JP7843501B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to gaming machines, such as pachinko machines.

In a pachinko machine, a type of amusement machine, a jackpot determination is performed based on whether a game ball enters the starting slot. Once a jackpot determination is made, a special symbol variation display is shown to indicate the result. If the special symbol variation display indicates a jackpot, a jackpot game advantageous to the player is executed. When a jackpot game is executed, the machine may enter a time-saving state where game balls enter the openable and closable variable starting slot more easily than in the normal game state (non-time-saving state) (see Patent Document 1).

Furthermore, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, after a jackpot game is played, the machine may enter a time-saving state in which it is easier for game balls to enter the variable start opening (which can be opened and closed) than in the normal game state (non-time-saving state).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-88993

However, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 lacks, for example, a means of notifying the game state during the setting process, leaving room for improvement in order to suppress the decline in the enjoyment of the game.

The gaming machines disclosed herein are
A setting means capable of setting one game state from a plurality of game states, including a first game state, a second game state that is less favorable than the first game state, and a third game state that is more favorable than the second game state .
Notification methods,
The gaming machine includes a signal output means capable of outputting a predetermined signal to the outside of the gaming machine ,
In the first game state, the notification means enters the first state.
In the second game state, the notification means enters the second state.
The aforementioned first game state is a game state in which the probability of winning is set to a predetermined normal probability, and the ease of balls entering the variable ball entry slot is set to a predetermined normal setting.
The signal output means is
In the first game state, the first signal is output, while in the second game state or the third game state, the first signal is not output.
In the first game state set from the third game state, a second signal different from the first signal is output, while in the first game state set from the second game state, the second signal is not output .

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the decline in the enjoyment of playing games.

This is a front view of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic front view showing the second major prize-winning device and other features of the gaming machine. This is an enlarged view of section A shown in Figure 1, illustrating the display devices installed in the gaming machine. This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine. This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine. This table shows the various random numbers acquired by the microcontroller used for game control. (A) This is the jackpot determination table. (B) This is the jackpot symbol type determination table. (C) This is the minor prize symbol type determination table. (D) This is the losing symbol type determination table. (E) This is the reach determination table. This is a determination table for the types of winning symbols (both big and small) and a table that explains the types of big and small wins. This is a table for determining the type of losing symbol, and it explains the different types of losing symbols. (A) This is the table for determining whether a regular symbol will hit. (B) This is the table for determining the variation pattern of regular symbols. (C) This is the table for determining the opening pattern of the electric reel. This table shows the playing method for each game state, the behavior of the state notification lamps, and the signal output behavior from the external terminal board. This is a timing chart showing the changes in the behavior of the play instruction lamp, the behavior of the status notification lamp, and the output behavior of status signals 1 and 2 from the external terminal board in accordance with changes in the game state. This timing chart shows the changes in the behavior of the button-playing indicator lamp, the behavior of the status notification lamp, and the output behavior of status signals 1 and 2 from the external terminal board when a power outage occurs while the time-saving state B is set. This is a special feature variation pattern determination table for non-time-saving states. (A) This is a special symbol variation pattern determination table for time-saving state A. (B) This is a special symbol variation pattern determination table for time-saving state B. This is a specific table of commands for starting and winning prizes. This is a flowchart of the main control process. This is a flowchart of the main timer interrupt processing. This is a flowchart of the sensor detection process. This is a flowchart of the gate passage process. This is a flowchart of the normal operation process. This is a flowchart for special operation processing. This is a flowchart for the special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart for the process of determining a jackpot. This is a flowchart of the variable pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the variable pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the processing during special symbol changes. This is a flowchart for the process of determining special symbols. This is a flowchart for managing the game state. This is a flowchart for handling unexpected events. This is a flowchart for ceiling treatment. This is a flowchart for special electric bonus processing 1 (jackpot game). This is a flowchart for the game state setting process. This is a flowchart for the special electric bonus mechanism processing 2 (minor win game). This is a flowchart for the special electric bonus mechanism processing 2 (minor win game). This is a flowchart of the distribution member control process. This is a flowchart of the sensor detection process for a specific area. This is a flowchart of the sub-control main processing. This is a flowchart for handling a 1ms timer interrupt. This is a flowchart for handling a 10ms timer interrupt. This is a flowchart of the received command parsing process. This is a timing chart showing the opening pattern of the second major prize entry point and the operation pattern of the distribution mechanism in a minor prize game. This diagram illustrates the general flow of gameplay in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of this model. (A) This figure shows the display screen for the normal performance mode. (B) This figure shows the display screen for the RUSH performance mode. (C) This figure shows the display screen for the CHANCE performance mode. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a normal variation in the variation animation. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an N-reach (normal reach) in the variable animation. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an SP (Special) reach in a variable animation sequence. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a battle reach based on the lottery in Special Feature 2. This diagram illustrates how, in response to the transition from time-saving state A to time-saving state B, the right-handed shooting notification image RI is hidden and the left-handed shooting return image LI is displayed, the shooting method instruction lamp 45 is changed from the right-handed shooting notification mode (lit) to the left-handed shooting notification mode (off), and the status notification lamp 46 is changed from the second lit mode to the off mode.

1. Structure of the Gaming Machine An embodiment of the present invention of a pachinko gaming machine will be described based on the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the first embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine 1 comprises a gaming machine frame 50 and a game board 2 mounted inside the gaming machine frame 50. The front frame 51 of the gaming machine frame 50 is provided with a handle 60 for launching game balls with a launching strength corresponding to the rotation angle, a ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 for storing game balls, and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 61. The front frame 51 is also provided with an effect button 63 and a select button 64 (see the plan view within the dashed line in Figure 1) that can be operated by the player during effects performed as the game progresses. The front frame 51 is also provided with decorative frame lamps 66 and a speaker 67.

The game board 2 has a game area 3, surrounded by rail members 4, through which game balls launched by the operation of the handle 60 flow. The game board 2 is also equipped with decorative board lamps 5 (see Figure 5). Multiple game pins (not shown) protrude from the game area 3 to guide the game balls.

Furthermore, an image display device 7 (a predetermined display means), which is a liquid crystal display device, is provided near the center of the game area 3. The display screen 7a (display section) of the image display device 7 has a performance symbol display area that displays the variation of performance symbols (decorative symbols) 8L, 8C, and 8R in synchronization with the variation display (variable display) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, which will be described later. The performance symbol display area consists of, for example, three display areas: "left," "center," and "right." The left performance symbol 8L is displayed in the left display area, the center performance symbol 8C is displayed in the center display area, and the right performance symbol 8R is displayed in the right display area. Each performance symbol consists of multiple symbols representing, for example, the numbers "1" to "9." The image display device 7 clearly displays the results of the fluctuations of the first and second special symbols (i.e., the results of the jackpot lottery) shown on the first special symbol display device 41a and the second special symbol display device 41b (see Figure 3), based on the combination of the left, center, and right symbols.

For example, if a jackpot is won, the display will stop on a set of repeating numbers such as "777". If a minor win is won, the display will stop on a predetermined chance number such as "246". If the result is a loss (a normal loss), the display will stop on a set of scattered numbers such as "263". This makes it easier for the player to understand the progress of the game. In other words, the player generally understands the result of the jackpot lottery not through the first special symbol display 41a or the second special symbol display 41b, but through the image display device 7. The positions of the display areas for the display symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R do not have to be fixed. Furthermore, the display of the changing display of the display symbols can be, for example, by scrolling vertically. Also, the combination of display symbols that stops on the display according to each lottery result can be arbitrarily changed, and it is possible to display scattered numbers on the display when a minor win is achieved.

The image display device 7 displays, on the display screen 7a, various effects on the display screen 7a, including effect pattern variation effects using the aforementioned effect patterns (also called "decorative pattern variation effects" or simply "variation effects"), as well as jackpot effects that run in parallel with jackpot games, and demo effects for when customers are waiting. In effect pattern variation effects, in addition to effect patterns such as numbers, other effect images such as background images and character images are also displayed.

Furthermore, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a first performance hold display area that displays performance hold 9A according to the number of first special symbol hold memories described later, and a second performance hold display area that displays performance hold 9B according to the number of second special symbol hold memories described later. The display of performance hold memories makes it possible to clearly show the player the number of first special symbol hold memories displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 43a and the number of second special symbol hold memories displayed on the second special symbol hold indicator 43b (see Figure 3).

A center decorative element 10 is positioned near the center of the game area 3, in front of the image display device 7. A stage section 11 is formed at the lower part of the center decorative element 10, capable of guiding the game balls rolling on its upper surface to the first starting opening 20 (described later). A warp section 12 is provided on the left side of the center decorative element 10, allowing game balls to flow in from the entrance and out to the stage section 11 from the exit. Furthermore, decorative members 13 representing characters, figures, etc., are positioned at the upper part of the center decorative element 10.

Below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, a fixed prize-winning device 19 is provided, equipped with a first starting opening 20 that ensures consistent ease of ball entry. The first starting opening 20 is also referred to as the first starting prize-winning opening, fixed starting opening, fixed ball entry opening, or first ball entry opening. Furthermore, the first starting opening 20 is just one example of a starting opening. The entry of a game ball into the first starting opening 20 triggers the lottery for the first special symbol (the jackpot lottery, i.e., the acquisition and determination of jackpot random numbers, etc.).

Furthermore, a standard variable prize-winning device (a so-called electric chute) 22, equipped with a second prize-winning opening 21, is provided to the upper right of the first prize-winning opening 20. The second prize-winning opening 21 is also called the second prize-winning opening, variable prize-winning opening, variable ball entry opening, or second ball entry opening. The entry of a game ball into the second prize-winning opening 21 triggers the lottery for the second special symbol (the jackpot lottery, i.e., the acquisition and determination of jackpot random numbers, etc.).

The electric chute 22 is equipped with a movable member (ball entry opening/closing member) 23 that can move back and forth, and the second start opening 21 is opened and closed by the operation of the movable member 23. The movable member 23 is driven by the electric chute solenoid 24 (see Figure 4). The second start opening 21 allows game balls to enter only when the movable member 23 is open (i.e., when the movable member 23 is in the open state). In other words, when the movable member 23 is closed (i.e., when the movable member 23 is in the closed state), it is not possible for game balls to enter. Note that the second start opening 21 does not need to be completely impossible to enter when the movable member 23 is closed, as long as it is more difficult for game balls to enter when the movable member 23 is closed than when it is open.

Furthermore, below the first start opening 20 in the game area 3, a first major prize device 31 is provided, which includes a first major prize opening 30. The first major prize device 31 is also referred to as the first special variable prize device or other special prize means, and the first major prize opening 30 is also referred to as the other special prize opening. The first major prize device 31 includes an opening/closing member (another special prize opening/closing member) 32 that takes an open state and a closed state, and the operation of the opening/closing member 32 opens and closes the first major prize opening 30. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by the first major prize opening solenoid 33 (see Figure 4). The first major prize opening 30 can only accept game balls when the opening/closing member 32 is open (i.e., in the open state).

Furthermore, to the right of the first large prize opening 30 in the game area 3, a second large prize device 36 is provided, equipped with a second large prize opening 35. The second large prize device 36 is also referred to as the second special variable prize device or special prize means, and the second large prize opening 35 is also referred to as the special prize opening. The second large prize device 36 is equipped with an opening/closing member (special prize opening opening/closing member) 37 that takes an open state and a closed state, and the operation of the opening/closing member 37 opens and closes the second large prize opening 35. The opening/closing member 37 is a reciprocating type that moves back and forth and is driven by a second large prize opening solenoid 38 (see Figure 4). The second large prize opening 35 can only accept game balls when the opening/closing member 37 is open (i.e., in the open state).

More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the second large prize device 36 has a specific area (V area) 39 and a non-specific area 70 through which game balls that have passed through the second large prize opening 35 can pass. In the second large prize device 36, a second large prize opening sensor 35a is located upstream of the specific area 39 and the non-specific area 70 to detect when a game ball enters the second large prize opening 35. A specific area sensor 39a is located in the specific area 39 to detect when a game ball passes through the specific area 39. A non-specific area sensor 70a is located in the non-specific area 70 to detect when a game ball passes through the non-specific area 70. The second large prize device 36 also includes a distribution member 71 that distributes game balls that have passed through the second large prize opening 35 to either the specific area 39 or the non-specific area 70, and a distribution member solenoid 73 that drives the distribution member 71. Furthermore, when the distribution member solenoid 73 is energized, the distribution member 71 assumes a first state (passage-allowed state) in which it distributes game balls to a specific area 39, and when the distribution member solenoid 73 is de-energized, it assumes a second state (passage-blocked state) in which it distributes game balls to a non-specific area 70.

As shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, the distribution member 71 is in a pass-allowing state when the distribution member solenoid 73 is energized, allowing game balls to pass through the specific area 39. When the distribution member 71 is in the pass-allowing state, game balls that enter the second large prize opening 35 pass through the second large prize opening sensor 35a and then through the specific area 39. This route for the game balls is called the first route.

Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, the distribution member 71 is in a passage-blocking state when the distribution member solenoid 73 is not energized, preventing the game ball from passing into the specific area 39. When the distribution member 71 is in the passage-blocking state, game balls that enter the second large prize opening 35 pass through the second large prize opening sensor 35a, then roll along the distribution member 71 and pass through the non-specific area 70. This route of the game ball is called the second route.

In this pachinko machine 1, the passage of a game ball into a specific area 39 triggers the execution of a jackpot game, as described below. In other words, in this configuration, a jackpot lottery is also conducted based on whether or not a game ball passes through the specific area 39. A jackpot won through the lottery of either the first or second special symbol is called a Type 1 jackpot, and a jackpot won through the passage of a game ball into the specific area 39 is called a Type 2 jackpot. Furthermore, the jackpot game executed upon winning a Type 1 jackpot is called a Type 1 jackpot game, and the jackpot game executed upon winning a Type 2 jackpot is called a Type 2 jackpot game. A Type 1 jackpot is also referred to as a direct hit jackpot.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a gate 28 through which the game ball can pass is provided above the second starting opening 21 in the game area 3. The passage of the game ball through the gate 28 triggers the execution of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., the acquisition and determination of the normal symbol random number (winning random number)), which determines whether or not to open the electric tuner 22.

Furthermore, a regular prize entry point 27 is provided in the lower left of the game area 3. Also, at the very bottom of the game area 3, an out-out opening 6 is provided to expel game balls that were played into the game area 3 but did not enter any of the prize entry points.

The game area 3, where various prize winning slots are arranged, is divided into a left game area (first game area) 3A to the left of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area (second game area) 3B to the right. The method of shooting the game balls so that they flow down the left game area 3A is called left-handed shooting (non-specific shooting method). Conversely, the method of shooting the game balls so that they flow down the right game area 3B is called right-handed shooting (specific shooting method). In this form of pachinko game machine 1, the path through which the game balls flow when playing with left-handed shooting is called the left path R1 (second path), and the path through which the game balls flow when playing with right-handed shooting is called the right path R2 (first path).

The left channel R1 is equipped with a first starting port 20, a first large prize winning device 31, and an out port 6. The player aims to win by shooting the game balls so that they flow down the left channel R1, targeting the first starting port 20.

Meanwhile, the right channel R2 is equipped with a gate 28, an electric chute 22, a second large prize winning device 36, a first large prize winning device 31, and an out opening 6. The player aims to pass the game ball through the gate 28, or into the second starting opening 21, the first large prize winning opening 30, or the second large prize winning opening 35 connected to the electric chute 22, by shooting the game ball so that it flows down the right channel R2.

In this configuration, the gate 28, the electric tuner 22, and the second major prize device 36 are unitized and can be attached to and detached from the game board 2 as a single structure. Furthermore, the fixed prize device 19 and the first major prize device 31 are unitized and can be attached to and detached from the game board 2 as a single structure.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a set of indicators 40 is located in the lower right corner of the game board 2. The set of indicators 40 includes a first special symbol indicator 41a that variably displays a first special symbol (special symbol 1, an example of an identification symbol), a second special symbol indicator 41b that variably displays a second special symbol (special symbol 2, an example of an identification symbol), and a normal symbol indicator 42 that variably displays a normal symbol. The set of indicators 40 also includes a first special symbol hold indicator 43a that displays the number of reserved functions (first special symbol hold) stored for the first special symbol indicator 41a, and a second special symbol hold indicator 43b that displays the number of reserved functions (second special symbol hold) stored for the second special symbol indicator 41b. The first special symbol hold is also called special symbol 1 hold, and the second special symbol hold is also called special symbol 2 hold. Furthermore, the display unit 40 includes a shooting instruction lamp 45 (an example of a shooting instruction means) capable of indicating that the player should shoot to the right. The display unit 40 also includes a status notification lamp 46 that changes its behavior according to the current game state.

The variable display of the first special symbol is triggered when a game ball enters the first starting opening 20. The variable display of the second special symbol is triggered when a game ball enters the second starting opening 21. In the following explanation, the first and second special symbols may be collectively referred to as "special symbols" (special symbols). Furthermore, the first special symbol indicator 41a and the second special symbol indicator 41b may be collectively referred to as "special symbol indicator 41." Also, the first special symbol hold indicator 43a and the second special symbol hold indicator 43b may be collectively referred to as "special symbol hold indicator 43."

The special symbol display unit 41 displays a special symbol (identification information) in a variable manner (variable display) and then displays it stopped to announce the result of the lottery (special symbol lottery, jackpot lottery) based on winning into the first start opening 20 or the second start opening 21. The special symbol that is displayed when stopped (stopped symbol, special symbol that is displayed as a result of the variable display) is one special symbol selected from among several types of special symbols by the special symbol lottery. If the stopped symbol is a special symbol (jackpot symbol) with a predetermined jackpot stop pattern, a jackpot game is played in which the first large prize opening 30 is opened in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot symbol that is displayed when stopped (i.e., the type of jackpot won). Also, if the stopped symbol is a special symbol (small prize symbol) with a predetermined small prize stop pattern, a small prize game is played in which the second large prize opening 35 is opened in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of small prize symbol that is displayed when stopped (i.e., the type of small prize won). The opening patterns of the large prize slots (first large prize slot 30 and second large prize slot 35) in big win and small win games will be described later.

Specifically, the special symbol display unit 41 consists of eight LEDs arranged horizontally, for example, and displays a special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot lottery based on the way they light up. For example, if a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described later) is won, the jackpot symbol is displayed with the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th LEDs from the left lit up, such as "○○●●○○●●" (○: lit, ●: off). If a minor prize (one of the multiple types of minor prizes described later) is won, the minor prize symbol is displayed with the 5th and 6th LEDs from the left lit up, such as "●●●●○○●●".

In this configuration, for regular losses, the display shows a pattern where only the 8th LED from the left (the rightmost) is lit, such as "●●●●●●●○". For the first special loss, the display shows a pattern where the 7th and 8th LEDs from the left are lit, such as "●●●●●●○○". For the second special loss, the display shows a pattern where the 6th and 8th LEDs from the left are lit, such as "●●●●●○●○". For the third special loss, the display shows a pattern where the 5th and 8th LEDs from the left are lit, such as "●●●●○●●○". Before the special symbol is displayed as stopped, a variable display of the special symbol is shown for a predetermined period of time. The mode of this variable display is, for example, a mode in which each LED lights up so that the light flows repeatedly from left to right. The mode of the variable display can be changed as appropriate, for example, all LEDs flashing simultaneously if each LED is not displayed as stopped (lit in a specific mode).

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball enters the first start port 20 or the second start port 21, the values of various random numbers (judgment information), such as the jackpot random number, acquired for that entry are temporarily stored in the special symbol reserve storage unit 85 (see Figure 4). Specifically, if the ball enters the first start port 20, it is stored as the first special symbol reserve in the first special symbol reserve storage unit 85a (see Figure 4), and if the ball enters the second start port 21, it is stored as the second special symbol reserve in the second special symbol reserve storage unit 85b (see Figure 4). There is an upper limit to the number of special symbol reserves that can be stored in each special symbol reserve storage unit 85. In this configuration, the upper limits (upper limit storage number, upper limit reserve number) are "4" for the first special symbol reserve storage unit 85a and "4" for the second special symbol reserve storage unit 85b.

Special symbol reserves stored in the special symbol reserve memory unit 85 are consumed when it becomes possible to display a variable special symbol based on that special symbol reserve. Consumption of a special symbol reserve means determining the jackpot random number, etc., corresponding to that special symbol reserve and executing the variable special symbol display to show the result of that determination. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, even if the variable special symbol display based on the entry of a game ball into the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 cannot be performed immediately after the entry, that is, even if the entry occurs while the variable special symbol display is being executed or while a special game (jackpot game or minor jackpot game) is being executed, the right to draw a jackpot for that entry can be reserved up to a predetermined number. In other words, the pachinko game machine 1 in this configuration includes a holding means that can postpone the execution of a jackpot determination process (a predetermined determination process) based on the entry of a ball into the first starting port 20 (fixed starting port), and another holding means that can postpone the execution of a jackpot determination process (a predetermined determination process) based on the entry of a ball into the second starting port 21 (variable starting port).

The number of these special feature holds is then displayed on the special feature hold indicator 43. Specifically, the first special feature hold indicator 43a and the second special feature hold indicator 43b are composed of four LEDs. Each special feature hold indicator 43 displays the number of special feature holds by lighting up the corresponding number of LEDs.

The variable display of the regular symbols is triggered by the passage of a game ball through gate 28. The regular symbol display unit 42 displays the regular symbols in a variable (variable) state, then stops, thereby notifying the result of the regular symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball through gate 28. The regular symbol that is stopped (regular symbol stop symbol, the regular symbol displayed as a result of the variable display) is one regular symbol selected from multiple types of regular symbols through the regular symbol lottery. If the stopped regular symbol is a predetermined specific regular symbol (regular winning symbol), an auxiliary game is performed to open the second start gate 21 in an opening pattern corresponding to the current game state. The opening patterns of the second start gate 21 will be described later.

Specifically, the regular symbol display unit 42 is composed of, for example, two LEDs (see Figure 3), and displays the regular symbol corresponding to the result of the regular symbol lottery depending on the lighting pattern of the LEDs. For example, if the lottery result is a win, it displays a regular winning symbol with both LEDs lit, such as "○○" (○: lit, ●: off). If the lottery result is a loss, it displays a regular losing symbol with only the right LED lit, such as "●○". A pattern where all LEDs are off can also be used to represent a regular losing symbol. Before the regular symbol is displayed as stopped, a variable display of the regular symbol is shown for a predetermined variation time. The pattern of this variation display is, for example, that both LEDs light up alternately. The pattern of the variation display can be changed as appropriate, for example, by having all LEDs flash simultaneously if none of the LEDs are displayed as stopped (lit in a specific pattern).

Furthermore, this pachinko game machine 1 is configured such that if the variable display of normal symbols based on the passage of a game ball through gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, if the passage through gate 28 occurs while the variable display of normal symbols is being performed or while auxiliary gameplay is being performed, the acquisition of a normal symbol random number based on that passage is not performed. In other words, it is configured not to store the operation hold (normal symbol hold) of the normal symbol display unit 42. Alternatively, the normal symbol hold may be configured to store up to a predetermined upper limit (e.g., "4") in a predetermined memory area within RAM 84 (see Figure 4). In this case, the normal symbol hold stored in RAM 84 is consumed when the variable display of normal symbols based on that normal symbol hold becomes possible. Consumption of a normal symbol hold means determining the normal symbol random number corresponding to that normal symbol hold and performing the variable display of normal symbols to show the determination result. In this case, it is also advisable to provide a normal symbol hold indicator that displays the number of stored normal symbol holds.

Furthermore, the shooting instruction lamp 45 shown in Figure 3 is composed of a single LED, and its state indicates whether it is advantageous for the player to play with right-handed shooting (recommended right-handed shooting period) or left-handed shooting (recommended left-handed shooting period). Specifically, the shooting instruction lamp 45 is lit during the recommended right-handed shooting period, and turned off during the recommended left-handed shooting period. The lit state of the shooting instruction lamp 45 (where "○" is lit and "●" is off, resulting in "○") is referred to as the right-handed shooting notification state, and the off state (where "○" is lit and "●" is off, resulting in "●") is referred to as the left-handed shooting notification state. The lit state is an example of a specific state, and the off state is an example of a non-specific state.

Furthermore, the status indicator lamp 46 shown in Figure 3 consists of two LEDs (right status indicator lamp 46a and left status indicator lamp 46b), and its configuration indicates the current game state. Details of the game states will be described later, but if the current game state is a non-time-saving state (normal non-time-saving state), both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b will light up. If the current game state is time-saving state A (normal time-saving state), the right status indicator lamp 46a located on the right side will be off, and the left status indicator lamp 46b located on the left side will light up. If the current game state is time-saving state B (slight time-saving state), both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b will be off. However, if the game state is time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) immediately after a power outage is restored, the right status indicator lamp 46a will light up, and the left status indicator lamp 46b will be off.

The state in which both LEDs are off (where "○" is lit and "●" is off, resulting in "●●") is referred to as the off state, and the state in which both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are lit (where "○" is lit and "●" is off, resulting in "○○") is referred to as the first lit state. Furthermore, the state in which only the left status indicator lamp 46b is lit (where "○" is lit and "●" is off, resulting in "○●") is referred to as the second lit state, and the state in which only the right status indicator lamp 46a is lit (where "○" is lit and "●" is off, resulting in "●○") is referred to as the third lit state. The first lighting pattern indicates that the current game state is a non-time-saving state (normal non-time-saving state), and is therefore also called the normal non-time-saving notification pattern. The second lighting pattern indicates that the current game state is time-saving state A (normal time-saving state), and is therefore also called the normal time-saving notification pattern. The third lighting pattern indicates that the current game state is time-saving state B (slight time-saving state), and is therefore also called the slight time-saving notification pattern. The off-pattern indicates that the game state is neither a non-time-saving state (normal non-time-saving state) nor time-saving state A (normal time-saving state).

Furthermore, during the execution of a jackpot game (while the jackpot game state is being set), the status indicator lamps 46 are controlled to a first illumination mode in which both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are lit. During the execution of a minor jackpot game, the lamps may be controlled to the same mode as before the execution of the minor jackpot game. However, if the game state before the execution of the minor jackpot game is the time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) immediately after power restoration, the mode after the execution of the minor jackpot game will be the off mode. That is, if a minor jackpot is won in the time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) immediately after power restoration and the minor jackpot game is executed, the mode of the status indicator lamps 46 will switch from the third illumination mode to the off mode before and after the execution of the minor jackpot game.

2. Electrical Configuration of the Gaming Machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained based on Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with a main control board (game control board) 80 that controls game benefits such as jackpot抽選 and transitions in game states, a sub-control board (performance control board) 90 that controls performances executed as the game progresses, a payout control board 110 that controls the payout of game balls, and the like. The main control board 80 constitutes the main control unit, and the sub-control board 90, together with the image control board 100, lamp control board 107, and sound control board 106 described later, constitutes the sub-control unit 99. The sub-control unit 99 is equipped with at least the sub-control board 90 and is capable of controlling various performances using performance means (image display device 7, board lamp 5, frame lamp 66, speaker 67, board movable body 15, etc.).

The pachinko game machine 1 is also equipped with a power supply board 150. The power supply board 150 supplies power to the main control board 80, the sub-control board 90, and the payout control board 110, and also supplies necessary power to other devices via these boards. The power supply board 150 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 151. The backup power supply circuit 151 supplies power to the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 and the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90, which will be described later, when power is not supplied to the pachinko game machine 1. Therefore, the information stored in the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 and the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 is retained even when the power to the pachinko game machine 1 is lost. In addition, a power switch 155 is connected to the power supply board 150. The power supply is switched on/off by operating the power switch 155 ON/OFF. Furthermore, a backup power supply circuit for the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 may be provided on the main control board 80, or a backup power supply circuit for the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 may be provided on the sub-control board 90.

Furthermore, the power supply board 150 is equipped with a RAM clear switch (RAM clear operation means) 152 for clearing the information stored in the RAM 84 of the game control microcomputer 81 (described later) to the CPU 82. The RAM clear switch 152 is located on the power supply board 150, which is situated on the back of the pachinko game machine 1. Therefore, only employees of the game hall who can open the game machine frame 50 can operate the RAM clear switch 152. In other words, the RAM clear switch 152 is an operation means that is practically impossible for players to operate. The RAM clear switch 152 is a tact switch, and when it is pressed, a detection signal indicating that the RAM clear switch 152 is ON is input to the game control microcomputer 81. The state in which the RAM clear switch 152 is pressed is called the ON state of the RAM clear switch 152, and the state in which the RAM clear switch 152 is not pressed is called the OFF state of the RAM clear switch 152.

As shown in Figure 4, the main control board 80 is equipped with a one-chip microcontroller for game control (hereinafter referred to as "game control microcontroller") 81 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcontroller 81 includes a ROM 83 that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a RAM 84 used as work memory, a CPU 82 that executes the programs stored in the ROM 83, and an I/O port section (input/output circuit) 87 for inputting and outputting data and signals. The ROM 83 may be external. The RAM 84 is provided with the special symbol hold storage section 85 (first special symbol hold storage section 85a and second special symbol hold storage section 85b) described above.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via a relay board 88. Therefore, signals are input to the main control board 80 from each sensor, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to each solenoid. Specifically, the sensors connected include the first start-up sensor 20a, the second start-up sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the first large prize-winning slot sensor 30a, the second large prize-winning slot sensor 35a, the specific area sensor 39a, the non-specific area sensor 70a, and the general prize-winning slot sensor 27a.

The first start-up sensor 20a is installed inside the first start-up opening 20 and detects game balls that have entered the first start-up opening 20. The second start-up sensor 21a is installed inside the second start-up opening 21 and detects game balls that have entered the second start-up opening 21. The gate sensor 28a is installed inside the gate 28 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 28. The first large prize-winning opening sensor 30a is installed inside the first large prize-winning opening 30 and detects game balls that have entered the first large prize-winning opening 30. The second large prize-winning opening sensor 35a is installed inside the second large prize-winning opening 35 and detects game balls that have entered the second large prize-winning opening 35. The specific area sensor 39a is installed in the specific area 39 inside the second large prize-winning opening 35 and detects game balls that have passed through the specific area 39. The non-specific area sensor 70a is installed in the non-specific area 70 within the second large prize slot 35 and detects game balls that have passed through the non-specific area 70. The regular prize slot sensors 27a are installed within the regular prize slots 27 and detect game balls that have entered the regular prize slots 27.

Furthermore, the following solenoids are connected: the electric tuner solenoid 24, the first large prize slot solenoid 33, the second large prize slot solenoid 38, and the distribution member solenoid 73. The electric tuner solenoid 24 drives the movable member 23 of the electric tuner 22. The first large prize slot solenoid 33 drives the opening/closing member 32 of the first large prize device 31. The second large prize slot solenoid 38 drives the opening/closing member 37 of the second large prize device 36. The distribution member solenoid 73 drives the distribution member 71 of the second large prize device 36.

Furthermore, the main control board 80 is connected to the first special symbol indicator 41a, the second special symbol indicator 41b, the regular symbol indicator 42, the first special symbol hold indicator 43a, the second special symbol hold indicator 43b, the play instruction lamp 45, and the status notification lamp 46. In other words, the display control of these indicators 40 is performed by the game control microcomputer 81.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 for payout monitoring. The payout control board 110 is connected to a prize ball payout device 120 and a card unit 135 (installed adjacent to the pachinko machine 1, enabling ball dispensing based on information from an inserted prepaid card, etc.), and also to a launching device 112 via a launching control circuit 111. The launching device 112 includes a handle 60 (see Figure 1).

The payout control board 110 drives the prize ball motor 121 of the prize ball payout device 120 to dispense prize balls or loaned balls based on signals from the game control microcomputer 81 and signals from the card unit 135 connected to the pachinko game machine 1. The dispensed prize balls and loaned balls are detected by the prize ball sensor 122 for counting. When a player operates the handle 60 (see Figure 1) of the launching device 112, the touch switch 114 detects contact with the handle 60, and the launch volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the handle 60. The launch motor 113 is then driven to launch game balls with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal from the launch volume 115. In this pachinko game machine 1, one game ball is launched approximately every 0.6 seconds.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the sub-control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection, allowing only signal transmission from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. That is, a unidirectional circuit (e.g., a circuit using diodes) (not shown) is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a means of restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in Figure 5, the sub-control board 90 is equipped with a one-chip microcontroller 91 for performance control (hereinafter referred to as "performance control microcontroller") that controls the performance of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The performance control microcontroller 91 includes a ROM 93 that stores programs for controlling the performance as the game progresses, a RAM 94 used as work memory, a CPU 92 that executes the programs stored in the ROM 93, and an I/O port section (input/output circuit) 97 for inputting and outputting data and signals. Note that the ROM 93 may be external.

As shown in Figure 5, the sub-control board 90 is connected to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. The microcontroller 91 for performance control on the sub-control board 90 instructs the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 to perform display control on the image display device 7 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The RAM 104 of the image control board 100 is memory for processing image data. The ROM 103 of the image control board 100 stores image data such as still image data and video data displayed on the image display device 7, specifically characters, items, shapes, letters, numbers, and symbols (including performance patterns), and background images. The CPU 102 of the image control board 100 reads image data from the ROM 103 based on commands from the microcontroller 91 for performance control. Then, it executes display control based on the read image data.

Furthermore, the microcontroller 91 for performance control outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc., from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The audio data, such as voice, output from the speaker 67 is stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90. Note that a CPU may be mounted on the audio control board 106, in which case the CPU may be used to perform audio control. In this case, a ROM may also be mounted on the audio control board 106, and the audio data may be stored in that ROM. Alternatively, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100, and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 may be used to perform audio control. In this case, the audio data may also be stored in the ROM 103 of the image control board 100.

Furthermore, the microcontroller 91 for performance control controls the illumination of lamps such as the frame lamps 66 and panel lamps 5 via the lamp control board 107 based on commands received from the main control board 80. Specifically, the microcontroller 91 creates illumination data (data determining illumination/exit status, illumination color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the illumination pattern of the frame lamps 66 and panel lamps 5, and controls the illumination of the lamps according to this illumination data. The data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the illumination data.

Furthermore, the performance control microcontroller 91 operates the movable panel 15, which is connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108, based on commands received from the main control board 80. The movable panel 15, although not shown in Figure 1, is a movable gimmick provided on the center decorative unit 10. Specifically, the performance control microcontroller 91 creates operation pattern data (also called drive data) that determines the operation mode of the movable panel 15, and controls the operation of the movable panel 15 according to the operation pattern data. The operation pattern data is created using data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90. Note that a CPU may be implemented on the lamp control board 107, in which case the CPU may be used to control the lighting of the lamps and the operation of the movable panel 15. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be implemented on the lamp control board 107, and data related to the light emission pattern and operation pattern may be stored in that ROM.

Furthermore, the sub-control board 90 is connected to a performance button detection switch (SW) 63a and a select button detection switch 64a. The performance button detection switch 63a detects when the performance button 63 (see Figure 1) is pressed. When the performance button 63 is pressed, a detection signal is output from the performance button detection switch 63a to the sub-control board 90. Similarly, the select button detection switch 64a detects when the select button 64 (see Figure 1) is pressed. When the select button 64 is pressed, a detection signal is output from the select button detection switch 64a to the sub-control board 90.

Figures 4 and 5 are merely functional block diagrams illustrating the electrical configuration of this pachinko game machine 1, and do not necessarily represent the only circuit boards provided. Excluding the main control board 80, any multiple circuit boards shown in Figures 4 and 5 may be configured as a single circuit board, or one circuit board shown in Figures 4 and 5 may be configured as multiple circuit boards.

As shown in Figure 4, the pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with an external terminal board 140. The external terminal board 140 is connected to the main control board 80 via the payout control board 110, and outputs various signals to external devices located outside the pachinko game machine 1, such as a data display 160 and a hall computer 170, based on signals output by the game control microcontroller 81. The signals output by the game control microcontroller 81 may be input to a payout control microcontroller (not shown) mounted on the payout control board 110 and output from the payout control microcontroller to the external terminal board 140, or they may be output to the external terminal board 140 without going through the payout control microcontroller.

The external terminal board 140 is provided with multiple channels for external output. Each channel's corresponding connector is connected to the connector on the data display unit 160 by a cable. One signal is output externally from each connector.

Furthermore, the external terminal board 140 can output status signal 1 from one of its multiple channels, and status signal 2 from another channel.

Status signal 1 is output as appropriate during the execution of a jackpot game (while setting the jackpot game state), during the execution of a minor jackpot game (while setting the minor jackpot game state), while setting the time-saving state A (normal time-saving state), while setting the non-time-saving state after the execution of a jackpot game (normal non-time-saving state), while setting the non-time-saving state after the execution of a minor jackpot game, and while setting the non-time-saving state after time-saving state A. The output pattern indicates the state of the pachinko game machine 1. Note that status signal 1 is not output while setting the non-time-saving state after time-saving state B (slight time-saving state), and while setting the non-time-saving state after a RAM clear (specifically after operating the RAM clear switch 152). In other words, status signal 1 is output when the game state is set to the jackpot game state, minor jackpot game state, or time-saving state A, and when the game state that is set immediately after that is set to the jackpot game state, minor jackpot game state, time-saving state A, or non-time-saving state. In other words, this signal can be output when a game state that is more advantageous to the player than time-saving state B (excluding non-time-saving states after time-saving state B and after RAM clear) continues for a series of consecutive periods.

Status signal 2 is output during the execution of a jackpot game (when the jackpot game state is set), during the execution of a minor jackpot game (when the minor jackpot game state is set), and when the machine is in a non-time-saving state (normal non-time-saving state). The output pattern indicates the state of the pachinko machine 1. Note that status signal 2 is never output when the machine is in time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) or time-saving state B (slight time-saving state). In other words, status signal 2 is output when the machine is set to a game state where special symbols are drawn at normal probability, and also when it is set to a game state where ordinary symbols are drawn at normal probability.

Furthermore, the external terminal board 140 can output a symbol confirmation signal from one of its multiple channels. The symbol confirmation signal indicates that a special symbol that was being displayed in a variable state has stopped. The external terminal board 140 can also output a prize ball information signal from one of its multiple channels. The prize ball information signal indicates that a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 10 balls) have been awarded.

In addition to the signals mentioned above, the external terminal board 140 can output from each channel signals such as a frame open signal indicating that the gaming machine frame 50 is open, a security signal indicating that a prize has been won in the prize slots related to the electric tuner 22 and the prize winning devices (first prize winning device 31 and second prize winning device 36) when these devices are not in operation, and a start slot signal indicating that a prize has been won in the first start slot 20 or the second start slot 21. The types of signals output from the external terminal board 140 can be changed as appropriate.

In this configuration, the signals output by the payout control board 110 to the external terminal board 140 are separate signals (parallel data) and are input to the external terminal board 140 as parallel data. When parallel data is input to the external terminal board 140, signal transmission elements such as photorelays and photocouplers, provided for each channel, switch between conductive and non-conductive states according to the respective input signals. As a result, external output signals (status signals 1-2, symbol confirmation signal, prize ball information signal, etc.) are output from the channels where the signal transmission elements are conductive.

Furthermore, the signal output by the dispensing control board 110 to the external terminal board 140 may be serial data with multiple bits of information. In this case, the serial data should be converted to parallel data by an S/P conversion circuit (serial/parallel conversion circuit) (not shown) and input to the external terminal board 140 as parallel data.

The data display unit 160 counts the number of times the special symbol has been displayed in a variable state based on the switching (ON edge) from non-reception (OFF) to reception (ON) of the symbol confirmation signal, and displays the count value on the start count display unit 165 of the data display unit 160. That is, when the first start port sensor 20a or the second start port sensor 21a detects a ball entering the machine, the detection signal is input to the main control board 80 via the relay board 88. As a result, the game control microcomputer 81 acquires various random values such as the jackpot random number (see Figure 6(A)), which will be described later, and determines whether or not it is a jackpot. The game control microcomputer 81 then displays a variable special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) indicating the result of the determination of whether or not it is a jackpot, and then displays a stop (confirmation display). At this time (when the stop indicator is displayed), the game control microcomputer 81 outputs an external output signal (a signal for the external circuit board) indicating the confirmation of a special symbol to the external terminal board 140 via the payout control board 110. The external terminal board 140 then outputs the symbol confirmation signal to the data display unit 160. As a result, the data display unit 160 displays the number of times the special symbol has been displayed in the start count display unit 165, increasing the count by 1.

Furthermore, the data display unit 160 counts the number of times a jackpot has occurred based on the input patterns of status signals 1 and 2, and displays the count value on the jackpot count display unit 166 of the data display unit 160. That is, as described above, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a jackpot has been won based on the acquired jackpot random number, and if the determination result is a jackpot win, it displays a special symbol indicating a jackpot win in a variable manner, and then displays it stopped. Then, when the display of the special symbol indicating a jackpot win ends, the game control microcomputer 81 outputs an external output signal to the external terminal board 140 via the payout control board 110, indicating that a jackpot game (opening game, round game, ending game) is in progress. The external output signal indicating that a jackpot game is in progress continues to be output until the ending game is completed. As a result, the external terminal board 140 outputs status signals 1 and 2 to the data display unit 160. As a result, the data display unit 160 displays the number of jackpot occurrences in the jackpot count display unit 166 by increasing it by 1.

Furthermore, the data display unit 160 counts the number of prize balls to increase by 10 based on the switching from non-reception to reception (ON edge) of the prize ball information signal, and displays the count value on the prize ball display section (not shown) of the data display unit 160. That is, after a game ball enters the first start port 20, the second start port 21, the first large prize port 30, the second large prize port 35, or the normal prize port 27, when the prize ball sensor 122 detects the game ball that has actually been dispensed, a detection signal is input to the dispense control board 110. As a result, when the dispense control board 110 determines that the number of dispensed game balls has reached 10, it outputs an external terminal output signal indicating an increase in the prize ball display to the external terminal board 140. Note that the dispense control board 110 does not output an external terminal output signal indicating an increase in the prize ball display unless it determines that the number of dispensed game balls has reached 10. Thus, the external terminal board 140, which receives an external output signal indicating an increase in the prize ball display, outputs the prize ball information signal to the data display unit 160. As a result, the data display unit 160 displays the prize ball count increased by 10 in a prize ball count display unit (not shown).

The hall computer 170 is a device that collects information on the operating status of each pachinko machine installed in the hall, including the pachinko machine 1, and uses it for business management and game management. This hall computer 170 is installed in the hall's control room or similar location and is connected to the pachinko machine 1 via the data display 160. Therefore, the hall computer 170 also receives the various external output signals described above (status signals 1-2, symbol confirmation signal, prize ball information signal, etc.). The hall computer 170 may also be connected to the external terminal board 140 without going through the data display 160.

3. Main Games Played on the Gaming Machine Next, the main games played on the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained. The pachinko gaming machine 1 acquires special symbol-related random numbers based on the entry of the ball into the first start opening 20 or the second start opening 21. As shown in Figure 6(A), the special symbol-related random numbers include jackpot random numbers, symbol type random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers. Jackpot random numbers are used to determine whether a jackpot or minor win has occurred. Jackpot random numbers take values in the range of 0 to 65535. Symbol type random numbers are used to determine the type of jackpot symbol, the type of minor win symbol, and the type of losing symbol. Symbol type random numbers take values in the range of 0 to 199.

Furthermore, the reach random number is a random number that determines whether or not a reach occurs in the variation animation when the result of the win/loss judgment is a loss. A reach is a state where, among multiple animation symbols, only one variation remains displayed, and depending on which animation symbol stops, it will result in a combination of animation symbols indicating a jackpot (for example, the state of "7↓7"). Note that the animation symbol displayed in the reach state may appear to be slightly shaking within the display screen 7a, or may appear to be repeatedly expanding and contracting. The reach random number takes values in the range of 0 to 255.

Furthermore, the random number for the variation pattern is a random number used to determine the variation pattern, including the variation time. The random number for the variation pattern takes values within the range of 0 to 99. Note that random numbers are also referred to as judgment information.

Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 acquires a normal symbol random number (winning random number) as shown in Figure 6(B) based on the passage of the game balls through gate 28. This normal symbol random number is used for a lottery (normal symbol lottery) to determine whether or not to perform an auxiliary game that opens the electric chute 22. The normal symbol random number takes values within the range of 0 to 65535.

The pachinko game machine 1 determines whether it is a jackpot or a minor win by determining the jackpot random number obtained based on the entry of the ball into the first start port 20 or the second start port 21, according to the jackpot determination table shown in Figure 7(A). As shown in Figure 7(A), the probability of winning a jackpot is the same for the lottery for the first special symbol (special symbol 1) based on the entry into the first start port 20 and the lottery for the second special symbol (special symbol 2) based on the entry into the second start port 21, but the probability of winning a minor win is different. In the lottery for special symbol 1, the probability of winning a minor win is zero, and in the lottery for special symbol 2, the probability of winning a minor win is approximately 1/7. In other words, it can be said that it is easier to win a minor win in the lottery for special symbol 2 than in the lottery for special symbol 1. Note that it may also be possible to win a minor win in the lottery for special symbol 1. In this case, it is desirable to set the probability of winning a minor win in the lottery for special symbol 1 lower than the probability of winning a minor win in the lottery for special symbol 2.

When the pachinko machine 1 determines that a jackpot has been won, it determines the type of jackpot symbol by using a random number for the symbol type, according to the jackpot symbol type determination table shown in Figure 7(B). In the lottery for Special Symbol 1, it is determined with 100% probability to be "Special Symbol 1 - Jackpot Symbol A". On the other hand, in the lottery for Special Symbol 2, it is determined with 100% probability to be "Special Symbol 2 - Jackpot Symbol C". The opening pattern of the large prize slot in a Type 1 jackpot game and the settings related to the game state after a jackpot game will be described later.

Furthermore, when the pachinko machine 1 determines that a minor win has been achieved, it determines the type of minor win symbol by using a random number of symbol types according to the minor win symbol type determination table shown in Figure 7(C). Specifically, in the lottery for Special Symbol 2, it is determined to be "Special Symbol 2 - Minor Win Symbol a" with 100% probability.

Furthermore, if the pachinko machine 1 determines that neither a big win nor a small win has been achieved (i.e., it determines a loss), it determines the type of losing symbol by using a random number for the symbol type according to the losing symbol type determination table shown in Figure 7(D). In the lottery for Special Symbol 1, there is an 80% chance of determining "Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol A" and a 20% chance of determining "Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol B". Similarly, in the lottery for Special Symbol 2, there is an 80% chance of determining "Special Symbol 2 - Losing Symbol C" and a 20% chance of determining "Special Symbol 2 - Losing Symbol D". The difference in the type of losing symbol affects the settings related to the game state after the losing symbol is displayed (see Figure 9). This point will be discussed later.

Furthermore, when the pachinko machine 1 determines a miss (a normal miss as described later), it determines whether or not to make the symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R into a reach in the variation animation by determining the reach random number according to the reach determination table shown in Figure 7(E). The probability of determining a reach differs depending on whether or not the game state is in the time-saving state described later. The probability of determining a reach is higher when the game is not in the time-saving state than when it is.

Next, the types of big wins, small wins, and losses will be explained in detail based on Figures 8 and 9. As mentioned above, the results of the special symbol lottery (the lottery for Special Symbol 1 and the lottery for Special Symbol 2) include "Big Win," "Small Win," and "Loss." When a "Big Win" occurs, the "Big Win Symbol" is displayed on the special symbol display 41. The big win symbols include "Special Symbol 1 - Big Win Symbol A" and "Special Symbol 2 - Big Win Symbol C." When a "Small Win" occurs, the "Small Win Symbol" is displayed on the special symbol display 41. The small win symbol is "Special Symbol 2 - Small Win Symbol a." When a "Loss" occurs, the "Loss Symbol" is displayed on the special symbol display 41. The losing symbols include "Special Symbol 1 - Loss Symbol A," "Special Symbol 1 - Loss Symbol B," "Special Symbol 2 - Loss Symbol C," and "Special Symbol 2 - Loss Symbol D."

If a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery, a "jackpot game" is executed, opening the first large prize slot 30 in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot symbol displayed. If a minor prize is won, a "minor prize game" is executed, opening the second large prize slot 35 in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of minor prize symbol displayed. Then, if a game ball enters a specific area 39 within the second large prize slot 35 during the execution of the minor prize game, a "jackpot game" is executed, opening the first large prize slot 30 in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of minor prize symbol won. The jackpot game executed based on a jackpot win in the special symbol lottery is called a Type 1 jackpot game, and the jackpot game executed based on passage into the specific area 39 is called a Type 2 jackpot game.

In this form, a jackpot game includes multiple rounds of gameplay (unit opening games), an opening (also referred to as OP) before the start of the first round of gameplay, and an ending (also referred to as ED) after the end of the final round of gameplay. Each round of gameplay begins with the end of the OP or the end of the previous round of gameplay, and ends with the start of the next round of gameplay or the start of the ED. The time (interval time) when the jackpot entry point is closed between rounds of gameplay is included in the round of gameplay that was open before that closure.

Furthermore, in this configuration, the minor win game includes a minor win opening game that opens the second major prize entry point 35, an opening (pre-opening interval) before the minor win opening game begins, and an ending (post-closing interval) after the minor win opening game ends.

If the special symbol lottery results in a jackpot (i.e., a Type 1 jackpot), a jackpot game (Type 1 jackpot game) is executed, opening the first jackpot entry point 30. In this configuration, as shown in Figure 8, there is one type of jackpot symbol that can be won in the first special symbol lottery (Special Symbol 1) (the jackpot symbol displayed on the first special symbol indicator 41a), and one type of jackpot symbol that can be won in the second special symbol lottery (Special Symbol 2) (the jackpot symbol displayed on the second special symbol indicator 41b). Specifically, in the Special Symbol 1 lottery, there is a possibility of winning "Special Symbol 1_jackpot symbol A". Also, in the Special Symbol 2 lottery, there is a possibility of winning "Special Symbol 2_jackpot symbol C".

As shown in Figure 8, "Special Symbol 1 - Jackpot Symbol A" is a 4R (round) jackpot, and the number of times the first large prize entry point 30 opens per round is 1, with a maximum opening time of 29.5 seconds. When "Jackpot Symbol A" is won, the game state after the jackpot is "Time-Saving State A" (one of several types of time-saving states), as described later. However, in the time-saving state based on "Jackpot Symbol A," the number of time-saving rounds is set to 1, regardless of whether the game state at the time of winning was a non-time-saving state (normal game state) or a time-saving state (time-saving state A or time-saving state B). The number of time-saving rounds is the maximum number of times the special symbol's variation display is executed in the time-saving state. Further details about the game states will be described later.

Furthermore, "Special Feature 2 - Jackpot Symbol C" is a 10R jackpot, with the first large prize entry point (30) opening once per round, and its maximum opening time being 29.5 seconds. If "Jackpot Symbol C" is won, the game state after the jackpot is "Time-Saving State A" (described below), and regardless of whether the game state at the time of winning was non-Time-Saving State or Time-Saving State, the number of Time-Saving rounds is set to 1.

Furthermore, if a minor win is achieved as a result of the special symbol lottery, a minor win game is executed that opens the second major prize slot 35 once. If a game ball enters the second major prize slot 35, which was opened by the minor win game, and that game ball passes through a specific area 39 within the second major prize device 36, a major win is achieved, and a major win game (a two-type major win game) is executed that opens the first major prize slot 30. When this major win game (a major win game triggered by passage through the specific area 39) is executed, the opening of the second major prize slot 35 as a minor win game corresponds to the first round. Note that if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 39 during the minor win game, the major win game will not be executed. In this specification, major win games and minor win games may also be referred to as special games. Note that in special games, there may be rounds in which the major prize slots are opened multiple times within a single round.

In this configuration, as shown in Figure 8, there is only one type of minor winning symbol (the minor winning symbol displayed on the second special symbol indicator 41b) that can be won in the lottery of Special Symbol 2 ("Special Symbol 2_Minor Winning Symbol a").

The "minor win symbol a" is a minor win that, as long as the game is played correctly, is guaranteed to pass through specific area 39 (also known as V-passage). In other words, in this form, winning a minor win based on the lottery in special symbol 2 essentially has the same meaning as winning a major win.

In minor win games based on minor win symbols, the second large prize slot 35 is opened for 1.6 seconds once. The opening time for each minor win game is 0.008 seconds. Furthermore, in major win games (Type 2 major win games) executed based on the passage of game balls into a specific area 39, the first large prize slot 30 is opened once per round from the 2nd to the 11th round, with a maximum opening time of 29.5 seconds. In effect, a 10-round Type 2 major win game is executed. The game state after the execution of this Type 2 major win game is controlled to "Time-Saving State A," described below. In the Time-Saving State after a major win game based on "Minor Win Symbol a," regardless of whether the game state at the time of winning was a non-Time-Saving State or a Time-Saving State, the number of Time-Saving Rounds is set to 1.

Furthermore, if the special symbol lottery results in a "losing" outcome, the type of losing symbol is determined. As shown in Figure 9, there are two types of losing symbols determined in the lottery for Special Symbol 1 (the losing symbol displayed on the first special symbol indicator 41a), and two types of losing symbols determined in the lottery for Special Symbol 2 (the losing symbol displayed on the second special symbol indicator 41b). Specifically, in the lottery for Special Symbol 1, the result will be either "Special Symbol 1_Losing Symbol A" or "Special Symbol 1_Losing Symbol B". In the lottery for Special Symbol 2, the result will be either "Special Symbol 2_Losing Symbol C" or "Special Symbol 2_Losing Symbol D".

"Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol A" is a normal loss, while "Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol B," "Special Symbol 2 - Losing Symbol C," and "Special Symbol 2 - Losing Symbol D" are special losses (first special loss, second special loss, and third special loss). Special losses (first special loss, second special loss, and third special loss) are losses that trigger the control of the time-saving state A or time-saving state B (one of several types of time-saving states) described later. Specifically, if the result of the special symbol lottery is a special loss, the game control microcomputer 81 can control the game state after the losing symbol stops to time-saving state B. However, if the game is not in a time-saving state at the timing of control to time-saving state B (i.e., the time-saving flag described later is OFF), the game state after the display of a losing symbol (mainly losing symbol B) will be controlled to time-saving state A.

Furthermore, in time-saving state A based on "Loss Symbol B," the number of time-saving rounds is set to 6, and in time-saving state B based on "Loss Symbol B," the number of time-saving rounds is set to 604. Also, in time-saving state B based on "Loss Symbol C," the number of time-saving rounds is set to 109, and in time-saving state B based on "Loss Symbol D," the number of time-saving rounds is set to 609. Note that special misses are also referred to as time-saving misses. Also, "Special Symbol 1_Loss Symbol B," "Special Symbol 2_Loss Symbol C," and "Special Symbol 2_Loss Symbol D" are examples of non-specific stopping patterns related to special symbols.

Here, we will explain the game states of the pachinko game machine 1 in this configuration. In this configuration, there are two game states: a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state. The non-time-saving state is also referred to as the normal game state. When playing the pachinko game machine 1 for the first time, the game state after power-on is the non-time-saving state (normal game state). The time-saving state is a game state in which it is easier for game balls to enter the electric chute 22 compared to the non-time-saving state.

There are two types of time-saving states: Time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) and Time-saving state B (slight time-saving state). As mentioned above, Time-saving state A is a time-saving state that is entered mainly after the end of a jackpot game (see Figure 8) or when "Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol B" is displayed in a non-time-saving state (a game state where the time-saving flag is OFF) (meaning the first special loss shown in Figure 9 has been drawn). In contrast, Time-saving state B is a time-saving state that is entered when "Special Symbol 2 - Losing Symbol C" or "Special Symbol 2 - Losing Symbol D" is displayed in a stop (meaning the second or third special loss shown in Figure 9) or when "Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol B" is displayed in a time-saving state (a game state where the time-saving flag is ON) (meaning the first special loss shown in Figure 9 has been drawn). In other words, when the pachinko machine 1 displays a specific losing symbol (losing symbol B, losing symbol C, or losing symbol D), it can be controlled to enter a time-saving state (time-saving state A, time-saving state B) without executing a jackpot game, depending on the elapsed time since the symbol stopped. Different types of time-saving states result in different settings for various parameters related to the ease of winning in the electric tuner 22, such as the variation pattern of the regular symbols and the opening pattern of the electric tuner 22.

Let's explain the time-saving state in more detail. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10-1(A), the probability of winning the regular symbol lottery in the time-saving state (time-saving state A, time-saving state B) is the same as the probability of winning the regular symbol lottery in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, in this embodiment, in any of the game states—non-time-saving state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B—the probability of being judged as a win in the regular symbol lottery is set to 65535/65536. In other words, in any game state, the regular symbol lottery is almost always judged as a win. Note that the configuration may be such that the probability of winning the regular symbol lottery is higher in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state (in other words, the probability variation function of the regular symbol display 42 is activated in the time-saving state).

Furthermore, in the time-saving states (Time-Saving State A, Time-Saving State B), as shown in Figure 10-1(B), the variation time of the normal symbols is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, in this configuration, the variation time of the normal symbols is 60 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but it is 1 second in Time-Saving State A and 30 seconds in Time-Saving State B. In other words, in the time-saving state, the variation time reduction function of the normal symbol display 42 is activated. The stopping time of the normal symbols is 0.5 seconds regardless of the game state.

Furthermore, in the time-saving states (Time-Saving State A, Time-Saving State B), as shown in Figure 10-1(C), the opening time of the electric tuner 22 during auxiliary play becomes longer than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, in this configuration, the opening time of the electric tuner 22 is 0.05 seconds per play in the non-time-saving state, but it is 2.5 seconds in time-saving state A and 0.1 seconds in time-saving state B. In other words, the function to extend the opening time of the electric tuner 22 is activated in the time-saving state.

Furthermore, in the time-saving mode, as shown in Figure 10-1(C), the number of times the electric tuner 22 opens during auxiliary play may be greater than in the non-time-saving mode. Specifically, in this configuration, the number of times the electric tuner 22 opens is 1 in the non-time-saving mode and time-saving mode B, but 2 in time-saving mode A. In other words, in time-saving mode A, the function to increase the number of times the electric tuner 22 opens is activated.

In the non-time-saving state, while a win is almost guaranteed if the regular symbol lottery is performed, the regular symbol variation time is long at 60 seconds, and the opening of the electric tuner 22 during auxiliary play is extremely short, only 0.05 seconds per opening. Therefore, in the non-time-saving state, even if the game is played using the right-handed shooting method (a shooting method that allows the game ball to pass through gate 28), entry into the electric tuner 22 is almost impossible. Consequently, the advantageous shooting method for the player in the non-time-saving state is "left-handed shooting," and in the non-time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the shooting method indicator lamp 45 to the left-handed shooting notification mode (off mode) (see Figure 10-2).

Furthermore, in time-saving state A, a win is almost guaranteed if a normal symbol draw is performed, the normal symbol variation time is short at 1 second, and the opening of the electric tuner 22 during auxiliary play is sufficiently long at 2.5 seconds twice. Therefore, in time-saving state A, playing with right-handed shooting can frequently result in winning into the electric tuner 22. Consequently, the most advantageous playing method for the player in time-saving state A is "right-handed shooting," and in time-saving state A, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the shooting method indicator lamp 45 to the right-handed shooting notification mode (lighting mode) (see Figure 10-2). It can be said that time-saving state A is a game state with settings that make winning into the electric tuner 22 easier compared to the non-time-saving state.

Furthermore, in time-saving state B, while a win is almost guaranteed if a normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol variation time is long at 30 seconds, and the opening of the electric tuner 22 during auxiliary play is short, only one opening for 0.1 seconds. Therefore, in time-saving state B, although various parameters related to the ease of entering the electric tuner 22 (winning probability of normal symbol lottery, variation time and stop time of normal symbols, and opening pattern of the electric tuner 22) are set to make it easier to enter the electric tuner 22 compared to the non-time-saving state, it is almost impossible to enter the electric tuner 22 even when playing with right-hand shooting. For this reason, time-saving state B is also called a slightly time-saving state. In contrast, time-saving state A, in which entries into the electric tuner 22 occur frequently with right-hand shooting, is also called a normal time-saving state. As shown in Figure 10-2, in time-saving state B, the most advantageous playing method for the player is "left-handed play." In time-saving state B, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the playing method indicator lamp 45 to the left-handed play notification mode (off mode).

Thus, in the non-shortened state and shortened state B, since hitting to the right does not guarantee entry into the electric tuner 22, the player proceeds with the game by hitting to the left. On the other hand, in shortened state A, hitting to the right frequently results in entry into the electric tuner 22, so the player proceeds with the game by hitting to the right. In this pachinko machine 1, the player also plays by hitting to the right during a jackpot. Therefore, the advantageous way to play for the player during a jackpot is "hitting to the right," and during a jackpot, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the hitting instruction lamp 45 to indicate hitting to the right (lighting mode) (see Figure 10-2). Also in this configuration, the advantageous way to play for the player during a minor win is "hitting to the right," so during a minor win, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the hitting instruction lamp 45 to indicate hitting to the right (lighting mode) (see Figure 10-2).

Shortened play state B, like shortened play state A, is a play state in which it is easier to get the ball into the electric tuner 22 compared to the non-shortened play state, but it is a play state in which it is more difficult to get the ball into the electric tuner 22 than shortened play state A. Also, since it is not possible to get the ball into the electric tuner 22 in shortened play state B, it is a play state in which the nature is closer to the non-shortened play state than shortened play state A. Therefore, shortened play state B (slight shortened play state) is also called a special normal play state. Note that the non-shortened play state corresponds to the normal play state, and the shortened play state corresponds to the easy ball entry state. Furthermore, shortened play state A (normal shortened play state) corresponds to the first easy ball entry state, and shortened play state B (slight shortened play state) corresponds to the second easy ball entry state. Also, shortened play state A corresponds to a specific play state, and the non-shortened play state and shortened play state B correspond to a non-specific play state. Furthermore, the non-time-saving state corresponds to the first non-specific game state and the first game state, while time-saving state B corresponds to the second non-specific game state and the second game state.

Furthermore, in the non-time-saving state, the time-saving flag is OFF. Therefore, if "Special Symbol 1 - Miss Symbol B" stops and is displayed during the non-time-saving state (i.e., the first special miss is drawn), the game state will then be changed to time-saving state A (normal game state). However, in time-saving state B, the time-saving flag is ON. Therefore, even if "Special Symbol 1 - Miss Symbol B" stops and is displayed during time-saving state B (i.e., the first special miss is drawn), unlike the non-time-saving state, the game state will then be changed to time-saving state B (slightly time-saving state) instead of time-saving state A (normal game state). Thus, focusing on the case where "Special Symbol 1 - Miss Symbol B" stops and is displayed in this configuration, even if the advantageous playing method for the player is the same ("left-handed play"), the non-time-saving state is more advantageous for the player than time-saving state B.

In the time-saving state A, the base rate, which is the ratio of prize balls to the number of balls launched, is higher compared to the non-time-saving state. Therefore, time-saving state A is also called the "high base state," and the non-time-saving state is also called the "low base state." In the high base state, it is possible to aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls held. The high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control that supports entry into the second starting opening 21 by the electric tuner 22) is being implemented. Therefore, the high base state is also called the electric support control state. Conversely, the low base state is also called the non-electric support control state.

Furthermore, the time-saving state is achieved when, through the operation of one or more of the following functions of the normal symbol display 42: probability variation function, variation time reduction function of the normal symbol display 42, opening time extension function of the electric tuner 22, and number of openings increase function of the electric tuner 22, it is sufficient that the game balls are more likely to enter the second start opening 21 related to the electric tuner 22 than when the function is not operating. It is not necessary for all of these functions to be operating.

Next, the modes of the status indicator lamps 46 in each game state and the signal output modes of the external terminal board 140 will be explained with reference to Figure 10-2. As shown in Figure 10-2, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the status indicator lamps 46 to a first lighting mode (the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are lit) when the non-time-saving state is set. Also, when the time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) is set, the status indicator lamps 46 are controlled to a second lighting mode (the right status indicator lamp 46a is off and the left status indicator lamp 46b is lit). In this configuration, the game control microcomputer 81 may control the status indicator lamps 46 to either an off state (both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are off) or a third illuminated state (the right status indicator lamp 46a is illuminated and the left status indicator lamp 46b is off) while the time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) is set. Specifically, if a power outage occurs while the time-saving state B is set, and the power outage is restored, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the status indicator lamps 46 to the third illuminated state during the time-saving state B. From the time the power outage is restored until the game transitions to a different game state from the time-saving state B, the status indicator lamps 46 are continuously controlled to the third illuminated state. In contrast, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the status indicator lamps 46 to an off state during the time-saving state B setting other than immediately after the power outage is restored, such as at the start of setting the time-saving state B.

Furthermore, the microcomputer 81 for game control controls the status indicator lamp 46 to the first illumination pattern while a jackpot game is in progress (jackpot game state). While a minor jackpot game is in progress (minor jackpot game state), it controls the lamp to the same pattern as before the minor jackpot game was started. In other words, the pattern of the status indicator lamp 46 does not change before and during the execution of a minor jackpot game.

Based on the above, in this configuration, the state notification lamp 46 displays different patterns depending on whether the game is in state A (normal time-saving state) or state B (slight time-saving state). Therefore, the state notification lamp 46 allows the player to recognize which time-saving state is currently in place. Furthermore, the state notification lamp 46 also displays different patterns depending on whether the game is in state B (slight time-saving state) or a non-time-saving state (normal game state). Therefore, during gameplay where the game is played by left-handed play, the player can recognize whether the game is in a slight time-saving state or a non-time-saving state.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10-2, the external terminal board 140 turns on status signal 2 based on the external output signal input from the game control microcomputer 81 via the payout control board 110 while setting the non-time-saving state, but sometimes it turns on status signal 1 and sometimes it turns it off. While setting the non-time-saving state immediately after a RAM clear (specifically, immediately after the operation of the RAM clear switch 152 by a hall staff member, etc.), the external terminal board 140 turns on status signal 2 while turning off status signal 1. From immediately after a RAM clear until transitioning to a game state other than the non-time-saving state, the states of status signal 1 and status signal 2 are maintained. Also, while setting the non-time-saving state after setting time-saving state B, the external terminal board 140 turns on status signal 2 while turning off status signal 1. From the moment immediately after setting the non-time-saving state B until transitioning to a different game state from the said non-time-saving state, the states of state signal 1 and state signal 2 are maintained.

In contrast, the external terminal board 140 turns both status signal 1 and status signal 2 ON during non-time-saving state settings other than immediately after a RAM clear, such as when setting a non-time-saving state after a jackpot game or when setting a non-time-saving state after setting time-saving state A. Furthermore, the external terminal board 140 turns status signal 1 ON and status signal 2 OFF when setting time-saving state A. Additionally, the external terminal board 140 turns both status signal 1 and status signal 2 OFF when setting time-saving state B.

Furthermore, the external terminal board 140 turns both status signal 1 and status signal 2 ON while a jackpot game is in progress (jackpot game state). Similarly, while a minor jackpot game is in progress (minor jackpot game state), both status signal 1 and status signal 2 are turned ON.

Figures 10-3 and 10-4 are timing charts showing the changes in the behavior of the play instruction lamp 45, the behavior of the status notification lamp 46, and the output behavior of status signals 1 and 2 according to the transition of the game state. Figure 10-3 illustrates a case where the game state transitions from "non-time-saving state after RAM clear → time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) → jackpot game state → time-saving state A (normal game state) → time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) → non-time-saving state." Figure 10-4 illustrates a case where a power outage occurs when the game state is time-saving state B (slight time-saving state).

As shown in Figure 10-3, in the non-time-saving state after RAM clearing, the shooting instruction lamp 45 is in the left-shooting notification mode (off mode), the status notification lamp 46 is in the first lighting mode, status signal 1 is OFF, and status signal 2 is ON. This continues until the timing (timing t1 shown in Figure 10-3) when the setting of time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) described below begins.

Furthermore, in this configuration, if a power outage occurs while the game state is in a non-time-saving state after a RAM clear, the non-time-saving state will remain set as the game state immediately after power is restored. Even immediately after power restoration, the play instruction lamp 45 remains in the left-hand play notification mode, the status notification lamp 46 remains in the first illumination mode, status signal 1 is OFF, and status signal 2 is ON. In other words, if a power outage occurs in a non-time-saving state after a RAM clear, the game state, the mode of the play instruction lamp 45, the mode of the status notification lamp 46, and the output modes of status signals 1 and 2 will not change from before the power outage to after power restoration.

When the system transitions from the non-shortened state after a RAM clear to shortened state B at timing t1, the status indicator lamp 46 changes from the first illuminated state to the off state, and the status signal 2 changes from ON to OFF. The shooting instruction lamp 45 remains in the left-shooting indicator state (off state), and the status signal 1 remains OFF. This continues until the shortened state B ends (timing t2 shown in Figure 10-3).

Furthermore, in this configuration, if a power outage occurs while the game state is in time-saving state B, time-saving state B will continue to be set as the game state immediately after the power is restored. However, unlike the case of the non-time-saving state after the RAM clear described above, the behavior of the state notification lamp 46 changes from before the power outage to after the power is restored. That is, the timing chart shown in Figure 10-3 is an example of the case where no power outage occurs while the game state is in time-saving state B, while the timing chart for the case where a power outage occurs in time-saving state B is shown in Figure 10-4.

As shown in Figure 10-4, if a power outage occurs at timing t10 when the game state is time-saving state B, and power is restored at timing t11, immediately after power restoration, the shooting instruction lamp 45 will be in the left-shooting notification mode, the status notification lamp 46 will be in the third lighting mode, status signal 1 will be OFF, and status signal 2 will be OFF. In other words, immediately after power restoration, the status notification lamp 46 changes from the "off mode" before the power outage to the "third lighting mode." This continues until the game state transitions to a game state other than time-saving state B.

Returning to Figure 10-3, when the game transitions from the time-saving state B to the jackpot game state at timing t2, the shooting instruction lamp 45 changes from the left-shooting notification mode (off mode) to the right-shooting notification mode (on mode), the status notification lamp 46 changes from the off mode to the first on mode, status signal 1 changes from OFF to ON, and status signal 2 changes from OFF to ON. This continues until the jackpot game state ends (timing t3 shown in Figure 10-3).

Furthermore, in this configuration, if a power outage occurs while the game state is in a jackpot state, the jackpot state will remain set as the game state immediately after power is restored. Even immediately after power restoration, the play instruction lamp 45 remains in the right-hand play notification mode, the status notification lamp 46 remains in the first illumination mode, and status signal 1 and status signal 2 remain ON. In other words, if a power outage occurs in a jackpot state, just as in the case of the non-time-saving state after a RAM clear described above, the game state, the mode of the play instruction lamp 45, the mode of the status notification lamp 46, and the output modes of status signals 1 and 2 will not change from before the power outage to after power restoration.

When the game transitions from the jackpot state to the time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) at timing t3, the state notification lamp 46 changes from the first illumination mode to the second illumination mode, and the state signal 2 changes from ON to OFF. The play instruction lamp 45 remains in the right-hand play notification mode, and the state signal 1 remains ON. This continues until the timing when time-saving state A ends (timing t4 shown in Figure 10-3).

Furthermore, in this configuration, if a power outage occurs while the game state is in time-saving state A, time-saving state A will remain set as the game state immediately after power is restored. Even immediately after power restoration, the play instruction lamp 45 will be in the right-hand play notification mode, the status notification lamp 46 will be in the second lighting mode, status signal 1 will be ON, and status signal 2 will be OFF. In other words, if a power outage occurs in time-saving state A, just as in the case of a non-time-saving state after a RAM clear or in a jackpot game state, the game state, the mode of the play instruction lamp 45, the mode of the status notification lamp 46, and the output modes of status signals 1 and 2 will not change from before the power outage to after power restoration.

When the time-saving state A ends at timing t4 and the system transitions to time-saving state B (slightly time-saving state), the shooting instruction lamp 45 changes from a right-hand shooting notification mode to a left-hand shooting notification mode, the status notification lamp 46 changes from the second illuminated mode to the off mode, and status signal 1 changes from ON to OFF. Status signal 2 remains OFF. This continues until the timing at which time-saving state B ends without a power interruption (timing t5 shown in Figure 10-3).

At timing t5, when the game transitions from time-saving state B (without power interruption) to a non-time-saving state (such as the non-time-saving state after a jackpot game or the non-time-saving state after time-saving state A), the status notification lamp 46 changes from the off state to the first illuminated state, and the status signal 2 changes from OFF to ON. The play instruction lamp 45 remains in the left-play notification state, and the status signal 1 remains OFF. This continues until the non-time-saving state ends and the game transitions to a game state other than the non-time-saving state.

In this configuration, the output pattern of status signal 1 is the same in the non-time-saving state after RAM clearing, the non-time-saving state after a jackpot game state, and the non-time-saving state after time-saving state A (see Figures 10-2 and 10-3). Specifically, status signal 1 is OFF in both the non-time-saving state after RAM clearing and the non-time-saving state after time-saving state B.

Furthermore, in this configuration, if a power outage occurs while the game state is in the non-time-saving state after time-saving state B, the non-time-saving state will remain the game state immediately after power is restored. Even immediately after power restoration, the play instruction lamp 45 remains in the left-hand play notification mode, the state notification lamp 46 remains in the first lighting mode, state signal 1 is OFF, and state signal 2 is ON. In other words, if a power outage occurs in the non-time-saving state after time-saving state B, the modes of the play instruction lamp 45, the state notification lamp 46, and the output modes of state signals 1 and 2 will not change from before the power outage to after power restoration, just as in the case of the non-time-saving state after RAM clearing or the jackpot game state described above.

Thus, in this configuration, the output patterns of status signals 1 and 2 (i.e., the output patterns of the external output signals) from the external terminal board 140 differ depending on whether the machine is in time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) or time-saving state B (slight time-saving state). Therefore, the data display unit 160 can perform different display controls for each type of time-saving state; for example, it displays "Time-Saving in Progress" on the status display unit 167 when in time-saving state A, but does not display such a message when in time-saving state B. Furthermore, by outputting information that identifies the type of time-saving state to the hall computer 170, it becomes possible to inform hall employees and other managers which time-saving state the machine has transitioned to.

Furthermore, in this configuration, the output patterns of status signals 1 and 2 (i.e., the output patterns of the external output signals) from the external terminal board 140 differ between the time-saving state B (slightly time-saving state) and the non-time-saving state (normal game state). Therefore, it is possible to control the data display 160 differently depending on whether the game is in the slightly time-saving state or the non-time-saving state, and to notify managers such as hall employees whether the game has transitioned to the slightly time-saving state.

Next, the determination of the special symbol variation pattern (special symbol variation pattern) will be explained. The pachinko game machine 1 determines the special symbol variation pattern according to different special symbol variation pattern determination tables for the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state (see Figures 11 and 12). The special symbol variation pattern determination table in the time-saving state (Figure 12) is a table that is more likely to select variation patterns with shorter variation times compared to the special symbol variation pattern determination table in the non-time-saving state (Figure 11). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the special symbol variation pattern is determined according to different special symbol variation pattern determination tables for time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) and time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) (see Figures 12(A) and 12(B)). More specifically, the special symbol variation pattern determination table for time-saving state A (Figure 12(A)) and the special symbol variation pattern determination table for time-saving state B (Figure 12(B)) mainly differ in the table related to special symbol 2.

Specifically, in the special symbol variation pattern determination table for time-saving state A (Figure 12(A)), a variation pattern with a 30-second variation time (one of P31 to P34) is determined as the variation pattern for special symbol 2. If one of these variation patterns is selected, the variation animation accompanied by a battle reach, described later, is executed using the 30-second variation time. Furthermore, in the special symbol variation pattern determination table for time-saving state B (Figure 12(B)), a variation pattern with a 50-second variation time (one of P51 to P54) is determined as the variation pattern for special symbol 2. If one of these variation patterns is selected, the variation animation accompanied by a battle reach with different animation content from the battle reach in time-saving state A (for example, including a more intense battle scene) is executed using the 50-second variation time. Note that the battle reach is a type of so-called SP reach.

In this configuration, the variation time of Special Symbol 2 differs depending on the type of time-saving state. Time-saving state A is a time-saving state in which the variation time of Special Symbol 2 is shorter than that of time-saving state B. Therefore, in time-saving state A, the variation of the Special Symbol (display of the special symbol variation) proceeds faster than in time-saving state B.

In this state, since the lottery for Special Figure 1 is mainly conducted during the non-time-saving state, the table shown in the Special Figure 1 column of Figure 11 is used. After a jackpot game based on the lottery for Special Figure 1, the game is controlled to time-saving state A. In time-saving state A, the lottery for Special Figure 2 is mainly conducted, so the table shown in the Special Figure 2 column of Figure 12(A) is used. In this configuration, it is possible to accumulate up to four Special Figure 2 reserves (second Special Figure reserves), so when time-saving state A ends, the fluctuation display of Special Figure 2 is executed based on the remaining Special Figure 2 reserves (remaining Special Figure 2 reserves). As will be described later, the game state at this time becomes time-saving state B when a special miss is drawn based on the lottery for Special Figure 2 in the final fluctuation of time-saving state A. Therefore, the fluctuation pattern related to the remaining Special Figure 2 reserves is determined based on the table shown in the Special Figure 2 column of Figure 12(B). After that, the game mainly consists of lotteries for Special Figure 1 until time-saving state B ends. Therefore, in this case, the table shown in the column for Special Figure 1 in Figure 12(B) will be used. If the time-saving state B ends without winning a jackpot in the lottery for Special Figure 1, the game will basically return to the non-time-saving state. Therefore, in this case, the table shown in the column for Special Figure 1 in Figure 11 will be used again.

4. About the Start-Up Prize Command This form of pachinko game machine 1 is capable of performing so-called pre-announcement effects. A pre-announcement effect is an effect that uses a start-up prize command identified based on judgment information (random values such as jackpot random numbers) obtained by the start-up prize to suggest the probability of winning for that start-up prize, even before the win/loss judgment is made immediately before the start of the special symbol variation (display of special symbols variation) based on that start-up prize.

As shown in Figure 13, the start-up prize command generated in this embodiment includes information about the lottery result, whether it is a big win, a small win, a normal loss, or a special loss (time-saving loss). Furthermore, the start-up prize command in this embodiment includes information about which of the two start-up openings, the first start-up opening 20 or the second start-up opening 21, the prize was awarded to. Note that the start-up prize command only needs to include lottery result information; other information included in the start-up prize command can be changed as appropriate.

5. Operation of the Game Control Microcontroller 81 [Main Control Processing] Next, the operation of the game control microcontroller 81 will be explained based on Figures 14 to 32. Note that the counters, timers, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the game control microcontroller 81 are located in RAM 84. When the power to the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcontroller 81 on the main control board 80 reads the main control processing program shown in Figure 14 from ROM 83 and executes it. As shown in the same figure, the main control processing first performs initial settings (step S001). Initial settings include, for example, setting the stack, setting constants, setting interrupt times, setting the CPU 82, setting SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt times), and resetting various flags, status, and counters. The initial value of the flags is "0" or "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counters is "0". Note that the initial setup (S001) is performed only once after power-on and will not be performed again thereafter.

Furthermore, during this initial setup, the microcontroller 81 for game control in this configuration performs external terminal setting processing in conjunction with power outage recovery. Specifically, upon power outage recovery in a non-time-saving state after a RAM clear, the output mode of status signal 1 is set to OFF, and the output mode of status signal 2 is set to ON. Similarly, upon power outage recovery in a non-time-saving state after time-saving state B (slight time-saving state), the output mode of status signal 1 is set to OFF, and the output mode of status signal 2 is set to ON. In contrast, upon power outage recovery in a non-time-saving state after a jackpot game state or after time-saving state A (normal time-saving state), both the output modes of status signal 1 and status signal 2 are set to ON.

Furthermore, upon power restoration in time-saving state A, the output mode of status signal 1 is set to ON, and the output mode of status signal 2 is set to OFF. Also, upon power restoration in time-saving state B, both the output modes of status signal 1 and status signal 2 are set to OFF. Furthermore, upon power restoration in the jackpot game state, both the output modes of status signal 1 and status signal 2 are set to ON. Furthermore, upon power restoration in the minor win game state, both the output modes of status signal 1 and status signal 2 are set to ON.

When the signal set here is output to the external terminal board 140 via the external terminal output processing (S109) described later, the external terminal board 140, upon receiving it, outputs status signals 1 and 2 to the data display unit 160 in the manner specified in the setting.

Furthermore, in this initial setup, the game control microcontroller 81 of this configuration performs the setting process for the status indicator lamp 46 in response to power outages. Specifically, when power is restored during a non-time-saving state, it is set to the first lighting mode, which is the same as before the power outage. When power is restored during time-saving state A, it is set to the second lighting mode, which is the same as before the power outage. When power is restored during a jackpot game state, it is set to the first lighting mode, which is the same as before the power outage. When power is restored during a minor win game state, it is set to the first lighting mode, which is the same as before the power outage.

In contrast, when restoring power during a power outage in time-saving state B, the system is set to a third lighting mode, which is different from the state before the power outage (the state where the lights were off).

In the subsequent processing (S110), the game control microcontroller 81 will provide notification via the status notification lamp 46 in the manner specified in the settings.

Following the initial setup (S001), interrupts are disabled (S002), and the main random number update process for normal and special symbols (S003) is executed. In this main random number update process (S003), the various random number counter values shown in Figure 6 are updated by incrementing them by 1. Each random number counter value resets to "0" and is incremented again when it reaches its upper limit. Note that the initial periodic value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be randomly changed. Furthermore, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC, etc.

Once the main random number update process for normal and special symbols (S003) is complete, interrupts are enabled (S004). While interrupts are enabled, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on interrupt pulses repeatedly input to the CPU 82, for example, at a 4 msec period. That is, it is executed at a 4 msec period. Then, between the completion of the main timer interrupt process (S005) and the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005), the update process of various counter values by the main random number update process for normal and special symbols (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 82 while interrupts are disabled, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will not start immediately, but will start after interrupts are enabled (S004).

[Main Timer Interrupt Processing] Next, the main timer interrupt processing (S005) will be explained. As shown in Figure 15, the main timer interrupt processing (S005) first executes output processing (S101). In output processing (S101), commands and other information set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 for each of the processes described below are output to the sub-control board 90, the dispensing control board 110, etc.

In the input processing (S102) that follows the output processing (S101), detection signals detected by various sensors attached to the pachinko machine 1 (first start port sensor 20a, second start port sensor 21a, first large prize port sensor 30a, second large prize port sensor 35a, normal prize port sensor 27a, etc. (see Figure 4)) are read and stored as prize ball information in the output buffer of RAM 84. Detection signals from the lower tray full switch, which detects when the lower tray 62 is full, are also acquired and stored as lower tray full data in the output buffer of RAM 84. The number of prize balls awarded for each prize port is set to a predetermined value, for example, 2 balls for the second start port 21. However, the number of prize balls awarded for each prize port can be changed as appropriate.

The next process, the regular and special symbol main random number update process (S103), is the same as the regular and special symbol main random number update process (S003) performed in the main control process shown in Figure 14. That is, the update process for the various random number counter values (including the regular symbol random number counter value) shown in Figure 6 is performed both during the execution period of the main timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) until the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103), the following processes are executed: sensor detection process (S104), normal operation process (S105), special operation process (S106), distribution member control process (S107), and specific area sensor detection process (S108), which will be described later. Then, the external terminal output process (S109) is performed. In the external terminal output process (S109), the signals set in the initial setup process (S001 shown in Figure 14) and the external terminal setting process (S914, S916, S918, or S919 shown in Figure 19), which will be described later, are output to the external terminal board 140 via the payout control board 110 (see Figure 4). After that, other processes (S110) are executed, and the main-side timer interrupt process (S005) is terminated. Other processing (S110) includes controlling the second special feature ball retention indicator 43b to display the number of balls based on the number of balls held in special feature 2 (described later), and controlling the first special feature ball retention indicator 43a to display the number of balls based on the number of balls held in special feature 1 (described later). Furthermore, the status notification lamp 46 is controlled to notify in the manner set in the initial setup processing (S001 shown in Figure 14). Then, until an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 82, steps S002 to S004 of the main control processing are repeatedly executed (see Figure 14). When an interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), the main timer interrupt processing (S005) is executed again. In the output processing (S101) of the re-executed main timer interrupt processing (S005), the commands and other information set in the output buffer of RAM 84 in the previous main timer interrupt processing (S005) are output.

[Sensor Detection Process] As shown in Figure 16, the sensor detection process (S104) first determines whether a game ball has passed through gate 28, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by gate sensor 28a (S201). If a game ball has passed through gate 28 (YES in S201), the gate passage process (S202) described below is performed. On the other hand, if a game ball has not passed through gate 28 (NO in S201), the gate passage process (S202) is skipped and the process proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the second start opening 21, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by the second start opening sensor 21a (S203). If no game ball has entered the second start opening 21 (NO in S203), the process proceeds to step S209. However, if a game ball has entered the second start opening 21 (YES in S203), it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 (the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2, specifically the value of the counter in RAM 84 that counts the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2) has reached "4" (the upper limit of memory) (S204). If the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 has reached "4" (YES in S204), the process proceeds to step S209. However, if the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 is less than "4" (NO in S204), 1 is added to the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 (S205).

Next, the Special Feature 2 related random number acquisition process (S206) is performed. In the Special Feature 2 related random number acquisition process (S206), the jackpot random number counter value (label-TRND-A), the symbol type random number counter value (label-TRND-AS), the reach random number counter value (label-TRND-RC), and the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) are acquired (i.e., the group of random numbers shown in Figure 6(A) are acquired). These acquired random numbers are then stored in the storage area of the second Special Feature Reserve Storage Unit 85b (Figure 4) corresponding to the current number of Special Feature 2 reserved balls.

Next, the second start-up winning command identification process (S207) is performed. In the second start-up winning command identification process (S207), based on the random number set stored in step S206, the second start-up winning command (an example of winning information) is identified using the start-up winning command identification table shown in Figure 13. Specifically, if the jackpot random number is "65535" and the symbol type random number is "199", the second start-up winning command is identified as "E2H01H" by referring to the second start-up slot in the start-up winning command identification table in Figure 13. Note that the command consists of two bytes of information (one byte for the upper command (e.g., E2H) and one byte for the lower command (e.g., 01H)).

The classification of jackpot random numbers in the table shown in Figure 13 corresponds to the classification in the jackpot determination table (see Figure 7(A)). Furthermore, the classification of symbol type random numbers allows for the distinction between special misses (time-saving misses) and those that do not (see Figure 7(D)). Specifically, if the jackpot random number value is between 65250 and 65535, it is determined to be a jackpot, and a second start entry command (lower command value 01H) is identified to indicate this (i.e., the acquired determination information is jackpot winning information that is expected to be determined to be a jackpot). Also, if the jackpot random number value is between 0 and 9000, it is determined to be a minor win, and a second start entry command (lower command value 02H) is identified to indicate this (i.e., the acquired determination information is minor win winning information that is expected to be determined to be a minor win). Furthermore, if the jackpot random number is between 9001 and 65249, it is determined to be a special miss. Therefore, a second starting entry command (with a lower-level command value of 04H) is identified to indicate this (i.e., that the acquired judgment information is special miss information that is expected to be determined to be a special miss).

In this version of the starting prize command, the upper digit of the two-digit hexadecimal command specifies the type of command (that it is a starting prize command). The lower digit of the upper digit specifies the type of starting gate (whether it's a win at the first starting gate 20 or the second starting gate 21). The lower digit of the two-digit hexadecimal command is the lottery result information. Note that the rules for generating such starting prize commands are just an example and can be changed as desired.

Next, the game control microcontroller 81 sets the second start-up prize command, identified in step S207, into the output buffer of RAM 84 (S208).

Next, in the sensor detection process (S104), it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first start opening 20, that is, whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first start opening sensor 20a (S209). If no game ball has entered the first start opening 20 (NO in S209), the process ends. However, if a game ball has entered the first start opening 20 (YES in S209), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1 (the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1, specifically the value of the counter in RAM 84 that counts the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1) has reached "4" (S210). If the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1 has reached "4" (YES in S210), the process ends. However, if the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1 is less than "4" (NO in S210), "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1 (S211).

Next, the Special Feature 1 related random number acquisition process (S212) is performed. In the Special Feature 1 related random number acquisition process (S212), similar to the Special Feature 2 related random number acquisition process (S206), the jackpot random number counter value (label-TRND-A), the symbol type random number counter value (label-TRND-AS), the reach random number counter value (label-TRND-RC), and the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) are acquired (i.e., the group of random numbers shown in Figure 6(A) are acquired). These acquired random numbers are then stored in the memory area of the first Special Feature Reserve Storage Unit 85a (Figure 4) corresponding to the current number of Special Feature 1 reserved balls.

Next, the first start-winning command identification process (S213) is performed. In the first start-winning command identification process (S213), based on the random number set stored in step S212, the first start-winning command (an example of winning information) is identified using the start-winning command identification table shown in Figure 13. Specifically, if the jackpot random number is "65535" and the symbol type random number is "199", the command "E1H01H" is identified as the first start-winning command by referring to the first start-up slot in the start-winning command identification table in Figure 13. The identified first start-winning command contains the lottery result information.

Similar to the second starting prize entry command described above, the classification of jackpot random numbers in the table shown in Figure 13 corresponds to the classification in the jackpot judgment table (see Figure 7(A)). Furthermore, the classification of symbol type random numbers allows for the distinction between special misses (time-saving misses) and other types (see Figure 7(D)). Specifically, if the jackpot random number value is between 65250 and 65535, it is judged as a jackpot, and a first starting prize entry command (with a lower-level command value of 01H) is identified to indicate this (i.e., the acquired judgment information is jackpot winning information that is expected to be judged as a jackpot). Also, if the jackpot random number value is between 0 and 65249, it is judged as a normal miss, and a first starting prize entry command (with a lower-level command value of 03H) is identified to indicate this (i.e., the acquired judgment information is normal miss information that is expected to be judged as a normal miss).

Next, the game control microcontroller 81 sets the first start-winning command identified in step S213 into the output buffer of RAM 84 (S214), and then completes its processing.

[Gate Passage Processing] As shown in Figure 17, the gate passage processing (S202) first determines whether or not the normal symbol variation is in standby mode (S221). Standby mode for normal symbol variation means that neither normal symbol variation display nor auxiliary gameplay is currently running. If the normal symbol variation is not in standby mode (NO in S221), this process ends immediately. However, if the normal symbol variation is in standby mode (YES in S221), the normal symbol random number acquisition processing (S222) is performed. In the normal symbol random number acquisition processing (S222), the normal symbol random number counter value (value of label-TRND-H, Figure 6(B)) is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in a predetermined memory area of RAM 84.

[Normal Operation Processing] Following the sensor detection processing (S104), the game control microcomputer 81 performs the normal operation processing (S105) shown in Figure 18. In the normal operation processing (S105), it first determines whether the electric chute 22 is operating or not (S301). If the electric chute is not operating (NO in S301), it then determines whether the normal symbols are currently stopped (from the start to the end of the normal symbol stop time) or not (S302). If the normal symbols are not currently stopped (NO in S302), it then determines whether the normal symbols are currently fluctuating (S303). If the normal symbols are not currently fluctuating (NO in S303), it then determines whether there is a memory of the normal symbol random number obtained in step S222 above (S304). If there is no memory of the normal symbol random number (NO in S304), this process ends.

If a normal symbol random number is stored in step S304 (YES in S304), the hit determination process (S305) is performed. In the hit determination process (S305), if it is not a time-saving state, it is determined whether it is a hit or not based on the normal symbol hit determination table for the non-time-saving state (see the non-time-saving state column in the table shown in Figure 10-1(A)). If it is a time-saving state (time-saving state A, time-saving state B), it is determined whether it is a hit or not based on the normal symbol hit determination table for the time-saving state (see the time-saving state column in the table shown in Figure 10-1(A)). Then, a symbol determination process is performed to set the normal symbol stop symbol data according to the result of the hit determination process into a predetermined storage area of RAM 84 (S306). In other words, in the symbol determination process (S306), if it is a "miss", data corresponding to the "normal miss symbol" is set, and if it is a "hit", data corresponding to the "normal win symbol" is set. In this configuration, the probability of winning a regular symbol draw is the same whether the game is in a non-shortened time state or a shortened time state (shortened time state A, shortened time state B).

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the normal symbol variation time determination process (S307). In the normal symbol variation time determination process (S307), it refers to the normal symbol variation pattern determination table shown in Figure 10-1(B). If the game state is not a time-saving state, it selects a normal symbol variation pattern with a variation time of 60 seconds. On the other hand, if the game state is time-saving state A, it selects a normal symbol variation pattern with a variation time of 1 second, and if the game state is time-saving state B, it selects a normal symbol variation pattern with a variation time of 30 seconds.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 81 begins displaying the normal symbol variation pattern selected in step S307 (S310). Accordingly, a normal symbol variation start command is set on the sub-control board 90 to notify it of the start of the normal symbol variation.

If the display of the normal symbols is active in step S303 (YES in S303), the system then determines whether the normal symbol variation time has elapsed (S311). If it has not elapsed, the process ends. If it has elapsed (YES in S311), the normal symbol variation display is stopped with a display result corresponding to the normal symbol random number determination result (normal winning symbol or normal losing symbol) (S312). Then, a normal symbol variation stop command is set on the sub-control board 90 to indicate the stop of the normal symbol variation (S313), and the normal symbol stop time (500 ms in this embodiment; see Figure 10-1(B)) is set (S314), ending the process.

Furthermore, if the normal symbol is displayed stopped in step S302 as described above (YES in S302), then it is determined in step S314 whether the stop time for the normal symbol set has elapsed (S315). If it has not elapsed, the process ends. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S315), it is determined whether the normal symbol stop symbol data for a normal winning symbol has been set (S316). If it is not the data for a normal winning symbol (i.e., if it is not a win (NO in S316)), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is the data for a normal winning symbol (i.e., if it is a win (YES in S316)), the opening pattern for the electric tuner 22 is set (S317). Specifically, if it is not in a time-saving state, the opening pattern for the non-time-saving state (see electric tuner opening TBL1 in Figure 10-1(C)) is set as the opening pattern for the electric tuner 22. In response to this, if the machine is in time-saving state A, the opening pattern for time-saving state A (see electric tuner opening TBL2 in Figure 10-1(C)) is set as the opening pattern for the electric tuner 22. If the machine is in time-saving state B, the opening pattern for time-saving state B (see electric tuner opening TBL3 in Figure 10-1(C)) is set as the opening pattern for the electric tuner 22. Then, the electric tuner 22 is operated according to the opening pattern set in step S317 (S318).

Furthermore, if the electric chute 22 is operating in step S301 (YES in S301), the system then determines whether the operating time for the electric chute 22 has elapsed (S319). If it has not elapsed, the process ends. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S319), the operation of the electric chute 22 is terminated (S320).

[Special Operation Processing] Following the normal operation processing (S105), the game control microcomputer 81 performs the special operation processing (S106) shown in Figure 19. In the special operation processing (S106), the processing related to the special symbol display 41 and the big prize devices (first big prize device 31 and second big prize device 36) is divided into five stages, and each of these stages is assigned a "special operation status 1, 2, 3, 4, 5". The initial setting for the special operation status is "1". If the "special operation status" is "1" (YES in S901), the game control microcomputer 81 performs the special symbol standby processing (S902) described later.

Furthermore, if the "Special Operation Status" is "2" (NO in S901, YES in S903), the special symbol variation processing (S904) described below is performed, followed by the external terminal setting processing (S914). In this external terminal setting processing (S914), when the special symbol stops, the output mode of the symbol confirmation signal indicating that the special symbol has stopped is set to the ON mode (output mode). When the signal set here is output to the external terminal board 140 in the external terminal output processing (S109), the external terminal board 140, upon receiving it, outputs the symbol confirmation signal to the data display 160 for a very short time (approximately 0.1 seconds).

If the "Special Operation Status" is "3" (NO in both S901 and S903, YES in S905), the special symbol confirmation process (S906) described below is performed, followed by the external terminal setting process (S916). In this external terminal setting process (S916), the output modes of status signals 1 and 2 are set when the game state is changed, etc. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10-2, when executing a jackpot game, the output modes of status signals 1 and 2 are all set to the ON mode (output mode), when executing a minor jackpot game, the output modes of status signals 1 and 2 are all set to the ON mode, when transitioning to a non-time-saving state, the output modes of status signals 1 and 2 are all set to the ON mode, when transitioning to time-saving state A (normal time-saving state), the output mode of status signal 1 is set to the ON mode and the output mode of status signal 2 is set to the OFF mode, and when transitioning to time-saving state B (slight time-saving state), the output modes of status signal 1 and status signal 2 are all set to the OFF mode. When the signal set here is output to the external terminal board 140 via external terminal output processing (S109), the external terminal board 140, upon receiving it, outputs status signals 1 and 2 to the data display unit 160 in the manner specified in the setting.

If the "Special Operation Status" is "4" (NO in S901, S903, and S905, and YES in S907), the special electric mechanism processing 1 (S908) for the jackpot game is performed, followed by the external terminal setting process (S918). This external terminal setting process (S918) sets the output modes of status signals 1 and 2 at the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, if the game state after the jackpot game is time-saving state A (normal time-saving state), the output mode of status signal 1 is set to ON, and the output mode of status signal 2 is set to OFF. When the signals set here are output to the external terminal board 140 via the external terminal output process (S109), the external terminal board 140, upon receiving them, outputs status signals 1 and 2 to the data display 160 in the manner specified by the settings.

If the "Special Operation Status" is "5" (all of S901, S903, S905, and S907 are NO), the special electric mechanism processing 2 (S909) for the minor win game is performed, followed by the external terminal setting process (S919). In this external terminal setting process (S919), if a V-pass occurs during the minor win game, the output modes of status signals 1 and 2 are all set to the ON mode (output mode) when executing the two types of major win games. When the signals set here are output to the external terminal board 140 via the external terminal output process (S109), the external terminal board 140, upon receiving them, outputs status signals 1 and 2 to the data display 160 in the mode specified by the settings.

[Special Symbol Waiting Process] As shown in Figure 20, in the special symbol waiting process (S902), it is first determined whether the number of balls held in the second starting port 21 (i.e., the number of balls held in special symbol 2) is "0" (S1001). If the number of balls held in special symbol 2 is "0" (YES in S1001), that is, if there is no memory of the group of random number counter values obtained due to a ball entering the second starting port 21, it is determined whether the number of balls held in the first starting port 20 (i.e., the number of balls held in special symbol 1) is "0" (S1007). Then, if the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 1 is also "0" (YES in S1007), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter values acquired due to entry into the first start opening 20, it is determined (S1013) whether the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 has already been set to the standby screen (a demo screen for waiting customers). If so (YES in S1013), the process ends; otherwise (NO in S1013), the standby screen setting process (S1014) is performed. In the standby screen setting process (S1014), after waiting for a predetermined waiting time to elapse, a customer waiting command is set to display the standby screen.

If, in step S1001, the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 is not "0" (NO in S1001), that is, if there is a memory of a group of random counter values acquired due to entry into the second start opening 21 (reserved information for Special Feature 2), the Special Feature 2 jackpot determination process (S1002) and the Special Feature 2 variation pattern selection process (S1003) described later are performed. After that, the game control microcomputer 81 decrements the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 by 1 (S1004). Then, the storage location (memory area) of various counter values in the second Special Feature reserved memory unit 85b is shifted one position from the current position to the side from which it is read, and the memory area corresponding to the fourth reserved ball in the second Special Feature reserved memory unit 85b (the memory area furthest from the side from which it is read) is cleared (S1005). In this way, the reserved balls in the second Special Feature are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the Special Feature 2 variation start process (S1006). In the Special Symbol 2 Variation Start Processing (S1006), the special operation status is set to "2," and the variation start command is set in the output buffer of RAM 84, thereby starting the variation display of the second special symbol. The variation start command (also called the Special Symbol 2 Variation Start Command) set in the Special Symbol 2 Variation Start Processing (S1006) includes information on the special symbol stop symbol data set in the Special Symbol 2 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1002) and information on the variation pattern (including variation time information) set in the Special Symbol 2 Variation Pattern Selection Processing (S1003).

Furthermore, if the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 is "0" but the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 1 is not "0" (YES in S1001 and NO in S1007), that is, if there is no reserved information for Special Feature 2, but there is one or more stored random counter values (reserved information for Special Feature 1) acquired due to entry into the first start opening 20, the Special Feature 1 jackpot determination process (S1008) and the Special Feature 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009) described later are performed. After that, the game control microcomputer 81 decrements the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 1 by 1 (S1010). Then, the storage location (storage area) of various counter values in the first Special Feature reserved storage unit 85a is shifted one position from the current position to the side from which it is read, and the storage area corresponding to the fourth reserved ball in the first Special Feature reserved storage unit 85a (the storage area furthest from the side from which it is read) is cleared (S1011). In this way, the reserved balls in the first Special Feature are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the Special Symbol 1 variation start process (S1012). In the Special Symbol 1 variation start process (S1012), the special operation status is set to "2," and the variation start command is set in the output buffer of RAM 84, thereby starting the variation display of the first special symbol. The variation start command (also called the Special Symbol 1 variation start command) set in the Special Symbol 1 variation start process (S1012) includes information on the special symbol stop data set in the Special Symbol 1 jackpot determination process (S1008) and information on the variation pattern (including variation time information) set in the Special Symbol 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009).

As described above, in this configuration, the display of special symbol variations based on the first special symbol hold is performed only when the second special symbol hold is "0" (YES in S1001). That is, the consumption of the second special symbol hold takes precedence over the consumption of the first special symbol hold. Furthermore, in this configuration, if a minor win is achieved through the lottery based on the second special symbol hold, the player is guaranteed to pass through specific area 39 during that minor win game. This point will be explained in detail later.

[Special Feature 2 Jackpot Determination Processing (Special Feature 1 Jackpot Determination Processing)] The Special Feature 2 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1002) and the Special Feature 1 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1008) have the same processing flow, so they will be explained together based on Figure 21. As shown in Figure 21, in either the Special Feature 2 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1002) or the Special Feature 1 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1008), first, the jackpot random number counter value (the value of label-TRND-A) is read as the determination value (S1101). In detail, in the Special Feature 2 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1002), the jackpot random number counter value stored in the second special feature hold storage unit 85b of the RAM 84 (more specifically, the storage area corresponding to the first of the second special feature holds) is read. Furthermore, in the special feature 1 jackpot determination process (S1008), the jackpot random number counter value stored in the first special feature reserve storage unit 85a of the RAM 84 (specifically, the storage area corresponding to the first special feature reserve) is read.

Next, the jackpot determination table (Figure 7(A)) is set (S1102). Then, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot based on the set jackpot determination table (S1103). That is, it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number counter value (label-TRND-A) matches any of the jackpot determination values from "65250" to "65535" (see Figure 7(A)). If the result of the jackpot determination (S1103) is "jackpot", the jackpot flag is turned ON (S1104), and the symbol type random number counter value (value of label-TRND-AS) is read, and the jackpot symbol type (type of jackpot) is determined based on the jackpot symbol type determination table shown in Figure 7(B) (S1105). After determining the type of winning symbol (S1105), the special symbol stop data corresponding to the winning symbol type (see Figure 7(B)) is set in the special symbol type buffer in RAM 84 (S1106), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination (S1103) is not "jackpot," it is determined whether it is a minor win or not (S1107). Specifically, in the Special Figure 2 jackpot determination process (S1002), it is determined whether the jackpot random number counter value matches any of the minor win determination values between "0" and "9000" (see the Special Figure 2 column in Figure 7(A)). Also, in the Special Figure 1 jackpot determination process (S1008), it is determined that it is not a minor win (see the Special Figure 1 column in Figure 7(A)). Note that the probability of winning a minor win is higher in the Special Figure 2 lottery than in the Special Figure 1 lottery. More specifically, the probability of winning a minor win in the Special Figure 1 lottery is "zero," while the probability of winning a minor win in the Special Figure 2 lottery is approximately 1/7.

If the result of the minor win determination (S1107) is "minor win," the minor win flag is turned ON (S1108), the symbol type random number counter value (the value of label-TRND-AS) is read, and the minor win symbol type (type of minor win) is determined based on the minor win symbol type determination table shown in Figure 7(C) (S1109). After determining the minor win symbol type (S1109), the special symbol stop symbol data corresponding to the minor win symbol type (see Figure 7(C)) is set in the special symbol type buffer provided in RAM 84 (S1110), and the process ends. Note that a separate random number may be used to determine whether it is a minor win or not, in addition to the major win random number.

Furthermore, if it is neither a big win (NO in S1103) nor a small win (NO in S1107), it is a "miss." Therefore, the symbol type random number counter value (the value of label-TRND-AS) is read, and the type of missing symbol (the type of miss) is determined based on the missing symbol type determination table shown in Figure 7(D) (S1112). After determining the type of missing symbol (S1112), the special symbol stop symbol data corresponding to the type of missing symbol (see Figure 7(D)) is set in the special symbol type buffer provided in RAM 84 (S1113), and the process ends.

[Special Feature 2 Variation Pattern Selection Process (Special Feature 1 Variation Pattern Selection Process)] Since the Special Feature 2 Variation Pattern Selection Process (S1003) and the Special Feature 1 Variation Pattern Selection Process (S1009) have the same processing flow, they will be explained together based on Figures 22 and 23. As shown in Figure 22, in either the Special Feature 2 Variation Pattern Selection Process (S1003) or the Special Feature 1 Variation Pattern Selection Process (S1009), it is first determined whether the game state is a non-time-saving state (whether the time-saving flag is OFF or not) (S1301).

If the game is not in a time-saving state (YES in S1301), the next step is to determine whether the jackpot flag is ON or OFF (S1302). If it is ON (YES in S1302), the game refers to the table for jackpots in non-time-saving states (the part of the table shown in Figure 11 that corresponds to jackpots) and selects a variation pattern based on the variation pattern random number counter value (the value of label-TRND-T1) (S1303). As shown in Figure 11, once the variation pattern is determined, the variation time is also determined.

Each variation pattern is associated with a corresponding variation animation. Once a variation pattern is determined, the animation corresponding to that pattern is executed. Specifically, for example, a special reach (SP Reach) is executed based on variation pattern P1, while a normal reach (N Reach) is executed based on variation pattern P2 (see the remarks column in the table shown in Figure 11). Here, an SP Reach (Super Reach) is a reach with a longer variation time after the reach than a normal reach, and the distribution rate in the table is set so that the probability of winning (the expected probability of winning a jackpot) is higher than that of a normal reach. In this configuration, a Super Reach is executed progressively after a normal reach.

Furthermore, in step S1302, if the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S1302), it is determined whether the minor jackpot flag is ON or not (S1304). If it is ON (YES in S1304), the table for minor jackpots in non-time-saving states (the part of the table shown in Figure 11 corresponding to minor jackpots) is referenced, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1305).

Furthermore, in step S1304, if the minor win flag is not ON (NO in S1304), it is determined whether the type of losing symbol is "losing symbol B", "losing symbol C", or "losing symbol D" (S1306). If the type of losing symbol is "losing symbol B", "losing symbol C", or "losing symbol D" (YES in S1306), the table for losing symbols during non-time-saving states (the part of the table shown in Figure 11 that corresponds to losing symbol B, losing symbol C, or losing symbol D) is referred to, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (value of label-TRND-T1) (S1307). In this embodiment, if it is losing symbol B, variation pattern P8 is determined. If it is losing symbol C, variation pattern P13 is determined. If it is losing symbol D, variation pattern P14 is determined. However, losing symbols C and D can only be won through the lottery in Special Symbol 2, and since the lottery in Special Symbol 2 is basically not conducted in non-time-saving states, these variation patterns P13 and P14 will not be selected as long as the game is played correctly.

Furthermore, in step S1306, if it is neither "Loss Symbol B," "Loss Symbol C," nor "Loss Symbol D" (NO in S1306), it is a normal miss (Loss Symbol A, see Figure 9). Therefore, it is then determined whether the reach random number counter value (value of label-TRND-RC) is a reach-establishing random number value (S1310). As shown in Figure 7(E), the reach-establishing random number value is "0" to "11" in the time-saving state, and "0" to "27" in the non-time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, it is less likely to get a reach on a normal miss than in the non-time-saving state. This is to speed up the consumption of special symbol reserves by selecting more non-reach misses with short variation times in the time-saving state. If the reach random number counter value is the random number value indicating a reach (YES in S1310), that is, in the case of a reach that results in a loss, the table for reaches that result in a loss during non-time-saving states (the part of the table shown in Figure 11 that corresponds to reaches that result in a loss) is referenced, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1311).

On the other hand, if the reach random number counter value is not the random number value for a reach (NO in S1310), that is, if it is a no-reach loss, the table for no-reach losses during non-time-saving states (the part of the table shown in Figure 11 that corresponds to no-reach losses) is referred to, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1312).

Furthermore, in the special symbol 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009), when a no-reach occurs, a function for shortening the variation according to the number of reserved balls is activated. Specifically, when the number of reserved balls for the special symbol is "3" or "4," a variation pattern with a shorter variation time is selected compared to when the number of reserved balls for the special symbol is "0" to "2."

Furthermore, in step S1301, if it is determined that the game state is not a non-time-saving state (NO in S1301), i.e., if it is determined to be a time-saving state, then, as shown in Figure 23, if the type of time-saving state is "Time-Saving State A" (YES in S1313), a variation pattern is selected according to the special symbol variation pattern determination table for time-saving state A shown in Figure 12(A) (S1314). If the type of time-saving state is "Time-Saving State B" (NO in S1313), a variation pattern is selected according to the special symbol variation pattern determination table for time-saving state B shown in Figure 12(B) (S1315). In this embodiment, the type of time-saving state is determined by referring to the value of the game state flag described later (see the table in Figure 26-1).

In selecting a variation pattern during the time-saving state, the process is the same as in the non-time-saving state, except that the special symbol variation pattern determination table used is set to the table corresponding to each time-saving state (see Figures 12(A) to (B)). In time-saving state A, the lottery for special symbol 2 is mainly performed. Regardless of whether the result of the lottery for special symbol 2 is a big win, a small win, a losing symbol C (one of the special losing symbols), or a losing symbol D (one of the special losing symbols), a variation pattern with a variation time of 30 seconds (one of P31 to P34 corresponding to the lottery result) is selected, as shown in Figure 12(A). This is because a reach演出 called "Battle Reach" is always performed when special symbol 2 is varied in time-saving state A. Furthermore, if the result of the lottery in Special Figure 2 is a jackpot or a minor win, a victory-type (success-type) battle reach (a battle reach that branches into a victory-type (success-type) sequence) will be performed. If the result of the lottery in Special Figure 2 is a special miss (miss symbol C or miss symbol D), a defeat-type (failure-type) battle reach (a battle reach that branches into a defeat-type (failure-type) sequence) will be performed.

Incidentally, in this configuration, even if losing symbols C or D are displayed, if the time-saving flag (described later) is ON, the game will not transition to time-saving state B. Therefore, in time-saving state A, losing symbols C and D only trigger the control of time-saving state B during the final spin (this point will be explained in detail later), and losing symbols C and D during spins other than the final spin essentially function as normal losses.

Then, when Time-Saving State A ends and transitions to Time-Saving State B, the first thing that happens is a variation based on the remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2. Regardless of whether the result of this lottery based on the remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 is a jackpot, a minor jackpot, a losing symbol C (one of the special losing symbols), or a losing symbol D (one of the special losing symbols), a variation pattern with a variation time of 50 seconds (corresponding to the lottery result from P51 to P54) is selected, as shown in Figure 12(B). This is because, even during the variation of Special Symbol 2 in Time-Saving State B, a "Battle Reach" reach演出 (reach演出) is always executed. In other words, in this form, whether a jackpot (Type 1 jackpot or Type 2 jackpot) can be won based on the remaining reserved symbols (maximum 4) in Special Symbol 2 when Time-Saving State A ends is indicated by a Battle Reach that is longer than that in Time-Saving State A.

Furthermore, if the result of the lottery in Special Feature 2 is a jackpot or a minor win, a victory-type (success-type) battle reach will be performed. If the result of the lottery in Special Feature 2 is a special miss (miss symbol C or miss symbol D), a defeat-type (failure-type) battle reach will be performed. Incidentally, in Time-Saving State B, the game is played by shooting to the left. Therefore, the stop time when a minor win is achieved is set to a long 20,000ms. This is to prompt the player to shoot to the right during this period and encourage the occurrence of a V-pass.

Furthermore, in the special feature variation pattern determination table during the time-saving state A related to special feature 1 (see Figure 12(A)), the function of shortening the variation according to the number of reserved balls when there is a no-reach miss is activated when the number of reserved balls is "2" to "4". In other words, shortening the variation is more likely to be selected than in the non-time-saving state. Also, the probability of selecting a variation pattern with a long variation time when a jackpot is won is lower than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, a variation pattern with a shorter variation time is more likely to be selected than in the non-time-saving state. In short, the variation pattern determination table during the time-saving state is designed to result in shorter variation times than the variation pattern determination table during the non-time-saving state.

After selecting the variation pattern as described above, the selected variation pattern is set (S1320) as shown in Figure 22, and this process is completed. The information of the variation pattern set in step S1320 is included in the variation start command set in step S1006 or S1012 of the special symbol waiting process (S902).

[Special Symbol Fluctuation Processing] As shown in Figure 24, in the special symbol fluctuation processing (S904), it is first determined whether the fluctuation time for the special symbol (the fluctuation time determined according to the fluctuation pattern selected in step S1003 or S1009, see Figures 11 and 12) has elapsed (S1501). If it has not elapsed (NO in S1501), this process is immediately terminated. This allows the display of the special symbol fluctuation to continue.

On the other hand, if the variation time has elapsed (YES in S1501), the variation stop command is set (S1502), and the special operation status is set to "3" (S1503). Then, other processing is performed, such as stopping the variation display of the special symbols with a symbol (jackpot symbol, minor win symbol, or losing symbol) corresponding to the set special symbol stop symbol data (see Figures 7(B) to (D)) (S1504), and this process is completed.

[Special Symbol Confirmation Process] As shown in Figure 25, the special symbol confirmation process (S906) first determines whether the special symbol's stop time (see Figures 11 and 12) has elapsed (S1601). If it has not elapsed (NO in S1601), this process is immediately terminated. On the other hand, if the stop time has elapsed (YES in S1601), the game state management process described later is performed (S1602).

Next, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON or NOT ON (S1603). If the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1603), the special operation status is set to "4" (S1604). Then, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time-saving flag is ON or NOT ON (S1605). If it is NOT ON, the process proceeds to step S1607-1. If it is ON, the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S1606) and the process proceeds to step S1607-1. As a result, the game is controlled to a non-time-saving state (low base state) during the execution of a jackpot game. Note that in this configuration, the low base state means that there is no support for winning due to the frequent opening of the electric tuner 22, and does not take into account the base increase based on the operation of the jackpot winning device.

In step S1607-1, the game control microcomputer 81 clears the value of the ceiling counter to 0. As will be described later, in this configuration of the pachinko machine 1, after a predetermined number of special symbol variations (display of special symbols) have occurred after the end of a jackpot game, the machine switches from a non-time-saving state to time-saving state A without going through another jackpot game. This predetermined number is called the ceiling count, and in this configuration, it is set to 610. Reaching the ceiling count after the number of special symbol variations following a jackpot game is called reaching the ceiling. The ceiling counter is set to "610" at the end of a jackpot game and is decremented by 1 each time a special symbol variation occurs. Step S1607-1 is the process of clearing the value of this ceiling counter to 0 at the start of a jackpot game.

Following step S1607-1, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the shooting instruction lamp 45 to the right-shooting notification mode, that is, to light it up (S1607-2). This indicates to the player that they should shoot to the right. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the status notification lamp 46 to the first lighting mode, that is, both the right-side status notification lamp 46a and the left-side status notification lamp 46b are lit up because the time-saving state is over (S1607-3). After that, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the jackpot opening command (see Figure 8) to start the jackpot game (S1607-4) and starts the opening of the jackpot game (S1608). Following step S1608, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening pattern (see Figure 8 for details) according to the type of jackpot symbol that was won (S1609). At this time, the value of the large prize slot opening counter, which counts the number of times the large prize slot opens during special gameplay, is set to a value corresponding to the type of winning symbol. Note that the opening pattern setting (setting the data according to the opening pattern) may be performed for each round.

On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is not ON in step S1603 (NO in S1603), the system then determines whether the minor jackpot flag is ON or not (S1610). If the minor jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1610), the special operation status is set to "5" (S1611). Note that if the minor jackpot flag is ON, the time-saving flag is not turned OFF even if it is ON. Then, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the shooting instruction lamp 45 to the right-shooting notification mode, i.e., lights it up (S1612-1). This indicates to the player that they should shoot to the right. After that, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the minor jackpot opening command (see Figure 8) to start the minor jackpot game (S1612-2), and starts the opening of the minor jackpot game (S1613).

Following step S1613, the game control microcomputer 81 sets an opening pattern corresponding to the type of winning small prize symbol (see Figure 8 for details) (S1614). At this time, the value of the large prize opening counter is set to a value corresponding to the type of winning small prize symbol. Then, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the distribution member activation flag (S1615) and completes this process. The distribution member activation flag indicates that it is time to activate the distribution member 71. In other words, in this configuration, the operation of the distribution member 71 begins with the opening of the small prize game. The operation patterns of the distribution member will be described in detail later.

If the minor win flag is not ON in step S1610 (NO in S1610), neither the big win game nor the minor win game will start. Therefore, the special operation status is set to "1" (S1616), and this process ends.

[Game State Management Processing] As shown in Figure 26-1, in the game state management processing (S1602), first, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON or OFF (S1701). If it is not ON, the process proceeds to step S1707. If it is ON, the value of the time-saving counter, which counts the number of special symbol variations (display of special symbols) performed during the time-saving state, is decremented by 1 (S1702), and it is determined whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0" or OFF (S1703). If it is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1707. If it is "0", the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S1704), and the game state flag update processing (S1705) is performed to control the playing instruction lamp 45 to the left-hand play notification mode, that is, to turn it off (S1706-1). By controlling the playing instruction lamp 45 to the left-hand play notification mode (off mode), the player is indicated that they should play left-handed. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the status indicator lamps 46 to the first illumination mode; that is, both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are illuminated because the time-saving state is gone (S1706-2). Then, the process proceeds to step S1707.

Here, in the game state flag update process of step S1705, the value of the game state flag is set to a value corresponding to the current game state. As shown in the table in Figure 26-1, the value of the game state flag is set to "1" if the game is not in a time-saving state, to "2" if it is in time-saving state A (normal time-saving state), and to "3" if it is in time-saving state B (slight time-saving state). In this game state flag update process (S1705), since the time-saving flag has been turned OFF, the value of the game state flag is set to "1", which corresponds to the non-time-saving state.

In step S1707, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a sudden time processing, which will be described later. The sudden time processing (S1707) is a process related to controlling the game to a time-saving state based on special misses (miss symbols B, C, and D). Following step S1707, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a ceiling processing (S1720), which will be described later. The ceiling processing (S1720) is a process related to controlling the game to a time-saving state based on reaching the ceiling. Following step S1720, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a game state specification command containing game state flag information (i.e., information on the current game state) in the output buffer of the RAM 84 (S1730). This command is output, notifying the sub-control board 90 of the current game state information.

[Sudden Time Processing] As shown in Figure 26-2, in sudden time processing (S1707), the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the stopped special symbol is "Loss Symbol B," "Loss Symbol C," or "Loss Symbol D" (S1710). If the stopped special symbol is neither "Loss Symbol B," "Loss Symbol C," nor "Loss Symbol D" (NO in S1710), this process ends. However, if the stopped special symbol is "Loss Symbol B," "Loss Symbol C," or "Loss Symbol D" (YES in S1710), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time-saving flag is OFF (S1711). If the time-saving flag is OFF (YES in S1711), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S1712).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the displayed special symbol is a "losing symbol B" (S1713). If it is a losing symbol B (YES in S1713), it controls the play instruction lamp 45 to the right-hand play notification mode (lighting mode) (S1714). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the status notification lamp 46 to the second lighting mode, that is, it turns off the right-side status notification lamp 46a and lights up the left-side status notification lamp 46b (S1715). By controlling the status notification lamp 46 to the second lighting mode, the player can understand that the game state is time-saving state A (normal time-saving state).

Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 81 determines in step S1711 whether the time-saving flag is ON (not OFF) (NO in S1711), and whether the losing symbol B is not shown in step S1713 (NO in S1713), whether the play instruction lamp 45 is controlled to the left-hand play notification mode (off mode) (S1716). If the play instruction lamp 45 is controlled to the left-hand play notification mode (off mode) (YES in S1716), the process proceeds to step S1718. However, if the play instruction lamp 45 is controlled to the right-hand play notification mode (on mode) (NO in S1716), the play instruction lamp 45 is controlled to the left-hand play notification mode (off mode), and the process proceeds to step S1718.

In step S1718, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the status indicator lamps 46 are controlled to be off. If the status indicator lamps 46 are controlled to be off (YES in S1718), the process proceeds to step S1720. However, if the status indicator lamps 46 are not controlled to be off (NO in S1718), the game control microcomputer 81 controls the status indicator lamps 46 to be off, that is, both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are turned off (S1719).

After steps S1715, S1718, and S1719 described above, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the number of time-saving rounds (see Figure 9) corresponding to the type of losing symbol in the time-saving counter (S1720). Then, it performs the game state flag update process (S1721).

In step S1721, the game state flag update process, the time-saving flag is turned ON based on "Loss Symbol B," "Loss Symbol C," or "Loss Symbol D." Therefore, the value of the game state flag is set according to the type of losing symbol. When the time-saving flag is OFF (i.e., not in a time-saving state) and it is "Loss Symbol B," the value is set to "2," which corresponds to time-saving state A. This controls the game to time-saving state A. Conversely, when the time-saving flag is ON (i.e., in time-saving state A or time-saving state B) and it is "Loss Symbol B," "Loss Symbol C," or "Loss Symbol D," the value is set to "3," which corresponds to time-saving state B. This controls the game to time-saving state B.

The time-saving mode ends when either a predetermined maximum number of special symbol changes (time-saving rounds) are performed, or the next jackpot game is executed. Thus, in this mode, the time-saving mode may be activated even when the result is a loss.

[Ceiling Processing] As shown in Figure 26-3, in ceiling processing (S1720), the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the value of the ceiling counter is greater than 0 (S1721). If the result of this determination is NO, the process is immediately terminated. However, if the result of this determination is YES, the value of the ceiling counter is decremented by 1 (S1722), and it is determined whether the value of the ceiling counter is 0 (S1723).

Then, if the value of the ceiling counter is not 0 (NO in S1723), this process is immediately terminated. However, if the value of the ceiling counter is 0 (YES in S1723), the ceiling has been reached, so the time-saving flag is turned ON (S1724), and the number of time-saving rounds corresponding to reaching the ceiling (6 rounds in this form) is set in the time-saving counter (S1725). Next, the game state flag update process (S1726) is performed, and the play instruction lamp 45 is controlled to the right-hand play notification mode (lit mode) (S1727). By controlling the play instruction lamp 45 to the right-hand play notification mode (lit mode), the player is indicated that they should play to the right. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the state notification lamp 46 to the second lighting mode, that is, the right-side state notification lamp 46a is turned off, and the left-side state notification lamp 46b is turned on (S1728). When the status indicator lamp 46 is controlled to the second lighting mode, the player is indicated to be in time-saving state A (normal time-saving state).

In step S1726, the game state flag update process, since the time-saving flag was turned ON based on reaching the ceiling, the value of the game state flag is set to "2," which corresponds to time-saving state A. This controls the game to time-saving state A, with 6 time-saving rounds.

[Special Electric Mechanism Processing 1 (Big Win Game)] Special Electric Mechanism Processing 1 is the processing for executing big win games, such as Type 1 Big Win Game and Type 2 Big Win Game. As shown in Figure 27, Special Electric Mechanism Processing 1 (S908) first determines whether the big win completion flag is ON or OFF (S2001). The big win completion flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of the first big prize device 31 has been completed in the winning big win game.

If the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2001), it is determined whether the first jackpot entry point 30 is open or not (i.e., whether the first jackpot entry device 31 is open or not) (S2002). If it is not open (NO in S2002), it is determined whether the time to open the first jackpot entry point 30 has arrived, that is, whether the jackpot opening time has elapsed and the time to start opening the first jackpot entry point 30 has arrived, or whether the interval time between openings has elapsed and the time to start the next opening has arrived (S2003).

If the result of step S2003 is NO, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S2003 is YES, the first large prize slot 30 is opened according to the set opening pattern (S2004).

In step S2002, if the first large prize slot 30 is open (YES in S2002), it is determined whether the number of balls that have entered the first large prize slot 30 in that unit of play has reached the prescribed maximum number of balls (10 in this configuration) (S2005). If the prescribed number of balls has not been reached (NO in S2005), it is determined whether it is time to close the first large prize slot 30 (i.e., whether the prescribed opening time (see Figure 8) has elapsed since the first large prize slot 30 was opened) (S2006). If the opening time for the first large prize slot 30 has not elapsed (NO in S2006), this process ends.

In contrast, if the specified number of winning entries has been reached (YES in S2005) or if the opening time for the first large prize slot 30 has elapsed (YES in S2006), that is, if either of the two opening termination conditions is met, the first large prize slot 30 is closed (blocked) (S2007). Then, the value of the large prize slot opening counter is decremented by 1 (S2008), and it is determined whether the value of the large prize slot opening counter is "0" or not (S2009). If it is not "0" (NO in S2009), the process ends immediately in order to start the next opening.

On the other hand, if the value is "0" (YES in S2009), the jackpot ending command (see Figure 8) is set (S2010) to end the jackpot game, and the jackpot ending sequence begins (S2011). Then, the jackpot end flag is set, and the process is completed (S2012).

Furthermore, if the jackpot completion flag is ON in step S2001 (YES in S2001), the opening of the first jackpot entry point 30 in the jackpot game has been completed. Therefore, it is determined whether the jackpot ending time has elapsed (S2013). If the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2013), the process ends. On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2013), the jackpot completion flag is turned OFF (S2014), and the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2015). Then, after setting the special operation status to "1" (S2016), the game state setting process described later (S2017) is performed, and this process ends.

[Game State Setting Process] As shown in Figure 28, in the game state setting process (S2017), first, it is determined whether the winning symbol (jackpot symbol or minor win symbol) that triggered the execution of this jackpot game is a symbol that triggers control to the time-saving state (see Figure 8) (S2101). If the result of this determination is YES, the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2102), and the number of time-saving rounds (see Figure 8) corresponding to the type of winning symbol and the game state at the time of winning is set in the time-saving counter (S2103-1). Then, the shooting instruction lamp 45 is controlled to the right-shooting notification mode (lighting mode) (S2103-2), and the state notification lamp 46 is controlled to the second lighting mode (only the left state notification lamp 46b lights up) (S2103-3), and the process proceeds to step S2104. When the shooting instruction lamp 45 is controlled to the right-hand shooting notification mode (illuminated mode), the player is indicated that they should shoot to the right. When the status notification lamp 46 is controlled to the second illumination mode, the player is indicated that they are in time-saving state A (normal time-saving state). If the result of the judgment in step S2101 is NO, the shooting instruction lamp 45 is controlled to the left-hand shooting notification mode (off mode) (S2103-4), and the status notification lamp 46 is controlled to the off mode (both the right-side status notification lamp 46a and the left-side status notification lamp 46b are off) (S2103-5), and the process proceeds to step S2104. When the shooting instruction lamp 45 is controlled to the left-hand shooting notification mode (off mode), the player is indicated that they should shoot to the left. When the status notification lamp 46 is controlled to the off mode, the player is indicated that they are in time-saving state B.

In this configuration, steps S2102 and S2103-1 are executed, resulting in the game state after the current jackpot game becoming Time-Saving State A. Time-Saving State A ends when either a predetermined maximum number of special symbol changes (time-saving rounds) are performed, or the next jackpot game is executed.

In step S2104, the game control microcontroller 81 performs a game state flag update process (S2104). In this process, the value of the game state flag is set to a value corresponding to the current game state. Specifically, in this game state flag update process (S2104), if the time-saving flag is ON at the end of a jackpot game, the value of the game state flag is set to "2," which corresponds to time-saving state A. If the time-saving flag is not ON, the value of the game state flag is set to "3," which corresponds to time-saving state B (see the table in Figure 26-1).

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a game state specification command, which includes information on the game state flag (i.e., information on the current game state), into the output buffer of the RAM 84 (S2105). The game state specification command also includes information on the set number of time-saving rounds. When this command is output, the current game state information is notified to the sub-control board 90.

Subsequently, the microcontroller 81 for game control sets the value of the ceiling counter to "610" (S2106). Then, this process ends.

[Special Electric Prize Processing 2 (Small Win Game)] Special Electric Prize Processing 2 is a process for executing a small win game that opens the second large prize device 36 equipped with a specific area 39. As shown in Figures 29 and 30, Special Electric Prize Processing 2 (S909) first determines whether the small win termination flag is ON or OFF (S2301). The small win termination flag is a flag that indicates the opening of the second large prize device 36 has ended in the small win game.

If the minor win termination flag is not ON (NO in S2301), it is determined whether the second major prize entry point 35 is open or not (i.e., whether the second major prize entry device 36 is open or not) (S2302). If it is not open (NO in S2302), it is determined whether the time to open the second major prize entry point 35 has arrived, that is, whether the predetermined pre-opening interval (minor win opening) has elapsed and the time to start opening the second major prize entry point 35 has arrived (S2303).

If the result of step S2303 is NO, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S2303 is YES, the second large prize slot 35 is opened according to the opening pattern (see Figure 8) corresponding to the type of winning small prize symbol (S2304).

If the second large prize slot 35 is open in step S2302 (YES in S2302), it is determined whether the number of prizes entering the second large prize slot 35 has reached the specified maximum number of prizes (10 in this embodiment) (S2305). If the specified number of prizes has not been reached (NO in S2305), it is determined whether the time to close the second large prize slot 35 has arrived (i.e., whether the predetermined opening time (1.6 seconds in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8) has elapsed since the second large prize slot 35 was opened) (S2306). If the opening time for the second large prize slot 35 has not elapsed (NO in S2306), this process ends.

In contrast, if the specified number of winning entries has been reached (YES in S2305) or if the opening time for the second large winning slot 35 has elapsed (YES in S2306), that is, if either of the two opening termination conditions is met, the second large winning slot 35 is closed (blocked) (S2307). Then, the value of the large winning slot opening counter is decremented by 1 (S2308), the small win termination flag is set (S2309), and this process is completed.

Furthermore, if the minor win termination flag is ON in step S2301 (YES in S2301), as shown in Figure 30, it is determined whether a predetermined time (post-closure interval) has elapsed after the closing of the second large prize entry point 35 in the minor win game (S2310). If the post-closure interval has not elapsed (NO in S2310), the process ends. The post-closure interval for the minor win game will be described later. On the other hand, if the post-closure interval has elapsed (YES in S2310), the minor win termination flag is turned OFF (S2311), the minor win flag is turned OFF (S2312), and the process proceeds to step S2313.

In step S2313, it is determined whether the V flag is ON or NOT ON. The V flag is a flag that indicates that a game ball has passed through a specific area 39 during the execution of a minor win game, and is a flag that is turned ON in step S2603 (see Figure 32), which will be described later. If this V flag is NOT ON (NO in S2313), the two types of major win games are not executed, so the value of the major prize opening counter is cleared to "0" (S2314), and the special operation status is set to "1" (S2315). Then, it is determined whether or not it is in time-saving state A (i.e., whether or not the value of the game state flag is the value "2" corresponding to time-saving state A) (S2316-1). If it is in time-saving state A, this process is immediately terminated, but if it is not in time-saving state A (NO in S2316-1), the shooting instruction lamp 45 is controlled to the left-shooting notification mode (off mode) (S2316-2), and this process is terminated. When the hitting instruction lamp 45 is controlled to indicate left-handed hitting (off state), the player is informed that they should hit left-handed.

On the other hand, if the V flag is ON (YES in S2313), the game control microcomputer 81 turns OFF the V flag (S2317), turns ON the jackpot flag (S2318), and sets the special operation status to "4" (S2319) in order to execute the two types of jackpot games. Next, if the time-saving flag is ON (YES in S2320), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S2321). Then, the value of the ceiling counter is cleared to 0 (S2322-1). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the status notification lamps 46 to the first lighting mode, that is, both the right status notification lamp 46a and the left status notification lamp 46b are lit (S2322-2). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening command for the jackpot (see Figure 8) (S2322-3) and starts the jackpot opening (S2323). This transitions the game from a minor win game, where the second large prize slot 35 is opened for a short time, to a two-type jackpot game.

[Distribution Member Control Processing] The game control microcomputer 81 performs distribution member control processing (S107) following special operation processing (S106) (see Figure 15). In distribution member control processing (S107), as shown in Figure 31, it first determines whether the distribution member operation flag is ON or OFF (S2501). If the distribution member operation flag is NOT ON, this process ends. On the other hand, if the distribution member operation flag is ON, since the opening of the minor win game has started (see Figure 25), distribution member operation processing (S2502) is performed to operate the distribution member 71 according to a predetermined operation pattern, and V validity period setting processing (S2503) is also performed.

In the distribution member operation process (S2502), a timer is set to measure the operating time of the distribution member 71. Based on the timing measured by this timer, the distribution member solenoid 73 is turned ON when it is time for the distribution member 71 to open, and OFF when it is time for the distribution member 71 to close. As a result, the distribution member 71 operates at a constant rate from the start of the opening of the small-win game.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 37(c), the distribution member 71 is first controlled to a pass-blocking state (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2) for 8 ms from the start of the opening of the small-win game. This is called the pre-opening interval. Next, it is controlled to a pass-allowing state (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2) for 4600 ms. This is called the V-opening. Then, it is controlled to a pass-blocking state for 3000 ms. This is called the post-closing interval. This series of operations, consisting of "pre-opening interval ⇒ V-opening ⇒ post-closing interval," constitutes the constant operation of the distribution member 71.

Furthermore, in the V-effective period setting process (S2503), the V-effective period is set for the specific operation of the distribution member 71 as described above. The V-effective period is the period during which, when detection by the specific area sensor 39a is detected, the detection is considered valid and the V flag is turned ON. As shown in Figure 37(d), the V-effective period is from the start of opening the specific area 39 (the point at which the distribution member 71 is controlled to allow passage) until a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is set to be longer than the opening time of the specific area 39 (the time during which the distribution member 71 is controlled to allow passage). This is to account for the time lag it takes for the game balls that have passed the position of the distribution member 71 to reach the specific area 39.

Specifically, in the V-effective period setting process (S2503), a timer is set to measure the V-effective period. Based on the timing measured by this timer, the V-effective flag is turned ON when it is time to enable the specific area 39, and OFF when it is time to disable the specific area 39. Furthermore, in step S2602 of the specific area sensor detection process (S108), described later, the presence or absence of the V-effective period is determined by checking whether this V-effective flag is ON or OFF.

Following the V-validity period setting process (S2503), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the operation of the distribution member 71 has finished (S2504). Specifically, based on the timer set in step S2502 for measuring the operation time of the distribution member 71, it determines whether the total operation time (7608 ms (see Figure 37(c))) from the start to the end of a certain operation of the distribution member 71 has elapsed. If the operation of the distribution member 71 has not finished, this process ends. On the other hand, if the operation of the distribution member 71 has finished, the distribution member operation flag is turned OFF (S2505) and this process ends.

Here, based on Figure 37, the relationship between the constant operation of the distribution member 71 described above and the opening pattern of the second large prize entry point 35 (opening/closing member 37) in the minor prize game will be explained. In this embodiment, the opening pattern of the second large prize entry point 35 in the minor prize game is shown in Figure 37(b). Figure 37(a) shows the timing of the special symbol's variation and stop display to make the timing of the start of the minor prize game easier to understand.

The opening pattern shown in Figure 37(b) is the opening pattern selected when a minor win is achieved in the lottery for Special Figure 2. In other words, it is the opening pattern selected when "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbol a" (see Figure 8) is achieved. This opening pattern is a pass-through opening pattern that allows passage to a specific area 39.

More specifically, this passing opening pattern involves closing the second large prize opening 35 for 8 ms, then opening it for 1600 ms, and then closing it again for 6000 ms. In other words, the minor prize game performed using this opening pattern includes an opening where the second large prize opening 35 is closed for 8 ms, a minor prize opening game where the second large prize opening 35 is open for 1600 ms, and a post-closure interval where the second large prize opening 35 is closed for 6000 ms.

When the second large prize opening 35 is opened in this opening pattern, during the 1600ms period when the second large prize opening 35 is open and during the 3000ms period after the second large prize opening 35 is closed, the distribution member 71 is in a V-open state, and the distribution member 71 is in a pass-allowing state (see Figures 37(b) and (c)). Therefore, no matter what timing the game ball enters the second large prize opening 35, the game ball can pass through the specific area 39. In this embodiment, if the game ball is continuously fired by shooting to the right, the devices such as the second large prize device 36 are arranged so that the game ball will always enter the second large prize opening 35 during the 1.6-second opening period. Also, the time required for the game ball that has passed through the second large prize opening 35 to reach the position of the distribution member 71 is shorter than 3000ms. In other words, in this embodiment, a small win effectively functions as a big win. In this specification, a minor win based on the lottery in Special Figure 2 may be referred to as a Special Figure 2V passing minor win.

In this configuration, during minor wins, the number of game balls that enter the second large prize entry device 36 is counted based on detection by the second large prize entry sensor 35a, and the number of game balls discharged outside the second large prize entry device 36 is counted based on detection by the specific area sensor 39a or the non-specific area sensor 70a. In other words, in this configuration, the specific area sensor 39a and the non-specific area sensor 70a also function as discharge sensors that count the number of game balls discharged outside the second large prize entry device 36. Furthermore, an error notification is issued if the two count values do not match at the end of a certain operation of the distribution member 71. Alternatively, the operation of the distribution member 71 may be stopped when the two count values match after the closing of the second large prize entry port 35. This allows for a smooth start to the display of special symbols after the closing of the second large prize entry port 35.

[Specific Area Sensor Detection Processing] Returning to the explanation of the operation of the game control microcontroller 81, the game control microcontroller 81 performs specific area sensor detection processing (S108) following the distribution member control processing (S107) (see Figure 15). In the specific area sensor detection processing (S108), as shown in Figure 32, it first determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a (S2601). If there is no detection (NO in S2601), the process ends. However, if there is detection (YES in S2601), it determines whether or not the V valid period is still active (S2602). The V valid period is the period set in the V valid period setting processing (S2503) in the distribution member control processing (Figure 31) mentioned above. Specifically, the V valid period is the period shown in Figure 37(d).

If step S2602 determines that the V valid period is in effect (YES in S2602), the V flag is turned ON (S2603), the V pass command is set (S2604), and the process ends. On the other hand, if step S2602 determines that the V valid period is not in effect (NO in S2602), the specific area sensor detection process ends without performing steps S2603 and S2604. The V pass command is a command to cause the sub-control board 90 to notify the system of V pass (passage through the specific area 39).

6. Operation of the Performance Control Microcontroller 91 Next, the operation of the performance control microcontroller 91 will be explained based on Figures 33 to 36. Note that the counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the performance control microcontroller 91 are located in RAM 94.

[Sub-control Main Processing] When the pachinko game machine 1 is powered on, the microcontroller 91 for performance control reads the sub-control main processing program shown in Figure 33 from the ROM 93 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main processing first performs power-on processing corresponding to the power-on (S4001). Power-on processing includes, for example, setting the CPU 92, SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for interrupt time management), etc.

Next, interrupts are disabled (S4002), and the random number update process is executed (S4003). The random number update process (S4003) updates the values of the various random number counters used for determining various effects. As an example, the method for updating the random number counters for determining various effects can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 80 described above. Instead of incrementing the random value by 1 each time, it may be incremented by 2 each time, for example. This is also the case in the random number update process performed by the main control board 80 described above.

Once the random number update process is complete, the command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process (S4004), various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 are sent to the image control board 100. Upon receiving the commands, the image control board 100 displays an image on the display screen 7a (display unit) according to the received commands (performing various image-based effects). In addition to the various effects performed by the image control board 100, the sub-control board 90 also outputs sound from the speaker 67 via the sound control board 106 (performing various sound effects using sound), illuminates the panel lamp 5 and frame lamp 66 via the lamp control board 107 (performing various illumination effects using illumination), and operates the panel movable body 15 (performing various movable body effects using movement). In this way, various effects (variation effects, hold effects, movable body effects, operation effects, pre-announcement effects, other notification effects, opening effects for special games, open game effects, ending effects, customer waiting effects, effect mode control, etc.) are realized.

The microcontroller 91 for performance control then enables interrupts (S4005). From this point onward, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are enabled, the following can be executed: receive interrupt processing (S4010), 1ms timer interrupt processing (S4011), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4012).

The receive interrupt handler (S4010) is executed each time various commands sent from the main control board 80 are input to the performance control microcontroller 91. In the receive interrupt handler (S4010), the performance control microcontroller 91 stores the various commands received from the output handler (S101) of the main control board 80 into the receive buffer of the RAM 94. This receive interrupt handler takes precedence over other interrupt handlers (S4011, S4012).

[1ms Timer Interrupt Processing] The 1ms timer interrupt processing (S4011) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a period of 1 msec is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in Figure 34, the 1ms timer interrupt processing (S4011) sequentially performs input processing (S4101), light emission data output processing (S4102), movable body control processing (S4103), and watchdog timer processing (S4104).

In the input processing, operations on player-operable controls such as the performance button detection switch 63a and the select button detection switch 64a are detected, and commands are set or performance data is created according to the detection results. In the light emission data output processing, based on the performance data created in the input processing and the performance data creation processing described later, light emission data (lamp data) is output to the lamp control board 107 to illuminate the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 at timings that match the image-based performances. In other words, the performance control microcontroller 91 illuminates the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 in a predetermined light emission pattern according to the light emission data. In the movable body control processing, based on the performance data created in the input processing and the performance data creation processing described later, drive data is output to perform a movable body performance by operating the movable body 15 and other movable bodies at predetermined timings. In other words, the performance control microcontroller 91 performs a movable body performance by operating the panel movable body 15 and other movable bodies in a predetermined operating pattern according to the drive data. In the watchdog timer processing, the watchdog timer reset setting is performed.

[10ms Timer Interrupt Processing] The 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4012) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a period of 10 msec is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in Figure 35, the 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4012) sequentially performs the following: received command analysis processing (S4201), performance timer update processing (S4202), voice control processing (S4203), and performance data creation processing (S4204).

In the received command analysis process, the command stored in the RAM 94's receive buffer is analyzed by the receive interrupt process (S4010), and processing corresponding to that command (e.g., selecting an effect, setting an effect mode, setting a command, etc.) is performed. In the effect timer update process, the timers used to measure the time for each effect are updated. For example, the effect timer update process measures the start and end timings of the operation validity period for control buttons such as the effect button 63 and the select button 64. In the voice control process, based on the processing results of the input processing and received command analysis process, voice data (data that controls the output of sound from the speaker 67) is created and output to the voice control board 106. In the effect data creation process, effect data is created based on the processing results of the received command analysis process.

Here, we will explain an example of the processing that occurs when the microcontroller 91 for performance control receives a command from the microcontroller 81 for game control. The command received by the microcontroller 91 for performance control is a variation start command (special figure 1 variation start command or special figure 2 variation start command). When the microcontroller 91 determines in the received command analysis process (S4201) that it has received a variation start command, as a variation start command reception process, it selects a variation performance pattern (sub-variation pattern) based on the special figure variation pattern indicated by the command, sets the information of that sub-variation pattern, and sets a variation performance start command containing the information of that sub-variation pattern in the output buffer. For example, if the special figure variation pattern indicated by the variation start command is an SP variation (variation pattern associated with an SP reach), it selects a sub-variation pattern that performs an SP reach and sets a variation performance start command corresponding to that sub-variation pattern in the output buffer. Subsequently, each process (command transmission process (S4004), light emission data output process (S4102), movable body control process (S4103), voice control process (S4203), etc.) is executed, realizing the variation effect corresponding to the selected sub-variation pattern. The processing flow for realizing such effects is basically the same for other effects, such as effects associated with special games, customer waiting effects, pre-announcement effects, so-called notification effects associated with the variation, and control of the effect mode.

[Received Command Analysis Processing] Next, the received command analysis processing (S4201) will be described in detail based on Figure 36. In the received command analysis processing (S4201), as shown in Figure 36, the microcontroller 91 for performance control first determines whether or not it has received a start-up winning command from the main control board 80 (S4401). If it has been received, it performs the pre-read performance determination processing (S4402). In the pre-read performance determination processing (S4402), the start-up winning command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, a lottery is held for pre-read performances such as so-called hold-change announcements and consecutive announcements. The pre-read performance start command corresponding to the lottery result is then set in the output buffer of the RAM 94.

Next, the microcontroller 91 for controlling the game's presentation determines whether or not it has received a game state specification command (S4403). If it has received the command, it then sequentially performs the presentation mode update process (S4404-1) and the gameplay notification presentation process (S4404-2). In the presentation mode update process (S4404-1), the game state specification command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, a presentation mode is selected. A presentation mode setting command corresponding to this selection is then set in the output buffer of the RAM 94.

Here, as shown in the table in Figure 36 (the upper of the two tables), in the performance mode update process (S4404-1), the performance control microcontroller 91 sets the game state to the normal performance mode if the game state indicated by the game state specification command is "non-time-saving state". Furthermore, the performance control microcontroller 91 sets the game state to the RUSH performance mode if the game state indicated by the game state specification command is "time-saving state A" with one time-saving round. Also, the performance control microcontroller 91 sets the game state to the CHANCE performance mode if the game state indicated by the game state specification command is "time-saving state B" and the number of special symbol 2 reserves becomes "0". It is assumed that the performance control microcontroller 91 counts the number of special symbol 1 reserves and special symbol 2 reserves based on the reception of the start-up entry command and the variation start command. Each performance mode will be explained in detail later.

Furthermore, in the playing instruction notification effect processing (S4404-2), as shown in the table in Figure 36 (the lower of the two tables), if the transition is to time-saving state A, a playing instruction notification effect command is set in the output buffer of RAM 94 to perform a right-hand play notification effect (an effect that displays the right-hand play notification image RI, described later, on the display screen 7a) that notifies the player that they should play by playing to the right. The right-hand play notification effect is always performed while in time-saving state A. Also, if the transition is to time-saving state B (i.e., when changing from time-saving state A to time-saving state B), a playing instruction notification effect command is set in the output buffer of RAM 94 to perform a left-hand play notification effect (an effect that displays the left-hand play return image LI, described later, on the display screen 7a) that notifies the player that they should return to playing by playing to the left. Also, if the return is to a non-time-saving state (i.e., when changing from time-saving state A to a non-time-saving state), a playing instruction notification effect command is set in the output buffer of RAM 94 to perform a left-hand play notification effect. The left-handed hitting notification animation includes the display of the text image "Please return to left-handed hitting!" (see Figure 44(B)) and lasts for 30 seconds.

Next, the microcontroller 91 for performance control determines whether or not it has received a variation start command from the main control board 80 (S4405). If it has received the command, it performs the variation performance start process (S4406). In the variation performance start process (S4406), the variation start command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, a variation performance pattern (content) is selected. Then, a variation performance start command to begin the variation performance using the selected variation performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94. The content of the variation performance will be explained in detail later.

Next, the microcontroller 91 for performance control determines whether or not it has received a variation stop command from the main control board 80 (S4407). If it has received the command, it performs the variation performance termination process (S4408). In the variation performance termination process (S4408), the variation stop command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, a variation performance termination command to definitively stop and display the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is set in the output buffer of RAM 94. Furthermore, if a variation stop command related to a minor win variation (variation based on a minor win) of Special Figure 2 is received in a non-time-saving state or time-saving state B, commands for executing a second major prize-winning-entry notification performance, which notifies that the ball should be entered into the second major prize-winning-entry

Next, the microcontroller 91 for performance control determines whether or not it has received an opening command from the main control board 80 (S4409). If it has received the command, it performs the opening performance selection process (S4410). In the opening performance selection process (S4410), the opening command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, the pattern (content) of the opening performance to be executed during the opening of the special game is selected. Then, an opening performance start command to begin the opening performance using the selected opening performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94. If a jackpot game is executed, a right-hand shooting notification performance displaying the right-hand shooting notification image RI (described later) is executed from the start of the opening performance.

Next, the microcontroller 91 for controlling the game's presentation determines whether or not it has received an ending command from the main control board 80 (S4411). If it has received the command, it performs the ending presentation selection process (S4412). In the ending presentation selection process (S4412), the microcontroller analyzes the ending command and, based on the analysis results, selects an ending presentation pattern (content) to be executed during the ending of the jackpot game. Then, it sets an ending presentation start command in the output buffer of the RAM 94 to begin the ending presentation using the selected ending presentation pattern.

Next, the microcontroller 91 for performance control determines whether or not it has received a V-pass command from the main control board 80 (S4413). If it has received the command, it performs the V-pass notification performance start process (S4414). In the V-pass notification performance start process (S4414), the V-pass notification performance start command for starting the V-pass notification performance is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94. The V-pass notification performance is a performance to inform the player that a V-pass (passage to a specific area 39) has occurred. In this embodiment, it is a performance that displays a predetermined V-pass notification image (for example, a character image showing the letter "V") on the display screen 7a. In this pachinko game machine 1, which executes two types of jackpot games based on passage to the specific area 39, the display of the character image "V" as a V-pass notification performance also has meaning as a notification of a jackpot win. Note that the V-pass notification performance may also take other forms, such as outputting a special sound effect from the speaker 67.

Next, as part of the other processing (S4415), processing is performed based on received commands other than those mentioned above, and the received command parsing process is completed.

7. Gameplay Flow in This Configuration Next, the gameplay flow in the pachinko game machine 1 of this configuration will be explained based on Figure 38. As shown in Figure 38, after the RAM clear described above, a non-time-saving state (normal gameplay state) is set as the game state. In this non-time-saving state, the player plays the game by shooting to the left and aims to win a jackpot based on the lottery for Special Figure 1. In this non-time-saving state after the RAM clear, the game is controlled to the normal performance mode. Furthermore, this non-time-saving state after the RAM clear is set until one lottery for Special Figure (specifically Special Figure 1) is performed.

Furthermore, in the non-time-saving state after a RAM clear, the game is played by shooting to the left. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the shooting instruction lamp 45 to the left-shooting notification mode (off mode). The game control microcomputer 81 also sets the status notification lamp 46 to the first lighting mode, indicating the non-time-saving state. Additionally, during the setting of the non-time-saving state after a RAM clear, the external terminal board 140 turns status signal 1 OFF while turning status signal 2 ON.

During the non-shortened time state after the RAM clear, if the lottery for Special Symbol 1 shows "Special Symbol 1 - Jackpot Symbol A" on the first special symbol display 41a of the display units 40, resulting in a jackpot win, the game state transitions to shortened time state A (normal shortened time state) with 1 shortened time round after the 4R jackpot game (see Figure 8). Also, during the lottery for Special Symbol 1 while the non-shortened time state after the RAM clear is set, if the lottery for Special Symbol 1 shows "Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol B" on the first special symbol display 41a of the display units 40, the game state transitions to shortened time state A (normal shortened time state) with 1 shortened time round. The case of transitioning to shortened time state A with 1 shortened time round will be described later.

Furthermore, in the time-saving state A after a jackpot game, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the play instruction lamp 45 to the right-hand play notification mode (lighting mode). The game control microcomputer 81 also changes the status notification lamp 46 from the first lighting mode indicating a jackpot game state to the second lighting mode indicating time-saving state A. Additionally, the external terminal board 140 turns both status signal 1 and status signal 2 ON while setting the jackpot game state, and then turns status signal 1 ON while turning status signal 2 OFF while setting the subsequent time-saving state A.

Furthermore, in the time-saving state A after "Special Feature 1 - Losing Symbol B" is displayed, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the play instruction lamp 45 to the right-hand play notification mode (off mode). The game control microcomputer 81 also sets the status notification lamp 46 to the second lighting mode, indicating that time-saving state A is in progress. Additionally, while time-saving state A is set, the external terminal board 140 turns on status signal 1 and turns off status signal 2.

In contrast, if, during the lottery for Special Symbol 1 while the non-time-saving state is set after a RAM clear, "Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol A" is displayed on the first special symbol display 41a of the display units 40, the game transitions to time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) with 609 time-saving rounds. In this configuration, when a special symbol lottery is performed once in the non-time-saving state, the game state transitions from that non-time-saving state to time-saving state B, where a maximum of 609 time-saving rounds can be performed.

In Time-Saving State B, the player proceeds with the game by shooting to the left, just as in the non-Time-Saving State, aiming to win a jackpot based on the lottery in Special Symbol 1. In this mode, the player can receive the lottery in Special Symbol 1 609 times. When transitioning to Time-Saving State B, the game is controlled to the normal performance mode, just as in the non-Time-Saving State.

Furthermore, in time-saving state B, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the play instruction lamp 45 to the left-hand play notification mode (off mode). The game control microcomputer 81 also changes the status notification lamp 46 from the second illuminated mode, indicating time-saving state A, to the off mode, indicating time-saving state B. Additionally, during the setting of the jackpot game state, both status signal 1 and status signal 1 on the external terminal board 140 are turned OFF.

If, during the lottery for Special Symbol 1 while Time-Saving State B is set, "Special Symbol 1 - Jackpot Symbol A" stops and is displayed on the first special symbol display 41a of the display units 40, resulting in a jackpot win, the game state will transition to Time-Saving State A (normal Time-Saving State) with 1 time-saving round after the 4R jackpot game. Also, if, during the lottery for Special Symbol 1 while Time-Saving State B is set, "Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol B" stops and is displayed on the first special symbol display 41a of the display units 40, the game state will transition to Time-Saving State A (normal Time-Saving State) with 1 time-saving round. The case of transitioning to Time-Saving State A with 1 time-saving round will be described later.

Furthermore, if 609 draws for Special Symbol 1 are performed while Time-Saving State B is enabled, the game state will transition from Time-Saving State B to a non-Time-Saving State. In this non-Time-Saving State, the player proceeds with the game by shooting left-handed, aiming to win a jackpot based on the draw for Special Symbol 1. This non-Time-Saving State is controlled to the normal performance mode, similar to the non-Time-Saving State after a RAM clear. Also, similar to the non-Time-Saving State after a RAM clear, it remains active until one draw for Special Symbol (specifically, Special Symbol 1) has been performed.

In this non-time-saving state, since the game is played by shooting left-handed, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the shooting instruction lamp 45 to the left-handed notification mode (off mode). The game control microcomputer 81 also sets the status notification lamp 46 to the first illuminated mode, indicating that the non-time-saving state is in effect. However, unlike during the setting of the non-time-saving state after a RAM clear, both status signal 1 and status signal 2 are turned ON on the external terminal board 140.

During this non-time-saving state, if the lottery for Special Symbol 1 shows "Special Symbol 1 - Jackpot Symbol A" on the first special symbol display 41a of the display units 40, resulting in a jackpot win, the game state transitions to time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) with 1 time-saving round after the 4R jackpot game (see Figure 8). Also, during this non-time-saving state, if the lottery for Special Symbol 1 shows "Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol B" on the first special symbol display 41a of the display units 40, the game state transitions to time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) with 1 time-saving round. The case of transitioning to time-saving state A with 1 time-saving round will be described later.

In contrast, during the non-shortened time state setting after a RAM clear, if the first special symbol display 41a of the display units 40 displays "Special Symbol 1 - Losing Symbol A" during the lottery for Special Symbol 1, the game transitions to shortened time state B (slight shortened time state) with 609 shortened time rounds.

As described above, if the game transitions to a time-saving state A with 1 time-saving round after entering a non-time-saving state (including after RAM clearing) or setting time-saving state B, regardless of whether a jackpot game state is involved, the player proceeds with the game by shooting to the right, aiming for a jackpot win based on the lottery of Special Feature 2 (mainly a jackpot based on passing through a specific area 39 after winning a minor jackpot). In this form, it is possible to receive the lottery for Special Feature 2 a total of the number of time-saving rounds "1" and the maximum number of Special Feature 2 reserves "4" (i.e., 5 times). That is, after entering time-saving state A and causing an entry into the second start gate 21 to start the first lottery for Special Feature 2 and the display of Special Feature 2's variation, by accumulating 4 Special Feature 2 reserves during this display of Special Feature 2, it is possible to receive the lottery for Special Feature 2 based on Special Feature 2 reserves up to 4 times even after time-saving state A ends. When transitioning to time-saving state A, the game is controlled to RUSH performance mode. The RUSH performance mode continues even after the time-saving state A ends, until all remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 are used up.

In the lottery for Special Feature 2, if "Special Feature 2 - Small Win Symbol a" stops and is displayed on the second special symbol display 41b of the display unit 40, resulting in a small win and then a win of the 2nd type of jackpot, the game will effectively be a 10R jackpot, after which it will return to time-saving state A with 1 time-saving round. In other words, if a small win is achieved in the lottery for Special Feature 2, it will be distributed to small win symbol a 100% of the time. Furthermore, if "Special Feature 2 - Jackpot Symbol C" stops and is displayed on the second special symbol display 41b of the display unit 40 in the lottery for Special Feature 2, resulting in a direct jackpot, the game will be a 10R jackpot, after which it will return to time-saving state A with 1 time-saving round.

Therefore, as long as the player continues to win minor or direct jackpots in the Special Feature 2 lottery, the player-favorable state (a state where it is easier to win a jackpot) primarily based on the Special Feature 2 lottery will continue. When the time-saving state A ends, and all remaining Special Feature 2 reserves (remaining reserves for Special Feature 2) are misses, the game will return to time-saving state B, primarily based on the Special Feature 1 lottery.

Furthermore, as long as the player continues to win a minor win or a direct jackpot in the lottery of Special Figure 2, the game is in a state where the game is played by shooting to the right. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the shooting instruction lamp 45 to the right-shooting notification mode (lighting mode). The game control microcomputer 81 also repeatedly displays the status notification lamp 46 between a first lighting mode indicating a jackpot game state and a second lighting mode indicating a time-saving state A. In addition, the external terminal board 140 remains ON for both status signal 1 and status signal 2 as long as the player continues to win a minor win or a direct jackpot in time-saving state A.

In this configuration, the result of the lottery in Special Figure 2 is selected from among a big win, a small win, and a special miss (miss symbol C, miss symbol D) (see Figures 7(A) to (D) and 9). In other words, a normal miss is never determined in the lottery for Special Figure 2. Therefore, as long as the game is played correctly, if the time-saving state A ends without a small win or a big win, a special miss will always be drawn. Therefore, as described above, the game will be controlled to time-saving state B based on the special miss following time-saving state A (see Figures 26-1 and 26-2). Thus, in this configuration, all four fluctuations based on the remaining reserved symbols in Special Figure 2 will occur in time-saving state B.

In addition, although the time-saving state B is set to make it easier to hit the electric tuner 22 than the non-time-saving state, hitting the electric tuner 22 does not result in frequent hits by shooting to the right, as in time-saving state A. Instead, the game is played by shooting to the left. Therefore, when transitioning from time-saving state A to time-saving state B, the game control microcomputer 81 changes the shooting instruction lamp 45 from a right-shooting notification mode (lit mode) to a left-shooting notification mode (off mode), and the performance control microcomputer 91 hides the right-shooting notification image RI and displays the left-shooting return image LI (a left-shooting display including the text image "Please return to left-shooting!") on the display screen 7a (see Figure 44). Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 81 changes the status indicator lamp 46 from the second lighting mode shown in Figure 44(A) (where only the left status indicator lamp 46b is lit) to the off mode shown in Figure 44(B) (where both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are off).

In time-saving state A, if "Special Symbol 2 - Losing Symbol C" is displayed on the second special symbol display 41b of the display units 40, after the special symbol's stop time has elapsed, the game transitions to time-saving state B with 109 time-saving rounds (see Figure 9). On the other hand, if "Special Symbol 2 - Losing Symbol D" is displayed on the second special symbol display 41b of the display units 40, after the special symbol's stop time has elapsed, the game transitions to time-saving state B with 609 time-saving rounds (see Figure 9). Regardless of which time-saving round is set, in time-saving state B, four fluctuations based on the remaining reserved special symbols 2 are performed first. Furthermore, if neither a minor win nor a major win is achieved with the remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 (i.e., neither "Special Symbol 2 - Minor Win Symbol a" nor "Special Symbol 2 - Major Win Symbol C" is displayed on the second special symbol display 41b of the display units 40), the game proceeds to a time-saving state B, where the aim is to achieve a major win based on the lottery of Special Symbol 1. Note that if the remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 run out in time-saving state B, the performance mode changes to the CHANCE performance mode.

If a jackpot is won in the lottery shown in Special Figure 1 while in Time-Saving State B, after the 4R jackpot game, the game transitions to Time-Saving State A (RUSH mode) with 1 time-saving round (see Figure 8).

In this configuration, even if a jackpot (Type 2 jackpot or Type 1 jackpot) is not hit between the time-saving state A and the consumption of all remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2, the player can still aim for a jackpot based on the lottery in Special Symbol 1 during the time-saving state B. Therefore, it is possible to encourage players to continue playing even after the remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 have been consumed, making it possible to provide a gaming machine with a high utilization rate.

If the game is controlled to Shortened Time State B with 109 Shortened Time rounds, the CHANCE performance mode continues until 105 spins of Special Figure 1 are completed after 4 spins based on the remaining reserves of Special Figure 2 have finished. If the game is controlled to Shortened Time State B with 609 Shortened Time rounds, the CHANCE performance mode continues until 605 spins of Special Figure 1 are completed after 4 spins based on the remaining reserves of Special Figure 2 have finished. If a jackpot is not won based on the lottery of Special Figure 1 in the CHANCE performance mode, Shortened Time State B ends and the game is controlled to a non-Shortened Time state. In the non-Shortened Time state, the game is controlled to a normal performance mode. Then, in the non-Shortened Time state (normal performance mode), the goal is to win a jackpot based on the lottery of Special Figure 1. Furthermore, since the non-time-saving state, like time-saving state B, is a game state in which the game is played by shooting to the left, when changing from time-saving state B to the non-time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 81 keeps the shooting instruction lamp 45 in the left-shooting notification mode (off mode). Also, the game control microcomputer 81 changes the status notification lamp 46 from the off mode, which indicates time-saving state B, to the first illuminated mode, which indicates the non-time-saving state.

8. Examples of Performances in This Embodiment 8-1. Performance Modes Next, examples of performances in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained based on Figures 39 to 44. First, the performance modes will be explained. A performance mode is a manner of performance using the image display device 7, speaker 67, panel lamp 5, and frame lamp 66, etc. Depending on the performance mode, for example, the characters, items, background images, etc. displayed on the image display device 7 will differ, and the variable performances using performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will also be executed in a manner corresponding to the performance mode.

This version's presentation modes include a normal presentation mode where the daytime background image G10 shown in Figure 39(A) is displayed, a RUSH presentation mode where the normal nighttime background image G11 shown in Figure 39(B) is displayed, and a CHANCE presentation mode where the daytime background image G10 is displayed with a banner image G2 (text overlay image G2) that reads "If you hit, you enter RUSH!" added, as shown in Figure 39(C).

The normal presentation mode (Figure 39(A)) is the presentation mode set when the game is not in a time-saving state (normal gameplay state). In other words, it is the presentation mode set when the game is not in a time-saving state and the gameplay primarily proceeds through the lottery of Special Figure 1.

The RUSH performance mode (Figure 39(B)) is a performance mode set when the game is controlled to a time-saving state A with 1 time-saving round. It continues even after the end of time-saving state A until the remaining reserved balls in special figure 2 are gone. In time-saving state A, the game progresses by aiming to enter the second start opening 21 with right-hand shooting. Therefore, when controlled to the RUSH performance mode, the performance control microcomputer 91 displays a right-hand shooting notification image RI in the upper right corner of the display screen 7a, informing the player that they should play with right-hand shooting. The display of the right-hand shooting notification image RI is one of the right-hand shooting notification effects. The right-hand shooting notification image RI disappears when time-saving state A ends. Furthermore, in RUSH performance mode, to indicate the end time of time-saving state A, the performance control microcomputer 91 displays a remaining rounds display ZI in the lower right corner of the display screen 7a, indicating the remaining number of time-saving rounds. The remaining rounds display ZI is also called the end time indication display.

The CHANCE performance mode (Figure 39(C)) is a performance mode that is set when the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 is "0" in the time-saving state B. In this configuration, if a jackpot is won based on the lottery in Special Feature 1 in time-saving state B, the game will always transition to the RUSH performance mode (time-saving state A with 1 time-saving round). In this sense, time-saving state B can be said to be a better opportunity for the player than the non-time-saving state. Therefore, in the CHANCE performance mode, although the background image is the same daytime background image G10 as in the normal performance mode, a band image G2 (specific display) containing the text "If you win, you enter RUSH!" is displayed along the bottom edge of the display screen 7a. The display of this band image G2 makes it possible for the player to recognize the role of time-saving state B (CHANCE performance mode).

8-2. Variable Performance Next, the variable performance will be explained. When the variable display of the special symbols begins, the pachinko game machine 1 executes a variable performance based on the variable pattern related to the variable display of the special symbols and the results of the special symbol lottery (results of big win judgment and small win judgment, result of symbol type judgment, result of reach judgment, and result of variable pattern judgment). In the variable performance, the variable display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is superimposed on a predetermined background image on the display screen 7a. In the variable display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop after they have changed. That is, after the variable display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is performed for the duration of the special symbol's variation, the variation stops and the stopped display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is shown. The result of the special symbol lottery is then announced by the stopped display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R.

8-2-1. Display Area for Performance Symbols As shown in Figure 40(A), the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is divided horizontally into three roughly equal sections, with the left performance symbol area 50b1, the middle performance symbol area 50b2, and the right performance symbol area 50b3 provided on the left, center, and right sides, respectively. The left performance symbol area 50b1 is the area for displaying the left performance symbol 8L when the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped during a variation performance. Similarly, the middle performance symbol area 50b2 and the right performance symbol area 50b3 are the areas for displaying the middle performance symbol 8C and the right performance symbol 8R.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 40(A), a small symbol area 50c is provided in the upper left section (upper left) of the upper edge of the display screen 7a. The small symbol area 50c is the area where small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed in a variable state when special symbols are being displayed. Note that while the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R may be hidden during the variable performance, small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are never hidden. In this respect, small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 function as symbols that complement the roles of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R.

In Figure 40(A), the left display symbol area 50b1, the middle display symbol area 50b2, the right display symbol area 50b3, and the small symbol area 50c are indicated by dashed lines. These lines are used to represent the boundaries of these areas and are not actually displayed. Furthermore, the boundaries of each area can be changed as needed.

8-2-2. Normal Variation Pachinko game machine 1 is capable of performing normal variation first in its variation performance. Normal variation functions as a performance that indicates the start of the variation display of special symbols.

When the special symbol variation display begins, for example, as shown in Figure 40(A), the left performance symbol 8L, the middle performance symbol 8C, and the right performance symbol 8R are displayed as stationary on the display screen 7a, and the left small symbol KZ1, the middle small symbol KZ2, and the right small symbol KZ3 are also displayed as stationary. The special symbol variation display is not currently active, and the display is in a waiting state for the special symbol variation display to begin. Then, as shown in Figure 40(B), upon its commencement, the variation display of performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R begins, along with the variation display of small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3. Then, if the variation pattern of the special symbol variation display is, for example, a "normal miss variation" (a miss without a reach), as shown in Figure 40 (C-1), the left performance symbol 8L and the right performance symbol 8R temporarily stop in different stopping patterns, and then, as shown in Figure 40 (D), the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop and display in a stopping pattern that suggests a miss (a so-called scattered pattern). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop and display simultaneously in a stopping pattern that suggests a miss. On the other hand, if the variation pattern of the special symbol variation display is a variation pattern with a reach, such as a "N miss variation" (a miss with a reach where a miss is indicated by a normal reach), as shown in Figure 40 (C-2), the left performance symbol 8L and the right performance symbol 8R temporarily stop in the same stopping pattern, and a reach is established. During this time, the sub-symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continue to change, and a reach animation is performed according to the change pattern. The stopping order and stopping pattern of the animation symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R can be changed as appropriate.

8-2-3. N-Reach (Normal Reach)
In pachinko machine 1, if a reach is achieved during normal gameplay, it is possible to perform an N-reach. An N-reach is a visual effect that suggests there is a possibility that the result of the special symbol lottery was a "jackpot," and it functions as a visual effect to make the player anticipate a jackpot.

In an N-reach, as shown in Figure 41(A), the state in which a reach is established is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and as shown in Figure 41(B), the fluctuation speed of the middle performance symbol 8C gradually slows down. Then, if the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol's fluctuation display is, for example, "N-miss fluctuation", the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop and are displayed in a stopping pattern that suggests a miss (so-called scattered symbols), as shown in Figure 41(C-1). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop and are displayed simultaneously in a stopping pattern that suggests a miss. On the other hand, if the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol's fluctuation display is, for example, "N-jackpot fluctuation" (jackpot fluctuation where a jackpot is indicated by a normal reach), the symbols stop and are displayed in a stopping pattern that suggests a jackpot (so-called matching symbols (an example of a predetermined stopping pattern)), as shown in Figure 41(C-2). At this time, the smaller symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop and display simultaneously in a manner that suggests a jackpot. Furthermore, the content of the N-reach animation is not limited to the gradual deceleration of the middle animation symbol 8C; it can be modified or added to as appropriate.

Furthermore, regarding the stopping patterns of the symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R that suggest a loss, the scattered patterns when a reach is not achieved are called "non-reach scattered patterns" or "non-reach loss patterns," and the scattered patterns when a reach is achieved are called "reach scattered patterns" or "reach loss patterns." The combination of each symbol 8L, 8C, and 8R that constitutes a non-reach scattered pattern (for example, "2-3-1" or "5-8-6") and the combination of each symbol 8L, 8C, and 8R that constitutes a reach scattered pattern (for example, "2-1-2" or "5-4-5") are selected by the microcomputer 91 for performance control. Furthermore, the combination of the 8L, 8C, and 8R symbols that constitute a stopping pattern (matching numbers) suggesting a jackpot (for example, "2-2-2" or "7-7-7") is selected by the performance control microcomputer 91 based on the type of winning jackpot symbol.

8-2-4. SP Reach Pachinko game machine 1 is capable of performing an SP Reach after an N Reach. An SP Reach is a performance that suggests that the probability of the special symbol lottery result being a "jackpot" is higher than that of an N Reach, and functions as a performance to make the player anticipate a jackpot.

In an SP Reach, after an N Reach, for example, as shown in Figure 42(A), a background image specifically for SP Reaches (SP Reach background image G113) is displayed on the display screen 7a, and an image indicating the start of an SP Reach (SP Reach start title image) G1 is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a. Then, as shown in Figure 42(B), an SP Reach-specific animation (for example, a battle animation in which an ally character and an enemy character A battle) is performed. When the SP Reach-specific animation reaches its final stage, if the variation pattern of the special symbol variation display is, for example, an "SP Jackpot Variation" (a jackpot variation that indicates a jackpot win through an SP Reach), then, as shown in Figure 42(C-1), a success animation suggesting a jackpot (for example, an animation showing an ally character standing tall after winning a battle, victory animation) is displayed on the display screen 7a, and the animation symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop in a manner that suggests a jackpot (so-called matching numbers). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop and display simultaneously in a stopping pattern that suggests a jackpot. On the other hand, if the variation pattern of the special symbol's variation display is, for example, an "SP miss variation" (a variation with a reach that indicates a miss due to an SP reach), as shown in Figure 42 (C-2), a failure animation suggesting a miss (for example, a display of enemy character A standing defiantly after winning a battle, or a defeat animation) is performed, and the animation symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop and display in a stopping pattern that suggests a miss (a so-called scattered pattern). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop and display simultaneously in a stopping pattern that suggests a miss. Note that the content of the SP reach animation can be changed or added as appropriate. In this embodiment, the animation shown in Figure 42 is performed as an SP reach based on the lottery of special symbol 1 in the non-time-saving state or time-saving state B.

8-2-5. Battle Reach Pachinko game machine 1 can perform a Battle Reach based on the lottery of Special Figure 2 in time-saving state A and time-saving state B. A Battle Reach is a type of SP Reach, but it is not performed after an N Reach, but is a reach performance that is performed at the start of the spin. In this form, since the probability of winning a small win in the lottery of Special Figure 2 is about 1/7, a Battle Reach is always performed in the spin that shows the result of the lottery of Special Figure 2 to stimulate the player's desire to win a prize. Like SP Reaches, Battle Reaches also function as a performance to make the player expect a big win.

In a battle reach, a battle reach animation image G115 is displayed on the display screen 7a, showing a battle between an enemy character (enemy character B) different from the aforementioned enemy character A, and the player character (Figure 43(A)). When the battle reach reaches its final stage, if the special symbol variation pattern corresponds to a winning pattern (see P31, P32, P51, P52, Figure 12), a success animation (showing the player character standing proudly after winning the battle, victory animation) is displayed on the display screen 7a, as shown in Figure 43(B-1). Simultaneously, the animation symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop in a pattern indicating a win (so-called "double numbers"). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop simultaneously in a pattern indicating a big win.

On the other hand, if the variation pattern of the special symbol's variation display is a variation pattern based on a special miss (see P33, P34, P53, P54, and Figure 12), as shown in Figure 43 (B-2), a failure animation suggesting a miss (an animation showing enemy character B standing proudly after winning the battle, a defeat animation) is performed on the display screen 7a, and the animation symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop in a manner that suggests a miss (a so-called scattered pattern). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop and are displayed simultaneously. In the case of a special miss, the stopping pattern of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 is the special pattern of "1, 3, and 5". In other words, in this form, in the case of a special miss, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 stop and are displayed in a stopping pattern that would not normally occur in the case of a miss. When the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 stop and are displayed as special symbols, the player is indicated that it is a special miss. Furthermore, if the animation image showing the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 as special symbols (as shown in Figure 43 (B-2)) is displayed during the final spin of the time-saving state A, the game transitions to time-saving state B. Then, if all spins based on the remaining reserved symbols in special symbol 2 end without a jackpot in time-saving state B, the game is set to CHANCE animation mode.

8-3. Changes to Playing Instructions and Status Notifications Accompanying the Transition from Time-Saving State A to Time-Saving State B Next, we will explain the changes to playing instructions and status notifications accompanying the transition from Time-Saving State A to Time-Saving State B. Figure 44(A) shows the spinning animation when a special miss (here, a miss symbol C or a miss symbol D) is drawn in the final spin of Time-Saving State A. As shown in Figure 44(A), in this spinning animation, a defeat animation is performed in the battle reach. In this spinning animation, the right-hand spinning notification image RI is displayed on the display screen 7a until the animation symbols 8L, 8C, 8R and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, KZ3 are stopped and displayed. The playing instruction lamp 45 is also lit (controlled to the right-hand spinning notification mode). The status notification lamp 46 is also controlled to the second lighting mode corresponding to Time-Saving State A (the mode in which the right-side status notification lamp 46a is off and the left-side status notification lamp 46b is lit).

When the special symbol stop time for the final variation of time-saving state A has elapsed, time-saving state A ends, and the system transitions to time-saving state B, as shown in Figure 44(B). Upon transitioning to time-saving state B, the variation display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is performed based on the remaining reserved symbols in special symbol 2. At this point, when transitioning from time-saving state A to time-saving state B, the left-hand return image LI is displayed on the display screen 7a. The left-hand return image LI includes the text image "Please return to left-hand play!" and a left-pointing arrow image. The left-hand return image LI is hidden after a predetermined time (30 seconds in this configuration) has elapsed since the end of time-saving state A (start of time-saving state B). Also, when time-saving state A ends (start of time-saving state B), the play instruction lamp 45 is turned off (controlled to left-hand play notification mode). From this point onward, the shooting instruction lamp 45 remains off until the game proceeds with shooting to the right (i.e., until a jackpot game begins, a minor jackpot game begins, or the game transitions to time-saving state A). Furthermore, the status notification lamp 46 is controlled to a mode corresponding to time-saving state B (both the right-side status notification lamp 46a and the left-side status notification lamp 46b are off) when time-saving state A ends and the game transitions to time-saving state B.

In this configuration, even when transitioning to Time-Saving State B, the same performance mode as Time-Saving State A continues until the remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 are depleted. However, the performance mode when there are remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 during Time-Saving State B may be different from the performance mode during Time-Saving State A. In this case, it may be the same performance mode as when the remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 are depleted during Time-Saving State B (CHANCE performance mode), or it may be a different performance mode.

9. Effects of this embodiment In the non-time-saving state, the status notification lamp 46 is in the first illuminated state, and in the time-saving state B (slight time-saving state), the status notification lamp 46 is in the off state. Therefore, the player can understand whether the game state is the non-time-saving state or the time-saving state B based on the state of the status notification lamp 46.

Furthermore, the external terminal board 140 outputs status signal 2 in the non-time-saving state, but does not output status signal 2 in any other game state. Therefore, by deliberately outputting status signal 2 in the non-game state, which is a normal game state where the probability of winning is set to a predetermined normal probability and the ease of ball entry into the second start opening 21 is set to a predetermined normal setting, it is possible to notify the outside of the pachinko machine 1 that the game state is the non-game state and that the status notification lamp 46 is in the first lighting mode.

Furthermore, there are two scenarios when the game state transitions: from time-saving state B (slightly time-saving state) to a non-time-saving state, and from time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) to a non-time-saving state. The external terminal board 140 outputs status signal 1 when the non-time-saving state is set from time-saving state A, but does not output status signal 1 when the non-time-saving state is set from time-saving state B. That is, when transitioning from time-saving state B, the most unfavorable game state among the non-time-saving state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B, to a non-time-saving state, status signal 1 is not output in that non-time-saving state. However, when transitioning from time-saving state A, which is less unfavorable than time-saving state B, to a non-time-saving state, status signal 1 is output in that non-time-saving state. Therefore, the output of status signal 1 allows the pachinko game machine 1 to inform the outside that the currently set non-time-saving state originated from time-saving state A, not time-saving state B.

Furthermore, the external terminal board 140 outputs status signal 1 in time-saving state A (normal time-saving state), but does not output status signal 1 in time-saving state B (slight time-saving state). That is, when transitioning from time-saving state B, the most unfavorable game state among the non-time-saving state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B, to the non-time-saving state, status signal 1 continues to be output. However, when transitioning from time-saving state A, which is less unfavorable than time-saving state B, to the non-time-saving state, status signal 1 continues to be output. In other words, it is possible to maintain the presence or absence of status signal 1 output across two game states (time-saving state A or time-saving state B and the non-time-saving state).

Furthermore, the status indicator lamps 46 include a right-side status indicator lamp 46a and a left-side status indicator lamp 46b that can be illuminated. The second illumination state is when the right-side status indicator lamp 46a is off and the left-side status indicator lamp 46b is illuminated, while the off state is when both the right-side status indicator lamp 46a and the left-side status indicator lamp 46b are off. Therefore, when the game state is set to a time-saving state B (slight time-saving state), which is less favorable than a non-time-saving state, the status indicator lamps 46 are made less conspicuous, thus preventing the player from paying attention to the status indicator lamps 46 while time-saving state B is enabled.

Furthermore, in time-saving state B (slight time-saving state), the status indicator lamp 46 may be either off or in the third illuminated state. Therefore, even when the same time-saving state B is set, it is possible to have different states for the status indicator lamp 46.

Furthermore, if a power outage occurs while the system is in time-saving state B (slightly time-saving state), it will remain in time-saving state B after power is restored. Immediately after the start of time-saving state B, the status indicator lamp 46 is off, and immediately after power is restored from a power outage that occurred while time-saving state B was in place, the status indicator lamp 46 is in the third illuminated state. Therefore, even while the same time-saving state B is set, it is possible to change the state of the status indicator lamp 46 in relation to the occurrence of a power outage.

Furthermore, the status indicator lamps 46 include a right-side status indicator lamp 46a and a left-side status indicator lamp 46b that can be illuminated. The state in which the status indicator lamps 46 are off is when both the right-side status indicator lamp 46a and the left-side status indicator lamp 46b are off. Therefore, immediately after the start of the shortened time state B (slight shortened time state), the status indicator lamps 46 are made less conspicuous, thus preventing players from paying attention to them.

Furthermore, the third illumination mode of the status indicator lamp 46 is when the right status indicator lamp 46a is lit and the left status indicator lamp 46b is off. Therefore, even when the time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) is set, after the power outage is restored, the status indicator lamp 46 can be made relatively more noticeable than from immediately after the setting was initiated until before the power outage. This attracts the player's attention to the status indicator lamp 46 more than immediately after the setting of time-saving state B was initiated, making it possible to recognize that time-saving state B is in effect after the power outage has been restored.

Furthermore, since Time-Saving State B (Slight Time-Saving State) is the most unfavorable of the multiple game states, if the state of the status notification lamp 46 changes while the game is in this most unfavorable game state (Time-Saving State B), it is possible to attract the player's attention.

10. Examples of Modifications The following describes examples of modifications. In the description of the examples of modifications, components similar to those of the pachinko game machine 1 in the above form will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. Of course, components related to the examples of modifications may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, technical features in the above form and the examples of modifications below may be deleted as appropriate unless they are described as essential in this specification.

In the first embodiment described above, the non-time-saving state was designated as the "first game state" according to the present invention. However, the first game state may also be any game state other than the non-time-saving state, such as time-saving state A, a jackpot game state, or a small jackpot game state. Furthermore, while time-saving state B (slightly time-saving state) was designated as the "second game state" according to the present invention, any game state other than time-saving state B (slightly time-saving state) may be designated as the second game state if it is less favorable than the first game state. Furthermore, while time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) was designated as the "third game state" according to the present invention, any game state other than time-saving state A (normal time-saving state) may be designated as the third game state if it is more favorable than the second game state. Also, the same game state as the first game state may be designated as the third game state. In addition, while the first game state was designated as a single game state, it may also be a multiple game state. Furthermore, while the second game state is described as a single game state, it may also be described as multiple game states. Similarly, while the third game state is described as a single game state, it may also be described as multiple game states.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the status notification lamp 46 was used as the "notification means" according to the present invention. However, other types of lamps, such as panel lamps or frame lamps, may also be used as notification means. Additionally, an image that can be displayed on a liquid crystal screen (display screen) may be used as the notification means. Furthermore, a speaker capable of outputting sound may also be used as the notification means.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the state in which the status notification lamp 46 (notification means) is in the first illumination mode is defined as the "first state" according to the present invention. However, the first state may also be any state other than the first illumination mode of the notification means, such as the second illumination mode, the third illumination mode, or the off state. Similarly, the state in which the notification means is in the off state is defined as the "second state" according to the present invention. However, the second state may also be any state other than the off state of the notification means, such as the first illumination mode, the second illumination mode, or the third illumination mode.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the external terminal board 140 was used as the "signal output means" according to the present invention. However, other devices capable of outputting a predetermined signal to the outside of the gaming machine, other than the external terminal board 140, may also be used as the signal output means.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the external terminal board 140 (signal output means) is connected to the main control board 80 via the dispensing control board 110. However, for example, the signal output means may be connected to the main control board 80 without going through the dispensing control board 110. Alternatively, the signal output means may be connected to the sub-control board 90.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the first game state was defined as a game state in which the probability of winning a prize is set to a predetermined normal probability, and the ease of ball entry into the second starting opening 21 (variable ball entry opening) is set to a predetermined normal setting. However, the first game state may also be defined as a game state that satisfies either the probability of winning a prize being set to a predetermined normal probability, or the ease of ball entry into the variable ball entry opening being set to a predetermined normal setting. Alternatively, the first game state may also be defined as a game state in which neither the probability of winning a prize being set to a predetermined normal probability nor the ease of ball entry into the variable ball entry opening being set to a predetermined normal setting.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the second starting opening 21 was designated as the "variable ball entry opening" according to the present invention. However, other variable ball entry openings, such as the first large prize winning opening 30 or the second large prize winning opening 35, may also be designated as variable ball entry openings.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, status signal 2 was designated as the "first signal" according to the present invention, but a signal other than status signal 2 may be designated as the first signal. Also, while status signal 1 was designated as the "second signal" according to the present invention, a signal other than status signal 1 may be designated as the second signal.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the external terminal board 140 (signal output means) outputs a first signal (status signal 2) in the first game state, while not outputting the first signal in game states other than the first game state. However, for example, the signal output means may not output the status signal 2 in the first game state, but may output the first signal in game states other than the first game state.

Furthermore, in the first configuration described above, there are cases where the game is set from time-saving state B (second game state) to a non-time-saving state (first game state), and cases where it is set from time-saving state A (third game state) to the first game state. However, it is also possible to have a configuration where, for example, the game is set from the second game state to the first game state, but not from the third game state to the first game state. Alternatively, it is also possible to have a configuration where, for example, the game is never set from the second game state to the first game state, but sometimes from the third game state to the first game state.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the external terminal board 140 (signal output means) outputs a status signal 1 (second signal) in the non-time-saving state (first game state) set from time-saving state A (third game state), while not outputting the second signal in the first game state set from time-saving state B (second game state). However, for example, the signal output means may not output the second signal in the first game state set from the third game state, while outputting the second signal in the first game state set from the second game state.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the external terminal board 140 (signal output means) outputs a status signal 1 (second signal) in time-saving state A (third game state), while not outputting the second signal in time-saving state B (second game state). However, it is also possible to configure the system so that the signal output means does not output the second signal in the third game state, but outputs the second signal in the second game state.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the status notification lamp 46 (notification means) has two light-emitting elements that can be illuminated (right status notification lamp 46a, left status notification lamp 46b). However, the notification means may also be configured to include three or more light-emitting elements that can be illuminated. Alternatively, the notification means may be configured to include only one light-emitting element that can be illuminated.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the state of the status indicator lamp 46 (notification means) where the right status indicator lamp 46a is off and the left status indicator lamp 46b is on was defined as the first state. However, for example, the state of the notification means where the right status indicator lamp 46a is on and the left status indicator lamp 46b is off, or the state of the notification means where both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are on, may also be defined as the first state.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the state of the status indicator lamps 46 (notification means) where both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are off was defined as the second state. However, for example, the state of the notification means where one of the right status indicator lamps 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b is lit and the other is off, or the state of the notification means where both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are lit, may also be defined as the second state.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the time-saving state B (slightly time-saving state) was designated as the "specific game state" according to the present invention. However, other game states besides time-saving state B, such as time-saving state A, non-time-saving state, jackpot game state, or minor jackpot game state, may also be designated as specific game states. Also, while the specific game state was described as a single game state, it may be multiple game states.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the state in which the status notification lamp 46 (notification means) is in the off state was defined as the "first specific state" according to the present invention. However, the first specific state may also be any state other than the off state of the notification means, such as the first illuminated state, the second illuminated state, or the third illuminated state. Similarly, the state in which the notification means is in the third illuminated state was defined as the "second specific state" according to the present invention. However, the second specific state may also be any state other than the third illuminated state of the notification means, such as the first illuminated state, the second illuminated state, or the off state.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the state of the status indicator lamps 46 (notification means) where both the right-side status indicator lamp 46a and the left-side status indicator lamp 46b are off was defined as the first specific state. However, for example, the state of the notification means where one of the right-side status indicator lamps 46a and the left-side status indicator lamp 46b is lit and the other is off, or the state of the notification means where both the right-side status indicator lamp 46a and the left-side status indicator lamp 46b are lit, may also be defined as the first specific state.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the state of the status indicator lamp 46 (notification means) where the right status indicator lamp 46a is lit and the left status indicator lamp 46b is off was defined as the second specific state. However, for example, the state of the notification means where the right status indicator lamp 46a is off and the left status indicator lamp 46b is lit, or the state of the notification means where both the right status indicator lamp 46a and the left status indicator lamp 46b are lit, may also be defined as the second specific state.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the most unfavorable game state among multiple game states (time-saving state B) was designated as the "specific game state" according to the present invention. However, any game state other than the most unfavorable among multiple game states may also be designated as the specific game state.

Furthermore, in the first form described above, there is a configuration in which one type of jackpot symbol can be displayed as Special Symbol 1 (Special Symbol 1), but it is also possible to have a configuration with two or more types. Similarly, in the configuration in which there is one type of jackpot symbol that can be displayed as Special Symbol 2 (Special Symbol 2), it is also possible to have a configuration with two or more types.

Furthermore, in the first form described above, there is no minor winning symbol that can be displayed as Special Symbol 1 (Special Symbol 1), but it is also possible to have a configuration with one or more types of minor winning symbols that can be displayed as Special Symbol 2 (Special Symbol 2), but it is also possible to have a configuration with two or more types of minor winning symbols that can be displayed as Special Symbol 2. Additionally, it is also possible to have a configuration with no minor winning symbols that can be displayed as Special Symbol 2.

Furthermore, in the first form described above, there is a configuration in which one type of losing symbol (Special Symbol 1_Losing Symbol B) that can be displayed as Special Symbol 1 (Special Symbol 1) indicates a special loss. However, a configuration in which two or more types of losing symbols indicating special losses can be displayed is also possible. Also, in the configuration in which there are two types of losing symbols (Special Symbol 2_Losing Symbol C, (Special Symbol 2_Losing Symbol D)) that can be displayed as Special Symbol 2 (Special Symbol 2) indicate a special loss, a configuration with one type or three or more types is also possible. Furthermore, a configuration in which there is no losing symbol indicating a special loss that can be displayed as Special Symbol 1 is also possible. Also, a configuration in which there is no losing symbol indicating a special loss that can be displayed as Special Symbol 2 is also possible.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, if the special symbol 1 - losing symbol B is displayed while in a non-time-saving state, the game state then transitions (changes) to time-saving state A. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that when the special symbol 1 - losing symbol B is displayed while in a non-time-saving state, the game state then transitions (changes) to a game state that is neither non-time-saving state nor time-saving state A. Alternatively, when the special symbol 1 - losing symbol B is displayed while in a non-time-saving state, the game state may remain in the non-time-saving state without transitioning (changing). Furthermore, when the special symbol 1 - losing symbol B is displayed while in a non-time-saving state, there may be cases where the game state transitions (changes) to time-saving state A, and cases where it remains in the non-time-saving state without transitioning. Furthermore, if the losing symbol B in Special Feature 1 stops and is displayed in a non-time-saving state, the game state may then transition (change) to time-saving state A, or it may transition to a game state other than time-saving state A (and non-time-saving state).

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, if the special symbol 2_missing symbol C is displayed in time-saving state A, the game state then transitions (changes) to time-saving state A. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that if the special symbol 2_missing symbol C is displayed in time-saving state A, the game state then transitions (changes) to a game state that is neither time-saving state A nor time-saving state B. Alternatively, if the special symbol 2_missing symbol C is displayed in time-saving state A, the game state may remain in time-saving state A without transitioning (changing). Furthermore, if the special symbol 2_missing symbol C is displayed in time-saving state A, the game state may either transition (change) to time-saving state B or remain in time-saving state A without transitioning. Furthermore, in the time-saving state A, if the special figure 2_losing symbol C stops and is displayed, the game state may then transition (change) to time-saving state B, or it may transition to a game state other than time-saving state B (and time-saving state A).

Furthermore, in the first form described above, if the special symbol 2_losing symbol D is displayed in time-saving state A, the game state then transitions (changes) to time-saving state A. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that if the special symbol 2_losing symbol D is displayed in time-saving state A, the game state then transitions (changes) to a game state that is neither time-saving state A nor time-saving state B. Alternatively, if the special symbol 2_losing symbol D is displayed in time-saving state A, the game state may remain in time-saving state A without transitioning (changing). Furthermore, if the special symbol 2_losing symbol D is displayed in time-saving state A, there may be cases where the game state then transitions (changes) to time-saving state B, and cases where it remains in time-saving state A without transitioning. Furthermore, if the losing symbol D in Special Feature 2 stops and is displayed in Time-Saving State A, the game state may then transition (change) to Time-Saving State B, or it may transition to a game state other than Time-Saving State B (and Time-Saving State A).

Furthermore, in the first form described above, the game transitions (changes) to the same game state whether the special symbol 2_losing symbol C is displayed or the special symbol 2_losing symbol D is displayed in the time-saving state A. However, the configuration when special symbol 2_losing symbol C is displayed in the time-saving state A and the configuration when special symbol 2_losing symbol D is displayed in the time-saving state A may be different.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the configuration was such that the state notification lamp 46 (notification means) displayed differently before and after the power outage in one of the multiple game states (time-saving state B). However, the configuration may also be such that the notification means displays differently before and after the power outage in two or more game states.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, in time-saving state B, although the mode of the status notification lamp 46 (notification means) differs before and after the power outage, the output state of the status signal 1 is the same (neither outputs). However, in time-saving state B, both the mode of the notification means and the output state of the status signal 1 may differ before and after the power outage. Also, in time-saving state B, although the mode of the notification means differs before and after the power outage, the output state of the status signal 2 is the same (neither outputs). However, in time-saving state B, both the mode of the notification means and the output state of the status signal 2 may differ before and after the power outage.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the external terminal board 140 (signal output means) is configured not to output the status signal 1 (second signal) in the non-time-saving state after RAM clearing. However, the signal output means may be configured to output the second signal in the non-time-saving state after RAM clearing. Also, although the signal output means is configured not to output the second signal in the non-time-saving state after transitioning from time-saving state B, the signal output means may be configured to output the second signal in the non-time-saving state after transitioning from time-saving state B. Furthermore, although the signal output means is configured to output the second signal in non-time-saving states other than the non-time-saving state after RAM clearing and the non-time-saving state after transitioning from time-saving state B, the signal output means may be configured not to output the second signal for at least a portion of the set period in such non-time-saving states.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, even when no signals are output to the outside of the pachinko game machine 1 using status signal 1 (second signal) and status signal 2 (first signal), the system is configured to notify the player using the status notification lamp 46 (notification means) in the first, second, or third lighting modes. However, when no signals are output to the outside of the pachinko game machine 1 using the first and second signals, the notification means may be configured to be off, thus notifying the player. Specifically, when the game state is a time-saving state B (slight time-saving state) other than after power outage restoration, both the first and second signals are "OFF," no signals are output to the outside of the pachinko game machine 1, and the notification means is configured to be off.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the mode of the hitting instruction lamp 45 when indicating a right-handed hit (specific mode) was set to a lit mode. However, if it differs from the mode of the hitting instruction lamp 45 when indicating a left-handed hit (non-specific mode), it may be a flashing mode that repeatedly turns on and off at predetermined intervals. Also, while the mode of the hitting instruction lamp 45 when indicating a left-handed hit (non-specific mode) was set to an off mode, if it differs from the mode of the hitting instruction lamp 45 when indicating a right-handed hit (specific mode), it may be a flashing mode or other mode.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the hitting instruction lamp 45 was used as the hitting instruction notification means. However, the hitting instruction notification means does not have to be a lamp device that includes an LED; for example, it could be a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescent display device.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the right channel R2 was designated as the first channel and the left channel R1 as the second channel. However, the right channel R2 may be designated as the second channel and the left channel R1 as the first channel.

Furthermore, in the first form described above, the duration of the opening (OP) and ending (ED) may be changed depending on whether the jackpot is won in a non-time-saving state or in time-saving state B. By adjusting the length of the OP and ED according to the game state, the duration and content of the opening and ending sequences can be changed, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, while the first form described above is configured as a so-called Type 1 and Type 2 mixed machine capable of executing a jackpot game based on the passage of a game ball into a specific area 39 within the second large prize entry point 35, it may also be configured as other types of game machines, such as so-called symbol probability variation machines or V probability variation machines. Even if the machine is configured as a symbol probability variation machine or V probability variation machine that prioritizes the lottery of Special Feature 2 over the lottery of Special Feature 1, if the lottery results of Special Feature 2 do not include normal misses, and special misses function effectively like normal misses, it is possible to transition from the end of the time-saving state after a jackpot game to a time-saving state based on a special miss in the lottery of Special Feature 2, thereby providing a new gameplay experience.

Furthermore, in the first form described above, the second easy ball entry state, which is set to make it more difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting opening 21 than the first easy ball entry state (time-saving state A), was defined as a slightly time-saving state (time-saving state B) where the ease of entering the second starting opening 21 is not significantly different from the non-time-saving state. However, the second easy ball entry state may be set to allow for a certain degree of winning by entering the second starting opening 21, as long as it is set to make it more difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting opening 21 than the first easy ball entry state. In this case, the game may be played by shooting to the right during the second easy ball entry state.

Furthermore, in the first form described above, a gate that can be passed through by shooting to the left may be provided, and in the non-time-saving state and time-saving state B, the so-called electric tuner 22 may be opened for a long time with a predetermined probability (for example, a probability of about 1/100). With this configuration, it becomes possible to obtain an opportunity to draw a special miss based on the lottery of special figure 2 during the non-time-saving state and time-saving state B, thereby providing a new gameplay experience.

Furthermore, while the first form described above was configured as a so-called Type 1 and Type 2 mixed machine, depending on the desired gameplay, it may also be configured as a so-called "wing-type" machine (Type 2 machine) without a Type 1 jackpot. In other words, it may be configured so that a so-called "direct jackpot" cannot be won in either the lottery for Special Feature 1 or Special Feature 2.

Furthermore, while the first form described above allows for a so-called "direct jackpot" to be won based on the lottery in Special Figure 2, it is also possible to have a configuration where a "direct jackpot" cannot be won based on the lottery in Special Figure 2, that is, a configuration where only two types of jackpots are awarded based on the lottery in Special Figure 2.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the configuration was such that in the minor prize game based on the lottery in Special Figure 2, the opening control of the second large prize opening 35 (opening/closing member 37) and the operation control of the distribution member 71 were performed so that a V-pass always occurs. In contrast, the configuration could also be such that in the minor prize game based on the lottery in Special Figure 2, a V-pass may or may not occur, with the opening control of the second large prize opening 35 and the operation control of the distribution member 71 being performed in a way that allows a V-pass (i.e., if the timing of the distribution member 71 being in a pass-allowing state coincides well with the timing of entry into the second large prize opening 35, a pass to the specific area 39 occurs, but if they do not coincide, a pass to the specific area 39 does not occur).

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the opening pattern for the minor win game based on the lottery in Special Figure 2 was set to an opening pattern in which the game ball that enters the second large prize pocket 35 passes through the specific area 39 regardless of the timing of its entry (see Figures 37(b) and (c)). However, as long as the game is played correctly (as long as the right-hand shooting continues), it is possible to ensure that the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the minor win game, so the opening pattern does not have to be such that all game balls that enter the second large prize pocket 35 pass through the specific area 39. Specifically, for example, the opening pattern may be set to repeat a 0.1-second opening 12 times, in which game balls that enter during the 1st to 9th openings pass through the specific area 39, but game balls that enter during the 10th to 12th openings pass through the non-specific area 70. In other words, the opening pattern for passing through should be one that allows entry into the second large prize opening 35 and ensures that at least one of the game balls that enters the second large prize opening 35 passes through the specific area 39. Furthermore, when using an opening pattern like this modified example, the opening/closing member of the second large prize device should be designed as follows to facilitate entry of game balls into the second large prize opening 35 during each opening: It should be a reciprocating type that can move back and forth, closing the second large prize opening when extended forward and opening it when retracted backward. The game balls flowing down the right channel R2 should be positioned to roll along the upper surface of the opening/closing member. Additionally, the coefficient of friction of the upper surface of the opening/closing member should be increased (for example, by using a highly elastic material such as rubber) to allow the game balls to roll slowly along the upper surface of the opening/closing member. Alternatively, protrusions may be provided on the game ball passage, with the upper surface of the opening/closing member as the floor, to slow down the rolling speed of the game balls.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the specific area 39 is configured to open according to a predetermined operation pattern controlled by time, based on the start time of the minor prize game (see Figure 37). Alternatively, the specific area 39 may be opened (passage permitted) when the number of balls entering the second large prize opening 35 reaches a predetermined trigger number (for example, 1 ball). In this case, for a special 2V passing minor prize, the trigger number of balls entering should be set to, for example, "1". In this way, during a special 2V passing minor prize, the balls entering the second large prize opening 35 can be allowed to pass through the specific area 39. Even if the distribution member 71 operates based on the trigger number of balls entering, the fact remains that the passability of the specific area 39 is switched at predetermined timings.

Furthermore, in the first configuration described above, the maximum number of Special Feature 2 reserves (Second Special Feature Reserve) was set to "4," but the maximum number of Special Feature 2 reserves can be changed as appropriate. Also, if it does not interfere with gameplay, a configuration without Special Feature 2 reserves, i.e., a configuration where the maximum number of Special Feature 2 reserves is "0," is also acceptable.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the maximum number of executions of the special symbol variation display during the time-saving state (time-saving count) was set as a combined maximum execution count, which is counted whether the variation display of Special Symbol 1 or Special Symbol 2 is executed. However, in addition to this combined maximum execution count, a separate maximum execution count for Special Symbol 1 (counting only the variation display of Special Symbol 1) and a maximum execution count for Special Symbol 2 (counting only the variation display of Special Symbol 2) may be set, and the time-saving state may end when either count is reached. Note that the maximum execution counts for Special Symbol 1 and Special Symbol 2 can be set to values different from the combined maximum execution count. Alternatively, without a combined maximum execution count, a maximum execution count for Special Symbol 1 and a maximum execution count for Special Symbol 2 may be set, and the time-saving state may end when either count is reached, or only a maximum execution count for Special Symbol 2 may be set, and the time-saving state may end when this count is reached.

Furthermore, in the first form described above, the rewards that the player can obtain are greater when the jackpot game (including the two types of jackpot games) is executed based on the lottery of Special Figure 2 than when the jackpot game is executed based on the lottery of Special Figure 1. However, the reverse or the same may also apply. The rewards that the player can obtain include the amount of prize balls that can be obtained in the jackpot game, and various settings related to the game state after the jackpot game (such as whether or not the game is controlled to a time-saving state, and the number of time-saving rounds if controlled to a time-saving state).

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the display unit that performs the variable animation was configured using the display screen of one display device (the display screen 7a of the image display device 7), but it may also be configured using the display screens of two or more display devices. For example, in a configuration that includes a sub-display device in addition to the image display device 7 as the main display device, the variable animation of the animation symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R may be performed on the display screen of the main display device, and the variable animation of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 may be performed on the display screen of the sub-display device. Alternatively, a touch panel consisting of a touch sensor and a liquid crystal display device may be mounted on the gaming machine frame 50, and the liquid crystal display device on this touch panel may be used as the sub-display device.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, four random numbers (judgment information), such as a jackpot random number, are obtained based on the entry into the first starting gate 20 or the second starting gate 21. However, it is also possible to obtain only one random number and use that number to determine whether it is a jackpot or a minor win, the type of jackpot symbol, minor win symbol, or losing symbol, whether there is a reach (a near-miss), and the type of variation pattern. In other words, the number of random numbers obtained based on the starting entry and what each random number determines can be arbitrarily set.

11. Inventions Disclosed in This Specification The following inventions have been disclosed up to the preceding paragraph of this [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]. In the following description, the names and expressions of corresponding components in the embodiments and the reference numerals used in the drawings are noted in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these notes. Invention A is a collective term for the following inventions A1 to A5. Invention B is a collective term for the following inventions B1 to B5.

Invention A1:
A setting means that can set one game state from a plurality of game states, including a first game state (non-time-saving state) and a second game state (time-saving state B (slightly time-saving state)) which is less favorable than the first game state,
It includes a notification means (status notification lamp 46),
In the first game state, the notification means enters a first state (a state in which it is illuminated in a first mode).
The gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1) is characterized in that, in the second gaming state, the notification means enters the second state (a state in which the lights are off).

With this configuration, it is possible to allow the player to understand whether the game state is the first game state or the second game state based on the difference in the state of the notification means.

Invention A2:
The gaming machine described in Invention A1,
The gaming machine is equipped with a signal output means (external terminal board 140) capable of outputting a predetermined signal to the outside of the machine.
The aforementioned first game state is a game state in which the probability of winning is set to a predetermined normal probability, and the ease of ball entry into the variable ball entry opening (second start opening 21) is set to a predetermined normal setting.
The signal output means is
This gaming machine is characterized in that it outputs a first signal (status signal 2) in the first game state, but does not output the first signal in any game state other than the first game state.

In this configuration of the gaming machine, the probability of winning a prize is set to a predetermined normal probability, and the ease of ball entry into the variable ball entry slot is set to a predetermined normal setting. By deliberately outputting a first signal during this first game state, which is a normal game state, it is possible to inform the outside of the gaming machine that the game state is the first game state, and that the notification means is in the first state.

Invention A3:
The gaming machine described in Invention A2,
The aforementioned multiple game states include a third game state (normal time-saving state) that is more advantageous than the second game state.
The setting means is,
There are cases where the game is set from the second game state to the first game state, and cases where the game is set from the third game state to the first game state.
The signal output means is
This gaming machine is characterized in that, in the first gaming state set from the third gaming state, it outputs a second signal (status signal 1) that is different from the first signal, while in the first gaming state set from the second gaming state, it does not output the second signal.

In this configuration of the gaming machine, when transitioning from the second game state (the most unfavorable of the three game states) to the first game state, the second signal is not output in the first game state. However, when transitioning from the third game state (which is not as unfavorable as the second game state) to the first game state, the second signal is output in the first game state. Therefore, the output of this second signal allows the gaming machine to inform the outside world that the currently set first game state originated from the third game state, not the second game state.

Invention A4:
The gaming machine described in Invention A3,
The signal output means is
This gaming machine is characterized in that it outputs the second signal in the third gaming state, while not outputting the second signal in the second gaming state.

In this configuration of the gaming machine, when transitioning from the second game state (the most unfavorable of the three game states) to the first game state, the second signal is not output. However, when transitioning from the third game state (which is not as unfavorable as the second game state) to the first game state, the second signal continues to be output. In other words, it is possible to maintain the presence or absence of the second signal output across two game states (the second or third game state and the first game state).

Invention A5:
A gaming machine according to any one of Inventions A1, A2, A3, and A4,
The notification means includes a plurality of light-emitting elements that can be illuminated (right status notification lamp 46a, left status notification lamp 46b),
The first state is a state in which at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements is lit.
The second state is a gaming machine characterized in that all of the multiple light-emitting elements are turned off.

With this configuration, when the game is set to a second game state that is less favorable than the first game state, it is possible to make the notification means less conspicuous, thereby preventing the player from paying attention to the notification means while the second game state is being set.

Invention B1:
A setting means that can set one game state from multiple game states, including a specific game state (slightly shortened time state),
It includes a notification means (status notification lamp 46),
The gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1) is characterized in that, in the aforementioned specific gaming state, the notification means is in a first specific state (a state in which the lights are off) and in a second specific state (a state in which the lights are on).

With this configuration, it is possible to vary the state of the notification mechanism even when the same specific game state is being played.

Invention B2:
The gaming machine described in Invention B1,
If a power outage occurs while the aforementioned specific game state is being set, the game will remain in the aforementioned specific game state even after the power is restored.
Immediately after the start of setting the specified game state, the notification means is in the first specified state.
The gaming machine is characterized in that the notification means is in the second specific state immediately after recovery from a power outage that occurred while the setting of the specific gaming state was in progress.

With this configuration, it is possible to change the state of the notification means in relation to the occurrence of a power outage, even when the same specific game state is set.

Invention B3:
The gaming machine described in Invention B2,
The notification means includes a plurality of light-emitting elements that can be illuminated (right status notification lamp 46a, left status notification lamp 46b),
The first specified state is a gaming machine characterized in that all of the multiple light-emitting elements are turned off.

This configuration of the gaming machine makes it possible to prevent players from paying attention to the notification mechanism by making it inconspicuous immediately after the start of setting a specific game state.

Invention B4:
The gaming machine described in Invention B3,
The second specified state is a gaming machine characterized in that at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements is lit.

With this configuration, even while a specific game state is being set, the notification mechanism can be made relatively more prominent after a power outage and restoration of power. This attracts the player's attention to the notification mechanism more than immediately after the start of the specific game state setting, making it possible to recognize that the specific game state has been restored after a power outage.

Invention B5:
A gaming machine according to any one of the inventions B1, B2, B3, and B4,
The aforementioned specific game state is characterized by being the most unfavorable game state among the multiple game states.

With this configuration, if the state of the notification means changes while the most unfavorable game state (specific game state) among the multiple configurable game states is set, it is possible to attract the player's attention.

21...Second starting gate (variable ball entry gate)
46...Status indicator lamp (notification method)
46a...Right-side status indicator lamp (multiple light-emitting elements)
46b... Left-side status indicator lamp (multiple light-emitting elements)
81...Microcontroller for game control 91...Microcontroller for performance control 140...External terminal board (signal output means)
PY1... Pachinko game machine

Claims (1)

A setting means capable of setting one game state from a plurality of game states, including a first game state, a second game state that is less favorable than the first game state, and a third game state that is more favorable than the second game state .
Notification methods,
The gaming machine includes a signal output means capable of outputting a predetermined signal to the outside of the gaming machine ,
In the first game state, the notification means enters the first state.
In the second game state, the notification means enters the second state.
The aforementioned first game state is a game state in which the probability of winning is set to a predetermined normal probability, and the ease of balls entering the variable ball entry slot is set to a predetermined normal setting.
The signal output means is
In the first game state, the first signal is output, while in the second game state or the third game state, the first signal is not output.
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the first gaming state set from the third gaming state, it outputs a second signal different from the first signal, while in the first gaming state set from the second gaming state, it does not output the second signal .