JP2024069895A - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] In standby screen effects when no game is being played, the effects are prevented from being monotonous due to the same effects content. [Solution] A standby screen effect is displayed when no game is being played, and the standby screen effect is selected by a first standby screen effect selection means that selects a standby screen effect to be displayed from among a plurality of standby screen effects, and the selected standby screen effect is displayed for a predetermined period, and the standby screen effect after the predetermined period is selected from a plurality of standby screen effects different from the standby screen effects selectable by the first standby screen effect selection means. [Selected Figure] Figure 18

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pinball gaming machines and reel gaming machines.

There are known pachinko and slot machines that go into a standby mode when no game is played for a certain period of time. During the standby mode, the display of the pachinko machine or the like shows, for example, a screen introducing the effects of the game, a screen showing characters that appear during the game, a screen showing the logo of the manufacturer of the pachinko machine, or the like.
In addition, even if the model of the gaming machine is the same, the demo presentation contents and the pattern in which the demo presentation contents are selected are the same, and in order to prevent the game from becoming monotonous, some gaming machines provide multiple demo presentation contents and change the probability of selection (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-271725 A

However, even if the probability of a demo effect being selected is changed, there is a possibility that the same effect will be selected repeatedly, and if the same effect is selected repeatedly, the demo effect will become monotonous.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to prevent the pattern in which demo presentation contents are selected from being the same, thereby preventing the game from becoming monotonous.

The invention of claim 1, which was made in consideration of the above problem, is a gaming machine that includes a production image display device that displays a production image, and a production control means that controls the display of production images on the production image display device as the game progresses and transitions to a standby screen production when no game is being played, and is characterized in that there are a plurality of standby screen productions, and the machine includes a first standby screen production selection means that selects the standby screen production to be displayed from the plurality of standby screen productions when no game is being played, and a second standby screen production selection means that selects the standby screen production to be displayed from the plurality of standby screen productions that are different from the plurality of standby screen productions selected by the first standby screen production selection means, and when the standby screen production is selected by the first standby screen production selection means, the standby screen production selected by the first standby screen production selection means is displayed for a predetermined period, and when the standby screen production is displayed after the predetermined period, the standby screen production selected by the second standby screen production selection means is displayed.

According to the above configuration, when no game is being played, a standby screen effect is selected from among a plurality of standby screen effects. In addition, the standby screen effect selected by the first standby screen effect selection means and the standby screen effect selected by the second standby screen effect selection means are different, and the next standby screen effect after the standby screen effect selected by the first standby screen effect selection means is selected from the second standby screen effect selection means, so there is no possibility of the same thing being selected consecutively, and the standby screen effect is not monotonous because the same standby screen effect is not selected.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view of a probability change determination device provided on a game board. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. This is a table to explain the winning symbols. 3 is a flowchart of a main routine. This is a flowchart for the starting gate winning confirmation process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of a standby screen, a demo screen, and the timing of switching between the standby screen and the demo screen. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the effects and characters for each group of demo screens. 13 is a flowchart of a standby mode process.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various forms may be adopted as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
[Configuration Description]
(1) Overall Configuration As shown in Fig. 1, a pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically long fixed outer shell holding frame. Hinges 53 are provided on the top and bottom of the left side of the outer frame 51, and the front frame (glass frame) 52 into which a glass plate 61 is fitted and an inner frame (described below) are held by the hinges 53 so as to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame 51. In addition, behind the glass plate 61 of the front frame 52, a game board 1 (Fig. 2) held by the inner frame is provided.

Speakers 66 are installed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 52, which output game sounds to improve the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 52 is also provided with frame side decorative lamps 65 that emit light according to the game status, as well as LEDs that notify of abnormalities in the game.
An upper tray 55 and a lower tray 63 are integrally formed at the bottom of the front frame 52. A launching handle 64 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 63. By operating the launching handle 64 clockwise, the launching device is activated and the game balls supplied from the upper tray 55 are launched toward the game board 1.

The lower tray 63 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 55, and by operating a ball removal lever, the game balls that have accumulated in the lower tray 63 can be transferred to a coin box provided in the game parlor. In addition, a game button 67 is provided in the center of the upper tray 55, and a cross key 68 is provided to the left of the game button 67 on the upper tray 55.
This pachinko machine 50 is a so-called CR machine, and is equipped with a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 that reads and writes prepaid cards, and is provided with a ball loan button 57, a settlement button 58, and a settlement display device 59 on the right side of the upper tray 55.

In addition, reference numeral 49 in Figure 1 denotes a cylinder lock that locks the front frame 52 and the inner frame to the outer frame 51. When a specified key is inserted into the cylinder lock 49 and the key is turned clockwise, the inner frame is opened, and when the key is turned counterclockwise, the front frame 52 is opened.
2, a substantially circular play area 3 surrounded by an outer rail 2a and an inner rail 2b is formed on the game board 1. A center case 5 is attached to the center of the play area 3, and a normal symbol activation gate 22 is installed on the right side of the center case 5. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 22, multiple types of random numbers for the lottery of normal symbols are sampled, and a win/loss judgment (normal symbol lottery) is made based on the sampled random numbers.

Directly below the center case 5 is a first start gate 11 where a jackpot lottery (win/lose determination) is conducted with the variable display of a first special symbol (also written as first special symbol or special symbol 1) resulting from the entry of a gaming ball. In addition, to the right of the center case 5 and directly below the normal symbol activation gate 22 is a second start gate 12 where a jackpot lottery is conducted with the variable display of a second special symbol (also written as second special symbol or special symbol 2) resulting from the entry of a gaming ball.

The first starting hole 11 is located in an area (left hitting area) where a game ball shot by a left hit (aiming at the left side of the center case 5) mainly flows down, and the second starting hole 12 is located in an area (right hitting area) where a game ball shot by a right hit (aiming at the right side of the center case 5) mainly flows down.
Therefore, by hitting with the left hand side, the first starting hole 11 can be aimed and hit, and by hitting with the right hand side, the second starting hole 12 can be aimed and hit.

The arrangement of the first and second starting holes 11, 12 is not limited to this, and for example, the first and second starting holes 11, 12 may be arranged vertically below the center case 5, or the first starting hole 11 may be arranged in the right-hand hitting area and the second starting hole 12 in the left-hand hitting area.
The first starting hole 11 is configured so that game balls can enter at all times, but the second starting hole 12 is configured as a normal electric device that is opened by winning a normal pattern lottery, and balls can enter only when it is open. Note that it may be configured so that balls can enter occasionally even when it is closed.

When a game ball enters a first starting hole 11, a plurality of kinds of random numbers corresponding to a first special chart are extracted and stored as a first reserved memory, and when a game ball enters a second starting hole 12, a plurality of kinds of random numbers corresponding to a second special chart are extracted and stored as a second reserved memory.
The second starting hole 12 configured as a normal electric role is opened for a predetermined time when a normal symbol lottery is won.

Furthermore, below the center case 5, to the right of the first starting hole 11 and below the second starting hole 12, there is provided a large prize opening 20 consisting of a special electric device. The large prize opening 20 is located in a position where game balls hit to the right mainly enter. Of course, the location of the large prize opening 20 is not limited to this, and for example, the large prize opening 20 may be located in the left hitting area.

In addition, below the big prize winning hole 20, a probability change determination device 13 is arranged to guide the game ball that entered the big prize winning hole 20 during the big prize game (in other words, the special game) and determine whether the big prize game will enter a probability change state (a state in which the probability of winning the big prize lottery is high) after the big prize game ends. The details of the probability change determination device 13 will be described later.
In the left-hand area of the game board 1, a first special symbol display device 9 and a second special symbol display device 10 each having a plurality of (for example, about seven) LEDs, and a first special symbol reserved number display device 23 and a second special symbol reserved number display device 24 each consisting of four LEDs are installed. In addition, in the lower-right area of the game board 1, a normal symbol display device 7 consisting of two LEDs and a normal symbol reserved number display device 8 consisting of four LEDs are installed.

The first special symbol display device 9 displays special symbol 1, and the second special symbol display device 10 displays special symbol 2. The first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 make it impossible or difficult for players to distinguish the special symbols by irregularly lighting the LEDs when displaying these special symbols. The arrangement of the LEDs that make up the first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 may also be irregularly arranged to make it impossible or difficult for players to distinguish the displayed special symbols.

A display such as an LCD panel of a performance pattern display device 6 (not shown in its entirety) is disposed in the center of the center case 5 of the game board 1 shown in Figure 2, and on the performance screen of the display, a pattern performance is performed by displaying changes in the performance patterns, etc., to announce the results of the jackpot lottery corresponding to the first and second special charts.
The center case 5 is also provided with a warp inlet, a warp gutter, a stage, etc., in a well-known manner.

In addition, below the center case 5 and to the left of the first starting hole 11, general winning holes 25 to 27 are located.
A large number of game pegs are set in the game area 3 of the game board 1, and an outlet is provided at the bottom of the board.
Next, the configuration of the probability change determination device 13 will be described.

As shown in Figure 3, the probability change determination device 13 is equipped with an outlet 13a through which a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 20 is discharged, a specific area 15 for determining a transition to a probability change state, and a shutter 14 for closing or opening the specific area 15.
As already mentioned, a game ball that enters the big prize opening 20 during a big win game is discharged from the discharge opening 13a. When a game ball is discharged from the discharge opening 13a while the specific area 15 is closed, the game ball is guided to the miss opening 13b by the shutter 14 (see FIG. 3(a)). On the other hand, when a game ball is discharged from the discharge opening 13a while the specific area 15 is open, the game ball enters the specific area 15, and the big win game ends, and it is determined that the game will enter a special probability state after the big win game (see FIG. 3(b)).

As shown in FIG. 4, the back side of the pachinko machine 50 is configured such that an inner frame 70, which detachably mounts the game board 1, is housed in the outer frame 51. The inner frame 70, like the front frame 52, is connected to a hinge 53 provided on the outer frame 51 at the top and bottom positions of one side edge (the right side in FIG. 4), and is installed so as to be able to open and close. A game ball flow passage is formed in the inner frame 70, and a ball tank 71, a tank rail 72, and a payout unit 73 are provided from above (upstream), and a payout device is provided in the payout unit 73. With this configuration, when a game ball enters the winning hole of the game board 1, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) stored in the ball tank 71 are paid out from the payout device, and are paid out through the flow passage to the upper tray 55. In addition, in this embodiment, the payout device is configured to pay out game balls (loan balls) in response to the operation of the ball loan button 57.

The back side of the pachinko machine 50 is provided with a main control device 80, a payout control device 81, a performance symbol control device 82, a sub-integrated control device 83, a launch control device, and a power supply board 85. The main control device 80, the performance symbol control device 82, and the sub-integrated control device 83 are provided on the game board 1, and the payout control device 81, the launch control device, and the power supply board 85 are provided on the inner frame 70. Note that although the launch control device is not shown in Figure 4, the launch control device is located behind the payout control device 81 (on the game frame side).

In addition, an external connection terminal board 78 is provided on the right side of the ball tank 71, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to a hall computer (not shown) via the external connection terminal board 78.
(2) Electrical Configuration Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 50 will be described. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 5, the pachinko machine 50 is configured with the main control device 80 as the center. Note that this block diagram does not show so-called relay boards and power supply boards that simply relay signals. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the main control device 80, payout control device 81, performance symbol control device 82, and sub-integrated control device 83 all have a CPU, ROM, RAM, input port, output port, etc. Also, although the launch control device 84 and the power supply board are not provided with a CPU, ROM, or RAM, this is not limited thereto, and the launch control device 84, etc. may be provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

The main control device 80 receives detection signals from a first start port SW 11a which detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 11, a second start port SW 12a which detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 12, a normal pattern operation SW 22a which detects a game ball that has entered the normal pattern operation gate 22, and a general winning port SW 25a which detects a game ball that has entered the general winning ports 25 to 27.
In addition to this, a count SW 20a for counting the gaming balls that have entered the large prize opening 20 and a detection signal from a probability change SW 15a for detecting gaming balls that have entered a specific area 15 provided in the probability change determination device 13 are input.

The main control unit 80 operates according to a program installed therein, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals, etc., and outputs them to the payout control unit 81 and the sub-integrated control unit 83.
In addition, the main control unit 80 controls the display of the first special pattern display device 9, the second special pattern display device 10, the first special pattern reservation number display device 23, the second special pattern reservation number display device 24, the normal pattern display device 7, and the normal pattern reservation number display device 8, which are connected via the pattern display device relay terminal board 90.

Furthermore, the main control device 80 controls the opening and closing of the large prize opening 20 by controlling the large prize opening solenoid 20b, and the opening and closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the normal power device solenoid 12b. It also controls the shutter 14 by controlling the shutter solenoid 14a, and switches the open/closed state of the specific area 15 provided in the probability change determination device 13. When the shutter 14 is in the open state, the game ball can enter the specific area 15, and when the shutter 14 is in the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the specific area 15.

The output signal from the main control device 80 is also output to the test signal terminal, and signals for managing pattern changes, jackpots, etc. are output to the external connection terminal board 78 and sent to the hall computer 87.
The main control unit 80 and the dispensing control unit 81 are capable of two-way communication.
The payout control device 81 operates the payout motor 30 in response to a command sent from the main control device 80 to pay out prize balls. In this embodiment, a detection signal from a payout SW 31 for counting the game balls paid out as prize balls is input to the payout control device 81, and the payout control device 81 counts the prize balls. Alternatively, a detection signal from the payout SW 31 is input to the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 may count the prize balls.

The payout control device 81 receives signals from the glass frame closing SW 45, inner frame closing SW 46, ball out SW 33, payout SW 31, and full SW 32, and when the full SW 32 receives a signal indicating that the lower tray 63 is full, or when the ball out SW 33 receives a signal indicating that there are few or no game balls in the ball tank 71, it stops the payout motor 30 and stops the payout operation of the prize balls. The full SW 32 and ball out SW 33 are also configured to continue outputting signals until the condition is resolved, and the payout control device 81 resumes driving the payout motor 30 when the signal is no longer output.

The payout control device 81 also communicates with the CR unit 56 via the CR unit terminal board 34 to operate the payout motor 30 and dispense the dispensed balls. The dispensed balls are detected by the payout SW 31, and the detection signal is input to the payout control device 81. The CR unit terminal board 34 is also connected to the settlement display device 59 for two-way communication, and the settlement display device 59 is provided with a ball loan button 57 for requesting the loan of game balls and a settlement button 58 for requesting settlement.

In addition, the payout control device 81 transmits information regarding winning balls, information indicating the open/closed status of the frames (inner frame 70, front frame 52), etc. to the hall computer 87 via the external connection terminal board 78, and also transmits a launch stop signal to the launch control device 84.
Although the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment is configured to pay out game balls, it may be configured as an enclosed type in which prize balls generated in response to winning or the like are stored without being paid out.

The launch control device 84 controls the launch motor 40 to launch the game ball into the game area 3.
In addition to the payout control device 81, the launch control device 84 receives a rotation amount signal from the launch handle 64, a touch signal from the touch SW 38, and a launch stop signal from the launch stop SW 39.
The rotation amount signal is output when the player operates the launch handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 64, and the launch stop switch signal is output when the player presses the launch stop SW 39. If the touch signal is not input to the launch control device 84, the game ball cannot be launched, and when the launch stop switch signal is input, the game ball cannot be launched even if the player is touching the launch handle 64.

The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands sent from the main control device 80. The sub-integrated control device 83 does not send data to the main control device 80. It then divides the data into data for performance display control, sound control, and lamp control, sending commands for performance display control to the performance pattern control device 82, and distributing the commands for sound control and lamp control to each control part contained in itself (functional parts as sound control device and lamp control device).

The functional unit as a voice control device controls the voice output from the speaker 66 by activating the sound LSI based on data for voice control, and the functional unit as a lamp control device controls various LEDs and lamps 28 by activating a lamp driver based on data for lamp control.
In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 is connected to the game buttons 67 and the cross key 68, and when the player operates the game buttons 67 and the cross key 68, signals from them are input to the sub-integrated control device 83.

The sub-integrated control device 83 and the performance pattern control device 82 are capable of two-way communication.
The performance pattern control device 82 controls the performance pattern display device 6 based on the data and commands received from the sub-integrated control device 83 (both of which are sent from the main control device 80 and generated by the sub-integrated control device 83) to display a performance screen such as a changing display of the performance pattern (pattern performance).

[Operation Description]
(1) Overview Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 50 in this embodiment will be described. The pachinko machine 50 is configured as a so-called ST machine, and is equipped with a probability variable function and an open extension function. That is, in the pachinko machine 50, when a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery, a jackpot game is played. In the jackpot game, the jackpot opening 20 is opened for a predetermined total number of rounds (for example, 4R or 10R). After the jackpot game ends, a bonus is given to the player by operating the open extension function, or the open extension function and the probability variable function, until a predetermined number of jackpot lotteries (ST number of times) are drawn. Hereinafter, the period during which the bonus is given is also referred to as ST.

The probability of winning the jackpot lottery is a function that increases the probability of winning. Hereinafter, the game state in which the probability of winning is activated will be referred to as the probability of winning state or high probability state, and the game state in which the probability of winning is not activated will be referred to as the low probability state. On the other hand, the opening extension function is a function that makes it easier to enter the second starting hole 12 by increasing the probability of winning the normal pattern lottery, lengthening the opening time of the second starting hole 12 when a normal pattern lottery is won, shortening the variable display time on the normal pattern display device 7 when a normal pattern lottery is performed, and the like. In addition, a time-saving function that operates together with the opening extension function and shortens the variable display time on the special pattern display device is also provided. Hereinafter, the game state in which the opening extension function and the time-saving function are activated will also be referred to as electric support. In addition, the game state in which the probability of winning and the opening extension function are not activated will also be referred to as the normal state.

During ST, electric support is activated, making it easier to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. For this reason, during ST, players hit to the right and aim to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. On the other hand, when electric support is not activated, it is difficult to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. For this reason, when not during ST, players hit to the left and aim to land the ball in the first starting hole 11.
In addition, the pachinko machine 50 is provided with a plurality of types of special symbols (hereinafter also referred to as winning symbols) that are definitively displayed on the first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 when a jackpot occurs. As shown in Fig. 6(a) and (b), the total number of rounds of the jackpot game and the contents of the bonus granted after the jackpot game are determined according to the winning symbol. Specifically, the winning symbols of the special symbol 1 are divided into special 1 winning symbols 1 and 2, and the winning symbols of the special symbol 2 are divided into special 2 winning symbols 1 to 3. Each of these divisions includes a plurality of types of winning symbols.

A jackpot in which the winning symbol is the special 1 winning symbol 2, or the special 2 winning symbol 2, 3, is configured as a special jackpot. In a special jackpot game that is triggered by a special jackpot, a V win, which will be described later, can occur, and when a V win occurs, the special jackpot function and the open extension function are activated in the ST after the special jackpot game. On the other hand, if a V win does not occur in a special jackpot game, the special jackpot function is not activated in the ST after the jackpot game, but the open extension function is activated.

On the other hand, a jackpot in which the winning symbol is the special 1 winning symbol 1 or the special 2 winning symbol 1 is configured as a normal jackpot. In a normal jackpot game caused by a normal jackpot, a V prize does not actually occur, and in the ST after a normal jackpot game, the probability variable function does not operate, but the opening extension function operates.
In addition, the number of ST times is set to either 20 times, 50 times, or 100 times depending on which of the patterns belonging to each category of special 1 winning patterns 1 and 2 and special 2 winning patterns 1 to 3 is the winning pattern.

On the other hand, in a probability jackpot game, as an example, the 4th round is configured as a specific round, and in the 4th round in a probability jackpot game, a game ball that enters the large prize opening 20 can enter a specific area 15 in the probability jackpot determination device 13, resulting in a V win. On the other hand, rounds other than the 4th round in a probability jackpot game and all rounds in a normal jackpot game are configured as normal rounds in which a V win is practically impossible.

Specifically, in the special round and normal round, the shutter 14 is closed at the start of the round, but after the first ball enters the big prize opening 20, the shutter 14 is open for a short period of time. Note that when the shutter 14 is open for the first time, the game ball that entered the big prize opening 20 does not actually enter the special area 15, and no V prize occurs.

In a normal round, after the first open state, the shutter 14 remains closed until the end of the round. On the other hand, in a special round, after the first open state, the shutter 14 remains closed, and then, if a ball enters the large prize opening 20 for the second time, the shutter 14 remains open until the end of the round. When this second open state is reached, the game ball that entered the large prize opening 20 easily enters the special area 15, and in the special round, a V prize will almost certainly occur. If a V prize occurs in the special round, the special prize function is activated in the ST after the big win game.

In this embodiment, as an example, the 4th round in the probability variable jackpot game is configured as the specific round, but other rounds in the probability variable jackpot game may be the specific round. Also, for example, the specific round may be determined according to the type of winning symbol.
(2) Main Routine First, the main routine in the main control device 80 of the pachinko machine 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. This main routine is started as a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle.

In S10, the main control unit 80 determines whether the main routine has been started by a normal timer interrupt, and if a positive determination is obtained (S10: Yes), the process proceeds to S20, and if a negative determination is obtained (S10: No), the process proceeds to S15.
In S15, the main control device 80 performs initial settings for the CPU, I/O, etc., and then proceeds to S70.

On the other hand, if a positive judgment is obtained in S10, the main control unit 80 updates the initial value random number (S20), updates the random number for determining a jackpot (S25), updates the random number for determining a jackpot pattern (S30), updates the random number for determining a win (S35), updates the random number for reach judgment (S40), and updates the random number for determining a variation pattern (S45).
The main control device 80 then performs a winning confirmation process to detect the entry of a game ball into a winning hole such as the starting hole (S50), a winning/losing determination process to hold a jackpot lottery resulting from the winning ball entering the starting hole (S55), various output processes to send data and commands to the sub-integrated control device 83 etc. and to send various information to the hall computer 87 etc. (S60), and a fraud monitoring process to detect fraudulent activity by players (S65).

In addition to this, a normal symbol win/loss determination process is performed in which a normal symbol lottery is held when the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 22, and a normal symbol play process is performed in which a normal symbol play is played by opening a normal electric device (second starting hole 12).
In addition, following the win/lose determination process, a jackpot game process is performed to play a jackpot game.
Also, in S70, the main control unit 80 repeatedly updates the initial random number value until the next timer interrupt occurs and the main routine is started.

(3) Start Port Winning Confirmation Processing Next, the start port winning confirmation processing, which detects winnings at the first and second start ports 11 and 12 and performs reserved storage in response to the winnings, will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. This processing is configured as a subroutine called from the winning confirmation processing executed from the main routine.

In S100, the main control device 80 judges, based on the detection signal of the first start hole SW11a, whether or not a game ball has entered the first start hole 11. If the judgment is affirmative (S100: Yes), the process proceeds to S105, and if the judgment is negative (S100: No), the process proceeds to S115.
In S105, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of reserved memories (first reserved memories) for the special chart corresponding to the first starting port 11 has reached a maximum value (for example, 4). If the judgment is affirmative (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to S115, and if the judgment is negative (S105: No), the process proceeds to S110.

In S110, the main control unit 80 extracts random numbers for determining a jackpot used in the jackpot lottery, random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern to determine a winning pattern, random numbers for reaching a target to determine whether a pattern presentation will be reached, and random numbers for determining a change pattern to determine the change time of a special pattern.Then, the main control unit 80 stores the extracted random numbers as a first reserved memory, and generates a first reserved number command indicating how many first reserved memories have been generated and sends it to the sub-integrated control unit 83, and the process proceeds to S115.

In S110, the main control unit 80 determines whether the random number for determining a jackpot (in other words, numerical data) related to the first reserved memory is a specific value, and performs a look-ahead to determine whether a jackpot will occur in the jackpot lottery based on the first reserved memory and whether a specific reach will occur in the pattern presentation that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery, for each of the high probability state and low probability state. Then, a look-ahead command indicating the look-ahead result is transmitted to the sub-integrated control unit 83.

In S115, the main control device 80 determines whether or not a game ball has entered the second start hole 12 based on the detection signal of the second start hole SW 12a. If the determination is affirmative (S115: Yes), the process proceeds to S120, and if the determination is negative (S115: No), the process ends.
In S120, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of reserved memories (second reserved memories) for the special chart corresponding to the second starting port 12 has reached a maximum value (for example, 4). If the judgment is affirmative (S120: Yes), this process is terminated, and if the judgment is negative (S120: No), the process proceeds to S125.

In S125, the main control device 80 extracts random numbers for determining a jackpot, random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern, random numbers for judging a reach, random numbers for determining a variation pattern, etc. Then, the main control device 80 stores the extracted random numbers as second reserved memories, generates a second reserved number command indicating how many second reserved memories have been generated, and transmits it to the sub-integrated control device 83, and ends this process.
In addition, the main control unit 80 performs the above-mentioned look-ahead on the random numbers for determining a jackpot, etc., related to the second reserved memory, and sends a look-ahead command to the sub-integrated control unit 83.

(4) Win/lose determination process Next, the win/lose determination process for performing a jackpot lottery using the jackpot determination random numbers related to the reserved memory will be explained using the flowcharts of Figures 9 to 12. This process is executed from the main routine. After this process is completed, the jackpot game process for playing the jackpot game is executed.

9, in S200, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the role is in operation, i.e., whether a big win game is being played. If the judgment is affirmative (S200: Yes), the process ends, and if the judgment is negative (S200: No), the process proceeds to S205.
In S205, the main control device 80 judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed. If the judgment is affirmative (S205: Yes), the process proceeds to S280 in FIG. 11. If the judgment is negative (S205: No), the process proceeds to S210.

In S210, the main control device 80 judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed. If the judgment is affirmative (S210: Yes), the process proceeds to S290 in Fig. 12, and if the judgment is negative (S210: No), the process proceeds to S215 in Fig. 10.
Next, with regard to FIG. 10, in S215, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a first pending memory and a second pending memory exist, and if either pending memory exists (S215: Yes), the process proceeds to S220, and if not (S215: No), the process terminates.

In S220, if the second reserved memory exists, the main control device 80 selects the first generated second reserved memory, and if the second reserved memory does not exist and only the first reserved memory exists, the main control device 80 selects the first generated first reserved memory. Note that the configuration may be such that the first generated first or second reserved memory is selected.
In S225, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a high probability flag indicating that the game is in a high probability state is set, and if the determination is positive (S225: Yes), the process proceeds to S230, and if the determination is negative (S225: No), the process proceeds to S235.

In S230, the main control device 80 determines whether or not a jackpot will be won in the jackpot lottery based on the random number for jackpot determination related to the selected reserved memory and the winning/losing determination table (probability variable table) corresponding to the probability variable state, and consumes the reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S240.
On the other hand, in S235, the main control device 80 judges whether or not a jackpot will be obtained in the jackpot lottery based on the random number for jackpot judgment related to the selected reserved memory and the winning/losing judgment table (normal table) corresponding to the case where the probability of winning is not increased, and consumes the reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S240.

In S240, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a jackpot has occurred in the jackpot lottery, and if the determination is positive (S240: Yes), the process proceeds to S245, and if the determination is negative (S240: No), the process proceeds to S260.
In S245, the main control device 80 determines the winning symbol based on the random number for determining the winning symbol related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. As a result of the determination based on the random number for determining the winning symbol, each winning symbol corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol is randomly selected according to a predetermined distribution ratio. Then, the process proceeds to S250.

In S250 and S255, the main control unit 80 determines the time for special pattern fluctuation based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern related to the pending memory that has been consumed, and determines the type of jackpot, the total number of rounds of jackpot play, the control mode of the shutter 14 in a specific round, the game state after the jackpot play, the number of STs, etc. based on the winning pattern, and then transitions to S270.
On the other hand, in S260, which is entered when the jackpot lottery is not successful, the main control unit 80 determines the time for the special pattern to change based on the random numbers for reach judgment and the random numbers for determining the change pattern related to the pending memory that has been consumed, and then transitions to S265.

In S265, the main control device 80 performs operations such as updating a counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed during ST (remaining ST number of times), and then transitions to S270.
In S270, the main control device 80 transmits to the sub-integrated control device 83 a first reserved number command indicating the number of first reserved memories after the big win lottery and a second reserved number command indicating the number of second reserved memories after the big win lottery. In addition, the main control device 80 starts the variable display of the special symbol corresponding to the consumed reserved memory, and transmits a variable start command indicating the variable time of the special symbol and the result of the big win lottery to the sub-integrated control device 83 to start the symbol performance. In addition, a symbol designation command indicating the performance symbol to be stopped and displayed is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and this process ends.

Next, with regard to FIG. 11, in S280, which is entered during the varying display of the first or second special chart, the main control unit 80 determines whether the variation time of the special chart has elapsed or not, and if the determination is positive (S280: Yes), the process proceeds to S285, and if the determination is negative (S280: No), the process is terminated.
In S285, the main control unit 80 ends the varying display of the special chart, displays the confirmed pattern of the special chart, and sends a pattern confirmation command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 to cause the confirmed display of the performance pattern, and ends this processing.

12, in S290, which is performed during the confirmation display of the special chart, the main control device 80 judges whether the duration of the confirmation display of the special chart has ended. If the judgment is affirmative (S290: Yes), the process proceeds to S295, and if the judgment is negative (S290: No), the process ends.
In S295, the main control unit 80 terminates the confirmation display of the special drawing and transitions to S300.

In S300, the main control unit 80 determines whether the special symbol that was displayed as confirmed is the one that will be displayed at the time of a jackpot, and if the determination is positive (S300: Yes), the process proceeds to S305, and if the determination is negative (S300: No), the process proceeds to S335.
In S305, the main control device 80 refers to the high probability flag which indicates that the game is in a high probability state, and if the high probability flag is set, clears the high probability flag (S310), and then proceeds to S315.

In S315, the main control device 80 refers to an electric support flag indicating electric support, and if the electric support flag is set, clears the electric support flag (S320), and then transitions to processing at S325.
Then, the main control unit 80 executes a condition device operation start process (S325) and a role continuous operation device operation start process (S327), and sends a command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 notifying the player of the win in the jackpot lottery, as well as a command to notify the player of the type of jackpot game and the contents of the bonus, etc. (S330), and then ends this process.

On the other hand, in S335, which is performed when a negative determination is obtained in S300, the main control device 80 refers to the high probability flag, and if the flag is set (S335: Yes), refers to the remaining number of STs (S340). Then, if the remaining number of STs is 0 (S340: Yes), the high probability flag is cleared (S345) and the process proceeds to S350.
In S350, the main control device 80 refers to the electric support flag, and if the electric support flag is set (S350: Yes), refers to the remaining number of STs (S355). If the remaining number of STs is 0 (S355: Yes), the main control device 80 clears the electric support flag (S360) and proceeds to S365.

In S365, the main control device 80 executes a state designation command transmission process to transmit a state designation command to the sub-integrated control device 83 to notify the sub-integrated control device 83 of the current game state and the number of ST rounds remaining, and then ends this process.
(5) Big Win Game Processing Next, the big win game processing for performing the big win game will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 13 to 16. This processing is executed following the win/loss determination processing.

In S500, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the role is in operation, i.e., whether a big win game is being played. If the judgment is affirmative (S500: Yes), the process proceeds to S510, and if the judgment is negative (S500: No), the process ends.
In S510, the main control unit 80 determines whether the large prize opening 20 is open or not, and if the determination is positive (S510: Yes), the processing proceeds to S540 in FIG. 14, and if the determination is negative (S510: No), the processing proceeds to S515.

In S515, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not it is during the interval between each round in the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S515: Yes), the processing proceeds to S600 in FIG. 15, and if the determination is negative (S515: No), the processing proceeds to S520.
In S520, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the end presentation of the jackpot game is in progress, and if the determination is positive (S520: Yes), the processing proceeds to S645 in FIG. 16, and if the determination is negative (S520: No), the processing proceeds to S525.

In S525, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the presentation time for the jackpot start presentation, which is performed after a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery and before the jackpot game starts, has elapsed, and if the determination is positive (S525: Yes), the process proceeds to S530, and if the determination is negative (S525: No), the process ends.
In S530, the main control device 80 executes a large prize opening process to open the large prize opening 20 according to the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol (executes the large prize game of the first round), sets the opening counter indicating the number of rounds to 1 (S535), and ends this process. At this time, the main control device 80 may send a command indicating that the first round is about to start to the sub integrated control device 83.

Continuing with FIG. 14, in S540, which is entered while the large prize opening 20 is open, the main control device 80 judges, based on a signal from the sure-win SW 15a, whether or not a ball has entered the specific area 15 (in other words, a V prize has been entered). If the judgment is affirmative (S540: Yes), the process proceeds to S545, and if the judgment is negative (S540: No), the process proceeds to S550.

In S545, the main control device 80 sets the V winning flag and proceeds to S550. At this time, the main control device 80 may send a V winning command to the sub integrated control device 83, which indicates that a V winning has occurred.
Furthermore, while the large prize opening 20 is open, the main control device 80 transmits a command to the sub integrated control device 83 to notify the sub integrated control device 83 of a ball entering the large prize opening 20 each time the main control device 80 detects a ball entering the large prize opening 20. Furthermore, in S550, the main control device 80 determines whether the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 20 has reached 10. If the determination is affirmative (S550: Yes), the process proceeds to S560, and if the determination is negative (S550: No), the process proceeds to S555.

In S555, the main control unit 80 determines whether the opening time of the large prize opening 20, which is determined according to the opening pattern, has ended, and if the determination is positive (S555: Yes), the processing proceeds to S560, and if the determination is negative (S555: No), the processing ends.
In S560, the main control unit 80 executes a large prize opening closing process to close the large prize opening 20, and then transitions to S565.

In S565, the main control unit 80 executes a jackpot interval process to set the interval between each round of the jackpot game, and then ends this process.
Next, with regard to FIG. 15, in S600, which is entered during the interval between each round, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the final round has been reached based on the opening counter and the opening pattern of the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S600: Yes), the process proceeds to S605, and if the determination is negative (S600: No), the process proceeds to S615.

In S605, the main control device 80 executes a jackpot end presentation process to produce a presentation for ending the jackpot game, and clears the opening counter (S610), and ends this process.
On the other hand, in S615, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the interval time for the jackpot game has elapsed, and if the determination is positive (S615: Yes), the process proceeds to S620, and if the determination is negative (S615: No), the process ends.

In S620, the main control unit 80 executes the large prize opening process to open the large prize opening 20, increments the opening counter indicating the number of rounds (S625), and ends this process. At this time, the main control unit 80 may send a command indicating a new round to the sub integrated control unit 83. The main control unit 80 also starts controlling the shutter 14 at the same time as the large prize opening 20 starts to open.

Next, with regard to Figure 16, in S645, which is entered during the end presentation of the jackpot game, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the time for the end presentation has ended, and if the determination is positive (S645: Yes), the process proceeds to S650, and if the determination is negative (S645: No), the process terminates.
In the following steps S650 and S655, the main control device 80 stops the reel continuous operation device and the condition device, and transfers processing to S660.

In S660, the main control device 80 judges whether or not a V winning flag is set, which indicates that a ball has entered the specific area 15 provided in the probability change determination device 13 during a jackpot game. If the judgment is affirmative (S660: Yes), the process proceeds to S665, and if the judgment is negative (S660: No), the process proceeds to S680.
In S665, the main control device 80 sets the number of STs, etc., previously determined according to the winning symbol. In addition, the main control device 80 sets the probability change flag and the electric support flag (S670), clears the V winning flag (S675), and shifts the process to S695.

On the other hand, in S680, the main control device 80 determines whether or not electric support will be provided after the end of the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S680: Yes), the process proceeds to S685, and if the determination is negative (S680: No), the process proceeds to S695.
In S685, the main control device 80 sets the number of STs, etc., previously determined according to the winning symbol. Also, the main control device 80 sets the electric support flag (S690), and proceeds to S695.

In S695 and S700, the main control unit 80 sends to the sub-integrated control unit 83 a jackpot end command to end the presentation related to the jackpot game, and a state designation command to notify the sub-integrated control unit 83 of the game state after the jackpot game ends and the number of STs, and then ends this processing.
(6) About the performance In the pachinko machine 50, the sub-integrated control device 83 controls the performance symbol control device 82 etc. based on a command from the main control device 80, and performs various performances through the performance screen displayed on the display of the performance symbol display device 6 and the speaker 66 etc. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a pattern performance that notifies the result of the big win lottery by a combination of the performance symbols that have been confirmed after performing a performance pattern change display on the performance screen based on a change start command etc. from the main control device 80. In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a reserved performance that displays reserved symbols on the performance screen based on a reserved number command etc. In addition, when the reserved memory is consumed, a changing performance is performed in which a changing pattern is displayed instead of the reserved pattern corresponding to the reserved memory.

In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 may, for example, perform a preview effect on the effect screen together with a pattern effect, suggesting that a jackpot will occur in a jackpot lottery whose result is announced by the pattern effect. The sub-integrated control device 83 may also perform a look-ahead effect that suggests that a jackpot will occur when the reserved memory is consumed, based on a command indicating the look-ahead result received from the main control device 80. During a jackpot game, the sub-integrated control device 83 may also perform a jackpot effect that displays the current round of the jackpot game, the total number of rounds, the number of prize balls awarded to the player during the jackpot game, etc.

The sub-integrated control device 83 performs the above-mentioned pattern effects and other effects in a manner corresponding to the effect mode. The effect mode may also be determined according to the current game state. In other words, the sub-integrated control device 83 may determine the current game state based on a command from the main control device 80, and switch the effect mode according to changes in the game state. In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 may switch the effect mode at a specified trigger even if the game state has not changed.

(7) About the standby mode When the state where no game is being played continues for a predetermined time or more, the sub-integrated control device 83 transitions to the standby mode. During the standby mode, the sub-integrated control device 83 alternately displays the standby screen 800 and the demo screen 810 (see FIG. 17(a) and (b)) on the display of the performance symbol display device 6. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17(c), when a predetermined standby time has elapsed after the standby screen 800 starts to be displayed, the demo screen 810 is displayed instead of the standby screen 800. Also, when a predetermined demo time has elapsed after the demo screen 810 starts to be displayed, the standby screen 800 is displayed instead of the demo screen 810. The time when the standby time has elapsed after the standby screen 800 starts to be displayed and the time when a predetermined demo time has elapsed after the demo screen 810 starts to be displayed are described as the switching timing.
After the start of displaying the demo screen 810, when a predetermined demo time has elapsed, the standby screen 800 is displayed instead of the demo screen 810, but another demo screen may be displayed instead of the standby screen 800, and when a state in which no game is being played continues for a predetermined time or more, the screen may transition to the demo screen 810 without transitioning to the standby screen.

Here, the standby screen 800 may be the same or substantially the same as the in-game presentation screen displayed on the display of the presentation symbol display device 6 during presentation. Specifically, the standby screen 800 may be, for example, a screen when the presentation symbol is determined and displayed by the symbol presentation. More specifically, the screen may be a screen when the presentation symbol is determined and displayed by the last pattern presentation. Also, for example, a screen during which the presentation symbol is changing in the pattern presentation may be displayed as the standby screen 800. Also, the presentation mode displayed on the standby screen 800 may correspond to the current presentation mode. Note that the current presentation mode refers to the presentation mode of the presentation that will be performed if the game is started at that time (in other words, the presentation mode immediately before transitioning to the standby mode).

On the other hand, the demo screen 810 displays a character 811 and a demo performance 812. When the demo screen 810 is first displayed (the first time when the game machine becomes playable or the first time after the power is turned on), one of the story introduction, ally character introduction, and enemy character introduction of the first demo performance group described in FIG. 18(a) is randomly selected and displayed. When the demo screen 810 is next displayed, one of the pre-reach notice introduction, post-reach notice introduction, and jackpot notice introduction of the second demo performance group is randomly displayed. When the demo screen 810 is next displayed, one of the jackpot history display, super hot performance introduction, and game flow explanation of the third demo performance group is randomly displayed. When the demo screen 810 is next displayed, one of the first demo performance group is randomly displayed, and the demo performance group selected is changed each time the demo screen is displayed. The demo performance 812 in FIG. 17(b) indicates that the ally character introduction of the first demo performance group has been selected. Also, although it is set to be displayed randomly from the demo performance group, it may be set to randomly from something other than the one selected last time. For example, if the story introduction from the first demo performance group is selected and the demo screen is displayed three times, when selecting a demo performance from the first demo performance group again, something other than the story introduction will be selected. By doing this, it is possible to prevent the same thing from being selected consecutively from the same demo performance group.

In this embodiment, for example, if a state in which no game is being played continues for a predetermined time or more, the device transitions to a standby mode, and after a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the start of displaying the standby screen 800, a demo screen 810 selected from the first demo performance group is displayed in place of the standby screen 800, and after the predetermined demo time has elapsed, the standby screen 800 is displayed in place of the demo screen 810, and after the start of displaying the standby screen 800, a demo screen 810 selected from the second demo performance group is displayed in place of the standby screen 800, and after the predetermined demo time has elapsed, the standby screen 800 is displayed in place of the demo screen 810, and after the start of displaying the standby screen 800, a demo screen 810 selected from the third demo performance group is displayed in place of the standby screen 800, and after the predetermined demo time has elapsed, the standby screen 800 is displayed in place of the demo screen 810, and this is repeated every time the demo screen 810 is displayed.
In this way, the demo performance group that selects the demo performance changes every time the demo screen 810 is displayed, so the same demo screen 810 is not displayed every time, and is selected randomly from the demo performance group, so the possibility of displaying them in the same order is low and it does not become monotonous. In this embodiment, during one standby mode, the standby screen becomes the demo screen, and when the demo screen becomes the standby screen and then becomes the demo screen again, the demo performance group is switched and the demo performance display changes, but only one type of demo performance may be displayed during one standby mode, and the game state may be entered during the standby mode, and then the game may not be played, and when the standby mode is entered, a demo performance may be selected from the demo performance group. In this case, the demo performance group is switched every time the standby mode is entered, and the demo screen during the standby mode at that time is selected.
In addition, in this embodiment, the character 811 does not change, but each time the demo screen is displayed, a different character may be selected from a plurality of characters in order or at random. In this way, it is possible to increase the variety.

(8) About Modifications In this embodiment, as the demo screen 810, as shown in Fig. 18(a), the story introduction, the super hot performance introduction, etc. are changed every time the demo screen is displayed, but the characters 811 displayed as shown in Fig. 17(b) may be divided into demo character groups as shown in Fig. 18(b), and the demo character group is changed in order every time the demo screen 810 is displayed, and the character 811 displayed in Fig. 17(b) may be selected randomly from the demo character group. For example, when the demo screen 810 is first displayed, one character is randomly selected from the first demo character group described in Fig. 18(b) and displayed, and when the demo screen 810 is next displayed, one character is randomly selected from the second demo performance group to be displayed in Fig. 17(b), and when the demo screen 810 is next displayed, one character is randomly displayed from the third demo performance group, and when the demo screen 810 is next displayed, one character is randomly displayed from the first demo performance group, and these are repeated in order every time the demo screen is displayed. In this modified embodiment, the demo effects 812 of the demo screen other than the characters may be fixed, or multiple demo effects may be displayed in order each time the demo screen is displayed, or they may be displayed randomly. By doing this, even if the content of the demo screen is similar, the characters displayed are different, so that it can be shown as a different display and does not become monotonous.
Also, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the content of the demo screen may have first to third demo performance groups, and the demo performance groups may be changed in order every time the demo screen is displayed, and a demo performance may be selected and displayed randomly from among the demo performance groups. In this way, the characters and the content of the demo screen performance may be of various types, and the display may not be monotonous. However, if the demo performance groups and the demo character groups are changed in order every time the demo screen is displayed, the combinations will be limited to the first demo performance group and the first demo character group, the second demo performance group and the second demo character group, and the third demo performance group and the third demo character group. Therefore, one of the demo performance groups and the demo character group may be changed in order, and the other may be random, or both may be random. Alternatively, the number of groups in the demo performance group and the demo character group may be different, for example, if the demo performance group is 2 groups and the demo character group is 3 groups, each time the demo screen is displayed, the first demo performance group and the first demo character group, the second demo performance group and the second demo character group, and then the first demo performance group and the third demo character group, and the possibility of the same combination being displayed is low. By doing so, many combinations are displayed on the demo screen 810, and the number of patterns is increased, so it does not become monotonous.

(9) Standby Mode Processing Next, the standby mode processing for transitioning to the standby mode and switching between the standby screen and the demo screen during the standby mode will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 19. This processing is periodically executed by the sub-integrated control device 83.
In S900, the sub integrated control device 83 judges whether or not it is in the standby mode. If a positive judgment is obtained (S900: Yes), the process proceeds to S915, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S900: No), the process proceeds to S905.

In S905, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether the transition condition for transitioning to the standby mode is satisfied. Specifically, for example, the transition condition may be a non-playing state, and the non-playing state may be a state in which it can be considered that the player is not playing based on a predetermined judgment condition. The predetermined judgment condition may be, for example, a condition for detecting a player by a detection means such as a human sensor, and the non-playing state may be judged to be present if the condition is not met. In addition, the predetermined judgment condition may be, for example, a condition in which an operating device such as a game ball launch handle is operated by a player, or a condition in which a detection means such as a touch sensor detects that the player's hand is touching the operating device, and the non-playing state may be judged to be present if the condition is not met or is not met for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the predetermined judgment condition may be a condition in which a predetermined start condition is not satisfied for a predetermined time, a condition in which no judgment information is stored as reserved based on the predetermined start condition, a condition in which a changing display of a pattern indicating the result of a win/loss judgment is not being performed, a condition in which a winning game is not being executed, etc., and the non-playing state may be judged to be in effect when one or more of these conditions are satisfied. In other words, the playing state may be a state in which a predetermined start condition is satisfied and a game is in progress, and the non-playing state may be a state in which a game is not in progress. Then, when the transition condition is satisfied (S905: Yes), the process proceeds to S910, and when the transition condition is not satisfied (S905: No), the process ends.

In S910, the sub integrated control device 83 transitions to a standby mode, starts displaying a standby screen, and ends this process. Note that a demo screen may be displayed instead of the standby screen. In this case, the standby screen may not be displayed, and only the demo screen may be displayed during the standby mode.
On the other hand, in S915, which transitions to standby mode, it is determined whether or not the standby screen is being displayed. If a positive determination is obtained (S915: Yes), the process proceeds to S920, where it is determined whether or not it is time to switch to the demo screen. If it is time to switch (S920: Yes), the process proceeds to S925, where a transition process for the demo screen is performed to transition to the demo screen, and this process is terminated. If a negative determination is obtained in S920 (S920: No), this process is terminated.
In the demo screen transition process, the demo performance group that displayed the previous demo screen is referenced, the next performance group of the previous demo performance group is selected, and a demo performance is randomly selected from the selected demo performance group. The previous demo performance group may be the demo performance group selected last in the previous standby mode, or the first demo performance group may always be the first demo performance group when transitioning to the standby mode. In the case of the demo performance group selected last in the previous standby mode, the standby mode is entered, and the demo performance group selected at that time may be stored until the demo screen is displayed and referenced to select the next demo performance group. In other words, the previous demo performance group may be stored when the standby mode is entered into a game state and the standby mode is entered again.

For example, if it is the first time a demo screen is displayed since the power is turned on, it is selected from the first demo performance group in FIG. 18(a); if the previous demo screen display was selected from the first demo performance group, it is selected from the second demo performance group; if the previous demo screen display was selected from the second demo performance group, it is selected from the third demo performance group; and if the previous demo screen display was selected from the third demo performance group, it is selected from the first demo performance group.
In this embodiment, there are three demo performance groups, 1st to 3rd demo performance groups, and each group has three demo performances, but the number of performance groups may be five, six, or more, and each group may have four or more demo performances, and the number of demo performances may differ for each group. In this embodiment, the 1st to 3rd demo performance groups are selected in order each time the demo screen is displayed, but the performance groups may be selected randomly each time, or may be selected randomly except for the one selected last time. Although the demo performance groups are exemplified above, demo character groups may also be used.

If the determination at S915 is negative, it is determined whether or not a demo screen is being displayed (S930). If the demo screen is not being displayed (S930: No), this process is terminated. If the determination at S930 is positive (S930: Yes), it is determined that the demo screen is being displayed, and the process proceeds to S935, where it is determined whether the timing to switch has arrived (S935). If the determination at S935 is negative (S935: No), this process is terminated, and if the determination at S935 is positive (S935: Yes), the process proceeds to S940, where the demo screen is switched to the standby screen, and this process is terminated.

In this embodiment, the demo effects and demo characters in FIG. 18 are displayed on the demo screen in standby mode, but the demo effect group and demo character group may be different depending on the game state when the standby mode is entered. For example, demo effects may be displayed from the first to third demo effect groups in the normal state, and from multiple demo effect groups different from the first to third demo effect groups in the electric support state, or only some of the selected demo effects may be changed. Since the display differs for each game state, the content of the demo screen becomes more diverse. In addition, when the demo effects are to be different for each game state, it is desirable to display a demo screen that matches the game state. For example, the introduction of the pre-reach notice is an introduction of the pre-reach notice in the normal state in the normal state, and is an introduction of the pre-reach notice in the electric support state in the electric support state, so that a demo screen suitable for the game state can be displayed. In this way, the demo effect groups and demo character groups may all be different so that all demo screens are different for each game state, or only some of the demo contents may be suitable for each game state, and the rest may be common contents.

[Other embodiments]
(1) In the above embodiment, the configuration of the standby mode in the pachinko machine 50, which is one of the gaming machines, has been described, but the standby mode may also be configured in a similar manner to the above embodiment in gaming machines such as reel-type gaming machines (slot machines). That is, in a reel-type gaming machine, for example, a state in which there are no credits or a state in which there are credits but no medals have been bet may be regarded as a state in which no game is being played, and if this state continues for a certain period of time or more, the machine may transition to the standby mode. On the other hand, for example, if new credits are generated or new medals are bet, it may be regarded as a state in which a game is being played, and the standby mode may be terminated.

(2) The pachinko machine 50 in the above embodiment is configured as a so-called ST machine, but is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to various types of pachinko machines. Specifically, for example, the pachinko machine 50 in the above embodiment may be configured as a pachinko machine with a so-called limiter function, may be configured as a so-called type 1 and type 2 mixed machine, or may be configured as a so-called type 2 pachinko machine (in other words, a pachinko machine called a flat table). Even in such cases, the same effect can be obtained.

[Correspondence to claims]
The following shows correspondence between the terms used in the description of the above embodiment and the terms used in the claims.
The pachinko machine 50 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine, the sub-integrated control device 83, the effect symbol control device 82, and the effect symbol display device 6 correspond to an effect control means and an effect image display device, and the demo image 810, the character 811, the demo effect 812, and S910, S925, and S940 of the standby mode processing correspond to an example of a standby screen effect. Also, the switching timing corresponds to an example of a predetermined period.

1...game board, 3...game area, 5...center case, 6...performance symbol display device, 7...normal symbol display device, 8...normal symbol reserved number display device, 9...first special symbol display device, 10...second special symbol display device, 11...first start port, 12...second start port, 13...probability bonus determination device, 14...shutter, 15...specific area, 20...big prize port, 22...normal symbol activation gate, 50...pachinko machine, 80...main control device, 81...payout control device, 82...performance symbol control device, 83...sub-integrated control device.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine including an effect image display device that displays an effect image, and an effect control means that controls the display of the effect image display device in accordance with the progress of a game and transitions to a standby screen effect when a game is not being played,
There are a plurality of the standby screen effects, and when a game is not being played, a first standby screen effect selection means is provided for selecting the standby screen effect to be displayed from among the plurality of the standby screen effects, and a second standby screen effect selection means is provided for selecting the standby screen effect to be displayed from among the plurality of the standby screen effects different from the plurality of the standby screen effects selected by the first standby screen effect selection means,
when the standby screen effect is selected by the first standby screen effect selection means, displaying the standby screen effect selected by the first standby screen effect selection means for a predetermined period of time, and when displaying the standby screen effect after the predetermined period of time, displaying the standby screen effect selected by the second standby screen effect selection means;
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images