JP2024077864A - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine that can increase a player's motivation to play. [Solution] In a pachinko gaming machine (1), a plurality of types of effects are displayed on a performance display device (7) under the control of an image control CPU (202) that receives instructions from a performance control microcomputer (101) based on a special chart variation start command from a game control microcomputer (61). In the first and second operation performances, the image control CPU (202) dynamically displays, on the performance display device (7), a landscape image that is viewed from a viewpoint that moves in response to the operation of the cross button (6). In addition, the state of the landscape image displayed on the performance display device (7) in the first and second operation performances is changed based on the result of the special chart hit determination. [Selected Figure] Fig. 30

Description

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

A known example of a gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine in which a game is played using gaming balls. In this pachinko gaming machine, a gaming area is formed on the front side of a gaming board arranged inside the machine, and the gaming area is configured so that the gaming area can be seen from the front of the machine. The gaming area is dotted with multiple types of ball entrances. Therefore, a gaming ball shot into the gaming area by a player's handle operation, etc., may enter one of the multiple ball entrances as it flows down the gaming area, or it may not enter the gaming area and flow down to the bottom end of the gaming area and be discharged from the outlet. When a gaming ball enters a ball entrance, a prize ball according to the type of ball entrance is awarded to the player. In other words, when playing with a pachinko gaming machine, a player can earn a profit according to the gaming ball entering the ball entrance (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-13042 A

In recent years, pachinko gaming machines have been equipped with operation effects in which the player operates an effect button or effect lever to change the content of the effect. However, these merely display images corresponding to the results of a lottery that has been determined in advance for each game at the timing of the player's operation during the effect, which gives the impression of a rigged game and can easily make players distrustful. In other words, there is room for improvement in conventional operation effects.

The present invention was made to solve the problems that existed in the past, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase players' motivation to play.

To achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention is equipped with a game control means for giving a player an advantageous state in response to a specific result of a judgment based on the player's game, a performance control means for executing control related to the performance based on the instruction of the game control means, a performance display means for displaying multiple types of performance based on the control by the performance control means, and a performance operation means that is the target of player operation to give changes to the content of the performance displayed on the performance display means, and is characterized in that the performance control means dynamically displays on the performance display means a landscape image viewed from a viewpoint that moves in response to the operation of the performance operation means, and changes the appearance of the landscape image based on the result of the judgment.

By doing so, a landscape image is displayed according to a viewpoint that moves in response to the player's operation, making it possible to realize a sense of operation similar to that obtained in a role-playing game while playing on the gaming machine. In addition, in this case, the appearance of the landscape image is changed depending on the result of the judgment based on the player's play, making it possible to infer the result of the judgment from the appearance of the landscape image that may be displayed in response to the player's operation. In other words, since information regarding the result of the judgment based on the player's play can be obtained from the landscape image that is displayed in response to the player's own operation, it is possible to reduce the feeling of a rigged game, increase the player's satisfaction, and improve their motivation to play.

The gaming machine according to the present invention having the above configuration can increase the player's motivation to play.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment. 2A is an enlarged view of the lower right area of the game area in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the collective display section provided on the display screen in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a main control board and peripheral devices. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a sub-control board and peripheral devices. FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a win/lose determination table. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a jackpot type determination table for a first special symbol, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a jackpot type determination table for a second special symbol. An explanatory diagram of a small win type determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a reach determination table. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a special chart variation pattern selection table for a first special chart, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a special chart variation pattern selection table for a second special chart. An explanatory diagram of the normal pattern hit/miss determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a normal winning type determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a general map fluctuation pattern selection table. 4 is a flowchart of a main-side main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a pattern sensor detection process. 13 is a flowchart of a normal operation process. 13 is a flowchart of a general map condition confirmation process. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart of the special chart jackpot determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a special chart variation pattern selection process. 19 is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 18 . 13 is a flowchart of special symbol-related processing. 13 is a flowchart of a game status management process. This is a flowchart for processing special electric gimmicks (Type 1 jackpot, V jackpot). This is a flowchart for processing special electric gimmicks (small wins). 13 is a flowchart of a sub-side main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of a variable performance control process. 1 is an explanatory diagram regarding game states and presentation modes. FIG. A schematic diagram (map) showing a planar view of the movement target area displayed as a landscape image of the first operation presentation. 30. (a) is the visual field range of the moving target area visually recognized from viewpoint x1 shown in FIG. 30, and (b) is a scenery image displayed corresponding to the visual field range of (a). 30. (a) is the visual field range of the moving target area visually recognized from viewpoint x2 shown in FIG. 30, and (b) is a scenery image displayed corresponding to the visual field range of (a). (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the performance content of the first operation performance of a losing performance in relation to the timing of the change in the display of the performance pattern, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the performance content of the first operation performance of a winning performance in relation to the timing of the change in the display of the performance pattern. The time taken for the viewpoint to move between two branching points on the first route in the movement target area and the time taken for the viewpoint to move from the branching point on the first route to the appearance point of the treasure chest are shown. This shows the movement pattern from the viewpoint position at the start of the time limit in the first operation presentation to the appearance point of the treasure chest, and the movement time required to move using that movement pattern. FIG. 31 is a partial enlarged view of the movement target area shown in FIG. 30, showing a state in which a ground collapse has occurred in a collapse area. An explanatory diagram (map) showing a second movement target area displayed as a landscape image of the second operation presentation in a plan view. This is a landscape image viewed from a viewpoint at the start point (below the circuit gate) of the movement path of the second movement target area. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing, with a dotted-dotted arrow, the appropriate driving trajectory of a racing car (viewpoint) passing through a curved path portion on the movement path of the second movement target area, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing, with a dotted-dotted arrow, the inappropriate driving trajectory of a racing car (viewpoint) passing through a curved path portion on the movement path of the second movement target area.

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a pachinko gaming machine in which a game is played using gaming balls will be taken as an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. When describing the directions and relative positions of each part of a pachinko gaming machine, "left," "right," "up," and "down" will be based on the perspective of a player playing opposite the pachinko gaming machine. Additionally, the side closer to the player (the near side) will be referred to as "front," and the side furthest away (the far side) will be referred to as "rear."

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine 1 of the embodiment has a game machine frame. The game machine frame is configured to include at least an inner frame 16 that holds the game board 2 described later and a door-shaped front frame 18 that covers the front of the inner frame 16, and is installed on an installation island (not shown) in a game parlor via a rectangular outer frame W. The front frame 18 has a left side lamp 23a, a right side lamp 23b, and a top lamp 23c, and a window 18a is formed inside the frame surrounded by these. This window 18a is an opening that allows the game area 3 formed on the board surface (front) of the game board 2 to be viewed, and a transparent glass plate is provided to cover this window 18a, but is omitted in FIG. 1. In addition, speakers 8 are provided at the left and right upper ends of the front frame 18 (both left and right sides sandwiching the top lamp 23c) as sound output means that output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the performance content.

Both sides of the front frame 18 that constitute the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b are translucent, and multiple LEDs are arranged inside the translucent parts. Each LED can emit multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the performance content, and also changes the emitted color.
The top lamp 23c is a rotating light having an LED and a rotating reflector inside (not shown). The LED can emit light of multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the performance content or the notification content, and further changes the emitted light color. The rotating reflector rotates around the LED in response to the drive of the movable body motor 23d (FIG. 4), and changes the reflection direction of the LED light.

In addition, the lower part of the front frame 18 is provided with a handle 4, a ball supply tray (also called the upper tray) 24, and a surplus ball receiving tray (also called the lower tray) 25. The ball supply tray 24 is for storing game balls paid out from the ball loan payout device 80 (Figure 3) and the prize ball payout device 400 (Figure 3), or for storing game balls to be supplied to the launch device 90 (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 handle 4 is located at the lower right of the front frame 18, in other words, in a position where it can be gripped with the right hand of a player playing facing the pachinko machine 1. The handle 4 is equipped with a touch switch 92 (Fig. 3), a firing lever 4a, and a firing stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is located in a position where it can be touched by the right hand of a player holding the handle 4. The firing lever 4a is for adjusting the strength of the game balls fired by the firing device 90 (striking hammer), and is rotatably mounted on the handle 4. The firing stop button 4b is for stopping the firing of the game balls when they are being fired, and is located in a position where it can be operated with the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 4.

The effect button 5 is provided on the upper surface of the ball supply tray 24 of the front frame 18. The effect button 5 can be pressed by a player facing the pachinko game machine 1 with one hand, but is located in a position where the player cannot operate the effect button 5 and the handle 4 with only one hand. The effect button 5 is also located in a position where the player cannot operate the effect button 5 and the cross button 6, which will be described later, with only one hand. The effect button 5 has an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring built in, and when the pressing operation state of the effect button 5 is released, the restoring force of this elastic member causes the effect button 5 to return to the state before the pressing operation. The effect button 5 has a effect button detection switch 5a (Figure 4) that detects the pressing operation of the effect button 5, an effect button vibration motor 5b (Figure 4) that vibrates the effect button 5, and an effect button lamp 5c (Figure 4) that illuminates the effect button 5 built in. The effect button vibration motor 5b vibrates at a predetermined timing, for example, during the period when the pressing operation of the effect button 5 is valid. In this embodiment, the effect button 5 is vibrated by the operation of the effect button vibration motor 5b, and the surface of the effect button 5 made of a translucent material is lit or flashed by the emission of the effect button lamp 5c (an LED in this embodiment), thereby suggesting or informing that a change in effect that increases the likelihood of a jackpot will occur (is occurring) in response to the operation of the effect button 5. When a player presses the effect button 5 during the period during which pressing the effect button 5 is valid (valid detection period), the operation is detected by the effect button detection switch 5a, which serves as a trigger for a change in the effect content. Hereinafter, an effect that causes a change in the effect content in response to the operation of the effect button 5 is referred to as an operation effect (button effect).

A cross button 6 is provided to the left of the surplus ball tray 25 (near the lower left end) of the front frame 18. The cross button 6 can be held and operated by a player facing the pachinko game machine 1 with one hand, but is provided at a position where the player cannot operate the handle 4 or the performance button 5 simultaneously with only one hand. Specifically, the cross button 6 can be operated by pushing the entire button downward with the hand holding it (decision operation), and can also be operated by pushing only one of the front, rear, left, or right ends downward (direction selection operation). In addition, a decision detection switch 6a (FIG. 4) that detects the decision operation of the cross button 6, a selection detection switch 6b (FIG. 4) that detects the right direction selection operation or the left direction selection operation of the cross button 6, and a cross button vibration motor 6c (FIG. 4) that vibrates the cross button 6 are provided in correspondence with the cross button 6. In this embodiment, the cross button 6 is vibrated by the operation of the cross button vibration motor 6c, which may suggest or inform that a performance change with a high expectation of a jackpot will occur (is occurring) in response to the operation of the cross button 6, for example. When the player performs a decision operation or a direction selection operation on the cross button 6 during the period when the operation of the cross button 6 is valid (valid detection period), that operation is detected by the decision detection switch 6a or the selection detection switch 6b, which triggers a change in the presentation content. Hereinafter, a presentation that changes the presentation content in response to the operation of the cross button 6 is referred to as an operation presentation (direction selection presentation).
In the following description, the front end of the cross button 6 may be referred to as the front button, the rear end as the rear button, the left end as the left button, and the right end as the right button.

[Configuration of game board 2]
The game board 2 is held by the inner frame 16 so that its board surface (front surface) is positioned substantially directly opposite the face of the player. The game board 2 is covered from the front by the aforementioned glass plate of the front frame 18, and the board surface can be seen through the glass plate (window 18a) from the player side (front). In FIG. 1, the outer periphery side of the board surface of the game board 2 (the range outside the window 18a when viewed from the front) cannot be seen, but a ring-shaped game area forming means (rail member 17, etc.) is arranged to define and form the game area 3, which is the area where the game balls flow down (roll), on the inner periphery side. In addition, the rail member 17 is arranged in two rows on the left side of the board surface of the game board 2, and the balls launched by the launching device 90 (FIG. 3) move upward along the inside of the rail member 17 to reach the game area 3. In this case, the launched ball is guided to the left part of the two rows of the rail member 17, which cannot be seen in FIG. 1, and reaches the upper area of the game area 3.

Although not shown, multiple game pegs are driven into the surface of the game board 2 within the game area 3. As a result, the game ball flowing down the game area 3 comes into contact with the game pegs and changes its behavior. As the game ball flows down the game area 3, it either enters ball entry openings 10a, 11a, 12a, 14a, and 15a (described below), or it does not enter the ball and flows down the game area 3 to the bottom end and is discharged from the exit 19 to the outside of the game area 3 (towards the inner frame 16). At least one exit 19 is provided in the game area 3, and if there are multiple exits, one of them is located at the bottom end of the game area 3.

Here, a large center decorative body 20 is arranged at the center of the game board 2 and is spaced inward from the game area forming means such as the rail member 17. This center decorative body 20 is annular or frame-shaped and is attached along the edge of a large opening (not shown) formed in the approximate center of the game board 2. Then, almost the entire screen (front surface, for example, a liquid crystal panel) of the performance display device 7 (performance display means) located behind the game board 2 is exposed to the front side of the board through the inner opening of the center decorative body 20, and when viewed from the front of the pachinko game machine 1, the center decorative body 20 is positioned so as to decorate the periphery of the screen of the performance display device 7. The center decorative body 20 has translucency, and inside it are provided with a plurality of LEDs that light up and blink according to the performance content.
The game board 2 is provided with light-emitting means (LEDs) at multiple locations, including the center decorative body 20, and is configured to decorate the game board 2 with the light emitted by the LEDs. The decorative light-emitting means provided on the game board 2 in this manner will be referred to as "board lamps 2a" below (FIG. 4). Each LED constituting the board lamps 2a can emit multiple colors, light up or blink depending on the performance content, and also change the light emission color.

The center decorative body 20 protrudes annularly (frame-shaped) forward from the surface of the game board 2, preventing game balls flowing down the game area 3 from moving to the inner circumference of the center decorative body 20 (the space in front of the screen). This center decorative body 20 also divides the game area 3 so that it branches into left and right areas at its upper part. In other words, the game area 3 is an area that includes a left game area (first ball flow area) 3L, which is the path for game balls flowing down the left side of the center decorative body 20, and a right game area (second ball flow area) 3R, which is the path for game balls flowing down the right side of the center decorative body 20.

A time display section 20y is provided at the top center of the center decorative body 20. This time display section 20y is a display section that displays the passage of the stock time (variation time of the second special chart) described below.

The game board 2 has a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) that penetrate in the thickness direction, and a first start winning device 10, a general winning member 11, a second start winning device 12, a gate 13, a first large winning device 14, and a second large winning device 15 are arranged corresponding to each mounting hole. These components have ball entry holes 10a, 11a, 12a, 13, 14a, and 15a through which game balls flowing down the game area 3 can enter. In the following description, a ball entry hole that can award a prize ball to a game ball that enters the game ball may be referred to as a "winning hole". The entry of a game ball into a winning hole may be expressed as a "winning". In addition, a "starting hole" (or a "trigger hole"), which is a type of ball entry hole (winning hole), is a winning hole in which the entry of a game ball triggers the variable display of a special pattern described later. The entry of the game ball into this starting hole can be referred to as a "starting ball entry (starting winning)."

The first start winning device 10 is provided in the center of the lower area of the center decoration 20 so as to protrude from the front side (glass plate side) of the game board 2. This first start winning device 10 is a winning device (winning section) having a first start hole 10a and a first start hole sensor 10b. The first start hole 10a opens upward in the game area 3. The first start hole sensor 10b (Figure 3) is a sensor (detection means) that detects a game ball that has entered the first start hole 10a (start ball entry), and is located in the middle of a winning ball passage (not shown) that leads the game ball that has entered the first start hole 10a to the rear side of the game board 2. The first start winning device 10 is configured to always maintain the first start hole 10a in a state where a ball can be entered, and is not equipped with any member that changes the ease of ball entry into the first start hole 10a or the opening dimensions.

The general winning member 11 is located at a left-side position in the lower area of the center decorative body 20, protruding from the front (glass plate side) of the game board 2. This general winning member 11 is a winning device (winning section) having a general winning opening 11a and a general winning opening sensor 11b. The general winning opening 11a opens upward in the game area 3. The general winning opening sensor 11b (FIG. 3) is a sensor (detection means) that detects game balls that have entered the general winning opening 11a, and is located in the middle of a winning ball passage (not shown) that leads game balls that have entered the general winning opening 11a to the rear side of the game board 2. The general winning member 11 is configured to always keep the general winning opening 11a in a state where balls can be entered, and is not equipped with any member that changes the ease of ball entry into the general winning opening 11a or the opening dimensions.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the lower right portion of the play area 3 (the lower half of the right play area 3R).
As shown in Fig. 2, the gate 13 (operating port) is provided in the right area of the center ornament 20 so as to protrude from the surface of the game board 2 to the front (glass plate side). A gate sensor 13a (Fig. 3) is disposed in this gate 13 to detect game balls passing through. The gate 13 is configured so that game balls can pass (enter) in the vertical direction (from top to bottom), and does not have a passage structure that guides game balls outside the game area 3 (to the rear side of the game board 2).

The second start winning device 12 is arranged on the lower right of the center ornament 20 as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. This second start winning device 12 is a winning device (winning part) having a second start hole 12a, a normal operating member 12b, a second start hole sensor 12c (Fig. 2, Fig. 3) and a normal electric solenoid 12d (Fig. 3), and is provided so as to protrude from the face of the game board 2 to the front side (glass plate side). The second start hole 12a opens toward the upper left in the game area 3. The second start hole sensor 12c is a sensor (detection means) that detects a game ball that has entered the second start hole 12a (start ball entry), and is arranged in the middle of the winning ball passage (ball passage that leads the entered game ball to the rear side of the game board 2) following the second start hole 12a. The normal operating member 12b is a plate-like member having an inclined upper surface, and is configured to be slidable back and forth between a rear ball entry blocking position (first position) and a front ball entry allowing position (second position). The normal solenoid 12d is connected to the normal operating member 12b, and maintains the normal operating member 12b in the ball entry blocking position in the demagnetized state (non-operated state), and maintains the normal operating member 12b in the ball entry allowing state in the excited state (operated state). The normal operating member 12b in the ball entry blocking position is located behind the surface of the game board 2, and prevents game balls from entering the second starting hole 12a (starting ball entry) by passing them downward without receiving them from above (the gate 13 side). On the other hand, the normal operating member 12b in the ball entry permitting position is positioned in front of the surface of the game board 2 to receive a game ball from above (the gate 13 side) and allows the ball to enter the second starting hole 12a (starting ball entry) by rolling the upper surface along the slope. In other words, the second starting hole 12a provided in the second starting winning device 12 is a winning hole (variable ball entry hole, variable starting hole) in which the ease of entry of the game ball changes depending on the position.
Although the dimensions of the opening of this second starting hole 12a do not actually change, for the sake of convenience in the following explanation, the state in which the normal operating member 12b is in a ball entry prevention position and the game ball cannot enter will be referred to as a "closed state," and the change to the closed state will be referred to as "closing." Also, the state in which the normal operating member 12b is in a ball entry permission position and the game ball can enter will be referred to as an "open state," and the change to the open state will be referred to as "opening."

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first large winning device 14 is provided in the lower right area (lower than the second start winning device 12) of the center decoration 20 so as to protrude from the board surface of the game board 2 to the front side (glass plate side). This first large winning device 14 is a winning device (winning section) having a first large winning opening 14a (special winning opening, special ball opening), a first special operating member 14b, a first large winning opening sensor 14c (Fig. 3) and a first special electric solenoid 14d (Fig. 3). The first large winning opening 14a opens upward in the game area 3. The first large winning opening sensor 14c is a sensor (detection means) that detects a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 14a, and is arranged in the middle of a winning ball passage (not shown) that leads the game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 14a to the rear side of the game board 2. The first special operating member 14b is a plate-like member having an inclined upper surface, and is configured to be slidable back and forth between a ball-entry blocking position (first position) at the front and a ball-entry allowing position (second position) at the rear. The first special electric solenoid 14d is connected to the first special operating member 14b, and maintains the first special operating member 14b in the ball-entry blocking position in the demagnetized state (non-operated state), and maintains the first special operating member 14b in the ball-entry allowing state in the excited state (operated state). The first special operating member 14b in the ball-entry blocking position is located forward of the surface of the game board 2 and closes the first large winning hole 14a, thereby preventing the game ball from entering the first large winning hole 14a, and causes the game ball to flow downstream (downward left) by the inclined upper surface. On the other hand, the first special operating member 14b in the ball entry permitting position is located behind the surface of the game board 2 to open the first large prize entry opening 14a and permit the game ball to enter the first large prize entry opening 14a. In other words, the first large prize entry opening 14a provided in the first large prize entry device 14 is a prize entry opening (variable ball entry opening) whose opening dimensions change (the ease of entry of the game ball changes depending on the position).
In the following description of the first large winning hole 14a, the state in which the first special operating member 14b is in a ball-entry preventing position and the game ball cannot enter the hole is referred to as a "closed state," and the change to the closed state is referred to as "closing." Also, the state in which the first special operating member 14b is in a ball-entry allowing position and the game ball can enter the hole is referred to as an "open state," and the change to the open state is referred to as "opening."

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second large prize winning device 15 is provided in the lower right area of the center decoration 20 (lower left of the first large prize winning device 14), in a position on the right side of the lower area of the center decoration 20, so as to protrude forward (toward the glass plate) from the surface of the game board 2. This second large prize winning device 15 is a winning device (winning section) having a second large prize winning port 15a (special prize winning port, special ball winning port), a second special operating member 15b, a second large prize winning port sensor 15c (Figures 2 and 3), and a second special electric solenoid 15d (Figure 3). The second large prize winning port 15a opens upward within the game area 3. The second large winning opening sensor 15c is a sensor (detection means) that detects a game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 15a, and is disposed in the middle of a winning ball passage (not shown) that guides the game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 15a to the rear side of the game board 2. The second special operating member 15b is a plate-shaped member having an inclined upper surface, and is configured to be slidable back and forth between a ball entry blocking position (first position) on the front side and a ball entry allowing position (second position) on the rear side. The second special electric solenoid 15d is connected to the second special operating member 15b, and maintains the second special operating member 15b in the ball entry blocking position in the demagnetized state (non-operated state), and maintains the second special operating member 15b in the ball entry allowing state in the excited state (operated state). The second special operating member 15b in the ball entry blocking position is located forward of the board surface of the game board 2 and is configured to be slidable back and forth between the ball entry blocking position (first position) on the front side and a ball entry allowing position (second position) on the rear side. The second special electric solenoid 15d is connected to the second special operating member 15b, and maintains the second special operating member 15b in the ball entry blocking position in the demagnetized state (non-operated state), and maintains the second special operating member 15b in the ball entry allowing state in the excited state (operated state). The second special operating member 15b in the ball entry blocking position is located forward of the board surface of the game board 2, and is configured to be slidable back and forth between the ball entry blocking position (first position) on the front side and a ball entry allowing position (second position) on the rear side.
By closing the second special operating member 15b, the game ball is prevented from entering the second large winning opening 15a, and the game ball is caused to flow downstream (to the lower left) by the inclined upper surface. On the other hand, the second special operating member 15b in the ball entry permitting position is located behind the surface of the game board 2 and opens the second large winning opening 15a, permitting the game ball to enter the second large winning opening 15a. In other words, the second large winning opening 15a provided in the second large winning device 15 is a winning opening (variable ball entry opening) whose opening dimensions change (the ease of entry of the game ball changes depending on the position).
In the following description of the second large winning hole 15a, the state in which the second special operating member 15b is in a ball-entry preventing position and the game ball cannot enter the hole is referred to as a "closed state," and the change to the closed state is referred to as "closing." Also, the state in which the second special operating member 15b is in a ball-entry allowing position and the game ball can enter the hole is referred to as an "open state," and the change to the open state is referred to as "opening."

In addition, inside the second large prize winning device 15, a specific area and a non-specific area are formed through which the game ball that entered the second large prize winning port 15a can pass (enter), and the game ball that entered the second large prize winning port 15a is discharged to the rear side of the game board 2 through the specific area or the non-specific area. The second large prize winning device 15 is provided with a specific area sensor 55a (FIGS. 2 and 3) that detects the game ball that passes through (enters) the specific area, and a non-specific area sensor 55b (FIGS. 2 and 3) that detects the game ball that passes through (enters) the non-specific area. In addition, the above-mentioned winning ball passage inside the second large prize winning device 15 is configured such that the passage part where the specific area sensor 55a is arranged (forming the specific area) and the passage part where the non-specific area sensor 55b is arranged (forming the non-specific area) are connected downstream, and the game ball that passed through the specific area and the game ball that passed through the non-specific area are joined by the connection part. The second large prize opening sensor 15c described above is located at the connection portion.
A distribution member 56 (FIG. 2) is provided inside the second large prize winning device 15, and this distribution member 56 is connected to a plunger of a distribution member solenoid 55c (FIG. 3). The distribution member 56 is configured to move forward and backward in response to the change in excitation/demagnetization of the distribution member solenoid 55c. That is, when the distribution member solenoid 55c is in a demagnetized state, the distribution member 56 is positioned at a forward advance position to block the specific area, thereby guiding the game ball that has entered the second large prize winning opening 15a to a non-specific area, and the game ball passing through this non-specific area is detected by the non-specific area sensor 55b. The distribution member 56 is activated by energizing the distribution member solenoid 55c, and when activated, the distribution member 56 is positioned at the rear retracted position to open the specific area, allowing the game ball that entered the second large winning hole 15a to pass through the specific area, and the game ball passing through this specific area is detected by the specific area sensor 55a. In this embodiment, the passage of the game ball into the specific area during the small winning state described below is the trigger for transition to the V winning state described below (development into the type 2 big winning state described below).

The pachinko game machine 1 can adjust the firing strength of the game balls in response to the operation of the handle 4 described above, so that the game balls can be shot into the left game area 3L and the right game area 3R by adjusting the firing strength. In this embodiment, due to the board configuration described above, a game ball shot toward the left game area 3L (hereinafter referred to as a "left shot") may enter the ball entry openings (first start opening 10a, general winning opening 11a) provided in the left game area 3L. On the other hand, a game ball shot toward the right game area 3R (hereinafter referred to as a "right shot") may enter the ball entry openings (gate 13, second start opening 12a, first large winning opening 14a, second large winning opening 15a) provided in the right game area 3R.

[Configuration of display 50]
As shown in Fig. 1, a display 50 is provided at the lower right end of the game board 2 (lower right of the game area 3) as a game information display means for displaying various game information. As shown in Fig. 3, the display 50 includes a first special symbol display 51 (special symbol display means) for variably displaying a first special symbol (also called a first special symbol or special symbol 1), a second special symbol display 52 (special symbol display means) for variably displaying a second special symbol (also called a second special symbol or special symbol 2), and a normal symbol display 53 (normal symbol display means) for variably displaying a normal symbol (also called a normal symbol). Furthermore, the display 50 includes a first special symbol reserved display 51a that displays the number of reserved activations of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display 51, a second special symbol reserved display 52a that displays the number of reserved activations of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display 52, and a normal symbol reserved display 53a that displays the number of reserved activations of the normal symbol display 53. Hereinafter, when matters common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol are explained, they are simply referred to as special symbols or special symbols. Also, when matters common to the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52 are explained, they are simply referred to as special symbol displays.

The normal symbol display 53 is composed of, for example, two LEDs. The lit and unlit LEDs represent normal symbols, and the alternating lighting of the LEDs represents the normal symbol variation display. When the game ball passes through the gate 13 (gate sensor 13a), a determination is made as to whether or not to open a predetermined ball entrance (in this embodiment, the second start entrance 12a) (normal symbol winning determination), and the normal symbol display 53 displays the normal symbol variation. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal symbol display 53 started to display the normal symbol variation, it stops displaying (confirmed display) the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol winning determination (also called the actuated ball entrance determination). If the normal symbol displayed (confirmed display) by the normal symbol display 53 is a normal symbol indicating a win, the normal operating member 12b of the second start winning device 12 is in a ball entry permitting position, and the second start entrance 12a is opened, resulting in a normal symbol winning state (auxiliary game to be described later). In this embodiment, there are two types of normal symbols when the normal winning judgment is a winning symbol (advantageous winning symbol, unfavorable winning symbol), and each type of winning normal symbol is associated with a different time for the normal operating member 12b to be in the ball-scoring position.

Each of the special symbol displays 51, 52 is composed of a plurality of LEDs. Each of the LEDs constituting each of the special symbol displays 51, 52 lights up in a predetermined lighting pattern, and the combination of the lit and unlit LEDs represents the special symbol, and the state in which the combination of the lit and unlit LEDs changes represents the display of the special symbol. Hereinafter, the change pattern of the special symbol from when the special symbol starts to change and when the special symbol stops (confirmed display) is called the special symbol change pattern. The special symbols include a big win symbol indicating that the special symbol hit judgment (also called internal judgment, big win judgment, hit or miss judgment, starting ball hit judgment, etc.) has been judged as a big win, a small win symbol indicating that the special symbol hit judgment (also called internal judgment, small win judgment, hit or miss judgment, starting ball hit judgment, etc.) has been judged as a small win, and a miss symbol indicating that the special symbol hit judgment has been judged as a miss. The small win will be described later.

When a game ball enters the first starting hole 10a, a special symbol hit determination is performed, and the first special symbol display 51 changes and displays the first special symbol. Then, the first special symbol display 51 stops and displays (confirms) the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol hit determination after a predetermined change time has elapsed since the first special symbol display 51 started changing the first special symbol. When the first special symbol display 51 is prohibited from starting a new first special symbol change display (when the first special symbol display 51 is changing and displaying the first special symbol or when a jackpot game state has occurred), if a game ball enters the first starting hole 10a, the change display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 51 triggered by the ball entering is reserved (activation reserved), and the number of reserved activations is displayed by the first special symbol reserved display 51a. Hereinafter, the number of reserved activations on the first special symbol display 51 is referred to as the number of reserved first special symbols.

In addition, when the game ball enters the second starting hole 12a, a special symbol hit determination is executed, and the second special symbol display 52 displays the second special symbol. Then, the second special symbol display 52 displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol hit determination after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second special symbol display 52 started to display the second special symbol. When the second special symbol display 52 is prohibited from starting a new second special symbol display (when the second special symbol display 52 is displaying the second special symbol or when a jackpot game state occurs), if the game ball enters the second starting hole 12a, the second special symbol display 52 is held (operation held) for the second special symbol display triggered by the ball entering, and the number of held operations is displayed by the second special symbol hold display 52a. Hereinafter, the number of held operations of the second special symbol display 52 is referred to as the number of held second special symbols. In addition, when explaining matters common to the first special drawing reserved number and the second special drawing reserved number, it will simply be referred to as the special drawing reserved number.

Hereinafter, the period from when the special symbol display starts to display the special symbol fluctuations until the special symbol stops (confirms) is referred to as one special symbol fluctuation (or one special symbol fluctuation). Also, the reduction of the number of reserved special symbols by one as a result of the execution of a special symbol fluctuation is referred to as the consumption of reserved special symbols. In pachinko gaming machine 1, the reserved operation of the special symbol display is used to display the fluctuations of special symbols in the chronological order of their occurrence timing, and the reserved special symbols are consumed. However, the consumption of the second reserved special symbol number is executed with priority over the consumption of the first reserved special symbol number (the display of the fluctuations of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the display of the fluctuations of the first special symbol). Note that a predetermined fluctuation interval (stop time of the special symbol) is provided between the end of the display of the fluctuations of the special symbol on the special symbol display and the start of the display of the fluctuations of the next special symbol due to the consumption of the reserved special symbol number.

[Display area of the performance display device 7]
Next, the performance display device 7 will be described. The performance display device 7 is an image display device (specifically, a liquid crystal display device) capable of displaying performance images using moving images or still images according to the game situation. The performance display device 7 displays various images such as notification images (abnormal notification images and game method notification images) and advertising images (demo images), in addition to displaying a performance (decorative) pattern as a performance image. In the following description, the display of the performance pattern is sometimes referred to as "variable performance". Note that 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 symbols are symbols that represent Arabic numerals (e.g., 1 to 10). The performance symbols may include symbols that represent characters other than numbers, such as alphabets or special characters, or may be combined with symbols that represent characters other than numbers. The performance display device 7 displays the performance symbols in a variable manner, and is set, from left to right, as a left performance symbol display area, a middle performance symbol display area, and a right performance symbol display area. The left performance symbol display area displays the left performance symbol 7L, the middle performance symbol display area displays the middle performance symbol 7C, and the right performance symbol display area displays the right performance symbol 7R. In this embodiment, the left performance symbol 7L, the right performance symbol 7R, and the middle performance symbol 7C may be displayed as symbols corresponding to special symbols (in a normal game state) or as symbols corresponding to normal symbols (in a favorable game state). Hereinafter, when describing matters common to the left performance pattern display area, the center performance pattern display area, and the right performance pattern display area, they will simply be referred to as the performance pattern display area. For example, the manner in which each performance pattern changes may be a manner in which the numbers represented by the performance pattern move from the top to the bottom of the screen in ascending order, that is, a manner in which the patterns scroll vertically. Other changeable modes include a horizontal scrolling method in which the performance pattern moves from the left or right side of the screen to the other, and a switching method in which the performance patterns are displayed in ascending order of numbers at the same display position.

In addition, the performance display device 7 displays a predetermined background that expresses the performance content according to the performance image of the pachinko game machine 1 on the background of each performance pattern as a performance image. The image showing this background is called a "background image". This background image is generally a moving image, and the display content is changed by scrolling display or the like to reduce the player's sense of boredom. For example, this moving image is a moving image of a television drama or movie, an animated moving image of the moving image, an animation, an original moving image of a pachinko game machine manufacturer, or the like. In this embodiment, the background image of the performance pattern displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 7 is set to scroll and display a landscape viewed from the viewpoint of a predetermined character moving in a moving target area SR (described later) representing a predetermined field. The landscape displayed in this background image is the same as the landscape displayed as a landscape image displayed during the first operation performance described later (the landscape when the moving target area SR is viewed from a predetermined viewpoint position).

In this embodiment, the display device 7 is a display device (parallax barrier type) that can display stereoscopic images (naked-eye stereoscopic images, 3D images, stereoscopic images) that can be viewed by the player without wearing special glasses (with the naked eye). This display device 7 can make the image appear to be floating in front of the display screen by using the suggestions of the left and right eyes. More specifically, the display device 7 has a parallax barrier liquid crystal layer disposed in front of the image display liquid crystal layer disposed on the front side of the backlight. This parallax barrier liquid crystal layer can alternately form striped shielding parts that shield the image displayed on the image display liquid crystal layer and transparent parts that do not shield the image. By displaying images for the right eye and images for the left eye (displaying stereoscopic images) corresponding to the positions of the shielding parts and transparent parts in this parallax barrier liquid crystal layer, the image of the entire display screen or a specified image is viewed stereoscopically through the transparent parts. It is also possible to make the entire parallax barrier liquid crystal layer a transparent part so that the parallax barrier does not function at all.

In the performance pattern display area of the performance display device 7, the left performance pattern 7L, the right performance pattern 7R, and the center performance pattern 7C are stopped as a result of the variable performance, and a pattern combination is displayed. Here, in the normal game state, the variable performance is executed based on the result of the special pattern hit judgment for the first special pattern, and finally, a pattern combination corresponding to the result of the special pattern hit judgment for the first special pattern is displayed. On the other hand, in the advantageous game state, the variable performance is executed based on the result of the normal pattern hit judgment, and finally, a pattern combination corresponding to the result of the normal pattern hit judgment is displayed. That is, in the normal game state, the result of the variable performance indicates whether or not a jackpot game state occurs (the result of the special pattern hit judgment for the first special pattern). On the other hand, in the advantageous game state, the result of the variable performance indicates whether or not the second starting hole 12a is in a state where a game ball can enter (advantageous auxiliary game). In addition, in a normal game state, a jackpot pattern in which the left performance pattern 7L, the right performance pattern 7R, and the center performance pattern 7C are all the same specific pattern combination is displayed as a pattern combination corresponding to the result of a win (jackpot) based on the special pattern hit determination for the first special pattern. Similarly, in a favorable game state, a jackpot pattern in which the left performance pattern 7L, the right performance pattern 7R, and the center performance pattern 7C are all the same specific pattern combination is displayed as a pattern combination corresponding to the result of a win based on the normal pattern hit determination.

During the variable performance, a reach state may occur in which the left performance pattern 7L and the right performance pattern 7R are displayed (temporarily stopped, stagnant) as the same performance pattern (i.e., a reach pattern that constitutes part of the jackpot pattern) while the middle performance pattern 7C continues to fluctuate (switching display). In the reach state, a reach performance is executed as an expectation performance that gives the player hope for a jackpot. In a variable performance that includes a reach performance, the speed of change of each pattern group basically decreases from a variable state (high-speed variable state) in which the left performance pattern 7L, middle performance pattern 7C, and right performance pattern 7R scroll (switching display) at high speed, in the order of the left performance pattern 7L and the right performance pattern 7R, and the same performance pattern (reach pattern) is displayed temporarily stopped for the left performance pattern 7L and the right performance pattern 7R, and the reach performance begins in a state in which the middle performance pattern 7C continues to fluctuate. Then, as the reach effect ends, the middle effect symbol 7C is displayed as a temporary stop, and the symbol combination of the left effect symbol 7L, the middle effect symbol 7C, and the right effect symbol 7R is displayed as a confirmed combination.

In this embodiment, a performance hold display area 7B is provided at the bottom edge of the display screen of the performance display device 7. This performance hold display area 7B displays the number of pending activations corresponding to the number of pending activations of the first special symbol in the normal game state (non-time-saving game state), and displays the number of pending activations corresponding to the number of pending activations of the normal symbol in the favorable game state (time-saving game state).

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1, in addition to notifying the result of the special winning judgment based on the result of the variable performance (stop display of the performance pattern), performances are performed that suggest the result of the variable performance and liven up the process leading up to the display of the result. Such performances are performed by using a combination of images displayed on the performance display device 7, sounds output from the speaker 8, and the lighting of the lamps (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, top lamp 23c) on the game board 2 and front frame 18. In other words, the performance display device 7, speaker 8, and lamps 2a, 23a, 23b, and 23c provided in the pachinko game machine 1 function as performance execution means that execute the performance.
In addition, the performance display device 7, speaker 8, and lamps 2a, 23a, 23b, and 23c also function as abnormality notification means for notifying the user of an abnormal state that has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

In this embodiment, a set display section 20x is provided as a display area in the upper right corner of the display screen of the performance display device 7 (see FIG. 1). This set display section 20x is a display section that displays information related to multiple types of rule symbols (described below) and the like. The display in the set display section 20x will be described below.

[Collective display section 20x]
The collective display section 20x is a display section that displays information on a plurality of types of patterns, etc., and is configured as a display area of a part of the display screen of the performance display device 7, that is, as an image display section capable of displaying images (it may be provided as a light-emitting display section using LEDs, etc., in a part of the center decorative body 20). This collective display section 20x has a plurality of display areas (see FIG. 2(b)). Specifically, the collective display section 20x has a first rule pattern display area 211 that displays the first rule pattern (described later), a second rule pattern display area 212 that displays the second rule pattern (described later), and a third rule pattern display area 213 that displays the third rule pattern (described later). In addition, the collective display section 20x has a first rule reserved display area 211a that displays the number of reserved activations of the first rule pattern, a second rule reserved display area 212a that displays the number of reserved activations of the second rule pattern, and a third rule reserved display area 213a that displays the number of reserved activations of the third rule pattern. In addition, in Figs. 1, 2B, and Fig. 31A and subsequent figures, in relation to the display of collective display unit 20x, the lamps that are turned off by the image display are shown in no color, and the lamps that are turned on are shown in color.

The first rule symbol display area 211 is a display area that displays the result of the special symbol hit judgment (start ball entry judgment) (for the first special symbol) that is executed when the game ball enters the first start hole 10a, similar to the first special symbol display device 51 described above. However, while the first special symbol display device 51 displays the result of the special symbol hit judgment (jackpot, miss) according to the type of the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed (determined display), the first rule symbol display area 211 displays the result of the special symbol hit judgment (jackpot, miss) by a symbol (hereinafter referred to as the "first rule symbol") that has more types than the first special symbol.
The first rule pattern display area 211 starts and ends the variable display of the first rule pattern in synchronization with the start and end timing of the variable display of the first special pattern on the first special pattern display device 51. When the first special pattern is stopped (determined) as a jackpot pattern, the first rule pattern is also stopped (determined) as a pattern indicating a jackpot. When the first special pattern is stopped (determined) as a losing pattern, the first rule pattern is also stopped (determined) as a pattern indicating a losing pattern. Here, the first rule pattern is a combination of three patterns, left, center, and right, and these patterns are displayed and controlled to switch to a variable (scroll) state, a temporary stop state, and a fixed stop state in synchronization with each state of the left performance pattern 7L, the right performance pattern 7R, and the center performance pattern 7C described above in the variable performance based on the special pattern hit judgment for the first special pattern. In addition, during the reach performance of the variable performance based on the special chart hit judgment for the first special chart, even if the performance pattern is hidden or reduced in size so as not to interfere with the reach performance, the first rule pattern maintains the display indicating the reach state (the first rule patterns on the left and right are displayed in a stopped state, and the first rule pattern in the center is displayed in a scrolling state).

When the operation of the variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 51 is suspended, the operation of the variable display of the first rule symbol on the first rule symbol display area 211 is also suspended. That is, the number of operations suspended for the variable display of the first special symbol (the number of first special symbols suspended displayed on the first special symbol suspension display 51a) and the number of operations suspended for the first rule symbol are the same. The number of operations suspended for the first rule symbol is then displayed on the first rule suspension display area 211a. In addition, the first rule suspension display area 211a can show the number of operations suspended for the first rule symbol (0 to 4) by turning on and off four lamps by image display. Therefore, the player can know the number of first special symbols suspended from the number of operations suspended for the first rule symbol displayed on the first rule suspension display area 211a.

The second rule pattern display area 212 is a display area that displays the result of the special pattern hit judgment (start ball entry judgment) (for the second special pattern) that is executed when the game ball enters the second start hole 12a, similar to the second special pattern display 52 described above. In this second special pattern display 52, the result of the special pattern hit judgment (jackpot, small win) is displayed in response to the result of the special pattern hit judgment (jackpot, non-jackpot (small win)) according to the type of the second special pattern that is stopped and displayed (determined display). The second rule pattern display area 212 starts and ends the variable display of the second rule pattern in synchronization with the start and end timing of the variable display of the second special pattern on the second special pattern display 52. When the second special pattern is stopped and displayed (determined display) as a jackpot pattern, the second rule pattern is also stopped and displayed (determined display) as a pattern indicating a jackpot. In addition, when the second special symbol is displayed as a small win symbol (determined display), the second rule symbol is also displayed as a small win symbol (determined display). For example, the second rule symbol is provided with a symbol indicating the integer "1" corresponding to the big win symbol of the second special symbol, and a symbol indicating the integer "2" corresponding to the small win symbol of the second special symbol. Therefore, the player can know whether the second special symbol is displayed as a big win symbol or a small win symbol based on the type of second rule symbol displayed in the second rule symbol display area 212.

When the second special symbol variable display on the second special symbol display 52 is put on hold, the operation of the second rule symbol variable display in the second rule symbol display area 212 is also put on hold. That is, the number of second special symbol variable display pending operations (the number of second special symbol pending operations displayed on the second special symbol pending display 52a) and the number of second rule symbol pending operations match. The number of second rule symbol pending operations is then displayed in the second rule pending display area 212a. In addition, the second rule pending display area 212a can show the number of second rule symbol pending operations (0 to 4) by lamps displayed as images. For example, in this case, two lamps that can be displayed in three modes, off, on, and flashing, are displayed, and five types of pending operations, 0 to 4, can be displayed by combining the modes of each lamp. Therefore, the player can know the number of second special symbols pending from the number of second rule symbol pending operations displayed in the second rule pending display area 212a.

The third rule symbol display area 213 is a display area that displays the result of the normal symbol winning judgment (operational ball winning judgment) that is executed when the game ball passes through the gate 13 (ball winning), similarly to the normal symbol display 53 described above. However, while the normal symbol display 53 displays the result of the normal symbol winning judgment (win, miss) according to the type of normal symbol that is stopped and displayed, the third rule symbol display area 213 displays the result of the normal symbol winning judgment (win, miss) by a symbol (hereinafter referred to as the "third rule symbol") that is different from the normal symbol. The third rule symbol display area 213 starts and ends the variable display of the third rule symbol in synchronization with the start and end timing of the variable display of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 53. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a symbol corresponding to the normal symbol winning, the third rule symbol is also stopped and displayed as a symbol indicating the normal symbol winning. In addition, when the normal symbol is displayed as a symbol indicating a loss, the third rule symbol is also displayed as a symbol indicating a loss. As will be described later, the normal symbol winning judgment winning is divided into a disadvantageous winning for a player who does not easily enter the second starting hole 12a and a favorable winning for a player who easily enters the second starting hole 12a. Here, three types of symbols indicating integers from "0" to "2" are provided as specific third rule symbols, of which "0" is a symbol indicating a loss, "1" is a symbol indicating an unfavorable winning, and "2" is a symbol indicating an advantageous winning. Therefore, the player can know whether the normal symbol is displayed as a symbol indicating an advantageous winning by the type of third rule symbol displayed in the third rule symbol display area 213.

When an activation hold occurs in the normal pattern variable display on the normal pattern display 53, the activation of the third rule pattern variable display in the third rule pattern display area 213 is also held. In other words, the number of activation holds for the normal pattern variable display (the number of normal patterns held displayed on the normal pattern hold display 53a) and the number of activation holds for the third rule pattern match. This number of activation holds for the third rule pattern is then displayed in the third rule hold display area 213a. In addition, in the third rule hold display area 213a, the number of activation holds for the third rule pattern (0 to 4) can be shown by lamps displayed by image display. For example, in this case, four lamps that can be displayed in two modes, off and on, can be displayed, and five types of activation holds, 0 to 4, can be displayed depending on the number of lamps in the lit mode. Therefore, the player can know the number of normal patterns held by the number of activation holds for the third rule pattern displayed in the third rule hold display area 213a.

[Major Electrical Configuration of Pachinko Game Machine 1]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.
The pachinko game machine 1 comprises a main control board 60, a power supply board 70, a payout control board 73, a launch control circuit 75, a sound control board 78, a lamp control board 79, a ball payout device 80, a launch device 90, a sub-control board 100, and an image control board 200.

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 microcomputer for game control) 61 as a game control means for executing overall control of the game. The microcomputer for game control 61 includes a CPU 62, a ROM 63, a RAM 64, and an input/output circuit 65. The microcomputer for game control 61 generates random numbers used in various judgments (lottery), such as a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a small jackpot type random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, a normal jackpot random number, a normal jackpot type random number, and a normal jackpot variation pattern random number. The CPU 62 executes ball entry detection, special jackpot determination (including jackpot determination, small jackpot determination, jackpot type determination, small jackpot type determination, etc.), normal jackpot determination (including normal pattern type determination), and updating of various random numbers (functions as a judgment means for making a judgment when a game ball enters the ball entry hole). The ROM 63 stores various tables such as a computer program executed by the CPU 62, a win/loss determination table T1, big win type determination tables T2 and T3, a small win type determination table T4, a reach determination table T5, special chart fluctuation pattern selection tables T7 and T8, and a normal chart win type determination table T10. The RAM 64 is used as a work memory or the like when the CPU 62 executes the computer program.

The RAM 64 is further provided with a first special chart reservation memory section 64a (first reservation memory means), a second special chart reservation memory section 64b (second reservation memory means), and a regular chart reservation memory section 64c.
The first special symbol reservation memory section 64a has first to fourth memory areas. That is, the maximum number of first special symbols that can be stored is four. In each memory area, values such as a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a small jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a change pattern random number (referred to as start ball entry information or start winning information) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 (information acquisition means) due to a game ball entering the first start hole 10a are stored. For example, when a game ball enters the first start hole 10a while the first special symbol display device 51 is displaying the first special symbol, the execution of the display of the first special symbol based on the ball entry is in a standby state at that time. In this case, the start ball entry information acquired as a result of the ball entry is stored in the first special symbol reservation memory section 64a, and when it becomes possible to start the change after that, the display of the first special symbol based on the start ball entry information is started. In other words, if the special chart change display cannot be started at the timing when the starting ball entry information is obtained as a result of the ball entering the first starting hole 10a, the execution of the first special chart change display based on the starting ball entry information is put on hold (activation put on hold) until the change start condition (start condition) is met.

The second special symbol reservation memory unit 64b has first to fourth memory areas. In other words, the maximum number of second special symbols that can be stored is four. In each memory area, values (start ball entry information) such as the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, small jackpot type random number, reach random number, and change pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball entering the second start hole 12a are stored. For example, when the game ball enters the second start hole 12a while the second special symbol display device 52 is displaying the second special symbol, the execution of the display of the second special symbol based on the ball entry is in a standby state at that time. In this case, the start ball entry information acquired as a result of the ball entry is stored in the second special symbol reservation memory unit 64b, and when it becomes possible to start the change after that, the display of the second special symbol based on the start ball entry information is started. In other words, if the special chart change display cannot be started at the timing when the starting ball entry information is acquired as a result of the ball entering the second starting hole 12a, the execution of the second special chart change display based on the starting ball entry information is put on hold (activation put on hold) until the change start condition (start condition) is met.

The start ball entry information such as the jackpot random number is stored in the order of occurrence of the operation reservation, that is, in the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61, from each of the first storage areas of the first special pattern reservation storage unit 64a and the second special pattern reservation storage unit 64b. For this reason, for example, if the start ball entry information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas in the first special pattern reservation storage unit 64a, the start ball entry information stored in the fourth storage area is the most recent information in terms of time, and the start ball entry information stored in the first storage area is the oldest information in terms of time. Also, for example, if the start ball entry information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas in the second special pattern reservation storage unit 64b, the start ball entry information stored in the fourth storage area is the most recent information in terms of time, and the start ball entry information stored in the first storage area is the oldest information in terms of time. The start ball entry information stored in each storage area is shifted one by one to the storage area with the oldest storage order each time the variable display of the special pattern is completed. For example, the jackpot random number stored in the second memory area is shifted to the first memory area. Also, the judgment (lottery) of the special winning judgment based on the starting ball entry information stored in the first memory area is executed when the variable display of the special pattern by the special pattern display device ends and the timing to start the next variable display arrives (when the starting condition of the variable display is met).

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1, as described above, the consumption of the second special chart reserved number is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special chart reserved number. In other words, if there are multiple first special chart reserved numbers and multiple second special chart reserved numbers, the second special chart reserved numbers are consumed in order first, and then the first special chart reserved numbers are consumed in order. For example, when the start ball entry information is stored in the first storage area of the first special chart reserved storage unit 64a and the first storage area of the second special chart reserved storage unit 64b, when the start timing for the variable display of the special chart arrives, the start ball entry information stored in the first storage area of the second special chart reserved storage unit 64b is shifted to the execution area (execution target area), and a judgment such as a special chart hit judgment based on this start ball entry information is executed. On the other hand, at this time, the start entry information in the first storage area is not shifted in the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a, and then when the timing for starting the display of the special chart changes arrives with the number of reserved second special charts at 0, it is shifted to the execution area (execution target area), and a judgment such as a special chart hit judgment based on this start entry information is executed.

The regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c stores operational ball entry information such as a regular winning random number (a random number for determining (lottery) whether a regular symbol is a winning symbol or not) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 13. When the regular symbol display 53 is displaying a regular symbol in a variable manner and the game ball passes through the gate 13, the operation of the regular symbol display 53 due to the passing is temporarily reserved (operation reservation), 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 the pachinko game machine 1, the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c has a memory area for performing a total of four reservations, and the maximum number of reserved operations of the regular symbol display 53 is four. The operational ball entry information such as a regular winning random number is stored in order from the first memory area of the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c in the order of occurrence of the reserved operation, that is, in the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61. For this reason, when the activation winning information is stored in the first to fourth memory areas, the activation winning information stored in the fourth memory area is the newest information in terms of time, and the activation winning information stored in the first memory area is the oldest information in terms of time. Hereinafter, the number of activation reserves stored in the normal symbol display 53 is referred to as the normal symbol reserve number.

The main control board 60 is also equipped with a RAM clear switch 66. In other words, the RAM clear switch 66 can be pressed from the rear side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 starts up with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed, it initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 of the sub-control board 100.

The main control board 60 is electrically connected to the display devices 50. The main control board 60 is further electrically connected to the first start opening sensor 10b, the general winning opening sensor 11b, the second start opening sensor 12c, the first large winning opening sensor 14c, the second large winning opening sensor 15c, the gate sensor 13a, the specific area sensor 55a, and the non-specific area sensor 55b via the relay board 74.

The first start opening sensor 10b detects a game ball that has entered the first start opening 10a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The general winning opening sensor 11b detects a game ball that has entered the general winning opening 11a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The second start opening sensor 12c detects a game ball that has entered the second start opening 12a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The first large winning opening sensor 14c detects a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 14a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The second large winning opening sensor 15c detects a game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 15a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The gate sensor 13a detects a game ball that has entered (passed through) the gate 13 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. When a gaming ball is detected by any of the aforementioned sensors 10b, 11b, 12c, 14c, 15c, and 13a other than the gate sensor 13a, the conditions for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls for each sensor are met.

Here, in this embodiment, the prize balls for one detection by the first start hole sensor 10b (one ball entering the first start hole 10a) are set to "3", the prize ball for one detection by the second start hole sensor 12c (one ball entering the second start hole 12a) is set to "1", the prize balls for one detection by the first large prize hole sensor 14c (one ball entering the first large prize hole 14a) are set to "10", the prize ball for one detection by the second large prize hole sensor 15c (one ball entering the second large prize hole 15a) is set to "1", and the prize balls for one detection by the general prize hole sensor 11b (one ball entering the general prize hole 11a) are set to "10".

In addition, the specific area sensor 55a detects a game ball passing through a specific area inside the second large prize device 15 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. Similarly, the non-specific area sensor 55b detects a game ball passing through a non-specific area inside the second large prize device 15 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60.

The main control board 60 is electrically connected to the normal solenoid 12d, the first special solenoid 14d, the second special solenoid 15d, and the distribution member solenoid 55c via the relay board 74. The normal solenoid 12d is excited based on the control of the main control board 60, and changes the normal operating member 12b from the ball entry blocking position to the ball entry allowing position. The first special solenoid 14d is excited based on the control of the main control board 60, and changes the first special operating member 14b from the ball entry blocking position to the ball entry allowing position. The second special solenoid 15d is excited based on the control of the main control board 60, and changes the second special operating member 15b from the ball entry blocking position to the ball entry allowing position. The distribution member solenoid 55c drives the distribution member 56 inside the second winning device 12 based on the control of the main control board 60.

The main control board 60 is electrically connected to the card unit 76, the ball loaning device 80, and the prize ball payout device 400 (prize ball granting means) via the payout control board 73. The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1, and performs operations such as reading and writing the balance on the prepaid card. The ball loaning device 80 is equipped with 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 a game ball has been paid out by that member to the main control board 60 via the payout control board 73. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of loaned balls paid out by the ball loaning device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73. When the prepaid card inserted into the card unit 76 has a recorded balance equal to or greater than the minimum balance that can be withdrawn, operating the ball loan button (not shown) activates the loan ball dispensing device 80, which dispenses the minimum number of loan balls into the ball supply tray 24.

The prize ball payout device 400 is equipped with 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 that 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 the launch device 90 via the launch control circuit 75. The launch device 90 is equipped with a launch motor 91, a touch switch 92, and a launch volume 93. The launch 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 launch volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the striking hammer strikes the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the launch lever 4a.

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 via the main control board 60 to the displays 50 electrically connected to 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 the power necessary to retain 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, the sub-control board 100 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling effects (hereinafter referred to as the microcomputer for controlling effects) 101 as a means for controlling effects. 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 a game. The ROM 110 stores various tables in addition to computer programs for the CPU 102 to control effects. The RAM 120 is used as a work memory when the CPU 102 executes the computer programs. The RAM 120 also includes a first special chart reserved effect storage unit 121, a second special chart reserved effect storage unit 122, a variable effect storage unit 123, and a normal chart reserved effect storage unit 125.

The first special chart hold effect memory unit 121 has four memory areas consisting of the first to fourth memory areas, and each memory area stores start ball entry information (random number value, etc.) indicated by the first start ball entry command output (transmitted) from the main control board 60. The first start ball entry command is a command that includes start ball entry information (values such as jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, variable pattern random number, and reach random number) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball enters the first start hole 10a.

On the other hand, the second special chart hold performance memory unit 122 has four memory areas consisting of the first to fourth memory areas, and each memory area stores start ball entry information (random number value, etc.) indicated by the second start ball entry command output (transmitted) from the main control board 60. The second start ball entry command is a command that includes start ball entry information (values such as jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, small jackpot type random number, variable pattern random number, and reach random number) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball enters the second start hole 12a.

The variable performance memory unit 123 stores the start winning information (random number value, etc.) indicated by the first start winning command or the second start winning command used for the variable performance pattern. The input/output circuit 103 transmits and receives data between each board, etc. connected to the sub-control board 100.

The regular ball hold performance memory unit 125 has four memory areas, the first through fourth memory areas, and each memory area stores the active ball entry information (random number value, etc.) indicated by the active ball entry command output (transmitted) from the main control board 60. The active ball entry command is a command that includes the active ball entry information (values of regular ball entry random number, regular ball entry type random number, regular ball change pattern random number, etc.) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball passes through (enters) the gate 13.

The sub-control board 100 also includes a real-time clock (RTC) 124. The RTC 124 measures the current (present) date and time. For example, when power is supplied to the pachinko game machine 1 from an external power supply device, the RTC 124 operates on the power, and when power is not supplied from the external power supply device, the RTC 124 operates on power supplied from a backup power circuit 71 provided in the power supply board 70. Therefore, the RTC 124 can measure the current date and time even when the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is not turned on or when the memory contents of the RAM 120 are cleared. A backup power circuit that supplies power to the RTC 124 may be provided in the sub-control board 100. In the pachinko game machine 1, it is possible to execute a special performance based on the result of the timekeeping by the RTC 124.

The image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100. The image control board 200 is equipped with a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), an image control CPU 202, 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 images related to performance patterns in variable performance, background images that are the background of performance patterns in variable performance, reach performances and notice performances in variable performances, images related to operation performances, etc. (functions as a performance control means that controls performances). The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the performance display device 7. The computer program stored in the control ROM 203 also includes control processing related to the display control of scenery images (for example, selection restriction processing and path extension processing, which will be described later). The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes a computer program. The control RAM 204 is provided with a viewpoint memory unit 209 (position memory means, direction memory means) that stores, for example, the position and direction of the viewpoint corresponding to the background image of the performance pattern and the scenery image of the first and second operation performances described later. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the performance display device 7 to display the performance image. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 according to the display list created by the image control CPU 202, and develops the read image data in the development area in the VRAM 206. Then, the VDP 201 synthesizes the image data developed in the VRAM 206, and stores the synthesized image data in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206. Then, the VDP 201 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 the performance image.

The sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the board lamp 2a, the performance button lamp 5c, the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, the top lamp 23c, and the movable body motor 23d via the lamp control board 79. The performance control microcomputer 101 uses the data stored in the ROM 110 to create light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, 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 performance control microcomputer 101 also uses the data stored in the ROM 110 to create rotation operation pattern data that determines the operation mode of the rotating reflector in the top lamp 23c, and transmits the rotation operation pattern data to the lamp control board 79. The lamp control board 79 then controls the drive of the movable body motor 23d according to the received rotation operation pattern data.

Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via the audio control board 78. The audio control board 78 is equipped with an audio control CPU (not shown), an audio data ROM (not shown), an audio synthesis circuit (not shown), and an amplifier (not shown). The audio data ROM stores audio data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects. The audio control CPU reads audio data from the audio data ROM based on a command received from the sub-control board 100, and outputs the read audio data to the audio synthesis circuit. The audio synthesis circuit synthesizes the input audio data and converts the synthesized synthetic audio data into an analog audio signal and outputs it to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8. Then, each speaker 8 outputs a sound indicated by the input audio signal.

The sub-control board 100 is also electrically connected to a performance button detection switch 5a, a decision detection switch 6a, a selection detection switch 6b, a performance button vibration motor 5b, and a cross button vibration motor 6c.

The effect button detection switch 5a outputs a signal indicating that the effect button 5 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100. The decision detection switch 6a outputs a signal indicating that the cross button 6 has been decided to the sub-control board 100. Furthermore, the selection detection switch 6b is, for example, made up of a plurality of detection switches (four corresponding to the forward, backward, left, and right buttons), and outputs a signal indicating that a direction selection operation to select either the forward, backward, left, or right direction has been performed on the cross button 6 to the sub-control board 100. In response to this, the performance control microcomputer 101 outputs a control signal (image change signal) for imparting a change to the performance content of the operation performance to the image control board 200 (image control CPU 202) based on the signal input from the effect button detection switch 5a during the period of the operation performance (button performance), which is one type of performance. In addition, during the period of an operation performance (directional selection performance), which is a type of performance, the performance control microcontroller 101 outputs a control signal (image change signal) to the image control board 200 (image control CPU 202) to change the performance content of the operation performance based on the signals input from the decision detection switch 6a and the selection detection switch 6b.

The effect button vibration motor 5b is a member that vibrates the effect button 5 and is housed inside the effect button 5. The cross button vibration motor 6c is a member that vibrates the cross button 6 and is provided in the part that contacts the cross button 6 or inside the cross button 6. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the effect button vibration motor 5b and operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the cross button vibration motor 6c. The effect control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time to vibrate the effect button 5, and drives and controls the effect button vibration motor 5b based on the read operation pattern data. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time to vibrate the cross button 6, and drives and controls the cross button vibration motor 6c based on the read operation pattern data.

[Explanation of game state]
Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

(Big win game state, small win state)
The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a type of machine called a type 1/2 mixed machine, which combines the playability of each game machine that was previously called a type 1 pachinko machine and a type 2 pachinko machine. Here, the playability of the type 1 pachinko machine is to generate a jackpot game state when a jackpot judgment (jackpot lottery) of a special chart hit judgment triggered by a ball entering the starting hole is won, and the playability of the type 2 pachinko machine is to open a large prize winning hole when a small prize judgment (small prize lottery) of a special chart hit judgment triggered by a ball entering the starting hole is won, and develop into a jackpot game state when a game ball that entered during the opening passes through a specific area inside the large prize winning hole. In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, which is a type 1/2 mixed machine, a jackpot game state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "type 1 jackpot state") is generated when a jackpot is won in a special chart hit judgment triggered by a ball entering the starting hole. In addition, in the special winning judgment triggered by the ball entering the starting hole, if the big win judgment is a miss and the small win judgment is a win (if the small win is won), a small win state is generated in which the big winning hole is opened, and only if the game ball that entered the big winning hole during this small win state enters a specific area, it is developed into a big win game state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "2nd type big win state"). Note that, since the 2nd type big win state develops from the small win state as described above, the small win state is considered as one round, and the opening (V win state) that occurs after the ball enters the specific area is counted as the round after the 2nd round. In other words, the 2nd type big win state is composed of the small win state and the subsequent V win state. In contrast, it is also possible to regard only the V win state as a big win game state.

In this embodiment, in addition to the jackpot game state (type 1 jackpot state) based on the result of the jackpot determination by the special chart hit determination, there is a possibility that a small win state or a V win state (after the second round of the type 2 jackpot state) may occur. In the type 1 jackpot state or the V win state, it is possible to aim for the game ball to enter the first large winning hole 14a, while in the small win state, it is possible to aim for the game ball to enter one of the second large winning holes 15a. And, when the game ball that entered the second large winning hole 15a during the small win state passes through a specific area, a V win state that opens the first large winning hole 14a is generated (developed into a type 2 jackpot state).

The jackpot game state changes in the order of an opening period, a continuous operation period in which multiple rounds (a period during which a game ball can be entered) occur, and an ending period. During a round, the first special operation member 14b is operated by driving the first special electric solenoid 14d to open the first large prize winning hole 14a. Here, each round of the jackpot game state, except for one round (small prize state) of the two-type jackpot state, ends when the round end condition is met, whichever comes first: the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize winning hole 14a reaches a predetermined upper limit number (e.g., 10 balls) or a predetermined opening time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed. In addition, in the jackpot game state, an interval time (round interval) is set between rounds, and the first large prize winning hole 14a is set to remain closed at least during this interval time (the first special electric solenoid 14d is controlled to be inactive). Since the prize balls awarded for each ball that enters the first large winning hole 14a are set at 10, during a jackpot game state (type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state), the player's balls are significantly increased by the prize balls awarded for each ball that enters the first large winning hole 14a.

On the other hand, the small win state ends when the second large winning opening 15a opens for a shorter time (for example, 1.8 seconds) than other rounds (a ball winning period) or when the number of game balls that have entered the second large winning opening 15a reaches a predetermined upper limit (a predetermined number of balls or less), whichever comes first (basically the passage of the opening time). Note that, since the prize ball for each ball that enters the second large winning opening 15a is set to one, during the small win state, the player's balls will not increase due to the prize ball for the ball that enters the second large winning opening 15a.
In this embodiment, all small win states are generated as small win states (advantageous small win states) in which the second large winning opening 15a is opened during the period in which the distribution member 56 (distribution member solenoid 55c) is operated, and the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 15a can pass through a specific area. In contrast, it may be possible to generate an advantageous small win state in which the game ball passes through a specific area and an unfavorable small win state in which the game ball passes through a non-specific area (does not pass through a specific area). In this case, the unfavorable small win state can be realized by making the operation period of the distribution member 56 and the opening period of the second large winning opening 15a different.

(Time-saving game state, non-time-saving game state)
Below, we will explain each function of the general time-saving game state (function to shorten the change time of special patterns, function to shorten the change time of normal patterns, function to extend the opening time of the second starting hole 12a, and function to increase the number of times the second starting hole 12a is opened).
Among the functions described below, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has a function for shortening the fluctuation time of normal patterns and a function for extending the opening time of the second starting hole 12a, and by activating these functions, a time-saving game state (an easy-to-score state) different from a non-time-saving game state (a normal game state, a state in which it is not easy to score a ball) is generated.

A game state in which the probability variation function of the display (normal symbol) on the normal symbol display 53 is activated can be set as a time-saving game state, and a game state in which the function is not activated can be set as a non-time-saving game state. When this probability variation function of the normal symbol is activated, the probability of winning the normal symbol hit judgment is improved compared to when it is not activated. As a result, when the probability variation function of the normal symbol is activated, it is possible to increase the frequency with which the normal operating member 12b is activated and the second starting hole 12a is opened.
However, the pachinko gaming machine 1 (the game control microcomputer 61) of this embodiment does not have a probability variation function for normal symbols. However, this function may be included.
In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment does not have a probability variation function (a function for improving the hit probability of the special symbol hit judgment) for each display (special symbol) on the first special symbol display device 51 and the second special symbol display device 52, and there is no game state (so-called "probability variation game state") in which the probability of a jackpot is higher than the normal (low probability state). In contrast, a probability variation game state that activates the probability variation function of the special symbol may be generated. In this case, the probability variation game state may be generated simultaneously with the time-saving game state.

A game state in which the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated can be called a time-shortened game state, and a game state in which the function is not activated can be called a non-time-shortened game state. When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, a shorter variation time is more likely to be selected as the special symbol variation time compared to when the function is not activated. As a result, in a state in which the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, for example, the frequency at which the special symbol variation display result is derived can be increased, and it is possible to shorten the game time until a jackpot game state or the like occurs. In addition, since the consumption pace of the special symbol reservation is fast, it is easier for an effective ball to enter the starting hole (special symbol reservation) to occur, and therefore a smooth game progress can be realized.
However, the pachinko gaming machine 1 (the game control microcomputer 61) of this embodiment does not have a function for shortening the variation time of the special symbols. However, this function may be included.
In addition, the game state in which the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated can be called a time-shortened game state, and the game state in which the function is not activated can be called a non-time-shortened game state. When the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the normal symbol variation time becomes shorter than when the function is not activated. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has this function, and the normal symbol variation time is set to 30 seconds (30000 ms) when the variation time shortening function is not activated, and 0.1 seconds (100 ms) when the variation time shortening function is activated. In contrast, the normal symbol variation time shortening function may not be provided.
Furthermore, a game state in which at least one of the opening time extension function and the opening count increase function for the second start hole 12a is activated can be set as a time-saving game state, and a game state in which the function is not activated can be set as a non-time-saving game state. When a normal pattern is stopped (determined) with a predetermined normal pattern, an auxiliary game is performed to open and close the second start hole 12a in an operation pattern corresponding to the current game state. The opening time of the second start hole 12a in this auxiliary game is longer than in the non-time-saving game state due to the opening time extension function. In addition, the opening count of the second start hole 12a in this auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving game state due to the opening count increase function. Therefore, under a situation in which the opening time extension function or the opening count increase function is activated, the frequency of game balls entering the second start hole 12a is increased. As a result, the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls is increased, so that the player can aim for a big win (or a small win) without significantly reducing the number of game balls he has in hand.

The aforementioned function for shortening the variation time of the special and normal symbols, and the function for extending the opening time and increasing the number of openings of the second starting hole 12a are support functions for increasing the frequency with which game balls enter the second starting hole 12a. Of these, the control that activates at least one of the functions, particularly the function for extending the opening time and the function for increasing the number of openings related to the operation of the normal operating member 12b (driving the normal electric solenoid 12d), is sometimes referred to as "electric support control."

The pachinko game machine 1 (game control microcomputer 61) of this embodiment is capable of activating the normal symbol variation time shortening function and the second start port 12a opening time extension function among the above functions, and is capable of generating a non-time-shortened game state in which neither of these two functions are activated, and a time-shortened game state in which both of these functions are activated (functioning as an activation means for generating a plurality of types of states). However, the time-shortened game state only needs to be a state in which at least one function is activated, and for example, it may be a game state in which the normal symbol probability variation function is activated in addition to or in place of at least one of the above two functions.

In this embodiment, the "time-saving game state" is a state in which electric support control (by the opening time extension function) is performed, and the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls is high, so it can be rephrased as a "high base state (advantageous game state)". On the other hand, the "non-time-saving game state" can be rephrased as a "low base state (normal game state)" in comparison with the above-mentioned high base state.

Here, the conditions for granting the time-saving game state in the pachinko game machine 1 can be set to, for example, the end of a jackpot game state (type 1 jackpot state) based on the determination of a predetermined jackpot pattern (special pattern), the end of a jackpot game state (type 2 jackpot state) based on the game ball passing through a specific area in a small win state when a predetermined small win pattern (special pattern) is determined, the end of a special pattern variable display based on the result of a special pattern hit determination when a predetermined time-saving pattern (special pattern) is determined, etc. In this embodiment, the time-saving game state may be granted after the end of a jackpot game state (type 1 jackpot state, type 2 jackpot state) based on the determination of a jackpot pattern or small win state, and the time-saving game state may be granted based on the determination of a time-saving pattern.
In addition, the conditions for ending the time-saving game state in the pachinko game machine 1 can be, for example, a predetermined number of special chart change displays being executed, a predetermined number of regular chart change displays being executed, a jackpot being determined and the corresponding special chart change display being ended (a jackpot game state being started) before a predetermined number of special chart change displays (or a predetermined number of regular chart change displays) are executed, a predetermined number of small wins being determined and the corresponding special chart change display being ended (a small win state being started) before a predetermined number of special chart change displays (or a predetermined number of regular chart change displays) are executed, a predetermined small win pattern (special pattern) being determined and the corresponding special chart change display being ended (a small win state being started) before a predetermined number of special chart change displays (regular chart change displays) are executed, etc. In this embodiment, the time-saving game state may end in response to the execution of a predetermined number of special chart change displays, and the time-saving game state may end in response to the execution of a predetermined number of regular chart change displays.

[Main decision table]
Next, the main judgment tables referred to by the game control microcomputer 61 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

(Correct or incorrect decision table T1)
The winning/losing judgment table T1 shown in FIG. 5 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when executing the special symbol winning judgment (big win judgment, small win judgment). The winning/losing judgment table T1 is configured by associating the type of special symbol winning judgment (whether it corresponds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol) with a big win random number value. The big win random number value is a value generated by the big win random number counter. A computer program for operating the big win random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the big win random number value is generated by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. The big win random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. The big win random number counter of the pachinko game machine 1 counts a total of 65536 values from 0 to 65535. In other words, a total of 65536 big win random number values from 0 to 65535 can be generated.

In the win/lose judgment table T1, a jackpot random number value (0 to 65535) for judging whether the first special chart is a win or a miss is assigned to each judgment result of the jackpot/miss. The game control microcomputer 61 judges a jackpot when the jackpot random number value obtained from the jackpot random number counter is a value within the range of 0 to 327, and judges a jackpot not to be a win, that is, a miss, when the jackpot random number value is other than 0 to 327 (328 to 65535) among 0 to 65535.
In addition, in the winning/losing judgment table T1, the jackpot random number value (0 to 65535) for the winning judgment of the second special chart is allocated to each judgment result of the jackpot and small win. The game control microcomputer 61 judges a jackpot when the acquired jackpot random number value is within the range of 0 to 327, and judges a small win when it is other than 0 to 327 (328 to 65535) among 0 to 65535. In other words, all values that are not a jackpot (misses) are allocated to small wins. That is, the probability of being judged as a jackpot is the same between the winning judgment of the first special chart and the winning judgment of the second special chart, but if it is judged not to be a jackpot, it may be judged as a small win in the judgment of the second special chart, and the winning probability is higher than that of a jackpot. In addition, in this embodiment, since the winning judgment of the first special chart does not judge a small win, the judgment of the second special chart has a very high probability of being judged as a small win compared to the winning judgment of the first special chart.

(Big Win Type Determination Tables T2, T3)
The jackpot type determination tables T2 and T3 shown in FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(b) are tables that are referred to when a jackpot type is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination and the game control microcomputer 61 executes the jackpot type determination. The jackpot type determination table is configured by associating a predetermined number of jackpot type random numbers with each jackpot type (jackpot pattern type). The jackpot type random number is a value generated by the jackpot type random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the jackpot type random number counter operates and generates a jackpot type random number by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. The jackpot type random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot type random number counter counts a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99 can be generated.

Here, as the first special pattern among the special patterns, two types of jackpot patterns 1-1, 1-2, which indicate that a jackpot has been won (a jackpot game state occurs), and at least one type of miss pattern, which indicates that the jackpot is not a jackpot or a small jackpot, are set. Note that, for the first special pattern, a small jackpot pattern, which indicates that a small jackpot has been won (a small jackpot state occurs), is not set. When the first special pattern is judged to be a jackpot in the special pattern hit judgment, a jackpot pattern (jackpot type) is determined based on the jackpot type judgment table T2 shown in FIG. 6(a), and the type of the jackpot game state and the type of the game state thereafter are determined by the determination of this jackpot pattern. Note that, in each jackpot game state, the upper limit of the opening time of the first big prize winning port 14a in each round is set to 30 seconds.

When the special pattern hit judgment of the first special pattern is a jackpot judgment result and the jackpot type of the first special pattern is determined, if the jackpot type random number value is within the range of 0 to 49 (50 percent), the "jackpot pattern 1-1" is determined as the jackpot pattern, a 3-round jackpot is determined as the type (number of rounds) of the jackpot game state, and it is determined that the game state after the jackpot game state is time-saving 1. In this case, the time-saving game state (time-saving 1) ends when the occurrence of the jackpot game state is determined, the special pattern variation display is executed 10 times, or the normal pattern variation display is executed 50 times.
On the other hand, when the special pattern hit judgment of the first special pattern is a jackpot judgment result and the jackpot type of the first special pattern is determined, if the jackpot type random number value is within the range of 50 to 99 (50 percent), the "jackpot pattern 1-2" is determined as the jackpot pattern, a 3-round jackpot is determined as the type (number of rounds) of the jackpot game state, and it is determined that the game state after the jackpot game state is time-saving 2. In this case, the time-saving game state (time-saving 2) ends when the occurrence of the jackpot game state is determined, the special pattern change display is executed 10 times, or the normal pattern change display is executed 100 times.

In addition, as the second special pattern among the special patterns, one type of big win pattern 2-1 indicating a big win (a big win game state occurs) and two types of small win patterns a and b indicating a small win (a small win state occurs) are set. Note that, for the second special pattern, a losing pattern indicating a loss other than a big win or a small win is not set. In other words, unlike the first special pattern, for the second special pattern, a small win pattern is set and a losing pattern is not set.

If the special pattern hit judgment of the second special pattern judges that a jackpot is reached, the jackpot pattern (jackpot type) is determined based on the jackpot type judgment table T2 shown in FIG. 6(b), and the type of jackpot game state and the type of game state thereafter are determined based on the jackpot pattern. In the jackpot game state, the upper limit of the opening time of the first large prize winning port 14a in each round is set to 30 seconds. In this embodiment, if the special pattern hit judgment of the second special pattern judges that a jackpot is reached, the jackpot pattern is determined to be "jackpot pattern 2-1" regardless of the jackpot type random number value within the range of 0 to 99 (100 percent), and a 10-round jackpot is determined as the type of jackpot game state (number of rounds), and it is determined that the game state after the jackpot game state is time-saving 2. In this case, the time-saving game state (time-saving 2) ends when the occurrence of a jackpot game state is determined, the special chart change display is executed 10 times, or the normal chart change display is executed 100 times, as described above.

(Small win type determination table)
The small win type determination table T4 shown in FIG. 7 is a table to be referred to when the small win determination is determined as a small win in the special win determination for the second special pattern, and the game control microcomputer 61 executes the type determination of the small win. The small win type determination table T4 is configured by associating a predetermined number of small win type random numbers with each small win type (small win pattern type). The small win type random number is a value generated by the small win type random number counter. A computer program for operating the small win type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the small win type random number counter operates by executing the computer program by the CPU 62 to generate a small win type random number. The small win type random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the small win type random number counter counts a total of 100 values from 0 to 99. In other words, a total of 100 small win type random number values from 0 to 99 can be generated. In this embodiment, as described above, two types of small win patterns, "small win pattern a" and "small win pattern b", are set as the small win patterns.
In this embodiment, the number of rounds of the jackpot game state (two types of jackpot state) that occurs when the game ball passes through a specific area in the small jackpot state varies depending on the determination of the small jackpot type (small jackpot pattern) by the game control microcomputer 61. Specifically, when the special symbol hit determination (small jackpot determination) during the time-saving game state results in a small jackpot and the special symbol is determined to be the small jackpot pattern a, a 3-round jackpot is set as the jackpot game state (two types of jackpot state). On the other hand, when the special symbol hit determination (small jackpot determination) during the time-saving game state results in a small jackpot and the special symbol is determined to be the small jackpot pattern b, a 10-round jackpot is set as the jackpot game state (two types of jackpot state).
In addition, in the small win state, regardless of the type of small win symbol, the second large winning opening 15a opens for a predetermined time (1.8 seconds), the distribution member 56 is activated, and the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 15a is guided to a specific area. When the game ball passes through the specific area, this triggers the development from the small win state to a type 2 jackpot state (jackpot game state) (transition to a V win state). In each round of this type 2 jackpot state (V win state after the second round), the first large winning opening 14a opens. The upper limit of this opening time is set to 30 seconds, the same as in the type 1 jackpot state.

Regardless of whether the game state is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state, when a small win determination result is derived in the special symbol win determination of the second special symbol, if the small win type random number value is within the range of 0 to 49 (50 percent), the game control microcomputer 61 determines the small win symbol a as the small win symbol. Also, if the small win type random number value is within the range of 50 to 99 (50 percent), the game control microcomputer 61 determines the small win symbol b as the small win symbol.
When a small win state develops (transitions) into a big win state (V win state), time reduction 2 occurs after the end of the big win state (V win state), but the end conditions of this time reduction 2 are as described above. That is, it ends when the occurrence of the big win state is determined, the special chart change display is executed 10 times, or the normal chart change display is executed 100 times.

(Reach Judgment Table)
The reach determination table T5 shown in FIG. 8 is a table to be referred to when determining whether or not the special chart variation pattern corresponding to the variation display of the first special chart by the game control microcomputer 61 is to be a special chart variation pattern in which a reach (miss reach) appears (miss reach variation pattern). The reach determination table T5 is configured by associating the reach random number value generated by the reach random number counter with the game state. In this embodiment, the reach random number counter counts a total of 256 values from 0 to 255. That is, the reach random number counter can generate a total of 256 reach random number values from 0 to 255. A computer program for operating the reach random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the reach random number counter operates to generate a reach random number value by the CPU 62 executing the computer program.

In addition, the reach is a state where the performance pattern group corresponding to one remaining performance pattern among the performance pattern combinations showing the result of the special pattern hit judgment among the multiple performance pattern groups (left performance pattern 7L, middle performance pattern 7C, right performance pattern 7R) displayed in a variable manner on the performance display device 7 is not displayed stopped (temporary stop display, stationary display), and when the performance pattern that is not displayed stopped is displayed stopped, a combination of performance patterns indicating whether or not it is a jackpot is formed. For example, when one of the combinations of the jackpot performance patterns is "777", a "7" is displayed stopped as the left performance pattern 7L in the left performance pattern display area, and a "7" is displayed stopped as the right performance pattern 7R in the right performance pattern display area, and the middle performance pattern 7C is not displayed stopped (temporary stop display, stationary display) in the middle performance pattern display area (a state where it is scrolled or switched), it is a reach state.
The aforementioned "stopped display (temporary stopped display, stationary display)" is a display state in which the performance symbols remain within the display area but are not stationary, and conceptually includes a state in which the performance symbols are shaking, as well as a state in which they repeatedly expand and contract. In contrast, the "confirmed display" of the performance symbols is a state in which the combination of performance symbols displayed in a stopped state is displayed stationary, and indicates that the variable display has ended.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the hit determination for the first special symbol is performed in a non-time-saving play state and the result is a miss, if the reach random number value is in the range of 0 to 27, it is determined that there is a reach (i.e., a miss reach fluctuation pattern is used), otherwise it is determined that there is no reach (i.e., a normal fluctuation pattern in which no reach appears is used). Note that in this embodiment, since the fluctuation performance is performed in response to the fluctuation display of the normal symbol in the time-saving play state, a reach determination for the special symbol is not performed.

(Special chart variation pattern selection table)
The special chart variation pattern selection table T7 shown in FIG. 9(a) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the special chart variation pattern related to the variation display of the first special chart. The special chart variation pattern selection table T8 shown in FIG. 9(b) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the special chart variation pattern related to the variation display of the second special chart. In the special chart variation pattern selection tables T7 and T8, the types of special chart variation patterns are assigned according to the relationship between random numbers such as big win random number, small win random number, and reach random number (judgment results of big win judgment, small win judgment, and reach judgment), the variation pattern random number, and the game state and the number of reserved special charts at the time of the special chart hit judgment. The special chart variation pattern includes information such as the variation time of the special chart variation display and the content of the variation performance (variation performance pattern). The variation performance patterns shown in the special chart variation pattern selection tables T7 and T8 are rough types of variation performance (performance content) determined corresponding to the special chart variation pattern, and are listed for reference.

The variation pattern random number is a value generated by the variation pattern random number counter. A computer program for operating the variation pattern random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the CPU 62 executes the computer program, causing the variation pattern random number counter to operate and generate a variation pattern random number. The variation pattern random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the variation pattern random number counter counts a total of 256 values from 0 to 255. In other words, a total of 256 variation pattern random number values from 0 to 255 can be generated. In addition, the item "variation pattern random number value" in the special chart variation pattern selection tables T7 and T8 in FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b) shows the range of random number values corresponding to each special chart variation pattern, as well as the total number of random number values in parentheses.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the special symbol hit judgment of the first special symbol is performed in a non-time-saving game state and the judgment result is a miss, and when the reach judgment is a reach-no-miss, a pattern (non-reach pattern) including the performance content of stopping the left performance symbol 7L and the right performance symbol 7R with different performance symbols is selected. In this case, if the number of reserved special symbols is 0 to 2, a special symbol fluctuation pattern Ph1 with a fluctuation time of 10 seconds (10,000 ms) is selected, and if the number of reserved special symbols is 3 or 4, a special symbol fluctuation pattern Ph2 with a fluctuation time of 5 seconds (5,000 ms) is selected. The performance content of the normal miss fluctuation is associated with the fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to the special symbol fluctuation pattern Ph1. The performance content of the shortened miss fluctuation is associated with the fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to the special symbol fluctuation pattern Ph2.

In addition, when the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart is performed in a non-time-saving play state and the judgment result is a miss, and the reach judgment results in a reach miss, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 0 to 17, special chart fluctuation pattern Ph3 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 18 to 81, special chart fluctuation pattern Ph4 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 82 to 113, special chart fluctuation pattern Ph5 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 114 to 145, special chart fluctuation pattern Ph6 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 146 to 161, special chart fluctuation pattern Ph7 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 162 to 177, special chart fluctuation pattern Ph8 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 178 to 191, special chart fluctuation pattern Ph9 is selected, and if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 192 to 255, special chart fluctuation pattern Ph10 is selected. The fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern Ph3 is 12 seconds (12,000 ms), the fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern Ph4 is 30 seconds (30,000 ms), the fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern Ph5 is 40 seconds (40,000 ms), the fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern Ph6 is 50 seconds (50,000 ms), the fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern Ph7 is 60 seconds (60,000 ms), the fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern Ph8 is 70 seconds (70,000 ms), the fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern Ph9 is 80 seconds (80,000 ms), and the fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern Ph10 is 90 seconds (90,000 ms). The variation performance patterns corresponding to the special chart variation patterns Ph3 to Ph10 are in a state where the left performance pattern 7L and the right performance pattern 7R are temporarily stopped and displayed with the same performance pattern, and a reach performance is performed to expect a jackpot, but the performance content ends in a state indicating a miss (miss reach). Specifically, the special chart variation pattern Ph3 corresponds to a miss normal reach, the special chart variation pattern Ph4 corresponds to a miss SP reach A, the special chart variation pattern Ph5 corresponds to a miss SP reach B, the special chart variation pattern Ph6 corresponds to a miss SP reach C, the special chart variation pattern Ph7 corresponds to a miss SP reach D, the special chart variation pattern Ph8 corresponds to a miss SP reach E, the special chart variation pattern Ph9 corresponds to a miss SP reach F, and the special chart variation pattern Ph10 corresponds to a miss SP reach G. In addition, regarding the contents of the performance of SP Reach C corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern Ph6 and SP Reach E corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern Ph8,
This will be explained later.

Furthermore, if the special chart hit determination for the first special chart is performed in a non-time-saving play state and the result is a jackpot, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 0 to 1, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa4 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 2 to 73, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa5 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 74 to 89, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa6 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 90 to 121, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa7 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 122 to 153, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa8 is selected, if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 154 to 191, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa9 is selected, and if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 192 to 255, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa10 is selected. The variation time of the special chart variation pattern Pa4 is 31 seconds (31,000 ms), the variation time of the special chart variation pattern Pa5 is 41 seconds (41,000 ms), the variation time of the special chart variation pattern Pa6 is 51 seconds (51,000 ms), the variation time of the special chart variation pattern Pa7 is 61 seconds (61,000 ms), the variation time of the special chart variation pattern Pa8 is 71 seconds (71,000 ms), the variation time of the special chart variation pattern Pa9 is 81 seconds (81,000 ms), and the variation time of the special chart variation pattern Pa10 is 91 seconds (91,000 ms). The variation performance patterns corresponding to the special chart variation patterns Pa4 to Pa10 are in a state where the left performance pattern 7L and the right performance pattern 7R are temporarily stopped and displayed with the same performance pattern, and a reach performance that makes you expect a jackpot is performed, and the performance content ends in a state that indicates a jackpot (win reach). Specifically, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa4 corresponds to the winning SP reach A, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa5 corresponds to the winning SP reach B, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa6 corresponds to the winning SP reach C, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa7 corresponds to the winning SP reach D, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa8 corresponds to the winning SP reach E, special chart fluctuation pattern Pa9 corresponds to the winning SP reach F, and special chart fluctuation pattern Pa10 corresponds to the winning SP reach G. The details of the performance of the SP reach C corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern Pa6 and the SP reach E corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern Pa8 will be described later.

On the other hand, when the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart is performed in the time-saving game state and the judgment result is a miss, the special chart fluctuation pattern Ph11 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts and the fluctuation pattern random number value is any value within the range of 0 to 255. Similarly, when the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart is performed in the time-saving game state and the judgment result is a jackpot, the special chart fluctuation pattern Pa11 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts and the fluctuation pattern random number value is any value within the range of 0 to 255. In other words, when the special chart fluctuation pattern is determined based on the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart performed in the time-saving game state, the very short special chart fluctuation pattern Ph11, P
In these cases, the variation performance based on the special pattern hit judgment for the first special pattern is not performed, and the variation display of the first rule pattern in accordance with the 0.1 second (100 ms) special pattern variation display on the first special pattern display device 51 is executed only in the first rule pattern display area 211 provided in the collective display unit 20x.

As shown in FIG. 9(b), when the special chart hit determination for the second special chart is performed in a non-time-saving play state and the result is a big hit or a small hit, the special chart fluctuation pattern Pa12 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts and regardless of the value of the fluctuation pattern random number within the range of 0 to 255. In this embodiment, the fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern Pa12 is set to 1.5 seconds (1500 ms). However, the second special chart is not generally present at the time when the end condition of the time-saving play state is established, and the possibility of the special chart fluctuation pattern Pa12 being selected in a non-time-saving play state is low.

In this embodiment, when the special symbol hit judgment of the second special symbol is performed during the time-saving game state, the judgment result is always a big hit or a small hit. That is, when it is determined that the ball can enter the second starting hole 12a during the time-saving game state (when the normal symbol hit judgment results in a favorable hit, which will be described later), the player's profit is generally confirmed. Therefore, at this time, the left performance pattern 7L, the middle performance pattern 7C, and the right performance pattern 7R are stopped and displayed with the same performance pattern on the performance display device 7, and the three performance patterns are displayed in a sequence to end the variable performance. Then, if a game ball actually enters the second starting hole 12a during the period when the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12a, during the period of the special symbol hit display performed based on the special symbol hit judgment for the second special symbol triggered by the ball entering, a special variable performance is performed to secure the stock time, or a performance for only a short time (direct hit performance) is performed. In the case of the stock time, it is possible to aim for the ball to pass through the gate 13 and enter the second starting hole 12a (the occurrence of the second special symbol reservation). In addition, during the stock time or the direct hit performance, the variable performance based on the special symbol hit judgment for the second special symbol is not performed, and the variable display of the second rule symbol in accordance with the special symbol variable display on the second special symbol display device 52 is executed only in the second rule symbol display area 212 provided in the collective display unit 20x.
Here, during the time-saving game state, when the second special chart hit judgment is performed, the result is always a big win or a small win, and one of the special chart fluctuation patterns Pa12, Pa13 is selected according to the fluctuation pattern random number value. In this case, when the second special chart reserved number is "0", if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 0 to 191, the special chart fluctuation pattern P11, P14 corresponding to the direct hit performance is selected, and if the fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 192 to 255, the special chart fluctuation pattern Pa13 corresponding to the stock time is selected. On the other hand, when the second special chart reserved number is any of "1" to "4", the special chart fluctuation pattern Pa13 corresponding to the stock time is selected regardless of the value of the fluctuation pattern random number value within the range of 0 to 255.

(Normal pattern match determination table)
The normal symbol hit/miss judgment table T9 shown in FIG. 10 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when executing the normal symbol hit judgment. The normal symbol hit/miss judgment table T9 is configured by associating the normal symbol hit random number value with the judgment result of the normal symbol hit judgment. The normal symbol hit random number value is a value generated by the normal symbol hit random number counter. A computer program for operating the normal symbol hit random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the normal symbol hit random number counter operates and generates a normal symbol hit random number value by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. The normal symbol hit random number counter may be one that uses a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. The normal symbol hit random number counter of the pachinko game machine 1 counts a total of 65536 values from 0 to 65535. In other words, a total of 65536 normal symbol hit random number values from 0 to 65535 can be generated.

In the normal symbol win/loss determination table T9, values between 0 and 891 are set as the winning random number value for determining whether or not a normal symbol is a win. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that a normal symbol is a win if the normal symbol win random number value obtained from the normal symbol win random number counter is a value within the range of 0 to 891, and determines that a normal symbol is not a win if the value is within the range of 892 to 65535, i.e., it is a miss.

(Regular map type determination table)
The normal winning type determination table T10 shown in FIG. 11A is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b. In the normal winning type determination table T10, a normal winning type random number is assigned to each winning pattern of the normal patterns, and each winning pattern is associated with an operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b (normal operating pattern) in relation to the game state (non-time-saving game state, time-saving 1, time-saving 2) at the time of the determination. The operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b includes information on the opening time of the second start hole 12a (operation time of the normal operating member 12b).

The regular map type random number is a value generated by the regular map type random number counter. A computer program for operating the regular map type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the regular map type random number counter operates to generate a regular map type random number value by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. The regular map type random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the regular map type random number counter counts a total of 233 values from 0 to 232. In other words, a total of 233 regular map type random number values from 0 to 232 can be generated.

Here, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, two types of operation patterns of the normal operation member 12b are set, the first normal operation pattern FS1 and the second normal operation pattern FS2. Of these, the first normal operation pattern FS1 is an operation pattern in which the normal power solenoid 12d is energized for only 0.07 seconds (70 ms) (the normal operation member 12b is activated to open the second start hole 12a). In this case, even if a game ball lands on the normal operation member 12b in the ball entry permitting position, it will not reach the second start hole 12a because it will immediately return to the ball entry preventing position. In contrast, the second normal operation pattern FS2 is an operation pattern in which the normal power solenoid 12d is energized for 2.7 seconds (2700 ms). Therefore, there is a possibility that a game ball on the normal operation member 12b in the ball entry permitting position will roll to the second start hole 12a and enter it.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when the normal winning judgment is a winning judgment result, if the normal winning type random number value is a value within the range of 0 to 154, the pattern hz1 is determined as the winning pattern of the normal pattern, and if the normal winning type random number value is a value within the range of 155 to 232, the pattern hz2 is determined as the winning pattern of the normal pattern. If the game state at the time when the normal winning judgment is made is a non-time-saving game state, the first normal pattern operation pattern FS1 is determined as the operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b, regardless of whether the winning pattern of the normal pattern is pattern hz1 or pattern hz2. On the other hand, if the game state at the time when the normal winning judgment is made is time-saving 1, if the winning pattern of the normal pattern is pattern hz1, the first normal pattern operation pattern FS1 is determined as the operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b, and if it is pattern hz2, the second normal pattern operation pattern FS2 is determined as the operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b. On the other hand, if the game state at the time when the normal winning determination is made is time-saving 2, the second normal operation pattern FS2 is determined as the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b, regardless of whether the winning normal pattern is pattern hz1 or pattern hz2.

As described above, the game control microcomputer 61 determines multiple types of operation patterns of the normal operation member 12b with different determination probabilities in the non-time-saving game state, time saving 1, and time saving 2. Here, the game control microcomputer 61 controls the time saving game state (time saving 1 and time saving 2) so as to determine an operation pattern (second normal operation pattern FS2) with a longer opening time of the second start hole 12a with a higher probability than in the non-time-saving game state, which corresponds to the electric support control (by the opening time extension function) described above.
In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 determines an operation pattern (second general operation pattern FS2) in which the opening time of the second starting hole 12a is longer with a higher probability in time reduction 2 than in time reduction 1.

(Normal map fluctuation pattern selection table T11)
The normal symbol variation pattern selection table T11 shown in FIG. 11B is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining a variation pattern (normal symbol variation pattern) related to the variable display of normal symbols.
Here, in this embodiment, during the time-saving game state, until the variation of the special symbol (second special symbol) starts, the variation performance displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 7 is performed in accordance with the normal symbol variation display (the result of the normal symbol winning judgment). On the other hand, for the normal symbol winning judgment performed in the non-time-saving game state, although the normal symbol variation pattern is determined, it is not reflected in the variation performance on the performance display device 7.

The normal map variation pattern random number value is a value generated by the normal map variation pattern random number counter. A computer program for operating the normal map variation pattern random number counter is stored in ROM 63, and the normal map variation pattern random number counter operates to generate a normal map variation pattern random number value when the CPU 62 executes the computer program. The normal map variation pattern random number counter may utilize a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the normal map variation pattern random number counter counts a total of 100 values from 0 to 99. In other words, a total of 100 normal map variation pattern random number values from 0 to 99 can be generated.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines a normal map fluctuation pattern FP1 with a fluctuation time of 111 seconds (111000 ms) when the normal map hit determination during the non-time-saving game state is a hit determination result and the normal map fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 0 to 49, and determines a normal map fluctuation pattern FP2 with a fluctuation time of 92 seconds (92000 ms) when it is within the range of 50 to 255. Also, the game control microcomputer 61 determines a normal map fluctuation pattern FP3 with a fluctuation time of 111 seconds (111000 ms) when the normal map hit determination during the non-time-saving game state is a miss determination result and the normal map fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 0 to 49, and determines a normal map fluctuation pattern FP4 with a fluctuation time of 92 seconds (92000 ms) when it is within the range of 50 to 255.
In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines any one of the normal pattern change patterns FP1 to FP4 (non-time-saving game state), the presentation control microcomputer 101 does not reflect that normal pattern change pattern in the change presentation on the presentation display device 7, but only executes the change display of the third rule pattern in the third rule pattern display area 213 of the collective display unit 20x.

Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 is in a time-saving game state, the conditions for determining the normal game fluctuation pattern by referring to the normal game fluctuation pattern selection table T11 based on the normal game fluctuation pattern random number value differ depending on which of the two types of time-saving game states (time-saving 1 and time-saving 2) the time-saving game state is, which will be described later.
Specifically, during time reduction 1, when the normal symbol hit determination results in a hit and the pattern hz2 is determined as the winning normal symbol (when the second normal symbol operation pattern FS2 is determined as the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b), that is, when a state is created in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12a, the game control microcomputer 61 determines a normal symbol fluctuation pattern FP5 with a fluctuation time of 3.5 seconds (3500 ms), regardless of the normal symbol fluctuation pattern random number value being any value between 0 and 255. In contrast, when the normal winning pattern determination results in a miss, and when the normal winning pattern determination results in a win and the pattern hz1 is determined as the winning normal pattern (when the first normal operation pattern FS1 is determined as the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b), in other words, when a state in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12a is not created, if the normal variation pattern random number value is within the range of 0 to 219, a normal variation pattern FP6 with a variation time of 1.0 seconds (1000 ms) is determined, and if it is within the range of 220 to 255, a normal variation pattern FP7 with a variation time of 3.5 seconds (3500 ms) is determined.
On the other hand, during time reduction 2, when the normal symbol hit determination results in a hit (i.e., when a state is created in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12a, and symbol hz1 or symbol hz2 has been determined as the normal symbol winning symbol, and the first normal symbol operation pattern FS1 or the second normal symbol operation pattern FS2 has been determined as the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b), regardless of the normal symbol fluctuation pattern random number value between 0 and 255, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern FP8 with a fluctuation time of 2.5 seconds (2500 ms) is determined. On the other hand, when the normal winning determination results in a losing determination (i.e., when the state in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12a is not created and a losing normal pattern has been determined), if the normal pattern fluctuation pattern random number value is within the range of 0 to 219, a normal pattern fluctuation pattern FP6 with a fluctuation time of 1.0 seconds (1000 ms) is determined, and if it is within the range of 220 to 255, a normal pattern fluctuation pattern FP9 with a fluctuation time of 2.5 seconds (2500 ms) is determined.
In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines the normal figure fluctuation pattern FP5 (time reduction 1),
The microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation determines "Hit SP Reach H" as the presentation content (presentation pattern) of the variable presentation on the presentation display device 7. In addition, when the microcomputer 61 for controlling the game determines the normal map variation pattern FP6 (time reduction 1 or time reduction 2), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation determines "super shortened miss" as the presentation content (presentation pattern) of the variable presentation on the presentation display device 7. In addition, when the microcomputer 61 for controlling the game determines the normal map variation pattern FP7 (time reduction 1), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation determines "miss SP Reach H" as the presentation content (presentation pattern) of the variable presentation on the presentation display device 7. In addition, when the microcomputer 61 for controlling the game determines the normal map variation pattern FP8 (time reduction 2), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation determines "Hit SP Reach I" as the presentation content (presentation pattern) of the variable presentation on the presentation display device 7. Furthermore, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines the normal chart variation pattern FP9 (time reduction 2), the presentation control microcomputer 101 determines "Miss SP Reach I" as the presentation content (presentation pattern) of the variation presentation on the presentation display device 7.

[Main processing of the gaming control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be explained with reference to the drawings.

(Main side main control processing)
First, the main-side main control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out and executes a computer program for main control processing from the ROM 63. The game control microcomputer 61 first performs an initial setting (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interruption time setting, CPU 62 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: a circuit for managing interruption time), resetting various flags, counters, timers, etc. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt prohibition (S2) and executes normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S3). In this normal/special pattern main random number update process, the initial values of each random number counter that generates the aforementioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, small jackpot type random number, reach random number, variation pattern random number, normal jackpot random number, normal jackpot type random number, and normal jackpot variation pattern random number are updated by adding "1" to each. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit, 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 process (S3) by software 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 ms cycle. In other words, it is executed at a 4 ms 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 main side timer interrupt process (S5) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes an output process (S10). In this output process, commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 100, the payout control board 73, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes an input process (S11). In this input process, the game control microcomputer 61 mainly reads each detection signal detected by various sensors (first start hole sensor 10b, second start hole sensor 12c, gate sensor 13a, first large prize hole sensor 14c, second large prize hole sensor 15c, specific area sensor 55a, non-specific area sensor 55b, general prize hole sensor 11b, etc.) 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 a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S3) executed in the main side main control process of FIG. 12. 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) to the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S5)).

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the sensor detection process (S15), normal operation process (S16), special symbol waiting process (S17), and special symbol related process (S18) in order, which will be described later, and then executes other processes (S19) to end the main timer interrupt process. The other processes (S19) are abnormality determination processes that determine whether an abnormal state has occurred in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, the abnormality determination processes include an illegal ball entry detection process that detects illegal ball entry, a magnetic detection process that detects illegal magnetism, a door opening process that detects the opening of the front frame 18 or the inner frame, an electric wave detection process that detects illegal electric waves, and an impact detection process that detects impacts (vibrations). In addition, in the other processes, the first special symbol reservation indicator 51a is controlled to a display mode that indicates the number based on the number of first special symbols reserved, and the second special symbol reservation indicator 52a is controlled to a display mode that indicates the number based on the number of second special symbols reserved. Then, steps S2 to S4 of the main control process are repeatedly executed until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 ms later), the main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed again. In the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process executed again, the commands etc. that were set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 in the previous main timer interrupt process (S5) are output to a specified board.

(Pattern sensor detection process)
Next, the symbol sensor detection process (S15) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game ball has passed through the gate 13 (S30). The gate sensor 13a detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 13. When it is judged that the game ball has passed through the gate 13 (S30: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 executes a gate passing process (S31). 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 random number for a normal symbol winning lottery to draw a normal symbol.

After S31 is completed, or if it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 13 (S30: No), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has entered the second start hole 12a (S32). The game ball entering the second start hole 12a is detected by the second start hole sensor 12c. If the game ball has not entered the second start hole 12a (S32: No), the process proceeds to S38, but if it is determined that the game ball has entered the second start hole 12a (S32: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the second special chart reservation number U2 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S33). If the second special symbol reserved number U2 reaches the upper limit "4" (S33: Yes), the process proceeds to S38, but if the second special symbol reserved number U2 does not reach "4" (S33: No), the game control microcomputer 61 adds 1 to the second special symbol reserved number U2 (S34). This establishes the variable reservation condition for the second special symbol.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special chart related random number acquisition process (S35). In this second special chart related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a small 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 second special chart reserved memory unit 64b 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 (S36). In this second start winning command creation process, a second start winning command is created based on the random number groups acquired in S35. This second start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the second start hole 12a, data indicating the random numbers acquired in S35, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second start winning command created in S36 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S37). This set second start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10), and the presentation control microcomputer 101 executes a presentation based on the random numbers included in the second start winning command.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game ball has entered the first start hole 10a (S38). The game ball entering the first start hole 10a is detected by the first start hole sensor 10b. If the game ball has not entered the first start hole 10a (S38: No), the sensor detection process is terminated, but if it is determined that the game ball has entered the first start hole 10a (S38: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the first special chart reserved number U1 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S39). If the first special chart reserved number U1 has reached "4" (S39: Yes), the sensor detection process is terminated, but if the first special chart reserved number U1 has not reached "4" (S39: No), the game control microcomputer 61 adds 1 to the first special chart reserved number U1 (S40). This establishes the variable reservation condition for the first special chart.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special chart related random number acquisition process (S41). 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 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 (S42). In this first start winning command creation 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 S41. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the first start hole 10a, data indicating each random number stored in the first special chart reservation memory unit 64a in S41, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S42 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S43). This set first start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10), 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 normal operation process (S16) will be described with reference to Figs. 15A and 15B.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether or not the auxiliary game is being played (the normal operating member 12b is being operated) (S50), and if it is judged that the auxiliary game is not being played (S50: No), it judges whether or not the normal symbol is being stopped (determined) (S51).
When it is determined that the normal symbol is not being displayed in a stopped state (S51: No), it determines whether or not the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (S52), and when it is determined that the normal symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner (S52: No), it determines whether or not the reserved number V of the normal symbol is "0" (S53). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the reserved number V of the normal symbol is "0" (S53: Yes), it ends the normal operation process.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S53 that the reserved number V of normal symbols is not "0" (S53: No), it performs a normal symbol winning determination process (S54-1). In this normal symbol winning determination process (S54-1), a normal symbol winning determination is performed based on the relationship between the acquired normal symbol winning random number value and the normal symbol winning/losing determination table T9, and it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is a winning symbol. Then, if the normal symbol winning determination result is a winning result, a normal symbol determination process (including a normal symbol winning type determination process) is performed based on the relationship between the normal symbol winning type random number value and the normal symbol winning type determination table T10, and normal symbol stopping symbol data corresponding to the result of the normal symbol winning determination (determined normal symbol) is set in a specified memory area of RAM 64 (S54-2). In other words, in the normal pattern determination process (S54-2), if it is a "lose", data corresponding to the "normal lose pattern" is set, and if it is a "win", the normal winning pattern (normal pattern hz1 or normal pattern hz2) is determined, and data corresponding to the determined normal pattern is set.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a process to determine the normal map fluctuation time (normal map fluctuation pattern) based on the relationship between the acquired normal map fluctuation pattern random number value and the normal map fluctuation pattern selection table T11 (S54-3). In the normal map fluctuation time determination process (S54-3), as described above, one of the normal map fluctuation patterns FP1 to FP9 is selected based on the relationship between the game state (non-time-saving game state, time-saving 1, time-saving 2), the result of the normal map hit determination (hit or miss), the winning normal pattern (pattern hz1, pattern hz2), and the value of the normal map fluctuation pattern random number value.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts 1 from the number of reserved normal symbols V (S54-4), shifts the storage location (memory area) of each reserved normal symbol in the reserved normal symbol memory unit 64c from the current position to the side to be read, and clears the memory area corresponding to the fourth reserved symbol in the reserved normal symbol memory unit 64c (the memory area farthest from the side to be read) (S54-5). In this way, the reserved normal symbols are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. After that, the game control microcomputer 61 starts displaying the variation of the normal symbols in the normal symbol variation pattern selected in S54-3 (S54-6). In addition, in conjunction with this, a normal symbol variation start command is set to inform the sub-control board 100 of the start of the variation of the normal symbols and the result of the variation display (the type of normal symbol to be displayed as stopped). This normal symbol variation start command includes the success or failure of the normal symbol hit judgment determined in S54-1, S54-2, and S54-3, the stop symbol, and the normal symbol variation time.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S52 that the normal symbol variation display is in progress (S52: Yes), it determines whether the normal symbol variation time has ended (S55-1), and if it determines that the normal symbol variation time has not ended (S55-1: No), it ends the normal operation process. On the other hand, if it determines that the normal symbol variation time has ended (S55-1: Yes), it stops the normal symbol variation display with the display result (normal winning symbol or normal losing symbol) according to the result of the normal symbol winning judgment and the normal symbol winning type judgment (S55-2). Then, it sets a normal symbol variation stop command (variation stop command for normal symbols) to notify the sub-control board 100 that the normal symbol variation has stopped (S55-3), sets the normal symbol stop time (S55-4), and ends the normal operation process.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S51 that the normal symbol is being displayed (S51: Yes), it determines whether the normal symbol stop time has ended in S56, and if it determines that the normal symbol stop time has not ended (S56: No), it ends the normal operation process. On the other hand, if it determines that the normal symbol has ended (S56: Yes), it executes a normal symbol condition confirmation process (S57). This normal symbol condition confirmation process is a process that is executed at the end timing of the normal symbol change display during the time-saving game state, and is a process that counts the number of times the normal symbol change display is executed during the time-saving game state, and confirms whether the end condition of the time-saving game state based on the number of normal symbol changes has been established.

Here, referring to FIG. 15B, the normal map condition confirmation process (S57 in FIG. 15A) will be described. The game control microcomputer 61 first judges whether the time-saving flag is ON or not (S57-1), and if the time-saving flag is OFF, that is, the game is in a non-time-saving game state (S57-1: No), the normal condition confirmation process is terminated. On the other hand, if the time-saving flag is ON, that is, the game is in a time-saving game state (S57-1: Yes), the value of the normal map fluctuation number counter set in the game state management process (FIG. 21, described later) at the end of the big win game state is decremented by 1 (S57-2). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the value of the normal map fluctuation number counter has become 0, that is, whether the end condition of the time-saving game state due to the normal map fluctuation number has been established (S57-3). If the value of the normal figure fluctuation counter is determined to be 0 (S57-3: Yes), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S57-4), and the process proceeds to S57-5. On the other hand, if the value of the normal figure fluctuation counter is determined to be 1 or more (S57-3: No), the time-saving flag is kept ON and the process proceeds to S57-5.
Then, in S57-5, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a game state designation command including information on the current game state (non-time-saving game state, time-saving 1 or time-saving 2) in the output buffer of RAM 64, and terminates the normal game condition confirmation process.
In this embodiment, the game state designation command includes, as game state information, any one of the following: non-time-saving game state, time-saving game state, big win game state (Type 1 big win state, V win state), and small win state. The game state designation command that can be set in S57-5 (the point at which a predetermined stop time has elapsed from the end of the variable display of the normal pattern) is basically a command that includes game state information of any one of the non-time-saving game state, time-saving 1, or time-saving 2. 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 (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process.

Returning to FIG. 15A, after the normal symbol condition confirmation process (S57) is completed, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the normal symbol stop symbol data for the normal winning symbol is set, that is, whether there is a win or not (S58-1). If it is determined that there is no win (S58-1: No), it ends the normal operation process. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a win (S58-1: Yes), it determines whether there is a time-saving game state (S58-2), and if it is determined that there is a time-saving game state (S58-2: Yes), it executes the normal operation pattern determination process (time-saving) (S58-3). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a win (S58-1: Yes) and that there is a non-time-saving game state (S58-2: No), it executes the normal operation pattern determination process (non-time-saving) (S58-4).

Here, in the normal operation pattern determination process (time reduction) of S58-3, the game control microcomputer 61 determines the normal operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b based on the item corresponding to the current time reduction game state among "time reduction 1" and "time reduction 2" in the normal winning type determination table T10 (FIG. 11A) described above. Then, in the following S58-5, the operation pattern is set and the auxiliary game (operation of the normal operation member 12b) is started. As a result, if the normal winning judgment is a winning judgment result, if the time reduction 1 is in progress, the second start hole 12a is opened for 0.07 seconds (70 ms) or 2.7 seconds (2700 ms), and if the time reduction 2 is in progress, the second start hole 12a is opened for 2.7 seconds (2700 ms). Then, the normal operation process is terminated.
In contrast, in the normal operation pattern determination process (non-time shortening) of S58-4, the normal operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b is determined based on the "non-time shortening" item in the normal winning type determination table T10 (FIG. 11A) described above. Then, in the following S58-5, the operation pattern is set and the auxiliary game (operation of the normal operation member 12b) is started. As a result, if the normal winning determination is a winning result during the non-time shortening game state, the second start hole 12a is opened for 0.07 seconds (70 ms). Then, the normal operation process is terminated.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 judges in the above-mentioned S50 that the auxiliary game is being played (the normal operating member 12b is in operation) (S50: Yes), it judges whether or not the end condition of the auxiliary game (the operation end condition of the normal operating member 12b) is satisfied (S59-1). Here, the operation end condition is an operation time end condition that the operation time for each operation pattern set in S58-3 or S58-4 has ended, or a specified number of balls entered condition that the number of balls entered into the second starting hole 12a has reached a specified number of balls entered.
When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the operation end condition is not satisfied (S59-1: No), it ends the normal operation process. On the other hand, when it determines that the operation end condition is satisfied (S59-1: Yes), it ends the auxiliary game (operation of the normal operating member 12b) (S59-2) and ends the normal operation process.

(Special symbol waiting process)
Next, the special symbol waiting process (S17) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the variation time or the stop time of the special symbol is being measured (S60), and if it is being measured (S60: Yes), it ends the special symbol standby process. On the other hand, if neither the variation time nor the stop time of the special symbol is being measured (S60: No), it proceeds to S61. In S61, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the second special symbol reserved number U2 is "0". Then, if it is judged not to be "0" (S61: No), that is, if the start condition for the variation display of the second special symbol is established, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol winning judgment process (S62) and the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (S63) described later. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special symbol reservation number U2 (S64), and shifts each data stored in each storage area of the second special symbol reservation memory unit 64b one by one to the storage area with the oldest storage order, that is, the side to be read (S65). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol variation start process (S66). In this second special symbol variation start process, a special symbol variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and the second special symbol variation display is started on the second special symbol display 52. The special symbol variation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special symbol stop symbol set in the second special symbol hit determination process (FIG. 17) described later and the data of the second special symbol variation pattern set in the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 18 and 19). After executing S66, the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol standby process.

In addition, in the above-mentioned S61, when the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the second special chart reserved number U2 is "0" (S61: Yes), it judges whether the first special chart reserved number U1 is "0" or not (S67). When it judges that it is not "0" (S67: No), that is, when the start condition for the variable display of the first special chart is established, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart hit judgment process (S68) and the first special chart variable pattern selection process (S69) described later. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the first special chart reserved number U2 (S70), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a one by one to the memory area with the oldest storage order, that is, the side to be read (S71). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart variable start process (S72). In this first special symbol variation start process, a special symbol variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and the first special symbol variation display 51 starts to display the first special symbol variation. The special symbol variation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes data on the special symbol stop symbol set in the first special symbol hit determination process (FIG. 17) described below and data on the first special symbol variation pattern set in the first special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 18 and 19). After executing S72, the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol standby process.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the first special symbol reservation number U1 is "0" (S67: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not it is in a standby state (S73). The standby state refers to a state in which it is not in a big win game state, the special symbol is not fluctuating, and the special symbol reservation number is zero. More specifically, the standby state is a state that occurs when, in addition to the above-mentioned conditions, the special symbol (or performance symbol) is stopped and a certain period of time has elapsed after the stop display (confirmation display) of the symbol. Here, when it is determined that it is in a standby state (S73: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol standby process. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not in a standby state (S73: No), the game control microcomputer 61 executes a standby screen setting process (S74). In this standby screen setting process, a predetermined standby time is measured, and a customer waiting standby command for displaying the standby screen is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 after the elapse of this standby time. Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol waiting process.
In this manner, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special chart is performed only when the second special chart reservation number U2 is "0" (S61: Yes). In other words, the consumption of the second special chart reservation is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special chart reservation.

(Special drawing hit determination processing)
Next, the second special chart hit determination process (S61) and the first special chart hit determination process (S67) will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The second special chart hit determination process and the first special chart hit determination process have the same process flow, so they will be described together.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot random number stored in the first memory area of the special chart reservation memory section of the RAM 64 (S80), and refers to the hit/miss judgment table (hit/miss judgment table T1 in this example) (S81). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the range of random number values (judgment values) corresponding to the jackpot in the hit/miss judgment table T1, and judges whether or not there is a random number value that is the same as the jackpot random number value read in S80, that is, judges whether or not there is a jackpot (S82).

When it is determined that a jackpot has been reached (S82: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on a jackpot flag indicating that a jackpot has been reached (S83). After that, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out the jackpot type random number stored in the first storage area of the special symbol reservation storage section, and determines the type of the jackpot by referring to a jackpot type determination table (in this example, the jackpot type determination tables T2 and T3) in which a plurality of jackpot types are set (S84). The jackpot pattern of the special symbol, the stop pattern of the special symbol, the distribution rate, the maximum number of rounds, and the jackpot performance pattern are different depending on the type of jackpot. In addition, the upper limit number of times that the special symbol can be displayed during the time-saving game state is also determined depending on the type of jackpot. After that, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special symbol stop symbol data for stopping (determining) the jackpot pattern of the special symbol according to the type of jackpot determined in S84 in the special symbol buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S88), and ends this process.

On the other hand, if it is not determined that the big win is a big win (S82: No), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the range of random numbers corresponding to the small win in the win/loss determination table T1, and determines whether there is a random number that is the same as the big win random number read in S80, that is, whether it is a small win or not (S85). As described above, there is a case where the small win is not won in the lottery of the first special chart, but is won in the lottery of the second special chart. If it is determined that the small win is a big win (S85: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the small win flag indicating that it has been determined that the small win is a small win (S86). After that, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out the small win type random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit, and refers to the small win type determination table T4 in which multiple small win types are set, and determines the type of the small win (S87). Depending on the type of small win, the small win pattern of the special chart, the stop pattern of the special chart, the distribution rate, the small win performance pattern, etc. are different. In addition, depending on the type of small win, the presence or absence of a big win game state due to passing through a specific area, the continuation of the time-saving game state, the end of the time-saving game state, etc. are also determined. After that, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special symbol stop pattern data for stopping and displaying (determining display) the small win pattern of the special symbol according to the type of small win determined in S87 in the special symbol buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S88), and ends this process.

On the other hand, if it is not determined to be a small win (S85: No), i.e., if it is determined to be a miss, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special chart stop pattern data for stopping and displaying (confirming display) the missing pattern of the special chart in the special chart buffer (S88), and ends this process.

(Special chart variation pattern selection process)
Next, referring to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the second special pattern variation pattern selection process (S62) and the first special pattern variation pattern selection process (S68) will be described. Note that the second special pattern variation pattern selection process and the first special pattern variation pattern selection process will be described as a common process.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not a time-saving flag indicating a time-saving game state is OFF (S90). If it is determined that the time-saving flag is OFF (S90: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S91. If it is determined that the time-saving flag is not OFF (S90: No), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S99.

The game control microcomputer 61 that has moved to S91 and S99 judges whether the big win flag is ON. If it judges that the big win flag is ON (S91, S99: Yes),
), the game control microcomputer 61 selects a special pattern variation pattern for a big win by referring to the special pattern variation pattern selection table T7, T8 according to the type of special pattern (S92, S100). For example, in the case of a non-time-saving game state, the special pattern variation pattern selection table T7
The microcomputer 61 for game control selects a special pattern variation pattern for a big win by referring to the special pattern variation pattern selection table T8 (S92). In addition, in the case of a time-saving game state, the microcomputer 61 for game control selects a special pattern variation pattern for a big win by referring to the special pattern variation pattern selection table T8 (S100). After selecting the special pattern variation pattern, the microcomputer 61 for game control then proceeds to S98.

In addition, when it is determined that the big win flag is not ON (S91, S99: No), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the small win flag is ON (S93, S10).
1). When it is determined that the small win flag is ON (S93, S101: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 selects a special win pattern by referring to the special win pattern selection table T7, T8 according to the type of special pattern (S94, S102). As described above, in this embodiment, there is a case where a small win is not won in the drawing of the first special win pattern, but is won in the drawing of the second special win pattern. When a small win is won in the drawing of the second special win pattern, the game control microcomputer 61 selects a special win pattern by referring to the special win pattern selection table T8. After that, the game control microcomputer 61 moves to S98.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the small win flag is OFF (S93, S101: No),
The game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S95 and S103. Here, in the case of the time-saving game state (S103), the game control microcomputer 61 selects the special chart variation pattern from the special chart variation pattern selection tables T7 and T8.
By referring to the table according to the type of the special symbol, a losing special symbol variation pattern is selected, and the process proceeds to S98 (S98). In this embodiment, the first special symbol may be a losing symbol, but the second special symbol may not be a losing symbol (only either a big win or a small win).

In S95, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the reach random number value stored in the first storage area of the special symbol reservation storage section, and judges whether the acquired reach random number value is a value corresponding to "reach". If the acquired reach random number value is among the values corresponding to "reach" in the reach judgment table T5, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to a table corresponding to the type of special symbol among the special symbol change pattern selection tables T7 and T8 and selects a special symbol change pattern of "reach miss" (S96). After selecting the special symbol change pattern, the game control microcomputer 61 then proceeds to S98.

On the other hand, if the acquired reach random number value is among the values that do not correspond to "reach" in the reach determination table T5, the special chart variation pattern of "no reach, miss" is selected (S97). Then, the process proceeds to S98.

After S92, S94, S96, S97, S100, S102, and S103 are completed, the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S98, where it sets the selected variation pattern in the special pattern variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64, and ends the special pattern variation pattern selection process. The variation pattern data set in the special pattern variation pattern buffer in S98 is included in the special pattern variation start command set in S66 and S72 of the special pattern waiting process described above, and is output to the sub-control board 100 by the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process.

(Special pattern related processing)
Next, the special symbol-related process (S18) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 first judges whether or not it is the end timing of the measurement of the fluctuation time (time according to the special symbol fluctuation pattern set in S98) of the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) (S110). Then, when it is judged that it is the end timing of the fluctuation time (S110: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 displays the stop symbol of the special symbol according to the special symbol stop symbol data set in S88 (confirms the fluctuation display of the special symbol) (S111-1) and sets the special symbol fluctuation stop command (fluctuation stop command for the special symbol) in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S111-2). Also, it starts measuring the stop time of the special symbol (S111-3). Then, the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol related processing after the end of S111-3.

On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in the above-mentioned S110 that the special symbol variation time has not ended (S110: No), it determines whether or not the measurement of the stop time of the special symbol that was started in the above-mentioned S111-3 has ended (S112). If it determines that the stop time has ended (S112: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 executes a game state management process (S113) that will be described later. Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (S114-1), and if it determines that it is ON (S114-1: Yes), it executes a game state reset process (S114-2). In this game state reset process, it determines whether or not the time-saving flag is ON, and if it determines that it is ON, it turns off the time-saving flag.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines in the above-mentioned S112 that the timing for the stop time of the special symbol has not ended (S112: No), it determines whether the game state is a jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state or V win state) (S115-1). For example, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game state is a jackpot game state when the jackpot flag is ON and neither the variation time nor the stop time of the special symbol has been measured. Then, when it is determined in this S115-1 that the game state is a jackpot game state (S115-1: Yes), it executes the special electric role processing (described later) for the Type 1 jackpot state or the V win state (2nd round and after of the Type 2 jackpot state) (S115-2). Then, after the end of S115-2, the special symbol-related processing ends.

On the other hand, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in the above-mentioned S115-1 that the game is not in a big win game state (S115-1: No), it proceeds to S116-1 without going through the above-mentioned S115-2 and determines whether the game state is in a small win state or not. For example, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game is in a small win state when the small win flag is ON and neither the variation time nor the stop time of the special symbol is measured. Then, when it is determined that the game is in a small win state in this S116-1 (S116-1: Yes), it executes a special electric role processing (described later) related to the small win state (S116-2). Then, after the end of S116-2, the special symbol-related processing is terminated.

(Game status management process)
Next, the contents of the game status management process (S113) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the time-saving flag is ON or not in order to judge whether the game is in a time-saving game state (S113-1). When the time-saving flag is judged to be OFF (S113-1: No), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S113-7 described later. On the other hand, when the time-saving flag is judged to be ON (S113-1: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts 1 from the value of the special chart fluctuation number counter for counting the number of fluctuations of the special chart fluctuation display (first special chart, second special chart) during the time-saving game state (S113-2). After that, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the value of the special chart fluctuation number counter after subtraction of 1 has become "0" (S113-3). Then, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the value of the special chart fluctuation counter after subtraction of 1 has become "0" (S113-3: Yes), it turns off the time-saving flag (S113-4), sets a game state designation command including information on the current game state (non-time-saving game state) in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S113-5), and ends the game state management process. On the other hand, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the value of the special chart fluctuation counter after subtraction of 1 is not "0" in the above-mentioned S113-3 (S113-3: No), it does not turn off the time-saving flag, but sets a game state designation command including information on the current game state (time-saving 1 or time-saving 2) in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S113-5), and ends the game state management process.

In this embodiment, the game state designation command includes, as game state information, any of the following: non-time-saving game state, time-saving game state, jackpot game state (one type jackpot state, V win state), and small win state. The game state designation command that can be set in S113-5 (the point at which a predetermined stop time has elapsed from the end of the special pattern change display) is any of the following: non-time-saving game state, time-saving 1, time-saving 2, jackpot game state (one type jackpot state), and small win state. 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 (S10) of the main timer interrupt process. The value of the special pattern change number counter is decremented by 1 each time a special pattern change is consumed, and when the value of the special pattern change number counter becomes "0", the time-saving game state ends with the end of this pattern change. In this embodiment, in addition to the termination condition based on the number of times the special pattern changes, a termination condition based on the number of times the normal pattern changes is also set as the termination condition for the time-saving game state. In other words, during the time-saving game state, when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the number of times that the termination condition is met (10 times) or when the number of times the normal pattern changes reaches the number of times that the termination condition is met (50 times or 100 times), the time-saving game state ends.

(Special electric device processing (Type 1 big win state, V win state))
Next, the contents of the special electric device processing (S115-2) for the first type big win state or the V win state will be described with reference to Fig. 22. The game control microcomputer 61 executes the special electric device processing shown in Fig. 22 during a period when the special symbol is neither being displayed variably nor being displayed stationarily and the big win flag is ON.

The game control microcomputer 61 executes the jackpot opening setting (S117-1), the jackpot round setting (S117-2), the jackpot ending setting (S117-3), etc., in the special electric device processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state). In the jackpot opening setting (S117-1), the game control microcomputer 61 performs processing such as setting commands (opening command (jackpot start command), opening end command) indicating the start timing and end timing of the opening period (jackpot opening) of the jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state) in the output buffer of the RAM 64. In addition, in the jackpot round setting (S117-2), the game control microcomputer 61 performs processing such as setting commands (round start command (open command), round end command (close command)) indicating the start timing and end timing of the round period (round performance) of the jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state) in the output buffer of the RAM 64. Furthermore, in the jackpot ending setting (S117-3), the game control microcomputer 61 performs processing such as setting commands (ending command, ending end command (jackpot end command)) indicating the start timing and end timing of the ending period (jackpot ending) of the jackpot game state (type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state) in the output buffer of RAM 64.

In addition, in the jackpot opening setting and jackpot ending setting described above, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the execution time of the jackpot opening and jackpot ending in a predetermined timer and measures it. In the jackpot round setting described above, the game control microcomputer 61 opens and closes the first large prize opening 14a in an operation pattern according to the type of jackpot game state. Then, during a round game, when the upper limit number of game balls enter the first large prize opening 14a or a predetermined time has passed, the game control microcomputer 61 closes the first large prize opening 14a and ends the round game. The game control microcomputer 61 opens and closes the first large prize opening 14a for the number of rounds determined for each type of jackpot game state. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts 1 from the value of the special electric role activation valid counter each time a round of play is started, and after the round of play ends when the value of the special electric role activation valid counter becomes "0", it sets an ending command in the output buffer of the RAM 64 in the jackpot ending setting and outputs it.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether it is time to end the jackpot game state (time to end the jackpot ending) (S117-4). If it is judged that it is not time to end the jackpot game state (S117-4: No), it ends the special electric device processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state). On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 judges in S117-4 that it is time to end the jackpot game state (S117-4: Yes), it executes the processing of S117-5 to S117-8. Here, the game control microcomputer 61 turns off the jackpot flag in S117-5, turns on the time-saving flag in the following S117-6, and further sets the value of the special chart fluctuation counter for counting the number of times the special chart fluctuates during the time-saving game state to 10 times in S117-7, and sets the value of the normal chart fluctuation counter for counting the number of times the normal chart fluctuates during the time-saving game state to 50 times (in the case of time-saving 1) or 100 times (in the case of time-saving 2). Then, in S117-8, the game state designation command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and the special electric device processing (type 1 jackpot state, V hit state) is terminated.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol-related processing when the special electric device processing (Type 1 big win state, V win state) ends.

(Special electric device processing (small win state))
Next, the special electric accessory processing (S116-2) for the small win state will be described with reference to Fig. 23. The game control microcomputer 61 executes the special electric accessory processing (small win) shown in Fig. 23 in order to open the second large winning opening 15a based on the small win. Note that the special electric accessory processing (small win state) in this embodiment is executed in relation to the second special chart, so the description will be given on the premise of the second special chart.

In the special electric device processing (small win state), the game control microcomputer 61 executes the small win opening setting (S119-1), the small win release setting (S119-2), the distribution member setting (S119-3), etc.
In the small win opening setting (S119-1), the game control microcomputer 61 performs processing such as setting commands (opening command (small win start command), opening end command) indicating the start timing and end timing of the opening period of the small win state (small win opening) in the output buffer of the RAM 64. A small win opening is a performance in which a performance image celebrating the occurrence of a small win is displayed on the performance display device 7 and music celebrating the occurrence of a small win is played from each speaker 8. In the small win opening setting, the execution time of the small win opening is set in a specified timer and measured.

In addition, in the small win release setting (S119-2), the game control microcomputer 61 controls the drive of the second special electric solenoid 15d in accordance with the already determined operation start timing of the second special operating member 15b (or the start timing of the small win state) and operation end timing of the second special operating member 15b (or the end timing of the small win state). It also performs processing such as setting commands (open command, close command) indicating the determined operation start timing and operation end timing in the output buffer of the RAM 64.

Furthermore, in the distribution member setting (S119-3), the game control microcomputer 61 determines common timings for the operation start timing and operation end timing of the distribution member 56 regardless of the type of small win state (for example, it determines the start of the small win state as the operation start timing and determines the time 1.8 seconds have elapsed since the start of the operation as the operation end timing), and drives and controls the second special electric solenoid 15d in accordance with the determined operation start timing and operation end timing.

Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has passed through the specific area (S119-4). The specific area sensor 55a detects that the game ball has passed through the specific area. If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the specific area (S119-4: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag (S119-5). Next, a game state designation command including information indicating that the game is to be in a V-hit state is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S119-6) as a game state designation command including information on the game state. This game state designation command is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process. As a result, in the pachinko game machine 1, even if the game ball passes through a specific area while the second large prize opening 15a is open, it is possible to execute control to develop the small win game state into a type 2 jackpot state (initiate a V win state) in the same way as when a jackpot is determined to have been reached by the special chart win determination.

If S119-4 is negative (S119-4: No) or after S119-6 is completed, the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S119-7. In S119-7, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the closing condition of the second large prize winning port 15a based on the winning of a small prize is satisfied. The closing condition of the second large prize winning port 15a based on the winning of a small prize is that the upper limit number of game balls enter the second large prize winning port 15a after the second large prize winning port 15a is opened, or the opening time set for the opening pattern corresponding to the winning small prize has elapsed. Then, if it is determined that the closing condition of the second large prize winning port 15a is satisfied (S119-7: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns off the small prize flag (S119-8) and ends the special electric role processing (small prize game state). On the other hand, if it is determined that the condition for closing the second large prize opening 15a is not met (S119-7: No), the special electric device processing (small prize game state) is terminated without going through S119-8.

As described above, the game control microcomputer 61 functions as a "judgment means (first judgment means)" that executes a special winning judgment (judgment) that can determine whether or not a big win game state or a small win state (a ball-striking period for the first big winning opening 14a or the second big winning opening 15a) is generated when a game ball enters the first starting opening 10a or the second starting opening 12a. The game control microcomputer 61 (judgment means) is set so that the special winning judgment executed when a game ball enters the second starting opening 12a (variable starting opening) during the time-saving game state (ball-striking state) always results in a big win game state or a small win state (a ball-striking period).
In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 functions as a "judgment means (second judgment means)" that performs a normal hit judgment (operational ball entry judgment) that can determine whether or not the second starting port 12a (variable starting port), which is a type of starting port and has a variable form in which the ability of the game ball to enter, is opened for a long period of time (2.7 seconds) so that the game ball can enter, when the game ball passes through (enters) the gate 13 (operational port).
In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 functions as a "creation means" that creates a time-saving game state (a state where it is easy to score a ball) in which a long (2.7 seconds) open state (specific state) in the second starting hole 12a is more likely to occur than a non-time-saving game state (a normal game state). The game control microcomputer 61 (creation means) can create a plurality of types of easy-to-score states (time-saving 1 and time-saving 2) in which the number of times the normal symbols are displayed as a time-saving game state termination condition is different. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (creation means) can create a plurality of types of easy-to-score states (time-saving 1 and time-saving 2) in which the probability of operating the normal operating member 12b (winning the advantageous hit of the normal symbol) is different so that a long (2.7 seconds) open state (specific state) in the second starting hole 12a occurs.

[Main processing of the performance control microcomputer 101]
Next, the main processing executed by the performance control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Sub-side main control processing)
First, the sub-side main control processing will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes an initial setting (S160). In this initial setting, for example, a stack setting, a constant setting, an interrupt time setting, a CPU 102 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer
The microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance performs settings of the interruption circuit (a circuit for managing interruption time), resets various flags, counters, timers, etc. Next, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 are normal (S161), and if the determination is negative (S161: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance performs initialization of the RAM 120 (S162) and proceeds to S163. If the determination is positive in S161 (S161: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance does not initialize the RAM 120 and proceeds to S163. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (S161: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance initializes the RAM 120, but if the power-off signal is ON due to a power outage or the like but the contents of the RAM 120 are maintained normal (S161: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance does not initialize the RAM 120. Incidentally, initializing the RAM 120 resets the values of various flags, counters, timers, etc. Also, steps S160 to S162 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 prohibits interrupts (S163) and executes a random number update process (S164). 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 performance pattern 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 (S165). 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 (S166). Thereafter, S163 to S166 are repeatedly executed. Furthermore, while interrupts are permitted, it is possible to execute reception interrupt processing (S167), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S168), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S169).

(Reception interrupt processing)
Next, the reception interrupt process (S167) 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 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. For example, it judges whether the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from high to low. If it is determined that it is not time to receive, the performance control microcomputer 101 ends this process. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is time to receive, the performance control microcomputer 101 receives various commands transmitted from the main control board 60 and stores the various received commands in the reception buffer of the RAM 120. This reception interrupt process is executed in priority to other interrupt processes (S168, S169).

(1 ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S168) will be described with reference to FIG.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse with a 1 ms period is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes input processing (S170). 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 the detection signals from the decision detection switch 6a, the selection detection switch 6b, and the performance button detection switch 5a.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S171). In this output processing, the variable performance start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 in the variable performance control processing described later is output to the image control board 200. Also, in order to make the board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, and right side lamp 23b emit light in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, the lamp data created in the lamp processing (S183) in the 10 ms timer interrupt processing described later is output to the lamp control board 79. In other words, the board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, and right side lamp 23b emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the lamp data. Also, in order to drive the movable body motor 23d in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, drive data (data for driving the movable body motor 23d) is created and the created drive data is output. In other words, the movable body motor 23d is driven in a predetermined operation pattern according to the drive data. Also, in order to output sound from the speaker 8 in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, sound data created by the sound control process (S184) in the 10 ms timer interrupt process described below is output to the sound control board 78. In other words, sound is output from the speaker 8 according to the sound data.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a variable performance start command (special chart variable performance start command or normal chart variable performance start command) has been output in S171 (S172). The variable performance start command is a command output to the image control board 200 when a variable performance start command is input from the game control microcomputer 61. In addition, during a non-time-saving game state, the special chart variable performance start command is output to the image control board 200 in response to the input of the special chart variable performance start command, and during a time-saving game state, the normal chart variable performance start command is output to the image control board 200 in response to the input of the normal chart variable performance start command. Here, the performance control microcomputer 10
When it is determined that the variable performance start command has been output (S172: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 starts measuring the variable performance pattern's variable time (S173). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 performs a watchdog timer process to reset the watchdog timer (S174). After S174 is completed, or when it is determined that the variable performance start command has not been output (S172: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 ends this process.

(10ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S169) will be described with reference to FIG.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 10 ms timer interrupt processing every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 ms period is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes a received command analysis process (FIG. 27) described later (S180) and executes a switch state acquisition process (S181). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process (S170) of the 1 ms timer interrupt process is stored in the RAM 120 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process. Next, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, a switch process is executed to set the display contents of the operation performance, etc. displayed by the performance display device 7 (S182). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a lamp process (S183). In this lamp process, lamp data is created to control the light emission of each lamp (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, etc.) in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, and time management of the light emission performance is performed. As a result, each lamp performs a light emission performance in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes an audio control process (S184). In this audio control process, audio data (data for controlling the output of audio from each speaker 8) is created, the created audio data is output to the audio control board 78, and the time of the audio performance is managed. As a result, audio is output from each speaker 8 in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes other processes (S185) and ends this process.
In other processes (S185), processes such as updating the variable performance pattern random number, the advance notice performance random number for determining the advance notice performance, etc. are executed. In addition, in other processes (S185), a right hit performance process for performing a right hit performance that encourages the player to hit to the right, a performance mode setting process for setting a performance mode (described later) according to the game situation specified in response to reception of various commands from the game control microcomputer 61 (S180), etc. are executed.
Furthermore, in other processing (S185),

(Received command analysis process)
Next, the received command analysis process (S330) will be described with reference to FIG.
The microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance judges whether or not it has received a game state designation command from the main control board 60 (S190-1), and when it judges that it has received the command (S190-1: Yes), it executes a sub-side game state setting process (S190-2). The game state designation command includes information indicating the game state (whether it is a non-time-saving game state, a time-saving game state, a type 1 big win state, a small win state, or a V win state). In this sub-side game state setting process, the received game state designation command is analyzed, and the game state currently set is identified based on the information included in the game state designation command, and the game state flag indicating that game state is set to "1", and the other game state flags are set to "0". In addition, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance ends the measurement of the stop time (of the left, center, and right performance patterns 7L, 7C, and 7R) that was started in the variable performance end process (S196-2, when the special pattern variable stop command is received) described later.
After completing the processing of S190-2, or if it is determined in S190-1 that a game state designation command has not been received (S190-1: No), the performance control microcontroller 101 proceeds to S191-1.

The performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not it has received a start winning command (first start winning command or second start winning command) from the main control board 60 (S191-1), and if it judges that it has been received (S191-1: Yes), it proceeds to S191-2 and stores (updates) the start winning information included in the start winning command received in S191-1 in the first special chart reserved performance storage unit 121 or the second special chart reserved performance storage unit 122. Also, it updates the display of the collective display unit 20x (display of the reserved number corresponding to the first special chart reserved number or the second special chart reserved number) described later.
After completing the processing of S191-2, or if it determines in S191-1 that it has not received the start winning command (S191-1: No), the performance control microcontroller 101 proceeds to S192-1.

The performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not it has received an active ball entry command (information such as the result of the normal ball hit judgment) from the main control board 60 (S192-1), and if it judges that it has been received (S192-1: Yes), it proceeds to S192-2 and stores the active ball entry information contained in the active ball entry command received in S192-1 in the normal ball reserve performance storage unit 125 (updates the memory). It also updates the display of the set display unit 20x (display of the reserved number corresponding to the reserved number of normal balls) described later.
After completing the processing of S192-2, or if it determines in S192-1 that it has not received an activation ball entry command (S192-1: No), the performance control microcontroller 101 proceeds to S193-1.

The performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether an opening command has been received from the main control board 60 (S193-1), and if it is judged that an opening command has been received (S193-1: Yes), executes an opening performance selection process (S193-2). In this opening performance selection process, the opening command is analyzed, and a pattern (content) of the opening performance to be executed in the opening of the big win game state 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 in correspondence with 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.
After completing the processing of S193-2, or if it is determined in S193-1 that an opening command has not been received (S193-1: No), the performance control microcontroller 101 proceeds to S194-1.

The performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a round designation command has been received from the main control board 60 (S194-1). If it is judged in this process that a round designation command has been received (S194-1: Yes), a round performance selection process is executed (S194-2). In the round performance selection process, the type of round performance to be executed in each round of the big win game state is selected, and a round performance start command for starting the selected round performance is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.
After completing the processing of S194-2, or if it determines in S194-1 that it has not received a round designation command (S194-1: No), the performance control microcontroller 101 proceeds to S195-1.

The microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation judges whether or not an ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S195-1), and if it judges that an ending command has been received (S195-1: Yes), executes an ending presentation selection process (S195-2). In this ending presentation selection process, the ending command is analyzed, and a pattern (content) of the ending presentation to be executed at the ending of the big win game state is selected based on the analysis result. In detail, an ending presentation pattern selection table (not shown) in which an ending presentation pattern is set in correspondence with each ending command is referenced, and an ending presentation pattern associated with the received ending command is selected. Then, an ending presentation start command for starting an ending presentation with the selected ending presentation pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.
After completing the processing of S195-2, or if it determines in S195-1 that an ending command has not been received (S195-1: No), the performance control microcontroller 101 proceeds to S196-1.

The performance control microcontroller 101 determines whether or not a (special chart) variation start command has been received from the main control board 60 (S196-1), and if it is determined that it has been received (S196-1: Yes), proceeds to S196-2 and performs processing such as shifting the memory contents in the first special chart reserved performance memory unit 121 or the second special chart reserved performance memory unit 122 to the corresponding variation performance memory unit 123, and updates the display in the collective display unit 20x described later (display of the reserved number corresponding to the first special chart reserved number or the second special chart reserved number, and display of the rule pattern corresponding to the first special chart or the second special chart).
After completing the processing of S196-2, or if it determines in S196-1 that it has not received a fluctuation start command (S196-1: No), the performance control microcontroller 101 proceeds to S197-1.

The performance control microcontroller 101 determines whether or not a special pattern variation stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S197-1), and if it is determined that it has been received (S197-1: Yes), it proceeds to S197-2 and updates the display in the collective display section 20x described later (the display of the rule pattern corresponding to the first special pattern or the second special pattern).
After completing the processing of S197-2, or if it determines in S197-1 that it has not received a special chart variation stop command (S197-1: No), the performance control microcontroller 101 proceeds to S198-1.

The performance control microcontroller 101 determines whether or not it has received a regular map variation start command from the main control board 60 (S198-1), and if it determines that it has been received (S198-1: Yes), it proceeds to S198-2 and performs processing such as shifting the memory contents in the regular map reserve performance memory unit 125, and updates the display in the set display unit 20x described below (the display of the reserved number corresponding to the regular map reserve number, and the display of the regular pattern corresponding to the regular map).
After completing the processing of S198-2, or if it determines in S198-1 that it has not received the normal map change start command (S198-1: No), the performance control microcontroller 101 proceeds to S199.

Then, in S199, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes variable performance control processing related to the variable performance executed on the display screen of the performance display device 7. This variable performance control processing will be described later. Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes processing related to the reception of commands other than the above commands (S197) and ends the received command analysis processing.

(Variable performance control processing)
Next, referring to FIG. 28, the variable presentation control process (S199) will be described.
As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, under the control of the performance control microcomputer 101, during the non-time-saving game state, the variable performance on the performance display device 7 is executed based on the result of the special symbol hit judgment for the first special symbol, and during the time-saving game state (time-saving 1, time-saving 2), the variable performance on the performance display device 7 is executed based on the result of the normal symbol hit judgment. For this reason, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes different processes in the variable performance control process depending on the state of the time-saving flag. Specifically, it is first determined whether the time-saving flag is OFF or not (S21
1). If the time-saving flag is OFF, that is, if the game is in a non-time-saving game state (S211: Yes), the process proceeds to S212-1, and it is determined whether or not the first special symbol fluctuation start command has been received in the above-mentioned S196-1. If this S212-1 is a negative judgment (S212-1: No), the process proceeds to S213 described later. On the other hand, if S212-1 is a positive judgment (S212-1: Yes), a fluctuation performance pattern for the fluctuation performance of the performance pattern to be executed during the non-time-saving game state is determined based on the special symbol fluctuation patterns Ph1 to Ph10, Pa1 to Pa10 indicated by the received special symbol fluctuation start command (S212-2), and the special symbol fluctuation performance start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120, and control of the fluctuation performance is started (S212-3).

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a preview performance availability determination process to determine whether or not various preview performances that can be executed during a variable performance that starts during a non-time-saving play state will be executed during the variable performance that starts at that time based on the value of a predetermined preview performance random number (S212-4).

After the processing of S212-4 is completed, or if the aforementioned S212-1 is a negative judgment, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance proceeds to S213 to judge whether or not the first start winning command has been received in the aforementioned S191-1. If the judgment in S213 is positive (S213: Yes), the first pre-reading performance-related processing is executed (S214). In this processing, immediately after the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance receives the first start winning command in the aforementioned S191-1, if the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the first start winning command (start winning information) is a predetermined type, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether or not to execute the pre-reading performance with a probability according to the judgment result (win or lose) of the special chart hit judgment (pre-reading lottery). Then, from that point until the fluctuation performance based on the start winning information that triggered the pre-reading lottery is completed, the pre-reading performance for suggesting the final display mode (whether or not it is a big win) of the fluctuation performance is controlled to be performed on the performance display device 7 (pre-reading control). After S214 ends, this process (variable performance control process) ends. On the other hand, if S213 returns a negative result (S213: No), this process (variable performance control process) ends.

When the microcomputer 101 for controlling the effects judges that the time-saving flag is ON in the process of S211 described above, that is, when the time-saving game state is in effect (S211: No), it proceeds to S215-1 to judge whether or not the normal pattern variation start command was received in S198-1 described above. If the result of S215-1 is negative (S215-1: No), it proceeds to S216 described below. On the other hand, if the result of S215-1 is positive (S215-1: Yes), it determines the variation pattern for the variation of the effect pattern to be executed during the time-saving game state based on the normal pattern variation patterns FP5 to FP7 indicated by the received normal pattern variation start command (S215-2), sets the normal pattern variation start command in the output buffer of RAM 120, and starts controlling the variation presentation (S215-3).

After the process of S215-3 is completed, or when the above-mentioned S215-1 is negative, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance moves to S216 and judges whether or not the operating ball entry command was received in the above-mentioned S192-1. If the judgment in S216 is positive (S216: Yes), the second pre-reading performance-related process is executed (S217). In this process, immediately after the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance receives the operating ball entry command in the above-mentioned S192-1, if the normal map variation pattern indicated by the operating ball entry command (operating ball entry information) is a predetermined type, it determines whether or not to execute the pre-reading performance with a probability according to the judgment result (win or lose) of the normal map hit judgment (pre-reading lottery). Then, from that point until the variable performance based on the operating ball entry information that triggered the pre-reading lottery is completed, the pre-reading performance for suggesting the final display mode of the variable performance (whether or not the normal map hit) is performed on the performance display device 7 (pre-reading control). Then, after S217 ends, this process (variable performance control process) ends. On the other hand, if S216 is negative (S216: No), this process (variable performance control process) ends.

[Game flow and presentation mode]
Here, with reference to FIG. 29 etc., the relationship between game content (game state) and presentation content (presentation mode) will be described.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance identifies the game situation (for example, a change in the game state, etc.) based on a command from the microcomputer 61 for controlling the game, and controls the microcomputer 101 to set one of a plurality of types of performance modes according to the change in the situation. Each performance mode has different performance contents and frequency of performance execution, and the player can distinguish the difference between the performance modes. The performance mode changes according to the change in the game situation, so that the player can recognize the change in the game situation (a change in the degree of advantage for the player). In other words, by changing the performance mode, it is possible to provide a sense of sharpness to the player's expectations or to assist the player in understanding the game content. In each performance mode, for example, the display mode of the display information (background image, performance pattern, message by text, etc.) on the screen of the performance display device 7, the mode of the sound (BGM) output from the speaker 8, and the light emission mode of the light-emitting means such as the board lamp 2a are made different from each other.

The aforementioned presentation modes are mainly of two types: "normal mode" and "CZ (chance zone) mode" (an explanation of the presentation modes set in response to the jackpot game state will be omitted). "Normal mode" is a presentation mode set in response to a non-time-saving game state. "CZ mode" is a presentation mode set in response to a time-saving game state.

Briefly, the types of game states are as follows: the pachinko game machine 1 (game control microcomputer 61) can generate a non-time-saving game state, a time-saving game state, and a jackpot game state, as shown in FIG. 29. Of these, the time-saving game state is a game state in which it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second start hole 12a than the non-time-saving game state, and is a game state in which the game operation method is suitable for the player to aim the game ball at the right game area 3R, while the non-time-saving game state is a game state in which the game operation method is suitable for the player to aim the game ball at the left game area 3L. The ease of getting the game ball to enter the second start hole 12a between the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state differs depending on the difference in the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b selected in each game state (FIG. 11A). In addition, there are two types of time-saving game states (Time-saving 1 and Time-saving 2) that correspond to the difference in the operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b selected. In this embodiment, a common presentation mode is "CZ mode", but since the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting hole 12a differs in each time-saving game state, Time-saving 2 may be set to a presentation mode that is more advantageous to the player than Time-saving 1.

The pachinko game machine 1 (game control microcomputer 61) can generate a first-type jackpot state and a second-type jackpot state as jackpot game states. In these jackpot game states, the first large prize winning device 14 and the second large prize winning device 15 are present in the right game area 3R, so that the game ball is launched toward the right game area 3R as a game operation method. The first-type jackpot state is a jackpot game state that occurs in response to the result of a jackpot determination by a special chart hit determination (jackpot determination). In contrast, the second-type jackpot state is a jackpot game state consisting of a small win state that occurs in response to the result of a small win determination by a special chart hit determination (small win determination), and a V win state that occurs when the game ball passes through a specific area in this small win state. In this embodiment, the result of a small win is derived only in the special chart hit determination for the second special chart. Here, in this embodiment, the small win state occurs when the second large winning opening 15a is opened in a state in which the game ball can pass through to a specific area, regardless of the type of small win symbol that is determined when the small win determination result is derived.

When the RAM 64 is initialized with the power-on of the pachinko game machine 1, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the non-time-saving game state. Basically, the player ends the game in a non-time-saving game state that is disadvantageous to the player, and the next player starts the game from the non-time-saving game state. Therefore, the game state when the player starts the game is basically a non-time-saving game state. In this non-time-saving game state, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets the "normal mode". In the "normal mode", it is difficult to enter the second start hole 12a, and the player plays by hitting the game ball into the left game area 3L (by hitting from the left), so that the special chart hit judgment for the first special chart is executed when the game ball enters the first start hole 10a provided in the left game area 3L. On the other hand, the ball does not basically enter the second start hole 12a provided in the right game area 3R. In the special chart hit judgment for the first special chart, while there is a possibility that the result will be a big hit, it will never be a small hit. Therefore, during "normal mode", the player will play in the hope of encountering a type 1 big hit state.

The game control microcomputer 61 executes a special symbol hit determination for the first special symbol when the game ball enters the first starting hole 10a during the non-time-saving game state ("normal mode"). The "normal mode" is a presentation mode in which a variation presentation of the presentation pattern is executed in response to each special symbol variation display based on the result of the special symbol hit determination for the first special symbol. As shown in FIG. 29, when the special symbol hit determination (jackpot determination) for the first special symbol during the non-time-saving game state becomes a jackpot determination result (jackpot winning), after the special symbol variation display (jackpot variation) corresponding to the jackpot determination result ends, the game control microcomputer 61 generates a jackpot game state (specifically, a type 1 jackpot state, a 3-round jackpot), and after the end of the state, the game state is shifted to a time-saving game state ("CZ mode"). The "CZ mode" is a presentation mode in which a variation presentation of the presentation pattern is executed in response to each normal symbol variation display based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination (including the determination of the normal symbol). In addition, in the "CZ mode", if a miss or an unfavorable hit (a hit that allows the second starting hole 12a to enter for only a short time) is determined, the variable performance ends by displaying a symbol combination other than a big win, and if a favorable hit (a hit that allows the second starting hole 12a to enter for a long time) is determined, the variable performance ends by displaying a symbol combination of a big win. In other words, when a big win symbol combination is displayed in the variable performance during the "CZ mode", it is not determined that a big win game state will occur, but if the second starting hole 12a becomes ball-ready and a game ball enters it, a big win or small win will be determined by the special symbol hit judgment for the second special symbol, so that the occurrence of a big win game state is determined.

When the normal symbol hit determination executed during the time-saving game state (during "CZ mode") is a hit, the performance control microcomputer 101 drives the normal solenoid 12d for the operating time (70 ms or 2700 ms) according to the determined normal symbol, sets the normal operating member 12b to a ball-entering position, and opens the second starting hole 12a. When the game ball enters the second starting hole 12a at this time, the game control microcomputer 61 ends the display of the second special symbol's fluctuation (jackpot fluctuation or small win fluctuation) after the 1.5 seconds (1500 ms) or 150 seconds (150,000 ms) fluctuation time determined by the special symbol fluctuation pattern has elapsed, and creates a jackpot game state (type 1 jackpot state) or a small win state (type 2 jackpot state). Here, when the change time of the second special chart change display (big win change or small win change) is 1.5 seconds, the effect control microcomputer 101 performs an effect (direct win effect) that celebrates the result of the change effect in a short time. On the other hand, when the change time of the second special chart change display (big win change or small win change) is 150 seconds, it controls an effect that notifies the player of a period during which they can play to increase the number of reserved second special charts (hereinafter referred to as "stock time"). During this stock time, the display screen displays a number of jackpot effect symbols consisting of the number of "7s" that correspond to the number of reserved second special charts.

After the direct hit performance or the stock time, the performance control microcomputer 101
The "Z mode" is ended, a performance according to the big win game state is performed, and after the big win game state ends (time reduction 1 or time reduction 2), the "CZ mode" is returned to again.

In addition, when an ending condition other than a jackpot is met during the time-saving game state, the presentation control microcomputer 101 returns the presentation mode to the "normal mode" as the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state. In the case of time-saving 1, the ending conditions other than a jackpot are that the number of normal fluctuations reaches 50 and that the number of special chart fluctuations reaches 10, and in the case of time-saving 2, the ending conditions other than a jackpot are that the number of normal fluctuations reaches 100 and that the number of special chart fluctuations reaches 10.

[About the first operation performance (SP Reach C)]
Here, we will explain SP Reach C (hereinafter referred to as the ``first operation performance''), which is a type of reach performance that can be executed by the performance display device 7 based on control by the performance control microcontroller 101 and the image control CPU 202, with reference to Figures 30 to 36.

The first operation presentation is a presentation (reach presentation and operation presentation) that uses the period after the reach state is established by the left presentation pattern 7L and the right presentation pattern 7R during the variable presentation to give the player a specified mission (objective/task), and suggests the final display state of the variable presentation (whether or not it is a jackpot) depending on whether or not the mission can be accomplished. In this embodiment, when the first operation presentation is performed, the period after the reach is established is set as the detection effective period of the selection detection switch 6b, and a change is made to the presentation content depending on the detection of the selection detection switch 6b during this detection effective period. In other words, the first operation presentation is a type of operation presentation (direction selection presentation) that makes a change to the presentation content depending on the operation (selection operation) of the cross button 6 (presentation operation means) by the player.

The first operation presentation is a presentation setting in which a specific character moves on foot on the movement target area SR (representing a land of a specific form) shown in FIG. 30, reaches a "treasure chest" within a time limit (detection validity period), and challenges the mission of acquiring treasure from the treasure chest. However, the specific character itself is not displayed during its movement, and only an image showing the scenery of the presentation setting as seen from the viewpoint of the specific character is dynamically displayed. Within the time limit of the first selection presentation, the player can change the movement direction of the specific character (the player's avatar) (select a movement path to be described later) by operating (selecting) the left button or right button of the cross button 6. In other words, the operation of the left and right buttons by the player is an operation that changes the position and orientation of the specific character assumed to exist on the movement target area SR, and a scenery image seen from the viewpoint of the specific character that has moved in response to the operation is displayed. As mentioned above, the specific character is not displayed in the scenery image, so for convenience in the following explanation, the specific character having a viewpoint from which the scenery image is seen is referred to as a "virtual object" or "viewpoint". Additionally, a specific character will be displayed during the animation when opening a "treasure chest."

The performance control microcomputer 101 determines the execution of the first operation performance based on the special chart change patterns Ph6, Pa6, and instructs the image control CPU 202 to control the display. Here, regarding the first operation performance, the specific control for realizing the performance change in response to the detection of the player's operation is as follows: first, during the detection effective period (see FIG. 33, described later) set by the performance control microcomputer 101 based on the special chart change patterns Ph6, Pa6, a detection signal is output from the selection detection switch 6b in response to the operation of the cross button 6 (left and right buttons), and this detection signal (a detection signal indicating the operation of the left button or a detection signal indicating the operation of the right button) is input to the performance control microcomputer 101. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 101 transmits an image change signal corresponding to the input detection signal to the image control board 200, and the image control board 200 (image control CPU 202) that receives this image change signal updates the stored information of the position and orientation (movement direction) of the virtual object (viewpoint) on the movement target area SR stored in the viewpoint storage unit 209 (see FIG. 4), specifies scenery image information that matches the position and orientation of the virtual object (viewpoint) indicated by the updated stored information, and displays a scenery image corresponding to the specified scenery image information on the display screen of the performance display device 7. In this way, during the first operation performance, the scenery image viewed from the viewpoint of the virtual object moving in the movement target area SR is displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 7 based on the control of the performance control microcomputer 101 and the image control board 200 (image control CPU 202).

30 is a map showing a moving target area SR, which is a moving target of a virtual object (viewpoint), in a plan view. As shown in this map, the moving target area SR is composed of a plurality of types of blocks (areas A to F) that are long in the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the map, and the areas A to F are repeatedly connected in order in the short direction (the up-down direction of the map), so that the land (ground) to which the virtual object (viewpoint) is moved is endlessly connected. In the following description of the moving target area SR, the upward direction when viewed from the front as shown in FIG. 30 is described as the "YF direction", the downward direction is the "YB direction", the rightward direction is the "XR direction", and the leftward direction is the "XL direction". That is, the moving target area SR is an area that continues endlessly in the YF-YB direction, and for example, when a virtual object (viewpoint) located on area A moves uniformly in the YF direction, the moving target area SR scrolls in the order of area A, area B, area C, area D, area E, area F, area A, area B, etc., and a scenery image that changes according to the movement of the viewpoint of the virtual object is displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 7. Also, when a virtual object (viewpoint) located in area A moves uniformly in the YB direction, the moving target area SR scrolls in the order of area A, area F, area E, area D, area C, area B, area A, area F, etc., and a scenery image that changes according to the movement of the viewpoint of the virtual object is displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 7. On the other hand, the moving target area SR does not have multiple areas connected in the XR-XL direction, and the two end positions of area A to area F are the movement limit positions of the virtual object (viewpoint). That is, the scrolling of the moving target area SR in the XR-XL direction is limited to a certain range.
In this way, the movement target area SR that is the source of the landscape image displayed in the first operation presentation is an area in which the virtual object (viewpoint) can move infinitely in the YF-YB directions, and also an area in which it can move within a certain range in the XR-XL directions.

30, movement paths R1-R3 and BP1-BP4 along which a virtual object (viewpoint) can move are provided in a mesh pattern in the movement target region SR. Specifically, the movement paths include a first path R1 that extends endlessly while meandering finely in the YF-YB directions in the center of the movement target region SR in the XR-XL directions, a second path R2 that extends endlessly while meandering finely in the YF-YB directions at a position separated from the first path R1 in the XR direction, and a third path R3 that extends endlessly while meandering finely in the YF-YB directions at a position separated from the first path R1 in the XL direction. As other travel routes, a first bypass route BP1 connecting the first route R1 and the second route R2 on areas C and D, a second bypass route BP2 connecting the first route R1 and the second route R2 on area F, a third bypass route BP3 connecting the first route R1 and the third route R3 on areas A and B, and a fourth bypass route BP4 connecting the first route R1 and the third route R3 on area F are provided. In addition, in the first route R1, the branch point of the first bypass route BP1 is referred to as a first branch point br1, the branch point of the second bypass route BP2 is referred to as a second branch point br2, the branch point of the third bypass route BP3 is referred to as a third branch point br3, and the branch point of the fourth bypass route BP4 is referred to as a fourth branch point br4.

Here, the moving target region SR is a moving route R1 to R3, BP
The virtual object (viewpoint) cannot move to any place other than BP1 to BP4, and when the virtual object (viewpoint) moves on the movement routes R1 to R3, BP1 to BP4, the virtual object (viewpoint) moves along the center line of each route, and the viewpoint faces the moving direction along the center line. In this case, regarding the position of the virtual object (viewpoint), the image control CPU 202 stores information (viewpoint information) on the current position of the virtual object (viewpoint) on the movement target area SR in the viewpoint storage unit 209 of the control RAM 204, and controls to update the viewpoint information according to the movement of the virtual object (viewpoint) during the first operation performance. The viewpoint information stored in the viewpoint storage unit 209 is position information indicating the current position on the center line of the movement routes R1 to R3, BP1 to BP4, and the direction of the viewpoint is determined from the extension direction of the center line at the current position (it is also directional information indicating the direction of the viewpoint). For this reason, the image control CPU 202 can display a landscape image on the performance display device 7 according to the viewpoint information stored in the viewpoint storage unit 209. As will be described later, in the enlarged partial view of the movement target area SR shown in Figure 30, the display manner of the scenery image corresponding to the case where the viewpoint is at symbol x1 (see Figure 31(b)) and the scenery image corresponding to the case where the viewpoint is at symbol x2 (see Figure 32(b)) is different due to the different viewpoint positions and orientations.

In this way, the control RAM 204 (viewpoint memory unit 209) of the image control board 200 functions as a "position memory means" that stores position information (including viewpoint information) of the viewpoint located on the virtual movement target area SR. In addition, the image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) functions as a "viewpoint displacement means" that updates the viewpoint information (position information) in the viewpoint memory unit 209 in accordance with the operation of the cross button 6 (performance operation means).

Figure 31(a) shows the field of view when the virtual object (viewpoint) is present on the moving target area SR at a point (viewpoint x1 shown in the partially enlarged view in Figure 30) slightly on the YB side of the third branch point br3 on the first route R1 and is about to move toward the third branch point br3, and Figure 31(b) is an example of a landscape image showing the landscape viewed from the viewpoint x1. Also, Figure 32(a) shows the field of view when the virtual object (viewpoint) moves on the moving target area SR on the first route R1 in the YF direction and reaches a point (viewpoint x2 shown in the partially enlarged view in Figure 30) beyond the third branch point br3, and Figure 32(b) is an example of a landscape image showing the landscape viewed from the viewpoint x2. Note that on the display screen of the actual performance display device 7, the number of pending operations is displayed in the performance pending display area 7B and the rule pattern is displayed in the set display section 20x, but these are omitted in Figures 31(b) and 32(b). During the first operation performance, the first rule symbol is displayed in a reach state in the first rule symbol display area 211 of the collective display section 20x.

The scenery viewed from the viewpoint x1 of the virtual object is a scenery (see FIG. 31(b)) corresponding to the visual range (see FIG. 31(a)) that spreads radially from the viewpoint x1 of the virtual object toward its front side (movement destination side, YF direction) in the movement target region SR. Also, the scenery viewed from the viewpoint x2 of the virtual object is a scenery (see FIG. 32(b)) corresponding to the visual range (see FIG. 32(a)) that spreads radially from the viewpoint x2 of the virtual object toward its front side (movement destination side, direction between the YF direction and the XR direction) in the movement target region SR. As is clear from the scenery images in FIG. 31(b) and FIG. 32(b), the movement target region SR is surrounded by forests on both sides in the XR-XL directions, and represents a place with an image of a strip of grassland that vertically divides the forest. The viewing range of the viewpoints x1 and x2 is set at the limit position at a position (a straight line in the XR-XL direction) a certain distance away from the viewpoints x1 and x2 toward the front side (the movement destination side), and the area further away than the limit position is outside the viewing range (an area not visible from the viewpoints x1 and x2). Therefore, as shown in Figures 31(a) and 32(a), the viewing range of the viewpoints x1 and x2 is a triangle with the viewpoints x1 and x2 as vertices. When the viewing range extends beyond the outer range in the XR-XL direction relative to the movement target area SR, an occlusion image FG representing an obstruction such as the trees of a forest is displayed.
As described above, examples of the display contents of landscape images from two viewpoints x1, x2 are shown in Figures 31 and 32, but the same applies when the viewpoint of the virtual object is located at another position, and a landscape image corresponding to the triangular field of view extending in front of the viewpoint on the movement target area SR is displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 7, based on the viewpoint on the movement target area SR.

The configuration of the movement target area SR displayed as the scenery image during the first operation presentation is the same as the configuration of the scenery displayed as the background image of the presentation pattern during the variable presentation or during the variable interval (when special presentations such as reach presentations or waiting screens are not being executed). In other words, the first operation presentation is performed using the background image of the presentation pattern (a display of scenery that the player is familiar with) that will inevitably be in the player's field of vision for a long time if the player plays the pachinko gaming machine 1.

Here, the difference between the background image that is the background of the performance pattern during a general (for example, non-time-saving game state) variable performance or during a variable interval and the scenery image of the first operation performance will be specifically explained. The background image is a moving image that represents the scenery seen from the viewpoint of a virtual object moving at a constant speed in the YF direction on the first route R1 of the moving target area SR. The display content cannot be changed according to the player's operation, and does not include the scenery when the viewpoint moves on other moving routes R2, R3, BP1 to BP4. In contrast, the first operation performance dynamically displays the scenery image from the position of the background image that was dynamically displayed immediately before, but it is possible to display the scenery seen from the viewpoint of a virtual object moving on moving routes R2, R3, BP1 to BP4 other than the first route R1 according to the player's operation of the cross button 6 (left and right buttons) (however, the viewpoint position corresponding to the scenery image at the start of the first operation performance is a predetermined position on the first route R1 corresponding to the background image).
In addition, the image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) is a special chart variation pattern ph6,
During the execution of the variation performance based on Pa6, the display control is executed at the timing determined by the variation performance pattern of the first operation performance. In the display control, first, at the start of this first operation performance, the control regarding the normal scroll display of the background image is stopped, and the display control of the scenery image based on the relationship between the movement target area SR and the position and orientation of the virtual object (viewpoint) is started. Note that even during the period when the first operation performance is not being performed, the image control CPU 202 updates the information regarding the position and orientation of the viewpoint stored in the viewpoint storage unit 209 in accordance with the scroll position of the background image (viewpoint information), and by starting the display control of the scenery image based on the viewpoint information stored in the viewpoint storage unit 209, the dynamic display of the scenery displayed before and after the start of the first operation performance is continuous.

During the first operation performance, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets a detection effective period (see FIG. 33) during which the detection of the selection detection switch 6b is effective, and when the selection detection switch 6b is detected during this detection effective period, an image change signal is output from the performance control microcomputer 101 to the image control CPU 202. During display control for the first operation performance, when the image control CPU 202 inputs an image change signal indicating a direction selection operation (operation of the left button or right button of the cross button 6) corresponding to the branching direction at the timing when the virtual object (viewpoint) passes through a branch point (first to fourth branch points br1 to br4) on the first route R1, the image control CPU 202 moves the virtual object (viewpoint) to the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 corresponding to the branch points br1 to br4. This makes it possible to further move to the second route R2 or the third route R3. In this way, a landscape image according to the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) on the movement routes R1 to R3, BP1 to BP4 is displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 7. In addition, if the image control CPU 202 does not input an image change signal indicating an operation in the branching direction when the virtual object passes through a branching point (first to fourth branching points br1 to br4) on the first route R1, a scenery image is displayed so that the virtual object (viewpoint) passes through the branching point and continues moving on the first route R1.

In the movement target region SR (see Figs. 30, 31, and 32), there are provided two locations where the "treasure chest" is placed (hereinafter referred to as "appearance points") p1 and p2. These appearance points p1 and p2 (specific positions) are within the thicket areas TH1 and TH2, and the "treasure chest" cannot be seen from outside of them. In other words, when the virtual object (viewpoint) reaches the appearance points p1 and p2 within the thicket areas TH1 and TH2, the "treasure chest" appears on the scenery image.
is displayed, which increases the player's motivation to make the virtual object (viewpoint) reach the bush areas TH1, TH2. Note that in this embodiment, when the virtual object (viewpoint) reaches the appearance points p1, p2, a "treasure chest" is always displayed on the scenery image (a "treasure chest" always exists at the appearance points p1, p2), but it is also possible to provide a pattern in which a "treasure chest" does not exist at the appearance points p1, p2.
Here, in the first operation presentation, when the virtual object (viewpoint) reaches the appearance points p1, p2 within the time limit, a "treasure chest" is displayed on the landscape image, followed by a predetermined character corresponding to the virtual object, and a success presentation is displayed (with suggestive information attached) showing a scene in which the character opens the "treasure chest" and acquires treasure. In this way, the appearance of treasure being acquired from the "treasure chest" indicates that the result of the variable presentation will be a winning symbol combination (jackpot). In contrast, if the virtual object (viewpoint) cannot reach the appearance points p1, p2 of the "treasure chest" within the time limit, a failure presentation is displayed showing a scene in which the predetermined character is disappointed that he was unable to find the treasure in the "treasure chest". In this way, the appearance of the character being disappointed that he was unable to find the "treasure chest" indicates that the result of the variable presentation will be a losing symbol combination (loss).

As shown in Figures 33(a) and 33(b), the first operation presentation includes a first operation presentation for a loss that is executed during a variation presentation based on a loss special pattern Ph6, and a first operation presentation for a win that is executed during a variation presentation based on a win special pattern Pa6. In the first operation presentation, a treasure hunt presentation is performed during a time limit of 30 seconds (30,000 ms), and during the execution period of this treasure hunt presentation, the selection operation of the left and right buttons of the cross button 6 (detection of the selection detection switch 6b) is enabled to enable the player to move the viewpoint according to the player's operation, and the player is allowed to select the movement route R1-R3, BP1-BP4 to reach the appearance points p1 and p2 of the "treasure box". In addition, in the first operation presentation, a time for an operation explanation is secured before the treasure hunt presentation, and a time for a result presentation in which the result of the treasure hunt is announced is secured after the treasure hunt presentation. During the execution time (time limit) of the treasure hunt presentation, the remaining time after reaching the appearance points p1 and p2 of the "treasure chest" is used to execute a presentation (adjustment presentation) that connects to the result presentation.

As shown in FIG. 33(a), the change performance including the first operation performance of the miss is temporarily stopped and displayed as the right performance pattern 7R and the left performance pattern 7L 10 seconds (10,000 ms) after the start of the change.
A reach is established (a reach pattern is displayed), and the first operation performance starts from the time when the reach is established. At the start of this performance, the dynamic display of the scenery image starts, and the performance pattern is hidden. During the first 5 seconds (5000 ms) of the first operation performance, that is, during the operation explanation time, the performance control microcomputer 101 (image control CPU 202) displays explanatory information explaining the operation method (operating the left and right buttons of the cross button 6 to select a movement route), while displaying a scenery image in a flow following the dynamic display of the background image of the performance pattern up until just before. In addition, when the operation explanation ends, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets the detection effective period of the selection detection switch 6b to 30 seconds (30000 ms) as the time (time limit) of the following treasure hunt performance. Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 101 (image control CPU 202) causes the performance display device 7 to display the result performance (failure performance) described above for 5 seconds (5000 ms) after the time (time limit) of the treasure hunt performance ends. Then, at the timing when the failure first operation presentation ends in response to the end of the failure presentation, the presentation symbols are displayed as a failure symbol combination on the presentation display device 7.

The same is true for the variable performance including the first operation performance of the winning combination. As shown in FIG. 33(b), the reach is established 10 seconds (10000 ms) after the start of the variation, and the first operation performance starts from the time when the reach is established. At the start of this performance, a landscape image is dynamically displayed in the flow from the background image up to that point, and the performance pattern is hidden. During the first 5 seconds (5000 ms) of the first operation performance, that is, during the operation explanation time, the performance control microcomputer 101 (image control CPU 202) displays explanatory information explaining the operation method (operating the left and right buttons of the cross button 6 to select a movement route), while displaying a landscape image in the flow following the dynamic display of the background image of the performance pattern up to that point. In addition, when the operation explanation ends, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets the detection effective period of the selection detection switch 6b to 30 seconds (30000 ms) as the time (time limit) of the following treasure hunt performance. Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 101 (image control CPU 202) displays the above-mentioned result performance (success performance) on the performance display device 7 for 6 seconds (6000 ms) after the treasure hunt performance time (time limit) has ended. Then, at the timing when the first winning operation performance ends in response to the end of the successful performance, the performance symbols are displayed as a big win symbol combination on the performance display device 7.

As described above, when the first operation presentation is executed based on the winning special chart variation pattern Pa6 (winning first operation presentation), a success presentation is performed as the final result presentation and ends with a big win display mode, whereas when the first operation presentation is executed based on the losing special chart variation pattern Ph6 (losing first operation presentation), a failure presentation is performed as the final result presentation and ends with a loss display mode. However, whether or not the appearance points p1 and p2 of the "treasure chest" can be reached within the time limit in the treasure hunt presentation depends on the presence or absence of a selection operation of the cross button 6 (left and right buttons) by the player and the operation mode. In other words, if the virtual object (viewpoint) can reach the appearance points p1 and p2 of the "treasure chest" within the time limit by the player appropriately operating the cross button 6 despite the losing first operation presentation, a contradiction in presentation may occur between the result presentation (losing presentation) and the subsequent result presentation (losing presentation). Furthermore, if the player does not operate the cross button 6 or operates it in an inappropriate manner despite it being a winning first operation presentation, the virtual object (viewpoint) will not be able to reach the appearance points p1, p2 of the "treasure chest" within the time limit, which may result in a contradiction in presentation with the subsequent result presentation (success presentation). Therefore, in this embodiment, when performing the first operation presentation, the presentation control microcomputer 101 (image control CPU 202) validates the operation of the cross button 6 by the player (detection of the selection detection switch 6b) within the time limit of the treasure hunt presentation, while determining the result of the treasure hunt presentation (the appearance point p1,
The content of the presentation is controlled so that the result of the change (whether or not p2 can be reached) is consistent with the final display mode (jackpot, miss) of the variable presentation.
In other words, if the virtual object (viewpoint) fails to reach appearance points p1, p2 within the time limit despite being in the first operation presentation that is a winning combination, then, for example, a presentation (second presentation) in which a "treasure chest" is discovered at the final movement position during the treasure hunt presentation is performed as the result presentation (success presentation) described above, and the presentation is controlled so that it follows a flow that does not contradict the final display mode of the variable presentation.
Furthermore, if there is a possibility that the virtual object (viewpoint) can reach appearance points p1, p2 within the time limit despite the first operation presentation being a miss, the movement path is controlled so that the virtual object (viewpoint) cannot pass through it (selection restriction process described later).

In this selection restriction process (control process for restricting the selection of a movement route through which a virtual object (viewpoint) passes), control is executed based on the movement time required for the virtual object (viewpoint) to reach appearance points p1, p2 of the "treasure chest." Here, the movement time between two points for each of the branch points br1 to br4 on the first route R1 and appearance points p1, p2 (second route R2 and third route R3) is determined, for example, as shown in FIG. 34.
Specifically, the moving time when the virtual object (viewpoint) moves from one of the first branch point br1 and the fourth branch point br4 on the first route R1 to the other is set to 16 seconds (16000 ms). Also, the moving time when the virtual object (viewpoint) moves from one of the fourth branch point br4 and the second branch point br2 on the first route R1 to the other is set to 1 second (1000 ms). Also, the moving time when the virtual object (viewpoint) moves from one of the second branch point br2 and the third branch point br3 on the first route R1 to the other is set to 6 seconds (6000 ms). Also, the moving time when the virtual object (viewpoint) moves from one of the third branch point br3 and the first branch point br1 on the first route R1 to the other is set to 8 seconds (8000 ms).
The travel time of the virtual object (viewpoint) from the first branch point br1 on the first route R1 to the appearance point p1 on the second route R2 via the first bypass route BP1 is set to 10 seconds (10000 ms).
The travel time from the second branch point br2 on the route R1 to the appearance point p1 on the second route R2 via the second bypass route BP2 is set to 18 seconds (18000 ms). Also, the travel time from the third branch point br3 on the first route R1 to the appearance point p2 on the third route R3 via the third bypass route BP3 is set to 20 seconds (20000 ms). Also, the travel time from the fourth branch point br4 on the first route R1 to the appearance point p2 on the third route R3 via the fourth bypass route BP4 is set to 15 seconds (15000 ms).

Therefore, depending on the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the first operation presentation, the travel time required to reach the appearance points p1 and p2 of the "treasure chest" is, for example, as shown in Figure 35. Note that in Figure 35, for each position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt presentation, the travel patterns to reach the appearance points p1 and p2 via the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 are arranged in order of shortest travel time.

When the virtual object (viewpoint) is located between the third branch point br3 and the first branch point br1 on the first route R1 at the start of the treasure hunt performance (time limit), the appearance point p1,
The player can select one of four patterns to move to p2 via bypass routes BP1 to BP4.
The travel time to reach No. 2 is 10 seconds (10000 ms) to 18 seconds (18000 ms) in the pattern via the first bypass route BP1 (the order of travel is the first branch point br1, the first bypass route BP1, the emergence point p1), 35 seconds (35000 ms) to 43 seconds (43000 ms) in the pattern via the second bypass route BP2 (the order of travel is the first branch point br1, the fourth branch point br4, the second branch point br2, the second bypass route BP2, the emergence point p1), and 42 seconds (42000 ms) to 59 seconds (59000 ms) in the pattern via the third bypass route BP3 (the order of travel is the first branch point br1, the fourth branch point br4, the second branch point br2, the third branch point br3, the third bypass route BP3, the emergence point p2). In addition, in the pattern via the fourth bypass route BP4 (movement order of the first branch point br1, the fourth branch point br4, the fourth bypass route BP4, and the emergence point p2), the time is 31 seconds (31000 ms) to 39 seconds (39000 ms).

In addition, when the virtual object (viewpoint) is located between the first branch point br1 and the fourth branch point br4 on the first route R1 at the start of the treasure hunt performance (time limit), the player can select one of four patterns that go through the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 as a movement pattern to the appearance points p1 and p2. The movement time to reach the appearance points p1 and p2 in each of these four movement patterns is 25 seconds (25000 ms) to 41 seconds (41000 ms) in the pattern that goes through the first bypass route BP1 (movement order: fourth branch point br4, second branch point br2, third branch point br3, first branch point br1, first bypass route BP1, appearance point p1). In addition, in the pattern via the second bypass route BP2 (the order of movement is the fourth branch point br4, the second branch point br2, the second bypass route BP2, and the emergence point p1), the time is 19 seconds (19,000 ms) to 35 seconds (35,000 ms). In addition, in the pattern via the third bypass route BP3 (the order of movement is the fourth branch point br4, the second branch point br2, the third branch point br3, the third bypass route BP3, and the emergence point p2), the time is 27 seconds (27,000 ms) to 43 seconds (43,000 ms). In addition, in the pattern via the fourth bypass route BP4 (the order of movement is the fourth branch point br4, the fourth bypass route BP4, and the emergence point p2), the time is 15 seconds (15,000 ms) to 31 seconds (31,000 ms).

In addition, when the virtual object (viewpoint) is located between the fourth branch point br4 and the second branch point br2 on the first route R1 at the start of the treasure hunt performance (time limit), the player can select one of four patterns that go through the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 as a movement pattern to the appearance points p1 and p2. The movement time to reach the appearance points p1 and p2 in each of these four movement patterns is 24 seconds (24000 ms) to 25 seconds (25000 ms) in the pattern that goes through the first bypass route BP1 (moving in the order of the second branch point br2, the third branch point br3, the first branch point br1, the first bypass route BP1, and the appearance point p1). In addition, in the pattern that goes through the second bypass route BP2 (moving in the order of the second branch point br2, the second bypass route BP2, and the appearance point p1), it is 18 seconds (18000 ms) to 19 seconds (19000 ms). In addition, in the pattern via the third bypass route BP3 (the movement order is the second branch point br2, the third branch point br3, the third bypass route BP3, and the emergence point p2), the time is 26 seconds (26000 ms
) to 27 seconds (27000 ms). In the pattern via the fourth bypass route BP4 (the movement order is the second branch point br2, the third branch point br3, the first branch point br1, the fourth branch point br4, the fourth bypass route BP4, and the emergence point p2), the time is 45 seconds (45000 ms) to 46 seconds (46000 ms).

Furthermore, when the virtual object (viewpoint) is located between the second branch point br2 and the third branch point br3 on the first route R1 at the start of the treasure hunt performance (time limit), the player can select one of four patterns that go through the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 as a movement pattern to the appearance points p1 and p2. The movement time to reach the appearance points p1 and p2 in each of these four movement patterns is 18 seconds (18,000 ms) to 24 seconds (24,000 ms) in the pattern that goes through the first bypass route BP1 (moving in the order of the third branch point br3, the first branch point br1, the first bypass route BP1, the appearance point p1). Also, in the pattern that goes through the second bypass route BP2 (moving in the order of the third branch point br3, the first branch point br1, the second branch point br2, the second bypass route BP2, the appearance point p1), it is 42 seconds (42,000 ms) to 48 seconds (48,000 ms).
seconds (48000 ms). In addition, in the pattern via the third bypass route BP3 (the movement order is the third branch point br3, the third branch point br3, the third bypass route BP3, the emergence point p2), it is 20 seconds (20000 ms) to 26 seconds (26000 ms). In addition, in the pattern via the fourth bypass route BP4 (the movement order is the third branch point br3, the first branch point br1, the fourth branch point br4, the fourth bypass route BP4, the emergence point p2), it is 39 seconds (39000 ms) to 45 seconds (45000 ms).

Here, the selection restriction process executed by the image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) will be specifically described. The selection restriction process is a control process executed during the treasure hunt presentation in the first operation presentation (during the time limit, i.e., during the detection valid period of the selection detection switch 6b), and includes a "first control" that prohibits the virtual object (viewpoint) on the movement target area SR from moving from the first route R1 (branch points br1 to br4) to a predetermined bypass route BP1 to BP4 based on the operation of the cross button 6 (left and right buttons) by the player, and a "second control" that changes the state of the movement target area SR so that it is easy to understand from the display content that the predetermined bypass route BP1 to BP4 cannot be moved to, thereby changing the state of the scenery image.
The "first control" is a control that disables the detection of the selection detection switch 6b when the virtual object (viewpoint) is located within a predetermined movement range (predetermined branch points br1 to br4 on the first route R1) in the movement target region SR. As a result, even if the left or right button is operated at a predetermined branch point br1 to br4, the virtual object (viewpoint) is unable to transition to the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 branching off from the predetermined branch point br1 to br4 and continues moving on the first route R1.
The "second control" is a control for changing the configuration of the movement target area SR to a state in which the ground of an area (any of the collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 shown in FIG. 30) including the entrances of the predetermined bypass routes BP1 to BP4 in the movement target area SR has collapsed, and this notifies the user that the virtual object (viewpoint) cannot pass through the predetermined bypass routes BP1 to BP4.
The figure shows the state where ground collapses have occurred in areas HA3 and HA4. The other collapse area HA1 is also set to experience ground collapses in the same way.

The image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) determines the branch points br1 to br4 (collapsed areas HA1 to HA4) to be subjected to the selection restriction process (first control, second control) based on the relationship between the result of the special chart hit determination (whether it is a miss first operation presentation or a hit first operation presentation) and the travel time from the branch points br1 to br4 to the appearance points p1 and p2 (see FIG. 35). In this case, the branch points br1 to br4 (collapsed areas HA1 to HA4) to be subjected to the selection restriction process (first control, second control) are made different between the case where the miss first operation presentation is performed and the case where the hit first operation presentation is performed.
In addition, the selection restriction process (first control, second control) is a control process for matching the result of the treasure hunt presentation in the losing first operation presentation with the final display mode (losing) of the variable presentation, so even if this process is not executed in the winning first operation presentation, the result of the treasure hunt presentation will not become inconsistent with the final display mode (jackpot) of the variable presentation. However, if this process is executed only in the losing first operation presentation and not in the winning first operation presentation, the player will be able to guess the final display mode (jackpot or losing) of the variable presentation just from the presence or absence of a ground collapse on the landscape image, which will reduce interest. For this reason, in this embodiment, even during the winning first operation presentation, the appearance point p1 of the virtual object (viewpoint),
To the extent that reach to p2 is maintained, a selection restriction process (first control, second control) can be executed to cause a ground collapse in at least one collapse area HA1 to HA4 and restrict route change operations.

When the image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) executes a losing first operation presentation during a variation presentation based on a losing special chart variation pattern Ph6, it first identifies the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) in the movement target area SR stored in the viewpoint memory unit 209 at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the losing first operation presentation, and determines, as targets for selection restriction processing (first control, second control), the branch points br1 to br4 and collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 (collapsed areas on the route) corresponding to the movement patterns that can reach the appearance points p1, p2 within the time limit (30 seconds) of the treasure hunt presentation (i.e., the movement patterns in which the movement time is less than 30,000 ms in FIG. 35) among the four movement patterns (see FIG. 35) corresponding to the position of the identified virtual object (viewpoint), as targets for selection restriction processing (first control, second control).

To explain more specifically, for example, if the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the loss first operation presentation is a position on the first route R1 between the third branch point br3 and the first branch point br1, as shown in FIG. 35, the travel time to the appearance points p1 and p2 is 10 seconds (10,000 ms) at the shortest for a travel pattern that passes through the first bypass route BP1, 31 seconds (31,000 ms) at the shortest for a travel pattern that passes through the fourth bypass route BP4, 35 seconds (35,000 ms) at the shortest for a travel pattern that passes through the second bypass route BP2, and 42 seconds (42,000 ms) at the shortest for a travel pattern that passes through the third bypass route BP3. When the virtual object (viewpoint) moves along the travel pattern that passes through the first bypass route BP1, it may reach the appearance point p1 within the time limit (30 seconds), which may contradict the final display result (loss) of the variable presentation. For this reason, in this situation, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines the first branch point br1 and the collapsed area HA1 as targets of the selection restriction process (first control, second control). That is, the operation of the cross button 6 (detection of the selection detection switch 6b) when the virtual object (viewpoint) is located at the first branch point br1 on the first route R1 is invalidated (first control), and the collapsed area HA1 on the movement target region SR is changed to a state indicating that the ground has collapsed at the timing when the virtual object (viewpoint) approaches the first branch point br1 on the first route R1.

Also, for example, if the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the loss first operation presentation is a position between the first branch point br1 and the fourth branch point br4 on the first route R1, as shown in FIG. 35, the movement time to the appearance points p1 and p2 is the shortest 15 seconds (15,000 ms) for the movement pattern that passes through the fourth bypass route BP4, the shortest 19 seconds (19,000 ms) for the movement pattern that passes through the second bypass route BP2, the shortest 25 seconds (25,000 ms) for the movement pattern that passes through the first bypass route BP1, and the shortest 27 seconds (27,000 ms) for the movement pattern that passes through the third bypass route BP3. When the virtual object (viewpoint) moves along all of the movement patterns that pass through the first to fourth bypass routes BP1 to BP4, there is a possibility that the appearance points p1 and p2 will be reached within the time limit (30 seconds), which will be inconsistent with the final display result (loss) of the variable presentation. Therefore, in this situation, the image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) determines the first branch point br1 to the fourth branch point br4 and the collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 as targets for selection restriction processing (first control, second control). That is, operation of the cross button 6 (detection of the selection detection switch 6b) when the virtual object (viewpoint) is located at each of the first branch point br1 to the fourth branch point br4 on the first route R1 is disabled (first control), and when the virtual object (viewpoint) approaches the fourth branch point br4 on the first route R1, the collapsed area HA4 on the movement target region SR is changed to a state indicating that the ground has collapsed, when it approaches the second branch point br2, the collapsed area HA2 on the movement target region SR is changed to a state indicating that the ground has collapsed, when it approaches the third branch point br3, the collapsed area HA3 on the movement target region SR is changed to a state indicating that the ground has collapsed, and when it approaches the first branch point br1, the collapsed area HA1 on the movement target region SR is changed to a state indicating that the ground has collapsed.

In addition, when the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the loss first operation presentation is a position between the fourth branch point br4 and the second branch point br2 on the first route R1, the travel time to the appearance points p1 and p2 is the shortest 18 seconds (18,000 ms) in the travel pattern that passes through the second bypass route BP2, as shown in FIG.
, the shortest is 24 seconds (24000 ms) for the movement pattern passing through the first bypass route BP1, the shortest is 26 seconds (26000 ms) for the movement pattern passing through the third bypass route BP3, and the shortest is 45 seconds (45000 ms) for the movement pattern passing through the fourth bypass route BP4. When the virtual object (viewpoint) moves along each movement pattern passing through the first to third bypass routes BP1 to BP3, there is a possibility that it will reach the appearance points p1 and p2 within the time limit (30 seconds), which will contradict the final display result (miss) of the variable performance. For this reason, in this situation, the image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) determines the first branch point br1 to the third branch point br3 and the collapsed areas HA1 to HA3 as targets for the selection restriction process (first control, second control).
In addition, when the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the loss first operation presentation is a position between the second branch point br2 and the third branch point br3 on the first route R1, the travel time to the appearance points p1 and p2 is the shortest 18 seconds (18,000 ms) in the travel pattern that passes through the first bypass route BP1, as shown in FIG.
The shortest time is 20 seconds (20000 ms) for the movement pattern passing through the third bypass route BP3, 39 seconds (39000 ms) for the movement pattern passing through the fourth bypass route BP4, and 42 seconds (42000 ms) for the movement pattern passing through the second bypass route BP2. When the virtual object (viewpoint) moves along each movement pattern passing through the first and third bypass routes BP1 and BP3, there is a possibility that it will reach the appearance points p1 and p2 within the time limit (30 seconds), which will contradict the final display result (miss) of the variable performance. For this reason, in this situation, the image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) determines the first branch point br1, the third branch point br3, and the collapsed areas HA1 and HA3 as targets for the selection restriction process (first control, second control).

As described above, when the first operation performance is executed, a movement pattern corresponding to the movement time during which the virtual object (viewpoint) can reach the appearance points p1 and p2 of the "treasure box" is specified according to the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt performance (time limit), and the state of the collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 in the movement target area SR is changed so as to block the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 on the specified movement pattern (to collapse the ground). In addition, in order to prohibit the movement of the virtual object (viewpoint) to the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 passing through the collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 that have collapsed the ground, the operation of the cross button 6 (left and right buttons) at the branch points br1 to br4 to the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 is disabled. As a result, the virtual object (viewpoint) will not reach the appearance points p1 and p2 of the "treasure box" during the treasure hunt performance (time limit) of the first operation performance, and there will be no inconsistency in the consistency with the subsequent result performance (failure performance) or the final display mode (loss) of the change performance.

When the image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) executes a winning first operation presentation during a variation presentation based on the winning special chart variation pattern Pa6, it first identifies the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) in the movement target area SR at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the winning first operation presentation, and among the four movement patterns (see FIG. 35) corresponding to the identified virtual object (viewpoint) position, at least one movement pattern that can reach appearance points p1, p2 within the time limit (30 seconds) of the treasure hunt presentation (i.e., the movement time is less than 30,000 ms in FIG. 35) is left, and the branch points br1 to br4 and collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 (collapsed areas on the route) corresponding to the other movement patterns are determined to be targets for selection restriction processing (first control, second control).

To explain in detail, for example, when the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the first winning operation presentation is a position between the third branch point br3 and the first branch point br1 on the first route R1, the appearance point p1 may be reached within the time limit (30 seconds) only when the virtual object (viewpoint) moves along a movement pattern that passes through the first bypass route BP1, as described above with reference to Fig. 35. For this reason, the second to fourth branch points br2 to br4, which are branch points of the second to fourth bypass routes BP2 to BP4, are determined as targets of the first control (selection restriction process), and the collapsed areas HA2 to HA4 through which the second to fourth bypass routes BP2 to BP4 pass are determined as targets of the second control (selection restriction process). That is, operation of the cross button 6 (detection of the selection detection switch 6b) when the virtual object (viewpoint) is located at each of the second branch point br2 to the fourth branch point br4 on the first route R1 is disabled (first control), and when the virtual object (viewpoint) approaches the fourth branch point br4 on the first route R1, the collapsed area HA4 on the movement target region SR is changed to a state indicating that the ground has collapsed, when the virtual object (viewpoint) approaches the second branch point br2, the collapsed area HA2 on the movement target region SR is changed to a state indicating that the ground has collapsed, and when the virtual object (viewpoint) approaches the third branch point br3, the collapsed area HA3 on the movement target region SR is changed to a state indicating that the ground has collapsed.
That is, during the treasure hunt presentation (time limit), the player operates the right button of the cross button 6 at the timing when the virtual object (viewpoint) is located at the first branch point br1, thereby causing the virtual object (viewpoint) to reach the appearance point p1. Therefore, it is possible to maintain consistency with the result presentation (success presentation) executed after the treasure hunt presentation and the final display mode of the variable presentation (jackpot symbol combination).
In this case, the virtual object (viewpoint) may not reach appearance points p1 and p2 if the player does not operate the cross button 6, or operates it only at a timing when the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) does not match the first branch point br1, etc. In this case, as described above, a revival effect is performed in the result effect after the treasure hunt effect, so that there is no contradiction with the final display mode (jackpot) of the variable effect.

Also, for example, if the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the first winning operation presentation is a position between the first branch point br1 and the fourth branch point br4 on the first route R1, there is a possibility that the virtual object (viewpoint) will reach the appearance points p1 and p2 within the time limit (30 seconds) when it moves along all of the movement patterns that pass through the first to fourth bypass routes BP1 to BP4, as described above with reference to Fig. 35. In this case, at least one movement pattern is left, and the branch points br1 to br4 and the collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 corresponding to the other movement patterns are determined to be targets of the selection restriction process (first control, second control). For example, the branch points br2, br3 and collapse areas HA2, HA3 corresponding to the movement patterns passing through each of the second bypass route BP2 and the third bypass route BP3 are determined to be targets of the selection restriction process (first control, second control), while the movement patterns passing through each of the fourth bypass route BP4 and the first bypass route BP1 are determined not to be targets of the selection restriction process (first control, second control).
That is, during the treasure hunt presentation (time limit), the player operates the left button of the cross button 6 when the virtual object (viewpoint) is at the fourth branch point br4, or operates the right button of the cross button 6 when the virtual object is at the first branch point br1, thereby causing the virtual object (viewpoint) to reach appearance points p1 and p2. Therefore, it is possible to maintain consistency with the result presentation (success presentation) executed after the treasure hunt presentation and the final display mode of the variable presentation (jackpot symbol combination).
In this case, the virtual object (viewpoint) may not reach appearance points p1 and p2 if the player does not operate the cross button 6, if the player operates it only at a timing when the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) does not coincide with the fourth branch point br4 or the first branch point br1, or if the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the performance is a position far away from the fourth branch point br4 (a position close to the first branch point br1), etc. In this case, as described above, a revival performance is performed in the result performance after the treasure hunt performance, so that no contradiction occurs with the final display mode (jackpot) of the variable performance.

Also, for example, if the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the first winning operation presentation is between the fourth branch point br4 and the second branch point br2 on the first route R1, there is a possibility that the virtual object (viewpoint) will reach the appearance points p1 and p2 within the time limit (30 seconds) when it moves along each of the movement patterns passing through the first to third bypass routes BP1 to BP3, as described above with reference to Fig. 35. In this case, at least one movement pattern is left, and the branch points br1 to br4 and the collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 corresponding to the other movement patterns are determined to be targets of the selection restriction process (first control, second control). For example, the first branch point br1 and collapsed area HA1 corresponding to the movement pattern passing through the first bypass route BP1 are determined to be the targets of the selection restriction process (first control, second control), while the movement patterns passing through each of the fourth bypass route BP4, the second bypass route BP2, and the first bypass route BP1 are determined not to be the targets of the selection restriction process (first control, second control).
That is, during the treasure hunt presentation (time limit), the player operates the right button of the cross button 6 at the timing when the virtual object (viewpoint) is located at the first branch point br1, thereby causing the virtual object (viewpoint) to reach the appearance point p1. Therefore, it is possible to maintain consistency with the result presentation (success presentation) executed after the treasure hunt presentation and the final display mode of the variable presentation (jackpot symbol combination).
In this case, the virtual object (viewpoint) may not reach appearance points p1 and p2 if the player does not operate the cross button 6, or operates it only at a timing when the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) does not match the first branch point br1, etc. In this case, as described above, a revival effect is performed in the result effect after the treasure hunt effect, so that there is no contradiction with the final display mode (jackpot) of the variable effect.

In addition, for example, when the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit) in the winning first operation presentation is a position between the second branch point br2 and the third branch point br3 on the first route R1, as described above with reference to FIG. 35, the virtual object (viewpoint)
When moving, there is a possibility that the appearance points p1, p3 will be reached within the time limit (30 seconds). In this case, at least one movement pattern is left, and the branch points br1 to br4 and the collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 corresponding to the other movement patterns are determined as targets of the selection restriction process (first control, second control). For example, the first branch point br1 and the collapsed area HA1 corresponding to the movement pattern passing through the first bypass route BP1 are determined as targets of the selection restriction process (first control, second control), while the movement patterns passing through each of the third bypass route BP3, the fourth bypass route BP4, and the second bypass route BP2 are determined not to be targets of the selection restriction process (first control, second control).
That is, during the treasure hunt presentation (time limit), the player operates the right button of the cross button 6 at the timing when the virtual object (viewpoint) is located at the first branch point br1, thereby causing the virtual object (viewpoint) to reach the appearance point p1. Therefore, it is possible to maintain consistency with the result presentation (success presentation) executed after the treasure hunt presentation and the final display mode of the variable presentation (jackpot symbol combination).
In this case, the virtual object (viewpoint) may not reach appearance points p1 and p2 if the player does not operate the cross button 6, or operates it only at a timing when the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) does not match the first branch point br1, etc. In this case, as described above, a revival effect is performed in the result effect after the treasure hunt effect, so that there is no contradiction with the final display mode (jackpot) of the variable effect.

As described above, when executing the first winning operation performance, one or more types of movement patterns corresponding to the movement time during which the virtual object (viewpoint) can reach the appearance points p1, p2 of the "treasure chest" are specified according to the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) at the start of the treasure hunt performance (time limit), and the state of the collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 in the movement target area SR is changed so as to block at least one type of bypass route BP1 to BP4 (causing the ground to collapse) among the specified movement patterns. In addition, in order to prohibit the movement of the virtual object (viewpoint) to the bypass route BP1 to BP4 passing through the collapsed areas HA1 to HA4 that have caused the ground to collapse, the operation of the cross button 6 (left and right buttons) at the branch points br1 to br4 to the bypass route BP1 to BP4 is disabled. This makes it possible to give a change (occurrence of ground collapse) to the state of the scenery image displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 7 while making it possible for the virtual object (viewpoint) to reach the appearance points p1, p2 of the "treasure chest" during the treasure hunt performance (time limit) of the first winning operation performance.

That is, the image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) functions as an "area setting means" that sets the movement routes R1-R3, BP1-BP4 along which the virtual object (viewpoint) can move on the movement target area SR, and changes the state of the movement routes R1-R3, BP1-BP4 based on the result of the special chart hit determination. Then, the image control CPU 202 (image control board 200) dynamically displays on the performance display device 7 a landscape image in response to the movement target area SR in which the state of the movement routes R1-R3, BP1-BP4 is changed, viewed from a viewpoint of a position and direction corresponding to the viewpoint information (position information) stored in the viewpoint storage unit 209, in response to the update of the viewpoint information. Here, when the first operation presentation is executed, even if the position of the virtual object (viewpoint) is the same at the start of the treasure hunt presentation (time limit), the state (presence or absence of collapse) of the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 leading to the appearance points p1 and p2 of the "treasure chest" is made completely different depending on whether the first operation presentation is based on the special chart fluctuation pattern Ph6 or the special chart fluctuation pattern Pa6 (whether it is a miss or hit presentation). In other words, the first operation presentation is a presentation that reflects the result of the special chart hit judgment that triggered the change presentation in the result of the presentation change (operation presentation) due to the player's operation of the cross button 6 (left and right buttons).

[About the second operation performance (SP Reach E)]
Here, we will explain SP Reach E (hereinafter referred to as the ``second operation performance''), which is a type of reach performance that can be executed by the performance display device 7 based on control by the performance control microcontroller 101 and the image control CPU 202, with reference to Figures 37 to 39.
The microcomputer 101 for controlling the presentation decides to execute the second operation presentation (miss second operation presentation, winning second operation presentation) based on the special chart change patterns Ph8, Pa8, and instructs the CPU 202 for image control to control the display.

The second operation presentation is a presentation (reach presentation) that is performed during the period after the reach state is established by the left presentation pattern 7L and the right presentation pattern 7R during the change presentation, and suggests the final display mode (whether or not it is a big win) of the change presentation depending on whether the result of the time trial by the running of the racing car RC (running time) is within the time limit. In this embodiment, when the second operation presentation is performed, the period after the reach is established is set as the detection effective period of the selection detection switch 6b, and the presentation content is changed depending on the detection of the selection detection switch 6b during this detection effective period. In other words, the second operation presentation is a type of operation presentation (direction selection presentation) that changes the presentation content depending on the operation (selection operation) of the cross button 6 (presentation operation means) by the player. In the second operation presentation of this embodiment, only the left and right buttons of the cross button 6 can be used, and the presentation content is not changed even if the forward and backward buttons are operated. However, the forward and backward buttons may be used, and in this case, for example, the forward button may be used as a presentation operation means for acceleration, and the backward button may be used as a presentation operation means for deceleration.
The specific control for realizing the change in presentation in response to the detection of a player's operation in this second operation presentation is basically the same as that in the first selection presentation described above.

In the second selection presentation, like the first operation presentation described above, an operation explanation is given first and a result presentation is given at the end. A time limit (e.g. 50 seconds) is set between the operation explanation (e.g. 5 seconds) and the result presentation (e.g. 5 to 6 seconds) to execute a time trial presentation. If the goal (specific position) is reached within the time limit, a success presentation is displayed (suggestive information is given) as the result presentation, and if the goal cannot be reached within the time limit, a failure presentation is executed as the result presentation once the time limit has elapsed. In the time remaining after reaching the goal within the time limit, a presentation (adjustment presentation) to connect to the result presentation is executed.

The viewpoint memory unit 209 (position memory means, direction memory means) provided in the control RAM 204 of the image control board 200 stores the position and orientation of the virtual object (viewpoint) on the second moving target area SR2. The second moving target area SR2 represents the circuit that is the stage for the second selection performance. As shown in FIG. 37, the second moving target area SR2 has a single circular moving path R4, and the circuit gate G, which is the start point and the finish point of the time trial, is located at a predetermined position on this moving path R4. In addition, the moving path R4 has curved path portions scattered at multiple locations, and the final path FL just before the finish (circuit gate G) is straight. A racing car RC driven by a driver (racer) as a virtual object runs on this circuit, and a landscape image (see FIG. 38) viewed from the viewpoint of the virtual object at that time is displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 7. The scenery image for the second selection effect is unrelated to the scenery displayed as the background image for the effect patterns used in the variable effect, and is a scenery image unique to the second selection effect (reach effect).

The movement target area SR in the first selection performance described above was an area where the virtual object (viewpoint) could move along the center line of the movement routes R1-R3 and BP1-BP4, whereas the second movement target area SR2 in the second selection performance allows the virtual object (viewpoint) to pass through different positions in the width direction of the movement route R4 (the same route portion of the movement route R4 can be passed through in a plurality of progression modes). For this reason, when the racing car RC carrying the virtual object (viewpoint) passes through a curved route portion of the movement route R4, if it can move along a gentle curved trajectory by effectively using the route width (using the so-called out-in-out driving technique), as shown by the two-dot chain arrow in Fig. 39(a), it can pass through the curved route portion in a short time, and the overall travel time can be shortened, making it possible to reach the circuit gate G at the goal point during the time trial performance (within the time limit). On the other hand, for example, as shown by the dashed double-dashed arrow in Figure 39(b), if the route width cannot be used effectively or the timing of turning is incorrect, it will take longer to pass through the curved route portion, the overall driving time will be longer, and it will not be possible to reach the circuit gate G during the time trial performance (within the time limit).

Here, if the virtual object (viewpoint) fails to reach the circuit gate G within the time limit despite being in the winning second operation presentation, the image control CPU 202 performs the aforementioned result presentation (success presentation), for example, of reaching the finish line in a record time in the next time trial, and controls the presentation to be performed in a flow that does not contradict the final display mode of the variable presentation.
Furthermore, when there is a possibility that the virtual object (viewpoint) can reach the circuit gate G during the time trial presentation (within the time limit) despite the second operation presentation being a miss, the image control CPU 202 controls the movement path R4 in the second movement target area SR2 so that the virtual object (viewpoint) cannot reach the goal (circuit gate G) within the time limit (path extension processing described below).

In relation to the path extension process, a measurement line MP (see FIG. 37) is set on the movement path R4 in the second movement target area SR2. The position of this measurement line MP is on the opposite side of the circuit gate G across the linear final path FL on the movement path R4. Then, when executing the miss second operation presentation based on the miss special pattern variation pattern Ph8, the image control CPU 202 specifies the time when the virtual object (viewpoint) passes through the measurement line MP within the time limit, and executes the path extension process if the time is before the lapse of a predetermined time set within the time limit. In this path extension process, the image control CPU 202 changes the state of the second movement target area SR2 so that the final path FL on the movement path R4 is extended longer than usual at the time when the virtual object (viewpoint) passes through the measurement line MP. That is, by changing the state of the second movement target area SR2 so as to extend the final path FL, the player cannot reach the goal (circuit gate G) within the time limit even if the player operates the cross button 6 skillfully.
When the virtual object (viewpoint) passes through the measurement line MP, the entire final path FL is not displayed on the scenery image displayed as the scenery seen from the viewpoint. Therefore, the state of the second movement target region SR2 is changed without any sense of incongruity (without the player being aware of it).

As described above, when the miss second operation presentation is executed, at the time when the virtual object (viewpoint) passes the measurement line MP during the time trial presentation (within the time limit), it is determined whether or not the virtual object (viewpoint) can reach the goal (circuit gate G) within the time limit, and if it is determined that the virtual object (viewpoint) can reach the goal, the mode of the second movement target area SR2 is changed so as to extend the movement path R4 (specifically, the final path FL). This prevents the virtual object (viewpoint) from reaching the goal (circuit gate G) during the time trial presentation of the miss second operation presentation (within the time limit), and there is no inconsistency in consistency with the subsequent result presentation (failure presentation) or the final display mode of the variation presentation (miss).

[Effects of the embodiment]
According to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the following operational effects are achieved.
(1) In the embodiment of the pachinko game machine 1, under the control of the game control microcomputer 61 (game control means), a jackpot game state (a state advantageous to the player) or a time-saving game state (a state advantageous to the player) is granted in response to a special chart hit judgment (a judgment based on the player's play) triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 10a becoming a jackpot judgment result (a specific result). In addition, the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means) receives an instruction from the performance control microcomputer 101 based on a special chart variation start command (an instruction from the game control means) from the game control microcomputer 61 and executes display control regarding the performance, and multiple types of performances are displayed on the performance display device 7 (performance display means) based on the control by this image control CPU 202 (performance control means). The pachinko game machine 1 is also provided with a cross button 6 (performance operation means) that is the object of player operation (selection operation) to give a change to the content of the performance displayed on the performance display device 7, and the image control CPU 202 dynamically displays, on the performance display device 7, a landscape image viewed from a viewpoint that moves in response to the operation of the cross button 6 (left and right buttons) in the first and second operation performances. The image control CPU 202 also changes the state of the landscape image displayed on the performance display device 7 in the first and second operation performances based on the result of the special chart hit determination (for example, in the first operation performance, whether it is based on any of the special chart change patterns ph6 and Pa6, and in the second operation performance, whether it is based on the special chart change pattern Ph8).
In this way, the scenery image according to the viewpoint that moves in response to the operation of the cross button 6 by the player is displayed on the performance display device 7, so that the pachinko game machine 1 can experience the feeling of operation that can be obtained in a role-playing game. In this case, the state of the scenery image is changed depending on the result of the special chart hit judgment that triggered the variable performance including the operation performance, so it is possible to guess the result of the judgment from the state of the scenery image that can be displayed in response to the player's operation. In other words, since information regarding the result of the special chart hit judgment can be obtained from the scenery image displayed in response to the player's own operation, the feeling of a fixed race can be suppressed, the player's satisfaction can be increased, and the player's motivation to play can be improved.
(2) In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the embodiment, when the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means) controls the display of a landscape image viewed from the viewpoint of a virtual object, the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means) updates the viewpoint information (position information of the viewpoint located on the virtual moving target area SR, etc.) stored in the viewpoint storage unit 209 (position storage means) in accordance with the operation of the cross button 6 (presentation operation means) (viewpoint displacement means). Regarding the first operation presentation, the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means) sets movement paths R1 to R3, BP1 to BP4 along which the viewpoint can move on the moving target area SR, and changes the state of any of these movement paths R1 to R3, BP1 to BP4 based on the result of the special chart hit determination (area setting means). Regarding the second operation presentation, the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means) sets a movement path R4 along which the viewpoint can move on the second moving target area SR2, and changes the state of this movement path R4 based on the result of the special chart hit determination (area setting means). As a result, from the viewpoint at the position corresponding to the viewpoint information stored in the viewpoint storage unit 209, the image control CPU 202 (performance control means, area setting means) changes the manner of the movement routes R1 to R4, BP1 to BP4 to form a movement target area S
A scenery image corresponding to the visual recognition of R is dynamically displayed on the performance display device 7 in response to the updating of viewpoint information by the image control CPU 202 (performance control means, viewpoint displacement means).
In this way, the way in which the viewpoint moves can be changed. In the first operation presentation, a clear change is caused on the landscape image in association with the change in the viewpoint movement, making the presentation more interesting. In the second operation presentation, the movement of the viewpoint is changed to an extent that is difficult to recognize on the landscape image, making it possible to change the result of the presentation (whether or not the goal can be reached), thereby making the presentation more interesting.
(3) In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the embodiment, the presentation control microcomputer 101 and the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means) are capable of controlling a first operation presentation as a type of operation presentation (button presentation) that gives suggestive information (success presentation) regarding the result of a special chart hit determination by making a virtual object (viewpoint) reach the appearance points p1, p2 (specific positions) of the ``treasure chest'' on the movement target area SR, and the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means, area setting means) sets the state of the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 (movement routes) on the movement pattern leading to the appearance points p1, p2 as a passable state when the special chart hit determination results in a jackpot determination result (specific result), but as an impassable state when the special chart hit determination results in a miss determination result (non-specific result different from the specific result).
That is, by allowing the player to operate with the goal of reaching the appearance points p1 and p2 of the "treasure chest" on the movement target area SR, the interest of the player can be increased. Here, based on the result of the special chart hit determination (which triggered the variable performance including the first operation performance), the bypass routes BP1 to BP4 can be made passable or passable, so that the result of the special chart hit determination can be reflected in the performance result of the first operation performance as the operation performance.
(4) In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the embodiment, the presentation control microcomputer 101 and the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means) can control a second operation presentation that suggests the result of a special chart hit determination depending on whether or not the virtual object (viewpoint) as a driver driving a racing car RC can reach the circuit gate G (specific position), which is the goal point in the second movement target area SR2, within the time limit (within a predetermined period) of the time trial presentation, and the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means, area setting means) changes the length of the movement path R4 (final path FL) connecting to the circuit gate G depending on the result of the special chart hit determination.
That is, the player can operate the game with the goal of reaching the goal (circuit gate G) on the second movement target area SR2 within a predetermined period of time, which can increase the player's interest. Here, by changing the length of the movement path R4 (final path FL) based on the result of the special pattern hit determination, the time required to pass through the movement path R4 (final path FL) can be changed, and the result of the special pattern hit determination can be reflected in the result of the second operation presentation (time trial presentation).
(5) In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the embodiment, the movement path R4 of the second movement target area SR2 can pass through (the same path portion) in a plurality of progression modes according to the operation of the cross button 6, and the passing time is made different according to the progression mode. Then, the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means, area setting means) adjusts the length of the movement path R4 (final path FL) when the result of the special chart hit determination is a miss (a non-specific result different from the specific result) based on the progression mode according to the operation of the cross button 6 to a length that does not allow the circuit gate G (specific position), which is the goal, to be reached within the time limit (within a predetermined period) of the time trial presentation.
In this way, by adjusting the length of the movement path R4 (final path FL) according to the progress mode on the movement path R4 by the player's operation, the player's operating technique can be reflected in the result of the second operation presentation within a range corresponding to the result of the special chart hit determination.
(6) In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the embodiment, the presentation control microcomputer 101 and the image control CPU 202 (presentation control means, pattern display control means) can notify or suggest the result of the special winning determination depending on the final display mode (result of the pattern changing display) of the variable presentation executed on the presentation display device 7, and the background (the scenery displayed as a background image) of the presentation patterns (left presentation pattern 7L, middle presentation pattern 7C and right presentation pattern 7R) displayed in this variable presentation is displayed on the presentation display device 7 as a scenery image (of the first operation presentation) viewed from a viewpoint that moves in response to the operation of the cross button 6 (presentation operation means).
In this way, by displaying the background of the presentation pattern in the variable presentation as a landscape image that corresponds to the player's operation, a new element of excitement can be added by changing the scenery (of the background image) that is in view for a long time during play.

<Other embodiments>
In the above-mentioned embodiment, the aspect of the landscape image viewed from the viewpoint moving in response to the operation of the performance operation means is changed based on the result of the special pattern hit determination executed by the game control means (game control microcomputer) when the special pattern starts to change (when the variable performance starts) triggered by the ball entering the first starting hole. In contrast, the aspect of the landscape image may be changed based on the result of the special pattern hit determination (pre-reading determination) executed by the performance control means (performance control microcomputer) when the start ball entry information acquired by the game control means (game control microcomputer) is input triggered by the ball entering the starting hole, or the aspect of the landscape image may be changed based on the result of the normal pattern hit determination triggered by the game ball passing through the gate (entering the operation hole). In addition, the aspect of the landscape image may be changed based on the result of the hit type determination for determining the type of big win game state or the type of small win state.
In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first and second operation effects, which can change the state of the landscape image based on the player's operation, are executed during the display of the changing patterns (during the changing display of the display patterns). In contrast, they may be executed as effects during a big win game state or during the game state after the end of the big win game state (time-saving game state). In this case, the result of the first and second operation effects can be made to indicate the result of the hit type determination (whether the game state after the end of the big win game state is a time-saving game state or a probability-changing game state, etc.).
In the above-described embodiment, when changing the aspect of the scenery image viewed from the viewpoint that moves in response to the operation of the performance operation means in the first selection performance, a process (selection restriction process) is executed to make it impossible for the viewpoint to pass through a predetermined movement path provided in the movement target area through which the viewpoint moves. In contrast, a process may be executed to make it difficult for the viewpoint to pass through the predetermined movement path (to increase the time required to pass through).
In the above-described embodiment, when changing the aspect of the scenery image viewed from the viewpoint that moves in response to the operation of the performance operation means in the second selection performance, a process (route extension process) was executed to make it difficult for the viewpoint to pass through the movement route provided in the movement target area through which the viewpoint moves (the time required to pass through increases). In contrast to this, a process may be executed to make it impossible for the viewpoint to pass through a predetermined movement route.
In the above-mentioned embodiment, in the loss first selection performance corresponding to the case where the result of the judgment (special chart hit judgment) is a non-specific result (miss), in order to prevent the viewpoint from reaching a specific position (the appearance point of the treasure chest) within the time limit, a selection restriction process (including control to change the display by adding a collapse of the ground including a predetermined bypass route and control to invalidate the player's operation to move to that route) is executed to restrict the selection of the movement route by the player, and further, this selection restriction process is executed for at least one movement route in the winning first selection performance corresponding to the case where the result of the judgment (special chart hit judgment) is a specific result (jackpot). This is to prevent the player from easily guessing the result of the judgment (special chart hit judgment), but a pattern (i.e., a winning confirmation pattern) in which the selection restriction process is not executed when the winning first selection performance is executed may be set.
In the above-described embodiment, the scenery displayed as the background image of the pattern (performance pattern) of the pattern change display is displayed on the performance display means (performance display device) as the scenery (scenery image) viewed from the viewpoint moving in response to the operation of the performance operation means (cross button) in the first operation performance. In contrast, a scenery different from the scenery displayed as the background image of the pattern change display may be displayed on the performance display means as the scenery image.
In the above embodiment, the scenery (scenery image) viewed from the viewpoint that moves in response to the operation of the performance operation means (cross button) in the second operation performance is made different from the scenery displayed as the background image of the pattern (performance pattern) of the pattern change display. In contrast to this, the scenery displayed as the background image of the pattern change display may be displayed as a scenery image.
In the above-described embodiment, the landscape image displayed in the first selection presentation is displayed based on the viewpoint position on a moving target area that continues endlessly in a specified direction (YF-YB direction), but an end portion in a specified direction (a movement limit position of the viewpoint) may also be defined in the moving target area.
In the above-described embodiment, the player uses only the left and right buttons on the directional pad as presentation operation means in the first and second operation presentations, but the front and back buttons on the directional pad, the presentation lever, etc. may also be used as presentation operation means.
In the above-mentioned embodiment, the image control CPU of the image control board displays a landscape image on the performance display means (performance display device) according to the position information (viewpoint information) stored in the position storage means (viewpoint storage unit), and updates the position information upon receiving an image change signal from the performance control microcomputer indicating that the performance operation means has been operated (detection of the selection detection switch) within the valid period. Alternatively, the performance control microcomputer may be provided with a position storage means (viewpoint storage unit), and the performance control microcomputer may specify the position of the viewpoint on the movement target area based on the position information (viewpoint information) stored in this position storage means, and output information indicating the position of the viewpoint to the image control CPU.
In addition, it is possible to appropriately make the control processing executed by the performance control microcontroller (CPU) in the previously described embodiments the target for execution by the image control CPU, or conversely, make the control processing executed by the image control CPU in the previously described embodiments the target for execution by the performance control microcontroller (CPU).
In the above-described embodiment, during the time-saving game state, a change display (change display) is performed on the display means in response to the normal chart change display, while a change display (change display) corresponding to the special chart change display on the display means is not performed. However, the change display (change display) on the display means may be performed in response to the special chart change display (particularly the second special chart change display).
In the above embodiment, the rule patterns (simple patterns) corresponding to the first special pattern, the second special pattern, and the normal pattern are always displayed on the performance display means (performance display device), but the rule patterns may be displayed only during a predetermined period, or the rule patterns may not be displayed. Also, depending on the game state, only the rule patterns corresponding to the performance patterns of the variable performance may be displayed. For example, the first rule pattern corresponding to the first special pattern can be displayed during the non-time-saving game state, and the third rule pattern corresponding to the normal pattern can be displayed during the time-saving game state.
In the embodiment described above, the special prize hole (first large prize hole) through which a ball can enter in the jackpot game state is different from the special prize hole (second large prize hole) through which a ball can enter in the small win game state, but the same special prize hole may be capable of being used to allow balls to enter in both the jackpot game state and the small win state.
In the above embodiment, the small win judgment result is not derived in the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart, but the small win judgment result may be derived in the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart. In this case, the probability of the small win judgment result in the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart is lower than the probability in the special chart hit judgment of the second special chart, or the probability of the game ball passing through the specific area during the small win state based on the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart is lower than during the small win state based on the special chart hit judgment of the second special chart, so that the game based on the special chart hit judgment of the second special chart can be more advantageous than the game based on the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart. Conversely, the probability of a small win being determined in the special chart hit judgment of the second special chart may be made lower than the probability in the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart, or the probability of the game ball passing through a specific area during a small win state based on the special chart hit judgment of the second special chart may be made lower than during a small win state based on the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart, in which case the game based on the special chart hit judgment of the first special chart can be made to have a more advantageous gameplay than the game based on the special chart hit judgment of the second special chart.
-In the above-described embodiment, a regular symbol reserve memory unit is provided that can store up to a predetermined upper limit of operational ball entry information obtained when a game ball passes (enters) into an operational port while a regular symbol change display or auxiliary play is being performed. However, it may also be configured so that the control means (game control microcomputer) executes a regular symbol hit determination when a game ball passes through the operational port (gate) only when a regular symbol change display or auxiliary play is not being performed (no memory unit is provided for storing operational reserves of regular symbols).

1... Pachinko gaming machine, 6... Cross button (performance operation means), 7... Performance display device (performance display means), 61... Game control microcomputer (game control means), 101... Performance control microcomputer (performance control means), 202... Image control CPU (performance control means, viewpoint displacement means, area setting means), 209... Viewpoint memory unit (position memory means), BP1... First bypass route (movement route), BP2... Second bypass route (movement route), BP3... Third bypass route (movement route), BP4...
Fourth bypass route (movement route), G...circuit gate (specific position), p1...appearance point (specific position), p2...appearance point (specific position), R1...first route (movement route), R2...second route (movement route), R3...third route (movement route), R4...movement route, SR...movement target area, SR2...second movement target area (movement target area).

Claims (6)

A gaming machine comprising: a game control means for giving a player an advantageous state in response to a specific result of a judgment based on the game of the player; a presentation control means for executing control regarding presentation based on an instruction from the game control means; a presentation display means for displaying a plurality of types of presentation based on the control by the presentation control means; and a presentation operation means for receiving a player's operation to change the content of the presentation displayed on the presentation display means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the presentation control means dynamically displays on the presentation display means a landscape image viewed from a viewpoint that moves in response to operation of the presentation operation means, and changes the appearance of the landscape image based on the result of the judgment. The performance control means includes:
a position storage means for storing position information of the viewpoint located on a virtual target area to be moved;
a viewpoint shifting means for updating the position information in accordance with an operation of the performance operation means;
a region setting means for setting a movement route along which the viewpoint can move within the movement target region and changing a state of the movement route based on a result of the determination,
The gaming machine described in claim 1, wherein the scenery image corresponding to the movement target area in which the movement path pattern has been changed by the area setting means being viewed from the viewpoint at a position corresponding to the position information stored in the position memory means is dynamically displayed on the performance display means in response to updating of the position information by the viewpoint displacement means. The performance control means is capable of controlling an operation performance that gives suggestive information regarding a result of the determination by causing the viewpoint to reach a specific position on the movement target area,
The gaming machine described in claim 2, wherein the area setting means sets the mode of the movement path leading to the specific position to a passable mode when the judgment results in the specific result, but sets the mode to an impossible or difficult to pass through mode when the judgment results in a non-specific result different from the specific result. the presentation control means is capable of controlling an operation presentation suggesting a result of the determination depending on whether or not the viewpoint can reach a specific position on the movement target area within a predetermined period of time;
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the area setting means changes a length of the movement path leading to the specific position in accordance with the result of the determination. The movement path of the movement target area can be passed through in a plurality of progression modes according to the operation of the performance operation means, and the passing time is set to be different according to the progression mode;
The gaming machine described in claim 4, wherein the area setting means adjusts the length of the movement path when the result of the judgment is a non-specific result different from the specific result, to a length that does not allow the specific position to be reached within the predetermined period based on the progress pattern in response to the operation of the presentation operation means. A gaming machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the presentation control means is capable of announcing or suggesting the result of the judgment depending on the result of the pattern change display executed by the presentation display means, and the background of the pattern displayed in the pattern change display is capable of being displayed on the presentation display means as the landscape image viewed from a viewpoint that moves in response to operation of the presentation operation means.

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