JP2024064504A - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine that can effectively display the symbols included in a symbol string. [Solution] All of two or more of the multiple performance symbols 300 numbered 1 to 9 included in the symbol string are displayed as a single block rotating along a cylindrical surface with a female character at the center. This gives the player a sense of a group and a sense of expectation that can be conveyed at a glance, making it possible to effectively display the performance symbols 300 included in the symbol string. [Selected Figure] Figure 26

Description

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

In the gaming machine, a win/loss determination is made based on whether the starting conditions are met, and the result of the determination is notified to the player by displaying a frozen symbol string containing multiple symbols after the symbol string has changed (Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-087378 A

In recent gaming machines, it is desirable to display the symbols contained in the symbol strings effectively.

Therefore, the present invention was created to address the above needs, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can effectively display the symbols included in a symbol string.

To achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a win/loss determination means for determining whether a win/loss is determined based on the establishment of a start condition, a pattern variation means for varying a pattern string containing multiple patterns and then notifying the player of the result of the determination by the win/loss determination means by displaying the pattern string in a frozen state, and an awarding means for awarding a jackpot game when the win/loss determination means determines that a win has been determined, and the pattern variation means is characterized in that it displays all two or more of the multiple patterns contained in the pattern string as a single unit.

In the gaming machine according to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, two or more of the multiple symbols included in the symbol string are all displayed as a single group. This gives the player a sense of grouping and anticipation that is immediately apparent to the player, making it possible to effectively display the symbols included in the symbol string.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of displays provided on the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a main control board and peripheral devices provided in the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a sub-control board and peripheral devices provided in the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a big win determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a reach determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a special chart variation pattern selection table. An explanatory diagram showing the memory contents of the first special chart reservation memory unit. An explanatory diagram showing the memory contents of the second special chart reservation memory unit. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a performance selection table. An explanatory diagram of the first special chart hold performance memory unit. An explanatory diagram of the second special chart hold performance memory unit. 13 is a flowchart of the main control processing executed by the game control microcomputer. 14 is a flowchart of the main side timer interrupt processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side main control processing shown in FIG. 13. 15 is a flowchart of the start port sensor detection process executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 14. 15 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process executed by the game control microcomputer in the main timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 14. This is a flowchart of the second special symbol jackpot determination process executed by the game control microcomputer during the special symbol waiting process shown in Figure 16. This is a flowchart of the second special symbol change pattern selection process executed by the game control microcomputer in the special symbol waiting process shown in Figure 16. 19 is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 18 . 15 is a flowchart of a special pattern change process executed by the game control microcomputer in the main timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 14 . 13 is a flowchart of the sub-side main control processing executed by the performance control microcomputer. This is a flowchart of the 1 ms timer interrupt processing executed by the performance control microcomputer in the sub-side main control processing shown in Figure 21. This is a flowchart of the 10 ms timer interrupt processing executed by the performance control microcontroller in the sub-side main control processing shown in Figure 21. 24 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process executed by the performance control microcomputer in the 10 ms timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 23. This is a flowchart of the variable performance start processing executed by the performance control microcomputer in the received command analysis processing shown in Figure 24. A figure showing an image of a precursor to the almighty pattern. A figure showing an image displaying the performance patterns 1 to 9 and the almighty pattern. FIG. 13 shows a selection effect image. FIG. 13 shows a selection effect image. FIG. 13 shows a plurality of button images in a stacked state. FIG. 13 shows a plurality of button images in a stacked state. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the last button image. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one button image. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a missing button image. A figure showing a missing button image displayed below the performance display device. A figure showing a missing button image moved above the performance display device. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a top missing button image and a bottom missing button image. 13 is a diagram showing an upper missing button image, a lower missing button image, and a connecting member. FIG. A figure showing an enlarged button image in which an upper part missing button image, a lower part missing button image, and a connecting member are integrated.

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, when the direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine is described, the direction as seen by a player playing opposite the pachinko gaming machine will be used as the reference. Specifically, the left-right and up-down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine are the left-right and up-down directions as seen by the player. In addition, the direction approaching the player is defined as the front, and the direction moving away from the player is defined as the rear.

[Main components of a pachinko machine]
As shown in Fig. 1, the pachinko machine 1 includes a machine frame 16. The machine frame 16 is composed of a front frame 18, an inner frame (not shown), and an outer frame (not shown) in that order from the front side. The front frame 18 includes a handle 4, a ball supply tray (also called an upper tray) 24, a surplus ball receiving tray (also called a lower tray) 25, a performance button 9, a performance lever 6, a speaker 8, a left side lamp 23a, and a right side lamp 23b.

The handle 4 is provided at the lower right of the front frame 18, that is, at a position where a player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can hold it with his/her right hand. The handle 4 is equipped with a touch switch 92 (Fig. 3), a launch lever 4a, and a launch stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is located at a position where the right hand of the player holding the handle 4 can touch. The launch lever 4a is for adjusting the launch strength of the game balls, and is provided rotatably on the handle 4. The launch stop button 4b is for stopping the launch of the game balls when they are being launched, and is provided at a position where it can be operated by the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 4. The ball supply tray (also called the upper tray) 24 is provided at the lower center of the front frame 18. The ball supply tray 24 is for storing game balls to be supplied to the launch device 90 (Fig. 3). The ball supply tray 24 stores game balls dispensed from the ball loan payout device 80 (Figure 3) and the prize ball payout device 400 (Figure 3). The surplus ball receiving tray (also called the lower tray) 25 is provided below the ball supply tray 24 on the front frame 18. The surplus ball receiving tray 25 stores game balls that exceed the number that can be stored in the ball supply tray 24.

The effect button 9 is provided in a portion of the front frame 18 that covers the upper part of the ball supply tray 24. In other words, the effect button 9 is provided in a position of the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can press the effect button 9 with the right or left hand. In this embodiment, the effect button 9 is a push-on button switch. The effect button 9 also has an effect button lamp 9c (FIG. 4) and an effect button vibration motor 9d (FIG. 4) built in. The effect button lamp 9c lights up or flashes when the effect button 9 is pressed during the period when the pressing operation of the effect button 9 is valid. The surface of the effect button 9 is formed of a translucent material, and is designed so that the light emitted by the effect button lamp 9c can be seen by the player. The effect button vibration motor 9d vibrates the effect button 9, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during the period when the pressing operation of the effect button 9 is valid. In this embodiment, the effect button lamp 9c is an LED.
The effect button 9 has a built-in elastic member such as a spring (not shown) for returning the pressed effect button 9 to the position before it was pressed, and when the pressed state is released, the effect button 9 returns to the state before it was pressed by the restoring force of the elastic member. When a player presses the effect button 9 while the pressing operation of the effect button 9 is valid, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect that is performed in response to the operation of the effect button 9 is referred to as a button effect. The effect button 9 is an example of an operation button of the present invention.

The effect lever 6 is provided to the left of the surplus ball tray 25 in the front frame 18, that is, toward the lower left end of the front frame 18. In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided in a position in the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can operate it with his/her left hand. In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided in a position in the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can operate it with his/her left hand, and the effect button 9 is provided in a position in the front frame 18 where the player can press it with his/her right hand while operating the effect lever 6 with his/her left hand.
The effect lever 6 is formed in a rod shape that can be grasped with the left hand, and can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, as well as pushed backward. The effect lever 6 is also provided with an effect lever vibration motor 6d (FIG. 4). The effect lever vibration motor 6d vibrates the effect lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during the period during which the operation of the effect lever 6 is valid. When the player operates the effect lever 6 during the period during which the operation of the effect lever 6 is valid, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect that is performed in response to the operation of the effect lever 6 is referred to as a lever effect.

A left side lamp 23a is provided on the left side of the front frame 18, and a right side lamp 23b is provided on the right side. The front frame 18 in the portion where the left side lamp 23a and right side lamp 23b are provided is translucent, and multiple LEDs are arranged inside the translucent portion. Each LED is capable of emitting multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the content of the performance, and also changes the color of the light emitted. Speakers 8 are provided in the upper left and right corners of the front frame 18, respectively, and output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds depending on the content of the performance.

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a game board 2, a glass plate 5, and a performance display device 7. The game board 2 is positioned approximately in the center of the game board 2, that is, in a position that is approximately directly opposite the face of the player. The performance display device 7 is positioned on the rear side of the game board 2, and its screen is exposed from approximately the center of the game board 2. The game board 2 includes a fixed winning device 10, a first large winning device 30, a second large winning device 33, a gate 12, a normal variable winning device (also called an electric chute) 20, a general winning port 13, displays 50, a center decoration 14, and a rail member 17.

On the surface of the game board 2, a game area 3 is formed in which the game balls flow down (roll). The game area 3 has a left game area 3a formed on the left side of the screen of the performance display device 7, and a right game area 3b formed on the right side of the screen of the performance display device 7. A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven into the surface of the game board 2 to change the direction in which the game balls flow down. The front of the surface of the game board 2 is covered with a transparent glass plate 5. Although not shown in FIG. 1, LEDs are provided at multiple locations on the game board 2. These LEDs are collectively referred to as board lamps (indicated by the symbol 2a in FIG. 4). Each LED that constitutes the board lamp 2a can emit multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the performance content, and further changes the emission color. In other words, the pachinko game machine 1 lights up or blinks the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the board lamp 2a depending on the performance content during game control, and outputs sound from each speaker 8.

The fixed winning device 10 is disposed in the approximate center of the lower side of the game board 2. The fixed winning device 10 has a first starting hole 11 through which game balls can enter (enter) one by one. The first starting hole 11 is always open, and the probability that a game ball will enter the first starting hole 11 does not change. The gate 12 is disposed in the right game area 3b, and is configured so that game balls flowing down the right game area 3b can pass through. The normal variable winning device 20 is disposed below the gate 12 in the right game area 3b. The normal variable winning device 20 includes a movable member (electric tulip) 21. The movable member 21 is configured to be rotatable with its base end as a rotation axis, and the second starting hole 22 is opened and closed by the movable member 21 opening and closing operation. When the movable member 21 opens, the second starting hole 22 is opened, and the game balls are easily allowed to enter (enter) the second starting hole 22 one by one. Furthermore, when the movable member 21 is closed, the second starting hole 22 is closed, and the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 22.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the normal variable winning device 20 is arranged on the right side of the play area 3, but it may also be arranged on the lower side of the play area 3.

The first large prize winning device 30 is disposed to the right of the fixed prize winning device 10 on the game board 2, and the second large prize winning device 33 is disposed above the first large prize winning device 30. The first large prize winning device 30 is provided with a first opening/closing member 31 for opening and closing the first large prize winning opening 32, and the second large prize winning device 33 is provided with a second opening/closing member 34 for opening and closing the second large prize winning opening 35. The first large prize winning opening 32 and the second large prize winning opening 35 are each formed to a size that allows multiple game balls to win (enter) at the same time. In this embodiment, the first opening/closing member 31 and the second opening/closing member 34 are each formed in a plate shape that is long in the left-right direction, and are configured to be rotatable around the left and right lower ends as rotation axes. Hereinafter, when matters common to the first large prize winning opening 32 and the second large prize winning opening 35 are described, they will simply be referred to as large prize winning openings.
Inside the second large prize winning device 33, there are formed a specific area (also called a V prize winning area, not shown) which is an area through which a gaming ball that has won in the second large prize winning opening 35 can pass, and a non-specific area (not shown). Also, inside the second large prize winning device 33, there is provided a distribution member (not shown) that distributes the gaming ball that has won in the second large prize winning opening 35 to the specific area or the non-specific area, and a distribution member solenoid 35d (FIG. 3) that drives this distribution member.

The display devices 50 are provided on the game board 2 outside the game area 3 and below the first big winning device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the display devices 50 include a first special pattern display device 51 that variably displays the first special pattern (also called the first special pattern), a second special pattern display device 52 that variably displays the second special pattern (also called the second special pattern), and a normal pattern display device 53 that variably displays the normal pattern (also called the normal pattern). Furthermore, the display devices 50 include a first special pattern reserve display device 51a that displays the number of reserved activations of the first special pattern display device 51, a second special pattern reserve display device 52a that displays the number of reserved activations of the second special pattern display device 52, and a normal pattern reserve display device 53a that displays the number of reserved activations of the normal pattern display device 53. Hereinafter, when matters common to the first special pattern and the second special pattern are described, they are simply referred to as special patterns. In addition, when explaining matters common to the first special pattern display device 51 and the second special pattern display device 52, they will simply be referred to as the special pattern display device.

In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52 are each composed of four LEDs. The lit LEDs (□) and the unlit LEDs (■) represent the special symbols, and the state in which the lit LEDs move in a predetermined direction (for example, from left to right) represents the changing display of the special symbols. Hereinafter, the changing pattern of the special symbols from when the special symbols start to be changed to when the special symbols are finally displayed is called the special symbol changing pattern.
In this embodiment, the normal symbol display 53 is composed of two LEDs. The lit LED (□) and the unlit LED (■) represent normal symbols, and the alternating lit states of the LEDs represent the variable display of the normal symbols. When the game ball passes through the gate 12, a lottery is performed for determining whether or not a win has been won, and the normal symbol display 53 displays the normal symbols variably. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal symbol display 53 started to display the variable normal symbols, the normal symbol display 53 displays the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol. If the normal symbol displayed by the normal symbol display 53 is a normal symbol indicating a win, the normal variable winning device 20 is activated to open and close the movable member 21, and the second starting hole 22 is opened and closed.

When a game ball enters the first starting hole 11, a jackpot determination (also called a jackpot lottery) is performed to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won, and the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol in a variable manner. Then, the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first special symbol display started to display the variable manner of the first special symbol. If the first special symbol displayed in a variable manner is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot occurs, the first large prize winning device 30 is activated, the first opening/closing member 31 is opened and closed, and the first large prize winning hole 32 is opened and closed. When a game ball enters the first starting hole 11 while the first special symbol display 51 is displaying the variable manner of the first special symbol, the operation of the first special symbol display 51 triggered by the winning is suspended, and the memory number indicating the number of suspended operations is displayed by the first special symbol suspension display 51a. Hereinafter, the number of reserved activations of the first special symbol display 51 will be referred to as the first special symbol reserved number.

When the game ball enters the second starting hole 22, a jackpot determination (also called a jackpot lottery) is executed, and the second special symbol display 52 variably displays the second special symbol. Then, the second special symbol display 52 displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second special symbol display 52 started to variably display the second special symbol. If the second special symbol displayed as a fixed symbol is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot occurs, the second big winning device 33 is activated, the second opening/closing member 34 is opened and closed, and the second big winning hole 35 is opened and closed. When the game ball enters the second starting hole 22 while the second special symbol display 52 is variably displaying the second special symbol, the operation of the second special symbol display 52 triggered by the winning is suspended, and the memory number indicating the number of suspended operations is displayed by the second special symbol suspension display 52a. Hereinafter, the number of reserved activations of the second special symbol display 52 will be referred to as the second reserved special symbol number. Also, when explaining matters common to the first and second reserved special symbol numbers, it will simply be referred to as the reserved special symbol number.

Hereinafter, one change of the special pattern is defined as the period from when the special pattern display starts to display the change of the special pattern to when the special pattern is finally displayed. The number of reserved special patterns decreases by one each time the special pattern changes, which is defined as the consumption of the reserved special pattern number. The period from when the large prize opening opens to when it closes is defined as the opening period of the large prize opening, and the period from when the large prize opening opens to when it opens again is defined as a round. The game from the start of the first round to the end of the final round is defined as a jackpot game. If a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, the type of jackpot is determined by lottery. The large prize opening that opens and closes (either or both of the first large prize opening 32 and the second large prize opening 35), the opening period of the large prize opening, the maximum number of rounds that can be played, etc. differ depending on the type of jackpot.

In the pachinko game machine 1, a normal probability (hereinafter referred to as normal probability) and a probability higher than the normal probability (hereinafter referred to as high probability) are set as the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination (hereinafter referred to as jackpot probability). Hereinafter, a game state in which the jackpot probability is set to the normal probability is referred to as a normal probability state, and a game state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability is referred to as a high probability state. In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment described below, when a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 35 during a jackpot game passes through the specific area described above (V entry), the game state after the jackpot game ends transitions to a high probability state. In other words, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a model known as a V-guaranteed machine.

The general winning opening 13 is disposed to the left of the fixed winning device 10 on the game board 2. The rail member 17 is disposed along the periphery of the game board 2. The rail member 17 guides the game balls launched by the launching device 90 (FIG. 3) to the game area 3. An outlet 19 is opened in the center of the lower part of the game board 2 for discharging game balls that have not won anywhere. The center decoration 14 is disposed in the upper part of the game board 2. The center decoration 14 is translucent, and on its inside are provided multiple LEDs that light up or flash depending on the performance content.
The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a movable body 15. The movable body 15 is disposed behind the center ornament 14. FIG. 1 shows the movable body 15 in a state where it is almost hidden by the center ornament 14. The movable body 15 descends downward at a predetermined timing according to the content of the performance, and displaces into a state where it can be seen by the player. The movable body 15 is disposed between the performance display device 7 and the game board 2.

The performance display device 7 displays moving images and still images such as performance images, message images, and demonstration images. The player plays the game while viewing these images from the front of the pachinko game machine 1. The performance display device 7 displays performance (decorative) symbols as performance images in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of special symbols. In this embodiment, the performance symbols are symbols representing Arabic numerals 1 to 9. The performance symbols may include symbols representing characters other than numbers, such as alphabets and special characters, or may be combined with symbols representing characters other than numbers. In this embodiment, the left performance symbol display region, the middle performance symbol display region, and the right performance symbol display region are set in order from the left as regions in which the performance display device 7 displays the performance symbols in a variable manner. The left performance symbol 9L is displayed in the left performance symbol display region, the middle performance symbol 9C is displayed in the middle performance symbol display region, and the right performance symbol 9R is displayed in the right performance symbol display region. In the following, when describing matters common to the left performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern display area, and the right performance pattern display area, they will simply be referred to as the performance pattern display area.

In addition, the performance display device 7 changes and displays the performance (decorative) pattern as a performance image in synchronization with the change display of the special pattern. In this embodiment, the performance pattern is a pattern representing the Arabic numerals 1 to 9, and a pattern string including the performance patterns 1 to 9 is displayed. The performance pattern may include a pattern representing something other than a number, such as an alphabet or a special character, or may be combined with a pattern representing something other than a number. In this embodiment, the left performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern display area, and the right performance pattern display area are set in order from the left as areas in which the performance display device 7 changes and displays the pattern string. In the left performance pattern display area, the left performance pattern 9L is displayed, in the middle performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern 9C is displayed, and in the right performance pattern display area, the right performance pattern 9R is displayed. Hereinafter, when matters common to the left performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern display area, and the right performance pattern display area are described, they will simply be referred to as the performance pattern display area. The effect display device 7 is an example of the pattern variation means and effect image display means of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the main variation pattern (variation mode) of each performance pattern is a variation pattern in which the numbers represented by the performance patterns move from the top to the bottom of the screen in ascending order, that is, a variation pattern in which the numbers scroll vertically. In addition, as the variation pattern, a horizontal scroll method in which the performance patterns move from one side to the left or right of the screen to the other, a method in which the performance patterns are displayed in ascending order of numbers at the same display position, etc. can also be used. In addition, the performance display device 7 displays a background image as a performance image on the background of each performance pattern. For example, the background image is a moving image such as a TV drama or a movie, a moving image that animates the moving image, an animation, an original moving image of a pachinko game machine manufacturer, etc. In this embodiment, the performance display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. Incidentally, an organic EL display device, a display device using a dot matrix LED, etc. can also be used as the performance display device 7.
The performance display device 7 displays each performance symbol in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol, and displays each performance symbol as determined when the special symbol is determined, and displays the result of the big win determination. Here, the determined display refers to a stopped display state in which the performance symbol is completely stopped without swinging up and down or changing again.

Hereinafter, the performance pattern that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot is called a jackpot performance pattern, and the performance pattern that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a miss is called a miss performance pattern. In this embodiment, the jackpot performance pattern is a state in which each performance pattern is aligned with a performance pattern that represents the same number, that is, a state of a set of numbers. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the left performance pattern 9L, the middle performance pattern 9C, and the right performance pattern 9R that are confirmed and displayed are all aligned with "7". Also, the miss performance pattern is a state in which each performance pattern is not aligned with a performance pattern that represents the same number, that is, a pattern that is not aligned with a set of numbers. For example, the left performance pattern 9L that is confirmed and displayed is "7", the middle performance pattern 9C is "6", and the right performance pattern 9R is "7".
Hereinafter, the effect pattern that the effect display device 7 changes and displays in synchronization with the special pattern is referred to as the effect pattern change pattern, and the image displayed in the background of the effect pattern change pattern is referred to as the background image. The background image is a still image or a moving image.

The effect symbol change pattern is displayed in synchronization with the change display of the special symbol change pattern, and when the operation of the special symbol display device is suspended, the operation of the effect display device 7 is also suspended. In other words, the number of operations suspended for the special symbol display device and the number of operations suspended for the effect display device 7 match. The number of operations suspended for the effect display device 7 corresponding to the first special symbol reservation number and the number of operations suspended for the effect display device 7 corresponding to the second special symbol reservation number are displayed on the effect display device 7 by reserved images. Therefore, by counting the number of reserved images displayed on the effect display device 7, the player can know the number of reserved first special symbols and the number of reserved second special symbols, and can know the number of operations suspended for the effect display device 7 caused by the number of reserved first special symbols and the number of reserved second special symbols. The number of operations suspended for the effect display device 7 may not be displayed on the effect display device 7, but may be notified to the player using a lamp or the like located around the effect display device 7.

In addition to notifying the result of the jackpot determination by the above-mentioned effect symbols, the pachinko game machine 1 also notifies the result of the jackpot determination by using a combination of the background image displayed on the effect display device 7, the sound output from the speaker 8, the lighting of the board lamp 2a, the operation of the role-playing device, etc. Specifically, this includes various effects such as advance notice effects and reach effects.

[Major electrical configuration of a pachinko machine]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.
A plurality of control boards and devices are provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1. The main control boards include a main control board (FIG. 3) 60, a sub-control board (FIG. 4) 100, an image control board (FIG. 4) 200, a sound control board (FIG. 4) 78, a lamp control board (FIG. 4) 79, a payout control board (FIG. 3) 73, a power supply board (FIG. 3) 70, a firing control circuit (FIG. 4) 75, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 60 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as the game control microcomputer) 61. The game control microcomputer 61 is equipped with a CPU 62, a ROM 63, a RAM 64, and an input/output circuit 65. The CPU 62 performs functions such as winning detection, jackpot determination, and updating of various random numbers. The ROM 63 stores various tables such as a computer program executed by the CPU 62, a jackpot determination table Ta1 (FIG. 5), a reach determination table Ta2 (FIG. 6), a special chart variation pattern selection table Ta3 (FIG. 7), and a jackpot type determination table (not shown). The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various determinations (lotteries), such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers.

The RAM 64 is used as a work memory when the CPU 62 executes a computer program. The RAM 64 is also provided with a first special chart reserve memory section 64a, a second special chart reserve memory section 64b, and a normal chart reserve memory section 64c. As shown in FIG. 8, the first special chart reserve memory section 64a has first to fourth memory areas. In other words, the maximum number of first special charts that can be reserved is four. Each memory area stores the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 as a result of the game ball entering the first starting hole 11 (FIG. 1). When the first special symbol display 51 (Fig. 2) is displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner and the game ball enters the first starting hole 11 (Fig. 1), the variable display of the first special symbol resulting from that winning is temporarily suspended (activation suspended), and the jackpot random number obtained as a result of that winning is stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the second special symbol reservation memory unit 64b has first to fourth memory areas. In other words, the maximum number of second special symbol reservations that can be stored is four. In each memory area, the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and change pattern random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 as a result of the game ball entering the second starting hole 22 (FIG. 1) are stored. When the game ball enters the second starting hole 22 (FIG. 1) while the second special symbol display 52 (FIG. 2) is displaying the second special symbol, the display of the second special symbol caused by the winning is temporarily reserved (activation reserved), and the jackpot random number and other information obtained as a result of the winning are stored in the second special symbol reservation memory unit 64b.

The jackpot random numbers and the like are stored in the order of occurrence of the reserved operation, that is, in the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61, from the first storage area of the first special symbol reserved storage unit 64a and the second special symbol reserved storage unit 64b. Therefore, when the jackpot random numbers and the like are stored in the first through fourth storage areas, the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the fourth storage area are the newest information in terms of time, and the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the first storage area are the oldest information in terms of time. The jackpot random numbers and the like stored in each storage area are shifted one by one to the storage area with the oldest storage order each time a special symbol variable display is completed. For example, the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the second storage area are shifted to the first storage area. In addition, the judgment (lottery) based on the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the first storage area is performed when the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display device ends and before the next variable display begins.

The regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c (FIG. 3) stores the regular winning random number (random number for judging (lottery) whether the regular symbol is a winning symbol or not) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 12 (FIG. 1). When the game ball passes through the gate 12 while the regular symbol display device 53 is displaying a regular symbol, the operation of the regular symbol display device 53 due to the passing is temporarily reserved (operation reserved), and the regular winning random number acquired due to the passing is stored in the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c. The reserved variable display of the regular symbol is performed next after the currently performed variable display of the regular symbol is completed. In this embodiment, the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c has a memory area for a total of four reservations, and the maximum number of reserved activations of the regular symbol display device 53 is four. Hereinafter, the number of reserved activations of the regular symbol display device 53 is referred to as the regular symbol reservation number.

The main control board 60 is also equipped with a RAM clear switch 66. When the pachinko game machine 1 is started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed, it initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) of the sub-control board 100. The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to the display devices 50. The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to the first start hole sensor 11a, the second start hole sensor 22a, the gate sensor 12a, the first large prize hole sensor 32a, the second large prize hole sensor 35a, the specific area sensor 35b, the non-specific area sensor 35c, the general prize hole sensor 13a, the electric chute solenoid 20a, the first large prize hole solenoid 30a, the second large prize hole solenoid 33a, and the distribution member solenoid 35d via the relay board 74.

The first start hole sensor 11a is provided directly below the first start hole 11 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the first start hole 11 to the main control board 60. The second start hole sensor 22a is provided directly below the second start hole 22 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the second start hole 22 to the main control board 60. The gate sensor 12a is provided in the game ball passage area of the gate 12 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 12 to the main control board 60. The first large prize hole sensor 32a is provided directly below the first large prize hole 32 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the first large prize hole 32 to the main control board 60. The second large prize opening sensor 35a is provided directly below the second large prize opening 35 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the second large prize opening 35 to the main control board 60. The specific area sensor 35b is provided in a specific area inside the second large prize opening 35 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area to the main control board 60. The non-specific area sensor 35c is provided in a non-specific area inside the second large prize opening 35 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the non-specific area to the main control board 60. The general prize opening sensor 13a is provided directly below the general prize opening 13 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the general prize opening 13 to the main control board 60.

The electric chute solenoid 20a drives the movable member 21 (FIG. 1) of the normal variable winning device 20 to open and close. The first large winning opening solenoid 30a drives the first opening/closing member 31 (FIG. 1) of the first large winning device 30 to open and close. The second large winning opening solenoid 33a drives the second opening/closing member 34 (FIG. 1) of the second large winning device 33 to open and close. The distribution member solenoid 35d drives the distribution member provided inside the second large winning device 33.
The main control board 60 is electrically connected to the ball loaning device 80, the card unit 76, and the prize ball loaning device 400 via the payout control board 73. The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1, and performs reading and writing of the balance on the prepaid card. The ball loaning device 80 includes a ball loaning motor 81 and a ball loaning sensor 82. The ball loaning motor 81 drives a member that pays out game balls as loan balls, and the ball loaning sensor 82 outputs a signal indicating that the game balls have been paid out by the member to the main control board 60 via the payout control board 73. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of balls loaned out by the ball loaning device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73. When a prepaid card inserted into the card unit 76 has a recorded balance equal to or greater than the minimum balance that can be paid out, a ball loan button (not shown) is operated, and a loan ball payout device 80 is activated to pay out the minimum number of loan balls to a ball supply tray 24.

The prize ball payout device 400 includes a prize ball motor 401 and a prize ball sensor 402. The prize ball motor 401 drives a member that pays out game balls as prize balls, and the prize ball sensor 402 outputs a signal indicating that a game ball has been paid out by the member to the main control board 60 via the payout control board 73. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of prize balls paid out by the prize ball payout device 400 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73.
The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to a launching device 90 via a launching control circuit 75. The launching device 90 includes a launching motor 91, a touch switch 92, and a launching volume 93. The launching motor 91 drives a striking hammer (not shown) that strikes and launches the game ball. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4. The launching volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the striking hammer strikes the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the launching lever 4a (FIG. 1).

The pachinko gaming machine 1 also includes a power supply board 70. The power supply board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 73. The power supply board 70 also supplies power to each device electrically connected to the payout control board 73 via the payout control board 73. The power supply board 70 also supplies power from the main control board 60 via the relay board 74 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74. The power supply board 70 also supplies power to the display devices 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the main control board 60.
The power supply board 70 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 71. When power is not being supplied from an external source to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the backup power supply circuit 71 supplies power necessary for retaining information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 and the like. A power switch 72 for turning on and off the main power supply that supplies power to the power supply board 70 is electrically connected to the power supply board 70.

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 100 (Figure 4). The main control board 60 can transmit commands to the sub-control board 100, but the sub-control board 100 cannot transmit commands to the main control board 60. In other words, communication between the main control board 60 and the sub-control board 100 is one-way communication, where only transmission from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100 is possible.

As shown in FIG. 4, a one-chip microcomputer for controlling effects (hereinafter referred to as the microcomputer for controlling effects) 101 is mounted on the sub-control board 100. The microcomputer for controlling effects 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 110, a RAM 120, and an input/output circuit 103. The CPU 102 controls effects in accordance with the game. The ROM 110 stores computer programs for the CPU 102 to control effects, as well as various tables such as the effect selection table Ta4 (FIG. 10). The RAM 120 is used as a work memory when the CPU 102 executes the computer program. The RAM 120 also includes a first special chart reserved effect memory unit 121, a second special chart reserved effect memory unit 122, and a variable effect memory unit 123.

11, the first special chart hold effect storage unit 121 has four storage areas consisting of the first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area stores the first start winning command and the like output from the main control board 60. The first start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number, and a reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins the first start hole 11.
12, the second special chart hold effect storage unit 122 has four storage areas consisting of the first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area stores the second start winning command and the like output from the main control board 60. The second start winning command is a command including the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, variation pattern random number, and reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins the second start hole 22.
The variable performance memory unit 123 stores the first start winning command or the second start winning command to be used for the variable performance pattern.
The input/output circuit 103 transmits and receives data between each board connected to the sub-control board 100 .

The image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100. The image control board 200 is equipped with an image control CPU 202, a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. The image control CPU 202 controls the performance display device 7 to display performance images such as variable performance patterns, button performance images, lever performance images, and preview images. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the performance display device 7. The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes the computer program. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the performance display device 7 to display performance images. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 according to a display list created by the image control CPU 202, and loads the read image data in a load area in the VRAM 206. The VDP 201 then synthesizes the image data loaded in the VRAM 206, and stores the synthesized image data in a frame buffer in the VRAM 206. The VDP 201 then converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into an RGB signal, and outputs it to the performance display device 7. As a result, the performance display device 7 displays a performance image.

The left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the board lamp 2a are electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via the lamp control board 79. The performance control microcomputer 101 creates light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp using data stored in the ROM 110, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79. The lamp control board 79 then controls the light emission of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data.
The electromagnetic motor 150 of the movable body 15 is electrically connected to the lamp control board 79 via the relay board 77, and the movable body 15 is connected to the electromagnetic motor 150 for operating the movable body 15. The performance control microcomputer 101 creates operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the movable body 15 using the data stored in the ROM 110, and transmits the operation pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79, which has received the operation pattern data, drives the electromagnetic motor 150 via the relay board 77 in accordance with the operation pattern, thereby controlling the operation of the movable body 15.

Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via an audio control board 78. The audio control board 78 is equipped with an audio control microcomputer (not shown), an audio data storage means (not shown), a sound source IC (not shown), an audio synthesis circuit (not shown), and an amplifier (not shown). The audio control microcomputer includes a ROM in which a computer program for performing audio control is stored, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the computer program stored in the ROM. The audio data storage means stores audio data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects.
The voice control microcomputer transmits and receives data (such as various commands) to and from the sub-control board 100 via the input/output circuit 103. The voice control microcomputer outputs a voice selection signal to the sound source IC based on the command received from the sub-control board 100. The sound source IC reads out voice data corresponding to the input voice selection signal from the voice data storage means, and outputs the read voice data to the voice synthesis circuit. The voice synthesis circuit synthesizes the input voice data, and converts the synthesized voice data into an analog voice signal and outputs it to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input voice signal and outputs it to each speaker 8. Then, each speaker 8 reproduces (outputs) the sound indicated by the input voice signal.

The sub-control board 100 is also electrically connected to the effect button detection switch 9e, the effect lever push detection switch 6g, the effect lever rotation detection switch 6h, the effect button vibration motor 9d, and the effect lever vibration motor 6d. The effect button detection switch 9e outputs a signal indicating that the effect button 9 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the button effect based on the signal input from the effect button detection switch 9e. The effect lever push detection switch 6g outputs a signal indicating that the effect lever 6 has been pushed to the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the lever effect when the effect lever 6 is pushed based on the signal input from the effect lever push detection switch 6g. The effect lever rotation detection switch 6h outputs a signal indicating that the effect lever 6 has been rotated to the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the lever effect when the effect lever 6 is rotated based on the signal input from the effect lever rotation detection switch 6h.

The performance button vibration motor 9d is a member that vibrates the performance button 9 and is housed inside the performance button 9. The performance lever vibration motor 6d is a member that vibrates the performance lever 6 and is provided in a portion that contacts the performance lever 6 or inside the performance lever 6. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the performance button vibration motor 9d and operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the performance lever vibration motor 6d. The performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time to vibrate the performance button 9, and drives and controls the performance button vibration motor 9d based on the read operation pattern data. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time to vibrate the performance lever 6, and drives and controls the performance lever vibration motor 6d based on the read operation pattern data.

[Explanation of game state]
Next, the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained. The special symbol display and the normal symbol display 53 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are each equipped with a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. The state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol display is activated is called the "high probability state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "normal probability state (non-high probability state)." In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state.
In addition, the state in which the time-saving function of the special symbol display is activated is called the "time-saving state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "non-time-saving state." In the time-saving state, the time required for the special symbol to change (the time required from the start of the change display to the final display) is shorter than in the non-time-saving state.

The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol display may operate simultaneously, or only one of them may operate. The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in synchronization with the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol display. In other words, the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in the time-shortened state and do not operate in the non-time-shortened state. Therefore, in the time-shortened state, the probability of a winning pattern being determined in the lottery for the normal symbol is higher than in the non-time-shortened state. In other words, when the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol display 53 operates, the normal symbol displayed by the normal symbol display 53 is more likely to be a normal winning symbol (a normal symbol indicating that a winning pattern has been determined in the lottery for the normal symbol) than when it is not operating.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal symbol variation time is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. For example, the normal symbol variation time is 10 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the normal variable winning device 20 is longer than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the opening time extension function of the normal variable winning device 20 is activated. In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal variable winning device 20 is opened more times in the auxiliary play than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the opening number increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 is activated. The auxiliary play is a game in which the second starting hole 22 is opened and closed in an opening pattern corresponding to the current play state when the confirmed normal symbol displayed is a specific normal symbol that has been determined in advance.

When the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal pattern display 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening number increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the normal variable winning device 20 is opened more frequently and the game balls enter the second starting hole 22 more frequently than when these functions are not operating. As a result, the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls is high, so the player can aim for a big win without significantly reducing the number of game balls he has. In this way, when the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal pattern display 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening number increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the control that supports the winning of the second starting hole 22 by the normal variable winning device 20 is called electric support control.
In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when the game ball passes through a specific area (V winning area) inside the second big winning opening 35 (FIG. 1) during a jackpot game, the game state after the jackpot game ends is a high probability state and time-saving state with electric support control. This game state ends when a specified number of special symbol variations are displayed or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

In addition, if the game ball does not pass through a specific area (V winning area) inside the second big winning opening 35 (FIG. 1) during the big win game, the game state after the big win game ends is the normal probability state and time-saving state with electric support control. This game state ends when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner a predetermined number of times, or when a big win is won and the big win game is executed.
In addition, when playing pachinko game machine 1 for the first time, the game state after power is turned on is a normal probability state with no electric support control and no time-saving state.

[Jackpot Judgment Table]
The jackpot determination table Ta1 shown in FIG. 5 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) refers to when executing the jackpot determination of whether or not there is a jackpot. The jackpot determination table Ta1 is configured by associating a game state with a jackpot random number. The jackpot random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot random numbers generated by the jackpot random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the jackpot random number counter operates and generates a jackpot random number by executing the computer program by the CPU 62. The jackpot random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot random number counter counts a total of 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535. That is, it generates a total of 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535. In this embodiment, a total of 165 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 164 are set in the jackpot determination table Ta1 as the jackpot random numbers when the game state is in the normal probability state. When the game state is in a normal probability state, the game control microcomputer 61 judges a jackpot in the jackpot judgment if the jackpot random number obtained from the jackpot random number counter is any of 0 to 164, and judges it not to be a jackpot, that is, a miss, if the jackpot random number is any of 0 to 65535 other than 0 to 164.

In addition, in this embodiment, a total of 650 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 649 are set in the jackpot determination table Ta1 as jackpot random numbers when the game state is in a high probability state. In other words, more jackpot random numbers are set than in a normal probability state, and the probability of a jackpot being determined in the jackpot determination is higher than in a normal probability state. When the game state is in a high probability state, if the jackpot random number obtained from the jackpot random number counter is any number from 0 to 649, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a jackpot in the jackpot determination, and if the number is any number other than 0 to 649 among 0 to 65535, it determines that there is no jackpot, i.e., that there is a miss.

[Reach Judgment Table]
The reach judgment table Ta2 shown in FIG. 6 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) refers to when judging whether or not to select a special pattern variation pattern in which a reach appears when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss. Here, the reach is a state in which there is only one special pattern remaining among the multiple special patterns that are displayed in a variable manner, and depending on which special pattern the variable displayed special pattern is displayed as, a combination of special patterns that indicates a jackpot will be formed. Also, the reach is a state in which there is only one performance pattern remaining among the performance patterns that are displayed in a variable manner in the multiple display areas of the performance display device 7, and depending on which performance pattern the variable displayed performance pattern is displayed as, a combination of performance patterns that indicates a jackpot will be formed.
For example, when one of the combinations of the big win performance symbols is "777", "7" is displayed as the left performance symbol 9L in the left performance symbol display area, "7" is displayed as the right performance symbol 9R in the right performance symbol display area, and the middle performance symbol 9C is displayed in a variable manner in the middle performance symbol display area. The concept of reach includes a state in which the middle performance symbol 9C is scrolling, a state in which it is shaking, a state in which it is repeatedly expanding and contracting, and the like.

The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to select a special chart variation pattern in which a reach appears when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss. The reach determination table Ta2 is configured by associating a game state with a reach random number. The reach random number is a predetermined random number selected from the reach random numbers generated by the reach random number counter. In this embodiment, the reach random number counter counts a total of 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 255. In other words, a total of 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 256 are generated. A computer program for operating the reach random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the reach random number counter operates and generates reach random numbers by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. In this embodiment, a total of 28 reach random numbers from 0 to 27 are set as reach random numbers when the game state is in a non-time-saving state. When the game state is not in the time-saving state, if the reach random number obtained from the reach random number counter is any of 0 to 27, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a reach in the reach judgment, and if it is any number other than 0 to 27 among 0 to 255, it determines that there is no reach.

In this embodiment, a total of 12 reach random numbers ranging from 0 to 11 are set as the reach random numbers when the game state is in the time-saving state. When the game state is in the time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a reach in the reach judgment if the reach random number acquired from the reach random number counter is any of 0 to 11, and determines that there is no reach if the number is any number other than 0 to 11 among 0 to 255.
The reach random number that is determined to be in reach is set lower in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state. As a result, the probability of being determined to be in reach in the time-saving state is lower than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, since the probability of being determined to be not in reach is higher, the probability of selecting a special chart variation pattern that is not in reach is higher. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the reserved number of special charts is faster.

[Special chart variation pattern selection table]
The special chart variation pattern selection table Ta3 shown in FIG. 7 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) refers to when determining the special chart variation pattern by lottery. The special chart variation pattern selection table Ta3 is configured by associating the game state, the judgment (jackpot judgment and reach judgment) result, the special chart reserved number, the variation pattern random number, the special chart variation pattern, the variation time, and the stop time. The variation presentation pattern in the special chart variation pattern selection table Ta3 is a variation presentation pattern that the presentation display device 7 displays in response to the selected special chart variation pattern, and is described for reference. The variation pattern random number is a predetermined random number selected from the variation pattern random numbers generated by the variation pattern random number counter. In this embodiment, the variation pattern random number counter counts a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, it generates a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99. A computer program for operating the variation pattern random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the computer program is executed by the CPU 62, whereby the variation pattern random number counter operates and generates a variation pattern random number.

When the game state is not in the time-saving state, if a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 94, the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is selected regardless of the number of reserved balls. In other words, the probability that the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is selected is 95%. Also, if the fluctuation pattern random number is any of 95 to 99, the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is selected regardless of the number of reserved balls. In other words, the probability that the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is selected is 5%. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is 400,000 ms, and the stop time of the special pattern, that is, the time during which the special pattern is displayed, is 500 ms. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is 150,000 ms, and the stop time of the special pattern is 500 ms. Also, when the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays the SP (super) reach that has developed from the reach state as a fluctuation performance pattern. In addition, when the special chart variation pattern P2 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays a normal reach as the variation performance pattern.

In addition, when the game state is judged as a miss when the time-saving state is not in effect, and the reach judgment judges that there is a reach, that is, when there is a reach and a miss, and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any one of 0 to 9, the special chart fluctuation pattern P3 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts. In other words, the probability that the special chart fluctuation pattern P3 is selected is 10%. In addition, when the fluctuation pattern random number is any one of 10 to 99, the special chart fluctuation pattern P4 is selected regardless of the number of reserved balls. In other words, the probability that the special chart fluctuation pattern P4 is selected is 90%. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P3 is 400,000 ms, and the stop time of the special pattern is 500 ms. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P4 is 150,000 ms, and the stop time of the special pattern is 500 ms. In addition, when the special chart fluctuation pattern P3 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays the SP reach that has developed from the reach state as a fluctuation performance pattern. In addition, when the special chart variation pattern P4 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays a normal reach as the variation performance pattern.

In addition, when the game state is judged as a miss when the time-saving state is not in effect, and the reach judgment judges that there is no reach, that is, in the case of a miss without a reach, when the number of reserved special symbols is 0 to 2, and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any number between 0 and 99, special symbol fluctuation pattern P5 is selected. In other words, the probability that special symbol fluctuation pattern P5 is selected is 100%. In addition, when the number of reserved special symbols is 3 to 4, and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any number between 0 and 99, special symbol fluctuation pattern P6 is selected. In other words, the probability that special symbol fluctuation pattern P6 is selected is 100%. The fluctuation time of special symbol fluctuation pattern P5 is 10,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. The fluctuation time of special symbol fluctuation pattern P6 is 5,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. In addition, when special chart variation pattern P5 or special chart variation pattern P6 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays normal variation as the variation performance pattern.

When the game state is in the time-saving state and it is determined to be a jackpot, and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any one of 0 to 99, the special chart fluctuation pattern P11 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts. In other words, the probability that the special chart fluctuation pattern P11 is selected is 100%. Also, when the game state is in the time-saving state and it is determined to be a miss, and it is determined that there is a reach in the reach judgment, that is, in the case of a reach and miss, and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any one of 0 to 99, the special chart fluctuation pattern P12 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts. In other words, the probability that the special chart fluctuation pattern P12 is selected is 100%. The fluctuation times of the special chart fluctuation pattern P11 and the special chart fluctuation pattern P12 are 400,000 ms, respectively, and the stop times of the special symbols are 500 ms, respectively. In addition, when special chart change pattern P11 or special chart change pattern P12 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays an SP reach that has developed from a reach state as a change performance pattern.

In addition, when the game state is judged as a miss when the time-saving state and the reach judgment judges that there is no reach, that is, in the case of a miss without a reach, when the number of reserved special symbols is 0 to 1, and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 99, special symbol fluctuation pattern P13 is selected. In other words, the probability that special symbol fluctuation pattern P13 is selected is 100%. In addition, when the number of reserved special symbols is 2 to 4, and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 99, special symbol fluctuation pattern P14 is selected. In other words, the probability that special symbol fluctuation pattern P14 is selected is 100%. The fluctuation time of special symbol fluctuation pattern P13 is 10,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. The fluctuation time of special symbol fluctuation pattern P14 is 2,500 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. In addition, when special chart variation pattern P13 or special chart variation pattern P14 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays normal variation as the variation performance pattern.

As described above, the probability that the development to SP reach is selected in the non-time-saving state is 95% when the jackpot judgment determines that there is a jackpot, but 10% when the jackpot judgment determines that there is a miss and there is a reach. Also, the probability that the normal reach is selected in the non-time-saving state is 5% when the jackpot judgment determines that there is a jackpot, but 90% when the jackpot judgment determines that there is a miss and there is a reach.
In other words, when the effect display device 7 develops into the SP reach as a variable effect pattern, there is a high possibility of a big win occurring. In other words, the SP reach is a variable effect pattern in which the expectation of the occurrence of a big win is higher than in the case where the normal reach is the only variable effect pattern.

[Performance selection table]
The performance selection table Ta4 shown in FIG. 10 is a table that the performance control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) refers to when selecting the performance contents to be executed by the performance display device 7, the speaker 8, etc. The performance selection table Ta4 is configured by associating a special chart change pattern, a performance selection random number, and a change performance pattern. The special chart change pattern corresponds to the special chart change pattern set in the special chart change pattern selection table Ta3 (FIG. 7) described above, and the change time of the change performance pattern is the same as the change time of the special chart change pattern set in the special chart change pattern selection table Ta3 (FIG. 7). The performance selection random number is a predetermined random number selected from the performance selection random numbers generated by the performance selection random number counter. In this embodiment, the performance selection random number counter counts a total of 100 performance selection random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, a total of 100 performance selection random numbers from 0 to 99 are generated.

When variation pattern P1 is selected as the special chart variation pattern, if the variation selection random number obtained from the variation selection random number counter is any number between 0 and 69, SP Reach A is selected as the variation presentation pattern. When variation pattern P1 is selected as the special chart variation pattern, if the variation selection random number obtained from the variation selection random number counter is any number between 70 and 99, SP Reach B is selected as the variation presentation pattern.

When fluctuation pattern P2 is selected as the special chart fluctuation pattern, if the fluctuation selection random number obtained from the fluctuation selection random number counter is any number between 0 and 59, normal reach A is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern. When fluctuation pattern P2 is selected as the special chart fluctuation pattern, if the fluctuation selection random number obtained from the fluctuation selection random number counter is any number between 60 and 99, normal reach B is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern.

When variation pattern P3 is selected as the special chart variation pattern, if the variation selection random number obtained from the variation selection random number counter is any of 0 to 54, SP Reach B is selected as the variation presentation pattern. When variation pattern P3 is selected as the special chart variation pattern, if the variation selection random number obtained from the variation selection random number counter is any of 55 to 99, SP Reach C is selected as the variation presentation pattern.

When variation pattern P4 is selected as the special chart variation pattern, if the variation selection random number obtained from the variation selection random number counter is any number between 0 and 29, normal reach A is selected as the variation presentation pattern. When variation pattern P4 is selected as the special chart variation pattern, if the variation selection random number obtained from the variation selection random number counter is any number between 30 and 99, normal reach B is selected as the variation presentation pattern.

When variation pattern P5 is selected as the special chart variation pattern, if the variation selection random number obtained from the variation selection random number counter is any number between 0 and 99, normal variation A is selected as the variation presentation pattern. Also, when variation pattern P6 is selected as the special chart variation pattern, if the variation selection random number obtained from the variation selection random number counter is any number between 0 and 99, normal variation B is selected as the variation presentation pattern.

When fluctuation pattern P11 is selected as the special chart fluctuation pattern, if the fluctuation selection random number obtained from the fluctuation selection random number counter is any number between 0 and 99, SP Reach A is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern. Also, when fluctuation pattern P12 is selected as the special chart fluctuation pattern, if the fluctuation selection random number obtained from the fluctuation selection random number counter is any number between 0 and 99, SP Reach B is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern. When fluctuation pattern P13 is selected as the special chart fluctuation pattern, if the fluctuation selection random number obtained from the fluctuation selection random number counter is any number between 0 and 99, normal fluctuation C is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern. When fluctuation pattern P14 is selected as the special chart fluctuation pattern, if the fluctuation selection random number obtained from the fluctuation selection random number counter is any number between 0 and 99, normal fluctuation D is selected as the fluctuation presentation pattern.

[Main processing of the gaming control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Main side main control processing)
First, the contents of the main control process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the gaming control microcomputer 61 reads out the computer program of the main control process shown in Fig. 13 from the ROM 63 (Fig. 3) and executes it. The gaming control microcomputer 61 first performs initial settings (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial settings, for example, stack settings, constant settings, interruption time settings, CPU 62 settings, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: a circuit for managing interruption time) settings, various flags, counters, timers, etc. are reset.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt prohibition (S2) and executes normal and special symbol main random number update processing (S3). In this normal and special symbol main random number update processing, the initial value of each random number counter that generates the aforementioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and variable pattern random number is updated by adding "1" to each. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added "1" again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. Also, each random number counter may be updated by adding a value of "2" or more to the count value. Also, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated by a known random number generating circuit made of a counter IC or the like. When using this hardware random number, the random number update processing by software (S3) is not necessary.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt permission (S4). During interrupt permission, the main timer interrupt process (S5) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed based on an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 62 at, for example, a 4 msec cycle. In other words, it is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, after the main timer interrupt process (S5) ends and before the next main timer interrupt process (S5) starts, the initial value update process of various counters is executed by the normal pattern/special pattern main random number update process (S3). Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S5) does not start immediately, but starts after the interrupt permission (S4) is executed.

(Main side timer interrupt processing)
Next, the contents of the main timer interrupt process (S5 in FIG. 13) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes an output process (S10). In this output process, commands set in an output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) of the main control board 60 are output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4) and the payout control board 73 (FIG. 3). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes an input process (S11). In this input process, the game control microcomputer 61 mainly reads detection signals detected by various sensors (the first start hole sensor 11a, the second start hole sensor 22a, the first big winning hole sensor 32a, the second big winning hole sensor 35a, the gate sensor 12a, etc. (FIG. 3)) attached to the pachinko game machine 1. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a timer update process (S12). In this timer update process, the subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (subtracted). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a prize ball control process (S13). In this prize ball control process, a payout command for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning port is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of various sensors read in the input process (S11). The payout command is a command output to the payout control board 73. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes normal and special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal and special symbol main random number update process is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S3) executed in the main control process on the main side of FIG. 13. In other words, the update process of the initial value of each random number counter is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) and during the other period (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) until the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S5)).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the start-hole sensor detection process (S15), the normal operation process (S16), the special symbol waiting process (S17), the special symbol change process (S18), and other processes (S19) described below, and ends the main timer interrupt process (S6). The other processes (S19) are a security control process that detects and notifies the user of an illegal winning, a magnetic detection process that detects and notifies the user of an illegal act using magnetism, a door opening process that detects and notifies the user of an opening of the front frame 18 (FIG. 1) or the inner frame, an illegal radio wave detection process that detects and notifies the user of an illegal act using radio waves, and an impact detection process that detects and notifies the user of an illegal act that vibrates the pachinko game machine 1. The main control process S2 to S4 are then repeatedly executed (FIG. 13) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, and when the interrupt pulse is input (after about 4 msec), the main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed again. In the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process (S5) that is executed again, the commands and other data that were set in the output buffer of RAM 64 (Figure 3) in the previous main timer interrupt process (S5) are output to the specified board.

(Start port sensor detection process)
Next, the contents of the start hole sensor detection process (S15 in FIG. 14) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (FIG. 1) (S20), and if it judges that the game ball has passed through (S20: Yes), executes a gate passing process (S21). In this gate passing process, it judges whether the number of reserved normal symbols is 4 or more, and if the number of reserved normal symbols is not 4 or more, it adds "1" to the number of reserved normal symbols and executes a process of acquiring and storing a winning random number for drawing a normal symbol.

In addition, in S20, if it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 12 (S20: No), it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the second starting hole 22 (Fig. 1) (S22). Here, if it is determined that the game ball has entered the second starting hole 22 (S22: Yes), it is determined whether or not the second special chart reserved number U2 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S23). Here, if it is determined that the second special chart reserved number U2 has reached "4" (S23: Yes), it proceeds to S28, but if it is determined that the second special chart reserved number U2 has not reached "4" (S23: No), it adds 1 to the second special chart reserved number U2 (S24). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special chart related random number acquisition process (S25). In this second special chart related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number counted by the jackpot type random number counter, the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter, and the fluctuation pattern random number counted by the fluctuation pattern random number counter are acquired, and each of these acquired random numbers is stored in a memory area of the second special chart reserved memory unit 64b (FIG. 9) that corresponds to the current number of second special charts reserved. For example, if the current number of second special charts reserved is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth memory area.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second start winning command creation process (S26). In this second start winning command creation process, a second start winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the second special chart reservation memory unit 64b in S25. This second start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the second start hole, data indicating each random number stored in the second special chart reservation memory unit 64b in S25, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second start winning command created in S26 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S27). This set second start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 14), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance based on each random number included in the second start winning command.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game ball has entered the first starting hole 11 (FIG. 1) (S28). If it is judged that the game ball has entered the first starting hole 11 (S28: Yes), it judges whether the first special symbol reservation number U1 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S29). If it is judged that the first special symbol reservation number U1 has reached "4" (S29: Yes), this starting hole sensor detection process is terminated, but if it is judged that the first special symbol reservation number U1 has not reached "4" (S29: No), 1 is added to the first special symbol reservation number U1 (S30). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special symbol related random number acquisition process (S31). In this first special chart related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a change pattern random number are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in a memory area of the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a (FIG. 8) that corresponds to the current number of first special charts reserved. For example, if the current number of first special charts reserved is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth memory area.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first start winning command creation process (S32). In this first start winning command specification process, the first start winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the first special chart reservation memory unit 64a in S31. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the first start hole 11, data indicating each random number stored in the first special chart reservation memory unit 64a in S31, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S32 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S33). This set first start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 14), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance based on each random number included in the first start winning command.

(Normal operation processing)
Next, the contents of the normal operation process (S16 in FIG. 14) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described.
The game control microcomputer 61 performs processes such as adding the number of reserved normal symbols, displaying the changing normal symbols using the normal symbol display 53, determining whether the normal symbol is a win or not, and opening and closing the normal variable winning device 20 when the result of the win determination is a win.

(Special pattern waiting process)
Next, the contents of the special symbol waiting process (S17 in FIG. 14) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the second special symbol reserved number U2 is "0" or not (S40), and if it is judged not to be "0" (S40: No), executes the second special symbol big win judgment process (FIG. 16) described later (S41). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 18, 19) described later (S42). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special symbol reserved number U2 (S43), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the second special symbol reserved memory unit 64b (FIG. 8) one by one to the memory area with the oldest memory order, that is, to the side to be read (S44). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol variation start process (S45). In other words, the second special symbol display 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol in the order in which the game control microcomputer 61 executes the hit/miss judgment based on the jackpot random number stored in the second special symbol reservation memory 64b (FIG. 9). Also, each time the second special symbol display 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol, each data stored in each memory area of the second special symbol reservation memory 64b is shifted to the memory area with the oldest memory order.
In this second special symbol variation start process, a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the variation display of the second special symbol. The variation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes data of the special symbol stop pattern set in the second special symbol big win determination process (FIG. 17) described later and data of the special symbol variation pattern set in the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 18 and 19).

In addition, in S40, if the second special chart reserved number U2 is determined to be "0" (S40: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the first special chart reserved number U1 is "0" or not (S46), and if it is determined not to be "0" (S46: No), executes the first special chart big win determination process (FIG. 17) described later (S47). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart change pattern selection process (FIGS. 18, 19) described later (S48). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the first special chart reserved number U1 (S49), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a (FIG. 8) one by one to the memory area with the oldest memory order, that is, to the side to be read (S50). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart change start process (S51). That is, the first special symbol display 51 performs the display of the first special symbol in the order that the game control microcomputer 61 performs the hit/miss judgment based on the jackpot random number stored in the first special symbol reservation memory 64a (FIG. 8). Also, each time the first special symbol display 51 performs the display of the first special symbol, each data stored in each memory area of the first special symbol reservation memory 64a is shifted to the memory area that has been stored the oldest.
In this first special symbol variation start process, a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the variation display of the first special symbol. The variation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes data of the special symbol stop pattern set in the first special symbol big win determination process (FIG. 17) described later and data of the variation pattern set in the first special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 18 and 19).

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 judges in S46 that the first special reserved number U1 is "0" (S46: Yes), it judges whether the performance display device 7 is displaying a standby screen (a demo screen for waiting for customers) (S52). If it judges that the standby screen is displayed (S52: Yes), it ends this special symbol standby process, and if it judges that the standby screen is not displayed (S52: No), it executes a standby screen setting process (S53). In this standby screen setting process, it waits for a predetermined standby time to elapse, and sets a customer standby command for displaying the standby screen in the output buffer of the RAM 64.
In this embodiment, the variable display of the first special pattern based on the first special pattern reservation is performed only when the second special pattern reservation number U2 is "0" (S40: Yes). In other words, the consumption of the second special pattern reservation is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special pattern reservation.

(Second special chart big win determination process (first special chart big win determination process))
Next, the contents of the second special chart big win judgment process (first special chart big win judgment process: S41 in FIG. 16) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. The second special chart big win judgment process (S41 in FIG. 16) and the first special chart big win judgment process (S47 in FIG. 16) have the same process flow, so they will be described together. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special chart reservation storage unit 64a and the second special chart reservation storage unit 64b, they are simply referred to as the special chart reservation storage unit. In addition, S41 and S47 are examples of the winning/losing judgment means of the present invention.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads out the jackpot random number stored in the first memory area (FIGS. 8, 9) of the special chart reservation memory section of the RAM 64 (S60) and refers to the jackpot determination table Ta1 (FIG. 4) (S61). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the probability variable flag is ON or not, that is, whether the current game state is a high probability state or not (S62). The probability variable flag is turned ON when the game ball that entered the second large winning port 35 (FIG. 1) during the jackpot game passes through a specific area (V winning area). Here, if it is judged that the probability variable flag is not ON, that is, that the state is a normal probability state (S62: No), it refers to the jackpot random number in the normal probability state in the jackpot determination table Ta1 and judges whether or not there is a random number that is the same as the jackpot random number read out in S60, that is, judges whether or not there is a jackpot (S63). For example, if the jackpot random number read in S60 is "7", then in the jackpot determination table Ta1, "7" exists among the jackpot random numbers 0 to 164 in the normal probability state, so it is determined to be a jackpot (S63: Yes).

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S63 that a jackpot has been reached (S63: Yes), it reads out the jackpot type random number stored in the first memory area (FIGS. 8 and 9) of the special symbol reserve memory section, and determines the type of jackpot by referring to a jackpot type determination table (not shown) in which multiple jackpot types are set (S65). The jackpot pattern on the special symbol, the stop pattern on the special symbol, the distribution rate, the maximum number of rounds, and the jackpot performance pattern vary depending on the type of jackpot. Here, the distribution rate refers to the probability that a specific jackpot will be selected from the multiple types of jackpots set in the jackpot type determination table. Also, the maximum number of rounds refers to the maximum number of rounds that can be played in a jackpot game.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag indicating that a jackpot has been determined in the jackpot determination (S66), sets the special symbol stop pattern data for determining and displaying the jackpot pattern of the special symbol according to the type of jackpot determined in S65 in the special symbol buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S67), and ends this second special symbol jackpot determination process. Also, if it is determined in S63 that it is not a jackpot, that is, that it is a miss (S63: No), it sets the special symbol stop pattern data for determining and displaying the miss pattern of the special symbol in the special symbol buffer (S67), and ends this second special symbol jackpot determination process.
In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 judges in S62 that the probability change flag is ON, that is, that the current game state is a high probability state (S62: Yes), it refers to the high probability state jackpot random number in the jackpot judgment table Ta1 and judges whether or not there is a random number that is the same as the jackpot random number read in S60, that is, judges whether or not there is a jackpot (S64). For example, if the jackpot random number read in S60 is "600", it judges that there is a jackpot because "600" exists in the high probability state jackpot random numbers 0 to 649 in the jackpot judgment table Ta1 (S64: Yes). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges the type of jackpot (S65), turns on the jackpot flag (S66), sets the special chart stop pattern data in the special chart buffer (S67), and ends this second special chart jackpot judgment process.

(Second special chart variation pattern selection process (first special chart variation pattern selection process))
Next, the second special pattern variation pattern selection process (first special pattern variation pattern selection process: S42, S48 in FIG. 16) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. The second special pattern variation pattern selection process (S42 in FIG. 16) and the first special pattern variation pattern selection process (S48 in FIG. 16) have the same process flow, so they will be described together. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special pattern reservation storage unit 64a and the second special pattern reservation storage unit 64b, they will simply be referred to as the special pattern reservation storage unit.

The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game state is in the time-saving state (S70), and if it is judged that the game state is not in the time-saving state (S70: No), it judges whether the jackpot flag is ON (S71). Here, if it is judged that the jackpot flag is ON (S71: Yes), it refers to the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta3 (FIG. 6) to select a special chart fluctuation pattern (S72). In detail, it refers to the fluctuation pattern random number in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta3 in the case of a jackpot in a non-time-saving state. Then, it acquires the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the first storage area (FIGS. 8 and 9) of the special chart reservation storage unit, and selects the special chart fluctuation pattern associated with the same fluctuation pattern random number as the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. For example, if the fluctuation pattern random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit is "50", it selects the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 associated with the fluctuation pattern random number 0 to 94 in the case of a jackpot in a non-time-saving state in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta3.
Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special chart variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76), and ends this second special chart variation pattern selection process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 judges in S71 that the jackpot flag is not ON, that is, that it is a miss (S71: No), it acquires the reach random number stored in the first memory area (Figs. 8 and 9) of the special chart reservation memory unit, and judges whether the acquired reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S73). In other words, it judges whether the reach random number acquired from the first memory area of the special chart reservation memory unit is a reach random number set in the non-time-saving state in the reach judgment table Ta2 (Fig. 6). For example, if the reach random number acquired from the first memory area of the special chart reservation memory unit is "20", the reach random number "20" exists in the reach random numbers 0 to 27 set in the non-time-saving state, so it is judged to be a reach establishment random number (S73: Yes). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S73: Yes), it refers to the special chart change pattern selection table Ta3 (FIG. 7) and selects a special chart change pattern (S74). In detail, in the special chart change pattern selection table Ta3, it refers to the change pattern random number in the case of reach with miss in the non-time shortening state. Then, it acquires the change pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit, and selects the special chart change pattern associated with the same change pattern random number as the acquired change pattern random number. For example, if the change pattern random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit is "30", it selects the special chart change pattern P4 associated with the change pattern random numbers 10 to 99 in the special chart change pattern selection table Ta3. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the change pattern data indicating the selected change pattern in the special chart change pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76), and ends this second special chart change pattern selection process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S73 that the reach random number is not a reach establishment random number (S73: No), it refers to the special chart change pattern selection table Ta3 (FIG. 7) and selects a special chart change pattern (S75). In this embodiment, in the case of a miss without a reach, there is no selection of a special chart change pattern based on the acquired change pattern random number, and when the number of reserved special charts is 0 to 2, it selects special chart change pattern P5, and when the number of reserved special charts is 3 to 4, it selects special chart change pattern P6. The change time of the special chart change pattern P6 is shorter than that of the special chart change pattern P5, and when the number of reserved special charts is 3 to 4, the change of the special chart ends early, and the pace of consumption of reserved special charts becomes faster.
Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special chart variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76), and ends this second special chart variation pattern selection process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S70 that the game is in the time-saving state (S70: Yes), it determines whether the jackpot flag is ON (S77 in FIG. 19). Here, when it determines that the jackpot flag is ON (S77: Yes), it refers to the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta3 (FIG. 7) to select a special chart fluctuation pattern (S78). In detail, it refers to the fluctuation pattern random number in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta3 in the case of a jackpot in the time-saving state. Then, it acquires the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit, and selects the special chart fluctuation pattern associated with the same fluctuation pattern random number as the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. In this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern random number in the same range as the fluctuation pattern random number 0 to 99 counted by the fluctuation pattern random number counter is set for the jackpot in the time-saving state in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta3, so that the special chart fluctuation pattern P11 is selected regardless of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special chart variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76 in FIG. 18), and ends this second special chart variation pattern selection process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S77 that the jackpot flag is not ON, that is, that it is a miss (S77: No), it acquires the reach random number stored in the first storage area (FIGS. 8 and 9) of the special chart reservation storage unit, and judges whether the acquired reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S79). In other words, it judges whether the reach random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit is a reach random number set in the time-saving state in the reach judgment table Ta2 (FIG. 6). For example, if the reach random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit is "8", the reach random number "8" exists in the reach random numbers 0 to 11 set in the time-saving state, so it is judged to be a reach establishment random number (S79: Yes). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S79: Yes), it selects a special chart fluctuation pattern by referring to the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta3 (FIG. 7) (S80). In detail, the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta3 is referred to for the fluctuation pattern random number in the case of a reach with a miss in the time-saving state. Then, the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit is acquired, and the special chart fluctuation pattern associated with the same fluctuation pattern random number as the acquired fluctuation pattern random number is selected. In this embodiment, since the fluctuation pattern random number in the same range as the fluctuation pattern random number 0 to 99 counted by the fluctuation pattern random number counter is set for the reach with a miss in the time-saving state in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta3, the special chart fluctuation pattern P12 is selected regardless of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the fluctuation pattern data indicating the selected fluctuation pattern in the special chart fluctuation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76 in FIG. 18), and ends this second special chart fluctuation pattern selection process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S79 that the reach random number is not a reach establishment random number (S79: No), it refers to the special chart change pattern selection table Ta3 (Fig. 7) to select a special chart change pattern (S81). In detail, in the special chart change pattern selection table Ta3, it refers to the change pattern random number in the case of a time-saving state and a miss without a reach. Then, it acquires the change pattern random number stored in the first memory area (Figs. 8 and 9) of the special chart reservation memory unit, and selects the special chart change pattern associated with the same change pattern random number as the acquired change pattern random number. In this embodiment, in the case of a miss without a reach, there is no selection of a special chart change pattern based on the acquired change pattern random number, and when the special chart reservation number is 0 to 1, it selects the special chart change pattern P13, and when the special chart reservation number is 2 to 4, it selects the special chart change pattern P14. The change time of the special chart change pattern P14 is shorter than that of the special chart change pattern P13, and when the number of reserved special charts is 2 to 4, the change of the special chart ends early, and the pace at which reserved special charts are consumed becomes faster. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the change pattern data indicating the selected change pattern in the special chart change pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76 in FIG. 18), and ends this second special chart change pattern selection process.

The variation pattern data set in the special pattern variation pattern buffer in S76 is included in the variation start command set in S45 (FIG. 16) of the special pattern waiting process described above, and is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 3) by the output process of the main side timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 14). The first special pattern variation pattern selection process is also executed in the same flow as the second special pattern variation pattern selection process, and the variation pattern data set in the special pattern variation pattern buffer in S76 is included in the variation start command set in S51 (FIG. 16) of the special pattern waiting process described above, and is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4) by the output process of the main side timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 14).

(Special pattern variation processing)
Next, the contents of the special symbol variation process (S18 in FIG. 14) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the special symbol variation time (variation time determined according to the special symbol variation pattern selected in S42 or S48 in FIG. 16, see FIG. 7) has ended (S90). If it is judged that the special symbol variation time has not ended (S90: No), the special symbol variation process is terminated. This allows the special symbol variation display to continue. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol variation time has ended (S90: Yes), a variation stop command for stopping the special symbol variation display is set in a command buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S91). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a special symbol stop process (S92) that stops the special symbol variation display at a pattern (a special symbol jackpot pattern or a special symbol losing pattern) according to the special symbol stop pattern data set in S67 (FIG. 17) of the second special symbol jackpot judgment process (first special symbol jackpot judgment process).

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a game state management process (S93). In this game state management process, it is determined whether the probability change flag is ON or not, and if it is determined that it is ON, it subtracts 1 from the value of the probability change counter that counts the number of times the special pattern changes during the high probability state in a subtraction manner, and it is determined whether the value of the probability change counter is "0". If it is determined that it is "0", it turns the probability change flag OFF. Next, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON or not, and if it is determined that it is ON, it subtracts 1 from the value of the time-saving counter that counts the number of times the special pattern changes during the time-saving state in a subtraction manner, and it is determined whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0". If it is determined that it is "0", it turns the time-saving flag OFF. The game control microcomputer 61 sets a game state designation command including information on each flag in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and ends the game state management process. The game state designation command set in the output buffer of RAM 64 is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process of the main timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 14).

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the big win flag is ON or not (S94), and if it is judged to be ON (S94: Yes), executes a game state reset process (S95). In this game state reset process, it judges whether the probability variable flag is ON or not, and if it is judged to be ON, it turns the probability variable flag OFF. In addition, it judges whether the time-saving flag is ON or not, and if it is judged to be ON, it turns the time-saving flag OFF. In other words, during the execution of the big win game, it is controlled to the normal probability state and the non-time-saving state.
Next, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a jackpot opening setting in order to start a jackpot game (S96) and sets an opening command for executing a jackpot opening (S97). A jackpot opening is a performance in which a performance image celebrating the occurrence of a jackpot is displayed on the performance display device 7 and music celebrating the occurrence of a jackpot is played from each speaker 8. In the opening setting, a predetermined timer is set to the execution time of the opening of the jackpot game.
Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the value of the special electric role operation valid counter (S98) and ends this special symbol variation process. The special electric role operation valid counter is a counter that counts the remaining number of rounds in the big win game. Also, if it is determined in S94 that the big win flag is not ON (S94: No), this special symbol variation process ends.

(Sub-side main control processing)
Next, the sub-side main control processing executed by the performance control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) will be explained with reference to FIG. 21 which shows the same.
First, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes an initial setting (S100). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU 102 (FIG. 3), SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: a circuit for managing interrupt time), various flags, counters, timers, etc. are reset. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether the power off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) are normal (S101), and if the judgment is negative (S101: No), the RAM 120 is initialized (S102) and the process proceeds to S103. If the judgment is positive in S101 (S101: Yes), the RAM 120 is not initialized and the process proceeds to S103. That is, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the power-off signal is ON but the contents of RAM 120 are not normal (S101: No), RAM 120 is initialized, but if the power-off signal is ON due to a power outage or the like but the contents of RAM 120 are kept normal (S101: Yes), RAM 120 is not initialized. Note that when RAM 120 is initialized, the values of various flags, counters, timers, etc. are reset. Also, S100 to S102 are executed only once after power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 prohibits interrupts (S103) and executes a random number update process (S104). In this random number update process, the initial values of various performance determination random number counters are updated. The performance determination random numbers include a variable selection random number for determining a variable performance pattern, and a notice performance random number for determining various notice performances. The random number update method can be the same as the random number update process performed by the game control microcomputer 61 described above. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a command transmission process (S105). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 120 of the performance control microcomputer 101 are transmitted to the image control board 200, the sound control board 78, the lamp control board 79, and the like. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes interrupt permission (S106). Thereafter, S103 to S106 are repeatedly executed. Additionally, while interrupts are enabled, it is possible to execute reception interrupt processing (S107), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S108), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S109).

(Reception interrupt processing)
Next, the reception interrupt processing (S107 in FIG. 21) executed by the performance control microcomputer 101 will be described.
The performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether the signal level of the strobe signal (STB signal) given from the main control board 60 (FIG. 3) to the external INT (interrupt) input section of the performance control microcomputer 101 has changed, that is, whether it is time to receive a command. Specifically, for example, it judges whether the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from high to low. If it is judged that it is not time to receive, it ends this reception interrupt process, and if it is judged that it is time to receive, it receives various commands transmitted from the main control board 60 and stores the various received commands in the reception buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4). This reception interrupt process is executed in priority to other interrupt processes (S108, S109).

(1 ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S108 in FIG. 21) executed by the performance control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 22 which shows the process.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt process each time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes input processing (S110). In this input processing, the performance control microcomputer 101 creates switch data (edge data and level data) indicating that the switch is ON based on detection signals from the performance button detection switch 9e, the performance lever push detection switch 6g, and the performance lever rotation detection switch 6h (FIG. 4).

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S111). In this output processing, the microcomputer 101 outputs to the image control board 200 a variable start command set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) in S155 (FIG. 25) of the variable performance start processing described later. In addition, in order to make the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b (FIG. 3) emit light in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, the microcomputer 101 outputs lamp data created in the lamp processing (S123 in FIG. 23) in the 10 ms timer interrupt processing described later to the lamp control board 79 (FIG. 3). In other words, the microcomputer 101 makes the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the lamp data. In addition, in order to drive the movable body 15 (FIG. 3) in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, the microcomputer 101 creates drive data (data for driving the movable body 15) and outputs the created drive data. In other words, the movable body 15 is driven in a predetermined operation pattern according to the drive data.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a fluctuation start command has been output (S112). The fluctuation start command is set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 (Fig. 4) in S155 (Fig. 25) of the fluctuation performance start process described below, and is output to the image control board 200 in S111. Here, if the performance control microcomputer 101 determines that a fluctuation start command has been output (S112: Yes), it starts measuring the fluctuation time of the fluctuation performance pattern (S113). Next, it performs watchdog timer processing to reset the watchdog timer (S114), and ends this 1 ms timer interrupt processing.

(10ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S109 in FIG. 21) executed by the performance control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 23 which shows the process.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 10 ms timer interrupt processing every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes a received command analysis process (FIG. 24) described later (S120) and executes a switch state acquisition process (S121). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process of the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S110 in FIG. 22) is stored in the RAM 120 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process. Furthermore, the operation button data created in the input process of the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S110 in FIG. 22) is stored in the RAM 120 as data for the volume change process (FIG. 27) described later, and the setting value data created in the input process of the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S110 in FIG. 22) is stored in the RAM 120 as data for the volume change process (FIG. 27) described later. Next, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, the microcomputer 101 executes a switch process to set the display contents such as button effects and lever effects displayed by the performance display device 7 (S122). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a lamp process (S123). In this lamp process, the microcomputer 101 creates lamp data to control the light emission of each lamp (such as the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b) in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, and manages the time of the light emission performance. As a result, each lamp performs a light emission performance that matches the display of the performance display device 7.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes audio control processing (S124). In this audio control processing, it creates audio control data (data for controlling the audio output from each speaker 8), outputs the created audio control data to the audio control board 78 (Fig. 4), and manages the time of the audio performance. As a result, audio is output from each speaker 8 in accordance with the display on the performance display device 7. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a volume change process (Fig. 27) (S125) to be described later. Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S126) and ends this 10 ms timer interrupt processing. In the other processing (S126), it executes processing such as updating the variable selection random number and the preview performance random number for determining the preview performance.

(Received command analysis process)
Next, the received command analysis process (S120 in FIG. 23) executed by the performance control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 24 which shows the process.
The performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a game state designation command has been received from the main control board 60 (FIG. 3) (S130), and if it is judged that the game state designation command has been received (S130: Yes), executes a sub-side game state setting process (S131). The game state designation command includes information indicating the game state (whether it is a normal probability state or a high probability state, a time-saving state or a non-time-saving state). In this sub-side game state setting process, the received game state designation command is analyzed, and a game state flag is set based on the information included in the game state designation command. The game state flag is a flag indicating the game state currently set. If the information included in the game state designation command indicates a normal probability state and a non-time-saving state, the game state flag "1" is set. Also, if it indicates a normal probability state and a time-saving state, the game state flag "2" is set. Also, if it indicates a high probability state and a time-saving state, the game state flag "3" is set.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether an opening command has been received from the main control board 60 (S132), and if it is judged that an opening command has been received (S132: Yes), executes an opening performance selection process (S133). In this opening performance selection process, the opening command is analyzed, and a pattern (content) of the opening performance to be executed during the opening of the big win game is selected based on the analysis result. In detail, an opening performance pattern selection table (not shown) in which an opening performance pattern is set to correspond to each opening command is referenced, and an opening performance pattern associated with the received opening command is selected. Then, an opening performance start command for starting an opening performance with the selected opening performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4).
Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a round designation command has been received from the main control board 60 (S134), and if it is judged that a round designation command has been received (S134: Yes), executes a round performance selection process (S135). In this round performance selection process, the type of performance to be executed in each round of the big win game is selected. This performance is a performance by the image displayed by the performance display device 7 and the sound output by each speaker 8, and varies depending on the type of big win. In detail, a round performance table (not shown) in which a round performance is associated with each round designation command is referenced, and the round performance associated with the received round designation command is selected.
Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a second large prize winning port winning command has been received from the main control board 60 (S136), and if it is judged that the command has been received (S136: Yes), executes a second large prize winning port winning process (S137). In this second large prize winning port winning process, a process is performed to select a different performance depending on whether or not the game ball that won the second large prize winning port 35 passed through a specific area.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether an ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S138), and if it is determined that an ending command has been received (S138: Yes), executes an ending performance selection process (S139). In this ending performance selection process, depending on the type of jackpot that triggered the ongoing jackpot game, the type of ending performance to be executed by the performance display device 7 and each speaker 8 at the end of the jackpot is selected. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether a fluctuation start command has been received from the main control board 60 (S140), and if it is determined that a fluctuation start command has been received (S140: Yes), executes the fluctuation performance start process (FIG. 25) described below (S141).

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a change stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S144), and if it is judged that a change stop command has been received (S144: Yes), executes a change performance end process (S145). In this change performance end process, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets a change performance end command for ending the change performance in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (Fig. 4). When the set change performance end command is sent to the image control board 200 (Fig. 4) by the command sending process (S105 in Fig. 21), the image control board 200 displays the left performance pattern 9L, the center performance pattern 9C, and the right performance pattern 9R (Fig. 1) on the performance display device 7 after passing through a predetermined stop pattern. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes other processes (S146) and ends this received command analysis process. In the other processes (S146), processes based on commands other than the above commands (for example, a normal pattern change start command and a normal pattern change stop command) are performed.

(Variable performance start processing)
Next, the variable performance start process (S141 in FIG. 24) executed by the performance control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 25 which shows the process.
The performance control microcomputer 101 analyzes the received variation start command (S150). The variation start command includes information on the second special chart variation pattern set in the second special chart variation pattern selection process (first special chart variation pattern selection process: S72, S74, S75, S78, S80, S81 in FIG. 18) or information on the first special chart variation pattern. Next, if the variation start command analyzed in S150 is the first special chart variation start command, the performance control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the first special chart reserved performance counter, and if it is the second special chart variation start command, the performance control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the second special chart reserved performance counter (S151). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 shifts each data such as the start winning command and the pre-reading big win flag stored in the special chart reserved performance storage unit (the first special chart reserved performance storage unit 121 or the second special chart reserved performance storage unit 122: Fig. 8, Fig. 9) to the old storage area (S152). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects the combination of the left performance pattern 9L, the center performance pattern 9C, and the right performance pattern 9R (Fig. 1) that will be finally displayed when the performance display device 7 displays the variable performance pattern by referring to the performance pattern selection table (not shown) (S153).

Next, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance executes a performance content selection process (S154). In the performance content selection process, the content of the performance performed in the pachinko game machine 1 in accordance with the change in the performance pattern is selected using the performance selection table Ta4 (FIG. 10). As described above, the performance selection table Ta4 is configured by associating a special chart change pattern, a performance selection random number, and a change performance pattern. The special chart change pattern corresponds to the special chart change pattern obtained by the analysis in S150. The performance selection random number is a random number selected within the range of random numbers counted by the performance selection random number counter. The microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance acquires the performance selection random number counted by the performance selection random number counter. Then, referring to the performance selection table Ta4, based on the information of the special chart change pattern obtained by the analysis in S150, selects a change performance pattern associated with the above acquired performance selection random number from among the performance contents associated with the special chart change pattern. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets a performance pattern change display start command in the output buffer of the RAM 120 to cause the performance display device 7 to start displaying the performance content selected in S154 (S155).

At this time, for example, if the performance content selected in S154 is SP Reach B, the performance pattern change display start command is set in the output buffer of RAM 120, and an almighty pattern representing the performance patterns 1 to 9 is displayed, and a special performance image corresponding to the almighty pattern is displayed as a reach performance image. In detail, as shown in FIG. 26, as a precursor to the almighty pattern, all of the performance patterns 300 1 to 9 are displayed on the performance display device 7 so as to rotate as a unit along a cylindrical surface around the silhouette image of the woman. At this time, the performance patterns 300 1 to 9 are displayed so as to rotate as a unit around the silhouette image of the woman in a ring-shaped state. Furthermore, the performance patterns 300 1 to 9 are displayed on the performance display device 7 so as to rotate three-dimensionally around the silhouette image of the woman. Note that when the performance patterns 300 1 to 9 rotate three-dimensionally, the performance patterns 300 1 to 9 rotate in a ring shape around an axis extending along the display surface of the performance display device 7. In this way, the performance symbols 300 numbered 1 to 9 are displayed as a single unit rotating along a cylindrical surface with the image of the woman at the center, giving the player a sense of grouping and anticipation that is immediately apparent to the player.

As shown in FIG. 27, the almighty pattern 302, which represents all of the performance patterns 1 to 9 with the number 1, is displayed on the performance display device 7 together with the performance patterns 1 to 9 300. At this time, the almighty pattern 302 and the performance patterns 1 to 9 300 are displayed on the performance display device 7 so as to rotate along a cylindrical surface around the image of the woman. The performance patterns 1 to 9 300 are displayed in a ring-shaped connected state so as to rotate around the image of the woman, and the almighty pattern 302 is displayed on the surface of a ring-shaped band that rotates around the image of the woman. Furthermore, the almighty pattern 302 and the performance patterns 1 to 9 300 are displayed on the performance display device 7 so as to rotate three-dimensionally along a cylindrical surface around the image of the woman. The almighty pattern 302 is an example of a special pattern of the present invention.

Then, when the almighty pattern 302 is displayed, a special effect image corresponding to the almighty pattern is displayed as a reach effect image. Specifically, a selection effect image is displayed in which any image is selected from the effect patterns 300 of 1 to 9. At this time, for example, in the selection effect image shown in FIG. 28, three effect patterns 300 of 2, 3, and 4 are selected. Also, for example, after the effect pattern 300 of 1 is selected, three effect patterns 300 of 2, 3, and 4 may be selected, and further, three effect patterns 300 of 5, 6, and 7 may be selected, and finally, the effect pattern 300 of 9 may be selected. In other words, the nine effect patterns 300 of 1 to 9 may be selected in stages. Also, the nine effect patterns 300 of 1 to 9 may be selected at once. For example, when nine performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9 are selected in the selection performance image, as shown in FIG. 29, a reach is achieved with each of the performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9, and the performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9 are displayed in a circular ring shape. In this way, when a reach is achieved with each of the performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9, the button images 306 of the performance buttons 9 are displayed in a stacked state, the same number as the number of performance symbols with which the reach is achieved, that is, nine button images 306 of the performance buttons 9. Then, the player operates the performance button 9, triggered by the display of the button images 306. At this time, each time the performance button 9 is operated once, the judgment result of one of the nine performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9 is displayed on the performance display device 7, and one button image 306 is hidden. For this reason, for example, when the performance button 9 is operated four times, the judgment results of four of the nine performance patterns 300 from 1 to 9 are displayed on the performance display device 7, and the four button images 306 are hidden, so that five button images 306 are displayed in a stacked state as shown in FIG. 31. Then, when the performance button 9 is operated for the fifth to eighth times, the judgment results of four of the remaining five performance patterns 300 are displayed on the performance display device 7, and the four button images 306 are hidden, so that the last button image 306 is displayed as shown in FIG. 32. Then, when the performance button 9 is operated for the ninth time and a jackpot occurs, the same numbers are displayed on the left performance pattern 9L, the center performance pattern 9C, and the right performance pattern 9R, and the jackpot is notified to the player. On the other hand, when a jackpot does not occur, a number different from the left performance pattern 9L and the right performance pattern 9R is displayed on the center performance pattern 9C, and the player is notified of a miss. In this way, when the almighty symbol 302 is displayed, the same number of button images 306 as the symbol selected in the selection image are displayed stacked via the selection image, and the player is notified of whether or not a jackpot has been won by operating the performance button 9 a number of times equal to the number of button images 306 displayed.

On the other hand, for example, when the performance content selected in S154 is SP Reach A, a command to start displaying the change in the performance pattern is set in the output buffer of RAM 120, and the precursor of the almighty pattern 302 is displayed, but after the precursor, the almighty pattern 302 is not displayed, and a normal Reach performance image is displayed instead of a special performance image corresponding to the almighty pattern. In detail, first, as shown in FIG. 26, as a precursor of the almighty pattern, all of the performance patterns 300 1 to 9 are displayed on the performance display device 7 so as to rotate along a cylindrical surface with the silhouette image of a woman at the center. Next, in SP Reach B, the almighty pattern 302 is displayed after the precursor of the almighty pattern 302, but in SP Reach A, the almighty pattern 302 is not displayed after the precursor of the almighty pattern 302. For this reason, the selected performance image is not displayed, and a normal performance image is displayed on the performance display device 7. Then, a reach is achieved with one of the 1 to 9 performance symbols 300, and one button image 306 is displayed on the performance display device 7 as shown in FIG. 33. Then, when the performance button 9 is operated and a jackpot occurs, the same numbers are displayed on the left performance symbol 9L, the center performance symbol 9C, and the right performance symbol 9R, and the player is notified of the jackpot. On the other hand, when a jackpot does not occur, a different number from the left performance symbol 9L and the right performance symbol 9R is displayed on the center performance symbol 9C, and the player is notified of a miss. In this way, when the almighty symbol 302 is not displayed, one button image 306 is displayed after the normal reach performance image, and the player is notified of the occurrence or non-occurrence of a jackpot by operating the performance button 9 once.

In addition, in the performance image in which the button image 306 described above is displayed, multiple button images 306 are displayed in a stacked state, but a performance image in which a part of the button image 306 is displayed with a missing part and the image is displaced may be displayed on the performance display device 7. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, the button image 306 is composed of a schematic image 306a that imitates the performance button 9 and a gauge 306b that displays the effective operation time of the performance button 9. Then, as shown in FIG. 34, a button image (hereinafter, described as a "missing button image") 310 in a state in which the gauge 306b is missing is displayed on the performance display device 7. In other words, the missing button image 310 composed only of the schematic image 306a is displayed on the performance display device 7. At this time, in order to emphasize that the gauge 306b is missing, a dotted line 311 is displayed at the position where the gauge 306b should be displayed. Furthermore, a comment 314 indicating that the gauge 306b is absent is also displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 35, the missing button image 310 is displayed in a lower position on the performance display device 7, and the missing button image 310 rises, and as shown in FIG. 36, the missing button image 310 is displayed in an upper position on the performance display device 7. In other words, the missing button image 310 is displayed moving from a lower position to an upper position. Then, as shown in FIG. 37, the missing button image 310 is displayed in both the upper and lower positions on the performance display device 7. In other words, the missing button image in the upper position (hereinafter referred to as the "upper missing button image") 310a and the missing button image in the lower position (hereinafter referred to as the "lower missing button image") 310b are displayed on the performance display device 7. Then, a linear member descends in a spiral from the upper missing button image 310a to the lower missing button image 310b, and as shown in FIG. 38, the spiral member connects the upper missing button image 310a and the lower missing button image 310b, and functions as a connecting member 312. That is, the upper missing button image 310a, the lower missing button image 310b, and the connecting member 312 connecting the upper missing button image 310a and the lower missing button image 310b are displayed on the performance display device 7. Then, as shown in FIG. 39, the upper missing button image 310a, the lower missing button image 310b, and the connecting member 312 are integrated, and the giant button image 320 in which the performance button 9 is enlarged is displayed on the performance display device 7. At this time, when the player operates the performance button 9, if a jackpot occurs, the same numbers are displayed on the left performance pattern 9L, the center performance pattern 9C, and the right performance pattern 9R, and the player is notified of the jackpot. On the other hand, if a jackpot does not occur, a number different from the left performance pattern 9L and the right performance pattern 9R is displayed on the center performance pattern 9C, and the player is notified of a miss. In this way, after the missing button image 310 with the gauge 306b missing is displayed, the missing button image 310 moves from bottom to top, the images of the upper missing button image 310a, the lower missing button image 310b, and the connecting member 312 are displayed, and the giant button image 320 is displayed, giving the player a sense of anticipation.

[Effects of the embodiment]
(1) In the pachinko game machine 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, all of the multiple performance symbols 300 numbered 1 to 9 included in the symbol string are displayed as a single block. This allows the player to sense a sense of assembly and expectation at a glance, making it possible to effectively display the performance symbols 300 included in the symbol string.
(2) In addition, two or more performance patterns 300 are displayed while rotating. As a result, all of the two or more performance patterns 300 are displayed like a series of images, making it possible to more effectively display the performance patterns 300 included in the pattern row.
(3) In addition, two or more performance patterns 300 are displayed while rotating around the character. This makes it possible to display two or more performance patterns 300 including the character as a single block, and makes it possible to display the performance patterns 300 included in the pattern row more effectively.
(4) In addition, two or more effect patterns 300 are displayed while rotating three-dimensionally. This makes it possible to effectively display the effect patterns 300 included in the pattern string as a three-dimensional image.
(5) After two or more performance symbols 300 are all displayed in a block, a selection image for selecting any one of the two or more performance symbols is displayed, and the same number of operation button images as the symbols selected in the selection image are displayed. This makes it possible to give the player a sense of expectation due to the performance after two or more performance symbols 300 are all displayed in a block.
(6) In addition, all of the nine performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9 included in the symbol row are displayed in a single block. This makes it possible to convey to the player at a glance the impact of all the performance symbols 300 being displayed in a single block.
(7) In addition, two or more performance symbols 300 and an almighty symbol 302 that represents the two or more performance symbols 300 as one symbol are displayed together. This makes it possible to give the player a greater sense of unity and a collective pipe.

Other Embodiments
(1) In the above-described embodiment, all of the nine performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9 are displayed in a single block, but it is sufficient if two or more of the nine performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9 are displayed in a single block. For example, two or more consecutive performance symbols 300 from 1 to 3 may be displayed in a single block, or two or more non-consecutive performance symbols 300 from 1, 5, and 7 may be displayed in a single block.
(2) In the above embodiment, all of the performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9 are selected in the selected performance image, and reach is achieved with all of the performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9, but it is also possible that 8 or less of the performance symbols 300 from 1 to 9 are selected, and reach is achieved with the performance symbols 300 from 8 or less. In such a case, the number of button images 306 corresponding to the selected performance symbols 300 is displayed on the performance display device 7. In other words, when five performance symbols are selected in the selected performance image, five button images 306 are displayed on the performance display device 7.
(3) In the above embodiment, the multiple performance patterns 300 are displayed as one unit by rotating, but the multiple performance patterns 300 may be displayed as one unit by moving in a line. In other words, the multiple performance patterns 300 may be displayed as one unit by moving together. Also, the multiple performance patterns 300 may be displayed as one unit by being fixedly displayed in a predetermined range without movement. Also, the multiple performance patterns 300 may be rotated two-dimensionally without rotating three-dimensionally.
(4) In the above embodiment, the performance symbols 300 1 to 9 are displayed together on the performance display device 7 at once, but the number of performance symbols 300 may be gradually increased so that a plurality of performance symbols 300 are displayed in a block. That is, for example, the performance symbols 300 1 to 3 may be displayed in a block at first, and in addition to the performance symbols 300 1 to 3, the performance symbols 300 4 to 6 may be displayed in a block, and further, in addition to the performance symbols 300 1 to 6, the performance symbols 300 7 to 9 may be displayed in a block.
(5) In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the performance patterns 300 of 1 to 9 and the almighty pattern 302 rotate in a circular shape, but they may also rotate in various shapes, such as a spiral shape, a swirl shape, a cross shape, a Moebius strip shape, etc.
(6) The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines other than pachinko gaming machines, such as reel-type gaming machines (also called slot machines or pachislots).
Furthermore, although specific embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention have been described above, the gaming machine may also have the following configuration, in which case the following effects are achieved.
(Additional Note 1) For example, a gaming machine according to a first configuration includes a win/lose determination means for determining whether a win/lose is determined based on the establishment of a starting condition, and a pattern changing means for changing a pattern string including a plurality of patterns and then notifying a player of the determination result by the win/lose determination means by stopping and displaying the pattern string, wherein the pattern changing means displays two or more of the plurality of patterns included in the pattern string as a single unit.
In a gaming machine having such a first configuration, it is possible to effectively display the performance symbols 300 included in the symbol string by giving the player a sense of assembly and anticipation that is immediately apparent to the player.
(Note 2) For example, in the gaming machine according to the second configuration, the symbol varying means displays the two or more symbols while rotating them.
In a gaming machine having such a second configuration, all of the two or more performance patterns 300 are displayed like a series of images, making it possible to more effectively display the performance patterns 300 included in the pattern string.
(Additional Note 3) For example, in the gaming machine according to the third configuration, the symbol varying means displays the two or more symbols while rotating them around a character.
In a gaming machine having this third configuration, it becomes possible to display two or more performance patterns 300, including characters, in one block, making it possible to more effectively display the performance patterns 300 included in the pattern row.
(Additional Note 4) For example, in the gaming machine according to the fourth configuration, the symbol varying means displays the two or more symbols while rotating them three-dimensionally.
In a gaming machine having such a fourth configuration, it is possible to effectively display the performance symbols 300 included in the symbol string as a three-dimensional image.
(Additional Note 5) For example, in a gaming machine according to a fifth configuration, after all of the two or more patterns are displayed as a group by the pattern changing means, a selection performance image in which any one of the two or more patterns is selected is displayed, and the gaming machine is characterized in that it is provided with a performance image display means for displaying images of operation buttons in the same number as the number of patterns selected as the selection performance image.
In a gaming machine having such a fifth configuration, it is possible to give the player a sense of anticipation by the performance that occurs after two or more performance symbols 300 are all displayed together.
(Additional Note 6) For example, in a gaming machine according to a sixth configuration, the symbol varying means displays all of the plurality of symbols included in the symbol string as a single unit.
In a gaming machine having such a sixth configuration, it is possible to convey to the player at a glance the impact of all the performance symbols 300 being displayed as one unit.
(Appendix 7) For example, in a gaming machine relating to the seventh configuration, the pattern changing means is characterized in that it displays all of the two or more patterns and a special pattern which represents all of the two or more patterns as a single pattern together.
In a gaming machine having such a seventh configuration, it is possible to give the player a greater sense of unity and manifold.

1 Pachinko game machine 7 Performance display device 9 Performance button 300 Performance pattern 302 Almighty pattern

Claims (1)

A right/wrong determination means for determining right/wrong based on the establishment of the start condition;
a symbol varying means for varying a symbol sequence including a plurality of symbols and then notifying a player of the result of the judgment by the winning/losing judgment means by stopping and displaying the symbol sequence;
A granting means for granting a jackpot game when the winning/losing determining means determines that a winning has occurred;
Equipped with
The symbol varying means is
A gaming machine characterized in that two or more of the plurality of symbols included in the symbol string are displayed as a single group.

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