JP7464361B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines that allow games to be played.

Some of these types of gaming machines are capable of providing players with explanatory performances about the game (Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-183247 A

However, in conventional gaming machines such as those described in Patent Document 1, the explanations were not given with consideration given to the level of gaming experience of the target player, which resulted in the problem that it was not possible to provide explanations appropriate to the player's gaming experience.

The present invention was conceived in light of this situation, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can provide suitable explanatory presentations that match the player's gaming experience.

(A) A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A variable display means capable of variable display;
A detection means capable of detecting a player's action;
Explanation performance execution means capable of executing explanation performance relating to a game;
A specific performance execution means capable of executing a specific performance,
The specific performance execution means is capable of executing the specific performance by a first performance mode or a second performance mode which is more likely to be controlled to a favorable state for a player than the first performance mode,
The detection means includes:
A first detection means for detecting a player's action related to a performance different from the explanatory performance;
A second detection means, which is different from the first detection means and detects a player's action related to the explanatory performance,
The explanation performance execution means includes:
As the explanatory performance, a first explanatory performance capable of displaying a still image related to the performance of the gaming machine using a plurality of explanatory stages, and a second explanatory performance capable of displaying information related to a playing method of the gaming machine using a plurality of explanatory stages can be executed both in a state where a game is not in progress and in a state where a game is in progress;
The explanation stage of the first explanation performance can be advanced according to the player's action detected by the second detection means,
The explanation stage of the second explanation performance can be advanced according to the player's action or the passage of time detected by the second detection means,
In the first explanation performance, when explaining the specific performance, the first explanation performance can be executed using a predetermined image displayed in the specific performance of the second performance mode,
The first explanation performance is executed using a specific image that is different from the predetermined image and is displayed during variable display,
In the second explanation performance, the amount of characters displayed at one time is smaller than that of the first explanation performance.
It is characterized by:
Furthermore, (1) a gaming machine capable of playing a game (such as a pachinko gaming machine 1),
A detection means capable of detecting the action of a player (such as a cross key sensor 052F103);
An explanation performance execution means (performance control CPU 120, S162 in FIG. 7, etc.) capable of executing an explanation performance related to a game,
The explanation performance execution means includes:
As the explanatory performance, a first explanatory performance (such as the explanatory performance in FIG. 8-2) regarding the performance of the gaming machine using a plurality of explanatory stages (such as three stages as in FIG. 8-4) and a second explanatory performance (such as the game explanatory performance in FIG. 8-3) regarding the playing method of the gaming machine using a plurality of explanatory stages (such as five stages as in FIG. 8-4) can be executed.
It is possible to proceed with the explanation stage of the first explanation performance in accordance with the player's action detected by the detection means (e.g., manual progress of the explanation stage as shown in FIG. 8-2 and FIG. 8-4),
It is possible to progress the explanation stage of the second explanation performance depending on the player's actions or the passage of time detected by the detection means (such as manual progression of the explanation stage as shown in Figures 8-3 and 8-4 or automatic progression of the explanation stage).

This configuration allows for an explanation that is suited to the player's gaming experience.

(2) In the gaming machine described in (1),
A variable display means (such as an image display device 5) capable of variable display;
A specific display means capable of displaying a specific display (such as the first character image 052F001 in FIG. 8-2(b3)) during the variable display,
The explanation performance execution means executes the first explanation performance using the specific display (Figure 8-2, etc.).

According to this configuration, by executing the first explanatory presentation using a specific display during the variable display, it is possible to allow the player to imagine the actual presentation, making it easier for even first-time players to understand the presentation of the gaming machine.

(3) In the gaming machine according to (1) or (2),
The explanation performance execution means executes the first explanation performance using still images (such as the still images in FIG. 8-2 (b1) to (b3)).

With this configuration, the first explanatory presentation using a still image is executed, making it easier for the player to clearly recognize the key points of the presentation of the gaming machine.

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3),
The game machine further includes a specific effect execution means (effect control CPU 120, S172 in FIG. 7, etc.) capable of executing a specific effect (such as a cut-in effect of a character image) as an effect of the game machine,
The specific effect execution means is capable of executing the specific effect using an image in a first effect mode (such as a cut-in effect using the second character image 052F037 in FIG. 8-2 (b11)) or a second effect mode (such as a cut-in effect using the first character image 052F001 in FIG. 8-2 (b12)) which is more likely to be controlled to a favorable state that is more favorable to the player than the first effect mode,
When explaining the specific performance as a performance of the gaming machine, the explanatory performance execution means executes the first explanatory performance using an image displayed in the specific performance of the second performance mode (Figure 8-2 (b3), etc.).

With this configuration, when explaining a specific effect as an effect of the gaming machine, the first explanation effect is executed using an image displayed in the specific effect of the second effect mode, thereby heightening the player's expectations and improving the enjoyment of the game.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4),
The explanation performance execution means executes the second explanation performance using images related to the gaming machine (such as the pachinko gaming machine image 052F023 in FIG. 8-3 (c3) and the start winning slot image 052F026 in FIG. 8-3 (c4)) (FIGS. 8-3 (c3), (c4), etc.).

With this configuration, a second explanatory performance regarding how to play the gaming machine is executed using an image related to the gaming machine, making it easier for even players playing the gaming machine for the first time to understand how to play the gaming machine.

(6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (5),
The explanation performance execution means executes the second explanation performance using a moving image (such as the game ball moving image 052F081 in FIG. 8-3(c4)) for at least a part of the explanation (FIG. 8-3, etc.).

With this configuration, a second explanation performance is executed in which moving images are used for at least part of the explanation, making it easier for the player to imagine how the game actually works, and making it easier for even first-time players to understand how to play the gaming machine.

(7) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (6),
The explanation performance execution means includes:
In each of the explanation regarding the presentation of the gaming machine in the first explanation presentation and the explanation regarding the playing method of the gaming machine in the second explanation presentation, information regarding the explanation is displayed (display of a game presentation explanatory image on the sub-image display device 150 shown in FIG. 8-2, display of a playing method explanatory image on the sub-image display device 150 shown in FIG. 8-3, etc.),
The amount of information that can be displayed at one time in the second explanation performance is smaller than the information displayed in the first explanation performance (with regard to the number of explanation items on one screen, the game method explanation image shown in Figure 8-3 has fewer explanation items than the game performance explanation image shown in Figure 8-2; for example, the game method explanation image provides one game explanation item on one screen, while the game performance explanation image provides multiple explanations of the performance content on one screen, etc.).

With this configuration, the amount of information that can be displayed at one time in the second explanatory performance is smaller than the amount of information that can be displayed at one time in the first explanatory performance, so that even players playing for the first time can easily understand how to play the gaming machine, since the amount of information that must be recognized at one time by looking at the information displayed in the second explanatory performance is relatively small.

(8) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (7),
Further comprising a variable display means (such as an image display device 50) capable of variable display,
During variable display, a plurality of types of character images (such as the first character image 052F001 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8-2, the second character image 052F036 in FIG. 8-2 and FIG. 8-3, and the third character image 052F038 in FIG. 1) can be displayed.
During execution of the second explanatory performance, the explanatory performance execution means is capable of displaying, among the multiple types of character images, a character image that appears frequently during variable display by the variable display means (a first character image 052F001 as the main character) (Figures 8-3 (c1) to (c5), etc.).

With this configuration, while the second explanatory performance is being performed, a character image that appears frequently during variable display can be displayed, which makes the player feel closer to the content of the gaming machine and stimulates the player's interest in the gaming machine.

(9) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (8),
The first explanation performance has fewer explanation stages than the second explanation performance (as shown in Figures 8-3, 8-4, and 8-13, the game explanation is given in three explanation stages, and the performance explanation is given in five explanation stages, etc.).

With this configuration, the first explanatory performance has fewer explanation stages than the second explanatory performance, so that experienced players do not lose interest in the game due to receiving unnecessarily large amounts of explanatory information about the performances of the gaming machine from the perspective of an experienced player.

(10) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (9),
The explanation performance execution means allows the explanation stage of the first explanation performance to progress in accordance with the player's movement detected by the detection means, but restricts the progress of the explanation stage of the first explanation performance in accordance with the passage of time (as shown in Figure 8-4 (A), the explanation performance allows the progress of three explanation stages in accordance with the detection of the player's movement, but does not allow the progress of three explanation stages in accordance with the passage of time, etc.).

With this configuration, the first explanatory performance is allowed to progress through the explanation stages according to the player's actions, but by restricting the progression of the explanation stages according to the passage of time, it is possible to give experienced players the freedom to progress through the explanation stages of the first explanatory performance, allowing for an explanatory performance that is suitable for the player's gaming experience.

(11) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (10),
The detection means includes:
A first detection means (such as the controller sensor unit 35A and the push sensor 35B in FIG. 2 );
A second detection means (such as the cross key sensor 052F103 and the button sensor 052F104 in FIG. 2) different from the first detection means,
A variable display means (such as an image display device 50) capable of variable display;
Further comprising a variable display performance execution means (performance control CPU 120, S172 in FIG. 7, etc.) capable of executing a performance in a variable display;
The variable display performance execution means is capable of executing a predetermined action performance (start of a battle performance) in response to a player's action (such as an operation of the push button 31B) detected by the first detection means during the variable display (such as FIG. 8-5(d1)), (such as FIG. 8-5(d3)),
The explanation performance execution means is capable of starting execution of the explanation performance in response to the player's action detected by the second detection means (Figures 8-2 (c1) to (c3), Figure 8-4 (A), etc.).

In this configuration, the detection means includes a first detection means that can execute a predetermined action presentation in response to a detected player action, and a second detection means that can start the execution of an explanatory presentation in response to a detected player action, thereby reducing the risk that a player who does not wish to have an explanatory presentation start the execution of the explanatory presentation by mistake.

(12) In the gaming machine according to (11),
When the variable display performance execution means executes the predetermined action performance in accordance with the player's action detected by the first detection means during the execution of the explanatory performance, it interrupts the explanatory performance being executed (such as the game explanation performance of Figure 8-5 (d2)) and then executes the predetermined action performance (battle performance) (such as Figure 8-5 (d4)).

With this configuration, when a predetermined action presentation is executed in response to the player's action detected by the first detection means while an explanatory presentation is being executed, the predetermined action presentation is executed after the explanatory presentation being executed is interrupted, thereby attracting the player's attention to the predetermined action presentation.

(13) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (12),
The explanation performance execution means includes:
The explanation stage of the first explanation performance and the explanation stage of the second explanation performance can be advanced at different speeds (one stage of the performance explanation is automatically advanced in 40 seconds, and one stage of the game explanation is automatically advanced in 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 20 seconds) (FIGS. 8-13 (A1), (B1)),
It is possible for different contents to be explained in each of the multiple explanation stages in the second explanation performance, and it is possible for the explanation stages to progress at different speeds depending on the contents explained in the multiple explanation stages (prohibited items take longer to progress than game methods other than prohibited items).

With this configuration, the explanation stage of the first explanation performance and the explanation stage of the second explanation performance can be progressed at different speeds, and different contents can be explained in each of the multiple explanation stages in the second explanation performance. In addition, the explanation stages can be progressed at different speeds depending on the contents explained in the multiple explanation stages, so that the first explanation performance and the second explanation performance can each be suitable for the gaming experience of the target player.

(14) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (13),
The explanation performance execution means includes:
The second explanation performance has more explanation stages than the first explanation performance (as shown in Figures 8-4 and 8-13, the game explanation is explained in three explanation stages, and the performance explanation is explained in five explanation stages, etc.),
It is possible to progress through the explanation stages faster in the second explanation performance than in the first explanation performance (as shown in Figures 8-4 and 8-13, one stage of the performance explanation can be automatically progressed in 40 seconds, and one explanation stage of the game explanation can be automatically progressed in 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 20 seconds).

With this configuration, the second explanation performance, which has more explanation stages than the first explanation performance, can progress through the explanation stages faster, making it possible to progress the explanation performance with more explanation stages at a good tempo, and preventing the player from becoming bored with the explanation performance.

(15) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (14),
The explanation performance execution means includes:
In the second explanation performance, a specific explanation stage (such as the prohibited matters explanation stage of FIG. 8-3(c3)) that explains prohibited matters related to the gaming machine and a predetermined explanation stage (such as the explanation stages of FIG. 8-3(c2) and (c4)) that explains matters related to the game method other than the prohibited matters related to the gaming machine are included (FIG. 8-3, etc.),
It is possible to progress the explanation stage more slowly in the specified explanation stage than in the specific explanation stage (as shown in Figure 8-4, the prohibited items explanation stage in Figure 8-3 (c3) is 30 seconds, and the explanation stages in Figures 8-3 (c2) and (c4) are 10 or 20 seconds, etc.).

With this configuration, the prescribed explanation stage, which explains matters related to playing methods that are different from the prohibited matters related to the gaming machine, can proceed more slowly than the specific explanation stage, which explains the prohibited matters related to the gaming machine. Therefore, the speed at which the explanation stage proceeds can make it easier for the player to recognize the prohibited matters related to the gaming machine.

(16) In the gaming machine according to (15),
The explanation performance execution means is capable of executing the explanation at the specific explanation stage in a manner that is easier to recognize than the explanation at the predetermined explanation stage (for example, for the prohibited items explanation stage as shown in Figure 8-3 (c3), the explanation content can be executed in a manner that is easier to recognize than the other explanation stages by displaying a large X mark).

With this configuration, the explanation in the specific explanation stage, which explains the prohibited matters related to the gaming machine, can be performed in a manner that is easier to understand than the prescribed explanation stage, which explains matters related to the playing method that are different from the prohibited matters related to the gaming machine, so the explanation manner can make it easier for the player to understand the prohibited matters related to the game.

(17) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (16),
The game device further includes an explanation performance limiting means (performance control CPU 120, S162 in FIG. 7, 052FS012 and 052FS019 in FIG. 8-10) capable of limiting the explanation performance by the explanation performance executing means (reducing the light amount (brightness) of the image of the performance explanation and interrupting the performance, reducing the light amount (brightness) of the image of the game explanation and interrupting the performance) according to the detection status of the detection means,
The explanation performance execution means includes:
According to the action of the player detected by the detection means, it is possible to proceed with the explanation stage of the first explanation performance and the explanation stage of the second explanation performance (FIGS. 8-2, 8-3, and 8-4).
The explanation performance limiting means includes:
When the detection means does not detect the player's action for a predetermined period during the execution of the first explanation performance, the first explanation performance can be limited (FIG. 8-9(A), 052FS009, 052FS012 in FIG. 8-10),
If the detection means does not detect the player's actions for a specific period of time while the second explanation performance is being executed, it is possible to restrict the second explanation performance after it has progressed to the final stage (Figure 8-9 (B), 052FS009, 052FS010, 052FS012 in Figure 8-10).

With this configuration, if the player's movements are not detected for a specified period during the explanation of the gaming machine's performance in the first explanatory performance, the first explanatory performance can be restricted, and if the player's movements are not detected for a specific period during the explanation of the game method in the second explanatory performance, the second explanatory performance can be restricted after the second explanatory performance has progressed to the final stage, making it possible to provide explanatory performances that are suitable for the gaming experience of the players that are the target of each of the first and second explanatory performances.

(18) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (17),
A first explanation performance display area (the sub-image display device 150 shown in FIG. 8B ) capable of displaying the first explanation performance by the explanation performance execution means;
A second explanation performance display area (such as the sub-image display device 150 shown in FIG. 8-3) capable of displaying the second explanation performance by the explanation performance execution means,
The explanation performance limiting means includes:
During the execution of the first explanation performance, if the detection means does not detect the player's action for a predetermined period (50 seconds), the brightness (amount of light) of the first explanation performance display area can be reduced (FIG. 8-9(A), 052FS009, 052FS012 in FIG. 8-10, etc.),
If the detection means does not detect the player's actions for a specific period of time during the execution of the second explanation performance, it is possible to reduce the brightness (amount of light) of the second explanation performance display area after the second explanation performance has progressed to the final stage (Figure 8-9 (B), 052FS009, 052FS010, 052FS012 in Figure 8-10).

According to this configuration, if the player's movements are not detected for a specified period during the execution of the game presentation explanation in the first explanation presentation, the first explanation presentation can be restricted by lowering the brightness of the first explanation presentation display area, and if the player's movements are not detected for a specified period during the execution of the game method explanation in the second explanation presentation, the second explanation presentation can be restricted by lowering the brightness of the second explanation presentation display area after the second explanation presentation has progressed to the final stage, thereby making it possible to provide suitable explanation presentations tailored to the gaming experience of the players that each of the first explanation presentation and the second presentation explanation is intended for.

(19) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (18),
A first explanation performance display area (the sub-image display device 150 shown in FIG. 8B ) capable of displaying the first explanation performance by the explanation performance execution means;
A second explanation performance display area (such as the sub-image display device 150 shown in FIG. 8-3) capable of displaying the second explanation performance by the explanation performance execution means,
The explanation performance limiting means includes:
If the detection means does not detect the player's movements for a predetermined period of time (50 seconds) during the execution of the first explanation performance, the first explanation performance is restricted (Figures 8-9 (A), 052FS009, 052FS012, etc. in Figures 8-10), and if the detection means does not detect the player's movements for a predetermined period of time (30 seconds), the first explanation performance is interrupted (Figures 8-9 (A), 052FS018, 052FS019, etc. in Figures 8-10).

According to this configuration, if the player's movements are not detected for a specified period of time, the first explanation performance is restricted, and then if the player's movements are not detected for the predetermined period of time, the first explanation performance is interrupted, thereby preventing a situation in which the first explanation performance is left in a restricted state.

(20) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (19),
A variable display means (such as an image display device 5) capable of variable display;
and a standby control means capable of controlling the machine to a standby control state when no game has been played for a specified period of time.
The explanation performance limiting means includes:
During control of the explanatory performance during execution of the variable display, if the detection means does not detect the player's action for a predetermined period of time, the explanatory performance is restricted (performance control CPU 120, S162 in FIG. 7, FIG. 8-5),
During control of the explanatory presentation in the standby control state, even if the detection means does not detect the player's action for a predetermined period of time, the explanatory presentation is continued without restriction (presentation control CPU 120, S162 in Figure 7, Figures 8-11).

With this configuration, if the player's movements are not detected for a specified period during control of the explanatory performance while the variable display is being executed, the explanatory performance is restricted. On the other hand, even if the player's movements are not detected for a specified period during control of the explanatory performance in the standby control state, the explanatory performance is allowed to continue without being restricted. This reduces the impact of the explanatory performance on the performance during the variable display, and allows the explanatory performance to be executed optimally.

(21) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (20),
The language used in the explanatory performance is further provided with a language selection means (performance control CPU 120, S162 in FIG. 8-2, language selection screen in FIG. 8-3(c1), etc.) that can select from a plurality of languages including a first language (a main language such as Japanese) and a second language (a sub-language such as English) different from the first language,
The explanation performance execution means includes:
The explanatory performance can be executed using a plurality of types of performance means including at least a first performance means (speakers 8L, 8R, etc.) and a second performance means different from the first performance means (such as a sub-image display device 150 that performs a comment display performance using a first character image 052F001 that is a main character) as a performance means using the language selected by the language selection means (FIG. 8-3(b2), etc.),
When the first language is selected by the language selection means, the explanatory performance can be executed using the first performance means and the second performance means (e.g., explanatory performance including audio and comment display can be executed as in (c2) to (c5) of FIG. 8-3),
When the second language is selected by the language selection means, the explanatory performance can be executed using the second performance means without using the first performance means (e.g., an explanatory performance including comment display without audio can be executed, as shown in Figures 8-7 (e2) to (e4)).

With this configuration, when a first language is selected, explanatory performance can be performed using the first and second performance means, and when a second language is selected, explanatory performance can be performed using the second performance means without using the first performance means. This makes it possible to provide suitable explanatory performance for foreign players as well, and reduces the amount of work required to create the performance process related to explanatory performance when the number of selectable languages is increased, making it possible to provide suitable explanatory performance that matches the gaming experience of the player.

(22) In the gaming machine according to (21),
The first language is the main language (Japanese) that is most frequently used in gaming machines (FIG. 8-3 (c2) to (c5) etc.).

According to this configuration, since the first language is the main language most frequently used on the gaming machine, the explanatory presentation can be preferably carried out using a language suited to the installation environment of the gaming machine.

(23) In the gaming machine according to either (21) or (22),
The explanation performance execution means differs in the speed at which the explanation stage of the explanation performance progresses depending on the type of language selected by the language selection means (if Japanese is selected, the game explanation automatically progresses through one explanation stage in 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 20 seconds as shown in Figure 8-3; if English or Chinese is selected, the game explanation automatically progresses through one explanation stage in 12 seconds, 35 seconds, or 25 seconds as shown in Figure 8-7 or Figure 8-8, etc.).

With this configuration, the speed at which the explanation stage of the explanation performance progresses varies depending on the type of language selected by the language selection means, so that the explanation performance can be performed at a suitable speed depending on the type of language selected.

(24) In the gaming machine according to any one of (21) to (23),
Further comprising audio output means (speakers 8L, 8R, etc.) capable of outputting audio,
The explanation performance execution means includes:
When the explanatory performance is executed, it is possible to execute a performance in which a sound corresponding to the explanatory performance to be executed is output from the sound output means (FIGS. 8-3(b2) to (b5), etc.),
When the second language is selected by the language selection means, the number of types of sounds output in response to the explanatory performance to be executed is reduced compared to when the first language is selected by the language selection means (in the game explanation performance when English is selected in Figure 8-7, fewer types of sounds are output in response to the game explanation performance compared to the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected in Figure 8-3 (since no guide voice is output when English is selected, the number of types of English sounds is 0)).

With this configuration, when the second language is selected, the number of types of audio to be output corresponding to the explanatory performance to be performed is reduced compared to when the first language is selected, making it possible to perform the explanatory performance with the appropriate type of audio according to the type of language selected.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment. 1 is a configuration diagram showing various control boards etc. installed in a pachinko gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a game control main process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt process for game control. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a performance control main process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a performance control process. A display screen diagram of the sub-image display device 150 showing an image related to the player menu screen. A display screen diagram of the sub-image display device 150 showing an example of a display of a performance explanation performance image. A display screen diagram of the sub-image display device 150 showing a representative example of a game explanation presentation. 13 is a timing chart showing an example of the control timing of the presentation explanation presentation and the game explanation presentation. A display screen diagram showing an example of the display of the image display device and the sub-image display device when a variable display is performed during an explanatory performance and an operation performance is performed during the variable display. A display screen diagram showing an example of the display of the image display device and the sub-image display device when a variable display is performed during an explanatory performance and an integrated performance is performed during the variable display. A figure showing the game instruction presentation when English is selected and set. A figure showing the game explanation presentation when Chinese is selected and set. This is a timing chart showing a comparison of the control timing of the restriction control of the performance explanation performance and the restriction control of the technique explanation performance by the performance control CPU. 13 is a flowchart showing an explanation performance control process. A diagram showing an explanatory performance executed while a demo image is being displayed. This is a display screen diagram of a sub-image display device showing an example of the display of a performance explanation performance image when the performance explanation performance can be automatically progressed. 13 is a timing chart showing an example of the control timing of the production explanation performance and the game explanation performance when both the production explanation performance and the game explanation performance are allowed to proceed automatically.

(Basic explanation)
First, the basic configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (which is also the configuration and control of a general pachinko gaming machine) will be described.

(Configuration of Pachinko Game Machine 1, etc.)
1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine 1, showing the layout of the main components. The pachinko game machine (game machine) 1 is broadly composed of a game board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes the game board surface, and a game machine frame (base frame) 3 that supports and fixes the game board 2. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and game balls as game media are shot into this game area by a predetermined ball shooting device.

At a predetermined position on the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, to the right of the play area), a first special pattern display device 4A and a second special pattern display device 4B are provided that perform a variable display (also called a special pattern game) of special patterns (also called special patterns) as multiple types of special identification information. Each of these is made up of a 7-segment LED or the like. The special patterns are represented by numbers showing "0" to "9" or lighting patterns such as "-". The special patterns may include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off.

Note that the "variable display" of special symbols means, for example, a variable display of multiple types of special symbols (the same applies to other symbols described below). Variations include updating the display of multiple symbols, scrolling the display of multiple symbols, transforming one or more symbols, and enlarging/reducing one or more symbols. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols described below, multiple types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of decorative symbols described below, multiple types of decorative symbols are scrolled or updated, or one or more decorative symbols are transformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that variations also include a mode in which a certain symbol is displayed flashing. At the end of the variable display, a specified special symbol is displayed stationary (also called derived or derived display) as the display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described below). Note that the variable display may be expressed as a variable display or variation.

The special pattern variably displayed on the first special pattern display device 4A is also called the "first special pattern," and the special pattern variably displayed on the second special pattern display device 4B is also called the "second special pattern." A special pattern game using the first special pattern is also called the "first special pattern game," and a special pattern game using the second special pattern is also called the "second special pattern game." There may be only one type of special pattern display device that variably displays the special patterns.

An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the play area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) device, and displays various presentation images. The image display device 5 may also be composed of a projector and a screen. Various presentation images are displayed on the image display device 5.

For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronization with the first special game or the second special game, multiple types of decorative patterns (such as patterns showing numbers, etc.) that are different from the special patterns are variably displayed as decorative identification information. Here, in synchronization with the first special game or the second special game, decorative patterns are variably displayed (for example, scrolled vertically or updated) in each of the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The special game and the variable display of decorative patterns that are executed in synchronization are collectively referred to as simply variable display.

Sub-image display devices 150 are provided on both the left and right sides of the image display device 5. The sub-image display devices 150 are composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) smaller than the image display device 5, and form a display area for displaying various performance images. In the display area of the sub-image display device 150, in addition to performances such as variable displays in the image display device 5, various performances related to starting winning, and performances that display one or two types of images in conjunction with the image display device 5, image display of explanatory performances such as performance explanation performances and game explanation performances can be executed.

Each of the two sub-image display devices 150 is capable of various operations such as tilting the display surface relative to the image display device 5, facing the display surface toward the front, and moving to a position where it is superimposed on the front side of the image display device 5 (superimposed position). This configuration makes it possible to perform performance displays in the display area of the sub-image display device 150 and performances that involve the operation of the sub-image display device 150. This makes it possible to perform performances with impact and prevent a decline in interest in the game. The image display device 5 is also called the main liquid crystal, and the sub-image display device 150 is also called the sub-liquid crystal.

The two sub-image display devices 150 may each be made of transmissive liquid crystal and operable in a position where they overlap the front side of the image display device 5 (overlapping position), and may be configured so that the image display device 5 can be seen through in this overlapping position. With this configuration, it is possible to display more varied and interesting images using the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150.

The screen of the image display device 5 may be provided with a display area for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is pending, and an active display corresponding to a variable display that is being executed. The pending display and the active display are collectively referred to as a variable display-compatible display corresponding to the variable display.

The number of reserved variable displays is also called the reserved memory number. The reserved memory number corresponding to the first special game is also called the first reserved memory number, and the reserved memory number corresponding to the second special game is also called the second reserved memory number. The sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number is also called the total reserved memory number.

In addition, a first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B, each of which includes a plurality of LEDs, are provided at predetermined positions on the game board 2. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first hold memory number by the number of lit LEDs, and the second hold indicator 25B displays the second hold memory number by the number of lit LEDs.

Below the image display device 5, a winning ball device 6A and a variable winning ball device 6B are provided.

The winning ball device 6A forms a first start winning hole that is always kept in a constant open state so that game balls can enter, for example, by a specified ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first start winning hole, a specified number of prize balls (for example, three) are paid out and the first special game can be started.

The variable winning ball device 6B (normal electric device) forms a second start winning hole that changes between a closed state and an open state by the solenoid 81 (see FIG. 2). The variable winning ball device 6B is, for example, an electric tulip-type device having a pair of movable wings, and when the solenoid 81 is in the off state, the movable wings are in a vertical position, so that the tip of the movable wings approaches the winning ball device 6A, and the second start winning hole is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter (also referred to as the second start winning hole being in a closed state). On the other hand, when the solenoid 81 is in the on state, the movable wings of the variable winning ball device 6B are in a tilted position, so that the second start winning hole is in an open state in which the game ball can enter (also referred to as the second start winning hole being in an open state). When a game ball enters the second start winning hole, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, three) are paid out and the second special game can be started. The variable winning ball device 6B may be any device that can change between a closed state and an open state, and is not limited to devices that include an electric tulip-type device.

At predetermined positions on the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, four positions are provided at the lower left and right of the game area), general winning openings 10 are provided which are always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. In this case, when a game ball enters one of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out as prize balls.

Below the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7 having a large winning opening is provided. The special variable winning ball device 7 has a large winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 82 (see Figure 2), and the large winning opening door forms the large winning opening as a specific area that can be switched between an open state and a closed state.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door (for the special electric device) is in the OFF state, the large prize opening door closes the large prize opening, and game balls cannot enter (pass through) the large prize opening. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door is in the ON state, the large prize opening door opens the large prize opening, and game balls can easily enter the large prize opening.

When a game ball enters the large prize opening, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 14 balls) are paid out as prize balls. When a game ball enters the large prize opening, more prize balls are paid out than when a game ball enters the first start prize opening, the second start prize opening, or the general prize opening 10, for example.

The entry of a game ball into each winning port, including the general winning port 10, is also called a "winning". In particular, a winning ball into a starting port (first starting winning port, second starting winning port) is also called a starting winning.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (to the left of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is made up of a 7-segment LED or the like, and performs a variable display of normal symbols as multiple types of normal identification information different from the special symbols. The normal symbols are represented by numbers showing "0" to "9" or lighting patterns such as "-". The normal symbols may also include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off. Such a variable display of normal symbols is also called a normal symbol game.

A pass gate 41 through which the game ball can pass is provided to the left of the image display device 5. When the game ball passes through the pass gate 41, a regular game is executed.

A normal symbol pending display 25C is provided above the normal symbol display 20. The normal symbol pending display 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the normal symbol pending memory count, which is the number of normal symbol games that are pending execution, by the number of lit LEDs.

In addition to the above features, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with windmills that change the direction and speed of the game balls, as well as numerous obstacle nails. At the bottom of the game area, there is an outlet that takes in game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes.

Speakers 8L and 8R for playing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and gaming effect lamps 9 for gaming effects are provided around the periphery of the gaming area. The gaming effect lamps 9 are composed of LEDs.

A movable member 52 (not shown in FIG. 1) that operates according to the presentation is provided at a predetermined position (not shown in FIG. 1) on the game board 2.

At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a ball-hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 is provided, which is operated by the player or the like to launch the gaming ball toward the gaming area using the ball-hitting device.

At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area, a ball supply tray (upper tray) is provided to hold (store) gaming balls dispensed as prize balls or gaming balls loaned from a predetermined ball loaning machine so that they can be supplied to the ball launching device. Below the upper tray, a ball supply tray (lower tray) is provided from which prize balls are dispensed when the upper tray is full.

A stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player is attached to a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed by the player. Operations on the stick controller 31A are detected by the controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 2).

At a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a push button 31B is provided that the player can press to give a predetermined command. The operation of the push button 31B is detected by a push sensor 35B (see FIG. 2).

At specific positions on the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a cross key 052F101 and a cross key button 052F102 that can be operated by the player are provided. The cross key 052F101 is a cross-shaped operation means that can be operated in any direction up, down, left or right by the player's actions. The cross key button 052F102 is provided in the center of the cross key 052F101, and is an operation means that can be pressed by the player's actions separately from the cross key 052F101.

The cross key 052F101 includes an up key located at the top, a down key located at the bottom, a left key located at the left, and a right key located at the right. Operation of the up key is called an up operation, operation of the down key is called a down operation, operation of the left key is called a left operation, and operation of the right key is called a right operation. Operation of the cross key 052F101 in each of the up, down, left, and right directions is detected by a cross key sensor 052F103 (see FIG. 2) as a detection means capable of detecting the player's actions. Pressing of the cross key buttons 052F102 is detected by a button sensor 052F104 (see FIG. 2) as a detection means capable of detecting the player's actions.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a stick controller 31A (controller sensor unit 35A), a push button 31B (push sensor 35B), a cross key sensor 052F103 (cross key button 052F102), and a button sensor 052F104 (cross key button 052F102) are provided as detection means for detecting the player's actions (operations, etc.), but other detection means may also be provided. For example, instead of a means for detecting the operation of an operating means such as the stick controller 31A, a detection means capable of directly detecting the player's actions, such as an infrared sensor and a motion sensor, may be used.

(Outline of game progress)
The game ball is launched toward the game area by the player rotating the ball hitting operation handle 30 provided on the pachinko game machine 1. When the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, a normal game is started by the normal symbol display 20. If the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 during the period during which the previous normal game is being played (if the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 but the normal game based on the passing cannot be played immediately), the normal game based on the passing is put on hold up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In this normal game, if a specific normal symbol (a normal winning symbol) is displayed as a fixed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than a normal winning symbol (a normal losing symbol) is displayed as a fixed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal losing". When a "normal winning" occurs, an opening control is performed to keep the variable winning ball device 6B in an open state for a predetermined period of time (the second starting winning port is opened).

When a game ball enters the first start winning hole formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game is started by the first special symbol display device 4A.

When a game ball enters the second start winning hole formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special symbol game is started by the second special symbol display device 4B.

In addition, if the game ball enters (wins) the start winning hole during the period when the special game is being played or during the period when the game is controlled to a big win game state or a small win game state (when a start winning occurs but the special game based on the start winning cannot be played immediately), the special game based on that entry will be put on hold until a specified upper limit number (for example, 4).

In special game, if a specific special symbol (a big win symbol, for example, "7"; the actual symbol varies depending on the type of big win, as described below) is displayed as the confirmed special symbol, it is a "big win", and if a specific special symbol different from the big win symbol (a small win symbol, for example, "2") is displayed as a "small win". Also, if a special symbol different from the big win or small win symbol (a losing symbol, for example, "-") is displayed as a "losing" symbol, it is a "losing".

After the display result in the special game becomes "big win", the game state is controlled to a big win game state, which is advantageous for the player. After the display result in the special game becomes "small win", the game state is controlled to a small win game state.

In the jackpot gaming state, the player can get prize balls by making the gaming ball enter the big prize opening. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The more rounds there are in the jackpot gaming state, and the longer the upper limit opening period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

In addition, a jackpot type is set for a "jackpot". For example, a plurality of types of opening modes of the jackpot entrance (number of rounds or maximum opening period) and game states after the jackpot game state (normal state, time-saving state, probability change state, etc., described later) are prepared, and the jackpot type is set according to these. As the jackpot type, there may be a jackpot type in which many prize balls can be obtained, and a jackpot type in which few prize balls or almost no prize balls can be obtained.

In the small win game state, the large prize opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined opening state. For example, in the small win game state, the large prize opening is opened in the same opening state as the large prize opening in the large prize game state for some large prize types (the number of times the large prize opening is opened is the same as the number of rounds, and the timing of closing the large prize opening is also the same, etc.). Note that, like the large prize types, small prize types may also be set for "small wins".

After the jackpot game state ends, the game may be controlled to a time-saving state or a special state depending on the type of jackpot mentioned above.

In the time-saving state, control (time-saving control) is executed to shorten the average special symbol fluctuation time (period during which the special symbol fluctuates) more than in the normal state. In the time-saving state, control (high opening control, high base control) is also executed to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole by shortening the average regular symbol fluctuation time (period during which the regular symbol fluctuates) more than in the normal state and by improving the probability of a "regular symbol hit" in the regular symbol game more than in the normal state. The time-saving state is an advantageous state for the player because it is a state in which the fluctuation efficiency of special symbols (especially the second special symbol) is improved.

In the probability variable state (probability fluctuating state), in addition to time-saving control, probability variable control is executed, which increases the probability that the display result will be a "jackpot" compared to the normal state. The probability variable state is an even more advantageous state for the player, as it not only improves the efficiency of special symbol fluctuation, but also makes it easier to get a "jackpot."

The time-saving state or the probability of a special bonus state will continue until one of the end conditions is met first, such as the specified number of special games being played or the start of the next big win game state. The end condition of the state in which the specified number of special games have been played is also called a count-cut (count-cut time-saving state, count-cut probability of a special bonus state, etc.).

The normal state refers to a game state other than advantageous states such as a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player, and special states such as a time-saving state and a probability-varying state, and is a state in which the pachinko game machine 1, such as the probability that the display result in the normal game will be a "normal hit" and the probability that the display result in the special game will be a "jackpot", is controlled in the same way as the initial setting state of the pachinko game machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed and the specified return process is not executed after the power is turned on).

The state in which probability variable control is being executed is also called a high probability state, and the state in which probability variable control is not being executed is also called a low probability state. The state in which time-saving control is being executed is also called a high base state, and the state in which time-saving control is not being executed is also called a low base state. Combining these, the time-saving state is also called a low probability high base state, the probability variable state is a high probability high base state, and the normal state is a low probability low base state. The high probability state and low base state are also called a high probability low base state.

After the small win game state ends, the game state is not changed, and the game state before the display result of the special game becomes "small win" is continued (however, if the special game when the "small win" occurs is the special game of the specified number of times in the number cut, the game state will naturally change). Note that the display result of the special game does not have to be "small win".

The game state may change based on the game ball passing through a specific area (e.g., a specific area in a big prize hole) during the big win game state. For example, when the game ball passes through the specific area, the game state may be controlled to a probability variable state after the big win game state.

(Progression of the performance, etc.)
In the pachinko game machine 1, various effects (effects to notify the progress of the game or to liven up the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The effects are described below. The effects are executed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of the display, the effects may be executed by sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and/or by turning on/off the game effect lamp 9, operating the movable member 52, etc.

As an effect that is executed according to the progress of the game, in the "left", "middle" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C and 5R provided on the image display device 5, a variable display of decorative patterns begins in response to the start of the first or second special pattern game. At the timing when the display result (also called the determined special pattern) in the first or second special pattern game is displayed statically, the determined decorative pattern (a combination of three decorative patterns) which is the display result of the variable display of the decorative patterns is also displayed statically (derived).

During the period from when the variable display of the decorative symbols starts to when it ends, the state of the variable display of the decorative symbols may become a predetermined reach state (a reach is achieved). Here, a reach state refers to a state in which the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 continue to be variable displayed when the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed form part of a jackpot combination, which will be described later.

In addition, when the above-mentioned reach state occurs during the variable display of the decorative symbols, a reach effect is executed. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, multiple types of reach effects are executed with different rates (also called jackpot reliability or jackpot expectation) of the display result (the display result of the special game or the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols) becoming a "jackpot" depending on the performance state. Reach effects include, for example, a normal reach and a super reach, which has a higher jackpot reliability than a normal reach.

When the display result of the special game is a "jackpot", a fixed decorative pattern that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns on the screen of the image display device 5 (the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns is a "jackpot"). As an example, the same decorative patterns (for example, "7") are displayed stopped in line on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "center", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R.

In the case of a "probability jackpot" that is controlled to a probability jackpot state after the end of the jackpot game state, odd decorative symbols (e.g., "7") are displayed in a line, and in the case of a "non-probability jackpot (normal jackpot)" that is not controlled to a probability jackpot state after the end of the jackpot game state, even decorative symbols (e.g., "6") may be displayed in a line. In this case, odd decorative symbols are also called probability jackpot symbols, and even decorative symbols are also called non-probability jackpot symbols (normal symbols). After a reach state is reached with non-probability jackpot symbols, a promotion effect may be executed that ultimately results in a "probability jackpot".

When the display result of the special game is a "small win", a fixed decorative pattern (for example, "1 3 5") that is a predetermined small win combination is derived on the screen of the image display device 5 as a display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern is a "small win"). As an example, decorative patterns that constitute chance eyes are displayed stationary on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. Note that a common fixed decorative pattern may be derived and displayed when the display result of the special game is a "big win" of some big win types (big win types of big win game states in the same manner as the small win game state) and when it is a "small win".

When the display result of the special game is a "miss," the state of the variable display of the decorative pattern does not become a reach state, and the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may display a fixed decorative pattern of a non-reach combination (also called a "non-reach miss") as a "non-reach miss" (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may be a "non-reach miss"). Also, when the display result is a "miss," after the state of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes a reach state, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may display a fixed decorative pattern of a predetermined reach combination (also called a "reach miss") that is not a jackpot combination as a "reach miss" (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may be a "reach miss").

The effects that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can execute include displaying the variable display compatible display (reserved display or active display) described above. In addition, as other effects, for example, a preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability is executed during the variable display of the decorative pattern. Preview effects include a preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display currently being executed, and a look-ahead preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is on hold). As a look-ahead preview effect, an effect that changes the display mode of the variable display compatible display (reserved display or active display) to a mode different from normal may be executed.

In addition, in the image display device 5, a pseudo consecutive performance may be executed in which a single variable display appears to be multiple variable displays by temporarily pausing the decorative pattern during the variable display and then restarting the variable display.

During a jackpot game state, a jackpot performance is executed to notify the player of the jackpot game state. As a jackpot performance, a performance to notify the number of rounds or an upgrade performance to indicate that the value of the jackpot game state will increase may be executed. Also, during a small jackpot game state, a small jackpot performance to notify the player of the small jackpot game state is executed. In addition, a common performance may be executed during a small jackpot game state and a jackpot game state for some jackpot types (a jackpot type for a jackpot game state in the same manner as a small jackpot game state, for example, a jackpot type for which the game state after that is a high probability state), so that the player cannot know whether the current state is a small jackpot game state or a jackpot game state. In such a case, a common performance may be executed after the end of the small jackpot game state and after the end of the jackpot game state, so that the player cannot distinguish whether the current state is a high probability state or a low probability state.

In addition, for example, when a special game or the like is not being executed, a demo (demonstration) image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a customer waiting demo performance is executed).

(Board configuration)
The pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11, a performance control board 12, a sound control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a relay board 15, etc., as shown in Fig. 2. In addition, various boards, such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, a power supply board, etc., are arranged on the back of the pachinko game machine 1.

The main board 11 is the main control board, and has the function of controlling the progress of the above-mentioned games in the pachinko game machine 1 (execution of the special game (including management of reserved balls), execution of the regular game (including management of reserved balls), big win game state, small win game state, game state, etc.). The main board 11 has a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, etc.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and is equipped with a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, a random number circuit 104, and an I/O (Input/Output port) 105.

The CPU 103 executes the programs stored in the ROM 101 to perform processes that control the progress of the game (processes that realize the functions of the main board 11). At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (such as data on fluctuation patterns, performance control commands, and tables referenced when making various decisions) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. The RAM 102 serves as a backup RAM in which the stored contents are preserved for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped in part or in whole. Note that all or part of the programs stored in the ROM 101 may be deployed to the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

The random number circuit 104 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random number values (gaming random numbers) used to control the progress of the game. The gaming random numbers may be updated by the CPU 103 executing a specific computer program (updated by software).

The I/O 105 is configured to include, for example, an input port to which various signals (detection signals described below) are input, and an output port for transmitting various signals (signals for controlling (driving) the first special pattern display device 4A, the second special pattern display device 4B, the normal pattern display device 20, the first hold display device 25A, the second hold display device 25B, the normal hold display device 25C, etc., solenoid drive signals).

The switch circuit 110 takes in detection signals (such as a detection signal indicating that a game ball has passed or entered and the switch has been turned on) from various switches for detecting game balls (gate switch 21, start port switch (first start port switch 22A and second start port switch 22B), count switch 23), and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The transmission of the detection signal indicates that the game ball has passed or entered.

The solenoid circuit 111 transmits solenoid drive signals (such as signals to turn on solenoid 81 and solenoid 82) from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81 for the normal electric device and the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door.

As part of controlling the progress of the game, the main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100) supplies presentation control commands (commands that specify (notify) the progress of the game, etc.) to the presentation control board 12 according to the progress of the game. The presentation control commands output from the main board 11 are relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the presentation control board 12. The presentation control commands include, for example, commands that specify various determination results in the main board 11 (for example, the display results of the special game (including the type of jackpot), the variable pattern used when executing the special game (described in detail later)), the game status (for example, the start or end of the variable display, the opening status of the jackpot opening, the occurrence of a win, the number of reserved memories, the game status), the occurrence of an error, etc.

The performance control board 12 is a sub-control board independent of the main board 11, and has the function of receiving performance control commands and executing performances (various performances according to the progress of the game, including driving the movable member 52, driving the image display device 150, and various notifications such as error notifications and power outage recovery notifications) based on the received performance control commands.

The performance control board 12 is equipped with a performance control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a display control unit 123, a random number circuit 124, and an I/O 125.

The performance control CPU 120 executes the programs stored in the ROM 121 to perform processing for executing performances together with the display control unit 123 (processing for realizing the above-mentioned functions of the performance control board 12, including determining the performance to be executed). At this time, various data (data such as various tables) stored in the ROM 121 are used, and the RAM 122 is used as the main memory.

The presentation control CPU 120 may instruct the display control unit 123 to execute presentations based on detection signals (signals that are output when an operation by a player is detected and appropriately indicate the content of the operation) from various detection means (sensors) such as the controller sensor unit 35A, push sensor 35B, cross key sensor 052F103, and button sensor 052F104.

The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), CGROM (Character Generator ROM), VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes the performance based on instructions to execute the performance from the performance control CPU 120.

The display control unit 123, based on the instruction to execute the performance from the performance control CPU 120, supplies each of the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150 with a video signal corresponding to the performance to be executed, thereby displaying various images such as performance images on each of the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150. The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound designation signal (a signal designating the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 and a lamp signal (a signal designating the on/off state of the lamp) to the lamp control board 14 in order to output sound synchronized with the display of the performance image and turn on/off the game effect lamp 9. The display control unit 123 also supplies a signal to operate the movable member 52 to the movable member 52 or a drive circuit that drives the movable member 52. The display control unit 123 also supplies an operation instruction signal to operate (drive) the two sub-image display devices 150 to the operation control unit 160 for operating (driving) the sub-image display device 150. The operation control unit 160 may be composed of, for example, motors, gears, etc., for operating the two sub-image display devices 150.

The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits that drive the speakers 8L and 8R, and drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, causing the speakers 8L and 8R to output the sound designated by the sound designation signal.

The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits that drive the game effect lamp 9, and drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the lamp signal, turning the game effect lamp 9 on and off in the manner specified by the lamp signal. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls the sound output and the turning on and off of the lamp.

The performance control CPU 120 may be configured to execute the sound output, the control of turning the lamps on and off (such as supplying a sound designation signal or a lamp signal), the control of the movable member 52 (such as supplying a signal to operate the movable member 52), and the control of the sub-image display device 151 (such as supplying a signal to the operation control unit 160 to drive and control the sub-image display device 151).

The random number circuit 124 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random number values (random numbers for performance) used to execute various performances. The random numbers for performance may be updated by the performance control CPU 120 executing a specific computer program (updated by software).

The I/O 125 mounted on the performance control board 12 is composed of an input port for inputting performance control commands transmitted, for example, from the main board 11, and an output port for transmitting various signals (video signals, sound designation signals, lamp signals).

The boards other than the main board 11, such as the performance control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the lamp control board 14, are also called sub-boards. As with the pachinko game machine 1, multiple sub-boards may be provided for different functions, or one sub-board may be configured to have multiple functions.

(motion)
Next, the operation (function) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

(Main Operations of Main Board 11)
First, a description will be given of the main operations of the main board 11. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is started, and a game control main process is executed by the CPU 103. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the game control main process executed by the CPU 103 on the main board 11.

In the game control main process shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 103 first sets interrupts to be prohibited (step S1). Then, it performs the necessary initial settings (step S2). The initial settings include setting the stack pointer, register settings for built-in devices (CTC (counter/timer circuit), parallel input/output port, etc.), and setting the RAM 102 to be accessible.

Next, it is determined whether the output signal from the clear switch is on or not (step S3). The clear switch is mounted on, for example, a power supply board. When the power is turned on with the clear switch in the on state, the output signal (clear signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 100 via the input port. If the output signal from the clear switch is on (step S3; Yes), an initialization process (step S8) is executed. In the initialization process, the CPU 103 executes a RAM clear process that clears flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102, and sets initial values in the working area.

The CPU 103 also transmits a presentation control command to the presentation control board 12 to instruct initialization (step S9). When the presentation control CPU 120 receives the presentation control command, it displays a screen on the image display device 5, for example, to notify the user that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized.

If the output signal from the clear switch is not on (step S3; No), it is determined whether backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (backup RAM) (step S4). When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped due to an unexpected power outage or the like (power interruption), the CPU 103 executes a power supply stop processing immediately before the machine becomes unable to operate due to the power supply stop. In this power supply stop processing, a process of turning on a backup flag indicating that data is to be backed up in the RAM 102, a data protection process for the RAM 102, etc. are executed. The data protection process includes adding an error detection code (checksum, parity bit, etc.) and a process of backing up various data. The backed up data includes various data for progressing the game (including various flags, the status of various timers, etc.), as well as the status of the backup flag and the error detection code. In step S4, it is determined whether the backup flag is on. If the backup flag is off and no backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (step S4; No), an initialization process (step S8) is executed.

If backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (step S4; Yes), the CPU 103 checks the backed up data (using an error detection code) and determines whether the data is normal (step S5). In step S5, for example, a parity bit or a checksum is used to determine whether the data in the RAM 102 matches the data at the time of power supply interruption. If it is determined that they match, it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal.

If it is determined that the data in RAM 102 is not normal (step S5; No), the internal state cannot be restored to the state it was in when the power supply was stopped, so an initialization process (step S8) is performed.

If it is determined that the data in RAM 102 is normal (Step S5; Yes), the CPU 103 performs a recovery process (Step S6) to return the internal state of the main board 11 to the state it was in when the power supply was stopped. In the recovery process, the CPU 103 sets a working area based on the memory contents of RAM 102 (contents of the backed-up data). This restores the game state to the state it was in when the power supply was stopped, and if the special symbols were changing, the change of the special symbols will be resumed from the state before the recovery by executing the game control timer interrupt process described below.

Then, the CPU 103 transmits a presentation control command to the presentation control board 12 to instruct recovery from the power outage (step S7). In conjunction with this, a presentation control command specifying the backed-up game state before the power outage, or, if a special symbol game was being played, a presentation control command specifying the display result of the special symbol game being played may be transmitted. These commands can be the same as the commands transmitted and set in the special symbol process processing described below. When the presentation control CPU 120 receives a presentation control command specifying the time of recovery from the power outage, it displays a screen on the image display device 5, for example, to notify the user that recovery from the power outage has been achieved or that recovery from the power outage is in progress. The presentation control CPU 120 may display an appropriate screen based on the presentation control command.

After completing the recovery or initialization process and sending a performance control command to the performance control board 12, the CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process to initialize the random number circuit 104 (step S10). Then, the register of the CTC built into the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically at a predetermined time (e.g., every 2 ms) (step S11), and the interrupt is permitted (step S12). After that, a loop process is entered. After that, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute the timer interrupt process.

When the CPU 103 that has executed the game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and accepts the interrupt request, it executes the game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 4 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process to determine whether or not detection signals have been received from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110 (step S21). Next, by executing a predetermined main side error process, it diagnoses an abnormality in the pachinko game machine 1, and can issue a warning if necessary depending on the diagnosis result (step S22). After that, by executing a predetermined information output process, it outputs data such as jackpot information (information indicating the number of jackpots), start information (information indicating the number of start winnings), and probability fluctuation information (information indicating the number of times the probability fluctuation state has occurred) that are supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko game machine 1 (step S23).

Following the information output process, a game random number update process is executed to update at least a part of the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software (step S24). After this, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process process (step S25). The CPU 103 executes the special symbol process process at each timer interruption, thereby realizing the execution and reservation management of the special symbol game, the control of the big win game state and the small win game state, the control of the game state, etc. (described in detail later).

Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (step S26). The CPU 103 executes the normal symbol process at each timer interrupt, enabling the execution and reservation management of the normal symbol game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the game ball passing through the passing gate 41), and the opening control of the variable winning ball device 6B based on a "normal symbol hit". The normal symbol game is executed by driving the normal symbol display 20, and the number of reserved normal symbols is displayed by lighting the normal symbol reservation display 25C.

After executing the normal symbol process processing, as part of the game control timer interrupt processing, processing when a power outage occurs, processing for paying out prize balls, etc. may be performed. After that, the CPU 103 executes a command control processing (step S27). The CPU 103 may set a performance control command for transmission in each of the above processes. In the command control processing of step S27, a process is performed to transmit the performance control command set for transmission to a sub-side control board such as the performance control board 12. After executing the command control processing, the interrupt is permitted and then the game control timer interrupt processing is terminated.

Figure 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the special symbol process executed in step S25 shown in Figure 4. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101).

In the start winning judgment process, a process is executed to detect the occurrence of a start winning, store the reserved information in a specified area of the RAM 102, and update the reserved memory number. When a start winning occurs, a random number value for determining the display result (including the type of big win) and the variation pattern is extracted and stored as reserved information. In addition, a process for predicting the display result and the variation pattern based on the extracted random number value may be executed. After the reserved information and the reserved memory number are stored, a transmission setting is performed to transmit a performance control command to the performance control board 12 to specify the judgment results such as the occurrence of a start winning, the reserved memory number, and the predictive judgment. The performance control command at the time of the start winning that has been transmitted and set in this way is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example, after the special pattern process is completed, by executing the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. 4.

After executing the start winning determination process in S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes one of the processes in steps S110 to S120 depending on the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the RAM 102. Note that in each step of the special symbol process (steps S110 to S120), a transmission setting is made to transmit a performance control command corresponding to each step to the performance control board 12.

The special symbol normal processing in step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "0" (initial value). In this special symbol normal processing, a determination is made as to whether or not to start the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game based on the presence or absence of reserved information. In addition, in the special symbol normal processing, based on a random number value for determining the display result, whether or not the display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is to be a "big win" or a "small win", and the type of the big win in the case of a "big win", is determined (pre-determined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Furthermore, in the special symbol normal processing, a determined special symbol (either a big win symbol, a small win symbol, or a losing symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the special symbol game is set in response to the determined display result. After that, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "1", and the special symbol normal processing is terminated. Note that the special symbol game using the second special symbol may be executed in preference to the special symbol game using the first special symbol (also called special symbol 2 priority consumption). In addition, the order in which the game balls enter the first start winning port and the second start winning port may be stored, and the conditions for starting the special game may be met in the order in which the balls enter the first start winning port (also known as consumption in winning order).

When making various decisions based on random number values, various tables stored in ROM 101 (tables in which decision values compared with random number values are assigned to decision results) are referenced. The same applies to other decisions on the main board 11 and various decisions on the performance control board 12. On the performance control board 12, various tables are stored in ROM 121.

The fluctuation pattern setting process of step S111 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "1". This fluctuation pattern setting process includes a process of determining the fluctuation pattern to one of multiple types using a random number value for determining the fluctuation pattern based on a pre-determined result of whether the display result is a "big hit" or a "small hit". In the fluctuation pattern setting process, when the fluctuation pattern is determined, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "2" and the fluctuation pattern setting process ends.

The variation pattern specifies the execution time of the special game (special game variation time) (which is also the execution time of the variable display of the decorative symbols), the manner of the variable display of the decorative symbols (whether or not there is a reach, etc.), and the content of the presentation during the variable display of the decorative symbols (type of reach presentation, etc.), and is also called the variable display pattern.

The special pattern change process of step S112 is executed when the value of the special pattern process flag is "2". This special pattern change process includes a process for making settings to change the special pattern in the first special pattern display device 4A and the second special pattern display device 4B, and a process for measuring the elapsed time since the special pattern started to change. It also determines whether the measured elapsed time has reached the special pattern change time corresponding to the change pattern. Then, when the elapsed time since the special pattern started to change reaches the special pattern change time, the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "3", and the special pattern change process ends.

The special pattern stop process of step S113 is executed when the value of the special pattern process flag is "3". This special pattern stop process includes a process for setting the first special pattern display device 4A or the second special pattern display device 4B to stop the fluctuation of the special pattern and to stop displaying (deriving) the confirmed special pattern that is the display result of the special pattern. If the display result is a "big win", the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "4". On the other hand, if the big win flag is off and the display result is a "small win", the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "8". If the display result is a "miss", the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "0". If the display result is a "small win" or "miss", when the time-saving state or the probability change state is controlled and the end of the number of times is established, the game state is also updated. When the value of the special pattern process flag is updated, the special pattern stop process ends.

The pre-opening process for the jackpot in step S114 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "4". This pre-opening process for the jackpot includes a process for starting the execution of a round in the jackpot game state and setting the jackpot opening port to an open state, based on the display result being "jackpot", etc. When the jackpot opening port is opened, a process for supplying a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the jackpot opening port is executed. At this time, for example, depending on the type of jackpot, the maximum open period for the jackpot opening port and the maximum number of rounds to be executed are set. When these settings are completed, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "5", and the pre-opening process for the jackpot is completed.

The jackpot opening process of step S115 is executed when the value of the special pattern process flag is "5". This jackpot opening process includes a process of measuring the elapsed time since the jackpot opening was opened, and a process of determining whether or not it is time to return the jackpot opening from the open state to the closed state based on the measured elapsed time and the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23. When the jackpot opening is returned to the closed state, a process of stopping the supply of a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the jackpot opening door is executed, and then the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "6", and the jackpot opening process is terminated.

The post-jackpot release process of step S116 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "6". This post-jackpot release process includes a process for determining whether the number of times the round that opens the big prize opening has been executed has reached a set upper limit, and a process for making settings to end the jackpot game state when the upper limit has been reached. When the number of times the round has been executed has not reached the upper limit, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "5", whereas when the number of times the round has been executed has reached the upper limit, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "7". When the value of the special chart process flag is updated, the post-jackpot release process ends.

The jackpot end process of step S117 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "7". This jackpot end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to the period during which an ending presentation is executed as a presentation operation that notifies the end of the jackpot game state has elapsed, and a process of making various settings for starting special rate control or time-saving control in response to the end of the jackpot game state. When such settings are made, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot end process ends.

The small win pre-opening process in step S118 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "8". This small win pre-opening process includes a process for setting the large prize opening to an open state in the small win game state based on the display result being "small win". At this time, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "9", and the small win pre-opening process ends.

The small win open processing of step S119 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "9". This small win open processing includes a process for measuring the time that has elapsed since the large prize opening was opened, and a process for determining whether or not it is time to return the large prize opening from an open state to a closed state based on the measured elapsed time. When the large prize opening is returned to a closed state and it is time to end the small win game state, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "10" and the small win open processing ends.

The small win end process of step S120 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "10". This small win end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to the period during which the presentation operation that notifies the end of the small win game state is executed has elapsed. Here, when the small win game state ends, the game state in the pachinko game machine 1 before the small win game state is entered is continued. When the waiting time at the end of the small win game state has elapsed, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "0", and the small win end process ends.

(Main operations of the performance control board 12)
Next, the main operations of the performance control board 12 will be described. When the performance control board 12 receives a power supply voltage from a power supply board or the like, the performance control CPU 120 starts up and executes the performance control main process as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6. When the performance control main process shown in Fig. 6 starts, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71), clears the RAM 122, sets various initial values, and sets the registers of the CTC (counter/timer circuit) mounted on the performance control board 12. In addition, it executes an initial operation control process (step S72). In the initial operation control process, control is executed to perform the initial operation of the movable member 52, such as control to drive the movable member 52 to return it to its initial position and control to perform a predetermined operation check.

Then, it is determined whether the timer interrupt flag is on or not (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time (e.g., 2 milliseconds) elapses, for example based on the register setting of the CTC. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S73; No), the process of step S73 is repeatedly executed and the system waits.

In addition, on the performance control board 12 side, an interrupt occurs to receive a performance control command from the main board 11, in addition to a timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time has elapsed. This interrupt occurs, for example, when the performance control INT signal from the main board 11 becomes ON. When an interrupt occurs due to the performance control INT signal becoming ON, the performance control CPU 120 automatically sets the interrupt to be prohibited, but if a CPU that does not automatically become interrupt prohibited is used, it is desirable to issue an interrupt prohibition command (DI command). In response to an interrupt due to the performance control INT signal becoming ON, the performance control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process. In this command reception interrupt process, a performance control command is taken in from a predetermined input port that receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, among the input ports included in the I/O 125. The performance control command taken in at this time is stored in a performance control command reception buffer provided in, for example, the RAM 122. The performance control CPU 120 then sets the interrupt to permitted and ends the command reception interrupt process.

If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S73 (step S73; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared to an off state (step S74), and a command analysis process is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, various presentation control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the presentation control command reception buffer are read, and then settings and controls corresponding to the read presentation control commands are performed. For example, the read presentation control command is stored in a specified area of the RAM 122, or a reception flag provided in the RAM 122 is turned on so that which presentation control command was received and the contents specified by the presentation control command can be confirmed by the presentation control process process, etc. In addition, if the presentation control command specifies the game state, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display a background corresponding to the game state.

After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the performance control process is executed (step S76). In the performance control process, for example, control is performed to operate various performance devices, such as the display operation of the performance image in the display area of the image display device 5, the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation of the decorative light-emitting elements such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LEDs, and the driving operation of the movable member 52. In addition, judgments, decisions, settings, etc. are made regarding the control contents of the performance operations using the various performance devices in accordance with the performance control commands, etc. transmitted from the main board 11.

Following the performance control process processing of step S76, a performance random number update process is executed (step S77), and at least a portion of the performance random numbers used on the performance control board 12 side is updated by software. Then, the process returns to step S73. Before returning to step S73, other processes may be executed.

7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S76 of FIG. 6 as the performance control process. In the performance control process shown in FIG. 7, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a pre-reading notice setting process (step S161). In the pre-reading notice setting process, for example, a judgment, decision, setting, etc. for executing the pre-reading notice performance is performed based on the performance control command at the time of the start winning transmitted from the main board 11. In addition, a process for displaying the reserved display is executed based on the reserved memory number specified from the performance control command.

Next, the presentation control CPU 120 executes a player menu screen process (step S162). The player menu screen process is a process that allows the player to select and display various images for the player from the menu screen, such as explanation presentations including the presentation explanation presentation and game explanation presentation, which will be described later.

After executing the processing of step S162, the performance control CPU 120 selects and executes one of the processing of steps S170 to S177 as described below, depending on the value of a performance process flag provided in, for example, RAM 122.

The variable display start waiting process of step S170 is executed when the value of the presentation process flag is "0" (initial value). This variable display start waiting process includes a process of determining whether or not to start the variable display of the decorative pattern on the image display device 5 based on whether or not a command specifying the start of variable display has been received from the main board 11. If it is determined that the variable display of the decorative pattern on the image display device 5 should be started, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to "1" and the variable display start waiting process ends.

The variable display start setting process of step S171 is a process executed when the value of the performance process flag is "1". In this variable display start setting process, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern (determined decorative pattern), the mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern, whether or not various performances such as reach performances and various advance notice performances are executed, and the mode and execution start timing are determined based on the display result and the change pattern specified by the performance control command. Then, a performance control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the display control unit 123 to execute a performance) that reflects the determined result is set. After that, based on the set performance control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start the execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process is terminated. In response to the instruction to start the execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the display control unit 123 starts the variable display of the decorative pattern on the image display device 5.

The variable display performance process of step S172 is a process executed when the performance process flag is "2". In this variable display performance process, the performance control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display a performance image based on the performance control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5, to drive the movable member 52, to output voice and sound effects from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the voice control board 13, and to turn on/off/blink the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED by outputting a command (illumination signal) to the lamp control board 14, thereby executing various performance controls during the variable display of the decorative pattern. After performing such performance control, for example, in response to the reading of an end code indicating the end of the variable display of the decorative pattern from the performance control pattern, or the reception of a command specifying the stop display of the fixed decorative pattern from the main board 11, the fixed decorative pattern, which is the display result of the decorative pattern, is stopped. When the final decorative pattern is displayed in a stopped state, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "3" and the performance process during variable display ends.

The special winning waiting process of step S173 is a process executed when the value of the performance process flag is "3". In this special winning waiting process, the performance control CPU 120 judges whether or not a performance control command that specifies the start of a big win game state or a small win game state has been received from the main board 11. Then, when a performance control command that specifies the start of a big win game state or a small win game state is received, if the command specifies the start of a big win game state, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "6". On the other hand, if the command specifies the start of a small win game state, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "4", which is a value corresponding to the small win during performance processing. Also, when a command that specifies the start of a big win game state or a small win game state has not been received and the waiting time for receiving the command has elapsed, it is judged that the display result in the special game was "miss", and the value of the performance process flag is updated to the initial value "0". When the value of the performance process flag is updated, the special winning waiting process is terminated.

The small win presentation process of step S174 is executed when the presentation control process flag value is "4". In this small win presentation process, the presentation control CPU 120 sets, for example, a presentation control pattern corresponding to the presentation content in the small win game state, and executes various presentation controls in the small win game state based on the set content. In addition, in the small win presentation process, for example, in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 specifying that the small win game state is to be ended, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to "5", which is a value corresponding to the small win end presentation, and the small win presentation process is ended.

The small win end presentation process in step S175 is executed when the value of the presentation control process flag is "5". In this small win end presentation process, the presentation control CPU 120 sets a presentation control pattern corresponding to, for example, the end of a small win game state, and executes various presentation controls at the end of the small win game state based on the settings. After that, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the small win end presentation process ends.

The jackpot performance process of step S176 is executed when the performance process flag value is "6". In this jackpot performance process, the performance control CPU 120 sets, for example, a performance control pattern corresponding to the performance content in the jackpot gaming state, and executes various performance controls in the jackpot gaming state based on the set content. In addition, in the jackpot performance process, for example, in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 specifying that the jackpot gaming state is to end, the value of the performance control process flag is updated to "7", which is a value corresponding to the ending performance process, and the jackpot performance process ends.

The ending presentation process of step S177 is executed when the value of the presentation process flag is "7". In this ending presentation process, the presentation control CPU 120 sets a presentation control pattern corresponding to, for example, the end of a jackpot gaming state, and executes various presentation controls for the ending presentation at the end of the jackpot gaming state based on the set contents. After that, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the ending presentation process is terminated.

(Modification of the basic explanation)
This invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described in the basic description above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 described above is a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as prizes when a prize is won, but it may also be an enclosed type gaming machine that encloses gaming media and awards points when a prize is won.

Only one type of symbol (for example, a symbol showing "-") may be displayed during the variable display of the special symbol, and the variable display may be performed by repeatedly displaying and extinguishing the symbol. Furthermore, even if the symbol is displayed during the variable display, the symbol may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (the symbol showing "-" may not be displayed as a display result).

In the above basic explanation, a pachinko gaming machine 1 was shown as the gaming machine, but the present invention can also be applied to slot machines (e.g., slot machines equipped with one or more of big bonus, regular bonus, RT, AT, ART, CZ (hereinafter, bonus, etc.)) that can play a game in which medals are inserted and a predetermined bet amount is set, multiple types of symbols are rotated in response to the player's operation of the control lever, and when the symbols are stopped in response to the player's operation of the stop button, a specific combination of symbols is formed, and a predetermined number of medals is paid out to the player.

The programs and data for implementing the present invention are not limited to being distributed or provided to the computer device included in the pachinko gaming machine 1 by a removable recording medium, but may be distributed by being pre-installed in a storage device of the computer device or the like. Furthermore, the programs and data for implementing the present invention may be distributed by being downloaded from another device on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit.

The game can be executed not only by inserting a removable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory, or by directly executing the game using the hardware resources of another device on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

In this specification, expressions of comparison of various percentages such as the execution percentage of effects (such as "high", "low", "different", etc.) may include one being a "0%" percentage. For example, they also include one being a "0%" percentage and the other being a "100%" percentage or a percentage less than "100%".

[Overview of control of characteristic part 052F]
Next, the characteristic part 052F of this embodiment will be described. Regarding the characteristic part 052F, a technique that enables a first explanation performance (hereinafter referred to as "performance explanation performance") that explains the performance of the pachinko game machine 1 using a plurality of explanation stages and a second explanation performance (hereinafter referred to as "game explanation performance") that explains the playing method of the pachinko game machine 1 using a plurality of explanation stages (for example, five stages, etc.) to be executed as explanation performances that explain the game to the player will be mainly described.

Basically, the number of explanation stages used in the presentation explanation performance is set to a number greater than the number of explanation stages used in the game explanation performance. Note that the number of explanation stages used in these presentation explanation performances may be set to different numbers of stages or may be set to the same number of stages.

The explanatory performance described below and the performances related to the explanatory performance are executed by the performance control CPU 120. In the explanatory performance, the performance control CPU 120 can execute a predetermined explanatory performance based on predetermined control data, and can also execute various performance controls such as selection control of the language used in the performance and progress control of the performance based on the detection signals output from the sensors when the operation of the cross key 052F101 by the player is detected by the cross key sensor 052F103 and when the operation of the cross key button 052F102 is detected by the button sensor 052F104 in a predetermined state during the explanatory performance, and can execute various performance controls such as operation-responsive performances corresponding to the operations.

[Example of player menu screen]
Next, a display example of a player menu screen (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "menu screen") that can be displayed on the sub-image display device 150 will be described. The menu screen is a screen on which an image that can specify a menu for enabling various images for the player, including performance explanation presentations and game explanation presentations, to be displayed on the sub-image display device 150 in response to the player's operation. The menu screen can be displayed on at least one of the two sub-image display devices 150. As an example of this, an example will be described in which the menu screen can be displayed only on the left sub-image display device 150 when viewed from the front.

Figure 8-1 is a diagram of the display screen of the sub-image display device 150 showing an image related to the player menu screen. Figure 8-1 (a1) is a diagram showing an example of a normal screen.

In the sub-image display device 150, except for certain conditions such as the period during which the screen is restored after the power is turned on, when an error state that will result in gameplay being stopped is being notified, and the period before and after a state change, the player can essentially open and display a menu screen like that shown in FIG. 8-1 (a2) at all times by operating the cross key 052F101 in any direction.

For example, the menu screen as shown in FIG. 8-1 (a2) can be opened and displayed by the player operating the cross key 052F101 during a period in which the player is playing the pachinko game machine 1 (e.g., a period in which the symbols (special symbols and decorative symbols) are changing), a period in which the game machine is controlled to a big win game state, a period in which the game machine is controlled to a small win game state, and a period in which the game machine is controlled to a standby control state, regardless of the game state. The standby control state is a so-called customer waiting state that is controlled when no game is being played on the pachinko game machine 1 for a specified period (e.g., 90 seconds). During the standby control state, the image display device 50 displays a demo screen that displays a demonstration (hereinafter abbreviated as demo) image as shown in FIG. 8-11 (g1), i.e., a so-called demo screen.

When the menu screen can be displayed, the sub-image display device 150 displays a normal screen as shown in FIG. 8-1(a), except when a performance display is performed using both the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150 during a variable display state or a jackpot game state, and when a demonstration image is displayed using both the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150. The normal screen in FIG. 8-1(a) displays an image including a first character image 052F001, a suggestion image 052F002 that suggests how to display the menu screen, and a normal background image 052F100 consisting of an image of the sun and an image of a mountain.

The first character image 052F001 is an image related to the image of the presentation image displayed on the image display device 5 during game states such as the variable display state and the jackpot game state. The first character image 052F001 is also an image that is displayed more frequently than other character images among the multiple types of character images displayed on the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150. The first character image 052F001 is also, for example, an image of the protagonist in a story that is the subject matter (subject matter of presentation, etc.) of the pachinko game machine 1.

The suggestion image 052F002 is a text image that reads "Operate the cross key to go to the menu screen." By displaying the suggestion image 052F002, it is possible to suggest to the player that "the menu screen will be displayed in response to operating the cross key 052F101." The suggestion image 052F002 is also an image that encourages the operation of the cross key 052F101, and so it can also be said to be a performance that encourages the operation of the cross key 052F101. When the player operates the cross key 052F101 and this operation is detected by the cross key sensor 052F103, the sub-image display device 1
8-1(a2) is displayed. Even if the normal screen is not displayed, if the main menu screen can be displayed as described above, the menu screen is displayed in response to the player operating the cross key 052F101 when no screen other than the normal screen is displayed.

The menu screen shown in FIG. 8-1(a2) displays multiple icon-shaped option images. In the example of FIG. 8-1(a2), the multiple option images include a volume/light intensity adjustment menu image 052F003, a performance explanation menu image 052F004, a game explanation menu image 052F005, a customization menu image 052F006, a highlights screen menu image 052F007, and an end menu image 052F008.

The volume/light adjustment menu image 052F003 is an icon image selected when adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L, 8R and adjusting the light intensity of the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150. The performance explanation menu image 052F004 is an icon image selected when executing the performance explanation performance described above. The game explanation menu image 052F005 is an icon image selected when executing the game explanation performance described above. The customization menu image 052F006 is an icon image selected when executing a specified customization such as customization of the performance mode. The highlight screen menu image 052F007 is an icon image selected when executing a specified demo screen display (demonstration video, etc.). The exit menu image 052F008 is an icon image selected when exiting the menu screen.

Within the menu screen, a cross key image 052F009 is displayed, suggesting the cross key 052F101. Also, on the menu screen, an image with the words "Please select (confirm with center button)" is displayed. By displaying this image of the words and the cross key image 052F009, the player can be made to recognize that "select the menu screen with the cross key 052F101 and confirm with the cross key button 052F102." These images are also images that promote the operation of the cross key 052F101 and the cross key button 052F102, so they can also be said to be a performance promoting the operation of the cross key 052F101 and the cross key button 052F102.

The player can move the framed cursor displayed on the menu screen by operating the cross key 052F101 in the up and down directions. In FIG. 8-1, the cursor is displayed as a thick frame that surrounds one of the multiple menu screens. FIG. 8-1 (a2) shows the cursor positioned on the volume and light adjustment menu screen 052F003. When the menu screen is initially displayed in response to the cross key 052F101, the menu screen is displayed as the default image with the cursor positioned on the volume and light adjustment menu screen 052F003.

When the player operates the cross key 052F101 in the downward direction once, the cursor moves to the next option image below. When the player operates the cross key 052F101 in the upward direction once, the cursor moves to the next option image above. When the player operates the cross key button 052F102, the menu image on which the cursor is currently positioned is determined to be the selected menu.

In FIG. 8-1(a2), the first character image 052F001 is displayed, similar to FIG. 8-1(a1).

When the menu screen is displayed, the sub-image display device 150 performs a screen switching display in which the following screens are displayed in response to the player's operation. When the volume/light intensity adjustment menu screen 052F003 is selected, the volume/light intensity setting screen shown in FIG. 8-1 (a3) is displayed. When the performance explanation menu image 052F004 is selected by the player, the spec introduction screen in FIG. 8-2 (b1) is displayed, as shown in FIG. 8-1 (1). When the game explanation menu image 052F005 is selected by the player, the language setting screen in FIG. 8-3 (c1) is displayed, as shown in FIG. 8-1 (2).

When the player selects and confirms the customization menu image 052F006, as shown in (3) of FIG. 8-1, a presentation mode selection image (not shown) is displayed, which allows the player to select either the "normal mode" or the "premium presentation mode" based on a predetermined operation. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is capable of executing a premium presentation. The premium presentation is, for example, a presentation in which a character image with a premium feel is displayed, and is a presentation that enhances the interest of the game. The normal mode is a presentation mode in which the probability of the premium presentation being executed is basically set to a probability that creates a rarity value. On the other hand, the premium presentation mode is a presentation mode in which the probability of the premium presentation being executed is set to be higher than in the normal mode. Therefore, when the premium presentation mode is selected in the presentation mode selection image, the premium presentation is executed with a higher probability than when the normal mode is selected. This allows the player to select a presentation mode that suits his or her preferences.

When the highlight screen menu image 052F007 is selected and confirmed by the player, the demo screen shown in FIG. 8-11 (g1) is displayed, as shown in FIG. 8-1 (4). As shown in FIG. 8-11 (g1), the demo screen, for example, displays a text image of "DEMO" in the upper left corner, and is an image of a battle between an ally character (a character on the player's side) and an enemy character. This demo screen is basically an image that is displayed when the game is controlled in a standby control state, but even in states other than the standby control state, the player can select and confirm the highlight screen menu image 052F007 on the menu screen in response to an operating action, thereby displaying the demo screen when the player desires.

When the end menu image 052F008 is selected and confirmed by the player's operation, the display of the menu screen is terminated and the screen returns to the normal screen of FIG. 8-1 (a1), as shown in FIG. 8-1 (5).

Figure 8-1 (a3) is an image showing an example of a volume/light intensity setting image. In the example of Figure 8-1 (a3), a cross key image 052F009, a text image saying "Please adjust", a text image saying "Confirm with center button", a volume gauge 052F010, and a light intensity gauge 052F011 are displayed.

In each of the volume gauge 052F010 and light intensity gauge 052F011, a frame-shaped cursor (bold frame in the figure) is displayed moving to either side of the gauge in response to the player's upward or downward operation of the cross key 052F101. In the example of FIG. 8-1 (a3), for example, the cursor is positioned on the volume gauge 052F010. The amount of volume or light intensity where the cursor is positioned is adjusted in response to the player's upward or downward operation of the cross key 052F101.

For example, when the cursor is positioned on the side of the volume gauge 052F010, and the player operates the cross key 052F101 to the left, the volume gauge decreases (the number of black dots decreases), thereby decreasing the volume. When the cursor is positioned on the side of the volume gauge 052F010, and the player operates the cross key 052F101 to the right, the volume gauge 052F010 increases (the number of black dots increases).
This increases the volume.

For example, when the cursor is positioned next to the light intensity gauge 052F011, and the player operates the cross key 052F101 to the left, the light intensity gauge decreases (the number of black pieces decreases), causing the light intensity of the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150 to decrease. When the cursor is positioned next to the light intensity gauge 052F011, and the player operates the cross key 052F101 to the right, the light intensity gauge increases (the number of black pieces increases), causing the light intensity of the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150 to increase.

[Example of production explanation]
Next, a description will be given of a display example of a performance explanation image that can be displayed on the sub-image display device 150. The performance explanation image is an image that is displayed on the left sub-image display device 150 when a selection is made to execute a performance explanation performance in response to a player's operation while a player menu screen is being displayed on the sub-image display device 150.

Figure 8-2 is a display screen diagram of the sub-image display device 150 showing an example of the display of a production explanation production image. The production explanation production can progress through multiple explanation stages. In this embodiment, the number of explanation stages of the production explanation production is three. Also, at each explanation stage of the production explanation production, a still image is displayed. In other words, the production explanation production is composed of three still images (three pages) (see the * marks in each of Figures 8-2 (b1) to 8-2 (b3)). Also, the production explanation production progresses to the next stage depending on the player's actions. Note that in this embodiment, as shown by the * mark under the title in Figure 8-2, the production explanation production does not progress to the next explanation stage over time.

In this embodiment, the player's action is defined as the operation of the cross key 052F101 by the player. As a variant, the player's action may be an action that does not involve contact with the operation unit of the pachinko gaming machine. The player's action may be, for example, the player raising his/her hand, or an action made by the player, and such an action may be detected.

Figure 8-2 (b1) shows an example of a spec introduction screen, which is the screen for the first stage of the performance explanation performance. On the spec introduction screen of Figure 8-2 (b1), a spec image 052F030, a stage number image 052F031, and a first character image 052F001 are displayed. The first character image 052F001 is the same character image as the first character image 052F001 in Figure 8-1 (a1) and the first character image 052F001 in Figure 8-3, but has a different facial expression.

The specification image 052F030 in FIG. 8-2 (b1) includes an image showing the probability of a jackpot, an image showing the number of rounds in a jackpot, an image showing the probability of entering a special mode, and an image showing the probability controlled for each of a number of jackpot game states.

The jackpot probability is the probability that a decision will be made to control the game to a jackpot game state in the jackpot judgment. In the example of FIG. 8-2 (b1), the image showing the jackpot probability displays that the jackpot probability is "1/99". The number of rounds is the number of rounds in the jackpot game state. In the example of FIG. 8-2 (b1), the image showing the number of rounds indicates that the number of rounds in the jackpot game state is 10R (rounds) or 4R (rounds). In other words, the example of FIG. 8-2 (b1) shows that the jackpot types that can be selected when a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot are a 10R jackpot and a 4R jackpot.

The probability of entering the variable probability state is the probability of being controlled to the variable probability state after being controlled to the jackpot game state. In the example of FIG. 8-2(b1), the image showing the probability of entering the variable probability state shows that the probability of entering the variable probability state is 75%. In the example of FIG. 8-2(b1), the pie chart shows that the probability of being controlled to a 10R variable probability jackpot (10R variable probability jackpot) is 3%, the probability of being controlled to a 4R variable probability jackpot (10R variable probability jackpot) is 72%, and the probability of being controlled to a 4R normal jackpot (4R normal jackpot) is 25%. A probability jackpot is a jackpot that becomes a variable probability state after being controlled to a jackpot game state. A normal jackpot is a jackpot that becomes a normal state [non-variable probability state] after being controlled to a jackpot game state.

In the specification introduction screen shown in FIG. 8-2 (b1), the information displayed is the jackpot probability, the number of rounds, the probability of entering a special mode, and the probability controlled for each of the multiple jackpot game states. Therefore, the amount of information displayed on the specification introduction screen is four.

Also, as indicated by the * mark at the bottom of Figure 8-2 (b1), the spec introduction screen is a still image.

In the example of FIG. 8-2(b1), the number "1/3" is displayed as the explanation stage number image 052F031. The denominator of this number indicates the total number of explanation stages in the production explanation performance, and the numerator of this number indicates which stage the still image in which the explanation stage number image 052F031 is displayed is. In the example of FIG. 8-2(b1), the denominator is "3", which indicates that the total number of explanation stages in the production explanation performance is "3". In the example of FIG. 8-2(b1), the numerator is "1", which indicates that the still image in FIG. 8-2(b1) is a still image of the first explanation stage.

In addition, in the production explanation performance, the image scrolls in response to the player's operation to switch the displayed screen, progressing to the next explanation stage (first stage → second stage → third stage). In the production explanation performance, the operation to move from one explanation stage to the next is the downward operation of the cross key 052F101. In addition, if the cross key 052F101 is operated upward while the production explanation performance is being executed, the screen of the previous explanation stage is displayed.

Figure 8-2 (b2) is an image showing an example of a character explanation screen, which is an image of the second explanation stage of the production explanation production. The character explanation screen of Figure 8-2 (b2) is displayed in response to the player operating the cross key 052F101 in the downward direction while the spec introduction screen is being displayed. The character explanation screen of Figure 8-2 (b2) displays face images 052F032 of each of characters A to C, a text image 052F033 stating "It is important to also assess the display of the characters that appear," and a first character image 052F001.

In addition, to the right of the facial images 052F032 of characters A to C, information about the expectation of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state is displayed. In the example of FIG. 8-2(b2), the order of character A image > character B image > character C image indicates that the expectation of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state is high.

Furthermore, there are three types of facial expressions for each of characters A to C: a smiling face, a normal face, and a crying face. The order of smiling face > normal face > crying face indicates that the expectation of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state is high. In other words, the character images of characters A to C are set so that the expectation of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state is high in the order of smiling face of character A image > normal face of character A image > crying face of character A image > smiling face of character B image > normal face of character B image > crying face of character B image > smiling face of character C image > normal face of character C image > crying face of character C image.
Therefore, by displaying the text image 052F033 saying "It is important to also pay attention to the appearance of the appearing characters", it is possible to make the player recognize the difference in the expectation level according to the appearance of the face.

The spec introduction screen shown in FIG. 8-2 (b2) displays the face and number of types of character images, the expectation level of the character images, and the fact that the expectation level varies depending on the facial expression of the character images. Therefore, the amount of information presented on the spec introduction screen is three.

Also, as indicated by the * mark at the bottom of Figure 8-2 (b2), the character explanation screen is a still image.

In addition, in the example of FIG. 8-2 (b1), the number "2/3" is displayed as the explanation level number image 052F031, which indicates that the character explanation screen in FIG. 8-2 (b2) is a still image of the second explanation level.

Figure 8-2 (b3) is an image showing an example of a super hot explanation screen, which is an image of the third stage of the performance explanation performance. The super hot explanation screen of Figure 8-2 (b3) is displayed in response to the cross key 052F101 being operated downward when the character explanation screen is displayed. The super hot explanation screen of Figure 8-2 (b3) displays a text image 052F034 saying "It's super hot when this cut-in performance is executed!", a first character image 052F001, a text image 052F036 saying "The background color when the girl is displayed is also important", and the first character image 052F001.

Now, we will explain the cut-in effect. A cut-in effect is an effect in which a specified image is displayed in a cut-in image format, and is typically an effect in which a specified image is displayed in the next frame in a frame in which the specified image is not displayed. A cut-in effect is an effect that can be executed, for example, during a specified reach. Cut-in effects include normal cut-in effects and advantageous cut-in effects. An advantageous cut-in effect is an effect that has a higher expectation of being controlled into a jackpot gaming state than a normal cut-in effect.

Figure 8-2 (b11) is a diagram showing an example of a normal cut-in effect, and Figure 8-2 (b12) is a diagram showing an example of an advantageous cut-in effect. In the image display device 5, when variable display is executed, the effect display screen basically displays a variable display decorative pattern and a reserved display image 052F038.

In FIG. 8-2 (b11), before a normal cut-in effect is executed, for example, the left and right decorative symbols displayed in the center area of the screen are aligned to form a "7" symbol, and after the intermediate symbol is displayed in a variable state, it is reduced in size and moved to the top right area of the screen, and a pending display image 052F038 is displayed in the bottom right area of the screen.

When a normal cut-in effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 8-2 (b11), the second character image 052F037, which is an image of an ally character, appears in a cut-in format in the center of the screen accompanied by a text image saying "Chance!" and an effect image (the jagged image in the figure).

In FIG. 8-2 (b12), in the state before the advantageous cut-in effect is executed, as in the state before the normal cut-in effect is executed, for example, the left and right decorative symbols displayed in the central area of the screen are aligned with the symbol "7" and the intermediate symbol is displayed in a variable state, and then the symbol is reduced and moved to the upper right area of the screen and displayed, and the reserved display image 052 is displayed in the lower right area of the screen.
F038 is displayed.

When the advantageous cut-in effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 8-2 (b12), the first character image 052F001, which is the image of the aforementioned main character girl, appears in a cut-in format in the center of the screen, holding a sword, accompanied by the text image "Super Hot!" and an effect image (the jagged image in the figure).

In the advantageous cut-in performance, the percentage of the game being controlled to a jackpot game state differs depending on the color of the background. For example, the percentage of the game being controlled to a jackpot game state differs depending on the order of night background > daytime background > morning background.

The explanation will be returned to FIG. 8-2 (b3). In the super hot explanation screen in FIG. 8-2 (b3), the first character image 052F001, which was also explained in FIG. 8-2 (b12), that is, the character image with a higher expectation of being controlled to a winning game state than the second character image 052F037, is displayed. Also, in the super hot explanation screen in FIG. 8-2 (b3), from among the multiple types of images (decorative pattern image, reserved display image 052F038, first character image 052F001, text image, and effect image) displayed in the advantageous cut-in effect during the actual variable display as in FIG. 8-2 (b12), the image of the advantageous cut-in effect to be explained, which is the image of the advantageous cut-in effect in a display mode in which the first character image 052F001, the text image, and the effect image are cut out, is displayed as the subject of explanation.

The super hot explanation screen shown in FIG. 8-2(b3) also displays in text the first character image 052F001 displayed in the advantageous cut-in effect, a message indicating that it is advantageous when the cut-in effect in which this first character image 052F001 is displayed is executed (text image 052F034), and a message indicating that the rate at which the game is controlled to a jackpot game state differs depending on the background color when the first character image 052F001 is displayed (text image 052F036). Therefore, the amount of information reported on the super hot explanation screen is three.

When the super hot explanation screen in FIG. 8-2 (b3) is displayed, if the cross key button 052F102 is operated, the image will scroll and return to the menu screen (see FIG. 8-2 (a2)).

When the performance explanation performance is being executed, that is, when any of the images in FIG. 8-2(b1) to FIG. 8-2(b3) is being displayed, if a predetermined time (50 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed without any operation by the player, the performance explanation performance is restricted by the performance control CPU 120 executing a process to restrict the performance explanation performance.

The process of limiting the presentation explanation is to reduce the amount of light (brightness) of the display on the sub-image display device 150 while the game explanation presentation screen is displayed (for example, to turn off the backlight of the display device and reduce the amount of light of the image). In this embodiment, a process of reducing the amount of light (brightness) of all display areas of the sub-image display device 150 is performed, but the amount of light (brightness) of only some display areas of the sub-image display device 5 may also be reduced.

The "processing to limit the performance explanation performance" may be "processing to hide the displayed image," "processing to display an image different from the displayed image (for example, the normal screen in FIG. 8-1 (a1))," or "processing to block the player's view of the displayed image by using a movable object or the like."

FIG. 8-2(b4) is a diagram showing an image of the sub-image display device 150 in a state where the performance explanation performance is limited. In practice, when the spec introduction screen shown in FIG. 8-2(b1) is displayed, when 50 seconds have elapsed without any operation by the player, an image with a reduced light amount (brightness) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150 as the image of FIG. 8-2(b4). Also, when the character explanation screen shown in FIG. 8-2(b2) is displayed, when 50 seconds have elapsed without any operation by the player, an image with a reduced light amount (brightness) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150 as the image of FIG. 8-2(b4). Also, when the super hot explanation screen shown in FIG. 8-2(b3) is displayed, when 50 seconds have elapsed without any operation by the player, an image with a reduced light amount (brightness) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150 as the image of FIG. 8-2(b4).

Also, as shown by the * mark at the bottom of FIG. 8-2 (b4), when the image with the reduced light quantity (brightness) of the image displayed during the performance explanation performance is displayed, if no operation is performed by the player and a predetermined time (30 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed, the screen returns to the default screen. The default screen is, for example, the image displayed when the performance explanation performance is executed. For example, if the performance explanation performance is executed when the sub-image display device 150 is executing a performance display during the change of the pattern, the default screen is the image of the performance display displayed during the change of the pattern. Also, if the performance explanation performance is executed when the sub-image display device 150 is executing a demo image display, the default screen is the demo image. Also, if the performance explanation performance is executed when the normal screen as shown in FIG. 8-1 (a) is displayed, the default screen is the demo image. In the example marked by the * mark at the bottom of FIG. 8-2 (b4), the (a1) normal screen is described as the default screen.

The default screen also appears when a predetermined time (e.g., 50 seconds) has elapsed without any player operation since the menu screen or a screen to which the menu screen can be accessed (e.g., the volume/light intensity setting image shown in FIG. 8-1 (a3)) was displayed. The default screen is the screen that was displayed on the sub-image display device 150 when the menu screen was displayed.

In addition, in the effect explanation effect of Fig. 8-2, other screens may be displayed. The other screens are, for example, screens showing the game flow of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The game flow is, for example, a diagram showing the transition of the states (normal state, advantageous state, etc.) controlled by the pachinko gaming machine 1.
[Typical examples of gameplay explanations]

Next, we will explain a typical display example of a game instruction presentation image that can be displayed on the sub-image display device 150. The game instruction presentation image is an image that is displayed on the left sub-image display device 150 when the player menu screen of FIG. 8-1 (a2) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150 and a selection is made to execute a game instruction presentation in response to the player's operation.

Figure 8-3 is a display screen diagram of the sub-image display device 150 showing a representative example of a game explanation performance. The game explanation performance can be advanced through a number of explanation stages different from the number of explanation stages of the performance explanation performance. The number of explanation stages of the game explanation performance is five stages (first stage → second stage → third stage → fourth stage → fifth stage). In this embodiment, as described in Figure 8-2, the performance explanation performance can be advanced through three stages (first stage → second stage → third stage), while the game explanation performance can be advanced through five stages (first stage → second stage → third stage → fourth stage → fifth stage). Therefore, in this embodiment, the game explanation performance has a greater number of stages to be advanced than the performance explanation performance. Note that, as a modified example, the performance explanation performance may be configured to have a greater number of explanation stages to be advanced than the game explanation performance.

As shown in FIG. 8-3(c1), a language setting screen is displayed as the first stage screen of the game instruction presentation. The language setting screen is an image that allows the player to set the language to be used in the game instruction presentation by a selection operation. The language setting screen of FIG. 8-3(c1) allows the player to select and set one of Japanese, English, and Chinese. Japanese is the first language that is the main language that is most frequently used in gaming machines. English and Chinese are each the second language that is a sub-language that is less frequently used than Japanese. It should be noted that other languages may be made selectable. Examples of other languages include Korean and German.

The language setting screen in FIG. 8-3 (c1) displays an icon-shaped level number image 052F040, a Japanese option image 052F041, an English option image 052F042, and a Chinese option image 052F043, as well as a first character image 052F001. Each of the Japanese option image 052F041, the English option image 052F042, and the Chinese option image 052F043 is also referred to as a "language option image."

When the operation of the cross key 052F101 by the player is detected by the cross key sensor 052F103, the CPU 120 for controlling the presentation executes control to move a frame-shaped cursor displayed on the language setting screen according to the direction of operation. This allows the player to select one of the language option images according to the operation of the cross key 052F101. Specifically, the cursor is displayed as a frame that surrounds one of the language option images in a thick frame, and is displayed by moving one option image up or down according to the upward or downward operation of the cross key 052F101. In FIG. 8-3(c1), the state in which the cursor is positioned on the Japanese option image 052F041 is shown. When the language setting screen is displayed, the state in which the cursor is positioned on the Japanese option image 052F041 is displayed as the default state.

When the cross key button 052F102 is operated with the cursor positioned on one of the language option images, Japanese option image 052F041, English option image 052F042, or Chinese option image 052F043, and this operation is detected by the button sensor 052F104, the presentation control CPU 120 selects and determines the language corresponding to the language option image on which the cursor is positioned as the language to be used for the game explanation presentation, and sets it as the language to be used for the game explanation presentation (hereinafter referred to as selection and setting).

When Japanese is selected, the image in FIG. 8-3 (c2) is displayed, and the game explanation is given in Japanese. When English is selected, the image in FIG. 8-7 (e1) is displayed, and the game explanation is given in English. When Chinese is selected, the image in FIG. 8-8 (f1) is displayed, and the game explanation is given in Chinese.

In addition, effects (e.g. preview effects) that occur while the decorative patterns are changing may be performed in the selected language.

In the example of FIG. 8-3(c1), the number "1/5" is displayed as the stage number image 052F040. The denominator of this number indicates the total number of explanation stages in the game explanation presentation, and the numerator of this number indicates which stage the image in which the stage number image 052F040 is displayed is. In the example of FIG. 8-3(c1), the denominator is "5", which indicates that the total number of explanation stages in the game explanation presentation is "5". Also, in the example of FIG. 8-3(c1), the numerator is "1", which indicates that the still image in FIG. 8-3(c1) is a still image of the first explanation stage. Also, in FIG. 8-3(c1), the first character image 052F001 is displayed.

Next, the screens from FIG. 8-3(c2) onward will be described. FIG. 8-3 shows a case where Japanese is selected and set as the language for the game instruction presentation. Therefore, in the game instruction presentation, the sub-image display device 1
The characters displayed at 50 and the sounds output from the speakers 8L and 8R are all in Japanese.

Figure 8-3 (c2) is a diagram showing the initial screen when Japanese is selected. In Figure 8-3 (c2), a first character image 052F001, a dialogue image 052F044, and a subtitle image 052F045 are displayed.

The dialogue image 052F044 is displayed in a manner such that the character associated with the first character image 052F001 is speaking. The dialogue image 052F044 is an image of text indicating that the game instruction presentation is a presentation that explains the game. The dialogue image 052F044 in FIG. 8-3 (c2) is an image of the text "I'll now explain how to play the game."

As indicated by the *1 mark in FIG. 8-3(c2), FIG. 8-3(c2) is a still image. As indicated by the *2 mark in FIG. 8-3(c2), while FIG. 8-3(c2) is displayed, a guide voice is output from speakers 8L and 8R. This voice is a guide voice based on the wording related to dialogue image 052F, and is a voice that provides more detailed information than the wording. Hereinafter, this guide voice may be simply referred to as "voice." While the image in FIG. 8-3(c2) is displayed, a voice such as "We will now begin explaining how to play..." is output from speakers 8L and 8R (see the *2 mark in FIG. 8-3(c2)). Subtitle image 052F045 is an image that displays the wording corresponding to this voice.

On the initial screen in FIG. 8-3 (c2), the only information presented is "Explanation of the game," meaning that there is only one piece of information presented on the initial screen.

In addition, the game explanation performance of this embodiment can proceed to the next explanation stage when the operation of the cross key 052F101 by the player is detected, or when a predetermined time has passed without the operation of the player being detected. For example, when 10 seconds have passed since the start of the display of the initial screen of FIG. 8-3(c2) without the cross key sensor 052F103 detecting the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101, the explanation stage of the game explanation performance can automatically proceed to the display of the prohibition screen, which is the next explanation stage, in a switching mode in which the screen displayed is switched by scrolling the image. Also, when the initial screen of FIG. 8-3(c2) is displayed, and the cross key sensor 052F103 detects the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101, the explanation stage of the game explanation performance can manually proceed to the display of the prohibition screen, which is the next explanation stage, in a switching mode in which the screen displayed is switched by scrolling the image.

Figure 8-3 (c3) is a diagram showing the prohibited items screen when Japanese is set. The prohibited items screen is an image that shows prohibited items related to playing the pachinko gaming machine 1. In Figure 8-3 (c3), a first character image 052F001, a pachinko gaming machine image 052F046, a dialogue image 052F047, and a subtitle image 052F045 are displayed.

The pachinko game machine image 052F046 is an image indicating that hitting the pachinko game machine 1 is prohibited. In FIG. 8-3 (c3), the pachinko game machine image 052F046 is depicted in a simplified manner, but in reality, the pachinko game machine image 052F046 is an image in which an image of a human hand hitting the pachinko game machine 1 is displayed on a reduced-size image of the front view of the pachinko game machine 1, with a cross (x) mark superimposed on top. In this way, the pachinko game machine image 052F046 in FIG. 8-3 (c3) is an image that uses an image related to the game machine (a front view of the pachinko game machine 1).

The dialogue image 052F047 is an image related to the phrase "Do not hit the pachinko machine." In addition, during the period when the image of FIG. 8-3(c3) is displayed, a sound such as "Please do not hit the pachinko machine" is output from the speakers 8L and 8R (see the mark *2 in FIG. 8-3(c3)). The subtitle image 052F048 is an image displaying a wording corresponding to the wording related to this sound. In addition, as shown by the mark *1 in FIG. 8-3(c3), the prohibition screen is displayed as a still image. Note that, as the prohibition related to the game, other prohibitions such as "No drinking alcohol" other than "Do not hit the pachinko machine" may be displayed as an image. When there are multiple prohibitions, multiple items may be displayed on one screen or multiple screens.

On the prohibited items screen in FIG. 8-3 (c3), the only information notified is "Do not hit the pachinko machine." In other words, the prohibited items screen notifies only one piece of information.

In addition, when 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of the display of the prohibited items screen in FIG. 8-3(c3) without the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101 being detected by the cross key sensor 052F103, the explanation stage of the game explanation performance can automatically proceed to the display of the ball hitting method screen, which is the next explanation stage, in a switching mode in which the screen displayed is switched by scrolling the image. In this way, the "display time of one stage of the image when the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101 is not detected" is set so that the prohibited items screen is longer than the initial screen. In addition, when the prohibited items screen in FIG. 8-3(c3) is displayed, even if the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101 is detected, the explanation stage of the game explanation performance can manually proceed to the display of the ball hitting method screen, which is the next explanation stage, in a switching mode in which the screen displayed is switched by scrolling the image.

Figure 8-3 (c4) is a diagram showing the ball hitting method screen when Japanese is set. The ball hitting method screen is an image showing the method of hitting the ball on the pachinko gaming machine 1. In Figure 8-3 (c4), a first character image 052F001, a start winning hole image 052F049, a dialogue image 052F050, a subtitle image 052F051, and a game ball image 052F052 are displayed.

The start winning hole image 052F049 is an image showing the winning ball device 6A. The game ball image 052F052 is an image showing a game ball. In the example of FIG. 8-3 (c4), the game ball image 052F052 is displayed as a moving image as indicated by the dashed line. This moving image shows the behavior of the game ball until it enters the start winning hole image 052F049. In other words, in the example of FIG. 8-3 (c4), the moving image shows the manner in which the game ball shown by the game ball image 052F052 enters the winning ball device 6A shown by the start winning hole image 052F049. In this way, the hitting method screen is displayed as a moving image, as indicated by the *1 mark in FIG. 8-3 (c4).

Dialogue image 052F050 is an image related to the phrase "Put the ball in the hole." While the image in FIG. 8-3 (c4) is displayed, a sound such as "First, put the pachinko ball in the winning hole" is output from speakers 8L and 8R (see the mark *2 in FIG. 8-3 (c4)). Subtitle image 052F048 is an image that displays the phrase corresponding to this sound.

On the ball hitting method screen in FIG. 8-3 (c4), the only information reported is "allow the game ball to enter the winning ball device." In other words, there is only one piece of information reported on the ball hitting method screen.

In addition, when 20 seconds have elapsed since the start of the display of the hitting method screen of FIG. 8-3(c4) without the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101 being detected by the cross key sensor 052F103, the explanation stage of the game explanation presentation can be automatically advanced to the display of the ending method screen, which is the next explanation stage, in a switching mode in which the screen to be displayed is switched by scrolling the image. In this way, the "display time of the image of one explanation stage when the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101 is not detected" is set so that the hitting method screen is longer than the initial screen. In addition, when the hitting method screen of FIG. 8-3(c4) is displayed, even when the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101 is detected, the explanation stage of the game explanation presentation can be manually advanced to the display of the ending method screen, which is the next explanation stage, in a switching mode in which the screen to be displayed is switched by scrolling the image.

Figure 8-3 (c5) is a diagram showing the ending method screen when Japanese is set. The ending method screen is an image showing the method of ending a game on the pachinko gaming machine 1. In Figure 8-3 (c5), a first character image 052F001, a box image 052F053 showing that game balls have accumulated in a box, a dialogue image 052F054, and a subtitle image 052F055 are displayed.

Dialogue image 052F054 is an image related to the phrase "Ask the store clerk to exchange your pachinko balls for you!" Furthermore, while the image in FIG. 8-3 (c5) is being displayed, audio such as "Ask the store clerk to exchange your pachinko balls for you" is output from speakers 8L, 8R (see mark *2 in FIG. 8-3 (c5)). Subtitle image 052F048 is an image of the phrase related to this audio. Furthermore, as indicated by mark *1 in FIG. 8-3 (c5), the ending method screen is displayed as a still image.

In the end method screen in FIG. 8-3 (c5), the only information notified is "Once you finish playing, have a store attendant exchange your pachinko balls." In other words, the end method screen notifies only one piece of information.

In addition, when the display of the ending method screen in FIG. 8-3 (c5) has begun, if the cross key sensor 052F103 detects a downward operation of the cross key 052F101 by the player, the display screen returns to the menu screen (see FIG. 8-1) in a switching mode that switches the screen to be displayed by scrolling the image.

In addition, when 50 seconds have passed since the initial screen of FIG. 8-3(c2) was displayed without the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101 being detected by the cross key sensor 052F103, the game instruction presentation is restricted by the presentation control CPU 120 executing a process to restrict the game instruction presentation after all stages of the game explanation have been completed. As a process to restrict the game instruction presentation after all stages of the game explanation have been completed, the end method screen of FIG. 8-3(c5) is displayed at the stage where the game explanation presentation has been completed, and while the end method screen is displayed, a process to reduce the amount of light (brightness) of the display on the sub-image display device 150 is executed (for example, a process to turn off the backlight of the display device and reduce the amount of light of the image) as shown in FIG. 8-3(c6). In this embodiment, a process to reduce the amount of light (brightness) of all display areas of the sub-image display device 150 is executed, but the amount of light (brightness) of a part of the display area of the sub-image display device 5 may be reduced.

The "processing to limit the game instruction presentation" may be "processing to hide the image that was displayed," "processing to display an image different from the image that was displayed (for example, the normal screen in FIG. 8-1 (a1))," or "processing to obstruct the player's view of the image that was displayed by a moving object, etc."

Also, as shown by the * mark at the bottom of FIG. 8-3(c6), when a predetermined time (30 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed without any operation by the player since the image displayed in the game instruction performance with the light amount (brightness) reduced is displayed, the screen returns to the default screen. The default screen is the image displayed on the sub-image display device 150 when the game instruction performance is executed. For example, when the game instruction performance is executed when the sub-image display device 150 is executing a performance display during the change of the pattern, the default screen is the image of the performance display displayed during the change of the pattern. Also, when the game instruction performance is executed when the sub-image display device 150 is executing a demo image display, the default screen is the demo image. Also, when the game instruction performance is executed when the normal screen as shown in FIG. 8-1(a) is displayed, the default screen is the demo image. In the example of the * mark at the bottom of FIG. 8-3(c6), the (a1) normal screen is described as the default screen.

In the game explanation presentation, images related to the game machine are displayed, such as the pachinko game machine image 052F046 in FIG. 8-3 (c3) and the start winning slot image 052F049 in FIG. 8-3 (c4). In the game explanation presentation, images related to the game machine are displayed, such as the game ball moving image 052F052 in FIG. 8-3 (c4).

In the production explanation performance, the number of explanation items for each image is three or four, whereas the number of explanation items for the game explanation performance is one. Therefore, the amount of information that can be displayed at one time in the game explanation performance is smaller than the information displayed in the production explanation performance. As a variant, the amount of information may be the amount of other attributes. For example, the amount of information may be the number of images (objects) displayed, or the number of characters displayed.

In each screen during the performance explanation performance, the first character 052F001 is displayed as the main character. The first character 052F001 is a character image that is displayed more frequently (appears more frequently) than the other character images (the second character image 052F037 in FIG. 8-2).

The game explanation performance may also display other images. The other images include, for example, at least one of information about the peripheral devices of the pachinko game machine 1 and images showing a basic method of playing the pachinko game machine. Information about the peripheral devices of the pachinko game machine 1 is, for example, a call button for calling a store clerk and a method of inserting money into the card unit.

The above-mentioned examples of the display of the performance explanation performance and the display of the game explanation performance are performed using only the left sub-image display device 150, but the present invention is not limited to this. These displays may be performed using only the right sub-image display device 150, or may be performed using both the left and right sub-image display devices 150. In other words, image displays other than the display of the performance explanation performance and the display of the game explanation performance can be displayed on at least one of the two sub-image display devices 150. Similarly, image displays other than the display of the performance explanation performance and the display of the game explanation performance among the images displayed by the selection operation on the menu screen shown in FIG. 8-1 (a2) can be displayed on at least one of the two sub-image display devices 150.

In addition, the following control may be executed for the display of the prohibited items screen as shown in FIG. 8-3(c3). For example, regardless of whether the game instruction presentation is being performed or not, a prohibited item detection means such as a vibration sensor capable of detecting the prohibited item such as "Do not hit the pachinko machine" may be provided, and when the prohibited item detection means detects that an action indicated in the prohibited item has been performed, an abnormality detection notification sound such as an error notification sound may be output from the speakers 8L, 8R, and the presentation control CPU 120 may execute a presentation that displays the prohibited items screen used in the game instruction presentation. More specifically, when the prohibited item detection means detects that a prohibited item has been performed multiple times over a short period of time (for example, 30 seconds), an abnormality detection notification sound such as an error notification sound may be output from the speakers 8L, 8R, and
It is also possible to execute an effect in which a prohibited items screen (such as the prohibited items screen in Figure 8-3 (c3)) used in the game explanation effect is displayed and a corresponding sound (such as "Please do not hit the pachinko machine") is output.

In addition, in the game instruction presentation shown in FIG. 8-3, an example is shown in which audio for game instruction corresponding to each explanation stage of the game instruction is output from speakers 8L and 8R. The presentation control CPU 120 may execute control to output such audio for game instruction at a predetermined constant volume regardless of the setting value of the configurable volume setting as shown in FIG. 8-1 (a3). Also, in the configurable volume setting as shown in FIG. 8-1 (a3), only when the volume is set to the silent setting value or the minimum setting value, the presentation control CPU 120 may execute control to output audio for game instruction at a volume corresponding to the volume setting (silent or minimum volume), and in other settings, at a predetermined constant volume.

In addition, when the presentation control CPU 120 can select and use a first volume setting value that can be set by the player (a volume setting such as that shown in FIG. 8-1 (a3)) and a second volume setting value that can be set by the gaming store clerk (for example, a volume setting screen that can be set when the gaming machine is started after the power is turned on, or a rotary switch or other operating means provided on the back side of the gaming board), the presentation control CPU 120 may execute control to change the sound output in the game explanation presentation based on the second volume setting value that can be set by the gaming store clerk, while not changing the sound output in the game explanation presentation based on the first volume setting value that can be set by the player.

In addition, in the production explanation performance of FIG. 8-2, an example is shown in which explanation is not executed by audio output like the game explanation performance of FIG. 8-3, but this is not limited thereto. In the production explanation performance of FIG. 8-2, the production control CPU 120 may execute production control to output audio for the production explanation corresponding to each explanation stage of the production explanation from speakers 8L and 8R.

In addition, as mentioned above, "an effect of outputting an abnormality detection notification sound such as an error notification sound from speakers 8L and 8R and displaying a prohibited items screen used in the game explanation performance", "an effect of playing the game explanation sound at a volume corresponding to the volume setting only when the volume is set to the silent setting value or the minimum setting value", and "a control of not changing the sound output in the game explanation performance based on a first volume setting value that can be set by the player, but changing the sound output in the game explanation performance based on a second volume setting value that can be set by the game store clerk" may each be executable in only one of the performance explanation performance and the game explanation performance, or may be executable in both the performance explanation performance and the game explanation performance.

[Example of explanatory performance restrictions during variable display performance]
Next, a comparison will be made between examples of control timing of the presentation explanation effect and the game explanation effect in the sub-image display device 150. Fig. 8-4 is a timing chart showing an example of control timing of the presentation explanation effect and the game explanation effect.

Figure 8-4 (A) shows a timing chart of the presentation explanation presentation. Figure 8-4 (B1) shows a timing chart of a first example of a game explanation presentation. The first example of the game explanation presentation shows the control timing when the game explanation presentation is made to proceed automatically. Figure 8-4 (B2) shows a timing chart of a second example of a game explanation presentation. The second example of the game explanation presentation shows the control timing when the game explanation presentation is made to proceed automatically and manually.

As shown in Figure 8-4 (A), the performance explanation presentation includes a 1/3 performance explanation screen (spec introduction screen in Figure 8-2 (b1)) corresponding to the 1/3 explanation stage, a 2/3 performance explanation screen (character explanation screen in Figure 8-2 (b2)) corresponding to the 2/3 explanation stage, and a 3/3 performance explanation screen (super hot explanation screen in Figure 8-2 (b3)) corresponding to the 3/3 explanation stage.

As shown in FIG. 8-4(A), when the cross key sensor 052F103 and the button sensor 052F104 detect that a performance explanation performance has been selected based on the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 and the cross key button 052F102 on the menu screen, first, a spec introduction screen (1/3 performance explanation screen) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150. Thereafter, when the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance is detected by the cross key button 052F102, the displayed image is immediately switched in a scroll-type image switching mode, and a character explanation screen (2/3 performance explanation screen) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150. Thereafter, when the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance is detected by the cross key button 052F102, the displayed image is immediately switched in a scroll-type image switching mode, and a super hot explanation screen (3/3 performance explanation screen) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150. Furthermore, when the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance is detected by the cross key button 052F102, the displayed image is immediately switched in a scroll-type image switching mode, and the menu screen of FIG. 8-1 (a1) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150. This type of display control is executed by the performance control CPU 120. As shown in FIG. 8-4 (A), the game explanation performance is executed only by manual progression.

When the super hot explanation screen (3/3 performance explanation screen) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150, if the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance is detected by the cross key button 052F102, the displayed image may be immediately switched in a scroll-type image switching mode, and the spec introduction screen (1/3 performance explanation screen) may be displayed on the sub-image display device 150, thereby controlling to return to the display of the performance explanation screen corresponding to the 1/3 explanation stage. In this case, the performance explanation performance will be repeatedly displayed in a loop format based on the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance.

As shown in Figures 8-4 (B1) and (B2), the game instruction presentation includes a 1/5 game instruction screen (language setting screen in Figure 8-3 (c1)) corresponding to the 1/5 explanation stage, a 2/5 game instruction screen (initial screen in Figure 8-3 (c2)) corresponding to the 2/5 explanation stage, a 3/5 game instruction screen (prohibitions screen in Figure 8-3 (c3)) corresponding to the 3/5 explanation stage, a 4/5 game instruction screen (ball hitting method screen in Figure 8-3 (b4)) corresponding to the 4/5 explanation stage, and a 5/5 game instruction screen (end method screen in Figure 8-3 (b5)) corresponding to the 5/5 explanation stage.

As shown in FIG. 8-4 (B1) and (B2), when the cross key sensor 052F103 and the button sensor 052F104 detect that a game instruction presentation has been selected based on the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 and the cross key button 052F102 on the menu screen, first, a language selection screen (1/5 game instruction screen) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150. After that, when the cross key sensor 052F103 and the button sensor 052F104 detect that a language has been selected based on the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 and the cross key button 052F102 on the language selection screen, the initial screen (2/5 game instruction screen) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150.

Thereafter, if the player does not operate the cross key 05F101 to advance for a period of 60 seconds or more, as shown in FIG. 8-4 (B1), each game instruction screen is displayed until the display time set for each of the 2/5 game instruction screen to the 4/5 game instruction screen (10 seconds for the 2/5 game instruction screen, 30 seconds for the 3/5 game instruction screen, and 20 seconds for the 4/5 game instruction screen) has elapsed, and as soon as the display time has elapsed, the displayed image is immediately switched in a scroll-type image switching mode, and the game instruction screen of the next explanation stage is displayed, whereby the game instruction screens automatically advance in the following order: 2/5 game instruction screen, 3/5 game instruction screen, 4/5 game instruction screen, and 5/5 game instruction screen, and the control is executed by the performance control CPU 120.

On the other hand, if the cross key sensor 052F103 detects an advance operation using the cross key 05F101 before the display time set for each game instruction screen has elapsed while each game instruction screen from the 2/5 game instruction screen to the 4/5 game instruction screen is being displayed, the display image is switched in a scroll-type image switching mode immediately at the time of detection, without waiting for the display time set for each game instruction screen to elapse, and the game instruction screen for the next explanation stage in the sequence is displayed, and the control for manually advancing the game instruction screen is executed by the presentation control CPU 120.

In FIG. 8-4 (B2), for example, when the 3/5 game instruction screen is being displayed and the cross key sensor 052F103 detects a progression operation using the cross key 05F101 before the 30-second period set for the 3/5 game instruction screen has elapsed (less than 30 seconds), the displayed image is switched in a scroll-type image switching mode without waiting for the 30-second period to elapse, and a control example is shown in which manual progression is made to the next 4/5 game instruction screen.

When the ending method screen (5/5 game instruction screen) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150 and the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance is detected by the cross key sensor 052F102, the displayed image is immediately switched in a scroll-type image switching mode, and the menu screen of FIG. 8-1 (a1) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150.

When the ending method screen (5/5 game instruction screen) is displayed on the sub-image display device 150 and the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance is detected by the cross key sensor 052F103, the displayed image may be immediately switched in a scroll-type image switching mode, and the language setting screen (1/5 game instruction screen) may be displayed on the sub-image display device 150, thereby returning to the display of the game instruction screen corresponding to the 1/5 explanation stage. In this case, the game instruction presentation will be repeatedly displayed in a loop format based on the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance.

Such manual progression of the game instruction screen is executed only for the display of the game instruction screen in which the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance is detected. Note that when the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance is detected while the game instruction screen is being displayed, the automatic progression control of the game instruction presentation is released at the time the advancement operation is detected, and the presentation control CPU 120 may switch the control mode from automatic progression control, which prevents the game instruction screen from progressing, to manual progression control for the display of all game instruction screens following that game instruction screen unless the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 to advance is detected.

As shown in Figures 8-4 (B1) and (B2), the game instruction presentation may be performed using only automatic progression, or may be performed using a combination of automatic progression and manual progression.

[Example of display when an operation performance is performed while an explanatory performance is being performed]
Next, a description will be given of a display example of the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150 when an operation performance is executed during execution of an explanatory performance. In the image display device 5, a variable display corresponding performance corresponding to the variable display of the decorative pattern, such as a performance in which a predetermined character image is moved in accordance with the variable display mode of the decorative pattern, is executed.

Furthermore, as a variable display-compatible performance, when a variable display in a special variation pattern such as a super reach is executed, a dynamic performance using image display on both the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150 may be executed. In this way, the trigger for executing a performance using image display on both the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150 may be the detection of operation of the operation means used for the performance during the variable display, such as the push button 31B and the stick controller 31A. In this way, a performance executed based on the operation of the operation means used for the performance during the variable display is called an operation performance (also called an operation-compatible performance).

The explanatory performance on the sub-image display device 150 can basically be executed based on the player operating the operation means for explanatory performance, such as the cross key 052F101 and the cross key button 052F102, regardless of whether the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a game state or not. Therefore, for example, the player can launch a ball and start playing while the explanatory performance on the sub-image display device 150 is being executed, and while playing, the explanatory performance can be started in response to the player operating the operation means for the explanatory performance. As a result, the explanatory performance and the variable display compatible performance described above may be executed simultaneously. For this reason, the operation performance may be executed while the explanatory performance is being executed.

The following describes an example of image display control on the image display device 50 and the sub-image display device 150 when an operation performance is performed during the execution of the explanatory performance described above.

Figure 8-5 is a display screen diagram showing an example of the display of the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150 when a variable display is executed during the execution of an explanatory performance, and an operation performance is executed during the variable display. Figure 8-5 (d1) shows the display mode on the image display device 5, Figure 8-5 (d2) shows the display mode on the left sub-image display device 150 (the display device executing the explanatory performance), and Figure 8-5 (d3) shows the display mode on the right sub-image display device 150.

As shown in FIG. 8-5(d2), the left sub-image display device 150 displays, for example, a character explanation screen (FIG. 8-2(b2)) as an explanation effect, and the right sub-image display device 150 displays a normal screen such as an image of a mountain. The normal screen displayed on the right sub-image display device 150 is an image corresponding to the normal screen in FIG. 8-1(a1). Before the explanation effect is executed, the left and right sub-image display devices 150 display a normal background image 052F100 as shown in FIG. 8-11(a) in a common manner as the normal screen, and in response to detection of the operation of the cross key 052F101 by the player, the left sub-image display device 150 displays a screen for the explanation effect. In that case, the right sub-image display device 150 maintains the display of the normal screen that was displayed up until that point.

As shown in FIG. 8-5 (d3), the right-side sub-image display device 150 displays a constant pending number image 052F061 and a constantly changing small pattern 052F062. The constant pending number image 052F061 is an image that indicates the current pending memory number numerically, and is an image that is in principle always displayed even when the pending display image 052F038 shown in FIG. 8-2 is not displayed for presentation purposes. The constantly changing small pattern 052F062 is, for example, three small patterns that are variably displayed in synchronization with the three decorative patterns on the left, center, and right, and is an image of a variable display pattern that is in principle always displayed even when the decorative patterns are not displayed for presentation purposes.

In addition, when the conditions for executing the operation presentation are met, such as when a specific timing occurs in a specific super reach, the presentation control CPU 120 executes an operation promotion presentation that promotes the operation of a specific operation means (operation means for the operation presentation) such as the push button 31B or stick controller 31A. Note that as the specific operation means used for the operation presentation, it may be possible to use operation means used for the explanation presentation, such as the cross key 052F101 and the cross key button 052F102.

For example, in a specific super reach, as shown in FIG. 8-5 (d1), when a predetermined performance timing is reached, in order to execute a special performance, the decorative pattern that has been displayed variably in the center of the display area of the image display device 5 is reduced in size after it becomes a reach state, and is moved to the upper right area of the display area as a reduced pattern 052F060 and displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 8-5 (d1), the image display device 5 executes an operation promotion performance that displays an operation promotion screen. In the operation promotion screen, an operation promotion image 052F060 is displayed. The operation promotion image 052F060 includes the words "press", an image showing the push button 31B, and an image of the words "press the push button!" By displaying the operation promotion image 052F060, it is possible to promote the operation of the push button 31B to the player.

When the push button 31B is operated while the operation prompt image 052F060 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 8-5 (d4), the left sub-image display device 150, the central image display device 5, and the right sub-image display device 150 display a battle effect as a special effect that is displayed across these three display devices. When the battle effect is executed, the left sub-image display device 150, the image display device 5, and the right sub-image display device 150 display a battle image 052F063 in an integrated manner. The battle image 052F063 is an image in which the second character image 052F037, which is an ally character image, and the enemy character image 052F039 are engaged in a battle. When the battle effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 8-5 (d4), the reduced pattern 052F060 is displayed by moving from the upper right corner of the image display device 5 to the upper right corner of the right sub-image display device 150.

As shown in FIG. 8-5 (d1) and FIG. 8-5 (d4), when an operation presentation (battle presentation) is executed in response to an operation of push button 31B (when push button 31B is operated) during execution of an explanatory presentation (during display of the character explanatory screen), the presentation control CPU 120 interrupts the display of the explanatory presentation (display of the character explanatory screen) being executed, and then starts executing the display of the battle presentation, based on the detection by push sensor 35B of an operation of push button 31B by the player.

If the second character image 052F037 (ally character image) wins as a result of the battle presentation, a combination of jackpot symbols is displayed as the display result of the decorative symbols, and then the game is controlled to a jackpot game state; if the second character image 052F037 (ally character image) loses, then a combination of losing symbols is displayed, and then the game is not controlled to a jackpot game state. As described above, if the display of the explanatory presentation being performed is interrupted by the variable display presentation, then after the variable display presentation ends, the presentation control CPU 120 executes control to return to the image display before the interruption.

[Display example when integrated performance of the sub-image display device 150 is performed during the performance of the explanatory performance]
Next, a display example of the sub-image display device 150 when an integrated performance of the sub-image display device 150 is executed during execution of the explanatory performance will be described.

When the explanatory performance is being performed on the sub-image display device 150, the performance control CPU 120 may execute an integrated performance in which the two sub-image display devices 150 are moved to a position where they are superimposed on the front side of the image display device 5 (superimposed position) as a performance corresponding to variable display, and the two sub-image display devices 150 are integrated to display a specified image. The following describes how the performance is controlled when such an integrated performance corresponding to variable display is executed on the sub-image display device 150 while the explanatory performance described above is being executed.

The integrated effect, in which two sub-image display devices 150 are integrated to display a specified image, is frequently performed in variable display when a special effect such as a super reach is executed.

Figure 8-6 is a display screen diagram showing an example of the display of the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150 when a variable display is performed during the execution of an explanatory performance, and an integrated performance is performed during the variable display.

When the integrated performance is executed, an operation instruction signal for moving the left sub-image display device 150 and the right sub-image display device 150 to the center is transmitted from the performance control CPU 120 to the operation control unit 160, and as shown in FIG. 8-6 (d13), the two sub-image display devices 150 are driven simultaneously and start moving simultaneously in the direction of the white arrows in the figure. Then, as shown in FIG. 8-6 (d14), the two sub-image display devices 150 move to a position where they overlap on the front side of the image display device 5 and stop, resulting in the two sub-image display devices 150 being integrated on the front side of the position image display device 5.

Before the integrated performance is executed, as shown in FIG. 8-6 (d12), the left sub-image display device 150 displays a screen for an explanatory performance. As an example, the left sub-image display device 150 displays an initial screen (FIG. 8-3 (c2)) for a game explanatory performance. The right sub-image display device 150 displays a normal screen in which a normal background image 052F100 such as an image of a mountain is displayed. The right sub-image display device 150 displays a constant reserved number image 052F061 and a constantly variable small pattern 052F062, as in FIG. 8-5 (d2). As shown in FIG. 8-6 (d12), the image display device 5 displays an image in which two decorative patterns are stopped in a combination of reach patterns and one decorative pattern is variable.

Figure 8-6 (d13) shows the state when the left sub-image display device 150 and the right sub-image display device 150 (two sub-image display devices) start moving toward the front side of the image display device 5. The two sub-image display devices 150 are simultaneously moved in a direction in which they merge together at the front side of the image display device 5 (the direction of the white arrow in the figure).

Figure 8-6 (d14) shows the state in which the left sub-image display device 150 and the right sub-image display device 150 (two sub-image display devices) have stopped in front of the image display device 5 and are integrated after operating as shown in Figure 8-6 (d13).

As shown in FIG. 8-6 (d14), when the left sub-image display device 150 and the right sub-image display device 150 are integrated, the display of the explanatory performance on the left sub-image display device 150 is interrupted, and the display of the normal screen on the right sub-image display device 150 is also interrupted. After such display interruption, the integrated left sub-image display device 150 and right sub-image display device 150 display a reach state image 052F065, which is the same image as the reach pattern combination displayed on the image display device 5.

As shown in FIG. 8-6 (d12) to FIG. 8-6 (d14), when an explanatory performance is being performed in which the left sub-image display device 150 and the right sub-image display device 150 are integrated, the explanatory performance being performed is stopped, and then a specific performance such as a performance displaying the reach pattern 052F065 is performed. Then, after such a specific performance is performed, the decorative pattern that was changing is stopped, and a performance that introduces and displays the variable display result is performed by the performance control CPU 120.

When executing an explanatory performance in which the left-side sub-image display device 150 and the right-side sub-image display device 150 are integrated, the explanatory performance in progress may be interrupted and then the operation of the sub-image display device 150 may be started, or the explanatory performance in progress may be interrupted during the period from when the operation of the sub-image display device 150 is started until the sub-image display devices 150 are integrated, or the display of the explanatory performance in progress may be maintained until the sub-image display devices 150 are integrated, and the display of the explanatory performance in progress may be interrupted after the integration.

[Example of game explanation when English is selected]
Fig. 8-7 is a diagram showing a game instruction presentation when English is selected and set. When English is selected and set on the language setting screen of Fig. 8-3 (c1), the game instruction presentation in English shown in Fig. 8-7 is executed.

The main differences between the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected (see FIG. 8-3) and the game explanation performance when English is selected (see FIG. 8-7) are explained below. In the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected, the dialogue image is displayed in Japanese, whereas in the game explanation performance when English is selected, the dialogue image is displayed in English. In addition, in the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected, sound is output, whereas in the game explanation performance when English is selected, sound is not output (see the *2 mark in FIG. 8-7 and the x marks on the speakers 8L and 8R). In addition, in the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected, a subtitle image is displayed, whereas in the game explanation performance when English is selected, a subtitle image is not displayed. In addition, the "display time of one stage image when the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101 is not detected" is longer in the game explanation performance when English is selected than in the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected.

Below, we will specifically explain the differences between the game instruction presentation when English is selected and set in Figure 8-7 and the game instruction presentation when Japanese is selected and set in Figure 8-3.

When English is selected and set, the images in Fig. 8-7 (e1) to (e5) displayed during the game instruction presentation are the same as the images in Fig. 8-3 (c2) to (c6) displayed during the game instruction presentation when Japanese is selected and set, and are displayed in an automatically progressing manner similar to when Japanese is selected and set, except that subtitle images are not displayed and dialogue images are displayed in English.

When English is selected and set, the dialogue images displayed during the game explanation performance are displayed as follows. Instead of the dialogue image 052F044 in FIG. 8-3 saying "I'll explain how to play now," a dialogue image 052F070 with the same words translated into English is displayed. Instead of the dialogue image 052F047 in FIG. 8-3 saying "Don't hit the pachinko machine," a dialogue image 052F071 with the same words translated into English is displayed. Instead of the dialogue image 052F050 in FIG. 8-3 saying "Put the balls in the holes," a dialogue image 052F072 with the same words translated into English is displayed. Instead of the dialogue image 052F054 in FIG. 8-3 saying "Ask the clerk to exchange your pachinko balls!", a dialogue image 052F073 with the same words translated into English is displayed.

When English is selected, the display times set for the 2/5 game explanation screen to the 4/5 game explanation screen in the game explanation presentation are 12 seconds for the 2/5 game explanation screen, 35 seconds for the 3/5 game explanation screen, and 25 seconds for the 4/5 game explanation screen, which are longer than the display times set for the 2/5 game explanation screen to the 4/5 game explanation screen in the game explanation presentation when Japanese is selected.

[Example of game explanation when Chinese is selected]
Fig. 8-8 is a diagram showing a game instruction presentation when Chinese is selected and set. When Chinese is selected and set on the language setting screen of Fig. 8-3 (c1), the game instruction presentation using Chinese shown in Fig. 8-8 is executed.

The main differences between the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected and set (see FIG. 8-3) and the game explanation performance when Chinese is selected and set (see FIG. 8-8) are described below. In the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected and set, the dialogue image is displayed in Japanese, whereas in the game explanation performance when Chinese is selected and set, the dialogue image is displayed in Chinese. In addition, in the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected and set, sound is output, whereas in the game explanation performance when Chinese is selected and set, sound is not output (see the mark *2 in FIG. 8-8 and the mark x attached to the speakers 8L and 8R). In addition, in the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected and set, the subtitle image is displayed in Japanese, whereas in the game explanation performance when Chinese is selected and set, the subtitle image is displayed in Chinese. In addition, the "display time of one stage image when the player's downward operation of the cross key 052F101 is not detected" is longer in the game explanation performance when Chinese is selected and set than in the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected and set.

Below, we will specifically explain the differences between the game instruction presentation when Chinese is selected and set in Figure 8-8 and the game instruction presentation when Japanese is selected and set in Figure 8-3.

When Chinese is selected and set, the images in Fig. 8-8 (f1) to (f5) displayed during the game instruction presentation are the same as the images in Fig. 8-3 (c2) to (c6) displayed during the game instruction presentation when Japanese is selected and set, except that the subtitle images and dialogue images are displayed in Chinese, and are displayed in an automatically progressing manner similar to when Japanese is selected and set.

When Chinese is selected and set, the dialogue images displayed in the game explanation performance are displayed as follows. Instead of the dialogue image 052F044 of FIG. 8-3 saying "I'll explain how to play now," a dialogue image 052F080 with the words translated into Chinese is displayed. Instead of the dialogue image 052F047 of FIG. 8-3 saying "Don't hit the pachinko machine," a dialogue image 052F082 with the words translated into Chinese is displayed. Instead of the dialogue image 052F050 of FIG. 8-3 saying "Put the balls in the holes," a dialogue image 052F084 with the words translated into Chinese is displayed. Instead of the dialogue image 052F054 of FIG. 8-3 saying "Ask the clerk to exchange your pachinko balls!", a dialogue image 052F087 with the words translated into Chinese is displayed.

The guide voice output and the subtitle image displayed in the game explanation performance when Chinese is selected and set are as follows. Note that for each image in FIG. 8-8, the subtitle image is described as "...", but in reality, the Chinese of the guide voice output is displayed as the subtitle image. Instead of outputting the guide voice "We will now begin the game explanation" and displaying the subtitle image 052F045 in FIG. 8-3, the guide voice with the wording translated into Chinese is output and the subtitle image 052F081 is displayed. Instead of outputting the guide voice "Please do not hit the pachinko machine" and displaying the subtitle image 052F048 in FIG. 8-3, the guide voice with the wording translated into Chinese is output and the subtitle image 052F083 is displayed. Instead of outputting the guide voice "First, put the pachinko ball into the winning hole" and displaying the subtitle image 052F051 in FIG. 8-3, the guide voice with the wording translated into Chinese is output and the subtitle image 052F085 is displayed. Instead of outputting the guidance voice and displaying the subtitle image 052F055 of Figure 8-3 saying "Speak to a store clerk and have them exchange your pachinko balls," a guidance voice with that text translated into Chinese is output and a subtitle image 052F088 is displayed.

When Chinese is selected, the display time set for each of the 2/5 game explanation screen to the 4/5 game explanation screen in the game explanation performance is 12 seconds for the 2/5 game explanation screen, 35 seconds for the 3/5 game explanation screen, and 25 seconds for the 4/5 game explanation screen, which is longer than the display time set for each of the 2/5 game explanation screen to the 4/5 game explanation screen in the game explanation performance when Japanese is selected.

Although not specifically shown in the drawings, the player may be able to set Korean on the language setting screen. In game explanation performances in which Korean is set, a guide voice in Korean may be output, and a subtitle image corresponding to the guide voice may be displayed.

[Examples of restrictions on explanatory performances]
Next, the above-mentioned limit control of the presentation explanation performance and the limit control of the game explanation performance will be compared and explained. As explained in FIG. 8-2, when the presentation explanation performance is being executed, if a predetermined time (50 seconds) has elapsed without any operation by the player, the presentation explanation performance is limited. Also, as explained in FIG. 8-3, when the game explanation performance is being executed, if a predetermined time (50 seconds) has elapsed without any operation by the player, the game explanation performance is limited.

Figure 8-9 is a timing chart showing a comparison of the control timing of the limit control of the performance explanation performance and the limit control of the technique explanation performance by the performance control CPU 120. Figure 8-9 (A) shows the control timing of the limit control of the performance explanation performance. Figure 8-9 (B) shows the control timing of the limit control of the game explanation performance.

First, the restriction control of the performance explanation performance will be described. As shown in FIG. 8-9 (A), when the performance explanation performance is being executed, as shown in (a1) and (a2), when the operation of the cross key 052F101 for progressing the performance explanation performance state from, for example, the 1/3 performance explanation screen to the 2/3 performance explanation screen is detected and 50 seconds have passed without the operation of the cross key 052F101 being detected, the control to reduce the light amount (brightness) of the display on the sub-image display device 150 as described in FIG. 8-2 is started as a control to restrict the performance explanation performance while the 2/3 performance explanation screen is displayed. Then, when 30 seconds have passed without the operation of the cross key 052F101 being detected after the control to restrict such performance explanation performance is started, the control to return the display on the sub-image display device 150 to the default screen as described in FIG. 8-2 is executed, and the display on the sub-image display device 150 is controlled to return to the screen corresponding to the game state when the performance explanation performance was executed.

Next, the restriction control of the game instruction presentation will be described. As shown in FIG. 8-9(B), when the game instruction presentation is being executed, as in (b1) and (b2), when 50 seconds have passed without detecting the operation of the cross key 052F101 after the operation of the cross key 052F101 for progressing the game instruction presentation state, for example, from the 1/5 game instruction screen to the 2/5 game instruction screen is detected, when 60 seconds have passed since the operation of the cross key 052F101 for progressing from the 1/5 game instruction screen to the 2/5 game instruction screen is detected, and after all the displays of the 2/5 game instruction screen to the 5/5 game instruction screen are completed, when 30 seconds have passed without detecting the operation of the cross key 052F101, the control for returning the display on the sub-image display device 150 to the default screen as described in FIG. 8-3 is executed, and the display on the sub-image display device 150 is controlled to return to the screen corresponding to the game state when the game instruction presentation was executed.

[Example of explanation performance control processing]
Next, in order to execute the explanation performance including the above-mentioned presentation explanation performance and game explanation performance, explanation performance control processing executed in the player menu screen processing (S162) of FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 8-10 is a flowchart showing the explanation performance control processing. The explanation performance control processing is provided as a part of the processing of the player menu screen processing. The explanation performance control processing is started when the progress operation of the cross key 05F101 is detected by the cross key button 052F102 in any of the presentation explanation stages during the execution of the presentation explanation performance, or when the progress operation of the cross key 05F101 is detected by the cross key button 052F102 in the game explanation stage where the 1/5 game explanation screen is displayed during the execution of the game explanation performance.

In the explanation effect control process, first, it is confirmed whether the explanation effect restriction flag is set or not (step 052FS001). Hereinafter, step 052FS will be abbreviated as 052FS. The explanation effect restriction flag is a flag that is set in 052FS020 when the game explanation effect or the performance explanation effect is in a restricted state.

When the explanation presentation restriction flag is not set in 052FS001, it is confirmed whether or not the advance operation of the cross key 05F101 is detected by the cross key sensor 052F103 (052FS002). When the advance operation of the cross key 05F101 is not detected in 052FS002, it is confirmed whether or not the game explanation end waiting flag is set (052FS003). The game explanation end waiting flag is a flag that is set in 052FS011 when it is necessary to wait for the end of the game explanation presentation, such as when the game explanation presentation is restricted.

When the game explanation end waiting flag is not set in 052FS003, it is checked whether the first timer is set or not (052FS004). The first timer is a timing means for timing the 50 seconds of no operation of the cross key 05F101, which is a condition for restricting the game explanation presentation or presentation explanation presentation.

When the first timer is not set in 052FS004, the operation of the cross key 05F101 to proceed is detected by the cross key button 052F102 in any of the presentation explanation stages, or during the execution of the game explanation presentation, immediately after the operation of the cross key 05F101 to proceed is detected by the cross key button 052F102 in the game explanation stage where the 1/5 game explanation screen is displayed, so the first timer is set (a timing data value corresponding to 50 seconds is set) to start timing the no-operation state of the cross key 05F101 (052FS005), and the process ends. On the other hand, when the first timer is set in 052FS004, the first timer is timing the no-operation state, so the first timer value is updated (decremented) (052FS006). Then, it is confirmed whether the updated first timer value has timed out (first timer value = 0) (052FS007).

If the first timer value has not timed out at 052FS007, the process ends. On the other hand, if the first timer value has timed out at 052FS007, the first timer is reset (052FS008) to end the timekeeping by the first timer. Then, by checking the performance status being performed, it is confirmed whether or not the current performance explanation performance is in progress (052FS009). If the performance explanation performance is in progress at 052FS009, as explained in FIG. 8-9 (A), a process is performed to limit the performance explanation performance (052FS012). This causes restrictions on the performance explanation performance, such as a reduction in the screen display light amount (brightness) of the performance explanation performance. Then, a restriction explanation performance restriction flag indicating that the explanation performance is being restricted is set (052FS013), the second timer is set (052FS014), and the process ends. The second timer is a timing means for timing the 30 seconds of no operation of the cross key 05F101 to return to the default screen from the restricted state of the game explanation presentation or the restricted state of the presentation explanation presentation, as explained in Figures 8-9 (A) and (B).

In addition, when the game explanation presentation is in progress at 052FS009, or when the game explanation end waiting flag is set at 052FS003, the state of the presentation being performed is checked to see whether the final explanation stage of the game explanation presentation (the display stage of the 5/5 game explanation screen) has been performed, as described above in FIG. 8-9 (B) (052FS010).

If the final explanation stage of the game explanation performance has not been executed in 052FS010, the game explanation end waiting flag is set (052FS011), and then the process is terminated. As a result, the execution of the restricted state of the executed game explanation performance is awaited until the final explanation stage of the game explanation performance is executed. On the other hand, if the final explanation stage of the game explanation performance has been executed in 052FS010, as explained in FIG. 8-9 (B), the process is performed to restrict the game explanation performance (052FS012). As a result, the restriction of the game explanation performance, such as the reduction of the screen display light amount (brightness) of the game explanation performance, is executed. Then, the restricted explanation performance restriction flag indicating that the explanation performance is being restricted is set (052FS013), and the second timer is set (a timing data value corresponding to 30 seconds is set) (052FS014), and then the process is terminated.

Also, when the explanatory performance restriction flag is set in the above-mentioned 052FS001, it is checked whether or not the cross key sensor 052F103 has detected the operation of advancing the cross key 05F101 (052FS016). When the cross key 05F101 has not detected the operation of advancing the cross key 05F101 in 052FS016, the running second timer (when the explanatory performance restriction flag is set, the second timer is set by 052F2014) is timing the no-operation state, so the second timer value is updated (subtracted) (052FS017). Then, it is checked whether or not the updated second timer value has timed out (second timer value = 0) (052FS018).

When the second timer value has not timed out at 052FS018, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the second timer value has timed out at 052FS018, a process is performed to return to the default screen from the restricted state of the game explanation presentation or the restricted state of the presentation explanation presentation, as described in FIG. 8-9 (A) and (B) (052FS019). For the default screen, when the game explanation presentation or the presentation explanation presentation is started, data capable of identifying the display state of the sub-image display device 150 at the start of the execution is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 122, and a process is performed to select a default screen and return to the selected default screen based on the data thus stored at 052FS019. Next, the explanation presentation restriction flag is reset (052FS020), and the process is terminated.

In addition, when the advance operation of the cross key 05F101 is detected at 052FS002, or when the advance operation of the cross key 05F101 is detected at 052FS016, the first timer, the second timer, the game explanation flag, and the explanation presentation control flag that are set are reset (052FS015), and processing ends. This resets the conditions for controlling the game explanation presentation to a restricted state or the presentation explanation presentation to a restricted state.

By executing the explanation performance restriction process as described above, restriction control of the game explanation performance or restriction control of the performance explanation performance as shown in Figures 8-9, etc. is executed.

[Example of unrestricted display of explanatory effects during demo image effects]
Next, an example of non-restrictive display of explanatory performance in the performance state during demo image display will be described. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8-5, during control of explanatory performance during execution of variable display, if the player's movement is not detected for a predetermined period, the explanatory performance is restricted, while during control of explanatory performance in a standby control state in which customers are waiting, even if the player's movement is not detected for a predetermined period, the performance control CPU 120 executes a performance that continues the explanatory performance without restricting it.

Fig. 8-11 is a diagram showing an explanatory effect executed during demo image display. As shown in Fig. 8-11, the sub-image display device 150 on the left side displays, for example, a character explanatory screen (Fig. 8-3 (c2)) as an explanatory effect, and the image display device 5 displays a demo screen 052F090 in which demo image display is executed. The sub-image display device 150 on the right side displays a title logo screen showing the title logo of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the title logo screen, a title logo image 052F091 is displayed.

As explained in FIG. 8-2 (b4), when any of the screens for each explanation stage of the presentation explanation presentation is displayed, if 50 seconds have passed without any player operation, the displayed screen is restricted. However, in the presentation example of FIG. 8-11, as shown in FIG. 8-11 (g4), when a demo screen is displayed, even if 50 seconds have passed without any player operation, the presentation control CPU 120 executes control not to restrict the displayed screen.

In addition, when any of the screens for each explanation stage of the game explanation presentation is displayed, if 50 seconds have passed without any player operation, the presentation control CPU 120 executes control not to restrict the displayed screen, even if 50 seconds have passed without any player operation, in the same manner as in the presentation example of Figures 8-11, when a demo screen is displayed.

[Example of control enabling automatic progression of both the presentation explanation presentation and the game explanation presentation]
Next, a control example in which both the performance explanation performance and the game explanation performance can be automatically advanced will be described. Figure 8-12 is a display screen diagram of the sub-image display device 150 showing a display example of the performance explanation performance image when the performance explanation performance can be automatically advanced.

The difference between the presentation explanation performance in FIG. 8-12 and the presentation explanation performance in FIG. 8-2 is that the progression of the explanation stages in the presentation explanation performance can be performed not only manually by operating the cross key 052F101 in the downward direction as in FIG. 8-2, as in the game explanation performance shown in FIG. 8-3, but also automatically over time. For example, as shown in FIG. 8-12, the spec introduction screen, which is the first explanation stage, switches to the character explanation screen, which is the second explanation stage, 40 seconds after it starts to be displayed. Next, the character explanation screen, which is the second explanation stage, switches to the super hot explanation screen, which is the third explanation stage, 40 seconds after it starts to be displayed.

Figure 8-13 is a timing chart showing an example of the control timing of the production explanation performance and the game explanation performance when both are allowed to proceed automatically. Figure 8-13 differs from Figure 8-4 in the control timing of the production explanation performance.

Figure 8-13 (B1) shows a timing chart of a first example of a presentation explanation performance. The first example of the game explanation performance shows the control timing when the game explanation performance is automatically advanced. Figure 8-13 (B2) shows a timing chart of a second example of the game explanation performance. The second example of the game explanation performance shows the control timing when the game explanation performance is automatically advanced and manually advanced.

As shown in Figures 8-13 (A1) and (A2), when the cross key sensor 052F103 and the button sensor 052F104 detect that a game explanation presentation has been selected based on the player's operation of the cross key 05F101 and the cross key button 052F102 on the menu screen, the spec introduction screen (1/3 presentation explanation screen) is first displayed on the sub-image display device 150.

Thereafter, if the player does not operate the cross key 05F101 to advance for a period of 50 seconds or more, as shown in FIG. 8-13 (A1), each performance explanation screen is displayed until the display time (40 seconds) set for each of the 1/3 performance explanation screen and the 2/3 game explanation screen has elapsed, and once the display time has elapsed, the displayed image is immediately switched in a scroll-type image switching mode, and the performance explanation screen for the next explanation stage is displayed, thereby controlling the automatic progression of the performance explanation screens in the order of the 1/3 performance explanation screen, the 2/3 performance explanation screen, and the 3/3 performance explanation screen to proceed automatically by the performance control CPU 120.

On the other hand, if the cross key sensor 052F103 detects an advance operation using the cross key 05F101 before the display time set for each of the performance explanation screens has elapsed while the 1/3 and 2/3 performance explanation screens are being displayed, the display image is switched in a scroll-type image switching mode immediately at the time of detection, without waiting for the display time set for each of the performance explanation screens to elapse, and the performance explanation screen for the next explanation stage is displayed, thereby causing the performance control CPU 120 to execute control to manually advance the performance explanation screens.

In FIG. 8-13 (A2), for example, when the 2/3 performance explanation screen is being displayed and the cross key sensor 052F103 detects a progression operation using the cross key 05F101 before the 40-second period set for the 2/3 performance explanation screen has elapsed (less than 40 seconds), the displayed image is switched in a scroll-type image switching mode without waiting for the 40-second period to elapse, and a control example is shown in which manual progression is made to the next 3/3 performance explanation screen.

In this way, in a control example in which both the production explanation performance and the game explanation performance can be automatically advanced, it is possible to advance the explanation stage of the production explanation performance and the explanation stage of the game explanation performance at different speeds. Specifically, the display time of the first explanation stage and the second explanation stage that are automatically advanced in the production explanation performance is 40 seconds each, and in the explanation stages that are automatically advanced in the game explanation performance, the first explanation stage is 10 seconds, the second explanation stage is 30 seconds, and the third explanation stage is 20 seconds, and the explanation stage of the production explanation performance and the explanation stage of the game explanation performance progress at different speeds. More specifically, the display time of the automatically advanced explanation stages is shorter for each explanation stage of the game explanation performance than for each explanation stage of the production explanation performance, so that the game explanation performance with a larger number of explanation stages can progress at a faster speed than the production explanation performance with a smaller number of explanation stages.

As described above, in the multiple explanation stages in the game explanation presentation, different contents can be explained. Furthermore, as described above, in the game explanation presentation, the display time for the 2/5 game explanation screen is 10 seconds, the display time for the 3/5 game explanation screen is 30 seconds, and the display time for the 4/5 game explanation screen is 20 seconds, so it is possible to progress through the explanation stages at different speeds depending on the contents explained in the multiple game explanation stages.

As a modified example, the speed of progression of the performance explanation performance in FIG. 8-12 may be faster than the speed of progression of the game explanation performance in FIG. 8-3. Also, in the case where the performance explanation performance is configured to progress over time as shown in FIG. 8-12, the technical idea of FIG. 8-3 (c6) may be applied to this performance explanation performance. For example, when a predetermined time (50 seconds) has elapsed without the player operating the cross key from the time when the first image of the performance explanation performance (in this embodiment, the spec introduction screen) is displayed, the performance explanation performance may be restricted after the performance explanation performance ends.

[Major effects obtained by characteristic part 052F]
(1) According to this embodiment, it is possible to execute a presentation explanation presentation (FIG. 8-2) that explains the presentation of the game and a game explanation presentation (FIG. 8-3) that explains the game method, and the explanation stage in the presentation explanation presentation can be advanced according to the player's actions, and each explanation stage in the game explanation presentation can be advanced according to at least one of the player's actions and the time lapse of the explanation of the game method. Therefore, for example, for experienced players, the explanation of the presentation can be advanced according to the player's free actions. On the other hand, for beginners, the game explanation presentation can be advanced not only according to the player's free actions but also according to the time lapse. Therefore, since it is possible to provide a presentation explanation tailored to the target of the explanation presentation, it is possible to provide a suitable explanation presentation tailored to the player's gaming experience.

(2) In addition, in the performance explanation performance, the super hot explanation screen in FIG. 8-2 (b3) displays the first character image 052F001 as a specific display used while the pattern (decorative pattern) is changing. This allows the player to get an idea of the performance in the actual variable display, making it easier for even first-time players to understand the performance of the gaming machine.

(3) As shown by the marks * in Figures 8-2 (b1) to (b3), the presentation explanation presentation is executed using still images. This makes it easier for the player to clearly recognize the key points of the presentation of the gaming machine. As a modified example, the presentation explanation presentation may be executed using moving images for at least some of the explanation.

(4) As shown in FIG. 8-2(b11) and FIG. 8-2(b12), it is possible to execute a normal cut-in effect and an advantageous cut-in effect that is more advantageous than the normal cut-in effect. In the effect explanation effect, as shown in the super hot explanation screen in FIG. 8-2(b3), the effect explanation effect is executed using only the first character image 052F001 of the multiple images displayed in the advantageous cut-in effect, and without using any other images of the multiple images. This can heighten the player's sense of expectation and improve the enjoyment of the game.

(5) In addition, the game explanation performance is executed using images related to the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, the pachinko gaming machine image 052F046 in FIG. 8-3 (c3), the start winning slot image 052F049 in FIG. 8-3 (c4), etc.). Therefore, since the game explanation performance is executed using the same images as the game explanation performance that explains the playing method of the pachinko gaming machine 1, even a player playing the gaming machine for the first time can easily understand the game presentation.

(6) Furthermore, as shown in game ball moving image 052F052 in FIG. 8-3 (c4), a moving image is used in part of the game explanation presentation to execute the game explanation presentation. This makes it easier for the player to visualize the actual game method, and makes it easier for even first-time players to understand the game method. As a modified example, all game explanation presentations may be executed using moving images. In other words, the game explanation presentation may be executed using moving images for at least some of the explanation.

(7) As described in Figures 8-2 and 8-3, the number of pieces of information (number of explanation items) displayed in each image of the game explanation performance is one, while the number of pieces of information (number of explanation items) displayed in each image of the performance explanation performance is three or four. In other words, the amount of information that can be displayed at one time in the game explanation performance is smaller than the information displayed in the performance explanation performance. Therefore, since the amount of information that is recognized at one time by looking at the information displayed in the game explanation performance is relatively small, even a player playing for the first time can easily understand how to play the gaming machine.

(8) In addition, while the performance explanation performance is being performed, the first character image 052F001 (the main character's character image), which appears frequently during variable display, can be displayed, which makes it possible to create a sense of familiarity with the content of the gaming machine and stimulates the player's interest in the gaming machine.

(9) Also, as shown in Figures 8-2 and 8-3, the number of explanation stages of the presentation explanation effect is three, whereas the number of explanation stages of the game explanation effect is five. In other words, the presentation explanation effect has fewer explanation stages than the game explanation effect. Therefore, it is possible to prevent experienced players from losing interest in the game by receiving unnecessary explanation information about the presentation of the gaming machine from the viewpoint of experienced players.

(10) In addition, although the explanation stage of the production explanation performance is allowed to progress according to the player's actions, as shown by the * mark under the title of Figure 8-2, the progress of the explanation stage according to the passage of time in the production explanation performance is restricted (the production explanation performance does not move to the next explanation stage as time passes). Therefore, it is possible to give experienced players the freedom to progress through the explanation stage of the first explanation performance, and it is possible to provide an explanation performance that is suitable for the player's gaming experience.

(11) Also, as shown in FIG. 8-5, a battle performance can be executed in response to detection of operation of the push button 31B. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8-1 etc., an explanatory performance can be executed in response to detection of operation of the cross key 052F101. If the operation means for starting the battle performance and the operation means for starting the explanatory performance were the same, a problem would arise in which a player who does not wish to have the explanatory performance executed would mistakenly start the execution of the explanatory performance. By differentiating the operation means for starting the battle performance and the operation means for starting the explanatory performance, as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent such problems from occurring.

(12) Also, as shown in FIG. 8-5, when an operation presentation (battle presentation) is executed in response to detection of an operation on push button 31B during execution of an explanatory presentation, the ongoing explanatory presentation (display of a character explanatory screen) is interrupted, and then the battle presentation is executed. Therefore, the player's attention can be drawn to the battle presentation.

(13) As shown in Figures 8-13 (A1) and (B1), the explanation stage of the production explanation presentation and the explanation stage of the game explanation presentation can be advanced at different speeds, and different contents can be explained in each of the multiple explanation stages in the game explanation presentation. The explanation stages can also be advanced at different speeds depending on the contents explained in the multiple explanation stages (prohibited items take longer to progress than non-prohibited game methods), making it possible to provide suitable explanation presentations that are tailored to the gaming experience of the players for whom the production explanation presentation and game explanation presentation are intended.

(14) As shown in Figures 8-4 and 8-13, the game explanation performance can automatically progress through one explanation stage in 25 seconds, and the game explanation performance can automatically progress through one explanation stage in 10, 30, or 20 seconds, for example. This makes it possible to progress through the explanation stages faster in the game explanation performance that has more explanation stages than the game explanation performance, making it possible to progress the explanation performance with more explanation stages at a good tempo, and preventing the player from becoming bored with the explanation performance.

(15) As described in FIG. 8-3, the maximum duration of the specific explanation stage (the explanation stage for displaying the prohibited items screen in FIG. 8-3(c3)) that explains prohibited items related to gaming is 30 seconds, whereas the maximum duration of the prescribed explanation stage (e.g., FIG. 8-3(c2), (c4), etc.) that explains matters related to gaming methods that are different from prohibited items related to gaming is 10 or 20 seconds. Therefore, the specific explanation stage that explains prohibited items related to gaming can proceed at a slower speed than the prescribed explanation stage that explains matters related to gaming methods that are different from prohibited items related to gaming, so that the explanation progression speed can make it easier for the player to recognize the prohibited items related to gaming.

(16) In addition, as shown in FIG. 8-3(c3), the prohibition explanation stage can be executed in a manner that makes the explanation content easier to understand than other explanation stages by displaying a large X mark. In this way, the explanation in the specific explanation stage that explains the prohibitions regarding the game can be executed in a manner that makes it easier to understand than the predetermined explanation stage that explains matters related to the game method that are different from the prohibitions regarding the game. Therefore, the explanation mode can make it easier for the player to understand the prohibitions regarding the game.

(17) In addition, when the presentation explanation presentation is being executed, that is, when any of the images in FIG. 8-2(b1) to FIG. 8-2(b3) is being displayed, if a predetermined time (50 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed without any operation by the player, the presentation explanation presentation is restricted. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 8-3, when the display of the initial screen starts, if 50 seconds have elapsed without any operation by the player, the game explanation presentation ends (the ending method screen is displayed) as shown in FIG. 8-3(c6), and the game explanation presentation is restricted.

In other words, if the player's movement is not detected for a specified period during the execution of the presentation explanation performance, the presentation explanation performance can be restricted from the explanation stage in the middle of the execution of the presentation explanation performance. On the other hand, if the player's movement is not detected for a specified period during the execution of the game method explanation in the game explanation performance, the game explanation performance can be restricted after the game explanation performance has progressed to the final stage. As a result, for example, for experienced players, it is considered that there is a high rate of understanding how the presentation explanation performance progresses by movement, so it is considered that there is no particular problem even if the presentation explanation performance is restricted from the explanation stage in the middle of the execution of the presentation explanation performance when the movement is not detected for a specified period, and it is considered that this is an appropriate measure for experienced players. On the other hand, it is considered that there is a high rate of beginners who do not understand how the game explanation performance progresses by movement, and there is a risk that they will leave the progress unattended because they do not understand how to progress by movement, so it is considered that it is more appropriate for beginners to restrict the game explanation performance after it has progressed to the final explanation stage. As a result, it is possible to perform a suitable explanation performance that matches the gaming experience of the player for whom each of the presentation explanation performance and the game presentation explanation is targeted.

(18) In addition, if the player's operation is not detected for a predetermined period (50 seconds) during the execution of the performance explanation performance, it is possible to reduce the brightness (light intensity) of the display area of the sub-image display device 150 from the explanation stage during the execution of the performance explanation performance (FIG. 8-2 (c4), FIG. 8-9 (A), 052FS009, 052FS012 in FIG. 8-10, etc.). In addition, if the player's operation is not detected for a specific period during the execution of the game explanation performance, it is possible to reduce the brightness (light intensity) of the display area of the sub-image display device 150 after the game explanation performance has progressed to the final explanation stage (FIG. 8-3 (c6), FIG. 8-9 (B), 052FS009, 052FS010, 052FS012 in FIG. 8-10, etc.). Therefore, it is possible to perform a suitable explanation performance that matches the gaming experience of the player for whom each of the game explanation performance and the performance explanation performance is targeted.

(19) In addition, if the player's movement is not detected for a predetermined period during the execution of the production explanation performance, the production explanation performance is restricted from the explanation stage during the execution of the production explanation performance (after the brightness (amount of light) of the image is reduced as shown in FIG. 8-2(d)), and then the production explanation performance is interrupted if the player's movement is not detected for a predetermined period (the normal screen is restored after 30 seconds have elapsed as shown by the * mark in FIG. 8-3(b4)). This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the production explanation performance is left in a restricted state.

(20) Furthermore, if a player's action is not detected for a predetermined period during control of an explanatory presentation during execution of a variable display, the explanatory presentation is limited (see Figs. 8-2 and 8-3). As explained in Fig. 8-11, even if a player's action is not detected for a predetermined period during execution of an explanatory presentation in a standby control state (in the example of Fig. 8-11, display of a character explanatory screen), the explanatory presentation is allowed to continue without being limited. Therefore, the influence of the explanatory presentation on the presentation during the variable display can be reduced, and the explanatory presentation can be executed preferably.

(21) In addition, as explanatory effects, a first effect (such as a sound effect output from speakers 8L and 8R) and a second effect (display of a dialogue image by main character 052F001) different from the first effect can be executed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8-3 (c1), the player can select one of Japanese as the first language and English as the second language. The first language is the main language (Japanese) that is most frequently used in gaming machines. Furthermore, when Japanese is selected, explanatory effects including the first and second effects can be executed. On the other hand, when English is selected, explanatory effects including the second effect but not the first effect can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to execute explanatory effects suitable for foreign players, and it is possible to reduce the amount of work required to create an explanatory effect processing process when the number of selectable languages is increased, and it is possible to execute explanatory effects suitable for the gaming experience of the player. As a variant, when English is selected, an explanatory performance including the first and second performances is executed, whereas when Japanese is selected, an explanatory performance including the second performance but not the first performance is executed.

(22) Furthermore, the first language is the main language (Japanese) that is most frequently used in gaming machines. Therefore, since the first language is the main language that is most frequently used in gaming machines, the explanatory presentation can be preferably executed using a language that is suited to the installation environment of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

(23) When Japanese is selected, the game instruction automatically advances through one explanation stage in 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 20 seconds, as shown in FIG. 8-3. On the other hand, when English or Chinese is selected, the game instruction automatically advances through one explanation stage in 12 seconds, 35 seconds, or 25 seconds, as shown in FIG. 8-7 or FIG. 8-8. Therefore, the speed at which the explanation stage of the explanation performance advances varies depending on the type of language selected by the player, so that the explanation performance can be executed at a suitable speed depending on the type of language selected. Generally, players who select English or Chinese (generally foreign players) are often not familiar with the pachinko game machine 1. Therefore, when English or Chinese is selected, the period that triggers the advancement of the explanation stage is made longer than when Japanese is selected. Therefore, even foreigners who are not familiar with the pachinko game machine 1 can be made to properly recognize the method of playing.

As a modified example, when a language other than Japanese is set, the number of images constituting the game explanation performance may be increased compared to when Japanese is set. For example, if the number of images constituting the game explanation performance is "5" when Japanese is set, the number of images constituting the game explanation performance may be six or more when a language other than Japanese is set. With this configuration, it is possible to explain the game method in more detail to foreigners who are not familiar with the pachinko gaming machine 1.

(24) Furthermore, when the first language (Japanese) is output, the number of types of sounds output in the explanatory performance is one, whereas when the second language (English) is output, the number of types of sounds output in the explanatory performance is zero. In other words, when the second language is selected, fewer types of sounds are output in response to the explanatory performance to be executed than when the first language is selected. Therefore, when the second language is selected, fewer types of sounds are output in response to the explanatory performance to be executed than when the first language is selected, so that the explanatory performance can be executed with the appropriate type of sounds according to the type of language selected.

As a modified example, when the first language is set, the number of types of sounds to be output may be M, and when the second language is set, the number of types of sounds to be output may be N. However, M>N. For example, when the first language (Japanese) is set, a guide voice is output for each screen (five screens in this embodiment) displayed in the game explanation performance. In this case, M=5. On the other hand, when the second language (English or Chinese) is set, a guide voice is output only when a specific screen (for example, the prohibited items screen shown in FIG. 8-7(e2)) is displayed among the screens displayed in the game explanation performance. In this case, N=1. With this configuration, when the second language is selected, the number of types of sounds to be output in response to the explanation performance to be executed may be reduced compared to when the first language is selected. In this way, the number of types of sounds to be output in response to the explanation performance to be executed for the second language, which is considered to be used less frequently than the first language, is reduced, thereby reducing the data storage capacity for performance control.

(25) Also, as shown in Figures 8-7 and 8-8, when English is set, English subtitle images are not displayed in the game instruction performance, whereas when Chinese is set, Chinese subtitle images are displayed in the game instruction performance. Generally, English subtitles have a large number of characters (number of letters), which causes a problem that the display area in which the screen is displayed in the game instruction performance is crowded, making it difficult for the player to see the screen. Therefore, in this embodiment, when English is set, English subtitle images are not displayed in the game instruction performance. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the problem that the display area in which the image is displayed in the game instruction performance is crowded, making it difficult for the player to see the image.

On the other hand, Chinese subtitles have a small number of characters and do not occupy much of the display area in the game instruction presentation. Therefore, in this embodiment, Chinese subtitle images are displayed in the game instruction presentation when Chinese is set. Therefore, the player who has set Chinese can be made aware of how to play the game.
[Modification]

(1) A special setting screen that can only be displayed by a staff member of the gaming parlor where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed may be displayed. For example, the front door of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is opened with a key held by the staff member, and the special setting screen is displayed by operating a switch (operation unit) inside the pachinko gaming machine 1. The special setting screen is a screen where a settable language can be selected. For example, each language (Japanese, English, Chinese, etc.) can be set. For example, the staff member can set Japanese to be settable, English to be settable, and Chinese to be unsettable, etc., using the special setting screen. With this configuration, the "language that can be set by the player" can be switched to match the language that the hall staff of the gaming parlor can handle (for example, the language that the hall staff can speak). In addition, in the case of a configuration in which a message such as "Ask the gaming parlor" is displayed in the explanation performance, a foreign player who sees this message may speak to the staff member in the player's native language (foreign language). If there is no hall staff who can speak the foreign language, the player may become dissatisfied. Therefore, by allowing only languages that the hall staff at the arcade can speak to be set, the problem of foreigners becoming dissatisfied can be reduced.

This special setting screen may also be used to set an image (e.g., an icon) that can provide the player with the service content of the gaming parlor where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed, and the set image may be displayed on at least one of the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150. The service content may be, for example, the rental of a free line and a charger for a mobile terminal. With this configuration, an image corresponding to the service content provided by the gaming parlor where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed can be displayed on the image display device 5 and the sub-image display device 150, thereby improving convenience for the player.

(2) In addition, in the volume and light intensity setting image shown in Fig. 8-1 (a3), the player can change the volume and light intensity from the initial value (default value) to a desired value. In addition, when a predetermined period (e.g., 3 minutes) has elapsed since the standby control state was entered, the changed volume and light intensity may be returned to the initial value (default value). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the volume and light intensity changed by the player from continuing indefinitely.

(3) In addition, in the standby control state, the number of light-emitting means (e.g., frame lamps of the pachinko gaming machine 1) that are turned on may be increased compared to a normal state different from the standby control state. With this configuration, more light-emitting means are turned on in the standby control state compared to the normal state, so that it is possible to appeal to people in the store that the gaming machine is in the standby control state, that is, that the gaming machine is not being played by a player.

(4) In addition, in the standby control state, the light emission amount of the light emitting means may be increased compared to a normal state different from the standby control state. With this configuration, the light emission amount is increased in the standby control state compared to the normal state, so that it is possible to appeal to people in the store that the gaming machine is controlled to the standby control state, that is, that the gaming machine is not being played by a player.

(5) In addition, in the standby control state, the volume output may be reduced compared to a normal state different from the standby control state. The "processing to reduce the volume" is, for example, either a process to set the volume to a minimum value or a process to set the volume to zero. With this configuration, the volume is reduced in the standby control state compared to the normal state, so as not to cause inconvenience to players playing on gaming machines other than the pachinko gaming machine 1 controlled to the standby control state.

(6) In addition, when the game is in a standby control state and the menu screen is displayed, when the period during which the player has not operated the cross key (the player has not selected a menu) reaches a certain period, the number of light-emitting means to be illuminated may be set to S, and until the period during which the player has not operated the cross key reaches the certain period, the number of light-emitting means to be illuminated may be set to T. However, S and T are natural numbers, and S>T. When the period during which the player has not operated the cross key reaches the certain period, it is highly likely that although the menu screen is displayed, there is no player in front of the pachinko game machine 1 displaying the menu screen. In this case, the number of light-emitting means to be illuminated is controlled to be increased (to T). Therefore, it is possible to appeal to people in the store that there is no player in front of the pachinko game machine 1 displaying the menu screen.

(7) In addition, when a specific effect is executed during play, a specific explanation effect (third explanation effect) may be executed to explain the specific effect in real time while the specific effect is being executed. The specific effect is, for example, an effect that can be executed while the patterns are changing. By executing such a specific explanation effect, it is possible to make a player who is not aware of the specific effect aware of the specific effect.

It may also be possible to set whether or not to execute this special explanation effect via a menu screen or the like. With this configuration, if a player is unfamiliar with the special explanation effect, the player can recognize the special explanation effect by having the special explanation effect executed. On the other hand, if a player is familiar with the special explanation effect, the player can be prevented from feeling annoyed by the execution of the special explanation effect by not executing the special explanation effect.

(8) In addition, when the game explanation performance is shifted to the final explanation stage, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured to grant a predetermined benefit. The predetermined benefit includes, for example, at least one of increasing the frequency of execution of the premium performance and increasing the frequency of execution of the high expectation performance that suggests a high expectation of being controlled to the big win game state. According to this configuration, it is possible to encourage the player to shift the game explanation performance to the final explanation stage, that is, to have the player view all of the game explanation performances, based on the granting of the predetermined benefit. In addition, when the performance explanation performance is shifted to the final explanation stage, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured to grant a predetermined benefit.

(9) The explanatory performance may be changed according to the progress of the game. For example, the number of explanation stages of the game explanatory performance may be reduced based on the duration of the game. For example, when the number of changes in the pattern reaches a predetermined value (for example, 50 times), an image related to a specific explanation stage may not be displayed. The image related to the specific explanation stage includes, for example, at least one of an image showing the loan of a game ball and an image showing the operation method of the ball-hitting operation handle. When the game continues for a certain period of time, even a novice player is likely to have recognized the method of loaning a game ball and the operation method of the ball-hitting operation handle. If the game explanatory performance is executed without reducing the number of explanation stages even when it is likely that the player has recognized the method of loaning a game ball and the operation method of the ball-hitting operation handle, information unnecessary for the player will be displayed, and a problem may occur in which the player cannot recognize the necessary information. Therefore, in this modified example, the occurrence of such a problem is suppressed by deleting the image of a specific explanation stage of the game explanatory performance and reducing the number of explanation stages based on the duration of the game.

Furthermore, when it is determined that the game has ended, for example when a period during which the player has not operated the ball-hitting handle reaches a predetermined period (e.g., three minutes), the number of explanation levels of the game explanation presentation with the reduced number of explanation levels may be returned to the original number. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the game explanation presentation with the reduced number of explanation levels from being played indefinitely.

(10) In the example of FIG. 8-3, it was explained that the "display time of one stage of an image when no operation of the down key of the cross key 052F101 by the player is detected" is the shortest among the multiple images displayed in the game explanation presentation, for the image displayed first in the game explanation presentation (initial screen). However, the "display time of one stage of an image when no operation of the down key of the cross key 052F101 by the player is detected" may be the longest for the image displayed first in the game explanation presentation (initial screen). With this configuration, it is possible to make the player clearly aware that the game explanation presentation is about to begin.

(11) In addition, an end button image may be displayed on each image of the game instruction performance, and the end button image may be selected in response to a player's operation. Furthermore, the end button image may be displayed on the first image (e.g., the initial screen) of each image of the game instruction performance. Since it is assumed that the player who is executing the game instruction performance is a beginner, the player often does not know how to end the game instruction performance. Therefore, the end button image may be displayed on the first image of the game instruction performance, allowing a beginner player to easily recognize how to end the game instruction performance.

On the other hand, it is preferable not to display the end button image in the first image of the performance explanation performance (for example, the spec introduction screen). A player who selects the performance explanation performance is aware of information about the pachinko gaming machine 1, and therefore is likely to also know how to end the performance explanation performance. Therefore, by not displaying the end button image, it is possible to avoid displaying unnecessary images.

(12) In the game state controlled by the pachinko game machine 1, at least one of the display mode and the display content of the game instruction performance may be changed. The game state includes, for example, a normal state, a probability change state, a time-saving state, and a big win state. First, an example of changing the display mode of the game instruction performance will be described. For example, the color of the image displayed in the game instruction performance is set to a color corresponding to the game state. With this configuration, even a beginner player who is not familiar with the game state can estimate the controlled game state from the color of the displayed image. Next, an example of changing the display content of the game instruction performance will be described. For example, the display content displayed in the game instruction performance is set to a content corresponding to the game state. For example, when the game is controlled to the big win state, the game instruction performance may display that "right hit" is to be performed. Also, when the game is controlled to the time-saving state, the game instruction performance may display the remaining number of time-saving times. In this way, by changing at least one of the display mode and the display content of the game instruction performance in the game state controlled by the pachinko game machine 1, the interest in the game can be improved.

(13) Also, sound may be output during the execution of the game explanation performance in the standby control state, while sound may not be output during the execution of the game explanation performance in a state other than the standby control state (e.g., while a game is being played). For example, when a game is being played, game sounds are output, and if the sound of the game explanation performance is output, the game sounds will be obstructed by the sound of the game explanation performance, resulting in a decrease in interest in the game. Therefore, by not outputting the sound of the game explanation performance while a game is being played, it is possible to prevent the obstruction of the game sounds. On the other hand, by outputting sound during the execution of the game explanation performance in the standby control state, it is possible to appeal to people in the store that there is no player in front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the standby control state.

(14) As shown in FIG. 8-2 and FIG. 8-3, it has been described that sounds are output in the game explanation performance, and no sounds are output in the performance explanation performance. However, P types of sounds may be output in the game explanation performance, and Q types of sounds may be output in the performance explanation performance. Here, P and Q are both natural numbers, and P>Q. For example, guide voice, BGM, and sound effects are output as P types of sounds (three types of sounds) in the game explanation performance, whereas only BGM is output as Q types of sounds (one type of sound) in the performance explanation performance. With this configuration, many types of sounds are output in the game explanation performance, which makes it familiar to novice players. At the same time, fewer types of sounds are output in the performance explanation performance (or fewer types of sounds are not output in the performance explanation performance), which reduces the processing load of sound output.

(15) In addition, in the present embodiment, the player sets the language in the game explanation presentation, but the player does not set the language in the presentation explanation presentation. However, the player may set the language in the presentation explanation presentation as well.

In this case, the control based on the language setting by the player may be different between the game explanation performance and the performance explanation performance. For example, in the performance explanation performance, the displayed text may be translated into the set language and displayed, whereas in the game explanation performance, the displayed text may be translated into the set language and displayed, and audio may be output in the set language. With this configuration, it is possible to execute an explanation performance that is suitable for the player's gaming experience.

(16) The sub-image display device 150 may always display a character image (for example, the first character image 0652F001) regardless of whether the explanatory performance is executed. The display mode of the character image (for example, the first character image 0652F001) may be a mode according to the setting value. Hereinafter, this character image is referred to as a "setting value suggesting character image". The setting value is a value indicating the player's advantage (for example, the winning probability in a jackpot state). With this configuration, attention can be drawn to the setting value suggesting character image, and the interest in the game can be improved. Also, for example, when the menu screen is displayed, the display layer of this character image may be displayed so that it is located on the front side of the display layer of the option image constituting the menu screen. In other words, the setting value suggesting character image may be displayed so as not to be obstructed by other images (for example, the option image constituting the menu screen). With this configuration, the display of the character image is not obstructed by other images, so that attention can be drawn to the setting value suggesting character image, and the interest in the game can be improved.

(17) Also, the setting value suggestion character image suggesting the setting value may be displayed in the explanation performance. Furthermore, for example, this setting value suggestion character image may be displayed in the explanation performance, but not displayed in the game explanation performance. A player who executes the explanation performance is likely to be an experienced player, and therefore is likely to pay attention to the setting value. Therefore, by displaying this setting value suggestion character image in the explanation performance, attention can be appropriately drawn to the setting value suggestion character image. Also, a player who executes the game explanation performance is likely to be an inexperienced player, and therefore is likely to not know the setting value itself. Therefore, even if the setting value suggestion character image is displayed in the game explanation performance, not only will it take up space in the display area, but there is also a problem that the player may have doubts about the setting value suggestion character image and be confused by an inexperienced player. Therefore, by not displaying the setting value suggestion character image in the game explanation performance, it is possible to prevent such problems from occurring.

(18) The display mode of the menu screen may suggest the set setting value. With this configuration, it is possible to attract the player's attention to the display mode of the menu screen. In addition, the display mode of a screen to which a transition can be made from the menu screen may suggest the set setting value. A screen to which a transition can be made from the menu screen is, for example, at least one of the volume/light intensity setting screen, each screen displayed in the performance explanation presentation, and each screen displayed in the game explanation presentation. With this configuration, it is possible to attract the player's attention to the display mode of a screen to which a transition can be made from the menu screen.

(19) At least one of the aforementioned production explanation performances and game explanation performances may be configured with multiple explanation stages composed of moving images. In that case, one chapter of the moving image may be one explanation stage, and the moving image divided into multiple chapters may be displayed. Also, at least one of the aforementioned production explanation performances and game explanation performances may be configured with multiple explanation stages composed of a mixture of still images and moving images. In that case, the still images and moving images are displayed sequentially in a predetermined order.

(Explanation regarding association of characteristic parts)
Each configuration of the characteristic portion may be combined with a part or all of each configuration of the other characteristic portions as appropriate. The combined characteristic portions or individual uncombined characteristic portions may be combined with a part or all of each configuration of the other characteristic portions as appropriate.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 Pachinko game machine, 052F102 Cross key sensor, 052F001 First character, 052F037 Second character, 052F023 Pachinko game machine image, 052F081 Game ball moving image, 150 Sub-image display device, 052F038 Third character image, 35A Controller sensor unit, 35B Push sensor, 052F103 Cross key sensor, 052F104 Button sensor, 50 Image display device, 31B Push button, 8L, 8R Speakers.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing games,
A variable display means capable of variable display;
A detection means capable of detecting a player's action;
Explanation performance execution means capable of executing explanation performance relating to a game;
A specific performance execution means capable of executing a specific performance,
The specific performance execution means is capable of executing the specific performance by a first performance mode or a second performance mode which is more likely to be controlled to a favorable state for a player than the first performance mode,
The detection means includes:
A first detection means for detecting a player's action related to a performance different from the explanatory performance;
A second detection means, which is different from the first detection means and detects a player's action related to the explanatory performance,
The explanation performance execution means includes:
As the explanatory performance, a first explanatory performance capable of displaying a still image related to the performance of the gaming machine using a plurality of explanatory stages, and a second explanatory performance capable of displaying information related to a playing method of the gaming machine using a plurality of explanatory stages can be executed both in a state where a game is not in progress and in a state where a game is in progress;
The explanation stage of the first explanation performance can be advanced according to the player's action detected by the second detection means,
The explanation stage of the second explanation performance can be advanced according to the player's action or the passage of time detected by the second detection means,
In the first explanation performance, when explaining the specific performance, the first explanation performance can be executed using a predetermined image displayed in the specific performance of the second performance mode,
The first explanation performance is executed using a specific image that is different from the predetermined image and is displayed during variable display,
In the second explanatory performance, the amount of characters displayed at one time is smaller than that in the first explanatory performance.

Images