpot is derived in either the win/lose lottery based on the first special chart random number or the win/lose lottery based on the second special chart random number, but this is not limited to this and the lottery result for the jackpot may not be derived.
Specifically, for example, the winning/losing lottery based on the first special random number may derive a lottery result of either winning a small prize or winning a time-saving bonus, and the winning/losing lottery based on the second special random number may derive a lottery result of either winning or losing a small prize. Then, when a predetermined number of game balls enter the special area during a small prize game based on a small prize game, a special game may be executed.
Even in the above case, the same effects as those of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment can be achieved.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a small win is won during the time-saving play state, even if the time-saving end condition (3) described above is not met due to the update of the remaining number of small wins, the time-saving play state that was set thereafter ends based on the winning of a small win (i.e., winning a small win is set as the time-saving end condition), but this is not limited to this.
For example, by not setting a small win as a condition for ending the time-saving mode, if a small win is won during the time-saving mode, and the time-saving mode ending condition (3) described above is not met due to an update to the number of remaining small wins, the currently set time-saving mode may not end.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, after the variable display of the special pattern has finished and before the stop display period of the special pattern begins, the number of remaining wins is updated and the game status based on the update is processed, and the point at which the processing is executed is determined as the reference point, but this is not limited to this.
For example, during the variable display of the special symbol, the number of remaining wins may be updated and the game state may be processed based on the update, and the time when the processing is performed may be set as the reference time. Also, during the period when the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the number of remaining wins may be updated and the game state may be processed based on the update, and the time when the processing is performed may be set as the reference time.
Even in the above case, the same effects as those of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment can be achieved.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the time-saving game state can be terminated depending on the number of small jackpots won, and the number of small jackpots won that can terminate the time-saving game state is varied in each of the multiple types of time-saving game states, so that the game state at the reference time is different (either a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state), but this is not limited to this, and a similar control may be performed depending on the number of jackpots won.
For example, the time-saving game state JT1 is set to end when the number of jackpot wins reaches 1, and the time-saving game state JT2 is set to end when the number of jackpot wins reaches 100. In addition, in the special symbol variation end process, the number of jackpot wins is updated, and the time when the game state process based on the update is executed is set as the reference time. Then, when the jackpot symbol X1 is determined, if the game state at the reference time was a non-time-saving game state, the time-saving game state JT1 may be set after the special game based on the determination ends, and if the game state at the reference time was a time-saving game state, the non-time-saving game state may be set after the special game based on the determination ends.
In the above-described manner, it becomes possible to execute the same control as that of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment based on the winning of the jackpot.

(others)
(1) If multiple setting values are set, the probability of winning the time-saving grant may be the same for all setting values, or the probability of winning the time-saving grant may be different depending on the setting value.
Also, it may be set so that the time-saving award is won in either the win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 or the win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16, or it may be set so that the time-saving award is won in only one of the win/lose lotteries. The probability of winning the time-saving award in the win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 and the probability of winning the time-saving award in the win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 may be the same or different.
Also, the number of time-saving times may be set to be different depending on the set game state and the type of time-saving symbol that is determined when the time-saving award is won. Also, the number of time-saving times determined depending on the set game state and the type of time-saving symbol that is determined when the time-saving award is won may be 0 times, or may be always 1 time or more.
In addition, when setting a different number of time-saving times for each time-saving pattern to be determined, the number of time-saving times and the probability of determining the time-saving pattern may be determined in relation to the probability of winning a jackpot in the win/lose lottery, and may be set to a value within a range that does not make it too gambling-oriented (for example, if the probability of winning a jackpot in a low-probability game state (in a pachinko machine with multiple setting values, the lowest probability of winning a jackpot in a low-probability game state) is 1/P, then the number of time-saving times ≦ P × specific coefficient A, and the probability of determining the time-saving pattern ≦ P × specific coefficient B).
In addition, a plurality of conditions may be set for ending the time-saving game state, which is set based on the determination of the time-saving symbol. For example, the time-saving game state may be set to end when either the number of times of the variable display of the special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 and the number of times of the variable display of the special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16 reaches a predetermined number (time-saving number C1), or the number of times of the variable display of the special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16 reaches a predetermined number (time-saving number C2) is satisfied. In addition, when set in this way, the larger of the time-saving number C1 and the time-saving number C2 may be set to a value in a range that is determined in relation to the probability of winning the jackpot in the win/lose lottery, as described above, and does not become too gambling-oriented.

(2) It may be set up so that both the winning of the time-saving grant and the number of times the time-saving grant will be applied can be determined by a winning/losing lottery using a winning/losing random number. In other words, the winning of the time-saving grant and the number of times the time-saving grant will be applied may be determined by the same random number and the same process, rather than by separate random numbers and separate processes.

(3) When a time-saving award is won during the low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 or the low-probability time-saving game state LJT2 that is set based on the winning of the time-saving award, the time-saving game state may be reset based on the winning, and the number of time-saving times associated with the determined time-saving pattern may be reset. Also, instead of resetting the number of time-saving times associated with the time-saving pattern, the number of time-saving times may be added to the number of time-saving times remaining at that time.
In addition, the number of time-saving times, which is set based on the winning of the time-saving symbol, may be determined in advance for each type of time-saving symbol, or may be determined in advance for each type of time-saving symbol and the set game state.

(4) In the case where a game state that combines a high probability game state and a non-time-saving game state can be set, when a time-saving bonus is awarded and a time-saving symbol is determined during that game state, the time-saving game state may be set based on that determination.

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

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

The various settings and controls of the above-described embodiments and modified examples may be combined with each other within a range that does not cause contradictions.
The various controls in the above-mentioned embodiments may also be adopted in a managed gaming machine. Here, the managed gaming machine is configured as follows: (A) a player plays a game by shooting gaming balls onto the surface of the managed gaming machine game board, (B) there is no upper or lower tray, and the player cannot directly touch the gaming balls, (C) the minimum number of balls required for shooting is circulated within the gaming machine, (D) the number of gaming balls and acquired gaming balls are managed and displayed as numerical data by the managed gaming machine, and (E) when the game ends, the number of gaming balls managed by the managed gaming machine can be transferred to a dedicated unit and managed by pressing a counting switch.

The determination of the time-saving symbol J1 in the third form corresponds to the first determination result of the present invention. The determination of the time-saving symbol J2 in the third form corresponds to the second determination result of the present invention. The determination of the small winning symbol Y2 in the third form corresponds to the third determination result of the present invention. The main CPU 101 that executes the process of step 807 in the third form (first form) corresponds to the determination means of the present invention. The main CPU 101 that executes the special game control process in the third form (first form) corresponds to the special game execution means of the present invention. The normal game state in the third form corresponds to the first game state of the present invention. The main CPU 101 that executes the processes of steps 1032, 1035, 1037, 1304-11, etc. in the third form corresponds to the setting means of the present invention. The low-probability time-saving game state LJT1 in the third form corresponds to the second game state of the present invention. Also, the low probability time-saving game state LJT2 in the third form corresponds to the third game state of the present invention. Also, the pachinko machine P in the third form corresponds to the game machine of the present invention. Also, the game balls in the third form (first form) correspond to the game value of the present invention. Also, the payout motor 62 and the launch payout control board 200 in the third form (first form) correspond to the granting means of the present invention. Also, the test signal regarding the progress of the game and the test signal regarding the game state in the third form (first form) correspond to the test signal of the present invention. Also, the main CPU 101 that executes the process of step 216 in the third form (first form) corresponds to the test signal control means of the present invention. Also, the time when the difference ball count value is reset in the third form (first form) corresponds to the predetermined calculation start time of the present invention. Also, the number of operation stops in the third form (first form) corresponds to the specific amount of the present invention. Also, the activation state in the third form (first form) corresponds to the game non-play state of the present invention. Furthermore, the rotary valve 712 in the third configuration (first configuration) corresponds to the displacement means of the present invention. Furthermore, the non-rotating state in the third configuration (first configuration) corresponds to the first state of the present invention. Furthermore, the rotating state in the third configuration (first configuration) corresponds to the second state of the present invention. Furthermore, the rotating state in the third configuration (first configuration) corresponds to the third state of the present invention. The guide passage side surface 712a in the third configuration (first configuration) corresponds to the side portion of the present invention. Furthermore, the tip of the rotary valve 712 in the third configuration (first configuration) corresponds to the tip portion of the present invention.

P Pachinko machine 100 Main control board 101 Main CPU
102 Main ROM
103 Main RAM
300 Sub-control board 301 Sub-CPU
302 Sub ROM
303 Sub RAM

Claims (2)

A determination means capable of deriving any one of a plurality of determination results including a first determination result, a second determination result, and a third determination result based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
a special game execution means for executing a special game advantageous to a player on condition that at least the third determination result is derived;
A setting means capable of setting any one of a plurality of game states including a first game state;
A granting means for granting a predetermined amount of game value when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A test signal control means capable of generating a test signal that can be output to the outside of the gaming machine and indicates a game progress status or a game state,
The setting means is
in the first gaming state, when the first determination result is derived, a second gaming state different from the first gaming state is set, and when the second determination result is derived, a third gaming state more advantageous than the first gaming state and the second gaming state is set;
In the gaming machine, the second gaming state is maintained when the first determination result is derived in the second gaming state.
After the special game that is executed on the condition that the third determination result is derived is terminated, a different game state can be set according to a game state at a predetermined reference time point ;
a game-progress-disabled state in which game progress is disabled can be set based on a difference amount, which is a difference between the amount of game value granted by the granting means from a predetermined calculation start point and the amount of game value used in the game, reaching a specific amount;
A gaming machine characterized in that , if the non-playable state is set while the test signal is being generated, the generation of the test signal continues even after the non-playable state is set . A determination means capable of deriving any one of a plurality of determination results including a first determination result, a second determination result, and a third determination result based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
a special game execution means for executing a special game advantageous to a player on condition that at least the third determination result is derived;
A setting means capable of setting any one of a plurality of game states including a first game state ,
The setting means is
in the first gaming state, when the first determination result is derived, a second gaming state different from the first gaming state is set, and when the second determination result is derived, a third gaming state more advantageous than the first gaming state and the second gaming state is set;
In the second gaming state, when the first determination result is derived, the second gaming state is maintained;
In a gaming machine capable of setting a different game state according to a game state at a predetermined reference time after the special game executed on the condition that the third determination result is derived is finished,
A game board having a game area where game balls flow down;
An outer rail and an inner rail attached to the game board;
A guide passage formed between the outer rail and the inner rail and capable of guiding the launched game ball to the game area;
A backflow prevention means for preventing the game ball that has entered the game area from returning to the guide passage,
the backflow prevention means includes a displacement means that is displaceable between a first state, a second state, and a third state;
The displacement means includes a side portion facing the outer rail and a tip portion located at a tip of the side portion,
The first state is a state in which a specific distance, which is a distance from the tip portion to the outer rail, is shorter than a specific distance in the second state,
the second state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than that in the first state,
The third state is a state in which an entering game ball, which is a game ball attempting to enter the game area from the guide passage, comes into contact with the side portion, the outer rail, and a returning game ball, which is a game ball attempting to return from the game area to the guide passage, and the returning game ball comes into contact with the tip portion, the outer rail, and the entering game ball, so that the specific distance is longer than the first state and shorter than the second state, and is also shorter than the distance from the lowest point of the returning game ball to the outer rail .

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