JP7464404B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player.

Among conventional gaming machines, there are some that are capable of executing a variable display of decorative patterns (performance identification information), as well as a pseudo-consecutive performance (specific performance) that includes temporarily stopping a pseudo-consecutive pattern (specific performance identification information) and then re-variably displaying it during the variable display of the decorative patterns (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-131876 A

However, in Patent Document 1, since no special effects are executed when the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop, there is a problem in that not only is it not possible to heighten the player's sense of anticipation for the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopping, but it is also not possible to heighten the player's sense of excitement at the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopping .

The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine that can heighten the player's sense of expectation and exhilaration .

The gaming machine of the means α is
A gaming machine which variably displays a plurality of types of performance identification information including specific performance identification information, derives and displays a display result, and is controllable to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player, and is controllable to a normal state and a special state which is easier to control to the advantageous state than the normal state,
a specific effect execution means capable of executing a specific effect as a variable display, in which the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started until the display result is derived and displayed, and then the variable display is resumed;
A suggested performance execution means capable of executing a suggested performance that suggests that the specific performance identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification performance execution means capable of executing a notification performance that notifies that the specific performance identification information has been temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
the suggestion performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestion performance, a performance in which visibility of performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is temporarily reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having even lower visibility than the first low visibility state;
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing, as the notification performance, a performance in which performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is made invisible;
The suggested performance execution means is capable of executing the suggested performance even when the specific performance identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the specific performance identification information does not temporarily stop , is capable of continuously displaying the effect display for a predetermined period after the predetermined timing has passed, and erases the effect display before any performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is stopped and displayed at the predetermined position where the specific performance identification information temporarily stops,
a display area of the effect display is larger in the second low visibility state than in the first low visibility state,
Further, an update means is provided for updating the predetermined numerical data according to the number of times the advantageous state has occurred during an advantageous period in which the normal state has never been controlled since the normal state was controlled to either the advantageous state or the special state.
It is characterized by the following.
The gaming machine according to the first embodiment includes:
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of performance identification information (e.g., decorative patterns) including specific performance identification information (e.g., pseudo consecutive patterns) to derive and display a display result, and capable of controlling the gaming machine to a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) favorable to a player,
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be controlled to a normal state and a special state that is easier to control to the advantageous state than the normal state (e.g., a time-saving state (high probability high base state or low probability high base state)),
A game control means (e.g., a CPU 103) capable of controlling the progress of a game;
A presentation control means (e.g., a presentation control CPU 120) capable of controlling presentation based on control information (e.g., a presentation control command shown in FIG. 11-2) transmitted from the game control means;
updating means (e.g., a portion in which the CPU 103 executes the ball output state determination process shown in Figures 11-13) capable of updating the predetermined numerical data from a first value (e.g., "0") to a second value (e.g., "1" or "2") when the number of times that the advantageous state has occurred during an advantageous period (e.g., a period during which consecutive wins have occurred) during which the normal state has never been controlled since the normal state was controlled to either the advantageous state or the special state has reached a specific number (e.g., when the number of consecutive wins is equal to or greater than the first determination number of "5");
an adjustment means for adjusting the speed at which the game value is awarded in a unit period to be decreased when the predetermined numerical data is the second value (for example, as shown in Figs. 11-13 and 11-21, a portion in which the CPU 103 sets the ball output state flag value to "1" or "2" in the ball output state determination process to lengthen the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period during a jackpot game);
Equipped with
The game control means is capable of transmitting control information capable of identifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value to the performance control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, after the CPU 103 executes the sending setting of the ball output state designation command in the processing of step 162SGS17, the part that executes the command control processing shown in FIG. 5);
The presentation control means is capable of executing presentation control based on control information capable of identifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-27 and FIG. 11-28, the presentation control CPU 120 is capable of identifying the ball output state from the received ball output state designation command in the preview presentation determination process, and determining whether or not to execute a preview presentation during variable display and the presentation type of the preview presentation to be executed using a preview presentation type determination table corresponding to the identified ball output state).
The update means updates the predetermined numerical data from the second value to the first value when a termination condition is satisfied (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, when the CPU 103 sets the ball-out state flag to "1", the ball-out state flag is set to "0" based on the fact that the number of remaining variable display times after the determination, which was also set, becomes 0).
moreover,
A specific effect execution means (e.g., a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display during effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., a pseudo consecutive effect) in which the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started until the display result is derived and displayed as a variable display, and then the variable display is resumed;
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification effect execution means (for example, a part where the performance control CPU 120 executes the variable display performance process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a temporary stop notification effect) that notifies that the specific performance identification information has temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestive performance, a performance in which the visibility of performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state (for example, as shown in Figures 15-33 and 15-34, a portion in which the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is reduced by displaying converging lines at a density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is further reduced by displaying converging lines at a density D2).
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-34 and 15-35, a part in which the decorative patterns on the left and right are made invisible by displaying an effect image for a temporary stop notification in the entire display area of the image display device 5),
The suggestive performance execution means can execute the suggestive performance even when the specific performance identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the temporary stop does not occur, can continue to display the effect display for a predetermined period after the predetermined timing has passed (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-44, when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop after the temporary stop suggestive performance is executed, the convergence lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo consecutive patterns are hidden on the image display device 5).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, an adjustment is made to slow down the granting speed of the game value, so that when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, it is possible to prevent excessive game value from being granted in a short period of time when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, which would lead to excessive gambling, and since it is possible to execute a presentation control corresponding to whether the predetermined numerical data is the second value or not, it is possible to improve the interest in the game. Furthermore, the suggestive presentation can increase the player's expectation of a provisional stop, and the execution of the notification presentation can increase the player's sense of elation at the provisional stop, and when a provisional stop is not made, the effect display continues to be displayed even after the predetermined timing of the provisional stop, making it easier for the player to recognize that the provisional stop was not made, and the player's sense of disappointment at the provisional stop can be alleviated, thereby improving the interest in the game.

The gaming machine of the means β is
A gaming machine that variably displays a plurality of types of performance identification information to derive and display a display result, and is controllable to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player, and is controllable to a normal state and a special state that is easier to control to the advantageous state than the normal state,
a specific effect execution means capable of executing a specific effect in which, as a variable display, at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started to when the display result is derived and displayed, the specific effect is resumed after temporarily suspending the display of special identification information different from the effect identification information;
A suggestion performance execution means capable of executing a suggestion performance that suggests that the special identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification performance execution means capable of executing a notification performance to notify that the special identification information has been temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
the suggestion performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestion performance, a performance in which the visibility of the performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state;
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which the performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance,
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing the suggestive performance even when the special identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the special identification information does not temporarily stop , is capable of continuously displaying the effect display for a predetermined period after the predetermined timing has passed, and erases the effect display at a predetermined position where the special identification information temporarily stops before any of the performance identification information is stopped and displayed.
a display area of the effect display is larger in the second low visibility state than in the first low visibility state,
Further, an update means is provided for updating the predetermined numerical data according to the number of times the advantageous state has occurred during an advantageous period in which the normal state has never been controlled since the normal state was controlled to either the advantageous state or the special state.
It is characterized by the following.
The gaming machine according to the second means is
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can variably display a plurality of types of performance identification information (e.g., decorative patterns) to derive and display a display result, and can be controlled to an advantageous state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to a player,
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be controlled to a normal state and a special state that is easier to control to the advantageous state than the normal state (e.g., a time-saving state (high probability high base state or low probability high base state)),
A game control means (e.g., a CPU 103) capable of controlling the progress of a game;
A presentation control means (e.g., a presentation control CPU 120) capable of controlling presentation based on control information (e.g., a presentation control command shown in FIG. 11-2) transmitted from the game control means;
updating means (e.g., a portion in which the CPU 103 executes the ball output state determination process shown in Figures 11-13) capable of updating the predetermined numerical data from a first value (e.g., "0") to a second value (e.g., "1" or "2") when the number of times that the advantageous state has occurred during an advantageous period (e.g., a period during which consecutive wins have occurred) during which the normal state has never been controlled since the normal state was controlled to either the advantageous state or the special state has reached a specific number (e.g., when the number of consecutive wins is equal to or greater than the first determination number of "5");
an adjustment means for adjusting the speed at which the game value is awarded in a unit period to be decreased when the predetermined numerical data is the second value (for example, as shown in Figs. 11-13 and 11-21, a portion in which the CPU 103 sets the ball output state flag value to "1" or "2" in the ball output state determination process to lengthen the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period during a jackpot game);
Equipped with
The game control means is capable of transmitting control information capable of identifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value to the performance control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, after the CPU 103 executes the sending setting of the ball output state designation command in the processing of step 162SGS17, the part that executes the command control processing shown in FIG. 5);
The presentation control means is capable of executing presentation control based on control information capable of identifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-27 and FIG. 11-28, the presentation control CPU 120 is capable of identifying the ball output state from the received ball output state designation command in the preview presentation determination process, and determining whether or not to execute a preview presentation during variable display and the presentation type of the preview presentation to be executed using a preview presentation type determination table corresponding to the identified ball output state).
The update means updates the predetermined numerical data from the second value to the first value when a termination condition is satisfied (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, when the CPU 103 sets the ball-out state flag to "1", the ball-out state flag is set to "0" based on the fact that the number of remaining variable display times after the determination, which was also set, becomes 0).
moreover,
As a variable display, at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started to when the display result is derived and displayed, a specific effect (e.g., a pseudo consecutive effect) that temporarily stops special identification information (e.g., a pseudo consecutive pattern) different from the effect identification information and then resumes the variable display is a specific effect (e.g., a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display during effect process shown in FIG. 14 );
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the special identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification effect execution means (for example, a part where the performance control CPU 120 executes the variable display performance process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a temporary stop notification effect) that notifies that the special identification information has temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestive performance, a performance in which the visibility of the performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state (for example, as shown in Figures 15-33 and 15-34, a portion in which the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is reduced by displaying a converging line at a density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is further reduced by displaying the converging line at a density D2).
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which the performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-34 and 15-35, a part in which the decorative patterns on the left and right sides are made invisible by displaying an effect image for a temporary stop notification in the entire display area of the image display device 5),
The suggestive performance execution means can execute the suggestive performance even when the special identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the temporary stop does not occur, can continue to display the effect display for a predetermined period after the predetermined timing has passed (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-44, when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop after the temporary stop suggestive performance is executed, the concentrated lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo consecutive patterns are hidden on the image display device 5).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, an adjustment is made to slow down the granting speed of the game value, so that when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, it is possible to prevent excessive game value from being granted in a short period of time when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, which would lead to excessive gambling, and since it is possible to execute a presentation control corresponding to whether the predetermined numerical data is the second value or not, it is possible to improve the interest in the game. Furthermore, the suggestive presentation can increase the player's expectation of a provisional stop, and the execution of the notification presentation can increase the player's sense of elation at the provisional stop, and when a provisional stop is not made, the effect display continues to be displayed even after the predetermined timing of the provisional stop, making it easier for the player to recognize that the provisional stop was not made, and the player's sense of disappointment at the provisional stop can be alleviated, thereby improving the interest in the game.

The embodiments for implementing the invention described below include the following means A to B. Conventionally, there have been gaming machines capable of executing variable display of decorative symbols (effect identification information) as shown in JP2016-131876A, and capable of executing pseudo consecutive effects (specific effects) including temporary stopping of pseudo consecutive symbols (specific effect identification information) and re-variable display during the variable display of the decorative symbols.

However, because no special effects are performed when the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop, not only is it not possible to heighten the player's sense of anticipation for the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopping, but it is also not possible to heighten the player's sense of excitement at the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopping.

This invention was made with an eye on these problems, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can heighten players' expectations and increase their sense of excitement.

The gaming machine of means A is
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of performance identification information (e.g., decorative patterns) including specific performance identification information (e.g., pseudo consecutive patterns) to derive and display a display result, and capable of controlling the gaming machine to a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) favorable to a player,
A specific effect execution means (e.g., a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display during effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., a pseudo consecutive effect) in which the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started until the display result is derived and displayed, and then the variable display is resumed;
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification effect execution means (for example, a part where the performance control CPU 120 executes the variable display performance process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a temporary stop notification effect) that notifies that the specific performance identification information has temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestive performance, a performance in which the visibility of performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state (for example, as shown in Figures 15-33 and 15-34, a portion in which the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is reduced by displaying converging lines at a density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is further reduced by displaying converging lines at a density D2).
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-34 and 15-35, a part in which an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed in the entire display area of the image display device 5 to make the left and right decorative patterns invisible),
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing the suggestive performance even when the specific performance identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the temporary stop does not occur, is capable of continuing to display the effect display for a predetermined period of time after the predetermined timing has passed (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-44, when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop after the temporary stop suggestive performance is executed, the convergence lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo consecutive patterns are hidden on the image display device 5).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the suggestive effect can heighten the player's anticipation of a temporary stop, and the execution of the notification effect can heighten the player's sense of excitement at the temporary stop. Furthermore, if a temporary stop is not made, the effect display continues to be displayed even after the specified timing for the temporary stop, making it easier for the player to recognize that a temporary stop did not occur and easing the player's sense of disappointment at not making a temporary stop, thereby improving interest in the game.

The gaming machine of means B is
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can variably display a plurality of types of performance identification information (e.g., decorative patterns) to derive and display a display result, and can be controlled to an advantageous state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to a player,
As a variable display, at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started to when the display result is derived and displayed, a specific effect (e.g., a pseudo consecutive effect) that temporarily stops special identification information (e.g., a pseudo consecutive pattern) different from the effect identification information and then resumes the variable display is a specific effect (e.g., a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display during effect process shown in FIG. 14 );
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the special identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a temporary stop notification effect) that notifies that the special identification information has temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestive performance, a performance in which the visibility of the performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state (for example, as shown in Figures 15-33 and 15-34, a portion in which the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is reduced by displaying a converging line at a density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is further reduced by displaying the converging line at a density D2).
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which the performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-34 and 15-35, a part in which the decorative patterns on the left and right sides are made invisible by displaying an effect image for a temporary stop notification in the entire display area of the image display device 5),
The suggestive performance execution means can execute the suggestive performance even when the special identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the temporary stop does not occur, can continue to display the effect display for a predetermined period after the predetermined timing has passed (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-44, when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop after the temporary stop suggestive performance is executed, the concentrated lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo consecutive patterns are hidden on the image display device 5).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the suggestive effect can heighten the player's anticipation of a temporary stop, and the execution of the notification effect can heighten the player's sense of excitement at the temporary stop. Furthermore, if a temporary stop is not made, the effect display continues to be displayed even after the specified timing for the temporary stop, making it easier for the player to recognize that a temporary stop did not occur and easing the player's sense of disappointment at not making a temporary stop, thereby improving interest in the game.

The present invention may have only the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention, or may have the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention as well as configurations other than the invention-specific matters.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko game 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. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display result determination table. 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. FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko game machine. 1 is a configuration diagram showing various control boards etc. installed in a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a movable body unit. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating examples of performance control commands. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a display result determination table 1, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a display result determination table 2. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a jackpot type determination table, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the contents of various jackpots. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a variation pattern. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between variable display results and fluctuation patterns. FIG. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game control data retention area. 1A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data holding area for performance control, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a command buffer received at the time of start winning. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a start winning determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a random number value determination process when a prize is won. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a pre-reading notice setting process. A diagram showing whether or not a pre-reading preview effect is executed and the determination ratio of the display pattern. A figure showing an example of updating the first pending memory display area and the second pending memory display area. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a variable display start setting process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a variable display performance process. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a variable display control timer and a movable object control timer. FIG. This is a timing chart for the variable display of Super Reach α1 jackpot and Super Reach α2 jackpot. This is a timing chart for the variable display of Super Reach α1 failure and Super Reach α2 failure. This is a timing chart for the variable display of Super Reach β1 jackpot and Super Reach β2 jackpot. This is a timing chart for variable display of Super Reach β1 failure and Super Reach β2 failure. 13 is a diagram showing the presence or absence of a movable body suggesting operation and the image enlargement ratio during each enlarged display period. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the presentation mode of each movable object action suggestion effect, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the presentation mode of each movable object action effect. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode leading up to a reach presentation in an image display device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode of a reach presentation in an image display device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode of a reach presentation in an image display device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode of a reach presentation in an image display device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode of a reach presentation in an image display device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode of a reach presentation in an image display device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode of a reach presentation in an image display device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode of a reach presentation in an image display device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode of a reach presentation in an image display device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode of reach presentation in an image display device in a modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a presentation mode of reach presentation in an image display device in a modified example. This is a configuration diagram showing various control boards and the like installed in a pachinko gaming machine having a characteristic section 162SG. 13A, 13B, and 13C are diagrams illustrating examples of performance control commands. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a display result determination table 1, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a display result determination table 2. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a jackpot type determination table, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the contents of various jackpots. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a variation pattern. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between variable display results and fluctuation patterns. FIG. An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the variable display time of each variation pattern and the ball output status flag. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game control data retention area. 1A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data holding area for performance control, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a command buffer received at the time of start winning. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a game control main process in a pachinko game machine having a characteristic section 162SG. A flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt process for game control in a pachinko game machine of feature section 162SG. 1A is a flowchart showing an example of a ball output status determination process, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the ball output status flag value and each adjustment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a start winning determination process. 13A is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining a random number value when a prize is won, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the contents of a variable category command. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of normal special symbol processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a variation pattern setting process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol stopping process. A flowchart showing an example of a jackpot end process. An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the progress of the jackpot and the opening and closing status of the jackpot opening. An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the ball output state flag value and each period in the jackpot state. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a pre-reading notice setting process. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a display pattern determination ratio for reserved memories of a jackpot (excluding a special jackpot C), and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a display pattern determination ratio for reserved memories of a miss. (A) is a diagram showing the first pending memory display area and the second pending memory display area, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of updating the first pending memory display area and the second pending memory display area. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a variable display start setting process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a preview performance determination process. A figure showing tables A to C for determining the type of preview performance. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a variable display performance process. A figure showing a fluctuation pattern determination table for misses. An explanatory diagram showing a loss fluctuation pattern determination table that is selected depending on the value of the ball output status flag. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display result determination table. A diagram showing the numerical range of a jackpot and the numerical range of a miss with time-saving in the variable display of the first special chart in normal state or time-saving state. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a performance control process. 1 is a configuration diagram showing various control boards etc. installed in a pachinko gaming machine. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating the operation of a second movable body. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of image data constituting a display on an image display device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of image data constituting a display on an image display device. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating examples of performance control commands. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a display result determination table 1, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a display result determination table 2. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a jackpot type determination table, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the contents of various jackpots. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a variation pattern. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between variable display results and fluctuation patterns. FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data holding area for performance control, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a command buffer received at the time of start winning. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a start winning determination process. 13A is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining a random number value when a prize is won, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the contents of a variable category command. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of normal special symbol processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a variation pattern setting process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol stopping process. A flowchart showing an example of a jackpot end process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command analysis process. 11 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of a performance control process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a pre-reading notice setting process. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of a display pattern determination ratio for a reserved memory of a jackpot, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a display pattern determination ratio for a reserved memory of a losing result. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a variable display start setting process. This is a timing chart of a variable display that executes a pseudo consecutive performance. This is a timing chart of a variable display that executes a pseudo consecutive performance. This is a timing chart of a variable display that executes a pseudo consecutive performance. This is a timing chart of a variable display that executes a pseudo consecutive performance. This is a timing chart of a variable display that executes a pseudo consecutive performance. This is an explanatory diagram of each performance period and performance content in the pseudo consecutive performance. 10A is a flowchart showing an example of a preview performance decision process (for use when executing pseudo consecutive performances), and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing whether or not a preview performance will be executed and the decision ratio of the preview performance to be executed. 10A is a flowchart showing an example of a preview performance decision process (for use when pseudo consecutive performances are not being executed), and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing whether or not a preview performance will be executed and the decision ratio of the preview performances to be executed. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the special temporary stop notification effect execution decision ratio, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the temporary stop notification effect period decision ratio. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an output mode of sound output from a speaker. A figure showing the display mode of each image during the tentative stop suggestion performance period when the pseudo consecutive patterns are not stopped. A figure showing the display mode of each image during the temporary stop suggestion performance period when pseudo consecutive patterns temporarily stop. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. This is an explanatory diagram of the change in visibility of the left and right decorative patterns during the temporary stop suggestion performance period and the temporary stop notification performance period. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display that executes pseudo consecutive performance in a modified example. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of image data constituting a display on an image display device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of image data constituting a display on an image display device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of image data constituting a display on an image display device. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display mode that executes pseudo consecutive performances. 13 is an explanatory diagram of image data constituting a display on an image display device in a modified example. FIG. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display that executes pseudo consecutive performance in a modified example. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display that executes pseudo consecutive performance in a modified example. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display that executes pseudo consecutive performance in a modified example. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display that executes pseudo consecutive performance in a modified example. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing the transparency of convergent lines and effect images in a modified example. A figure showing the display mode of an image display device in variable display that executes pseudo consecutive performance in a modified example.

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

[form]
The gaming machine of form 1 is
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be controlled to a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) that is favorable to a player, and can also be controlled to a normal state and a special state (e.g., a time-saving state (high probability high base state or low probability high base state)) that is easier to control to the favorable state than the normal state,
update means (e.g., a portion in which the CPU 103 executes the ball output state determination process shown in FIG. 11-13) capable of updating a predetermined numerical data from a first value (e.g., "0") to a second value (e.g., "1" or "2") when the number of times that the advantageous state has occurred during an advantageous period (e.g., a period during which consecutive wins have occurred) during which the normal state has never been controlled since the state was controlled to either the advantageous state or the special state has been controlled to the normal state has reached a specific number (e.g., when the number of consecutive wins is equal to or greater than "5", which is a first determination number); and adjustment means (e.g., a portion in which the CPU 103 executes the ball output state determination process shown in FIG. 11-13) for adjusting the granting speed of the game value granted in a unit period so as to decrease when the predetermined numerical data is the second value (e.g., a portion in which the CPU 103 sets the ball output state flag value to "1" or "2" in the ball output state determination process as shown in FIG. 11-13 and FIG. 11-21, in which the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period during a jackpot game are lengthened);
The update means updates the predetermined numerical data from the second value to the first value when the termination condition is satisfied (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, when the CPU 103 sets the ball output state flag to "1", the ball output state flag is set to "0" based on the fact that the number of remaining variable display times after the determination, which was also set, becomes 0).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, an adjustment is made to slow down the rate at which game value is awarded when the specified numerical data is the second value, thereby preventing excessive game value from being awarded in a short period of time when the specified numerical data is the second value, which would lead to excessively high gambling tendency.

The gaming machine of the second aspect of the characteristic part 162SG is the gaming machine of the first aspect,
A gaming machine that can be controlled to the advantageous state when a variable display is executed and the variable display result becomes a specific result (e.g., a jackpot),
The adjustment means adjusts the variable display period of the variable display executed when the predetermined numerical data is the second value so as to be longer than the variable display period of the variable display executed when the predetermined numerical data is the first value (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-8, when the value of the ball output state flag is "1" or "2" (when the ball output state is the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state), the special chart variable display period in each variation pattern is set longer than when the value of the ball output state flag is "0" (when the ball output state is the low ball output state)).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, by lengthening the variable display period, the time interval during which the advantageous state occurs when the specified numerical data is the second value can be lengthened, so that the speed at which the game value is awarded when the specified numerical data is the second value can be slowed down without reducing the game value awarded in the advantageous state.

The gaming machine of the third aspect of the characteristic part 162SG is the gaming machine of the first or second aspect,
The advantageous state includes an awardable period during which game value can be awarded (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-20, the period of each round of play during which the large prize opening is in an open state) and an unawardable period during which game value cannot be awarded (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-20, the fanfare performance period, interval period, and ending performance period during which the large prize opening is in a closed state),
The adjustment means adjusts the period during which the advantageous state cannot be granted, which is controlled when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, so as to be longer than the period during which the advantageous state cannot be granted, which is controlled when the predetermined numerical data is the first value (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-21, when the value of the ball output state flag is "1" or "2", the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending period during the jackpot game are set longer than when the value of the ball output state flag is "0");
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, by lengthening the non-awarding period during which the game value is not awarded, it is possible to slow down the awarding speed of the game value when the predetermined numerical data is the second value.

The gaming machine of the fourth aspect of the characteristic part 162SG is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The game device includes an advantageous state type determining means (for example, a portion where the CPU 103 executes a process (step 162 SGS 154) for determining the type of jackpot in the normal process for special symbols shown in FIG. 11-16 ) capable of determining whether the advantageous state is a first advantageous state (for example, a sure-win B) or a second advantageous state (for example, a sure-win A) in which the amount of game value awarded is greater than that of the first advantageous state,
The adjustment means adjusts the rate at which the first advantageous state is determined by the advantageous state type determination means when the predetermined numerical data is the second value so as to be higher than the rate at which the first advantageous state is determined by the advantageous state type determination means when the predetermined numerical data is the first value (for example, as shown in modified example 162SG-1, when the ball output state is a high ball output state, the determination rate of the special jackpot A is lowered as the jackpot type and the determination rate of the special jackpot B is increased compared to when the ball output state is a low ball output state).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, when the specified numerical data is the second value, it becomes easier to determine the first advantageous state in which the amount of game value awarded is small, so that the amount of game value awarded when the specified numerical data is the second value can be reduced, and as a result, the speed at which game value is awarded when the specified numerical data is the second value can be slowed down.

A gaming machine according to a fifth aspect of the characteristic portion 162SG is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The adjustment means adjusts the rate at which the advantageous period end determination means determines the end of the advantageous period when the predetermined numerical data is the second value to be higher than the rate at which the advantageous period end determination means determines the end of the advantageous period when the predetermined numerical data is the first value (for example, as shown in modified example 162SG-2, a portion that increases the rate at which the jackpot type is determined to be a non-variable jackpot in a high ball output state compared to a low ball output state, and a portion that increases the rate at which the drop-out lottery is won in a high ball output state compared to a low ball output state).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, when the specified numerical data is the second value, the end of the advantageous period is more easily determined and it is more easily controlled to the normal state, so that the number of times consecutive advantageous states occur via special states can be reduced, and as a result, the speed at which game value is awarded can be slowed down when the specified numerical data is the second value.

A gaming machine according to a sixth aspect of the characteristic portion 162SG is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
The termination condition is that the number of occurrences of the advantageous state that occurred during the advantageous period after the predetermined numerical data was updated from the first value to the second value by the update means has reached the termination determination number (for example, as shown in variant example 162SG-3, a part that controls the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state to a low ball output state on the condition that 100 variable displays have been executed after being controlled to the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the adjustment can be terminated when an advantageous state occurs in an advantageous period after the specified numerical data is updated from a first value to a previous second value and the number of times that an end judgment is made.

The gaming machine of the seventh aspect of the characteristic portion 162SG is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to sixth aspects,
A gaming machine that can be controlled to the advantageous state when a variable display is executed and the variable display result becomes a specific result (e.g., a jackpot),
The termination condition is that the number of variable displays executed after the predetermined numerical data is updated from the first value to the second value by the update means reaches a termination determination number (for example, the value "100" set as the remaining number of variable displays after determination becomes "0" after 100 variable displays are executed).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the adjustment can be ended when the variable display of the end determination count is executed after the predetermined numerical data is updated from the first value to the previous second value.

The gaming machine of aspect 8 of the characteristic portion 162SG is a gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 7,
The termination condition is that the magnitude of the game value used in the game after the predetermined numerical data is updated from the first value to the second value by the update means reaches a magnitude for termination judgment (for example, as shown in variant example 162SG-4, after setting the value of the ball output status flag to "1", the value of the ball output status flag is set to "0" based on the total number of game balls that have entered each winning port or entered the outlet port during the consecutive winning state reaching a predetermined number (for example, 1000 balls)).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the adjustment can be terminated when the magnitude of the game value used in the game after the specified numerical data is updated from a first value to a previous second value reaches a magnitude for termination judgment.

A gaming machine according to a ninth aspect of the characteristic portion 162SG is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to eighth aspects,
A storage means (e.g., RAM 102) capable of retaining the value of the predetermined numerical data even when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped;
an initialization means for initializing the contents stored in the storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined condition when power supply to the gaming machine is started (for example, a portion for executing the processes of steps S6a and S6b based on the fact that the restoration condition is not established (step S3; N) when the CPU 103 executes the game control main process shown in FIG. 11-11 at the start of the pachinko gaming machine 1);
Equipped with
When the memory contents of the memory means are initialized by the initialization means, the first value is set to the predetermined numerical data (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-11, the CPU 103 sets the value of the ball output state flag to “0” corresponding to the low ball output state in the processing of step S6b).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent adjustment from being made when power supply is started.

The gaming machine of the tenth aspect of the characteristic portion 162SG is the gaming machine of any one of the first to ninth aspects,
a storage means (e.g., a RAM 102) capable of retaining the value of the predetermined numerical data even when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped;
When power supply to the gaming machine is started, the predetermined numerical data is restored based on the value of the predetermined numerical data stored in the storage means (for example, when the CPU 103 executes the game control main process shown in FIG. 11-11 at the start of the pachinko gaming machine 1, if the restoration condition is satisfied (step S3; Y), a restoration process (step S4) including an update process of the ball output state flag by the backup data is executed, thereby restoring the ball output state to a high ball output state if the ball output state was high when the power outage occurred, and restoring the ball output state to a low ball output state if the ball output state was low when the power outage occurred).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, if the specified numerical data at the time of the power outage is the second value, the adjustment can be continued when the power outage is restored.

The gaming machine of aspect 11 having the characteristic portion 162SG is the gaming machine of any one of aspects 1 to 10,
A notification means capable of notifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, in the ball output state determination process, the CPU 103 sets the value of the ball output state flag to "1" in the process of step S162SG06, and then starts turning on the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 in the process of step S162SG08).
It is characterized by the following.
It can be recognized that an adjustment has been made because the predetermined numerical data is the second value.

A gaming machine according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the eleventh aspect,
A game control means (e.g., a CPU 103) capable of controlling the progress of a game;
A light emitting means having a plurality of light emitting parts (for example, a first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B, a normal symbol display device 20, a high ball output state notification LED 162SG071) whose light emission is controlled by the game control means,
The notification is performed by illuminating the light-emitting unit (for example, a part that notifies the high ball output state by lighting the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, notification can be performed by light emission control common to other light emitting units by the game control means.

The gaming machine of aspect 13 having the characteristic portion 162SG is a gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 12,
A game control means (e.g., a CPU 103) capable of controlling the progress of a game;
A presentation control means (e.g., a presentation control CPU 120) capable of controlling presentation based on control information (e.g., a presentation control command shown in FIG. 11-2) transmitted from the game control means;
Equipped with
The game control means is capable of transmitting control information capable of identifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value to the performance control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, after the CPU 103 executes the sending setting of the ball output state designation command in the processing of step 162SGS17, the part that executes the command control processing shown in FIG. 5);
The presentation control means is capable of executing presentation control based on control information capable of identifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-27 and FIG. 11-28, the presentation control CPU 120 is capable of identifying the ball output state from the received ball output state designation command in the preview presentation determination process, and determining whether or not to execute a preview presentation during variable display and the presentation type of the preview presentation to be executed using a preview presentation type determination table corresponding to the identified ball output state).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, presentation control can be executed according to whether the predetermined numerical data is the second value or not, thereby increasing interest in the game.

The gaming machine of aspect 14 having the characteristic portion 162SG is the gaming machine of any one of aspects 1 to 13,
A presentation execution means (e.g., a presentation control CPU 120) is provided that can execute a specific presentation (e.g., a reach presentation) that can suggest that there is a high possibility of control into the advantageous state, and a preview presentation (e.g., a foresight preview presentation) that previews the execution of the specific presentation,
The performance execution means limits the execution of the preview performance during a predetermined period before the update means updates the predetermined numerical data from the second value to the first value (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-23, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not the post-determination variable display remaining number is equal to or less than the pre-reading limit number in the processing of step 162SGS242b of the pre-reading preview setting processing, and if the post-determination variable display remaining number is equal to or less than the pre-reading limit number (step 162SGS242b; Y), does not execute the pre-reading preview performance).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the preview performance from becoming inappropriate because adjustment is no longer performed as a result of the specified numerical data being updated from the second value to the first value.

(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.

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 (electro luminescence) 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 up and down or updated) in each of the "left", "middle" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, 5R. The special game and the variable display of decorative patterns that are executed in synchronization are collectively referred to as simply variable display.

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.

A first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B, each of which includes a number 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. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second hold memory number by the number of lit LEDs.

A winning ball device 6A is provided below the image display device 5, and a variable winning ball device 6B is provided to the right of the winning ball device 6A.

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 a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 3). 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, three locations are provided at the lower left of the game area and one location is provided above the variable winning ball device 6B), 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.

Between 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 3), 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 referred to as a "winning". In particular, a winning ball into the starting port (first starting winning port, second starting winning port) is also referred to as a starting winning port.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (the lower 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 right of the image display device 5. When the game ball passes through the pass gate 41, a regular game is executed.

A regular symbol pending display 25C is provided below the regular symbol display 20. The regular symbol pending display 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the regular symbol pending memory number, which is the number of regular 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, 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. A main lamp 9a is provided above the image display device 5 on the gaming machine frame 3, and frame lamps 9b are provided on the left and right of the main lamp 9a so as to surround the playing area. Furthermore, an attacca lamp 9c is provided near the special variable winning ball device 7 on the gaming board 2.

A movable body 32 that operates according to the presentation is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (a position above the image display device 5 in FIG. 1). The movable body 32 is also provided with a movable body lamp 9d. The movable body lamp 9d and the aforementioned main lamp 9a, frame lamp 9b, and attacca lamp 9c may be collectively referred to as the game effect lamp 9. The main lamp 9a, frame lamp 9b, attacca lamp 9c, and movable body lamp 9d are each configured to include an LED.

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 game balls lent by a predetermined ball lending machine so that they can be supplied to the ball launching device. In addition to the upper tray, the gaming machine frame 3 may also be provided with a payout section (ball supply tray) from which prize balls are paid out 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. 3).

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. 3).

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B are provided as detection means for detecting the player's actions (operations, etc.), but other detection means may also be provided.

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board 11, housed in a board case 201, is mounted on the rear of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board 11 is provided with a setting key 51 and a setting change switch 52. The setting key 51 functions as a lock switch for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state. The setting change switch 52 functions as a setting switch for changing settings such as the probability of winning a jackpot and the payout rate in the setting change state. The setting key 51 and the setting change switch 52 may be attached to the outside of the main board 11, for example, at a predetermined position on the power supply board 17.

A display monitor 29 is disposed in the center of the back surface of the main board 11, and a display changeover switch 31 is disposed to the side of the display monitor 29. The display monitor 29 may be configured, for example, using a seven-segment LED display device. The display monitor 29 and the display changeover switch 31 are disposed directly in front of the main board 11 when the back surface of the game board 2 is viewed with the game machine frame 3 open.

The display monitor 29 can display winning information such as consecutive win ratio, winning ratio, and base. The consecutive win ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls that have entered the large winning port (attacker) to the total number of winning balls. The winning ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls that have entered the second start winning port (electric chute) and the number of winning balls that have entered the large winning port (attacker) to the total number of winning balls. The base is the ratio of the total number of winning balls to the number of game balls shot out. When in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 can display the setting values in the pachinko game machine 1. When in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 only needs to be able to display the setting values to be changed or confirmed.

When the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52 cannot be operated from the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The gaming machine frame 3 is provided with a rotatable glass door frame 3a having a glass window, and is configured so that the gaming area can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 3a. When the glass door frame 3a is closed, the gaming area can be seen through the glass window.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a security cover 50A is attached to the right end of the outer frame 1a, which is formed in a vertically long rectangular frame shape. When the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the security cover 50A covers the right side of the board case 201, including the setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52, from the rear side. The security cover 50A is a roughly L-shaped member including a short piece 50Aa and a long piece 50Ab, and may be made of a transparent synthetic resin.

(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 game state, the large prize opening formed by the special variable prize ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period of time (e.g., 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) has elapsed, or the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 9), whichever comes first. The predetermined period is the maximum period during which the large prize opening can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as the maximum opening period. This cycle in which the large prize opening is open is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeated until the predetermined maximum number of times (15 times or 2 times) is reached.

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.

A jackpot type is set for a "jackpot." For example, there are multiple types of opening modes of the jackpot opening (number of rounds or maximum opening period) and game states after a jackpot game state (normal state, time-saving state, special state, etc.), and the jackpot type is set according to these. There may be jackpot types that offer many prize balls, jackpot types that offer few prize balls, or jackpot types that offer almost no prize balls.

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 prizes."

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 that notify the progress of the game or liven up the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The effects are described below. The effects are performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of the display, the effects may be performed using audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting or extinguishing of the game effect lamp 9, the operation of the movable body 32, or any other effect device that includes some or all of these.

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 (such as "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 in a big win game state that are the same as a 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 pre-reading preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is on hold). As a pre-reading 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, the image display device 5 may temporarily stop the decorative pattern during the variable display of the decorative pattern and then resume the variable display, thereby executing a pseudo consecutive performance in which a single variable display appears to be multiple variable displays.

During a big win game state, a big win performance is executed to notify the player of the big win game state. As a big win performance, a performance to notify the number of rounds or a promotion performance to indicate that the value of the big win game state will increase may be executed. Also, during a small win game state, a small win performance to notify the player of the small win game state is executed. In addition, a common performance may be executed during a small win game state and a big win game state for some big win types (a big win type of a big win game state in the same manner as a small win game state, for example, a big win type in which the game state after that is a high probability state), so that the player cannot know whether he is currently in a small win game state or a big win game state. In such a case, a common performance may be executed after the end of the small win game state and after the end of the big win game state, so that it is not possible to distinguish whether the 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, and the like, as shown in Fig. 3. In addition, various boards, such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, and a launch control board, are arranged on the back of the pachinko game machine 1. Furthermore, a power supply board 17 is also equipped. The various control boards are not only electronic circuit boards such as printed wiring boards on which conductor patterns are formed and on which electrical components can be mounted, but also electronic circuit mounting boards configured to realize specific electrical functions by mounting electrical components on the electronic circuit board.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, power from an AC power source, such as an external power source such as a commercial power source, at 100V AC, can be supplied to electrical components including the main board 11 and various control boards such as the performance control board 12 via the power supply board 17. The power supply board 17 includes, for example, a rectifier circuit for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), and a power supply circuit for converting a predetermined DC voltage to a specific DC voltage (for example, 12V DC or 5V DC).

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 includes 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 switch circuit 110 receives a reset signal, a power-off signal, and a clear signal from the power supply board 17 and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The reset signal is an operation stop signal for stopping the operation of control circuits such as the game control microcomputer 100, and can be output using either a power supply monitoring circuit, an IC with a built-in watchdog timer, or a system reset IC. The power-off signal is turned off when the specified power supply voltage used in the pachinko game machine 1 exceeds a specified value, and is turned on when the period during which the specified power supply voltage remains below the specified value continues for longer than the power-off reference time. The clear signal is turned on in response to, for example, pressing a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17.

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.

The main board 11 is connected to a display monitor 29, a display changeover switch 31, a setting key 51, a setting changeover switch 52, and a door open sensor 90. The door open sensor 90 detects the opening of the gaming machine frame 3, including the glass door frame 3a.

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 various notifications such as driving the movable body 32, notifying errors, and notifying of power outage recovery) 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 a presentation based on detection signals from the controller sensor unit 35A and the push sensor 35B (signals that are output when an operation by the player is detected and that appropriately indicate the content of the operation).

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 displays a performance image on the image display unit 5 by supplying a video signal corresponding to the performance to be executed to the image display unit 5 based on an instruction to execute the performance from the performance control CPU 120. 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 to turn on/off the game effect lamp 9. The display control unit 123 also supplies a signal to operate the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or to a drive circuit that drives the movable body 32.

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 control of audio output, turning on/off the lamp (such as supplying a sound designation signal or a lamp signal), and controlling the movable body 32 (such as supplying a signal to operate the movable body 32).

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 includes an input port for taking in performance control commands transmitted from, for example, 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. 4 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. 4, 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 recovery condition is met (step S3). The recovery condition can be met when the clear signal is in the OFF state, backup data is present, and the backup RAM is normal. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, if the clear switch provided on the power supply board 17 is pressed, for example, an ON clear signal is input to the game control microcomputer 100. If such an ON clear signal is input, it is determined in step S3 that the recovery condition is not met. The backup data only needs to be capable of being stored in the RAM 102, which serves as the backup RAM for game control. In step S3, it is determined whether the recovery condition can be met by checking or inspecting the presence or absence of backup data and the presence or absence of data errors.

If the recovery condition is met (step S3; Yes), recovery processing (step S4) is executed, followed by setting confirmation processing (step S5). The recovery processing in step S4 sets a working area based on the contents stored in RAM 102. By setting the working area using the backup data stored in RAM 102, the game state when the power supply was stopped is restored, and if, for example, a special symbol was changing, it is sufficient if the change of the special symbol can be resumed from the state before the stoppage.

If the recovery condition is not met (step S3; No), an initialization process (step S6) is executed, and then a setting change process (step S7) is executed. The initialization process in step S6 includes a clearing process that clears flags, counters, and buffers stored in RAM 102, and the execution of the clearing process sets initial values in the working area.

In the setting confirmation process of step S5, it is determined whether a predetermined setting confirmation condition is met. The setting confirmation condition is met, for example, when power supply is started, the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is in the ON state and the setting key 51 is turned ON. The setting confirmation process of step S5 is executed when the recovery condition is met in step S3, including the clear signal being in the OFF state. Therefore, since the setting confirmation condition can be met only when the clear signal is in the OFF state, the clear signal being in the OFF state can also be included in the setting confirmation condition.

When the setting confirmation condition is met in the setting confirmation process of step S5, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a setting confirmation state in which the setting values set therein can be confirmed, and a setting confirmation start command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. In the setting confirmation state, the setting values set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed by viewing them on the display monitor 29. When the setting confirmation state is to end, a setting confirmation end command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting confirmation state, it may be in a game stop state in which the progress of the game on the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. In the game stop state, the launch of game balls by operating the ball-hitting handle, the detection of game balls by various switches, etc. are stopped, and the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, and the normal symbol display device 20 may be controlled to stop displaying a losing symbol or the like, or to display a symbol corresponding to a game stop state other than a losing symbol. When the setting confirmation state ends, the game stop state associated with it may also end.

In the setting change process of step S7, it is determined whether a predetermined setting change condition is met. The setting change condition is met, for example, when power supply is started, the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is in the ON state, and the setting key 51 is turned ON. The setting change condition may also include the clear signal being in the ON state.

When the setting change condition is met in the setting change process of step S7, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a setting change state in which the setting value set therein can be changed, and a setting change start command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. In the setting change state, the setting value is displayed on the display monitor 29, and the numerical value displayed on the display monitor 29 is updated and displayed sequentially each time the setting change switch 52 is operated. After that, when the setting key 51 is turned off by an attendant at the game center or the like, the setting value displayed on the display monitor 29 is stored (updated and stored) in the backup area of the RAM 102, and the display monitor 29 is turned off. When the setting change state is to be ended, a setting change end command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting change state, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be in a play stop state, just as when it is in the setting confirmation state. When the setting change state ends, the associated play stop state may also end.

When the performance control board 12 receives a setting check start command or a setting change start command, control may be performed to notify the user that a setting check or change is in progress. For example, a predetermined image may be displayed on the image display device 5, a predetermined sound may be output from the speakers 8L and 8R, or a light-emitting component such as the game effect lamp 9 may be illuminated in a predetermined manner.

The clear signal is turned on by, for example, pressing a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17. Therefore, when power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is on, if the clear switch is on, the initialization process of step S6 and the setting change process of step S7 are executed, making it possible to control the device to the setting change state, and if the clear switch is off, the recovery process of step S4 and the setting confirmation process of step S5 are executed, making it possible to control the device to the setting confirmation state. When power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is off or the setting key 51 is off, if the clear switch is on, the initialization process of step S6 is executed but the device is not controlled to the setting change state, and if the clear switch is off, the recovery process of step S4 is executed but the device is not controlled to the setting confirmation state.

After executing the setting confirmation process or setting change process, the CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process to initialize the random number circuit 104 (step S8). 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 S9), and the interrupt is permitted (step S10). 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 execute the timer interrupt process periodically.

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. 5. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 5 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 performs an abnormality diagnosis of 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 portion 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). By the CPU 103 executing the special symbol process process at each timer interrupt, management of the execution and reservation of the special symbol game, control of the big win game state and small win game state, control of the game state, etc. are realized.

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 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the special symbol process executed in step S25 shown in Figure 5. 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 and judging 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 step 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 normal special pattern processing in step S110 is executed when the value of the special pattern process flag is "0" (initial value). In this normal special pattern processing, a determination is made as to whether or not to start the first special pattern game or the second special pattern game based on the presence or absence of reserved information. In addition, in the normal special pattern processing, based on a random number value for determining the display result, whether or not the display result of the special pattern or the decorative pattern is to be a "big win" or a "small win", and if it is a "big win", the type of big win is determined (pre-determined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Furthermore, in the normal special pattern processing, a determined special pattern (either a big win pattern, a small win pattern, or a miss pattern) to be stopped and displayed in the special pattern game is set in response to the determined display result. After that, the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "1", and the normal special pattern processing is terminated. Note that the special pattern game using the second special pattern may be executed in priority over the special pattern game using the first special pattern (also called special pattern 2 priority consumption). Also, the order in which the game balls enter the first start winning slot and the second start winning slot may be stored, and the conditions for starting the special game may be met in the order in which the balls enter (also known as winning order consumption).

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 chart process flag is "5". This jackpot opening process includes a process for measuring the time that has elapsed since the jackpot opening was opened, and a process for determining whether or not it is time to return the jackpot opening from an open state to a 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 to be returned to a closed state, a process for 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 chart 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.

The pachinko game machine 1 is configured so that the winning probability of a jackpot and the ball payout rate change according to the setting value. For example, in the special symbol normal processing of the special symbol process processing, the winning probability of a jackpot and the ball payout rate change by using a display result judgment table (winning probability) according to the setting value. For example, the setting value is made up of six levels from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest winning probability of a jackpot, and the winning probability of a jackpot decreasing as the value decreases in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. In this example, when the setting value is set to 6, the player has the highest advantage, and the advantage decreases stepwise as the value decreases in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. If the winning probability of a jackpot changes according to the setting value, the ball payout rate may also change according to the setting value. The winning probability of a jackpot is constant regardless of the setting value, while the number of rounds in the jackpot game state may change according to the setting value. The pachinko game machine 1 may be configured so that any of a plurality of setting values with different advantages for the player can be set. The setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is notified by sending a setting value designation command from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a display result judgment table. Figure 7 (A) shows an example of the configuration of a display result judgment table for the first special symbol used when the variable special symbol is the first special symbol, and Figure 7 (B) shows an example of the configuration of a display result judgment table for the second special symbol used when the variable special symbol is the second special symbol. The display result judgment table is a collection of data stored in ROM 101. In the display result judgment table, a winning judgment value compared with the random number value MR1 according to a set value is assigned to the special symbol display result, which is the variable display result of the special symbol. The random number value MR1 is a random number value for determining the display result, and the value is updated randomly within the range of 0 to 65535. As the display result judgment table, a display result judgment table common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be used.

In the display result judgment table, when the game state is a probability variable state (high probability state), more judgment values are assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" than when the game state is a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state). As a result, when the pachinko game machine 1 is in a high probability state such as a probability variable state in which probability variable control is performed, the probability of determining that the game state will be controlled to a jackpot game state is higher than when the game state is a low probability state such as a normal state or a time-saving state.

In the first special chart display result judgment table, judgment values are assigned so that the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "small hit" and controlled to a small hit game state is the same regardless of the game state or the setting value. In the second special chart display result judgment table, judgment values are assigned so that the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "small hit" and controlled to a small hit game state is the same value different from that in the first special chart display result judgment table, regardless of the game state or the setting value. Note that the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "small hit" and controlled to a small hit game state may be different depending on the setting value. The probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "small hit" and controlled to a small hit game state may be the same regardless of the variable special chart.

In the first special chart display result judgment table and the second special chart display result judgment table, when the game state is normal or time-saving, the range of hit judgment values from 1020 to 1237 is set as the common numerical range of the jackpot judgment value for determining a jackpot regardless of the setting value. When the setting value is 1, 1020 to 1237 is assigned to "jackpot" and only the common numerical range of the jackpot judgment value for determining a jackpot is set, while when the setting value is 2 to 6, the numerical range corresponding to each setting value from 1238 is set as the non-common numerical range of the jackpot judgment value so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of the jackpot judgment value.

In the first special chart display result judgment table and the second special chart display result judgment table, when the game state is a probability variable state, the range of hit judgment values from 1020 to 1346 is set as the common numerical range of jackpot judgment values for determining a jackpot regardless of the setting value. When the setting value is 1, 1020 to 1346 is assigned to "jackpot", and only the common numerical range of jackpot judgment values for determining a jackpot is set, while when the setting value is 2 to 6, the numerical range corresponding to each setting value from 1346 is set as the non-common numerical range of jackpot judgment values so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of jackpot judgment values.

In the display result judgment table for the first special chart, when the game state is normal or time-saving, the range of hit judgment values from 32767 to 33094 is set as the common numerical range of small hit judgment values for determining small hits regardless of the set value. The small hit judgment value is set to a numerical range that is different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the big hit judgment value regardless of whether the set value is 1 to 6. This prevents the numerical range of the small hit judgment value from overlapping with the range of the big hit judgment value that changes according to each set value.

In the display result judgment table for the first special chart, when the game state is a special probability state, the range of 32767 to 33094 among the hit judgment values is set as a common numerical range of small hit judgment values for determining small hits regardless of the set value, just as when the game state is a normal state or a time-saving state. The small hit judgment value is set to a numerical range that is different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the big hit judgment value regardless of whether the set value is 1 to 6. This prevents the numerical range of the small hit judgment value from overlapping with the range of the big hit judgment value that changes according to each set value.

In the display result judgment table for the second special chart, when the game state is normal or time-saving, the range of hit judgment values from 32767 to 33421 is set as a common numerical range of small hit judgment values for determining small hits regardless of the set value. The small hit judgment value is set to a numerical range that is different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the big hit judgment value regardless of whether the set value is 1 to 6. This prevents the numerical range of the small hit judgment value from overlapping with the range of the big hit judgment value that changes according to each set value.

In the second special chart display result judgment table, when the game state is a special probability state, the range of 32767 to 33421 among the hit judgment values is set as a common numerical range of small hit judgment values for determining small hits regardless of the set value, just as when the game state is a normal state or a time-saving state. The small hit judgment value is set to a numerical range that is different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the big hit judgment value regardless of whether the set value is 1 to 6. This prevents the numerical range of the small hit judgment value from overlapping with the range of the big hit judgment value that changes according to each set value.

The number of setting values that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be five or less or seven or more. The smaller the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the more advantageous it may be for the player. The gameplay may be changed according to the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 1, the gameplay is such that the probability of a jackpot in the normal state is 1/320, and the probability of the probability of the jackpot state loops at a rate of 65% (so-called probability loop type); when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 2, the gameplay is such that the probability of a jackpot in the normal state is 1/200, and the gameplay state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled to the probability of the jackpot state based on the game ball passing through a predetermined switch provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7 during the jackpot game, while the rate at which the game ball passes through the predetermined switch during the jackpot game varies depending on the variable special chart (so-called V probability of the jackpot type); and when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 3, the gameplay is such that the probability of a jackpot is 1/320, the probability of a small jackpot is 1/50, and the gameplay state is controlled to the jackpot game state based on the game ball passing through a predetermined switch provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7 during the high base (during time-saving control) (so-called type 1/2 mixed type). When the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is any of 1 to 3, the gameplay is the same, but a setting may be set in which the probability of a big win or small win is higher than when the setting value is any of 1 to 3, but the number of prize balls that can be acquired during a big win game is smaller (for example, when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is any of 4 to 6). When the gameplay is changed according to the setting value, a common switch may be used for different purposes. Specifically, when the setting value is 1 to 3, a predetermined switch provided in the special variable winning ball device 7 may be used as a performance switch (a switch for executing a predetermined performance each time the game ball passes through a predetermined area), and when the setting value is 4 to 6, the predetermined switch may be used as a game switch (a switch for controlling the game state to a probability variable state or a big win game state based on the game ball passing through the predetermined switch).

The jackpot type may be determined at different rates depending on the set value, based on the allocation of judgment values in the jackpot type judgment table. Alternatively, the jackpot type may be determined at a common rate regardless of the set value. The fluctuation pattern may be determined at different rates depending on the set value, based on the allocation of judgment values in the fluctuation pattern judgment table. Alternatively, the fluctuation pattern may be determined at a common rate regardless of the set value. The execution rate of normal reaches and super reaches may differ depending on the set value, so that the setting value may be suggested by the frequency at which normal reaches and super reaches are executed. Alternatively, the execution rate of normal reaches and super reaches may be common regardless of the set value. In addition, any setting suggestion performance may be possible at different rates depending on the set value.

(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. 8. When the performance control main process shown in FIG. 8 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 body 32, such as control to drive the movable body 32 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 emit 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 in 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 body 32. 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 processing 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 processing returns to step S73. Before returning to the processing of step S73, other processing may be executed.

Figure 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed in step S76 of Figure 8 as the performance control process processing. In the performance control process processing shown in Figure 9, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a look-ahead preview setting process (step S161). In the look-ahead preview setting process, for example, judgments, decisions, settings, etc. for executing the look-ahead preview performance are made based on the performance control command at the time of the start winning transmitted from the main board 11. In addition, processing is executed to display the hold display based on the number of hold memories specified from the performance control command.

After executing the process of step S161, the performance control CPU 120 selects and executes one of the processes 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 body 32, 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 specifying 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 specifying 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 performance process. Also, when a command specifying the start of a big win game state or a small win game state is not 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 a process executed when the presentation 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 presentation process flag value 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 presentation process flag value 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 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 pattern (for example, a symbol showing "- ") may be displayed during the variable display of the special pattern, and the variable display may be achieved by repeatedly displaying and extinguishing the pattern. Furthermore, even if the pattern is displayed during the variable display, the pattern may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (the display result may not include the symbol showing "- ").

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 communications 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, this also includes one being a "0%" percentage and the other being a "100%" percentage or a percentage less than "100%".

(Explanation regarding characteristic portion 109SG)
Next, a characteristic feature 109SG in the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, abbreviated as the present characteristic feature 109SG) will be described.

Among conventional gaming machines, there is one described in JP 2013-99572 A (Patent Document 1) that can notify the result of a performance by the movement of a movable body (execution of a specific performance) and is equipped with a speaker (sound output means) that can output performance sounds.

The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is capable of executing a suggestive effect that suggests that a specific effect will be executed by repeatedly moving a movable body during a period prior to the execution of a specific effect, and is considered to be one that draws the player's attention to whether or not a specific effect will be executed by executing the suggestive effect. Furthermore, with such a gaming machine, it is considered to increase interest in the game by ending the repeated movement of the movable body as a suggestive effect a predetermined period prior to the specific effect, and by making the type of effect sound output from the speaker different before and after the predetermined period (changing the type of effect sound output from the speaker), but there is a problem in that the movement of the movable body makes it difficult to recognize that the type of effect sound output from these speakers has changed before and after the predetermined period.

The present invention was made with an eye on such problems, and aims to provide a gaming machine that makes it easy to recognize that the type of sound produced has changed before and after a specified period of time.

Figure 10-1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 with this characteristic part 109SG. As shown in Figure 10-1, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 with this characteristic part 109S, a movable body unit 109SG400 is provided between the game board 2 and the image display device 5 provided on the rear side of the game board 2.

As shown in FIG. 10-3(A), the movable body unit 109SG400 has a base 109SG410. A first movable body 109SG401 is disposed in the center of the base 109SG410 in the left-right width direction, a second movable body 109SG402L is disposed on the left side of the base 109SG410 in the left-right width direction, and a third movable body 109SG402R is disposed on the right side of the base 109SG410 in the left-right width direction.

The movable body unit 109SG400 also has a first movable body motor 109SG421 for operating the first movable body 109SG401, a second movable body motor 109SG422 for operating the second movable body 109SG402L, and a third movable body motor 109SG423 for operating the third movable body 109SG402R. Therefore, the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R in this characteristic part 109SG can operate separately from the first movable body 109SG401. In addition, a movable body LED 109SG495 is built into a predetermined position of the first movable body 109SG401 (for example, the upper position of the first movable body 109SG401).

Of these first movable body 109SG401, second movable body 109SG402L, and third movable body 109SG402R, the first movable body 109SG401 can be moved by the drive of the first movable body motor 109SG421 from a retracted position (see FIG. 10-3(A)) below the image display device 5 to a suggested position above the retracted position (see FIG. 10-3(B)) and to a performance position above the suggested position and directly in front of the image display device 5 (see FIG. 10-3(C)).

The second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R can be moved from a retracted position (see FIG. 10-3(A)) below the image display device 5 to positions adjacent to the left and right of the first movable body 109SG401 that has moved to the performance position (see FIG. 10-3(C)) by the drive of the second movable body motor 109SG422 and the third movable body motor 109SG423.

In addition, in this characteristic part 109SG, as shown in Figures 10-3 (A) to 10-3 (C), the first state of the movable body unit 109SG400 is a state in which the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R are all located in the retracted position, the second state of the movable body unit 109SG400 is a state in which the first movable body 109SG401 is located in the suggested position while the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R are located in the retracted position, and the third state of the movable body unit 109SG400 is a state in which the first movable body 109SG401 is located in the performance position, and the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R are located in positions adjacent to the left and right of the first movable body 109SG401 located in the performance position.

Figure 10-4(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a performance control command used in this feature unit 109SG. The performance control command is, for example, two bytes long, with the first byte indicating MODE (command classification) and the second byte indicating EXT (type of command). The first bit of the MODE data (bit 7) is always set to "1", and the first bit of the EXT data is set to "0". Note that the command format shown in Figure 10-4(A) is only an example, and other command formats may be used. Also, in this example, the control command is composed of two control signals, but the number of control signals that make up the control command may be one, or may be three or more.

In the example shown in FIG. 10-4(A), command 8001H is a first variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A. Command 8002H is a second variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special symbol game using the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B. Command 81XXH is a variable pattern designation command that specifies the variable pattern (variable time (variable display time)) of the decorative symbols (also called performance symbols) that are variably displayed in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game. Here, XXH indicates an unspecified hexadecimal number, and may be any value that is set according to the instructions by the performance control command. In addition, in the variable pattern designation command, different EXT data is set according to the specified variable pattern, etc.

Command 8CXXH is a variable display result specification command, which is a presentation control command that specifies a variable display result such as a special pattern or a decorative pattern. In the variable display result specification command, different EXT data is set depending on the result of the determination (predetermination result) of whether the variable display result (also called the variable display result) is a "miss", "big win", or "small win", and the result of the determination of which of several types of big wins the big win type will be if the variable display result is a "big win", as shown in FIG. 10-4 (B), for example.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10-4(B), in the variable display result designation command, command 8C00H is a first variable display result designation command indicating a pre-determined result that the variable display result will be "miss". Command 8C01H is a second variable display result designation command notifying the pre-determined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "variable jackpot A". Command 8C02H is a third variable display result designation command notifying the pre-determined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "variable jackpot B". Command 8C03H is a fourth variable display result designation command notifying the pre-determined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "variable jackpot C". Command 8C04H is a fifth variable display result specification command that notifies the pre-determined result that the variable display result is "jackpot" and the jackpot type is "non-variable jackpot" and the jackpot type determination result. Command 8C05H is a sixth variable display result specification command that notifies the pre-determined result that the variable display result is "small jackpot".

Command 8F00H is a pattern determination command that specifies the stop (determination) of the change in the decorative patterns in each of the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R on the image display device 5. Command 95XXH is a game state designation command that specifies the current game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the game state designation command, different EXT data is set depending on the current game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. As a specific example, command 9500H is a first game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which neither time-saving control nor probability variable control is performed (low probability low base state, normal state), and command 9501H is a second game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control is performed but probability variable control is not performed (low probability high base state, time-saving state). In addition, command 9502H is a third game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which high probability bonus control is performed but time-saving control is not performed (high probability low base state, high probability bonus state without time-saving), and command 9503H is a fourth game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control and high probability bonus control are both performed (high probability high base state, high probability bonus state with time-saving).

Command A0XXH is a start of jackpot command (also called a "fanfare command") that specifies the display of an effect image indicating the start of a jackpot or small jackpot game. Command A1XXH is a large prize opening open notification command that notifies the player that the large prize opening is in an open state during a jackpot game. Command A2XXH is a large prize opening post-open notification command that notifies the player that the large prize opening has changed from an open state to a closed state during a jackpot game. Command A3XXH is a end of jackpot command that specifies the display of an effect image at the end of a jackpot game or small jackpot game.

In the hit start specification command and hit end specification command, for example, EXT data similar to that of the variable display result specification command may be set, so that different EXT data is set according to the pre-determined result and the jackpot type determination result. Alternatively, in the hit start specification command and hit end specification command, the correspondence between the pre-determined result and the jackpot type determination result and the set EXT data may be made different from the correspondence in the variable display result specification command. In the large prize opening notification command and the large prize opening after opening notification command, for example, different EXT data is set according to the number of rounds (for example, "1" to "10") executed in the normal opening jackpot state and the high-speed opening jackpot state described below.

Command B100H is a first start port entry designation command that notifies the first start condition for executing a special symbol game using a first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A has been established based on the occurrence of a start winning (first start winning) caused by a game ball passing through (entering) the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A being detected by the first start port switch 22A. Command B200H is a second start port entry designation command that notifies the second start condition for executing a special symbol game using a second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B has been established based on the occurrence of a start winning (second start winning) caused by a game ball passing through (entering) the second start winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B being detected by the second start port switch 22B.

Command C1XXH is a first reserved memory number notification command that notifies the first reserved memory number so that the reserved memory number of special charts can be specified. Command C2XXH is a second reserved memory number notification command that notifies the second reserved memory number so that the reserved memory number of special charts can be specified. The first reserved memory number notification command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12 when the first start port entry designation command is transmitted based on, for example, the game ball passing (entering) the first start port and the first start condition being satisfied. The second reserved memory number notification command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12 when the second start port entry designation command is transmitted based on, for example, the game ball passing (entering) the second start port and the second start condition being satisfied. In addition, the first pending memory number notification command and the second pending memory number notification command may be sent in response to the start of execution of the special game when either the first start condition or the second start condition is met (when the pending memory number is reduced).

Instead of the first pending memory number notification command and the second pending memory number notification command, a total pending memory number notification command that notifies the total pending memory number may be sent. In other words, the total pending memory number notification command may be used to notify an increase (or decrease) in the total pending memory number.

Commands C4XXH and C6XXH are presentation control commands (commands specifying the judgment result at the time of winning) that indicate the content of the judgment result at the time of winning. Of these, command C4XXH is a pattern specification command that indicates whether the variable display result will be a "jackpot" or not, the judgment result of the type of jackpot (probable hit or non-probable hit), and whether it will be a small hit, as the judgment result at the time of winning. In addition, command C6XXH is a variable category command that indicates the judgment result at the time of winning, that is, whether the random number value for judging the fluctuation pattern will be a "non-reach", "super reach", or "other".

The commands shown in FIG. 10-4(A) are merely examples, and some of these commands may not be included, or different commands may be used instead of these commands, or different commands may be added to these commands. For example, a prize ball number notification command may be provided to enable the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the game ball's entry into each winning port to be specified, a gate passage notification command to notify that the game ball has passed through the passage gate 41, and a notification command to notify the remaining number of times that the special bonus control or time-saving control will be executed.

Figure 10-5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the random number values counted on the main board 11 side. As shown in Figure 10-5, in this feature section 109SG, on the main board 11 side, the numerical data indicating each of the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the type of jackpot, the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, and the random number value MR4 for determining the normal chart display result are controlled so as to be countable. Note that random number values other than these may be used to enhance the game effect. Such random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also called game random numbers.

The random number circuit 104 may count numerical data indicating some or all of these random number values MR1 to MR4. The CPU 103 may count numerical data indicating some of the random number values MR1 to MR4 by updating various numerical data by software using a random counter different from the random number circuit 104, such as a random counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 109SG154 shown in FIG. 10-10.

The random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result is a random number value used to determine whether or not to control the game state to a jackpot by treating the variable display result of a special symbol or the like in a special symbol game as a "jackpot", and takes a value in the range of "1" to "65536", for example. The random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type is a random number value used to determine the jackpot type as either "Probable jackpot A", "Probable jackpot B", "Probable jackpot C", or "Non-probable jackpot" when the variable display result is a "jackpot", and takes a value in the range of "1" to "100", for example.

The random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is a random number value used to determine the variation pattern in the variable display of special patterns and decorative patterns to one of several types prepared in advance, and can take a value in the range of "1" to "997", for example.

The random number value MR4 for determining the normal symbol display result is a random number value used to determine whether the variable display result in the normal symbol game by the normal symbol display device 20 is a "normal symbol hit" or a "normal symbol miss", and takes a value in the range of "3" to "13", for example.

Figure 10-6 (A) shows an example of the configuration of the special chart display result judgment table 1 stored in the ROM 101. In this characteristic section 109SG, a common special chart display result judgment table is used for the first special chart and the second special chart as the special chart display result judgment table, but the present invention is not limited to this, and separate special chart display result judgment tables may be used for the first special chart and the second special chart.

The special pattern display result determination table 1 is a table that is referenced to determine whether or not to control the variable display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot" before a determined special pattern that is a variable display result is derived and displayed in a special pattern game using a first special pattern by the first special pattern display device 4A or a special pattern game using a second special pattern by the second special pattern display device 4B, based on a random number value MR1 for determining the special pattern display result.

In the special chart display result judgment table 1 in this feature section 109SG, a numerical value (judgment value) that is compared with the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result is assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" or "miss" depending on whether the game state of the pachinko game machine 1 is a normal state or time-saving state (low probability state), or a probability change state (high probability state).

In the special chart display result judgment table 1, the table data indicating the judgment value to be compared with the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result is judgment data assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control the special chart display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot". In the special chart display result judgment table 1 in this feature unit 109SG, when the game state is a probability variable state (high probability state), more judgment values are assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" than when it is in a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state). As a result, in the probability variable state (high probability state) in which the probability variable control is performed in the pachinko game machine 1, the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "jackpot" and controlled to a jackpot game state is higher (about 1/30 in this feature unit 109SG) than the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "jackpot" and controlled to a jackpot game state when it is in a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state) (about 1/300 in this feature unit 109SG). That is, in the special chart display result judgment table 1, when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a probability variable state (high probability state), the judgment data is assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control to a jackpot gaming state so that the probability of deciding to control to a jackpot gaming state is higher than when it is in a normal state or a time-saving state.

In addition, FIG. 10-6(B) shows an example of the configuration of the special symbol display result determination table 2 stored in the ROM 101. The special symbol display result determination table 2 is a table that is referenced to determine whether or not to control the variable display result to a small win game state as a "small win" based on the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result before a determined special symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed in a special symbol game using a first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A or a special symbol game using a second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B.

In the special chart display result judgment table 2 in this feature section 109SG, regardless of whether the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state), or a probability change state (high probability state), a numerical value (judgment value) that is compared with the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result is assigned to the special chart display result of "small win".

In the special chart display result determination table 2, the table data indicating the determination value to be compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result is the determination data assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control the special chart display result to a small win game state as a "small win". In the special chart display result determination table 2 in this feature section 109SG, the number of determination values assigned to a "small win" differs between the first special chart special chart game and the second special chart game. Specifically, in the first special chart special chart game, a determination value is assigned to a "small win", but in the second special chart special chart game, no determination value is assigned to a "small win". Therefore, as described below, the variable display of the second special chart is executed with priority over the variable display of the first special chart, and in a high base state in which time-saving control is executed, a win occurs in the second start winning hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, and the variable display of the second special chart is executed frequently, so that "small wins" hardly occur. In a high base state in which game balls are likely to enter the second start winning hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, the occurrence of small wins in which many game balls cannot be obtained can be avoided, and a decrease in interest in the game can be prevented.

Figure 10-7 (A) shows an example of the configuration of a jackpot type determination table stored in ROM 101. The jackpot type determination table in this feature unit 109SG is a table that is referenced to determine the jackpot type as one of multiple types based on the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination when it is determined that the special symbol display result is a "jackpot" and the jackpot game state is controlled. In the jackpot type determination table, a number (determination value) that is compared with the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination is assigned to multiple types of jackpot types such as "non-variable jackpot", "variable jackpot A", "variable jackpot B", and "variable jackpot C" depending on whether the special symbol that is variably displayed (variably displayed) in the special symbol game is the first special symbol (special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A) or the second special symbol (special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B).

Now, the types of jackpots in this feature section 109SG will be explained with reference to FIG. 10-7(B). In this feature section 109SG, the following jackpot types are set: "Probable variable jackpot A" and "Probable variable jackpot B", in which high probability control and time-saving control are executed after the jackpot game state ends, transitioning to a high probability, high base state; "Probable variable jackpot C", in which high probability control is executed but time-saving control is not executed after the jackpot game state ends, transitioning to a high probability, low base state; and "Non-probable variable jackpot", in which only time-saving control is executed after the jackpot game state ends, transitioning to a low probability, high base state.

The jackpot game state by "probable jackpot A" is a normal opening jackpot in which the rounds that change the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state that is advantageous to the player are repeated 10 times (so-called 10 rounds). On the other hand, the jackpot game state by "probable jackpot B" is a normal opening jackpot in which the rounds that change the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state that is advantageous to the player are repeated 5 times (so-called 5 rounds). And the jackpot game state by "probable jackpot C" is a normal opening jackpot in which the land that changes the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state that is advantageous to the player is repeated 2 times (so-called 2 rounds). Also, the jackpot game state by "probable jackpot C" and "non-probable jackpot" is a normal opening jackpot in which the rounds that change the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state that is advantageous to the player are repeated 2 times (so-called 2 rounds). Therefore, "Chance Special Jackpot A" may be referred to as a 10-round (10R) chance special jackpot, "Chance Special Jackpot B" may be referred to as a 5-round (5R) chance special jackpot, and "Chance Special Jackpot C" may be referred to as a 2-round (2R) chance special jackpot.

Although not shown in the figure, the small win game state in this feature section 109SG changes the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state, which is advantageous to the player, twice, and the opening time is 0.1 seconds. After the small win game ends, the game state immediately before the small win game is carried over.

The high probability control and time-saving control executed after the end of the jackpot game state of a special jackpot will continue to be executed until another jackpot occurs after the end of the jackpot game state. Therefore, if the jackpot that occurs again is a special jackpot, the high probability control and time-saving control will be executed again after the jackpot game state ends, resulting in a so-called consecutive jackpot state in which jackpot game states occur consecutively without going through the normal state.

On the other hand, the time-saving control that is executed after the end of the jackpot game state due to a "non-variable jackpot" ends when a specified number of special games (100 times in this feature section 109SG) are played, or when the jackpot game state is reached before the specified number of special games are played.

In the example of the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 10-7(A), the allocation of determination values to the jackpot types "Probable variable jackpot A", "Probable variable jackpot B", "Probable variable jackpot C", and "Non-probable variable jackpot" differs depending on whether the variably displayed special chart is the first special chart or the second special chart. In other words, when the variably displayed special chart is the first special chart, a predetermined range of determination values (values in the range of "81" to "100") are assigned to the jackpot types "Probable variable jackpot B" and "Probable variable jackpot C" with fewer rounds, whereas when the variably displayed special chart is the second special chart, no determination value is assigned to the jackpot types "Probable variable jackpot B" and "Probable variable jackpot C". With this setting, the ratio of determining the jackpot type to "probable jackpot B" or "probable jackpot C" with fewer rounds can be made different between the case where the first start condition for starting a special game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A is satisfied and the case where the jackpot type is determined to be one of the multiple types based on the second start condition for starting a special game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B being satisfied. In particular, in a special game using the second special symbol, the jackpot type is not determined to be "probable jackpot B" or "probable jackpot C" and controlled to a normal opening jackpot state or a high-speed opening jackpot state with fewer rounds, so that, for example, in a game state where game balls are likely to enter the second start winning hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B due to high opening control accompanying time reduction control, frequent occurrence of a jackpot state with fewer winning balls can be avoided, preventing a decline in game interest.

In the example of the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 10-7(A), the allocation of the determination value for the "non-probability variable" jackpot type is the same regardless of whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart, so the probability of a non-probability variable jackpot and the probability of a probability variable jackpot are the same regardless of whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart.

As described above, the allocation of judgment values for "Probable Variable Jackpot B" and "Probable Variable Jackpot C" differs depending on whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart, and accordingly, the allocation of judgment values for "Probable Variable Jackpot A" also differs depending on whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart, and for "Probable Variable Jackpot A" which has a larger number of rounds, it is set up so that it is easier to determine in the second special chart game than in the first special chart game.

In addition, in the case of the special chart game of the second special chart, a predetermined range of judgment values different from that in the case of the special chart game of the first special chart may be assigned to the jackpot type of "Probable jackpot B" or "Probable jackpot C". For example, in the case of the special chart game of the second special chart, a smaller judgment value than that in the case of the special chart game of the first special chart may be assigned to the jackpot type of "Probable jackpot B" or "Probable jackpot C" compared to the case of the special chart game of the first special chart. Alternatively, regardless of whether it is the special chart game of the first special chart or the second special chart, the jackpot type may be determined by referring to common table data.

Figure 10-8 shows the variation patterns in this characteristic part 109SG. In this characteristic part 109SG, a plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance for the cases where the variable display result is a "miss" and the variable display state of the decorative pattern is a "non-reach" and a "reach", and for the cases where the variable display result is a "big hit" or a "small hit". The variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is a "miss" and the variable display state of the decorative pattern is a "non-reach" is called a non-reach variation pattern (also called a "non-reach miss variation pattern"), and the variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is a "miss" and the variable display state of the decorative pattern is a "reach" is called a reach variation pattern (also called a "reach miss variation pattern"). The non-reach variation pattern and the reach variation pattern are included in the miss variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is a "miss". The variation pattern that corresponds to the variable display result being "jackpot" is called the jackpot variation pattern.

The jackpot fluctuation pattern and reach fluctuation pattern include a normal reach fluctuation pattern in which a normal reach reach performance is executed, and a super reach fluctuation pattern in which a super reach reach performance is executed. Note that in this feature section 109SG, only one type of normal reach fluctuation pattern is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and multiple normal reach fluctuation patterns may be provided, such as normal reach α, normal reach β, ....

The variation patterns in this feature section 109SG also include a special winning variation pattern (PC1-1) that corresponds to the case where the variable display result is a "small win" or the variable display result is a "jackpot" and the jackpot type is a "high probability jackpot C."

As shown in Figure 10-8, the special chart variable display time of the normal reach fluctuation pattern in which the reach performance of the normal reach is executed in this feature section 109SG is set shorter than that of the super reach fluctuation pattern.

In addition, in this characteristic section 109SG, as described later, instead of first determining the type of the fluctuation pattern, such as the non-reach type, normal reach type, super reach type, etc., and then determining the fluctuation pattern to be executed from the fluctuation patterns belonging to the determined type, the fluctuation patterns are determined using only the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination without determining these types, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, in addition to the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination, a random number value for fluctuation pattern type determination may be provided, and the type of fluctuation pattern may be determined first from these random number values for fluctuation pattern type determination, and then the fluctuation pattern to be executed may be determined from the fluctuation patterns belonging to the determined type.

Figure 10-9 is an explanatory diagram of how the variation pattern is determined in this feature section 109SG. In this feature section 109SG, the variation pattern determination table to be selected varies depending on the display result of the variable display to be executed and the number of reserved memories.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10-9, when the variable display result is a non-probable jackpot, jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined using this jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A from PB1-1 (normal reach jackpot fluctuation pattern), PB1-2 (super reach α1 jackpot fluctuation pattern), PB1-3 (super reach α2 jackpot fluctuation pattern), PB1-4 (super reach β1 jackpot fluctuation pattern), and PB1-5 (super reach β2 jackpot fluctuation pattern).

In addition, if the variable display result is a sure-win jackpot, jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined using this jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A from PB1-1 (fluctuation pattern for normal reach jackpot), PB1-2 (fluctuation pattern for super reach α1 jackpot), PB1-3 (fluctuation pattern for super reach α2 jackpot), PB1-4 (fluctuation pattern for super reach β1 jackpot), and PB1-5 (fluctuation pattern for super reach β2 jackpot).

As shown in FIG. 10-9, the number of judgment values assigned to PB1-1 is the same in jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A and jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B, but the number of judgment values assigned to PB1-2, PB1-3, PB1-4, and PB1-5 are different. Specifically, in jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A, 2 judgment values are assigned to PB1-1, 45 to PB1-2, 150 to PB1-3, 300 to PB1-4, and 500 to PB1-5. On the other hand, in jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B, 2 judgment values are assigned to PB1-1, 30 to PB1-2, 135 to PB1-3, 315 to PB1-4, and 515 to PB1-5. In other words, in this feature section 109SG, when the variable display result is a guaranteed jackpot, the variable pattern is determined to be PB1-4 or PB1-5, which are the variable patterns of Super Reach β1 and β2, with a higher probability than when the variable display result is not a guaranteed jackpot, making it possible to draw the player's attention to the variable pattern in the variable display.

In addition, if the variable display result is a small hit, a special hit variable pattern determination table is selected, and the variable pattern is determined to be PC1-1 (special hit variable pattern) using the special hit variable pattern determination table. In other words, in this feature section 109SG, the variable display is executed with the same variable pattern whether the variable display result is a special big hit C or a small hit, so it is difficult for the player to determine from the variable pattern whether the variable display result is a special big hit C or a small hit.

In addition, in the normal game state (low base state), if the variable display result is "miss" and the number of reserved memories of the variable special chart is two or less, the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A is selected, and the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A is used to determine the fluctuation pattern from PA1-1 (non-reach miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-1 (normal reach miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-2 (super reach α1 miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-3 (super reach α2 miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-4 (super reach β1 miss fluctuation pattern), and PA2-5 (super reach β2 miss fluctuation pattern).

In addition, in the normal game state (low base state), if the variable display result is "miss" and the number of reserved memories of the variable special chart is three, the miss fluctuation pattern determination table B is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table B from PA1-2 (shortened fluctuation pattern of non-reach miss), PA2-1 (fluctuation pattern of normal reach miss), PA2-2 (fluctuation pattern of super reach α1 miss), PA2-3 (fluctuation pattern of super reach α2 miss), PA2-4 (fluctuation pattern of super reach β1 miss), and PA2-5 (fluctuation pattern of super reach β2 miss).

In addition, in the normal game state (low base state), if the variable display result is "miss" and the number of reserved memories of the variable special chart is four, the miss fluctuation pattern determination table C is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table C from PA1-3 (shortened fluctuation pattern of non-reach miss), PA2-1 (fluctuation pattern of normal reach miss), PA2-2 (fluctuation pattern of super reach α1 miss), PA2-3 (fluctuation pattern of super reach α2 miss), PA2-4 (fluctuation pattern of super reach β1 miss), and PA2-5 (fluctuation pattern of super reach β2 miss).

In addition, if the variable display result is "miss" in the time-saving state (high base state), the miss fluctuation pattern determination table D is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table D from PA1-4 (time-saving shortened fluctuation pattern for non-reach miss), PA2-1 (normal reach miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-2 (super reach α1 miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-3 (super reach α2 miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-4 (super reach β1 miss fluctuation pattern), and PA2-5 (super reach β2 miss fluctuation pattern).

In other words, if the variable display result in this feature section 109SG is a "miss," the percentage of variable display being executed using a shortening variable pattern (PA1-2, PA1-3, PA1-4) in which the special chart variable display time is shorter than the normal non-miss variable pattern (PA1-1) based on the number of reserved memories of the variable chart being 3 or 4, or the time-saving state, is high, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming protracted while shortening the period until the next variable display result is a jackpot.

As shown in Figures 10-28 to 10-35, the variable display of super reach α1 in feature section 109SG (variable display of variable patterns PA2-2, PB1-2) has a special chart variable display time of 40 seconds, and is a variable display that executes a battle presentation between ally character A and enemy character A as the reach presentation of the super reach. The variable display of super reach α2 (variable display of variable patterns PA2-3, PB1-3) has a special chart variable display time of 50 seconds, and is a variable display that executes a battle presentation between ally character A and enemy character B as the reach presentation of the super reach. The variable display of super reach β1 (variable display of variable patterns PA2-4, PB1-4) has a special chart variable display time of 60 seconds, and is a variable display that executes a battle presentation between ally character A and enemy character A as the reach presentation of the super reach. The variable display of Super Reach β2 (variable display of variation patterns PA2-5 and PB1-5) has a special chart variable display time of 60 seconds, and is a variable display that executes a battle performance between ally character A and enemy character A as a reach performance of the Super Reach.

As shown in FIG. 10-9, the jackpot expectancy of each variable display in this feature section 109SG is set highest for Super Reach β2, followed by Super Reach β1, Super Reach α2, Super Reach α1, Normal Reach, and Non-Reach in descending order (jackpot expectancy of each variable display in this feature section 109SG: Super Reach β2 > Super Reach β1 > Super Reach α2 > Super Reach α1 > Normal Reach > Non-Reach).

In other words, when we look at the variable display of the Super Reach, in this feature section 109SG, the expectation of a big win differs depending on the combination of whether the ally character displayed in the battle performance (Super Reach Reach performance) is ally character A or ally character B, and whether the enemy character displayed in the battle performance (Super Reach Reach performance) is enemy character A or enemy character B.

The RAM 102 in this characteristic section 109SG is provided with a game control data holding area 109SG150 as shown in FIG. 10-10, for example, as an area for holding various data used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. The game control data holding area 109SG150 shown in FIG. 10-10 includes a first special chart reserve memory section 109SG151A, a second special chart reserve memory section 109SG151B, a normal chart reserve memory section 109SG151C, a game control flag setting section 109SG152, a game control timer setting section 109SG153, a game control counter setting section 109SG154, and a game control buffer setting section 109SG155.

The first special symbol reservation memory unit 109SG151A stores reservation data for a special symbol game (a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A) that has not yet started, but in which a game ball has passed (entered) through the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A and a start winning (first start winning) has occurred. As an example, the first special symbol reservation memory unit 109SG151A associates reservation numbers with the order of winning (the order of detection of the game ball) into the first start winning port, and stores, as reservation data, random number values MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, random number values MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and numerical data indicating random number values MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, which are extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104, etc., based on the establishment of the first start condition when the game ball passes (enters), until the number of memories reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "4"). The reserved data stored in the first special chart reserved memory unit 109SG151A thus indicates that the execution of a special chart game using the first special chart is reserved, and serves as reserved information that makes it possible to determine whether or not a jackpot will be reached based on the variable display result (special chart display result) in this special chart game.

The second special symbol reservation memory unit 109SG151B stores reservation data of a special symbol game (a special symbol game using a second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B) that has not yet started, but in which a game ball has passed (entered) through the second start winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B and a start winning (second start winning) has occurred. As an example, the second special symbol reservation memory unit 109SG151B associates reservation numbers with the order of winning (the order of detection of the game ball) into the second start winning port, and stores, as reservation data, the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, which are extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104, etc., based on the establishment of the second start condition when the game ball passes (enters), until the number reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4"). The reserved data stored in the second special chart reserved memory unit 109SG151B thus indicates that the execution of a special chart game using the second special chart is on hold, and serves as reserved information that makes it possible to determine whether or not a jackpot will be reached based on the variable display result (special chart display result) in this special chart game.

The reserved information (first reserved information) based on the establishment of the first start condition by the game ball passing (entering) the first start winning port, and the reserved information (second reserved information) based on the establishment of the second start winning condition by the game ball passing (entering) the second start winning port may be stored in a common reserved memory unit in association with the reserved number. In this case, start port data indicating whether the game ball passed (entered) the first or second start winning port may be included in the reserved information and stored in association with the reserved number.

The regular symbol reserve memory unit 109SG151C stores reserve information for regular symbol games that have not yet been started by the regular symbol display device 20, even though the game ball that passed through the passing gate 41 has been detected by the gate switch 21. For example, the regular symbol reserve memory unit 109SG151C associates the game balls with reserve numbers in the order in which they passed through the passing gate 41, and stores numerical data indicating the random number value MR4 for determining the regular symbol display result extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104, etc. based on the passage of the game ball as reserved data, until the number reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4").

The game control flag setting unit 109SG152 is provided with multiple types of flags whose states can be updated depending on the progress of the game on the pachinko game machine 1. For example, the game control flag setting unit 109SG152 stores data indicating the value of the flag and data indicating the on or off state for each of the multiple types of flags.

The game control timer setting unit 109SG153 is provided with various timers used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, the game control timer setting unit 109SG153 stores data indicating the timer values of multiple types of timers.

The game control counter setting unit 109SG154 is provided with multiple types of counters for counting count values used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, the game control counter setting unit 109SG154 stores data indicating the count values of each of the multiple types of counters. Here, the game control counter setting unit 109SG154 may be provided with a random counter for counting some or all of the game random numbers in a manner that allows the CPU 103 to update them by software.

In the random counter of the game control counter setting unit 109SG154, random numbers not generated by the random number circuit 104, for example, numerical data indicating random numbers MR2 to MR4, are stored as random count values, and the numerical data indicating each random number is updated periodically or irregularly according to the execution of software by the CPU 103. The software executed by the CPU 103 to update the random count value may be for updating the random count value separately from the updating operation of the numerical data in the random number circuit 104, or may be for updating the random count value by performing a predetermined process such as scrambling or arithmetic processing on all or part of the numerical data extracted from the random number circuit 104.

The game control buffer setting unit 109SG155 is provided with various buffers that temporarily store data used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, the game control buffer setting unit 109SG155 stores data indicating the buffer values in each of multiple types of buffers.

The RAM 122 mounted on the performance control board 12 is provided with a performance control data holding area 109SG190 as shown in FIG. 10-11(A) as an area for holding various data used to control performance operations. The performance control data holding area 109SG190 shown in FIG. 10-11(A) includes a performance control flag setting unit 109SG191, a performance control timer setting unit 109SG192, a performance control counter setting unit 109SG193, and a performance control buffer setting unit 109SG194.

The performance control flag setting unit 109SG191 is provided with multiple types of flags whose states can be updated according to the performance operation state, such as the display state of the performance image on the screen of the image display device 5, and the performance control commands sent from the main board 11. For example, the performance control flag setting unit 109SG191 stores data indicating the flag value and data indicating the on or off state for each of the multiple types of flags.

The performance control timer setting unit 109SG192 is provided with multiple types of timers that are used to control the progress of various performance operations, such as the display operation of a performance image on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, the performance control timer setting unit 109SG192 stores data indicating the timer values of each of the multiple types of timers.

The performance control counter setting unit 109SG193 is provided with multiple types of counters used to control the progress of various performance operations. For example, the performance control counter setting unit 109SG193 stores data indicating the count values of each of the multiple types of counters.

The performance control buffer setting unit 109SG194 is provided with various buffers that temporarily store data used to control the progress of various performance operations. For example, the performance control buffer setting unit 109SG194 stores data indicating the buffer values for each of multiple types of buffers.

In this feature unit 109SG, data constituting the start winning time receiving command buffer 109SG194A as shown in FIG. 10-11 (B) is stored in a predetermined area of the performance control buffer setting unit 109SG194. The start winning time receiving command buffer 109SG194A has a storage area (area corresponding to buffer numbers "1-1" to "1-4") corresponding to the maximum value of the total reserved memory number of the first special symbol reserved memory (for example, "4") and a storage area (area corresponding to buffer number "1-0") corresponding to the first special symbol being displayed variably. In addition, the start winning time receiving command buffer 109SG194A has a storage area (area corresponding to buffer numbers "2-1" to "2-4") corresponding to the maximum value of the total reserved memory number of the second special symbol reserved memory (for example, "4") and a storage area (area corresponding to buffer number "2-0") corresponding to the second special symbol being displayed variably. When a start win occurs at the first start win port or the second start win port, a set of four commands, namely, a start win designation command (first start win designation command or second start win designation command), a pattern designation command, a variable category designation command, and a reserved memory number notification command (first reserved memory number notification command or second reserved memory number notification command), is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. The storage area corresponding to the first special pattern reserved memory and the storage area corresponding to the second special pattern reserved memory in the start win reception command buffer 109SG194A are provided with storage areas (entries) for storing these start win designation command, pattern designation command, variable category designation command, and reserved memory number notification command separately in the first special pattern reserved memory and the second special pattern reserved memory.

The contents of these storage areas (entries) are shifted up one at a time when the start condition is met and the variable display of the top reserved memory (buffer number "1-1" or buffer number "2-1") begins, as described below, and the contents of buffer number "1-0" or buffer number "2-0", which stores the contents of the reserved memory for which the start condition is met, are cleared in the special chart hit waiting process that is executed when the variable display ends.

Furthermore, in the start winning time reception command buffer 109SG194A of this feature section 109SG, a memory area is reserved for each storage area (entry) so that a reserved display flag, to which a flag value corresponding to the display pattern (display mode) of the reserved memory display is set, can be stored in association with each buffer number corresponding to the first special chart reserved memory and the second special chart reserved memory.

When the execution of the pre-reading notice performance is not determined in the pre-reading notice setting process described later, the hold display flag is set to "0" corresponding to the display pattern of the normal hold memory display, and the hold memory display in the normal display mode (e.g., a white circle) is displayed in the first hold memory display area 109SG005D and the second hold memory display area 109SG005U provided at the bottom of the image display device 5. When the execution of the pre-reading notice performance is determined, the hold display flag is set to "1" (square (◇)) or "2" (star (☆)) corresponding to the display pattern of the hold memory display in a special mode different from the normal display mode (e.g., a square (◇) or a star (☆)), and the hold memory display in a special mode different from the normal display mode is displayed in the first hold memory display area 109SG005D and the second hold memory display area 109SG005U, and the variable display corresponding to the hold memory display is set to notify the possibility of a jackpot or a super reach.

When a first winning entry is made to the first winning entry, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance stores the command from the top (the entry with the lowest buffer number) of the free entry corresponding to the first special symbol reserved memory in the command buffer 109SG194A for receiving the command at the time of winning, and when a second winning entry is made to the second winning entry, the CPU 120 stores the command from the top (the entry with the lowest buffer number) of the free entry corresponding to the second special symbol reserved memory in the command buffer 109SG194A for receiving the command at the time of winning. When a winning entry is made to the first winning entry, the command from the starting entry designation command to the reserved memory number notification command is sent in sequence. Therefore, when a command is received, the command from the starting entry designation command, the pattern designation command, the variable category designation command, and the reserved memory number notification command are stored in the storage area corresponding to the last "1" to "4" of the buffer number corresponding to the first or second special symbol reserved memory in that order.

Whenever the variable display of the decorative pattern is started, the commands stored in the start winning time reception command buffer 109SG194A shown in FIG. 10-11(B) are deleted from the entry corresponding to the reserved memory of the variable display that was just ended (the entry with buffer number "1-0" or "2-0"), and the contents stored in the entry corresponding to the reserved memory of the variable display that is about to start (the entry corresponding to buffer number "1-1" or "2-1") and the contents stored in the entries after the reserved memory of the variable display that is about to start are shifted. For example, when the variable display of the decorative pattern of the first special pattern reserved memory is ended in the storage state shown in FIG. 10-11(B), the commands stored in buffer number "0" are deleted, the commands stored in buffer number "1" are shifted to buffer number "0", the commands stored in the area corresponding to buffer number "2" are shifted to the area corresponding to buffer number "1", and the commands stored in the areas corresponding to buffer numbers "3" and "4" are shifted to the areas corresponding to buffer numbers "2" and "3". Therefore, buffer number "0" becomes the area (entry) for storing each command related to the pending memory that is variably displayed at that time.

Next, the start winning judgment process of this feature unit 109SG executed in step S101 of FIG. 5 will be described based on FIG. 10-12. In the start winning judgment process, the CPU 103 first judges whether the first start port switch 22A, which is provided corresponding to the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A, is in the on state based on the detection signal from the first start port switch 22A (step 109SGS101a). At this time, if the first start port switch 22A is in the on state (step 109SGS101a; Y), it judges whether the first special chart reserved memory number, which is the reserved memory number of the special chart game using the first special chart, is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory number) (step 109SGS102). The CPU 103 may specify the first special chart reserved memory number by, for example, reading the first reserved memory number count value, which is the stored value of the first reserved memory number counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 109SG154. If the number of reserved first special charts is not the upper limit in step 109SGS102 (step 109SGS102; N), the storage value of the start port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 109SG155 is set to "1" (step 109SGS103).

When the first start port switch 22A is off in step 109SGS101a (step 109SGS101; N), or when the first special symbol reserved memory number has reached the upper limit in step 109SGS102 (step 109SGS102; Y), the second start port switch 22B, which is provided corresponding to the second start hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, is judged to be on or not (step 109SGS101b). At this time, if the second start port switch 22B is on (step 109SGS101b; Y), it is judged whether the second special symbol reserved memory number, which is the reserved memory number of the special symbol game using the second special symbol, has reached a predetermined upper limit (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory number) (step 109SGS105). The CPU 103 can specify the number of reserved second special symbols by, for example, reading the second reserved memory count value, which is the stored value of the second reserved memory count counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 109SG154. When the second reserved memory count is not the upper limit value in step 109SGS105 (step 109SGS105; N), for example, the storage value of the start port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 109SG155 is set to "2" (step 109SGS106).

After executing either the process of step 109SGS103 or step 109SGS106, the number of reserved memories corresponding to the start port buffer value, which is the stored value of the start port buffer, is updated to add 1 (step 109SGS107). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the first reserved memory count value is added by 1, while when the start port buffer value is "2", the second reserved memory count value is added by 1. Thus, the first reserved memory count value is updated to increase by 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning port and the first start condition corresponding to the special game using the first special game is established. In addition, the second reserved memory count value is updated to increase by 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the second start winning port and the second start condition corresponding to the special game using the second special game is established. At this time, the total reserved memory number is also updated to add 1 (step 109SGS108). For example, the total reserved memory count value, which is the stored value of the total reserved memory count counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 109SG154, can be updated to add 1.

After executing the process of step 109SGS108, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the type of big win, and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern from the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 104 and the random counter of the game control counter setting unit 109SG154 (step 109SGS109). The numerical data indicating each random number value thus extracted is stored by being set as reserved information at the beginning of an empty entry in the special chart reserved memory unit according to the start port buffer value (step 109SGS110). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the numerical data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 are stored in the first special chart reserved memory unit 109SG151A, while when the start port buffer value is "2", the numerical data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 are stored in the second special chart reserved memory unit 109SG151B.

The numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result and the random number value MR2 for determining the type of jackpot are used to determine whether the variable display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is a "jackpot" or not, and further to determine the type of jackpot if the variable display result is a "jackpot". The random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is used to determine the variation pattern including the variable display time of the special symbol or decorative symbol. By executing the processing of step 109SGS109, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating all of the random number values used to determine the variable display state including the variable display result and the variable display time of the special symbol or decorative symbol.

Following the processing of step 109SGS110, the sending setting of the start port winning designation command according to the start port buffer value is performed (step 109SGS111). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the storage address of the first start port winning designation command table in ROM 101 is stored in the buffer area specified by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer, and the setting is performed to send the first start port winning designation command to the performance control board 12. On the other hand, when the start port buffer value is "2", the storage address of the second start port winning designation command table in ROM 101 is stored in the buffer area of the transmission command buffer, and the setting is performed to send the second start port winning designation command to the performance control board 12. The start port winning designation command thus set is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example, by executing the command control processing of step S27 shown in FIG. 4 after the special pattern process processing is completed.

Following the processing of step 109SGS111, a random number value determination process is executed at the time of winning (step 109SGS112). After that, a setting is made to send a pending memory number notification command to the performance control board 12, for example by storing the storage address of the pending memory number notification command table in ROM 101 in a buffer area specified by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer (step 109SGS113). The pending memory number notification command thus set is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example by executing the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. 4 after the special pattern process process is completed.

After executing the process of step 109SGS113, it is determined whether the start port buffer value is "1" (step 109SGS114). At this time, if the start port buffer value is "1" (step 109SGS114; Y), the start port buffer is cleared and its stored value is initialized to "0" (step 109SGS115), and the process proceeds to step 109SGS104. On the other hand, if the start port buffer value is "2" (step 109SGS114; N), the start port buffer is cleared and its stored value is initialized to "0" (step 109SGS116), and the start winning process is terminated. As a result, even if both the first start port switch 22A and the second start port switch 22B simultaneously detect the start winning of a valid game ball, the process based on the detection of both valid start winnings can be completed reliably.

Figure 10-13 (A) is a flow chart showing an example of a process executed in step 109SGS112 in Figure 10-12 as a winning random number value determination process. In this feature section 109SG, when the variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols is started, a determination is made by the normal special symbol process (step S22 in Figure 5, Figure 10-11) described below as to whether or not to control the special symbol display result (variable display result of special symbols) to a "jackpot" and to control the game to a jackpot. Also, in the variable pattern setting process (step S23 in Figure 5, Figure 10-12) described below, a determination is made of a variable pattern that specifically specifies the variable display mode of the decorative symbols. On the other hand, apart from these judgments, when the game ball is detected in the start winning hole (first start winning hole or second start winning hole), the CPU 103 executes the winning random number judgment process of step 109SGS112 to judge whether or not it is judged that the jackpot pattern is to be stopped and displayed as the special symbol display result, and judge whether or not the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is a predetermined display mode accompanied by a super reach. As a result, before the variable display of the special symbol or the decorative symbol based on the detection of the game ball that entered the start winning hole is started, that is, before it is decided whether or not it is a jackpot at the start of the variable display, it is judged that the special symbol display result is a "jackpot" and which category of variable display mode the variable display mode of the decorative symbol will be, and based on this judgment result, the performance control CPU 120 or the like executes a notice performance such as a pre-reading notice performance, as described later.

In the winning random number determination process shown in FIG. 10-13(A), the CPU 103 first identifies the current game state of the pachinko game machine 1 by, for example, checking the state of the time-saving flag and the special probability flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 109SG152 (step 109SGS121). The CPU 103 identifies the special probability state when the special probability flag is on, identifies the time-saving state when the special probability flag is off and the time-saving flag is on, and identifies the normal state when both the special probability flag and the time-saving flag are off.

Following the processing of step 109SGS121, the special chart display result judgment table 1 shown in FIG. 10-6 is selected and set (step 109SGS122). After that, it is judged whether the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result extracted in step 109SGS109 of FIG. 10-12 is within a predetermined jackpot judgment range (step 109SGS123). In the jackpot judgment range, individual judgment values assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" in the special chart display result judgment table 1 selected by the processing of step 109SGS122 are set, and the CPU 103 can compare the random number value MR1 with each judgment value one by one to judge whether there is a judgment value that matches the random number value MR1. Alternatively, numerical values indicating the minimum (lower limit) and maximum (upper limit) judgment values included in the jackpot judgment range may be set, and the CPU 103 may compare the random number value MR1 with the minimum and maximum values of the jackpot judgment range to determine whether the random number value MR1 is within the jackpot judgment range. In this case, by determining that the random number value MR1 is within the jackpot judgment range, it can be determined that the variable display result based on the reserved data including the random number value MR1 is determined to be a "jackpot".

If it is determined in step 109SGS123 that the result is not within the jackpot determination range, i.e., if it is determined that the variable display will not result in a jackpot (step 109SGS123; N), the special chart display result determination table 2 shown in FIG. 10-6 is selected and set (step 109SGS124). After that, it is determined whether the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result extracted in step 109SGS109 in FIG. 10-12 is within a predetermined small win determination range (step 109SGS125).

If the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 is within a predetermined small win determination range, that is, if it is determined that a small win will occur in the variable display (step 109SGS125; Y), the transmission setting of the sixth pattern designation command, which is a pattern designation command corresponding to the variable display result being a "small win", is executed (step 109SGS126), a variable pattern determination table for special wins is selected and set (step 109SGS127), and the process proceeds to step 109SGS138.

If the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 is not within the predetermined small win judgment range, that is, if the variable display result in the variable display is "miss", the transmission setting of the first pattern designation command, which is a pattern designation command corresponding to the variable display result being "miss" (step 109SGS128), is executed, and it is judged whether the time-saving flag is on or not, that is, whether the current game state is in the time-saving state or not (step 109SGS129). If the time-saving flag is off (step 109SGS129; N), the miss fluctuation pattern judgment table A is selected and set, and if the time-saving flag is on (step 109SGS129; Y), the miss fluctuation pattern judgment table D is selected and set (step 109SGS131). The miss fluctuation pattern judgment table A is a miss fluctuation pattern judgment table used when the number of reserved memories is 2 or less. In addition, the loss fluctuation pattern determination table D is a loss fluctuation pattern determination table that is used when the game state is a high base state in which time-saving control is being executed.

In addition to these miss fluctuation pattern determination tables A and D, this feature section 109SG also has miss fluctuation pattern determination table B, which is used when the number of reserved memories is three, and miss fluctuation pattern determination table C, which is used when the number of reserved memories is four, prepared in advance. As shown in FIG. 10-9, of these miss fluctuation pattern determination tables A to C, in miss fluctuation pattern determination table A, 600 determination values from 0 to 599 within the range that the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination can take are assigned to non-reach fluctuation patterns, in miss fluctuation pattern determination table B, 700 determination values from 0 to 699 within the range that the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination can take are assigned to non-reach fluctuation patterns, and in miss fluctuation pattern determination table C, 800 determination values from 0 to 799 within the range that the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination can take are assigned to non-reach fluctuation patterns. On the other hand, in the loss fluctuation pattern determination tables A to C, 97 determination values from 901 to 997 are assigned to the fluctuation pattern of the super reach, which is within the possible range of the random number value MR3 used to determine the fluctuation pattern.

For this reason, in step 109SGS126, the fluctuation pattern is determined using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A, and the determination of non-reach and super reach will always result in a non-reach or super reach fluctuation pattern even if the number of reserved memories changes after the determination, so the determination at the time of the initial winning is made using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A.

Also, if it is determined in step 109SGS123 that the value is within the jackpot determination range, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot will occur during variable display (step 109SGS123; Y), as shown in FIG. 10-13 (A), the jackpot type is determined based on the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination (step 109SGS132). At this time, the CPU 103 selects table data for jackpot type determination from the table data constituting the jackpot type determination table according to the variable special chart (the "first special chart" corresponding to "1" or the "second special chart" corresponding to "2") specified in response to the start port buffer value. Then, by referring to the selected table data for jackpot type determination, it is determined which of the multiple types the jackpot type is determined to be.

The controller 100 also executes the setting to send the symbol designation command according to the determined jackpot type, that is, the second symbol designation command if it is a sure-variable jackpot A, the third symbol designation command if it is a sure-variable jackpot B, the fourth symbol designation command if it is a sure-variable jackpot C, and the fifth symbol designation command if it is a non-variable jackpot (step 109SGS133), and then determines whether the determined jackpot type is a non-sure-variable jackpot (step 109SGS134a). If the determined jackpot type is a non-sure-variable jackpot (step 109SGS134a; Y), the controller 100 selects and sets the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A as a table for determining the jackpot fluctuation pattern (step 109SGS135), and proceeds to step 109SGS138.

Also, if the determined jackpot type is a guaranteed jackpot (step 109SGS134a; N), select and set jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B (step 109SGS136), and proceed to step 109SGS138.

After executing any of the processes of step 109SGS127, step 109SGS130, step 109SGS131, step 109SGS135, and step 109SGS136, the variable category according to the range of judgment values including the random number MR3 is determined using each of the variable pattern determination tables set in each of these steps and the numerical data indicating the random number MR3 for determining the variable pattern (step 109SGS138). In this characteristic part 109SG, as shown in FIG. 10-13 (B), at least when the variable display result is "miss", a variable category that is a variable display mode of "non-reach" in common regardless of the total reserved memory number, a variable category that is a variable display mode of "super reach", and a variable category of "other" that is a variable display mode other than "non-reach" and "super reach" (for example, normal reach) are provided, and it is sufficient to determine whether such a variable category is determined based on the random number MR3.

After that, a variable category designation command according to the result of the processing in step 109SGS138 is set up to be sent to the performance control board 12 (step 109SGS132), and the winning random number value determination process is terminated.

Next, the operation of the performance control board 12 will be described. FIG. 10-14 is a flowchart showing an example of the command analysis process executed in step S75 of FIG. 6. In the command analysis process shown in FIG. 10-14, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether or not there is a received command from the main board 11 transmitted via the relay board 15 by, for example, checking the contents stored in the performance control command receiving buffer (step 109SGS221). At this time, if there is no received command (step 109SGS221; N), the command analysis process ends.

If a command is received in step 109SGS221 (step 109SGS221; Y), it is determined whether the received command is a command to designate winning at the first starting port, for example by checking the MODE data of the received command (step 109SGS222).

If the received command in step 109SGS222 is not a command to designate a win at the first starting port (step 109SGS222; N), it is determined whether the received command is a command to designate a win at the second starting port (step 109SGS224).

If the received command in step 109SGS224 is not a second start port winning designation command (step 109SGS224; N), it is determined whether the received command is a pattern designation command (step 109SGS226). If the received command in step 109SGS226 is not a pattern designation command (step 109SGS226; N), it is determined whether the received command is a variable category command (step 109SGS227). If the received command in step 109SGS227 is not a variable category command (step 109SGS227; N), it is determined whether the received command is a first pending memory count notification command (step 109SGS228).

If the received command in step 109SGS228 is not the first pending memory count notification command (step 109SGS228; N), it is determined whether the received command is the second pending memory count notification command (step 109SGS230).

If the received command in step 109SGS222 is a first start port winning designation command (step 109SGS222; Y), if the received command in step 109SGS224 is a second start port winning designation command (step 109SGS224; Y), if the received command in step 109SGS226 is a pattern designation command (step 109SGS226; Y), or if the received command in step 109SGS227 is a variable category command (step 1 If the command received in step 109SGS227 is the first pending memory count notification command (109SGS228; Y), or if the command received in step 109SGS230 is the second pending memory count notification command (step 109SGS230; Y), the received command is stored at the beginning of the free area in the start winning time received command buffer 109SG194A shown in Figure 10-11 (step 109SGS233), and processing returns to step 109SGS221.

In addition, when a pending memory number notification command (first pending memory number notification command or second pending memory number notification command) is received together with a variable display start command (first variable display start command or second variable display start command), the pending memory number notification command may not be stored in the start winning reception command buffer 109SG194A. In other words, it is sufficient if the performance control commands received in response to the occurrence of a start winning can be stored sequentially from the beginning of the free area in the start winning reception command buffer 109SG194A.

If the received command in step 109SGS230 is not the second pending memory count notification command (step 109SGS230; N), settings are made according to other received commands (step 109SGS234), and processing returns to step 109SGS221.

In particular, in the processing of this characteristic unit 162SGS234, if the received command is a command specifying the first ball output state, it determines that the ball output state is a low ball output state and sets (updates) the value of the ball output state flag for presentation to "0", if the received command is a command specifying the second ball output state, it determines that the ball output state is a first high ball output state and sets (updates) the value of the ball output state flag for presentation to "1", and if the received command is a command specifying the third ball output state, it determines that the ball output state is a second high ball output state and sets (updates) the value of the ball output state flag for presentation to "2".

In addition, in the command analysis process of this characteristic part 109SG, if the received command is a start port winning designation command, a pattern designation command, a variable category command, or a reserved memory number notification command, the received command is stored sequentially from the beginning of the free area of the start winning time reception command buffer 109SG194A, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the received command is a start port winning designation command, a timer is set to wait for the reception of the reserved memory number notification command, and if the reserved memory number notification command is not received before the timer times out, the entry reserved memory that has not received the reserved memory number notification command may be set as not being subject to the pre-reading preview performance described below.

Figure 10-15 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step S161 of Figure 5 as the pre-reading notice setting process. In the pre-reading notice setting process shown in Figure 10-15, the performance control CPU 120 first checks the start winning time reception command buffer 109SG194A (step 109SGS241) and determines whether there is a reserved memory (entry) with the reserved display flag not set (step 109SGS242a). If there is no reserved memory with the reserved display flag not set (step 109SGS242a; N), the pre-reading notice setting process ends, and if there is a reserved memory with the reserved display flag not set (step 109SGS242a; Y), it further determines whether the reach performance of the Super Reach is being executed (step 109SGS242b).

Whether or not a Super Reach reach performance is in progress can be determined by checking whether the value of the performance control process flag is 2 (whether or not variable display is in progress), and if the value of the performance control process flag is 2, the contents of the process data for the variable display being executed can be referenced to determine whether or not a Super Reach reach performance is in progress.

If the reach effect of the Super Reach is being executed (step 109SGS242b; Y), proceed to step 109SGS250. If the reach effect of the Super Reach is not being executed (step 109SGS242bb; N), it is further determined whether the symbol designation command stored in the entry (entry in which the reserved display flag is not set) is a symbol designation command indicating a small win (step 109SGS243a). If the symbol designation command stored in the entry is a symbol designation command indicating a small win (step 109SGS243a; Y), proceed to step 109SGS250. If the symbol designation command stored in the entry is a symbol designation command indicating a miss or a big win (step 109SGS243a; N), it is determined whether the symbol designation command stored in the entry is a first symbol designation command (a symbol designation command indicating a miss) (step 109SGS243b).

If the symbol designation command stored in the entry is not the first symbol designation command, i.e., if the symbol designation command stored in the entry is a symbol designation command indicating a jackpot (step 109SGS243b; N), the type of jackpot is identified from the symbol designation command of the entry (step 109SGS244).

Then, based on the numerical data indicating the random number value for the look-ahead preview performance extracted, for example, from the random number circuit 124 or the random counter of the performance control counter setting unit 109SG193, and the type of jackpot identified in step 109SGS244, a look-ahead preview performance judgment table at the time of the jackpot (not shown) is referenced to determine whether or not to execute the look-ahead preview performance and the display pattern when the look-ahead preview performance is executed (step 109SGS245).

In step 109SGS245, for example, the determination ratio shown in FIG. 10-16 is used to determine whether or not to execute a pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notification type). In the example of the determination ratio setting shown in FIG. 10-16, the determination ratio for whether or not to execute a pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notification type) is varied depending on the type of jackpot identified in the processing of step 109SGS244.

Specifically, there are two types of display patterns (preview types) for the preview performance: display pattern α and display pattern β. When the display pattern for the preview performance is determined to be display pattern α, the reserved memory display is displayed as a white square (◇) in the first reserved memory display area 109SG005D or the second reserved memory display area 109SG005U, and when the display pattern (preview type) for the preview performance is determined to be display pattern β, the reserved memory display is displayed as a white star (☆) in the first reserved memory display area 109SG005D or the second reserved memory display area 109SG005U.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10-16, when the jackpot type is a "probable jackpot," the rate at which display pattern β is determined as the display pattern (notice type) is set higher than the rate at which display pattern α is determined. On the other hand, when the jackpot type is a "non-probable jackpot," the rate at which display pattern β is determined as the display pattern (notice type) is set lower than the rate at which display pattern α is determined.

With this setting, when the variable display result is a "jackpot" and display pattern β is executed as the display pattern (notice type), the probability that the jackpot type will be a special jackpot is higher than when display pattern α is executed, increasing the player's anticipation of a special jackpot.

In addition, in this feature section 109SG, when the variable display result is a jackpot, the execution of the pre-reading preview performance is always decided, and one of the display patterns, display pattern α in which the reserved memory display is displayed in a white square (◇) or display pattern β in which the reserved memory display is displayed in a white star (☆), is executed; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and even when the variable display result is a jackpot, there may be a case where it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance, just as when the variable display result is a "miss."

In addition, in step 109SGS243b, if the symbol designation command of an entry whose display pending flag is on is the first symbol designation command, that is, if it is a command indicating a miss (step 109SGS243b; Y), the variable category indicated by the variable category designation command of the entry whose display pending flag is on is identified (step 109SGS247). Specifically, if the variable category designation command of the entry is C600H, it is identified as the category of the "non-reach" variable pattern, if it is C601H, it is identified as the category of the "super reach" variable pattern, and if it is C602H, it is identified as the category of the "other" variable pattern including normal reach.

Then, based on the numerical data indicating the random number value for the pre-reading preview performance extracted, for example, from the random number circuit 124 or the random counter of the performance control counter setting unit 109SG193, and the category of the fluctuation pattern identified in step 109SGS247, the pre-reading preview performance judgment table for misses (not shown) is referenced to determine whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notice type) when the pre-reading preview performance is executed (step 109SGS248).

In step 109SGS248, the decision as to whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notice type) is made using a decision ratio such as that shown in FIG. 10-16. In the example of the decision ratio setting shown in FIG. 10-16, the decision ratio as to whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notice type) is varied depending on the category of the variation pattern identified in the processing of step 109SGS247.

Specifically, there are two types of display patterns (notice types): display pattern α and display pattern β. When the display pattern (notice type) is determined to be display pattern α, the reserved memory display is displayed in a specific form of a white square (◇) in the first reserved memory display area 109SG005D or the second reserved memory display area 109SG005U, and when the display pattern (notice type) is determined to be display pattern β, the reserved memory display is displayed in a specific form of a white star (☆) in the first reserved memory display area 109SG005D or the second reserved memory display area 109SG005U. In addition, when the pre-reading notice performance is determined to be non-executed, the reserved memory display is displayed in a normal form of a circle (○) in the first reserved memory display area 109SG005D or the second reserved memory display area 109SG005U.

As shown in FIG. 10-16, when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "other", the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is executed (the rate at which it is determined to be something other than "no preview performance") is set higher than when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "non-reach". Also, when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "super reach", the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is executed (the rate at which it is determined to be something other than "no preview performance") is set higher than when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "other".

When the variable display result is a "miss" and a decision is made to execute a foreseeing preview performance, if the variable category is "other", the probability of display pattern α being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "non-reach". Also, if the variable pattern category is "super reach", the probability of display pattern α being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "other". Furthermore, when the variable display result is a "miss" and a decision is made to execute a foreseeing preview performance, if the variable pattern category is "other", the probability of display pattern β being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "non-reach", and if the variable pattern category is "super reach", the probability of display pattern β being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "other".

When the variable display result is a "miss," the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is determined not to be executed is set to the highest, regardless of whether the variable pattern category is "non-reach," "other," or "super reach," and the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is determined to be executed and display pattern β is determined is set to the lowest.

Furthermore, when the variable display result is a "jackpot," the predictive preview performance is not determined to be non-executed (no preview performance), and the rate at which the predictive preview performance is determined to be executed and display pattern α or display pattern β is determined is set to be higher than the rate at which display pattern α or display pattern β is determined in any of the variable pattern categories when the variable display result is a "miss."

Furthermore, when the variable display result is "Miss (non-reach)", "Miss (super reach)", or "Miss (other)", and it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance, the rate at which display pattern α is determined is set higher than the rate at which display pattern β is determined. On the other hand, when the variable display result is "jackpot (probable jackpot)", and it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance, the rate at which display pattern β is determined is set higher than the rate at which display pattern α is determined.

With this setting, when display pattern α or display pattern β is executed (displayed) as the display pattern (preview type) of the pre-reading preview performance, the variable display result is more likely to be a "jackpot" than when display pattern α or display pattern β is not executed (displayed); in particular, when display pattern β is executed (displayed), the probability that the variable display result will be a "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be a "probable jackpot" increases, thereby increasing the player's sense of anticipation.

After executing step 109SGS248, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not a decision was made in step 109SGS247 to execute a pre-reading preview performance, that is, whether or not the display pattern (preview type) was decided to be either display pattern α or display pattern β (step 109SGS249).

After step 109SGS245 is executed or if it is decided to execute the preview performance (step 109SGS249; Y), the flag value corresponding to the decided display pattern (preview type) is set to the pending display flag of the entry (step 109SGS246). Specifically, if the display pattern (preview type) decided in step 109SGS245 or step 109SGS248 is display pattern α showing the pending memory display with "◇", the pending display flag of the entry is set to "1", and if the display pattern (preview type) decided in step 109SGS245 or step 109SGS248 is display pattern β showing the pending memory display with "☆", the pending display flag of the entry is set to "2", and then the process proceeds to step 109SGS252.

Also, in step 109SGS249, if it has not been decided that a preview performance will be performed (step 109SGS249; N), the pending display flag for that entry is set to "0", which indicates a white "circle" (step 109SGS250), and then the process proceeds to step 109SGS252.

As mentioned above, even when the reach effect of a super reach is being executed (step 109SGS242b; Y) or when the symbol designation command of the entry is a symbol designation command indicating a small win (step 109SGS243a), the pending display flag of the entry is set to "0" indicating a white "circle" (step 109SGS250), and then the process proceeds to step 109SGS252.

Then, the performance control CPU 120 updates the hold display based on the memory contents of the start winning reception command buffer 109SG194A (step 109SGS252). As a result, the hold memory newly stored in the start winning reception command buffer 109SG194A is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the hold display flag set to "0", "1", or "2". Also, when the variable display is executed and the memory contents of the start winning reception command buffer 109SG194A are shifted, the hold display of the first hold memory display area 109SG005D and the second hold memory display area 109SG005U located at the lower position of the image display device 5 is updated according to the memory contents of the start winning reception command buffer 109SG194A after the shift, as shown in FIG. 10-17.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10-17, if the number of first special reserved memories is one, one reserved memory display is displayed. As for the display mode of this reserved memory display, if the flag value of the reserved display flag corresponding to the reserved memory is "0", it is displayed in the display mode of "○" as shown in FIG. 10-17, if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "1", it is displayed in the display mode of "◇", and if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "2", it is displayed in the display mode of "☆". If the number of first special reserved memories is two, two reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 109SG005D in a mode corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory. Also, if the number of first special reserved memories is three, three reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 109SG005D in a mode corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory. Also, if the number of first special reserved memories is four, four reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 109SG005D in a manner that corresponds to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory.

Also, if the number of second special reserved memories is one, one reserved memory display is displayed. As for the display mode of this reserved memory display, as in the case of the first special memory, if the flag value of the reserved display flag corresponding to the reserved memory is "0", it is displayed in the display mode of "○", if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "1", it is displayed in the display mode of "◇", and if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "2", it is displayed in the display mode of "☆". If the number of second special reserved memories is two, for example, as shown in FIG. 10-17, two reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the second reserved memory display area 109SG005U in a mode according to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory, for example, the reserved memory display of 1 is displayed in the display mode of "○" and the reserved memory display of 1 is displayed in the display mode of "☆". Also, if the number of second special reserved memories is three, three reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the second reserved memory display area 109SG005U in a manner corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory. Also, if the number of second special reserved memories is four, four reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the second reserved memory display area 109SG005U in a manner corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory.

And each time the variable display is executed, the reserved memory is reduced (consumed), and the reserved memory display also shifts in a predetermined shift direction (towards the center of the screen in this feature part 109SG), as shown in FIG. 10-17.

In other words, when the reserved memory is consumed in the variable display start setting process described below, which is executed when the variable display starts, and the reserved memory in the start winning reception command buffer 109SG194A is shifted, the reserved memory display in the first reserved memory display area 109SG005D and the second reserved memory display area 109SG005U is also shifted and displayed based on the reserved memory in the start winning reception command buffer 109SG194A after the shift, and if there is a new reserved memory due to the start winning, the display pattern of that reserved memory is determined and set in the reserved display flag, and it is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 109SG005D and the second reserved memory display area 109SG005U in a display mode according to the flag value set in the reserved display flag.

Note that, in this characteristic section 109SG, an example is shown in which the processing of step 109SGS252 is executed in the advance notice setting process, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the processing for updating the hold display in the first hold memory display area 109SG005D and the second hold memory display area 109SG005U may be executed separately as a process different from the advance notice setting process (for example, a hold display update process).

In addition, in this characteristic part 109SG, a decision is made in step 109SGS242 as to whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory at the start winning, on the condition that there is new storage of a command at the time of the start winning. However, if a start winning at the first start winning port and a start winning at the second start winning port occur simultaneously, and it is determined in step 109SGS242 that there is new storage of a command at the time of the start winning in both the first special chart and the second special chart, in other words, if an entry with the display pending flag in the on state exists in both the first special chart reserved memory and the second special chart reserved memory, then both entries are subject to the decision as to whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance. If the pending memory in which the command at the time of the start winning in the first special chart is newly stored and the pending memory in which the command at the time of the start winning in the second special chart is newly stored are both targets for deciding whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance, if there is no entry of the pending display flag of "1" or "2" indicating the execution of the pre-reading preview performance, the pre-reading preview performance may be executed simultaneously in both the pending display of the pending memory of the first special chart and the pending display of the second special chart.

In addition, in this feature section 109SG, as described above, when a start winning entry into the first start winning port and a start winning entry into the second start winning port occur simultaneously, both the reserved memory in which the command at the time of the start winning entry in the first special chart is newly stored and the reserved memory in which the command at the time of the start winning entry in the second special chart is newly stored are subject to the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance, but the present invention is not limited to this, and in such a case, it may be decided to execute or not execute only one of the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart and the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart.

Specifically, when the game state is a normal state in which high opening control is not performed, the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart is given priority over the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart. Then, when it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart, it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart, and when it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart, it is decided to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart.

On the other hand, when the game state is a time-saving state in which high opening control is performed (high probability high base state/low probability high base state), the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart is given priority over the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart. Then, when it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart, it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart, and when it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart, it is decided to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart.

Figure 10-18 is a flow chart showing the variable display start setting process (step S171) in the performance control process shown in Figure 7. In the variable display start setting process, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether the first variable display start command reception flag is on (step 109SGS271). If the first variable display start command reception flag is on (step 109SGS271; Y), the various command data and various flags stored in association with the buffer numbers "1-0" to "1-4" of the first special chart reserved memory in the start winning time reception command buffer 109SG194A are shifted up by one buffer number (step 109SGS272). Note that the contents of buffer number "1-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination to shift to, so it is erased.

Specifically, the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-1" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-0", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-2" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-1", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-3" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-2", and the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-4" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-3".

Also, in step 109SGS271, if the first variable display start command reception flag is off (step 109SGS271; N), it is determined whether the second variable display start command reception flag is on (step 109SGS273). If the second variable display start command reception flag is off (step 109SGS273; N), the variable display start setting process is terminated, and if the second variable display start command reception flag is on (step 109SGS273; Y), the various command data and various flags stored in association with the buffer numbers "2-0" to "2-4" of the second special chart reservation memory in the start winning time reception command buffer 109SG194A are shifted up by one buffer number (step 109SGS274). Note that the contents of buffer number "2-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination to shift to, so it is erased.

Specifically, the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-1" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-0", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-2" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-1", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-3" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-2", and the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-4" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-3".

After executing step 109SGS272 or step 109SGS274, the performance control CPU 120 reads the variation pattern designation command from the variation pattern designation command storage area (step 109SGS275).

Then, the display result (stopping pattern) of the decorative pattern is determined according to the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (i.e., the received display result designation command) (step 109SGS276). In this case, the performance control CPU 120 determines the stopping pattern of the decorative pattern according to the display result designated by the display result designation command, and stores data indicating the determined stopping pattern of the decorative pattern in the decorative pattern display result storage area.

In this feature section 109SG, when the received variable display result designation command is the second variable display result designation command corresponding to the probability of a jackpot A, the performance control CPU 120 determines, for example, a combination of decorative patterns (jackpot patterns) in which three patterns are aligned to "7" as the stopping pattern. When the received variable display result designation command is the third variable display result designation command corresponding to the probability of a jackpot B, the stopping pattern is determined from among multiple combinations of odd numbers other than "7" (for example, combinations of decorative patterns such as "111", "333", "555", and "999"). When the received variable display result designation command is the fourth variable display result designation command corresponding to the probability of a jackpot C, the stopping pattern is determined from among "334" and "778", which are the same chance numbers as the small jackpot. In addition, when the received variable display result designation command is the fifth variable display result designation command corresponding to a non-probability jackpot, the performance control CPU 120 determines, for example, a combination of decorative patterns (jackpot patterns) in which three symbols are aligned as even numbers as the stopping symbols. In addition, when the received variable display result designation command is the sixth variable display result designation command corresponding to a small jackpot, the stopping symbols are determined from among "334" and "778", which are the same chance numbers as the probability jackpot C. In addition, when the received variable display result designation command is the first variable display result designation command corresponding to a miss, the stopping symbols are determined to be decorative patterns in which three symbols are not aligned, and are combinations other than the above-mentioned chance numbers (miss patterns).

When determining these stopping patterns, the performance control CPU 120 may, for example, extract a random number for determining the stopping pattern, and determine the stopping pattern of the decorative pattern using a stopping pattern determination table in which data indicating combinations of decorative patterns are associated with numerical values. In other words, the stopping pattern may be determined by selecting data indicating the combination of decorative patterns that corresponds to the numerical value that matches the extracted random number.

Then, in step 109SGS281, the performance control CPU 120 selects a performance control pattern (process table) according to the variable pattern designation command. Then, it starts the process timer for process data 1 of the selected process table (step 109SGS282).

In addition, in the process table, display control execution data for controlling the display of the image display device 5, lamp control execution data for controlling the lighting of each LED, sound control execution data for controlling the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and operation unit control execution data for controlling the operation of the push button 31B and stick controller 31A are arranged in chronological order in correspondence with each process data n (numbers 1 to N).

Then, the performance control CPU 120 executes control of the performance device (image display device 5 as a performance component, various lamps as performance components, speakers 8L, 8R as performance components, and operation unit (push button 31B, stick controller 31A, etc.)) according to the contents of process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound control execution data 1, operation unit control execution data 1) (step 109SGS283). For example, to display an image corresponding to a fluctuation pattern on the image display device 5, it outputs a command to the display control unit 123. It also outputs a control signal (lamp control execution data) to the lamp control board 14 to control the lighting/extinguishing of various lamps. It also outputs a control signal (sound number data) to the sound control board 13 to output sound from the speakers 8L, 8R.

In addition, in this feature section 109SG, the performance control CPU 120 controls the display of the decorative pattern to vary according to a variation pattern that corresponds one-to-one to the variation pattern designation command, but the performance control CPU 120 may select the variation pattern to be used from multiple types of variation patterns that correspond to the variation pattern designation command.

Then, the variable display time timer is set to a value equivalent to the variable display time specified by the variable pattern designation command (step 109SGS284). The variable display control timer is also set to a first time (step 109SGS285). The first time is, for example, 33 ms, and the performance control CPU 120 writes image data being variably displayed, including image data showing the display state of the left, center, and right decorative patterns, to the VRAM each time the first time elapses, and the display control unit 123 outputs a signal corresponding to the image data written to the VRAM to the image display device 5, which then displays an image corresponding to the signal. This realizes the variable display of the decorative patterns and the display of moving images of other performances (see Figure 10-20).

The performance control CPU 120 also determines whether the change pattern of the variable display is a Super Reach change pattern (step 109SGS287). If the change pattern of the variable display is a Super Reach change pattern (step 109SGS287; Y), a second time is set in the movable body control timer (step 109SGS288). The second time is, for example, 1 ms, and the performance control CPU 120 controls the first movable body motor 109SG421, the second movable body motor 109SG422, and the third movable body motor 109SG423 every time the first time elapses. This realizes movement control of the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R (see FIG. 10-20).

After execution of step 109SGS288, or if the variable display fluctuation pattern is not a Super Reach fluctuation pattern (step 109SGS287; N), the performance control CPU 120 sets the value of the performance control process flag to a value corresponding to the variable display in progress performance processing (step S172), and ends the variable display start setting processing (step 109SGS286).

Figure 10-19 is a flowchart showing the variable display performance processing (step S172) in the performance control process. In the variable display performance processing, the performance control CPU 120 reduces the values of the process timer, the variable display time timer, and the variable display control timer by 1 (steps 109SGS301, 109SGS302, and 109SGS303). In addition, if the variable display is a super reach variable display (step 109SGS303b; Y), the value of the movable object control timer is reduced by 1 (step 109SGS303c).

After executing step 109SGS303c, or if there is no variable display of the Super Reach (step 109SGS303b; N), proceed to step 109SGS306.

In step 109SGS306, the performance control CPU 120 checks whether the process timer has timed out. If the process timer has timed out, the process data is switched (step 109SGS307). That is, the process timer is started again by setting the process timer to the next process timer setting value in the process table (step 109SGS308). In addition, the control state for the performance device (performance component) is changed based on the next set display control execution data, lamp control execution data, sound control execution data, operation unit control data, etc. (step 109SGS309a). On the other hand, if the process timer has not timed out, the performance device (performance component) is controlled according to the contents of the process data corresponding to the process timer (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, sound control execution data, operation unit control data, etc.) (step 109SGS309b).

After executing the processing of step 109SGS309a or step 109SGS309b, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether the variable display is a Super Reach variable display (step 109SGS309f).

If the variable display is a Super Reach variable display (step 109SGS309f; Y), it is further determined whether the movable body control timer has timed out (109SGS309g). If the movable body control timer has timed out (step 109SGS309g; Y), the first movable body motor 109SG421, the second movable body motor 109SG422, and the third movable body motor 109SG423 are driven according to the contents of the process data (step 109SGS309h). Then, the movable body control timer is reset (the movable body control timer is set to the second time again) and the process proceeds to step 109SGS310 (step 109SGS309i).

If the variable display is not a Super Reach variable display (step 109SGS309f; N) and the movable object control timer has not timed out (step 109SGS309g; N), the process proceeds to step 109SGS310 without executing the processes of steps 109SGS309h and 109SGS309i.

Next, it is confirmed whether the variable display control timer has timed out (step 109SGS310). If the variable display control timer has timed out (step 109SGS310; Y), the performance control CPU 120 creates image data for the next display screen (the screen to be displayed 33 ms after the previous image update time) that includes the left, center, and right decorative patterns during the variable display, and writes it to a specified area of the VRAM (step 109SGS311). In this way, the image display device 5 realizes variable display control of the decorative patterns and display control of other images (display control of moving images). The display control unit 123 outputs a signal based on data that superimposes image data of a specified area such as a set background image and image data based on the display control execution data set in the process table to the image display device 5. In this way, the background image, character image, and decorative pattern in the variation of the decorative pattern are displayed in the image display device 5. In addition, the first time is reset to the variable display control timer (step 109SGS312).

Also, if the variable display control timer has not timed out (step 109SGS310; N), after executing step 109SGS312, the performance control CPU 120 checks whether the variable display time timer has timed out (step 109SGS313). If the variable display time timer has timed out, the value of the performance control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special pattern hit waiting process (step S173) (step 109SGS315). Even if the variable display time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that a pattern confirmation command has been received is on (step 109SGS314; Y), the value of the performance control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special pattern hit waiting process (step S173) (step 109SGS315). Even if the variable display time timer has not timed out, if a pattern determination command is received, the control will transition to one that stops the variation. For example, even if a variable pattern specification command is received that indicates a long variation time due to noise between boards, the variable display of the decorative pattern can be ended when the regular variable display time has elapsed (when the variable display of the special pattern has ended).

The process table used for variable display control of the decorative pattern contains the process data during the variable display of the decorative pattern. In other words, the sum of the process timer settings of process data 1 to n in the process table corresponds to the variable display time of the decorative pattern. Therefore, when the process timer of the last process data n times out in the processing of step 109SGS306, there is no process data to switch (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, etc.), and the variable display control of the decorative pattern based on the process table ends.

Next, we will explain the operation of each presentation device during the reach presentation of Super Reach α1, Super Reach α2, Super Reach β1, and Super Reach β2 in feature section 109SG. We will explain the presentation mode of the variable display based on Figures 10-21 to 10-24.

First, as shown in Figures 10-21 and 10-22, for the variable display of Super Reach α1 and Super Reach α2, when the reach performance of Super Reach α1 or Super Reach α2 begins, the enlarged display of the character images (ally character A and enemy character A in the reach performance of Super Reach α1, and ally character A and enemy character B in the reach performance of Super Reach α2) displayed on the image display device 5 during the first enlarged display period, second enlarged display period, and third enlarged display period is executed.

Specifically, in the first enlarged display period, the character image is enlarged at a constant speed from the normal display magnification (1x) to display magnification m1, in the second enlarged display period, the character image is enlarged at a constant speed from display magnification m1 to display magnification m2, and in the third enlarged display period, the character image is enlarged at a constant speed from display magnification m2 to display magnification m3. After the third enlarged display period ends, the display magnification of the character image is maintained at m3 for a predetermined period, and the display magnification of the character image is returned to the normal display magnification when the predetermined period has elapsed.

In this characteristic section 109SG, the first enlarged display period, the second enlarged display period, and the third enlarged display period are all periods of the same length. Also, as shown in Figs. 10-21 and 10-22, the difference between each display magnification is the largest between the normal display magnification and display magnification m1, and the smallest between display magnification m2 and display magnification m3. In other words, in this characteristic section 109SG, the enlargement speed of the character image is set to be the fastest during the first enlarged display period and the slowest during the third enlarged display period (enlargement speed of the character image: first enlarged display period > second enlarged display period > third enlarged display period). In this characteristic section 109SG, "fast enlargement speed" refers to a large image enlargement rate per unit time.

Hereinafter, in this feature section 109SG, the period consisting of the first and second enlarged display periods (the period during which the movable body movement suggestion performance is executed) may be referred to as period T2, and the period consisting of the third enlarged display period and a predetermined period during which the display magnification of the character image is maintained at m3 may be referred to as period T3.

As shown in FIG. 10-21, during the reach performance of Super Reach α1 and Super Reach α2, if the variable display result is a jackpot, from the end timing of period T3 to the end timing of the variable display, the first movable body 109SG401 is moved from the retreat position to the performance position, and the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R are moved to positions close to the left and right of the first movable body 109SG401 (after the movable body unit 109SG400 is changed from the first state to the third state), and after a while, the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R are moved to their respective retreat positions (changing the movable body unit 109SG400 from the third state to the first state) to execute movable body operation performance A.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10-22, during the reach performance of Super Reach α1 and Super Reach α2, if the variable display result is a miss, a miss notification performance is executed to notify the user that the variable display result is a miss by not operating the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R from the end timing of period T3 to the end timing of the variable display.

Hereinafter, in this feature section 109SG, the execution period of the movable object performance A and the miss notification performance may be referred to as period T4. Of these periods T2 to T4, period T3 is the shortest period and period T4 is the longest period (length of periods T2 to T4: period T4 > period T2 > period T3).

In addition, during the reach performance of Super Reach α1 and Super Reach α2, effect images are also displayed on the image display device 5 as movable body action suggestion performance A and movable body action performance A (only when the variable display result is a jackpot).

Specifically, as shown in Figures 10-21 and 10-22, the image display device 5 executes movable body operation suggestion performance A, in which multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S move toward the first movable body 109SG401 at a speed V1 over the aforementioned period T2 (first enlarged display period and second enlarged display period).

Furthermore, if the variable display result is a jackpot, as part of the movable body operation presentation A described above, multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S move (spread) from the first movable body 109SG401 toward the edge of the image display device 5 at a speed V2 over a period T4. The absolute value of speed V2 is greater than the absolute value of speed V1. In other words, the movable body operation presentation A in this feature portion 109SG is also a presentation in which the star-shaped effect images 109SG005S move faster than the movable body operation suggestion presentation A.

In addition, during the reach performance of Super Reach α1 and Super Reach α2, the movable body LED 109SG495 is also illuminated. Specifically, as shown in Figures 10-21 and 10-22, the movable body LED 109SG495 is illuminated at brightness C1 during the aforementioned period T2 (first enlarged display period and second enlarged display period) and during the middle of period T3 (more precisely, from the start timing of the first enlarged display period to the end timing of the third enlarged display period). Furthermore, if the variable display result is a jackpot, the movable body LED 109SG495 is illuminated at brightness C2, which is higher than brightness C1, during period T4.

In addition, during the reach performance of Super Reach α1 and Super Reach α2, four types of sound effects can be output from speakers 8L and 8R: background music such as music, SE (sound effects), action suggestion sounds, and jackpot notification sounds. The type of sound output varies depending on the time during the reach performance.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 10-21 and 10-22, BGM is a performance sound that is output from speakers 8L and 8R from the start of the variable display, and output from speakers 8L and 8R is stopped only during period T3. In other words, the output of BGM during the reach performance is executed from the start timing of the reach performance to the end timing of period T2, and over period T4.

Sound effects (SE) are also sound effects that are output from speakers 8L, 8R from the start of the variable display, just like background music, but unlike background music, there is no period during which output from speakers 8L, 8R is stopped. In other words, the output of SEs in reach performances is executed throughout the entire reach performance.

The action suggestion sound is a sound effect output from speakers 8L, 8R as part of movable body action suggestion performance A. In other words, the action suggestion sound is output only during period T2, which is the execution period of movable body action suggestion performance A, and is not output during any other period. The jackpot notification sound is a sound effect output from speakers 8L, 8R as part of movable body action performance A. In other words, the jackpot notification sound is output only during period T4, which is the execution period of movable body action performance A when the variable display result is a jackpot, and is not output during any other period.

As shown in Figures 10-23 and 10-24, for the variable display of Super Reach β1 and Super Reach β2, when the reach performance of Super Reach β1 or Super Reach β2 begins, the character images (ally character B and enemy character A in the reach performance of Super Reach β1, and ally character B and enemy character B in the reach performance of Super Reach β2) displayed on the image display device 5 during the first enlarged display period, second enlarged display period, and third enlarged display period are enlarged.

Hereinafter, the enlarged display of the character image in the variable display of Super Reach β1 and Super Reach β2, the light emission state of the movable body LED 109SG495, and the output of BGM, SE, action suggestion sound, and jackpot notification sound from speakers 8L and 8R will be omitted because they are the same as the variable display of Super Reach α1 and Super Reach α2 shown in Figures 10-21 and 10-22.

As shown in FIG. 10-23, during the reach performance of Super Reach β1 and Super Reach β2, if the variable display result is a jackpot, from the end timing of period T3 to the end timing of the variable display, the first movable body 109SG401 is moved from the retreat position to the performance position, and the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R are moved to a position close to the first movable body 109SG401 (after the movable body unit 109SG400 is changed from the first state to the third state), and after a while, the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R are moved to their respective retreat positions (the movable body unit 109SG400 is changed from the third state to the first state), and movable body operation performance B is executed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10-24, during the reach performance of Super Reach β1 and Super Reach β2, if the variable display result is a miss, a miss notification performance is executed from the end timing of period T3 to the end timing of the variable display by not operating the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R, which notifies the player that the variable display result is a miss. Movable body performance B is a performance executed over period T4, just like the movable body performance A and the miss notification performance described above.

During the reach performance of Super Reach β1 and Super Reach β2, as shown in Figures 10-23 and 10-24, a movable body operation suggestion performance B is executed in which the first movable body 109SG401 is repeatedly moved (reciprocated) between the retracted position and the suggested position over the aforementioned period T2 (first enlarged display period and second enlarged display period). Note that the period T1 required for one reciprocating movement of the first movable body 109SG401 between the retracted position and the suggested position during the movable body operation suggestion performance B is shorter than the aforementioned period T3 (length of periods T1 to T4: period T4 > period T2 > period T3 > period T1).

As described above, in the variable display of Super Reach α1, Super Reach α2, Super Reach β1, and Super Reach β2, as shown in FIG. 10-25, the movable body movement suggestion effect is executed in the first enlarged display period and the second enlarged display period, but the movable body movement suggestion effect is not executed in the third enlarged display period. Also, among the first enlarged display period, the second enlarged display period, and the third enlarged display period, the first enlarged display period is set to have the fastest enlargement speed of the character image (largest image enlargement rate per unit time), and the third enlarged display period is set to have the slowest enlargement speed of the character image (smallest image enlargement rate per unit time).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10-26(A), comparing movable body operation suggestion performance A and movable body operation suggestion performance B, movable body operation suggestion performance A is a performance in which a star-shaped effect image 109SG005S repeatedly acts on the first movable body 109SG401 on the image display device 5 (multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S move toward the first movable body 109SG401 at a speed V1), and the first movable body 109SG401 itself does not move, whereas movable body operation suggestion performance B is a performance in which the first movable body 109SG401 repeatedly moves between a retracted position and a suggested position, which is different. On the other hand, movable body operation suggestion performance A and movable body operation suggestion performance B have in common that the movable body LED 109SG495 emits light at a brightness C1 during the performance period.

As shown in Figure 10-26 (B), comparing movable body operation performance A and movable body operation performance B, movable body operation performance A moves the first movable body 109SG401 from a retracted position to a performance position, and moves the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R to positions close to the first movable body that has been moved to the performance position (changing the movable body unit 109SG400 from the first state to the third state), and multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S spread out from the first movable body 109SG401 at a speed V2. Movable body operation performance B is a performance in which the first movable body 109SG401 is moved from the retracted position to the performance position, and the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R are moved to a position close to the first movable body that has been moved to the performance position (changing the movable body unit 109SG400 from the first state to the third state), and differs from movable body operation performance A in that the display of multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S diffusing from the first movable body 109SG401 at a speed V2 is not executed. Furthermore, both movable body operation performance A and movable body operation performance B have in common that the movable body LED 109SG495 emits light at brightness C1 during the execution period of the performance.

Next, the display mode of the reach performance on the image display device 5 in the variable display of Super Reach α1, Super Reach α2, Super Reach β1, and Super Reach β2 will be explained based on Figures 10-27 to 10-35.

First, as shown in Figures 10-27 (A) and 10-27 (B), a short time after the variable display of either Super Reach α1, Super Reach α2, Super Reach β1, or Super Reach β2 begins, the decorative patterns displayed in the "left" decorative pattern display area 5L and the "right" decorative pattern display area 5R stop in a combination indicating a reach. Then, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed in this reach state, if the variable display is a variable display of super reach α1, a battle performance between ally character A and enemy character A will start as a reach performance (see Fig. 10-27 (C) and Fig. 10-28 (A)), if the variable display is a variable display of super reach α2, a battle performance between ally character A and enemy character B will start as a reach performance (see Fig. 10-27 (D) and Fig. 10-30 (A)), if the variable display is a variable display of super reach β1, a battle performance between ally character B and enemy character A will start as a reach performance (see Fig. 10-27 (E) and Fig. 10-32 (A)), and if the variable display is a variable display of super reach β2, a battle performance between ally character B and enemy character B will start as a reach performance (see Fig. 10-27 (F) and Fig. 10-34 (A)).

When the reach performance of these super reaches begins, the decorative patterns displayed in the "left" decorative pattern display area 5L and the "right" decorative pattern display area 5R are moved to the upper left and right ends of the display area of the image display device 5, respectively, and the decorative pattern displayed in the "middle" decorative pattern display area 5Cni becomes temporarily invisible.

As shown in Fig. 10-28(A) and Fig. 10-28(B), when the second half of the battle presentation, which is the reach presentation of Super Reach α1, begins, as shown in Fig. 10-28(C), a video of ally character A attacking enemy character A starts to be displayed. During the video, as shown in Fig. 10-28(C) to Fig. 10-28(F), during the first enlarged display period, second enlarged display period, and third enlarged display period, the images of ally character A and enemy character A are enlarged when ally character A is about to launch a close-combat attack on enemy character A.

In particular, during the first and second enlarged display periods (FIGS. 10-28(D) to 10-28(F)), the images of ally character A and enemy character A are displayed on the image display device 5 with lower contrast than before the first enlarged display period (FIGS. 10-28(A) to 10-28(C)), and an image (movable body action suggestion performance A) of multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S moving at speed V1 toward the first movable body 109SG401 is displayed superimposed on the low-contrast images of ally character A and enemy character A. At this time, the star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed with the same contrast as before the first enlarged display period, so that the player can easily recognize the movement of the multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S toward the first movable body 109SG401 at speed V1.

In addition, during the first enlarged display period to the third enlarged display period, the movable body LED 109SG495 provided on the first movable body 109SG401 also emits light at brightness C1.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10-28(E) to FIG. 10-28(F), when the third enlarged display period has elapsed, friendly character A and enemy character A are displayed at display magnification m3 for a predetermined period. Note that during this predetermined period, the movable body LED 109SG495 is not illuminated.

As shown in Figures 10-29 (H) and 10-29 (I), when the variable display result is a jackpot, an explosion effect image 109SG005B is displayed in the center of the image display device 5, overlapping the images of ally character A and enemy character A, as movable body operation presentation A, and multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed moving from the center of the image display device 5 toward the edge of the image display device 5 at a speed V2.

Furthermore, at this time, the first movable body 109SG401 moves from the retracted position to the performance position, and the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R move to adjacent positions on the left and right of the first movable body 109SG401 that has moved to the performance position (the movable body unit 109SG400 changes from the first state to the third state). In other words, the explosion effect image 109SG005B is displayed behind the first movable body 109SG401, and multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed moving toward the edge of the image display device 5 at a speed V2.

After that, after the operation of each movable body is completed (after the movable body unit 109SG400 changes from the third state to the first state), the display of the explosion effect image 109SG005B on the image display device 5 is completed, and the movement of the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R to their respective retreat positions is completed, and the image display device 5 displays a video of ally character A's attack hitting enemy character A and ally character A winning, and it is notified that the game is controlled to a jackpot game state. At this time, in the image display device 5, the decorative patterns (the decorative patterns displayed in each of the "right" decorative pattern display areas 5C) move at high speed from the back to the front of the image display device 5 as a numerical value corresponding to the variable display result being a jackpot, and then stop while swinging in the center of the image display device 5.

Then, when the variable display of the special symbols ends (the small symbols displayed at the right end of the image display device 5 stop in a combination indicating a jackpot), the game is controlled to enter a jackpot game state.

On the other hand, if the variable display result is a miss, as shown in Fig. 10-29(J) and Fig. 10-29(K), a miss notification effect is displayed on the image display device 5 in which an attack from enemy character A hits ally character A and the ally character is defeated, and it is notified that the game is not controlled to a jackpot game state (a miss). At this time, on the image display device 5, the decorative pattern (the decorative pattern displayed in each of the "right" decorative pattern display areas 5C) moves from the top of the image display device 5 at a slow speed (slower than the jackpot shown in Fig. 10-29(I)) as a numerical value corresponding to the fact that the variable display result is a miss, and then stops while swinging in the center of the image display device 5.

As shown in Fig. 10-30(A) and Fig. 10-30(B), when the battle performance (reach performance) for the reach performance of Super Reach α2 reaches the latter half, a video of ally character A attacking enemy character B starts to be displayed as shown in Fig. 10-30(C). During the video, as shown in Fig. 10-30(C) to Fig. 10-30(F), the images of ally character A and enemy character B are enlarged when ally character A is about to launch a close-combat attack on enemy character B during the first enlarged display period, second enlarged display period, and third enlarged display period described above.

In particular, during the first and second enlarged display periods (FIGS. 10-30(D) to 10-30(F)), the images of ally character A and enemy character B are displayed on the image display device 5 with lower contrast than before the first enlarged display period (FIGS. 10-30(A) to 10-30(C)), and an image (movable body action suggestion performance A) of multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S moving at speed V1 toward the first movable body 109SG401 is displayed superimposed on the low-contrast images of ally character A and enemy character B. At this time, the star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed with the same contrast as before the first enlarged display period, so that the player can easily recognize the movement of the multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S toward the first movable body 109SG401 at speed V1.

In addition, during the first enlarged display period to the third enlarged display period, the movable body LED 109SG495 provided on the first movable body 109SG401 also emits light at brightness C1.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10-30(F), when the third enlarged display period has elapsed, friendly character A and enemy character B are displayed at display magnification m3 for a predetermined period. Note that during this predetermined period, the movable body LED 109SG495 is not illuminated.

As shown in Figures 10-31(G) to 10-31(I), when the variable display result is a jackpot, an explosion effect image 109SG005B is displayed in the center of the image display device 5, overlapping with the images of friendly character A and enemy character B, as movable body operation presentation A, and multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed moving from the center of the image display device 5 toward the edge of the image display device 5 at a speed V2.

Furthermore, at this time, the first movable body 109SG401 moves from the retracted position to the performance position, and the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R move to adjacent positions on the left and right of the first movable body 109SG401 that has moved to the performance position (the movable body unit 109SG400 changes from the first state to the third state). In other words, the explosion effect image 109SG005B is displayed behind the first movable body 109SG401, and multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed moving toward the edge of the image display device 5 at a speed V2.

After that, after the operation of each movable body is completed (after the movable body unit 109SG400 changes from the third state to the first state), the display of the explosion effect image 109SG005B on the image display device 5 is completed, and the movement of the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R to their respective retreat positions is completed, and the image display device 5 displays a video of ally character A's attack hitting enemy character B and ally character A winning, and it is notified that the game is controlled to a jackpot game state. At this time, in the image display device 5, the decorative patterns (the decorative patterns displayed in each of the "right" decorative pattern display areas 5C) move at high speed from the back to the front of the image display device 5 as a numerical value corresponding to the variable display result being a jackpot, and then stop while swinging in the center of the image display device 5.

Then, when the variable display of the special symbols ends (the small symbols displayed at the right end of the image display device 5 stop in a combination indicating a jackpot), the game is controlled to enter a jackpot game state.

On the other hand, if the variable display result is a miss, as shown in Fig. 10-31(J) and Fig. 10-31(K), a miss notification effect is displayed on the image display device 5 in which an attack from enemy character B hits ally character A and the ally character is defeated, and it is notified that the game is not controlled to a jackpot game state (a miss). At this time, on the image display device 5, the decorative pattern (the decorative pattern displayed in each of the "right" decorative pattern display areas 5C) moves from the top of the image display device 5 at a slow speed (slower than the jackpot shown in Fig. 10-29(I)) as a numerical value corresponding to the variable display result being a miss, and then stops while swinging in the center of the image display device 5.

As shown in Fig. 10-32(A) and Fig. 10-32(B), when the battle performance (reach performance) for Super Reach β1 reaches the latter half, a video of ally character B attacking enemy character A starts to be displayed as shown in Fig. 10-32(C). During the video, as shown in Fig. 10-32(C) to Fig. 10-32(F), the images of ally character B and enemy character A are enlarged when ally character B attempts to launch a close-combat attack on enemy character A during the first enlarged display period, second enlarged display period, and third enlarged display period described above.

In particular, during the first enlarged display period and the second enlarged display period, the first movable body 109SG401 is repeatedly moved between the retracted position and the suggested position as movable body operation suggestion performance B (the movable body unit 109SG400 is repeatedly changed from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10-32(D) and FIG. 10-32(E), during the period when the images of ally character B and enemy character A are being enlarged, an effect image 109SG005X is displayed on the image display device 5, and the enlarged display of the images of ally character B and enemy character A is emphasized by the effect image 109SG005X.

In addition, during the first enlarged display period to the third enlarged display period, the movable body LED 109SG495 provided on the first movable body 109SG401 also emits light at brightness C1.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10-32(F), when the third enlarged display period has elapsed, friendly character B and enemy character A are displayed at display magnification m3 for a predetermined period. Note that the movable body LED 109SG495 is not illuminated during the predetermined period.

As shown in Figures 10-33(G) to 10-33(I), if the variable display result is a jackpot, an explosion effect image 109SG005B is displayed in the center of the image display device 5, overlapping the images of ally character B and enemy character A, as movable body operation presentation B.

Furthermore, at this time, the first movable body 109SG401 moves from the retracted position to the performance position, and the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R move to adjacent positions on the left and right of the first movable body 109SG401 that has moved to the performance position (the movable body unit 109SG400 changes from the first state to the third state). In other words, the explosion effect image 109SG005B is displayed behind the first movable body 109SG401.

After that, after the operation of each movable body is completed (after the movable body unit 109SG400 changes from the third state to the first state), the display of the explosion effect image 109SG005B on the image display device 5 is completed, and the movement of the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R to their respective retreat positions is completed, and the image display device 5 displays a video in which ally character B's attack hits enemy character A and ally character A wins, and it is notified that the game is controlled to a jackpot game state. At this time, in the image display device 5, the decorative patterns (the decorative patterns displayed in each of the "right" decorative pattern display areas 5C) move at high speed from the back to the front of the image display device 5 as a numerical value corresponding to the variable display result being a jackpot, and then stop while swinging in the center of the image display device 5.

Then, when the variable display of the special symbols ends (the small symbols displayed at the right end of the image display device 5 stop in a combination indicating a jackpot), the game is controlled to enter a jackpot game state.

On the other hand, if the variable display result is a miss, as shown in Fig. 10-33(J) and Fig. 10-33(K), a miss notification effect is displayed on the image display device 5 in which an attack from enemy character A hits ally character B and the ally character is defeated, and it is notified that the game is not controlled to a jackpot game state (a miss). At this time, on the image display device 5, the decorative pattern (the decorative pattern displayed in each "right" decorative pattern display area 5C) moves from the top of the image display device 5 at a slow speed (slower than the jackpot shown in Fig. 10-29(I)) as a numerical value corresponding to the variable display result being a miss, and then stops while swinging in the center of the image display device 5.

As shown in Fig. 10-34(A) and Fig. 10-34(B), when the battle performance (reach performance) for Super Reach β2 reaches the latter half, a video of ally character B attacking enemy character B starts to be displayed as shown in Fig. 10-34(C). During the video, as shown in Fig. 10-34(C) to Fig. 10-34(F), the images of ally character B and enemy character B are enlarged when ally character B is about to launch a close-combat attack on enemy character B during the first enlarged display period, second enlarged display period, and third enlarged display period described above.

In particular, during the first enlarged display period and the second enlarged display period, the first movable body 109SG401 is repeatedly moved between the retracted position and the suggested position as movable body operation suggestion performance B (the movable body unit 109SG400 is repeatedly changed from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10-34(D) and FIG. 10-34(E), during the period when the images of ally character B and enemy character A are being enlarged, an effect image 109SG005X is displayed on the image display device 5, and the enlarged display of the images of ally character B and enemy character A is emphasized by the effect image 109SG005X.

In addition, during the first enlarged display period to the third enlarged display period, the movable body LED 109SG495 provided on the first movable body 109SG401 also emits light at brightness C1.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10-34(F), when the third enlarged display period has elapsed, friendly character B and enemy character B are displayed at display magnification m3 for a predetermined period. Note that the movable body LED 109SG495 is not illuminated during the predetermined period.

As shown in Figures 10-35(G) to 10-35(I), if the variable display result is a jackpot, an explosion effect image 109SG005B is displayed in the center of the image display device 5, overlapping the images of ally character B and enemy character B, as movable body operation presentation B, and multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed moving from the center of the image display device 5 toward the edge of the image display device 5 at a speed V2.

Furthermore, at this time, the first movable body 109SG401 moves from the retracted position to the performance position, and the second movable body 109SG402L and the third movable body 109SG402R move to adjacent positions on the left and right of the first movable body 109SG401 that has moved to the performance position (the movable body unit 109SG400 changes from the first state to the third state). In other words, the explosion effect image 109SG005B is displayed behind the first movable body 109SG401.

After that, after the operation of each movable body is completed (after the movable body unit 109SG400 changes from the third state to the first state), the display of the explosion effect image 109SG005B on the image display device 5 is completed, and the movement of the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R to their respective retreat positions is completed, and the image display device 5 displays a video in which ally character B's attack hits enemy character B and ally character A wins, and it is notified that the game is controlled to a jackpot game state. At this time, in the image display device 5, the decorative patterns (the decorative patterns displayed in each of the "right" decorative pattern display areas 5C) move at high speed from the back to the front of the image display device 5 as a numerical value corresponding to the variable display result being a jackpot, and then stop while swinging in the center of the image display device 5.

Then, when the variable display of the special symbols ends (the small symbols displayed at the right end of the image display device 5 stop in a combination indicating a jackpot), the game is controlled to enter a jackpot game state.

On the other hand, if the variable display result is a miss, as shown in Figures 10-35 (J) and 10-35 (K), a miss notification is displayed on the image display device 5 in which an attack from enemy character B hits ally character B, causing the ally character to be defeated, and it is notified that the game will not be controlled to a jackpot game state (that it is a miss).
At this time, in the image display device 5, the decorative pattern (the decorative pattern displayed in each decorative pattern display area 5C on the "right") moves from the top of the image display device 5 at a slow speed (slower than the jackpot shown in Figure 10-29 (I)) as a numerical value corresponding to the variable display result being a miss, and then stops while oscillating in the center of the image display device 5.

As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this characteristic part 109SG does not display the explosion effect image 109SG005B on the image display device 5 while the movable body operation suggestion performance B is being performed, as shown in Figs. 10-31 to 10-35, but displays the explosion effect image 109SG005B on the image display device 5 while the movable body operation performance B is being performed. Therefore, by displaying the explosion effect image 109SG005B, it is possible to make the enlarged display of the images of the friendly characters and enemy characters during the reach performance and the performance action of the movable body operation performance B by the movable bodies (first movable body 109SG401, second movable body 109SG402L, third movable body 109SG402R) more noticeable, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

In addition, as shown in Figures 10-21 to 10-24, the enlargement speed of the images of each character is different between the first enlarged display period and the second enlarged display period, which improves the presentation effect during the enlarged display period. In addition, the movement speed of the first movable body 109SG401 is the same between the first enlarged display period and the second enlarged display period, which reduces the control load on the first movable body 109SG401 during the movable body movement presentation.

As shown in Figs. 10-21 to 10-24, the enlargement speed during the second enlargement display period is slower than that during the first enlargement display period, and the enlargement speed during the third enlargement display period after the movable body operation suggestion effect ends is even slower than that during the second enlargement display period, so that the enlarged display of the images of the friendly and enemy characters continues even after the movable body operation suggestion effect ends, thereby increasing the interest in the game. Note that, in this characteristic section 109SG, an example is given in which the enlargement speed during the first enlargement display period is the fastest and the enlargement speed during the third enlargement display period is the slowest, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the enlargement speed during the third enlargement display period may be the fastest and the enlargement speed during the first enlargement display period may be the slowest, or the enlargement speed during the second enlargement display period may be the fastest.

As shown in Figs. 10-21 to 10-24, the execution of the pre-reading preview performance is restricted during the reach performance including the enlarged display period, so that it is possible to prevent the player's attention to the reach performance from being reduced by the execution of the pre-reading preview performance. Note that, although this characteristic section 109SG illustrates an example of a form in which the execution of the pre-reading preview performance is restricted throughout the entire execution period of the reach performance, the present invention is not limited to this, and the period in which the execution of the pre-reading preview performance is restricted may be only a part of the reach performance (for example, only the first enlarged display period to the third enlarged display period). Also, this characteristic section 109SG illustrates an example of a form in which the pre-reading preview performance is not executed during the reach performance as a form in which the execution of the pre-reading preview performance is restricted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the pre-reading preview performance may be executed at a lower rate during the reach performance than in other periods.

As shown in Figs. 10-32 and 10-34, the player can see the reach effect while the movable body action suggestion effect B is being executed, but as shown in Figs. 10-33 and 10-35, the visibility of the reach effect is reduced by displaying an explosion effect image 109SG005B on the image display device 5 while the movable body action effect B is being executed. In other words, the visibility of the reach effect effect images (images of friendly characters and enemy characters) changes depending on the operation status of the first movable body 109SG401, making it easier to tell whether the action of the first movable body 109SG401 is an action as a movable body action suggestion effect or an action as a movable body action effect, and the attention level of the first movable body 109SG401 and the reach effect effect effect image can be adjusted.

In addition, as shown in Figures 10-21 and 10-23, while the movable body movement suggestion presentation is being executed, background music, sound effects, and movement suggestion sounds are output from speakers 8L and 8R, while background music, sound effects, and a jackpot notification sound are output from speakers 8L and 8R, so that the player can easily recognize that the presentation sounds output from speakers 8L and 8R are changing before and after the period from the end of the third expanded display period to the start timing of the movable body movement presentation.

In addition, as shown in Figures 10-21 to 10-24, the period T3 is longer than the period T1 required for the first movable body 109SG401 to make one reciprocating movement between the retracted position and the suggested position, and the period T3 is shorter than the period T2 for executing the movable body operation suggestion performance. This prevents the player from mistaking the operation of the first movable body 109SG401 in the movable body operation suggestion performance for the operation of the first movable body 109SG401 in the movable body operation suggestion performance, and also prevents a decrease in interest in the game due to the movable body operation suggestion performance execution period being longer than the execution period of the movable body operation performance in the reach performance of the suggested target.

Also, as shown in Figures 10-21 to 10-24, by turning off the movable body LED 109SG495 during the period from the end of the third enlarged display period to the start of the movable body operation display or the miss notification display, it is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize that the first movable body 109SG401 is not operating during the period when the movable body LED 109SG495 is turned off.

In addition, as shown in Figures 10-32 and 10-34, in movable body operation suggestion presentation B, only the first movable body 109SG401 is operated, and as shown in Figures 10-33 and 10-35, in movable body operation presentation B, the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R are all operated, making it easier for the player to distinguish whether the operation of the movable body is an operation as part of the movable body operation suggestion presentation or an operation as part of the movable body operation presentation.

In addition, as shown in Figures 10-21 to 10-24, the movable body LED 109SG495 is illuminated at brightness C1 during the first enlarged display period, the second enlarged display period, and the third enlarged display period, and is illuminated at brightness C2, which is brighter than brightness C1, while the movable body operation presentation is being performed. Therefore, the brightness of the movable body LED 109SG495 makes it easier for the player to recognize that the movable body operation presentation is being performed, and also increases the player's interest in playing while the movable body operation presentation is being performed.

Also, as shown in Figures 10-28 and 10-30, while movable body action suggestion performance A is being performed, multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed on the image display device 5, and other reach performance images (images of friendly character A and enemy character A or enemy character B) are displayed with lower contrast than before the first enlarged display period. In other words, the visibility of the reach performance images decreases while movable body action suggestion performance A is being performed, so the star-shaped effect images 109SG005S can be made to stand out, and the movement of these star-shaped effect images 109SG005S at speed V1 can draw the player's attention to the first movable body 109SG401, thereby enhancing the performance effect of the action of the first movable body 109SG401.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10-29 and 10-31, when movable body operation presentation A is being executed, multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed on the image display device 5 moving from the first movable body 109SG401 toward the edge of the image display device 5 at a speed V2 that is faster than speed V1. This makes the multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S stand out in movable body operation presentation A, and the movement of these multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S at speed V2 draws the player's attention to the first movable body 109SG401. This enhances the presentation effect of the operation of the first movable body 109SG401, thereby increasing interest in the game.

Also, as shown in Figures 10-28 (F) and 10-30 (F), before the movable body operation effect A or the miss notification effect is executed, the star-shaped effect image 109SG005S is hidden on the image display device 5, making it easier for the player to recognize that the effect that is about to be executed is a movable body operation effect or a miss notification effect.

The characteristic features 109SG of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these characteristic features, and the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the characteristic portion 109SG, as shown in Figs. 10-21 to 10-24, the start timing of the movable body operation suggestion effect and the start timing of the enlarged display period (first enlarged display period) are the same, that is, the start timing of the reciprocating movement of the first movable body 109SG401 between the retreat position and the suggested position and the start timing of the enlarged display of the effect images (images of friendly characters and enemy characters) of the reach effect are the same. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the start timing of the movable body operation suggestion effect and the start timing of the enlarged display period (first enlarged display period) may be different. In particular, if the start timing of the movable body operation suggestion effect is set to a timing prior to the start timing of the enlarged display period (first enlarged display period), the player's attention can be increased to the reciprocating movement of the first movable body 109SG401 as the movable body operation suggestion effect.

Furthermore, in the characteristic portion 109SG, an example is given in which the display mode of the image on the image display device 5 after the end of the enlarged display period is almost the same as the display mode of the image on the image display device 5 immediately before the end of the enlarged display period (only the display magnification differs slightly), but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as a modified example 109SG-2, after the end of the enlarged display period, the display mode of the image on the image display device 5 may be made different from that immediately before the end of the enlarged display period by displaying a specific performance or an effect image on the image display device 5. In this way, it is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize that the enlarged display period has ended after the end of the enlarged display period.

Furthermore, in the characteristic portion 109SG, an example was given of a form in which the image display device 5 can display an explosion effect image 109SG005B in response to the movements of the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R during a reach performance, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example 109SG-3, the image display device 5 may be capable of displaying an effect image in response to the progress of a battle performance between an ally character and an enemy character that is executed as a reach performance.

In this way, when the image display device 5 is capable of displaying both the explosion effect image 109SG005B corresponding to the movement of the movable body and the effect image corresponding to the progress of the battle presentation, the size of the explosion effect image 109SG005B corresponding to the movement of the movable body and the effect image corresponding to the progress of the battle presentation may be made different. By doing so, the image display device 5 can display an effect image of an appropriate size corresponding to the difference between the movement of the movable body and the battle presentation during the reach presentation, thereby increasing interest in the game.

Furthermore, if the image display device 5 is capable of displaying both an explosion effect image 109SG005B corresponding to the movement of the movable body and an effect image corresponding to the progress of the battle presentation, the image transparency of the explosion effect image 109SG005B corresponding to the movement of the movable body and the effect image corresponding to the progress of the battle presentation may be made different. In this way, the image display device 5 can display an effect image with an appropriate image transparency corresponding to the difference between the movement of the movable body and the battle presentation during the reach presentation, thereby increasing interest in the game.

In addition, in the characteristic portion 109SG, a form in which the visibility of the ally character and the enemy character on the image display device 5 is not changed during the period from the end of the movable body operation suggestion performance and the enlarged display period to the start timing of the movable body operation performance or the miss notification performance has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example 109SG-4, during the period from the end of the movable body operation suggestion performance and the enlarged display period to the start timing of the movable body operation performance or the miss notification performance, the visibility of the ally character and the enemy character may be reduced by setting the contrast and brightness on the image display device 5 to a first low visibility state that is lower than that before the enlarged display period ends. Furthermore, when the movable body operation performance is executed (when the variable display result is a jackpot), the visibility of the ally character and the enemy character may be further reduced by setting the contrast and brightness on the image display device 5 to a second low visibility state that is even lower than the first low visibility state. By doing this, after the end of the enlarged display period, the player can easily recognize that the enlarged display period has ended due to the reduced visibility of the friendly and enemy characters on the image display device 5, and when the movable body performance is being performed, attention can be increased to the movements of the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R.

In addition, as shown in Figs. 10-28 to 10-35, the characteristic section 109SG illustrates an example in which the same presentation image (same ally character and enemy character) is displayed on the image display device 5 during the execution of the movable body action suggestion presentation and during the execution of the movable body action presentation, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a modified example 109SG-5, different presentation images may be displayed on the image display device 5 during the execution of the movable body action suggestion presentation. In particular, the number of types of presentation images displayed on the image display device 5 during the execution of the movable body action suggestion presentation may be greater than the number of types of presentation images displayed on the image display device 5 during the execution of the movable body action suggestion presentation. In this way, the number of variations of presentation images displayed on the image display device 5 during the execution of the movable body action suggestion presentation can be increased, thereby increasing the interest in playing when the movable body action suggestion presentation is being executed.

In addition, as shown in Figures 10-28 to 10-35, the characteristic section 109SG exemplifies a form in which the same performance image (same ally character and enemy character) is displayed on the image display device 5 during the execution of a movable body action suggestion performance and during the execution of a movable body action performance, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a modified example 109SG-6, while the movable body action suggestion performance is being executed, the image display device 5 may display a movable body action suggestion performance corresponding image that corresponds to the movable body action suggestion performance, while while the movable body action performance is being executed, the image display device 5 may display an image different from the movable body action suggestion performance corresponding image as the movable body action suggestion performance corresponding to the movable body action performance.

Furthermore, when movable body motion suggestion performance corresponding images and movable body motion performance corresponding images can be displayed on the image display device 5, the display period of the movable body motion suggestion performance corresponding images and the display period of the movable body motion performance corresponding images can be made different. In this way, it becomes possible to display the movable body motion suggestion performance corresponding images and the movable body motion performance corresponding images for an appropriate period corresponding to the operation (whether the movable body motion suggestion performance is being executed or the movable body motion performance is being executed) of the first movable body 109SG401, the second movable body 109SG402L, and the third movable body 109SG402R.

Furthermore, when the movable body operation performance corresponding image is displayed on the image display device 5, the visibility of the movable body operation performance corresponding image may be reduced by lowering the contrast or brightness of the image display device 5. In this way, when a movable body operation performance is executed, the player's attention can be increased to the movable body operation performance rather than the movable body operation performance corresponding image.

Furthermore, when a movable body action suggestion performance corresponding image is displayed on the image display device 5, a movable body action suggestion performance corresponding sound corresponding to the movable body action suggestion performance corresponding image may be output from the speaker 8L8R, and when a movable body action suggestion performance corresponding image is displayed on the image display device 5, a movable body action suggestion performance corresponding sound corresponding to the movable body action performance corresponding image may be output from the speaker 8L8R. In this way, sounds corresponding to each image displayed on the image display device 5 when the movable body action suggestion performance is being performed and when the movable body action performance is being performed can be output from the speakers 8L, 8R, so that the player can easily recognize that the movable body action suggestion performance or the movable body action performance is being performed.

Furthermore, when a movable body action presentation is executed during a reach presentation (when the variable display result is a jackpot), the image display device 5 may start displaying an image corresponding to the movable body action presentation from a timing prior to the start of the movable body action presentation. This can heighten the player's anticipation for the movable body action presentation to start during the reach presentation of a super reach, and can also increase attention to the movable body action presentation.

In the characteristic part 109SG, in the reach performance of Super Reach α1 and Super Reach α2, a form in which a display in which multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S move toward the first movable body 109SG401 at a speed V1 is executed as the movable body operation suggestion performance A on the image display device 5 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example 109SG-7, the speed V1 may be variable within a predetermined range rather than a constant speed. In this case, for example, as the movable body operation suggestion performance A, when the multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S move toward the first movable body 109SG401, the speed of the star-shaped effect images 109SG005S is changed to a slower speed as they approach the first movable body 109SG401 (the speed V1 is changed to a slower speed). Note that the speed V2 of the multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S when the movable body operation performance A is executed may be set to a speed faster than the maximum speed of the speed V1. In this way, when movable object operation suggestion performance A is being performed, the movement speed (speed V1) of the multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S displayed on the image display device 5 changes, which increases interest in the game.

In addition, in the characteristic section 109SG, an example is given of a form in which one action suggestion sound is output from speakers 8L and 8R in response to the execution of a movable body action suggestion performance, and one jackpot notification sound is output from speakers 8L and 8R in response to the execution of a movable body action performance, but the present invention is not limited to this, and multiple sounds may be output as the action suggestion sound and jackpot notification sound output from speakers 8L and 8R.

Furthermore, in cases where multiple sounds can be output as the action suggestion sound or jackpot notification sound from speakers 8L, 8R, multiple output start timings for the action suggestion sound or jackpot notification sound may be provided, and different sounds may be output from speakers 8L, 8R depending on the timing at which the output of the action suggestion sound or jackpot notification sound starts. In this way, the player can easily recognize that a movable body action suggestion performance or a movable body action performance is being performed by the sounds output from speakers 8L, 8R, and since these action suggestion sounds and jackpot notification sounds change depending on the output timing, interest in the game can be increased.

In particular, when the output timing of the action suggestion sound is determined from a plurality of timings, the output timing may be determined at different ratios depending on the variable display result. In this case, the player can be drawn to the timing at which the output of the action suggestion sound starts, thereby increasing the interest in the game. Also, when the output timing of the jackpot notification sound is determined from a plurality of timings, the output timing may be determined at different ratios depending on the type of jackpot or the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In this case, the player can be drawn to the timing at which the output of the jackpot notification sound starts, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

In addition, in the characteristic portion 109SG, as shown in Figs. 10-21 to 10-24, the first movable body 109SG401 is moved back and forth at a constant speed between the retracted position and the suggested position during the execution period of the movable body operation suggestion performance, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the first movable body 109SG401 is moved back and forth between the retracted position and the suggested position during the execution period of the movable body operation suggestion performance, the first movable body 109SG401 may be stopped once at the retracted position and the suggested position, or the first movable body 109SG401 may be decelerated or accelerated in a position near the retracted position and the suggested position. In this way, it is possible to prevent loss of synchronism in the first movable body motor 109SG421 for operating the first movable body 109SG401.

In addition, in the characteristic portion 109SG, after the movable body operation suggestion performance is completed, the first movable body 109SG401 is made to wait in a retreat position until the movable body operation performance or the miss notification performance is started. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after the movable body operation suggestion performance is completed, the first movable body 109SG401 may be made to wait in the suggested position until the movable body operation performance or the miss notification performance is started. In this way, when the movable body operation performance is executed, the first movable body 109SG401 can be immediately moved to the performance position, which can increase the interest in the game. Furthermore, after the movable body operation suggestion performance is completed, the first movable body 109SG401 is maintained in the suggested position, which can arouse the player's anticipation for the movable body operation performance to be executed.

In addition, in the characteristic portion 109SG, as shown in Figures 10-21 to 10-24, the rising speed of the first movable body 109SG401 is the same when the movable body operation suggestion performance is executed and when the movable body operation performance is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the rising speed of the first movable body 109SG401 may be different when the movable body operation suggestion performance is executed and when the movable body operation performance is executed.

In addition, in the characteristic part 109SG, as shown in FIG. 10-20, an example is given in which the update control of the effect image displayed on the image display device 5 and the movement control of the movable bodies (first movable body 109SG401, second movable body 109SG402L, third movable body 109SG402R) are each executed based on a control timer, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to the update control of the effect image displayed on the image display device 5 and the movement control of the movable bodies, the lighting control of the LEDs provided on the pachinko game machine 1 and the output control of the effect sounds from the speakers 8L and 8R may also be executed based on each dedicated control timer.

When performing the update control of the performance image displayed on the image display device 5, the movement control of the movable body, the lighting control of the LEDs, and the output control of the performance sound, for example, the performance control CPU 120 executes a timer interrupt every 1 ms (S73 to S77 of the performance control main process shown in FIG. 8 are executed every 1 ms), and the update control of the performance image is executed every 33 ms, the movement control of the movable body is executed every 1 ms, the lighting control of the LEDs is executed every 10 ms, and the output control of the performance sound is executed every 1 ms. In particular, when the update control of the performance image, the lighting control of the LEDs, and the output control of the performance sound are executed, the movement control of the movable body (the drive control of the first movable body motor 109SG421, the second movable body motor 109SG422, and the third movable body motor 109SG423) is always executed, so that the movement control of the movable body, the update control of the performance image, the lighting control of the LEDs, and the output control of the performance sound can be executed suitably.

In addition, in the characteristic section 109SG, an example is given of a form in which the movable body LED 109SG495 is illuminated while the movable body operation suggestion performance is being executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of illumination modes of the movable body LED 109SG495 may be provided, and the proportion at which the movable body LED 109SG495 is controlled to the jackpot game state may be varied depending on the illumination mode in which the movable body LED 109SG495 is illuminated while the movable body operation suggestion performance is being executed.

In addition, in the characteristic portion 109SG, an example is given of a form in which multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed on the image display device 5 as movable body operation suggestion performance A, but the present invention is not limited to this, and multiple display modes of the star-shaped effect image 109SG005S displayed on the image display device 5 as movable body operation suggestion performance A may be provided, and the proportion of the game state controlled to a jackpot may be varied depending on which mode the star-shaped effect image 109SG005S is displayed in as movable body operation suggestion performance A.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10-25, the characteristic portion 109SG illustrates a form in which the first movable body 109SG401 does not move back and forth between the retreat position and the suggested position (movable body movement suggestion effect) during the third expanded display period, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a case may be provided in which the first movable body 109SG401 moves back and forth between the retreat position and the suggested position during the third expanded display period as well. In particular, by making it possible to execute the reciprocating movement of the first movable body 109SG401 between the retreat position and the suggested position during the third expanded display period in some cases in which the variable display result is a jackpot, the player can be drawn to whether the first movable body 109SG401 moves back and forth between the retreat position and the suggested position during the third expanded display period, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

In addition, in the characteristic part 109SG, a form is exemplified in which the execution of movable body operation performance A or movable body operation performance B is suggested by moving multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S toward the first movable body 109SG401 (movable body operation suggestion performance A) or by repeatedly moving the first movable body 109SG401 between a retreat position and a suggested position (movable body operation suggestion performance B), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the execution of movable body operation performance A or movable body operation performance B may be suggested in a manner other than the display of these specific images or the operation of the first movable body 109SG401 itself. For example, if the first movable body 109SG401 is equipped with an LED (movable body LED 109SG495) as shown in the characteristic part 109SG, the execution of movable body operation performance A or movable body operation performance B may be suggested by the lighting, blinking cycle, lighting color, etc. of the LED.

In addition, in the characteristic part 109SG, as shown in Fig. 10-28 and Fig. 10-30, a form is exemplified in which, as movable body operation suggestion performance A, multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S are displayed in a state in which the contrast of the images of ally character A and enemy character A or enemy character B is reduced on the image display device 5 (see Fig. 10-28 (D) and Fig. 10-30 (D)). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as movable body operation suggestion performance A, the display of multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S may be started from a timing (for example, the timing of Fig. 10-28 (C) or Fig. 10-30 (C)) before the contrast of the images of ally character A and enemy character A or enemy character B is reduced on the image display device 5.

In this way, when the display of the multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S is started at a timing before the contrast of the images of friendly character A and enemy character A or enemy character B is reduced on the image display device 5, the transparency (transparency) of the multiple star-shaped effect images 109SG005S may be increased so that the effect images being displayed on the image display device 5 (the images of friendly character A and enemy character A or enemy character B in the examples of Figures 10-28 and 10-30) are easier to see than when the contrast is reduced.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10-29(G) and other figures, the characteristic portion 109SG shows an example in which an explosion effect image 109SG005B is displayed on the image display device 5 when a movable body movement performance is being performed, and part of the performance image displayed on the image display device 5 becomes invisible due to the explosion effect image 109SG005B, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when a movable body movement performance is being performed, the explosion effect image 109SG005B or an image dedicated to the movable body movement performance may be displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5, and all other performance images may become invisible.

In addition, in the characteristic section 109SG, an example was given of a form in which a movable body action presentation is executed during the reach presentation of a super reach, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the timing for executing the movable body action presentation may be a timing other than during the reach presentation of a super reach. For example, as a modified example 109SG-8, as shown in Figures 10-36(A), 10-36(B), and 10-37(C) to 10-37(H), it may be possible to execute the movable body action presentation during the period from when the combination of decorative symbols becomes reach to the start timing of the reach presentation of a super reach.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 10-36(B), after the reach is reached, the movable body operation suggestion effect is first started, and the image display device 5 displays an image of the character with eyes closed as a branching effect to notify whether the reach effect to be executed thereafter will branch into a reach effect with high expectation (high probability of being controlled into a jackpot game state) (for example, the reach effects of Super Reach α1, Super Reach α2, Super Reach β1, and Super Reach β2 described in the characteristic section 109SG) or a reach effect with low expectation (low probability of being controlled into a jackpot game state) (for example, a reach effect with lower expectation than the reach effects of Super Reach α1, Super Reach α2, Super Reach β1, and Super Reach β2 described in the characteristic section 109SG). As the branching effect, the image of the character with eyes closed is displayed, and the character is gradually enlarged during the execution of the movable body operation suggestion effect, as shown in FIG. 10-37(C).

When the variable display is a variable display that executes a low-expectation reach performance, the display area of the image display device 5 gradually darkens without the character displayed on the image display device 5 opening its eyes, as shown in Figures 10-37(C) to 10-37(E). In other words, in this branching performance, the character displayed on the image display device 5 darkens without opening its eyes, thereby announcing that a high-expectation reach performance will not be executed (a low-expectation reach performance will be executed). After the display area of the image display device 5 has completely darkened (after the branching performance has ended), a low-expectation reach performance is executed.

On the other hand, if the variable display is a variable display that executes a high-expectation reach performance, as shown in Figures 10-37 (F) to 10-37 (H), the character displayed on the image display device 5 opens its eyes to notify the user that a high-expectation reach performance will be executed. At this time, a movable body action performance is also executed. Then, after the movable body action performance and the branching performance have ended, a high-expectation reach performance is executed.

In other words, the movable body operation presentation may be executed as a presentation to notify that the game state will be controlled to a jackpot game state, as exemplified in the characteristic section 109SG, but it may also be executed as a presentation to notify that a high-expectation reach presentation will be executed (a presentation to notify that there is a high expectation that the game state will be controlled to a jackpot game state).

In addition, in this modified example 109SG-8, as shown in Figures 10-36 (B) and 10-37 (C), an example is shown in which a character with his eyes closed is gradually enlarged as a branching effect on the image display device 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. When a character with his eyes closed is gradually enlarged as a branching effect, an effect image such as a convergent line may be displayed on the image display device 5 together with the character, so that the player can focus on whether the character will open his eyes or not.

As described above, in the characteristic section 109SG, an example was given of an embodiment in which the present invention is applied as a branch as to whether or not the variable display result is a jackpot during the reach performance of a super reach, but as shown in this modified example 109SG-8, the present invention may also be applied as a branch as to whether a reach performance with low expectation or a reach performance with high expectation is executed. In this case, the specific image in the present invention corresponds to an image of a character (the first specific image is an image of a character with its eyes closed, and the second specific image is an image of a character with its eyes open), and the effect image in the present invention corresponds to an image such as the converging lines described above.

As shown in Figures 10-36 and 10-37, in this modified example 109SG-8, when the movable body action presentation is executed as a presentation to notify that a high expectation reach presentation will be executed, a form is exemplified in which a movable body action suggestion presentation is executed before the execution of the movable body action presentation, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the movable body action suggestion presentation does not have to be executed. Also, the execution rate of the movable body action presentation after that may be different depending on whether or not the movable body action suggestion presentation is executed (the rate at which a high expectation reach presentation is executed may be different). (Explanation of feature portion 162SG)
Next, the characteristic part 162SG (hereinafter, abbreviated as the characteristic part 162SG) in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The pachinko game machine 162SG001 of the characteristic part 162SG has the same configuration as the pachinko game machine 1 of the basic configuration described above, and the description of the same configuration that is given the same reference numeral as the basic configuration will be omitted here, and the characteristic configuration of the pachinko game machine 162SG001 of the characteristic part 162SG that is different from the pachinko game machine 1 of the basic configuration will be described below.

Figure 11-1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pachinko game machine 162SG001 with a characteristic part 162SG. As shown in the block diagram of Figure 11-1, in the pachinko game machine 162SG001 with a characteristic part 162SG, a first special symbol display device 4A, a second special symbol display device 4B, and a normal symbol display device 20 are provided in a lower left position of the game area, which is a predetermined position of the game board 2, and a high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 is provided so as to be visible to the player, for notifying by lighting that a variable display time extension adjustment or a jackpot period extension adjustment, which will be described later, is being performed to adjust the number of game balls paid out (given to the player) in a unit period due to a high ball output state being determined.

These high ball output state notification LEDs 162SG071 are connected to the main board 11, just like the first special pattern display device 4A, the second special pattern display device 4B, and the normal pattern display device 20, and are controlled to be turned on and off by the main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100) executing the ball output state determination process (see Figures 11-13) described below, and the control period for turning these on and off is the same as the control period for the first special pattern display device 4A, the second special pattern display device 4B, and the normal pattern display device 20.

In this way, in the pachinko game machine 162SG001 of the characteristic part 162SG, the lighting of the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 indicates that the machine is in a high ball output state, and it is possible to confirm (understand) that the variable display time extension adjustment and the jackpot period extension adjustment are being performed.

Figure 11-2 (A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a performance control command used in this feature unit 162SG. The performance control command is, for example, two bytes in length, with the first byte indicating MODE (command classification) and the second byte indicating EXT (type of command). The first bit of the MODE data (bit 7) is always set to "1", and the first bit of the EXT data is set to "0". Note that the command format shown in Figure 11-2 (A) is just one example, and other command formats may also be used. Also, in this example, the control command is composed of two control signals, but the number of control signals that make up the control command may be one, or may be three or more.

In the example shown in FIG. 11-2(A), command 8001H is a first variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A. Command 8002H is a second variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special symbol game using the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B. Command 81XXH is a variable pattern designation command that specifies the variable pattern (variable time (variable display time)) of the decorative symbols (also called performance symbols) that are variably displayed in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of the special symbols in the special symbol game. Here, XXH indicates an unspecified hexadecimal number, and may be any value that is set according to the instructions by the performance control command. In addition, in the variable pattern designation command, different EXT data is set according to the specified variable pattern, etc.

Command 8CXXH is a variable display result specification command, a presentation control command that specifies a variable display result such as a special pattern or a decorative pattern. In the variable display result specification command, different EXT data is set depending on the result of the determination (predetermination result) of whether the variable display result (also called the variable display result) is a "miss", "big win", or "small win", and the result of the determination of which of several types of big wins the big win type will be if the variable display result is a "big win", as shown in FIG. 11-2 (B), for example.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11-2 (B), in the variable display result designation command, command 8C00H is a first variable display result designation command indicating a pre-determined result that the variable display result will be "miss". Command 8C01H is a second variable display result designation command notifying the pre-determined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "variable jackpot A". Command 8C02H is a third variable display result designation command notifying the pre-determined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "variable jackpot B". Command 8C03H is a fourth variable display result designation command notifying the pre-determined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "variable jackpot C". Command 8C04H is a fifth variable display result specification command that notifies the predetermined result that the variable display result is "jackpot" and the jackpot type is "non-variable jackpot" and the jackpot type determination result. Command 8C05H is a sixth variable display result specification command that notifies the predetermined result that the variable display result is "small jackpot".

Command 8F00H is a pattern determination command that specifies the stop (determination) of the change of the decorative pattern in each of the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the "left", "middle", and "right" on the image display device 5. Command 95XXH is a game state designation command that specifies the current game state of the pachinko game machine 162SG001. In the game state designation command, different EXT data is set according to the current game state of the pachinko game machine 162SG001, for example. As a specific example, command 9500H is a first game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which neither time-saving control nor probability variable control is performed (low probability low base state, normal state), and command 9501H is a second game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control is performed but probability variable control is not performed (low probability high base state, time-saving state). In addition, command 9502H is a third game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which high probability bonus control is performed but time-saving control is not performed (high probability low base state, high probability bonus state without time-saving), and command 9503H is a fourth game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control and high probability bonus control are both performed (high probability high base state, high probability bonus state with time-saving).

Command 96XXH is a ball-out state designation command that designates the judgment status of the ball-out state judgment in the pachinko game machine 162SG001. In the ball-out state designation command, different EXT data is set according to the judgment status of the ball-out state judgment, as shown in FIG. 11-2 (C). As a specific example, command 9600H is a ball-out state 1 designation command corresponding to a low ball-out state that is not judged to be a high ball-out state, command 9601H is a ball-out state 2 designation command corresponding to a judgment state that is judged to be a first high ball-out state in which the number of consecutive jackpot wins is equal to or greater than the first judgment number (5 times) and less than the second judgment number (10 times), and command 9602H is a ball-out state 3 designation command corresponding to a judgment state that is judged to be a second high ball-out state in which the number of consecutive jackpot wins is equal to or greater than the second judgment number (10 times).

Command 97XXH is a command to notify the number of consecutive wins after a high ball output state has been determined, which is the number of jackpots that have occurred in the determined high ball output state. EXT data corresponding to the number of consecutive wins after a high ball output state is set, and the number of consecutive wins after a high ball output state is specified on the performance control board 12 side by the EXT data.

Command 98XXH is a command that notifies the number of remaining variable displays after the determination, which is the number of variable displays executed after the high ball output state has been determined (including the number of variable displays after the high base state has ended). EXT data corresponding to the number of remaining variable displays after the determination is set, and the number of remaining variable displays after the determination is identified on the performance control board 12 side by the EXT data.

Command A0XXH is a start of jackpot command (also called a "fanfare command") that specifies the display of an effect image indicating the start of a jackpot or small jackpot game. Command A1XXH is a large prize opening open notification command that notifies the player that the large prize opening is in an open state during a jackpot game. Command A2XXH is a large prize opening post-open notification command that notifies the player that the large prize opening has changed from an open state to a closed state during a jackpot game. Command A3XXH is a end of jackpot command that specifies the display of an effect image at the end of a jackpot game or small jackpot game.

In the hit start specification command and hit end specification command, for example, EXT data similar to that of the variable display result specification command may be set, so that different EXT data is set according to the pre-determined result and the result of the big win type determination. Alternatively, in the hit start specification command and hit end specification command, the correspondence between the pre-determined result and the big win type determination result and the EXT data set may be made different from the correspondence in the variable display result specification command. In the large prize opening notification command and the large prize opening after opening notification command, for example, different EXT data is set according to the number of rounds (for example, "1" to "10") executed in the normal opening big win state and the high-speed opening big win state described below.

Command B100H is a first start port entry designation command that notifies the first start condition for executing a special symbol game using a first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A has been established based on the occurrence of a start winning (first start winning) caused by a game ball passing through (entering) the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A being detected by the first start port switch 22A. Command B200H is a second start port entry designation command that notifies the second start condition for executing a special symbol game using a second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B has been established based on the occurrence of a start winning (second start winning) caused by a game ball passing through (entering) the second start winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B being detected by the second start port switch 22B.

Command C1XXH is a first reserved memory number notification command that notifies the first reserved memory number so that the reserved memory number of special charts can be specified. Command C2XXH is a second reserved memory number notification command that notifies the second reserved memory number so that the reserved memory number of special charts can be specified. The first reserved memory number notification command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12 when the first start port entry designation command is transmitted based on, for example, the game ball passing (entering) the first start port and the first start condition being satisfied. The second reserved memory number notification command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12 when the second start port entry designation command is transmitted based on, for example, the game ball passing (entering) the second start port and the second start condition being satisfied. In addition, the first pending memory number notification command and the second pending memory number notification command may be sent in response to the start of execution of the special game when either the first start condition or the second start condition is met (when the pending memory number is reduced).

Instead of the first pending memory number notification command and the second pending memory number notification command, a total pending memory number notification command that notifies the total pending memory number may be sent. In other words, the total pending memory number notification command may be used to notify an increase (or decrease) in the total pending memory number.

Commands C4XXH and C6XXH are presentation control commands (commands specifying the judgment result at the time of winning) that indicate the content of the judgment result at the time of winning. Of these, command C4XXH is a pattern specification command that indicates whether the variable display result will be a "jackpot" or not, the type of jackpot (probable win, non-probable win, or sudden jackpot), and whether it will be a small win, as the judgment result at the time of winning. Command C6XXH is a variable category command that indicates the judgment result at the time of winning, that is, whether the random number value for judging the fluctuation pattern will be a "non-reach", "super reach", or "other".

The commands shown in FIG. 11-2(A) are merely examples, and some of these commands may not be included, or different commands may be used instead of these commands, or different commands may be added to these commands. For example, a prize ball number notification command may be provided to enable the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the game ball's entry into each winning port to be specified, a gate passage notification command to notify that the game ball has passed through the passage gate 41, and a notification command to notify the remaining number of times that the special bonus control or time-saving control will be executed.

Figure 11-3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the random number value counted on the main board 11 side. As shown in Figure 11-3, in this feature section 162SG, on the main board 11 side, the numerical data indicating each of the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the type of jackpot, the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, and the random number value MR4 for determining the normal chart display result are controlled so as to be countable. Note that random number values other than these may be used to enhance the game effect. Such random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also called game random numbers.

The random number circuit 104 may count numerical data indicating some or all of these random number values MR1 to MR4. The CPU 103 may count numerical data indicating some of the random number values MR1 to MR4 by updating various numerical data by software using a random counter different from the random number circuit 104, such as a random counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 162SG154 shown in FIG. 11-9.

The random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result is a random number value used to determine whether or not to control the game state to a jackpot by treating the variable display result of a special symbol or the like in a special symbol game as a "jackpot", and takes a value in the range of "1" to "65536", for example. The random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type is a random number value used to determine the jackpot type as either "Probable jackpot A", "Probable jackpot B", "Probable jackpot C", or "Non-probable jackpot" when the variable display result is a "jackpot", and takes a value in the range of "1" to "100", for example.

The random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is a random number value used to determine the variation pattern in the variable display of special patterns and decorative patterns to one of several types prepared in advance, and can take a value in the range of "1" to "997", for example.

The random number value MR4 for determining the normal symbol display result is a random number value used to determine whether the variable display result in the normal symbol game by the normal symbol display device 20 is a "normal symbol hit" or a "normal symbol miss", and takes a value in the range of "3" to "13", for example.

Figure 11-4 (A) shows an example of the configuration of the display result determination table 1 stored in the ROM 101. In this characteristic section 162SG, a display result determination table common to the first special chart and the second special chart is used as the display result determination table, but the present invention is not limited to this, and separate display result determination tables may be used for the first special chart and the second special chart.

The display result determination table 1 is a table that is referenced to determine whether or not to control the variable display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot" before a determined special pattern that is a variable display result is derived and displayed in a special pattern game using a first special pattern by the first special pattern display device 4A or a special pattern game using a second special pattern by the second special pattern display device 4B, based on a random number value MR1 for determining the special pattern display result.

In the display result determination table 1 in this feature section 162SG, a numerical value (determination value) that is compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result is assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" or "miss" depending on whether the game state of the pachinko game machine 162SG001 is a normal state or time-saving state (low probability state), or a probability change state (high probability state).

In the display result judgment table 1, the table data indicating the judgment value to be compared with the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result is judgment data assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control the special chart display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot". In the display result judgment table 1 in this feature unit 162SG, when the game state is a probability variable state (high probability state), more judgment values are assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" than when it is in a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state). As a result, in the probability variable state (high probability state) in which the probability variable control is performed in the pachinko game machine 162SG001, the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "jackpot" and controlled to a jackpot game state is higher (about 1/30 in this feature unit 162SG) than the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "jackpot" and controlled to a jackpot game state when it is in a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state) (about 1/300 in this feature unit 162SG). That is, in the display result judgment table 1, when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 162SG001 is in a probability variable state (high probability state), the judgment data is assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control to a jackpot gaming state so that the probability of deciding to control to a jackpot gaming state is higher than when the gaming state is in a normal state or a time-saving state.

In addition, FIG. 11-4(B) shows an example of the configuration of the display result determination table 2 stored in the ROM 101. The display result determination table 2 is a table that is referenced to determine whether or not to control the variable display result to a small win game state as a "small win" based on the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result before a determined special symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed in a special symbol game using a first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A or a special symbol game using a second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B.

In the display result determination table 2 in this feature section 162SG, regardless of whether the game state of the pachinko game machine 162SG001 is a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state), or a probability change state (high probability state), a numerical value (determination value) that is compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result is assigned to the special chart display result of "small win".

In the display result determination table 2, the table data indicating the determination value to be compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result is the determination data assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control the special chart display result to a small win game state as a "small win". In the display result determination table 2 in this feature section 162SG, the number of determination values assigned to a "small win" differs between the first special chart special chart game and the second special chart game. Specifically, in the first special chart special chart game, a determination value is assigned to a "small win", but in the second special chart special chart game, no determination value is assigned to a "small win". Therefore, as described below, the variable display of the second special chart is executed with priority over the variable display of the first special chart, and in a high base state in which the time-saving control is executed, a win occurs in the second start winning hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, and the variable display of the second special chart is executed frequently, so that "small wins" hardly occur. In a high base state in which game balls are likely to enter the second start winning hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, the occurrence of small wins in which many game balls cannot be obtained can be avoided, and a decrease in interest in the game can be prevented.

Figure 11-5 (A) shows an example of the configuration of a jackpot type determination table stored in ROM 101. The jackpot type determination table in this feature unit 162SG is a table that is referenced to determine the jackpot type as one of multiple types based on the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination when it is determined that the special symbol display result is a "jackpot" and the jackpot game state is controlled. In the jackpot type determination table, a number (determination value) that is compared with the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination is assigned to multiple types of jackpot types such as "non-variable jackpot", "variable jackpot A", "variable jackpot B", and "variable jackpot C" depending on whether the special symbol that is variably displayed (variably displayed) in the special symbol game is the first special symbol (special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A) or the second special symbol (special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B).

Now, the types of jackpots in this feature section 162SG will be explained using FIG. 11-5 (B). In this feature section 162SG, the jackpot types are set to "Probable variable jackpot A" and "Probable variable jackpot B", in which high probability control and time-saving control are executed after the jackpot game state ends, transitioning to a high probability, high base state; "Probable variable jackpot C", in which high probability control is executed but time-saving control is not executed after the jackpot game state ends, transitioning to a high probability, low base state; and "Non-probable variable jackpot", in which only time-saving control is executed after the jackpot game state ends, transitioning to a low probability, high base state.

The jackpot game state by "probable jackpot A" is a normal opening jackpot in which the rounds that change the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state that is advantageous to the player are repeated 10 times (so-called 10 rounds). On the other hand, the jackpot game state by "probable jackpot B" is a normal opening jackpot in which the rounds that change the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state that is advantageous to the player are repeated 5 times (so-called 5 rounds). Also, the jackpot game state by "non-probable jackpot" is a normal opening jackpot in which the rounds that change the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state that is advantageous to the player are repeated 10 times (so-called 10 rounds). Therefore, "probable jackpot A" may be called a 10-round (10R) probable jackpot, and "probable jackpot B" may be called a 5-round (5R) probable jackpot. Furthermore, in the jackpot game of "Probable jackpot C", a round that changes the special variable winning ball device 7 to a first state advantageous to the player is repeatedly executed twice (so-called two rounds), and the opening period of the special variable winning ball device 7 in each round is shorter (for example, 0.1 seconds) than other jackpot games, making it a high-speed opening jackpot. Note that, during jackpot games of any type, no probable jackpot control or time-saving control is executed.

Although not shown in the figure, the small win game state in this feature section 162SG changes the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state, which is advantageous to the player, twice, and the opening time is the same as the opening period of the special big win C (0.1 seconds in this feature section 162SG). After the small win game ends, the game state immediately before the small win game is carried over.

In other words, in this feature section 162SG, when it is decided to have a "high probability jackpot C" or a "small jackpot", the variable display is executed in the same variable pattern (PC1-1 shown in FIG. 11-6), and the chance eye is displayed as a variable display result. Furthermore, since the opening pattern of the special variable winning ball device 7 is the same, it is not possible to distinguish from these variable displays and the opening pattern of the special variable winning ball device 7 whether it is a "high probability jackpot C" in which high probability control is executed, or a "small jackpot" in which the previous game state continues without high probability control. Therefore, after the end of the high probability jackpot C jackpot game or small jackpot game, it is possible to have the player continue playing while expecting that high probability control is being executed.

The high probability control and time-saving control executed after the end of the jackpot game state of the variable probability jackpot A or the variable probability jackpot B will continue to be executed until another jackpot occurs after the end of the jackpot game state. Therefore, if the jackpot that occurs again is the variable probability jackpot A or the variable probability jackpot B, the high probability control and time-saving control will be executed again after the end of the jackpot game state, resulting in a so-called consecutive jackpot state in which the jackpot game state occurs continuously without going through the normal state.

On the other hand, the time-saving control that is executed after the end of the jackpot game state due to a "non-variable jackpot" ends when a specified number of special game games (100 times in this feature section 162SG) are played, or when the jackpot game state is reached before the specified number of special game games are played.

Note that a jackpot that occurs in a low base state may be described as a first jackpot (first hit), and a jackpot that occurs in a time-saving state (high-probability high base state and low-probability high base state) may be described as a consecutive jackpot (consecutive hit). The period of the jackpot state and high base state from when the first jackpot (first hit) occurs until it is controlled to the normal state is also called the consecutive hit period (advantageous period). Note that in this feature section 162SG, even if a special jackpot C occurs, it is not controlled to a high base after the jackpot, so the special jackpot C is not considered to be the first jackpot (first hit), and if a jackpot occurs in the special jackpot state after the special jackpot C, the jackpot is considered to be the first jackpot (first hit), but the present invention is not limited to this, and these special jackpots C may be considered to be first jackpots (first hits), and the period of the high-probability low base state after the special jackpot C may also be included in the consecutive hit period (advantageous period).

In addition, although this feature is not implemented in feature unit 162SG, instead of the sure-variable jackpot C, a sudden time-saving jackpot may be provided in which the game state after the jackpot becomes a low-probability high-base state, and in this case, the sudden time-saving jackpot becomes the first jackpot (initial hit).

Furthermore, for example, when a time-saving pattern (such as a 137 stopping pattern or a stopping pattern exclusive to time-saving that is not displayed in the variable display) is derived and displayed as a stopping pattern, the high base state may be controlled without executing a round of play that opens the special variable winning ball device 7, and when the game is controlled directly from the normal state to the high base state in this way, the start of the high base state marks the start of the consecutive win period (advantageous period).

In other words, the winning streak period (advantageous period) is the period from when the normal state is controlled to either the jackpot state (advantageous state) or the high base state (special state) until it is subsequently controlled to the normal state.

In the example of the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 11-5(A), the allocation of determination values to the jackpot types "Probable variable jackpot A", "Probable variable jackpot B", "Probable variable jackpot C", and "Non-probable variable jackpot" differs depending on whether the variably displayed special chart is the first special chart or the second special chart. In other words, when the variably displayed special chart is the first special chart, a predetermined range of determination values (values in the range of "81" to "100") are assigned to the jackpot types "Probable variable jackpot B" and "Probable variable jackpot C" with fewer rounds, whereas when the variably displayed special chart is the second special chart, no determination value is assigned to the jackpot types "Probable variable jackpot B" and "Probable variable jackpot C". With this setting, the ratio of determining the jackpot type to "probable jackpot B" or "probable jackpot C" with fewer rounds can be made different between the case where the first start condition for starting a special game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A is satisfied and the case where the jackpot type is determined to be one of the multiple types based on the second start condition for starting a special game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B being satisfied. In particular, in a special game using the second special symbol, the jackpot type is not determined to be "probable jackpot B" or "probable jackpot C" and controlled to a normal opening jackpot state or a high-speed opening jackpot state with fewer rounds, so that, for example, in a game state where game balls are likely to enter the second start winning hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B due to high opening control accompanying time reduction control, frequent occurrence of a jackpot state with fewer winning balls can be avoided, preventing a decline in game interest.

In the example of the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 11-5(A), the allocation of the determination value for the "non-probability variable" jackpot type is the same regardless of whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart game, so the probability of a non-probability variable jackpot and the probability of a probability variable jackpot are the same regardless of whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart game.

As described above, the allocation of judgment values for "Probable Variable Jackpot B" and "Probable Variable Jackpot C" differs depending on whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart, and accordingly, the allocation of judgment values for "Probable Variable Jackpot A" also differs depending on whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart, and for "Probable Variable Jackpot A" which has a larger number of rounds, it is set up so that it is easier to determine in the second special chart game than in the first special chart game.

In addition, in the case of the special chart game of the second special chart, a predetermined range of judgment values different from that in the case of the special chart game of the first special chart may be assigned to the jackpot type of "Probable jackpot B" or "Probable jackpot C". For example, in the case of the special chart game of the second special chart, a smaller judgment value than that in the case of the special chart game of the first special chart may be assigned to the jackpot type of "Probable jackpot B" or "Probable jackpot C" compared to the case of the special chart game of the first special chart. Alternatively, regardless of whether it is the special chart game of the first special chart or the second special chart, the jackpot type may be determined by referring to common table data.

Figure 11-6 shows the variation patterns in this feature section 162SG. In this feature section 162SG, a plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance for the cases where the variable display result is a "miss" and the variable display state of the decorative pattern is a "non-reach" and a "reach", and for the cases where the variable display result is a "big hit" or a "small hit". The variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is a "miss" and the variable display state of the decorative pattern is a "non-reach" is called a non-reach variation pattern (also called a "non-reach miss variation pattern"), and the variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is a "miss" and the variable display state of the decorative pattern is a "reach" is called a reach variation pattern (also called a "reach miss variation pattern"). The non-reach variation pattern and the reach variation pattern are included in the miss variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is a "miss". The variation pattern that corresponds to the variable display result being "jackpot" is called the jackpot variation pattern.

There are two types of jackpot fluctuation patterns and reach fluctuation patterns: a normal reach fluctuation pattern in which a normal reach reach performance is executed, and a super reach fluctuation pattern in which a super reach reach performance is executed. Note that in this feature section 162SG, only one type of normal reach fluctuation pattern is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and multiple normal reach fluctuation patterns may be provided, such as normal reach α, normal reach β, .... Also, multiple super reach fluctuation patterns may be provided in the super reach fluctuation pattern, such as super reach α, super reach β, ....

The variation patterns in this feature section 162SG also include a special winning variation pattern (PC1-1) that corresponds to the case where the variable display result is a "small win" or the variable display result is a "jackpot" and the jackpot type is a "high probability jackpot C."

As shown in Figure 11-6, the special chart variable display time of the normal reach fluctuation pattern in which the reach performance of the normal reach is executed in this feature section 162SG is set shorter than that of the super reach fluctuation pattern.

In addition, in this characteristic section 162SG, as described below, instead of first determining the type of the fluctuation pattern, such as the non-reach type, normal reach type, super reach type, etc., and then determining the fluctuation pattern to be executed from the fluctuation patterns belonging to the determined type, the fluctuation patterns are determined using only the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination without determining these types, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, in addition to the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination, a random number value for fluctuation pattern type determination may be provided, and the type of fluctuation pattern may be determined first from these random number values for fluctuation pattern type determination, and then the fluctuation pattern to be executed may be determined from the fluctuation patterns belonging to the determined type.

Figure 11-7 is an explanatory diagram of how the variation pattern is determined in this feature section 162SG. In this feature section 162SG, the variation pattern determination table to be selected varies depending on the display result of the variable display to be executed and the number of reserved memories.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11-7, if the variable display result is a non-probable jackpot, the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined from PB1-1 (the normal reach jackpot fluctuation pattern) and PB1-2 (the super reach jackpot fluctuation pattern) using the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A. Also, if the variable display result is a probable jackpot A or a probable jackpot B, the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined from PB1-1 (the normal reach jackpot fluctuation pattern) and PB1-2 (the super reach jackpot fluctuation pattern) using the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A.

As shown in FIG. 11-7, the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A and the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B have different numbers of judgment values assigned to PB1-1 and PB1-2. Specifically, in the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A, 498 judgment values are assigned to PB1-1, and 497 judgment values are assigned to PB1-2. On the other hand, in the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B, 250 judgment values are assigned to PB1-1, and 747 judgment values are assigned to PB1-2. In other words, in this feature section 162SG, when the variable display result is a sure-variable jackpot A or a sure-variable jackpot B, the fluctuation pattern is determined to be PB1-2, which is a super reach fluctuation pattern, at a higher rate than when the variable display result is a non-sure-variable jackpot, so that it is possible to draw the player's attention to the fluctuation pattern in the variable display.

In addition, if the variable display result is a guaranteed big win C or a small win, a special win variation pattern determination table is selected, and the variation pattern is determined to be PC1-1 (special win variation pattern) using the special win variation pattern determination table. In other words, in this feature section 162SG, the variable display is executed with the same variation pattern when the variable display result is a guaranteed big win C or a small win, so it is difficult for the player to determine from the variation pattern whether the variable display result is a guaranteed big win C or a small win.

In addition, in the normal game state (low base state), if the variable display result is "miss" and the number of reserved memories of the variable special chart is two or less, the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined from PA1-1 (non-reach miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-1 (normal reach miss fluctuation pattern), and PA2-2 (super reach miss fluctuation pattern) using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A.

In addition, in the normal game state (low base state), if the variable display result is "miss" and the number of reserved memories of the variable special chart is four, the miss fluctuation pattern determination table C is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined from PA1-3 (shortened fluctuation pattern of non-reach miss), PA2-1 (fluctuation pattern of normal reach miss), and PA2-2 (fluctuation pattern of super reach miss) using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table C.

In addition, when the variable display result is "miss" in the time-saving state (high base state), the miss fluctuation pattern determination table D is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined from PA1-4 (time-saving shortened fluctuation pattern for non-reach miss), PA2-1 (normal reach miss fluctuation pattern), and PA2-2 (super reach miss fluctuation pattern) using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table D.

In other words, when the variable display result in this feature section 162SG is a "miss," the percentage of variable display being executed using a shortening variable pattern (PA1-2, PA1-3, PA1-4) in which the special chart variable display time is shorter than the normal non-miss variable pattern (PA1-1) based on the number of reserved memories of the variable chart being three or four, or on the time-saving state, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming protracted while shortening the period until the next variable display result is a jackpot.

Next, the relationship between the fluctuation pattern and the ball output state will be explained using Figure 11-8. The ball output state flag in Figure 11-8 is a flag that is updated by the ball output state determination process shown in Figure 11-13 described later, and is set to "0" when the ball output state is low, set to "1" when the ball output state is the first high ball output state, and set to "2" when the ball output state is the second high ball output state. Depending on the value of the ball output state flag, it is possible to identify whether the ball output state at that time is the low ball output state, the first high ball output state, or the second high ball output state.

The variable display time of each fluctuation pattern corresponding to the low ball output state where the ball output state flag is set to "0" is the same as the variable display time of each fluctuation pattern shown in FIG. 11-6, and the variable display time corresponding to the ball output state flag set to "0" is not extended, but the variable display time of the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the first high ball output state where the ball output state flag is set to "1" is extended by setting the variable display time of the fluctuation pattern of the non-reach miss (PA1-1 to PA1-4) which occurs frequently to a variable display time longer than the variable display time of the fluctuation pattern of the non-reach miss (PA1-1 to PA1-4) which corresponds to the ball output state flag set to "0", and when the ball output state flag is set to "1", the variable display of the non-reach miss of these extended variable display times is executed, thereby lengthening the average variable display time.

In addition, the variable display time of the variable pattern corresponding to the second high ball output state, in which the ball output state flag is set to "2", is extended by setting a variable display time that is even longer than the variable display time of the variable pattern of the non-reach miss (PA1-1 to PA1-4), normal reach miss (PA2-1), and normal reach jackpot, which corresponds to the ball output state flag "1". When the ball output state flag is set to "2", the variable display of the non-reach miss, normal reach miss, and normal reach jackpot of these extended variable display times is executed, so that the average variable display time is even longer.

These extended variable display times are as follows: for non-reach PA1-1, which is a non-reduced fluctuation pattern, it is 1 second in the first high ball output state where the ball output state flag is "1", and 1.5 seconds in the second high ball output state where the ball output state flag is "2". For non-reach PA1-2 to non-reach PA1-4, which are shortened fluctuation patterns, it is 0.5 seconds in the first high ball output state where the ball output state flag is "1", and 1.0 seconds in the second high ball output state where the ball output state flag is "2". For PA2-1 and PB1-1, which are reach fluctuation patterns, it is 0 seconds in the first high ball output state where the ball output state flag is "1", and 5 seconds in the second high ball output state where the ball output state flag is "2".

Note that the length of the extended variable display time shown in FIG. 11-8 is merely an example, and the extension may be different from these lengths. For example, in the second high ball output state, the extension may be longer than in the first high ball output state.

In the example shown in FIG. 11-8, the average variable display time can be efficiently lengthened by extending the non-reach missed fluctuation pattern, which has a high determination rate and is therefore executed frequently, and the normal reach fluctuation pattern, which is executed more frequently than the super reach. In addition, for the reach and super reach fluctuation patterns, which have a large amount of data related to the performance due to their long variable display time, an embodiment is shown in which an increase in data volume caused by storing multiple data by extending the variable display time can be prevented. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, for all fluctuation patterns, a predetermined extension time of "1 second" can be uniformly added to the variable display time to extend it, and during this extended period, a common performance using common performance data can be executed for each fluctuation pattern.

In the example shown in FIG. 11-8, in the first high ball output state where the ball output state flag is "1", only the non-reach miss fluctuation pattern is extended, and when the ball output state flag is "2", the reach fluctuation pattern is also extended, so that the average variable display time can be extended more efficiently by increasing the number of fluctuation patterns to be extended in the second high ball output state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even when the ball output state flag is "2", only the fluctuation patterns extended when the ball output state flag is "1" may be further extended, so that the fluctuation patterns to be extended do not change depending on the ball output state, thereby preventing the control load related to the extension from increasing excessively.

In the example shown in FIG. 11-8, not only the fluctuation pattern of non-reach PA1-4 corresponding to the time-saving state (high base state) in which the variable display is executed during the consecutive winning period, but also the variable display in the normal state when the consecutive winning period (advantageous period) ends so as to be able to respond to the case where a jackpot occurs again with a small number of variable display times after the consecutive winning period (advantageous period) ends and the game is controlled to the normal state, as described below, the fluctuation pattern of non-reach PA1-1 to non-reach PA1-3 corresponding to the normal state is also extended, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to extend only the fluctuation pattern of non-reach PA1-4 corresponding to the time-saving state (high base state) in which the variable display is executed during the consecutive winning period.

The RAM 102 in this characteristic section 162SG is provided with a game control data holding area 162SG150 as shown in FIG. 11-9, for example, as an area for holding various data used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 162SG001. The game control data holding area 162SG150 shown in FIG. 11-9 includes a first special chart reserve memory section 162SG151A, a second special chart reserve memory section 162SG151B, a normal chart reserve memory section 162SG151C, a game control flag setting section 162SG152, a game control timer setting section 162SG153, a game control counter setting section 162SG154, and a game control buffer setting section 162SG155.

The first special symbol reservation memory unit 162SG151A stores reservation data of a special symbol game (a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A) in which a game ball has passed (entered) through the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A and a start winning (first start winning) has occurred but has not yet started. As an example, the first special symbol reservation memory unit 162SG151A associates reservation numbers with the order of winning (the order of detection of the game ball) in the first start winning port, and stores, as reservation data, random number values MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, random number values MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and numerical data indicating random number values MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, which are extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104, etc. based on the establishment of the first start condition when the game ball passes (enters), until the number of memories reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "4"). The reserved data stored in the first special chart reserved memory unit 162SG151A thus indicates that the execution of a special chart game using the first special chart is on hold, and serves as reserved information that makes it possible to determine whether or not a jackpot will be reached based on the variable display result (special chart display result) in this special chart game.

The second special symbol reservation memory unit 162SG151B stores reservation data of a special symbol game (a special symbol game using a second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B) in which a game ball has passed (entered) through the second start winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B and a start winning (second start winning) has occurred but has not yet started. As an example, the second special symbol reservation memory unit 162SG151B associates reservation numbers with the order of winning (the order of detection of the game ball) into the second start winning port, and stores, as reservation data, the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, which are extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104, etc. based on the establishment of the second start condition when the game ball passes (enters), until the number reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4"). The reserved data stored in the second special chart reserved memory unit 162SG151B thus indicates that the execution of a special chart game using the second special chart is on hold, and serves as reserved information that makes it possible to determine whether or not a jackpot will be reached based on the variable display result (special chart display result) in this special chart game.

The reserved information (first reserved information) based on the establishment of the first start condition by the game ball passing (entering) the first start winning port, and the reserved information (second reserved information) based on the establishment of the second start winning condition by the game ball passing (entering) the second start winning port may be stored in a common reserved memory unit in association with the reserved number. In this case, start port data indicating whether the game ball passed (entered) the first or second start winning port may be included in the reserved information and stored in association with the reserved number.

The regular symbol reserve memory unit 162SG151C stores reserve information for regular symbol games that have not yet been started by the regular symbol display device 20, even though the game ball that passed through the passing gate 41 has been detected by the gate switch 21. For example, the regular symbol reserve memory unit 162SG151C associates the game balls with reserve numbers in the order in which they passed through the passing gate 41, and stores numerical data indicating the random number value MR4 for determining the regular symbol display result extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104, etc. based on the passage of the game ball as reserved data, until the number reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "4").

The game control flag setting unit 162SG152 is provided with multiple types of flags whose states can be updated depending on the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 162SG001. For example, the game control flag setting unit 162SG152 stores data indicating the flag value and data indicating the on or off state for each of multiple types of flags, including the ball output state flag described above.

The game control timer setting unit 162SG153 is provided with various timers used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 162SG001. For example, the game control timer setting unit 162SG153 stores data indicating the timer values of each of multiple types of timers.

The game control counter setting unit 162SG154 is provided with multiple types of counters for counting count values used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 162SG001. For example, the game control counter setting unit 162SG154 stores data indicating the count values of each of the multiple types of counters. Here, the game control counter setting unit 162SG154 may be provided with a random counter for counting some or all of the game random numbers in a manner that allows the CPU 103 to update them by software.

In the random counter of the game control counter setting unit 162SG154, random numbers not generated by the random number circuit 104, for example, numerical data indicating random numbers MR2 to MR4, are stored as random count values, and the numerical data indicating each random number is updated periodically or irregularly according to the execution of software by the CPU 103. The software executed by the CPU 103 to update the random count value may be for updating the random count value separately from the updating operation of the numerical data in the random number circuit 104, or may be for updating the random count value by performing a predetermined process such as scrambling or arithmetic processing on all or part of the numerical data extracted from the random number circuit 104.

The game control buffer setting unit 162SG155 is provided with various buffers that temporarily store data used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 162SG001. For example, the game control buffer setting unit 162SG155 stores data indicating the buffer values in each of multiple types of buffers.

The RAM 122 mounted on the performance control board 12 shown in FIG. 11-1 is provided with a performance control data holding area 162SG190 as shown in FIG. 11-10(A) as an area for holding various data used to control performance operations. The performance control data holding area 162SG190 shown in FIG. 11-10(A) includes a performance control flag setting unit 162SG191, a performance control timer setting unit 162SG192, a performance control counter setting unit 162SG193, and a performance control buffer setting unit 162SG194.

The performance control flag setting unit 162SG191 is provided with multiple types of flags whose states can be updated according to the performance operation state, such as the display state of the performance image on the screen of the image display device 5, and the performance control commands transmitted from the main board 11. For example, the performance control flag setting unit 162SG191 stores data indicating the flag value and data indicating the on or off state for each of the multiple types of flags.

The performance control timer setting unit 162SG192 is provided with multiple types of timers that are used to control the progress of various performance operations, such as the display operation of a performance image on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, the performance control timer setting unit 162SG192 stores data indicating the timer values of each of the multiple types of timers.

The performance control counter setting unit 162SG193 is provided with multiple types of counters used to control the progress of various performance operations. For example, the performance control counter setting unit 162SG193 stores data indicating the count values of each of the multiple types of counters.

The performance control buffer setting unit 162SG194 is provided with various buffers that temporarily store data used to control the progress of various performance operations. For example, the performance control buffer setting unit 162SG194 stores data indicating the buffer values for each of multiple types of buffers.

In this feature section 162SG, data constituting the start winning time receiving command buffer 162SG194A as shown in FIG. 11-10 (B) is stored in a predetermined area of the performance control buffer setting section 162SG194. The start winning time receiving command buffer 162SG194A has a storage area (area corresponding to buffer numbers "1-1" to "1-4") corresponding to the maximum value of the total reserved memory number of the first special symbol reserved memory (for example, "4") and a storage area (area corresponding to buffer number "1-0") corresponding to the first special symbol being displayed variably. In addition, the start winning time receiving command buffer 162SG194A has a storage area (area corresponding to buffer numbers "2-1" to "2-4") corresponding to the maximum value of the total reserved memory number of the second special symbol reserved memory (for example, "4") and a storage area (area corresponding to buffer number "2-0") corresponding to the second special symbol being displayed variably. When a start win occurs at the first start win port or the second start win port, a set of four commands, namely, a start win designation command (first start win designation command or second start win designation command), a pattern designation command, a variable category designation command, and a reserved memory number notification command (first reserved memory number notification command or second reserved memory number notification command), is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. The storage area corresponding to the first special pattern reserved memory and the storage area corresponding to the second special pattern reserved memory in the start win reception command buffer 162SG194A are provided with storage areas (entries) for storing these start win designation commands, pattern designation commands, variable category designation commands, and reserved memory number notification commands separately as the first special pattern reserved memory and the second special pattern reserved memory.

The contents of these storage areas (entries) are shifted up one at a time when the start condition is met and the variable display of the top reserved memory (buffer number "1-1" or buffer number "2-1") begins, as described below, and the contents of buffer number "1-0" or buffer number "2-0", which stores the contents of the reserved memory for which the start condition is met, are cleared in the special chart hit waiting process that is executed when the variable display ends.

Furthermore, in the start winning reception command buffer 162SG194A of this feature section 162SG, a memory area is reserved for each storage area (entry) so that a display pending flag indicating whether or not the display pattern associated with the decision on whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the pre-reading preview setting process (Figure 9) is pending, in other words, indicating that the display pattern is pending because a start opening winning designation command, pattern designation command, variable category designation command, and pending memory number notification command have been newly stored due to the occurrence of a new start winning, and a pending display flag in which a flag value corresponding to the display pattern (display mode) of the pending memory display is set, can be stored in association with each buffer number corresponding to the first special chart pending memory and the second special chart pending memory.

In addition, in the start winning reception command buffer 162SG194A of this feature unit 162SG, a memory area is reserved for each storage area (entry) so that a performance restriction flag can be stored in association with each buffer number corresponding to the first special symbol reserved memory and the second special symbol reserved memory. Note that the performance restriction flag is a flag that indicates that the entry is not subject to the pre-reading preview performance when a start winning occurs at the first start winning port or the second start winning port in the command analysis process (Figure 11-22) but the pattern designation command, variable category designation command, and reserved memory number notification command are not received within the first reserved memory number notification waiting time or the second reserved memory number notification waiting time described below.

In addition, in the pre-reading notice setting process described below, if it is not decided to execute the pre-reading notice performance, the hold display flag is set to "0", which corresponds to the display pattern of the normal hold memory display, and the hold memory display in the normal display mode (e.g., a white circle) is displayed in the first hold memory display area 5D and the second hold memory display area 5U provided at the bottom of the image display device 5. If it is decided to execute the pre-reading notice performance, the hold display flag is set to "1" (square (◇)) or "2" (star (☆)), which corresponds to the display pattern of the hold memory display in a special mode different from the normal display mode (e.g., a square (◇) or a star (☆)), and the hold memory display in a special mode different from the normal display mode is displayed in the first hold memory display area 5D and the second hold memory display area 5U, and the variable display corresponding to the hold memory display predicts the possibility of a jackpot or a super reach.

When a first winning entry is made to the first winning entry, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance stores the command from the top (the entry with the lowest buffer number) of the free entry corresponding to the first special symbol reserved memory in the command buffer 162SG194A for receiving the command at the time of winning, and when a second winning entry is made to the second winning entry, the CPU 120 stores the command from the top (the entry with the lowest buffer number) of the free entry corresponding to the second special symbol reserved memory in the command buffer 162SG194A for receiving the command at the time of winning. When a winning entry is made to the first winning entry, the command from the starting entry designation command to the reserved memory number notification command is sent in sequence. Therefore, when a command is received, the command from the starting entry designation command, the pattern designation command, the variable category designation command, and the reserved memory number notification command are stored in the storage area corresponding to the last "1" to "4" of the buffer number corresponding to the first or second special symbol reserved memory in that order.

Whenever the variable display of the decorative pattern is started, the commands stored in the start winning time reception command buffer 162SG194A shown in FIG. 11-10(B) are deleted from the entry corresponding to the reserved memory of the variable display that just ended (the entry with buffer number "1-0" or "2-0"), and the contents stored in the entry corresponding to the reserved memory of the variable display that is about to start (the entry corresponding to buffer number "1-1" or "2-1") and the contents stored in the entries after the reserved memory of the variable display that is about to start are shifted. For example, when the variable display of the decorative pattern of the first special pattern reserved memory is ended in the storage state shown in FIG. 11-10(B), the commands stored in buffer number "0" are deleted, the commands stored in buffer number "1" are shifted to buffer number "0", the commands stored in the area corresponding to buffer number "2" are shifted to the area corresponding to buffer number "1", and the commands stored in the areas corresponding to buffer numbers "3" and "4" are shifted to the areas corresponding to buffer numbers "2" and "3". Therefore, buffer number "0" becomes the area (entry) for storing each command related to the pending memory that is variably displayed at that time.

Next, the game control main processing of this characteristic part 162SG will be described based on FIG. 11-11. As shown in FIG. 11-11, the game control main processing of this characteristic part 162SG executes almost the same processing as the game control main processing in the basic configuration of FIG. 4, but the features of the game control main processing of this characteristic part 162SG are that the content of the recovery processing of S4 is different, and in addition to the initialization processing of step S6a, processing of step S6b related to the initial setting of the ball output status flag is added.

In the recovery process of step S4 of the game control main process of this feature unit 162SG, a process is executed to restore the ball output status flag to the state before the power failure. As will be described later, in the power failure process of step S19 in the game control timer interrupt process of this feature unit 162SG shown in Figures 11-12, the backup data stored when the power failure occurs includes the flag value data of the ball output status flag at the time of the power failure.

Specific recovery conditions for the ball output state flag are as follows: when the value of the ball output state flag is "0" corresponding to a low ball output state when the power outage occurs, the recovery process sets the ball output state flag to "0", when the value of the ball output state flag is "1" corresponding to the first ball output state when the power outage occurs, the recovery process sets the ball output state flag to "1", and when the value of the ball output state flag is "2" corresponding to the second ball output state when the power outage occurs, the recovery process sets the ball output state flag to "2". In other words, the recovery process of S4 sets the value of the ball output state flag to the value before the power outage occurs, restoring the ball output state before the power outage.

The backup data mentioned above also includes data on the number of consecutive wins after the judgment and the number of remaining variable display times after the judgment, which will be described later. This data on the number of consecutive wins after the judgment and the number of remaining variable display times after the judgment are also restored to the data at the time of the power outage by the recovery process of S4.

In this way, the recovery process in step S4 restores the value of the ball output state flag to the value before the power outage occurred, and the data for the number of consecutive wins after the judgment and the number of variable display remaining times after the judgment are restored. Therefore, even if a power outage occurs in the first ball output state or the second ball output state in which the ball output speed adjustment is being implemented, the adjustment of the ball output speed is not terminated by the power outage, but continues even after the power outage is restored.

On the other hand, if the recovery conditions are not met in step S3, the initialization process of step S6a is executed and the initial settings (including the initialization of various game data such as the number of consecutive wins) are performed when the power is turned on, etc., and then the ball output status flag is set to "0", which is the initial value when the power is turned on, corresponding to a low ball output state. In this way, when the power is turned on when the power outage recovery conditions are not met (when the power supply starts other than when power is restored), the ball output status flag is set to "0", which is the value corresponding to a low ball output state, thereby preventing the ball output speed from being adjusted inappropriately when the power is turned on.

Next, the game control timer interrupt processing of this characteristic part 162SG will be described based on Figures 11-12. The game control timer interrupt processing of this characteristic part 162SG executes the processes of steps S21 to S27, just like the game control timer interrupt processing of Figure 5 in the basic configuration, but in addition to these processes, it differs in that it includes the power cut processing of step S19, which was omitted in the basic configuration, and the ball output state determination processing, which is a characteristic feature of the game control timer interrupt processing of this characteristic part 162SG.

In the power cut process of step S19, it is detected whether a power cut signal has been output from the power supply board 17 (whether the power supply board has been turned on). The power cut signal is a signal that is output when, for example, a power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board 17 detects a drop in the voltage of the power supply being supplied. When it is detected that a power cut signal has been output, as described above, each game data including the aforementioned ball output state flags and the like that are necessary to restore the state of the pachinko game machine 162SG001 to the state at the time of power cut is saved as backup data in RAM 102, which serves as a backup RAM for game control. Note that if it is not detected that a power cut signal has been output, the power cut process is terminated. Then, after executing the ball output state determination process of step S20, each process of steps S21 to S27 is executed.

Here, the ball output state determination process of step S20 of this characteristic section 162SG will be explained using FIG. 11-13(a). FIG. 11-13(a) is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing contents of the ball output state determination process of step S20.

In the ball output state determination process, the game control microcomputer 100 first determines whether the value of the ball output state flag is "0", that is, whether the ball output state is a low ball output state, a first high ball output state, or a second high ball output state (step 162SGS01).

If the value of the ball output status flag is "0" (step 162SGS01; Y), it is determined whether the consecutive win count stored in the game control data holding area 162SG150 of RAM 102 is equal to or greater than the first determination count of "5" (step 162SGS02). If it is not equal to or greater than the first determination count of "5," that is, if the consecutive win state is not in effect or if the consecutive win state is in effect but the number of consecutive wins is less than five (step 162SGS02; N), the ball output status determination process is terminated. On the other hand, if the consecutive win count is equal to or greater than the first determination count of "5" (step 162SGS02; Y), it is further determined whether the consecutive win count is equal to or greater than the second determination count of "10" (step 162SGS03).

If the number of consecutive wins is not the second judgment number of "10" or more (step 162SGS03; N), that is, when the number of consecutive wins reaches the first judgment number of "5", it is judged that the first ball output state has been reached, and the ball output state flag is set to "1" corresponding to the first ball output state (step 162SGS06), and the first stage of adjustment is started as shown in FIG. 11-13 (b) (step 162SGS07). Note that the number of consecutive wins is updated in the jackpot end process as described later, so the 5th consecutive win is a jackpot for which the first stage of jackpot period extension adjustment is not performed, and the first stage of jackpot period extension adjustment is performed for the 6th to 10th consecutive wins.

As shown in FIG. 11-21, the fanfare presentation period at the start of the jackpot state, during which the special variable winning ball device 7 constituting the large winning port is not open, the interval period from the end of a round of play to the start of the next round of play, and the ending presentation period at the end of the jackpot state are extended more than in the low ball output state in which the ball output state flag is set to "0". This extends the period of the jackpot game in which the same number of game balls are paid out, thereby reducing the number of game balls paid out per unit time.

The extension lengths of the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period are set longer in the second high ball output state in which the ball output state flag is set to "2" than in the first high ball output state in which the ball output state flag is set to "1", as shown in FIG. 11-21. The jackpot period extension adjustment in the first high ball output state in which the ball output state flag is set to "1" is a first-stage jackpot period extension adjustment with a relatively short extension length, and the jackpot period extension adjustment in the second high ball output state in which the ball output state flag is set to "2" is a second-stage jackpot period extension adjustment with a relatively long extension length.

Then, the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 starts to light up to notify the player that the high ball output state has been reached (step 162SGS08), and the post-determination variable display remaining number (100) is set to specify the remaining number of times until the variable display number since the high ball output state was determined reaches the predetermined number of 100 times. The post-determination consecutive win count, which is the number of consecutive jackpots that have occurred since the high ball output state was determined, is set to the initial value "0" (step 162SGS09), and then the process proceeds to step 162SGS17. Note that, in this feature section 162SG, an example is shown in which the predetermined number is 100 times, but the present invention is not limited to this, and these numbers may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the jackpot probability, jackpot continuation rate, etc.

On the other hand, if the number of consecutive wins is equal to or greater than the second judgment number of "10" (step 162SGS03; Y), that is, when the number of consecutive wins reaches the second judgment number of "10", it is judged that the second ball output state has been reached, and the ball output state flag is set to "2" corresponding to the second ball output state (step 162SGS04), and after starting the second stage of adjustment as shown in FIG. 11-13 (b) (step 162SGS05), it proceeds to step 162SGS17. Note that the number of consecutive wins is updated in the jackpot end process as described later, so the second stage of jackpot period extension adjustment is performed for jackpots from the 11th consecutive win onwards.

If the value of the ball output status flag is not "0" (step 162SGS01; N), it is determined whether the number of consecutive wins after the determination is equal to or greater than 10, which is the end determination number for ending the adjustment, that is, whether the number of consecutive wins after the determination has reached 10, which is the end determination number (step 162SGS10). Note that, although this feature section 162SG illustrates an example in which the end determination number is 10, the present invention is not limited to this, and these numbers may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications such as the jackpot probability and jackpot continuation rate.

If the number of consecutive wins after the determination is 10 or more, which is the end determination number (step 162SGS10; N), in other words, if the number of consecutive wins that have occurred without ending the consecutive win state after the number of consecutive wins has reached 5 or more and it has been determined that the state is in a high ball output state, it is determined whether the game state is in a low base state, that is, whether the consecutive win state has ended (step 162SGS11), and if the game state is in a low base state (step 162SGS11; Y), proceed to step 162SGS13. Note that the number of consecutive wins is reset when the consecutive win state ends and the state becomes a low base state.

On the other hand, if the number of consecutive wins after the judgment is not 10 or more, which is the number of times for the end judgment (step 162SGS10; N), or if the number of consecutive wins after the judgment is 10 or more, which is the number for the end judgment (step 162SGS10; Y) but the game state is not in a low base state (step 162SGS11; N), it is further determined whether the number of remaining variable display times after the judgment set in step 162SGS09 is "0" (step 162SGS12).

If the number of remaining variable displays after the determination is not "0" (step 162SGS12;N), that is, if the predetermined number of 100 variable displays have not been executed since the number of consecutive wins was 5 or more and the high ball output state was determined, the ball output state determination process is terminated.

If the number of remaining variable displays after the determination is "0" (step 162SGS12; Y), that is, if the predetermined number of 100 variable displays have been performed since the high ball output state was determined, proceed to step 162SGS13.

In step 162SGS13, the ball output state flag is updated to "0" to complete the first or second stage adjustment described above (step 162SGS14), the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 is turned off to notify the user that adjustment is being performed in a high ball output state (step 162SGS15), the variable display remaining number of times after judgment and the consecutive number of times after judgment are reset (step 162SGS16), and the process proceeds to step 162SGS17.

In step 162SGS17, the ball output state designation command corresponding to the value of the ball output state flag set in any one of steps 162SGS04, 162SGS06, and 162SGS13 is sent, and then the ball output state determination process is terminated. The ball output state designation command sent and set in this manner is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12 by executing the command control process in step S27 shown in FIG. 5.

As described above, by executing the ball output state determination process shown in Figure 11-13 (a), as shown in Figure 11-13 (b), if the value of the ball output state flag is "0", the same as when power was first supplied, neither the variable display time extension adjustment in which the variable display time is extended nor the jackpot period extension adjustment in which the jackpot play period is extended is executed, but if the ball output state flag is updated to "1" by determining that the first high ball output state is being entered in the ball output state determination process, both the first stage variable display time extension adjustment in which the variable display time is extended to the length of the first stage and the first stage jackpot period extension adjustment in which the period of jackpot play is extended to the length of the first stage are executed. Furthermore, if the ball output state flag value is updated to "2" by determining that the ball output state is the second high ball output state in the ball output state determination process, a second stage variable display time extension adjustment in which the variable display time is extended to a second stage length longer than the first stage, and a second stage jackpot period extension adjustment in which the jackpot play period is extended to a second stage length longer than the first stage are both performed, and the fact that these adjustments are being performed is notified by the lighting of the high ball output state notification LED162SG071.

Furthermore, if the number of consecutive wins after the judgment reaches the end judgment number when the value of the ball output status flag is "1" or "2", or if the number of remaining variable displays after the judgment becomes 0 (if 100 variable displays have been executed since the value of the ball output status flag was set to "1" or "2"), the value of the ball output status flag will be updated to "0" and the variable display time extension adjustment and the jackpot period extension adjustment will end.

In addition, this characteristic section 162SG illustrates an example of a form in which the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 is turned on from the timing when the value of the ball output state flag is updated from "0" to "1", but the present invention is not limited to this, and the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 may not be turned on from the timing when the value of the ball output state flag is updated from "0" to "1" during normal play, but may be turned on only for a certain period of time from the time when power is restored if a power outage occurs while the value of the ball output state flag is set to "1" or "2".

In addition, in this feature section 162SG, when the value of the ball output status flag is "1" or "2", both the variable display time extension adjustment and the jackpot period extension adjustment are executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when the value of the ball output status flag is "1" or "2", only one of the variable display time extension adjustment and the jackpot period extension adjustment may be executed. Furthermore, when the value of the ball output status flag is "1", only one of the variable display time extension adjustment and the jackpot period extension adjustment may be executed, and when the value of the ball output status flag is "2", both the variable display time extension adjustment and the jackpot period extension adjustment may be executed.

In addition, in the characteristic section 162SG, as shown in FIG. 11-13(a), the CPU 103 sends a ball-out state designation command to the performance control board 12 only when the value of the ball-out state flag changes, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 103 may send a ball-out state designation command to the performance control board 12 every time the ball-out state determination process is executed or every time a variable display is executed. Furthermore, in the characteristic section 162SG, a form in which a ball-out state designation command is provided as part of the performance control command is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of these ball-out state designation commands, game state designation commands corresponding to each ball-out state (low ball-out state, first high ball-out state, second high ball-out state) may be provided.

Next, the start winning judgment process of this feature unit 162SG executed in step S101 of FIG. 6 will be described based on FIG. 11-14. In the start winning judgment process, the CPU 103 first judges whether the first start port switch 22A, which is provided corresponding to the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A, is in the on state based on a detection signal from the first start port switch 22A (step 162SGS101). At this time, if the first start port switch 22A is in the on state (step 162SGS101; Y), it judges whether the first special chart reserved memory number, which is the reserved memory number of the special chart game using the first special chart, is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory number) (step 162SGS102). The CPU 103 may specify the first special chart reserved memory number by, for example, reading the first reserved memory number count value, which is the stored value of the first reserved memory number counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 162SG154. If the number of reserved first special charts is not the upper limit in step 162SGS102 (step 162SGS102; N), the storage value of the start port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 162SG155 is set to "1" (step 162SGS103).

When the first start port switch 22A is off in step 162SGS101 (step 162SGS101; N) or when the first special symbol reserved memory number has reached the upper limit in step 162SGS102 (step 162SGS102; Y), the second start port switch 22B, which is provided corresponding to the second start hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, is judged to be on or not (step 162SGS104). At this time, if the second start port switch 22B is on (step 162SGS104; Y), it is judged whether the second special symbol reserved memory number, which is the reserved memory number of the special symbol game using the second special symbol, has reached a predetermined upper limit (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory number) (step 162SGS105). The CPU 103 can specify the number of reserved second special symbols by, for example, reading the second reserved memory count value, which is the stored value of the second reserved memory count counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 162SG154. When the second reserved memory count is not the upper limit value in step 162SGS105 (step 162SGS105; N), for example, the storage value of the start port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 162SG155 is set to "2" (step 162SGS106).

After executing either the process of step 162SGS103 or step 162SGS106, the number of reserved memories corresponding to the start port buffer value, which is the stored value of the start port buffer, is updated to add 1 (step 162SGS107). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the first reserved memory count value is added by 1, while when the start port buffer value is "2", the second reserved memory count value is added by 1. Thus, the first reserved memory count value is updated to increase by 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning port and the first start condition corresponding to the special game using the first special game is established. In addition, the second reserved memory count value is updated to increase by 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the second start winning port and the second start condition corresponding to the special game using the second special game is established. At this time, the total reserved memory number is also updated to add 1 (step 162SGS108). For example, the total reserved memory count value, which is the stored value of the total reserved memory count counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 162SG154, can be updated to add 1.

After executing the process of step 162SGS108, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the type of big win, and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern from the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 104 and the random counter of the game control counter setting unit 162SG154 (step 162SGS109). The numerical data indicating each random number value thus extracted is stored by being set as reserved information at the beginning of an empty entry in the special chart reserved memory unit according to the start port buffer value (step 162SGS110). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the numerical data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 are stored in the first special chart reserved memory unit 162SG151A, while when the start port buffer value is "2", the numerical data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 are stored in the second special chart reserved memory unit 162SG151B.

The numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result and the random number value MR2 for determining the type of jackpot are used to determine whether the variable display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is a "jackpot" or not, and further to determine the type of jackpot if the variable display result is a "jackpot". The random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is used to determine the variation pattern including the variable display time of the special symbol or decorative symbol. By executing the processing of step 162SGS109, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating all of the random number values used to determine the variable display mode including the variable display result and the variable display time of the special symbol or decorative symbol.

Following the processing of step 162SGS110, the sending setting of the start port winning designation command according to the start port buffer value is performed (step 162SGS111). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the storage address of the first start port winning designation command table in ROM 101 is stored in the buffer area specified by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer, and the setting is performed to send the first start port winning designation command to the performance control board 12. On the other hand, when the start port buffer value is "2", the storage address of the second start port winning designation command table in ROM 101 is stored in the buffer area of the transmission command buffer, and the setting is performed to send the second start port winning designation command to the performance control board 12. The start port winning designation command thus set is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example, by executing the command control processing of step S27 shown in FIG. 5 after the special pattern process processing is completed.

Following the processing of step 162SGS111, a random number value determination process is executed at the time of winning (step 162SGS112). After that, a setting is made to send a pending memory number notification command to the performance control board 12, for example by storing the storage address of the pending memory number notification command table in ROM 101 in a buffer area specified by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer (step 162SGS113). The pending memory number notification command thus set is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example by executing the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. 5 after the special pattern process process is completed.

After executing the processing of step 162SGS113, it is determined whether the start port buffer value is "1" (step 162SGS114). At this time, if the start port buffer value is "1" (step 162SGS114; Y), the start port buffer is cleared and its stored value is initialized to "0" (step 162SGS115), and then the processing of step 162SGS104 is proceeded to. In contrast, if the start port buffer value is "2" (step 162SGS114; N), the start port buffer is cleared and its stored value is initialized to "0" (step 162SGS116), and then the start winning processing is terminated. As a result, even if both the first start port switch 22A and the second start port switch 22B simultaneously detect the start winning of a valid game ball, the processing based on the detection of both valid start winnings can be completed reliably.

Figure 11-15 (A) is a flow chart showing an example of a process executed in step 162SGS112 in Figure 11-14 as a winning random number value determination process. In this feature section 162SG, when the variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols is started, a determination is made by the normal special symbol process (step S110 in Figure 6, Figure 11-16) described below as to whether or not to control the special symbol display result (variable display result of special symbols) to a "jackpot" and to control the game to a jackpot. Also, in the variable pattern setting process (step S111 in Figure 6, Figure 11-17) described below, a determination is made of a variable pattern that specifically specifies the variable display mode of the decorative symbols. On the other hand, apart from these judgments, when the game ball is detected in the start winning hole (first start winning hole or second start winning hole), the CPU 103 executes the winning random number judgment process of step 162SGS112 to judge whether or not it is judged that the jackpot pattern is to be stopped and displayed as the special symbol display result, and judge whether or not the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is a predetermined display mode accompanied by a super reach. As a result, before the variable display of the special symbol or the decorative symbol based on the detection of the game ball that entered the start winning hole is started, that is, before it is decided whether or not it is a jackpot at the start of the variable display, it is judged that the special symbol display result is a "jackpot" and which category of variable display mode the variable display mode of the decorative symbol will be, and based on this judgment result, the performance control CPU 120 etc. will execute a notice performance such as a pre-reading notice performance as described later.

In the winning random number determination process shown in FIG. 11-15(A), the game control microcomputer 100 (CPU 103) first identifies the current game state of the pachinko game machine 162SG001 by, for example, checking the state of the time-saving flag or the special probability flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 162SG152 (step 162SGS121). The CPU 103 identifies the special probability state when the special probability flag is on, identifies the time-saving state when the special probability flag is off and the time-saving flag is on, and identifies the normal state when both the special probability flag and the time-saving flag are off.

Following the processing of step 162SGS121, the display result judgment table 1 shown in FIG. 11-4 is selected and set (step 162SGS122). After that, it is judged whether the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result extracted in step 162SGS109 of FIG. 11-14 is within a predetermined jackpot judgment range (step 162SGS123). In the jackpot judgment range, individual judgment values assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" in the display result judgment table 1 selected by the processing of step 162SGS122 are set, and the CPU 103 can compare the random number value MR1 with each judgment value one by one to judge whether there is a judgment value that matches the random number value MR1. Alternatively, numerical values indicating the minimum (lower limit) and maximum (upper limit) judgment values included in the jackpot judgment range may be set, and the CPU 103 may compare the random number value MR1 with the minimum and maximum values of the jackpot judgment range to determine whether the random number value MR1 is within the jackpot judgment range. In this case, by determining that the random number value MR1 is within the jackpot judgment range, it can be determined that the variable display result based on the reserved data including the random number value MR1 is determined to be a "jackpot".

If it is determined in step 162SGS123 that the result is not within the big win determination range, i.e., if it is determined that the variable display will not result in a big win (step 162SGS123; N), the display result determination table 2 shown in FIG. 11-4 is selected and set (step 162SGS124). After that, it is determined whether the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result extracted in step 162SGS109 in FIG. 11-14 is within a predetermined small win determination range (step 162SGS125).

If the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 is within the predetermined small win judgment range, that is, if it is judged that a small win will occur in the variable display (step 162SGS125; Y), the transmission setting of the sixth pattern designation command, which is a pattern designation command corresponding to the variable display result being a "small win", is executed (step 162SGS126), a variable pattern judgment table for special wins is selected and set (step 162SGS127), and the process proceeds to step 162SGS138.

If the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 is not within the predetermined small win judgment range, that is, if the variable display result in the variable display is "miss", the transmission setting of the first pattern designation command, which is a pattern designation command corresponding to the variable display result being "miss" is executed (step 162SGS128), and it is judged whether the time-saving flag is on or not, that is, whether the current game state is in the time-saving state or not (step 162SGS129). If the time-saving flag is off (step 162SGS129; N), the miss fluctuation pattern judgment table A is selected and set, and if the time-saving flag is on (step 162SGS129; Y), the miss fluctuation pattern judgment table D is selected and set (step 162SGS131). The miss fluctuation pattern judgment table A is a miss fluctuation pattern judgment table used when the number of reserved memories is 2 or less. In addition, the loss fluctuation pattern determination table D is a loss fluctuation pattern determination table that is used when the game state is a high base state in which time-saving control is being executed.

In addition to the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A and miss fluctuation pattern determination table D, this feature unit 162SG also has a miss fluctuation pattern determination table B, which is used when the number of reserved memories is three, and a miss fluctuation pattern determination table C, which is used when the number of reserved memories is four. As shown in FIG. 11-7, among the miss fluctuation pattern determination tables A to C, in the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A, 600 determination values from 0 to 599 within the range that the random number value MR3 for determining fluctuation patterns can take are assigned to non-reach fluctuation patterns, and in the miss fluctuation pattern determination tables B and C, values exceeding 0 to A within the range that the random number value MR3 for determining fluctuation patterns can take are assigned to non-reach fluctuation patterns. On the other hand, in the miss fluctuation pattern determination tables A to C, 97 small determination values from 901 to 997 within the range that the random number value MR3 for determining fluctuation patterns can take are assigned to super reach fluctuation patterns.

For this reason, in step 162SGS126, the fluctuation pattern is determined using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A, and the determination of non-reach and super reach will always result in a non-reach or super reach fluctuation pattern even if the number of reserved memories changes after the determination, so the determination at the time of the initial winning is made using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A.

Also, if it is determined in step 162SGS123 that the value is within the jackpot determination range, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot will occur during variable display (step 162SGS123; Y), as shown in FIG. 11-15(A), the jackpot type is determined based on the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination (step 162SGS132). At this time, the CPU 103 selects table data for jackpot type determination from the table data constituting the jackpot type determination table according to the variable special chart (the "first special chart" corresponding to "1" or the "second special chart" corresponding to "2") specified in response to the start port buffer value. Then, by referring to the selected table data for jackpot type determination, it is determined which of the multiple types the jackpot type is determined to be.

The controller 100 also executes the setting to send the symbol designation command according to the determined jackpot type, i.e., the second symbol designation command if it is a sure-variable jackpot A, the third symbol designation command if it is a sure-variable jackpot B, the fourth symbol designation command if it is a sure-variable jackpot C, and the fifth symbol designation command if it is a non-variable jackpot (step 162SGS133), and then determines whether the determined jackpot type is a non-sure-variable jackpot (step 162SGS134a). If the determined jackpot type is a non-sure-variable jackpot (step 162SGS134a; Y), the controller 100 selects and sets the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A as a table for determining the jackpot fluctuation pattern (step 162SGS135), and proceeds to step 162SGS138.

In addition, if the determined jackpot type is not a non-variable jackpot (step 162SGS134a; N), it is further determined whether the determined jackpot type is a variable jackpot A or a variable jackpot B (step 162SGS134b).

If the determined jackpot type is a sure jackpot A or a sure jackpot B (step 162SGS134b; Y), select and set jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B as the table for determining the jackpot fluctuation pattern (step 162SGS136), and proceed to step 162SGS138.

If the determined jackpot type is not a sure jackpot A or a sure jackpot B (step 162SGS134b; N), in other words, if the determined jackpot type is a sure jackpot C, select and set the special jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table (step 162SGS137) and proceed to step 162SGS138.

After executing any of the processes of step 162SGS127, step 162SGS130, step 162SGS131, step 162SGS135, step 162SGS136, and step 162SGS137, the variable category according to the range of judgment values including the random number MR3 is determined using each of the variable pattern judgment tables set in each of these steps and the numerical data indicating the random number MR3 for the variable pattern judgment (step 162SGS138). In this characteristic part 162SG, as shown in FIG. 11-15(B), at least when the variable display result is "miss", a variable category that is a variable display mode of "non-reach" in common regardless of the total reserved memory number, a variable category that is a variable display mode of "super reach", and a variable category of "other" that is a variable display mode other than "non-reach" and "super reach" (for example, normal reach) are provided, and it is sufficient to determine whether such a variable category is determined based on the random number MR3.

After that, a variable category designation command according to the result of the determination made by the processing of step 162SGS138 is set up to be sent to the performance control board 12 (step 162SGS132), and the winning random number determination process is terminated.

Figure 11-16 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed in S110 of Figure 6 as the normal special symbol processing. In the normal special symbol processing shown in Figure 11-16, the CPU 103 first judges whether the second special symbol reserved memory count is "0" or not (step 162SGS141). The second special symbol reserved memory count is the reserved memory count of the special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B. For example, in the processing of step 162SGS141, the second reserved memory count value stored in the game control counter setting unit 162SG154 may be read, and it may be judged whether the read value is "0" or not.

When the second special chart reserved memory number is other than "0" in step 162SGS141 (step 162SGS141; N), the reserved data stored in the second special chart reserved memory unit 162SG151B corresponding to the reserved number "1" is read out as numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern (step 162SGS142). The numerical data read out at this time may be temporarily stored, for example, in a fluctuation random number buffer.

Following the processing of step 162SGS142, the second special chart reserved memory count value and the total reserved memory count are updated by subtracting 1 from each other, and the data in the second special chart reserved memory unit 162SG151B is updated. Specifically, the reserved data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 stored in entries lower than reserved number "1" in the second special chart reserved memory unit 162SG151B (for example, entries corresponding to reserved numbers "2" to "4") is shifted up by one entry at a time (step 162SGS143).

After that, the variable special chart designation buffer value, which is the stored value in the variable special chart designation buffer, is updated to "2" (step 162SGS144), and then the process proceeds to step 162SGS149.

On the other hand, when the second special pattern reserved memory number is "0" in step 162SGS141 (step 162SGS141; Y), it is determined whether the first special pattern reserved memory number is "0" (step 162SGS145). The first special pattern reserved memory number is the reserved memory number of the special pattern game using the first special pattern by the first special pattern display device 4A. For example, in the process of step 162SGS145, the first reserved memory number count value stored in the first reserved memory number counter in the game control counter setting unit 162SG154 may be read and it may be determined whether the read value is "0". In this way, the process of step 162SGS145 is executed when it is determined in step 162SGS141 that the second special pattern reserved memory number is "0", and it is determined whether the first special pattern reserved memory number is "0". As a result, the special pattern game using the second special pattern is started in priority to the special pattern game using the first special pattern.

In addition, the special chart game using the second special chart is not limited to being executed with priority over the special chart game using the first special chart, and for example, the special chart game may be started in the order in which the game ball enters (passes) the first start winning port or the second start winning port and the start winning occurs. In this case, a table may be provided that stores data that can identify the order in which the start winning occurs, and it may be possible to determine whether to start the special chart game using the first special chart or the second special chart from the stored data.

When the number of reserved first special charts is other than "0" in step 162SGS145 (step 162SGS145; N), the reserved data stored in the first special chart reserved memory unit 162SG151A corresponding to reserved number "1" is read out as numerical data indicating a random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, a random number value MR2 for determining the type of big win, and a random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern (step 162SGS146). The numerical data read out at this time may be temporarily stored, for example, in a random number buffer for fluctuation.

Following the processing of step 162SGS146, the first special chart reserved memory count value and the total reserved memory count value are updated by subtracting 1 from each other, and the data in the first special chart reserved memory unit 162SG151A is updated. Specifically, the reserved data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 stored in entries lower than reserved number "1" in the first special chart reserved memory unit 162SG151A (for example, entries corresponding to reserved numbers "2" to "4") are shifted to the higher level by one entry at a time (step 162SGS147).

Then, the variable special chart designation buffer value, which is the stored value in the variable special chart designation buffer, is updated to "1" (step 162SGS148), and the process proceeds to step 162SGS149.

In step 162SGS149, the display result determination table 1 shown in FIG. 11-4 is selected and set as the table to be used to determine whether the special pattern display result, which is the variable display result of the special pattern, is a "jackpot" or a "miss". Next, the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special pattern display result stored in the variable random number buffer is compared with the determination value assigned to each special pattern display result of "jackpot" or "miss" to determine whether the special pattern display result is a "jackpot" or a "miss" (step 162SGS150a). In addition, in this step 162SGS150a, if the game state at that time is a high probability state (high probability state) in which the high probability flag is on, if the random number value MR1 for determining the special pattern display result falls within the range of 10000 to 12180 corresponding to the high probability state (high probability state), it is determined to be a "jackpot", and if it does not fall within the range, it is determined to be a "miss". Also, if the probability is low and the probability flag is off, if the random number value MR1 used to determine the special chart display result falls within the range of 1 to 219, it is determined to be a "jackpot," and if it does not fall within the range, it is determined to be a "miss."

In this way, in the display result judgment table 1 selected in step 162SGS149, different judgment values are assigned to "jackpot" depending on the game state at that time (high probability, low probability), so in the processing of step 162SGS150a, whether or not to set the special chart display result as a "jackpot" is determined using different judgment data (judgment values) depending on whether or not the game state when the variable display of the special chart game or the like is started is a high probability state, so that when the game state is a high probability state, it is judged (determined) as a "jackpot" with a higher probability than when it is a low probability state.

When it is determined in step 162SGS150a that it is a "jackpot" (step 162SGS150a; Y), the jackpot flag is set to ON in the game control flag setting unit 162SG152 (step 162SGS152). At this time, the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 11-5 (A) is selected and set as the table to be used for determining the jackpot type as one of the multiple types (step 162SGS153). By referring to the jackpot type determination table thus set, it is determined which of the multiple types of jackpot types the jackpot type should be, depending on whether the numerical data indicating the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination stored in the variable random number buffer matches with the determination value assigned to each jackpot type of "non-variable jackpot", "variable jackpot A", "variable jackpot B", or "variable jackpot C" in the jackpot type determination table (step 162SGS154).

By determining the jackpot type in the process of step 162SGS154, it is determined before the derivation of the fixed special pattern as the variable display result whether the game state after the end of the jackpot game state is controlled to a time-saving state or a high probability state, which is more advantageous to the player than the time-saving state. In response to the jackpot type thus determined, the determined jackpot type is stored by setting, for example, a jackpot type buffer value, which is a stored value of the jackpot type buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 162SG155 (step 162SGS155). As an example, if the jackpot type is a "non-high probability jackpot" corresponding to a non-high probability jackpot, the jackpot type buffer value is set to "0", if it is a "high probability A" corresponding to a high probability jackpot A, it is set to "1", if it is a "high probability B" corresponding to a high probability jackpot B, it is set to "2", and if it is a "high probability C" corresponding to a high probability jackpot C, it is set to "3".

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 162SGS150a that the result is not a "big win" (step 162SGS150a; N), the process proceeds to S150b, where the display result determination table 2 shown in FIG. 11-4 is selected and set. Next, the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result stored in the variable random number buffer is compared with the determination value assigned to each special chart display result of "small win" to determine whether the special chart display result is a "small win" (step 162SGS150c). In step 162SGS150c, if the variable special chart is the first special chart, the determination value corresponding to the first special chart is used to determine whether the special chart display result is a "small win", and if the variable special chart is the second special chart, the determination value corresponding to the second special chart is used to determine whether the special chart display result is a "small win".

If it is determined in step 162SGS150c that the special chart display result is a "small win" (step 162SGS150c; Y), the small win flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 162SG152 is set to the ON state (step 162SGS151).

On the other hand, if it is not determined in step 162SGS150c that the special chart display result is a "small win" (step 162SGS150c; N), proceed to step 162SGS156.

In step 162SGS156, the fixed special symbol is set according to the pre-determined result of whether to control to a big win game state (whether the big win flag is on or not), whether to control to a small win game state (whether the small win flag is on or not), and further according to the determined result of the big win type in the case of a big win game state. As an example, in response to the pre-determined result of the special symbol display result being "miss", a special symbol showing the symbol "-", which is a miss symbol, is set as the fixed special symbol. Also, if the special symbol display result is determined to be "big win" in step 162SGS150a, if the big win type in step 162SGS154 is "big win A", a special symbol showing the number "7" is set as the fixed special symbol. Also, if the big win type is "big win B", a special symbol showing the number "5" is set as the fixed special symbol. Also, if the jackpot type is a "non-variable jackpot", a special symbol showing the number "3" is set as the confirmed special symbol. Also, if the jackpot type is a "variable jackpot C", a special symbol showing the number "1" is set as the confirmed special symbol. Also, in response to a pre-determined result that the special symbol display result is a "small jackpot", a special symbol showing the symbol "2", which is a small jackpot symbol, is set as the confirmed special symbol. Note that these confirmed special symbols are only examples, and other confirmed special symbols may be set, or multiple types of symbols may be set as confirmed special symbols.

After the confirmed special symbol is set in step 162SGS156, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "1", which corresponds to the variable pattern setting process (step 162SGS157), and then the normal special symbol processing is terminated.

If the number of reserved memories for the special symbol game using the first special symbol is "0" in step 162SGS145 (step 162SGS145; Y), a predetermined demo display setting is performed (step 162SGS158), and then the normal special symbol processing is terminated. In this demo display setting, it is determined whether or not a performance control command (customer waiting demo designation command) that designates a demonstration display (demo screen display) by, for example, displaying a predetermined performance image on the image display device 5 has been transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. At this time, if the customer waiting demo designation command has already been transmitted, the demo display setting is terminated as is. On the other hand, if it has not been transmitted, settings are performed to transmit the customer waiting demo designation command, and then the demo display setting is terminated.

Figure 11-17 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step S111 of Figure 6 as the fluctuation pattern setting process. In the fluctuation pattern setting process shown in Figure 11-17, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the jackpot flag is turned on (step 162SGS161). If the jackpot flag is turned on (step 162SGS161; Y), the jackpot type is identified from the jackpot type buffer value (step 162SGS162).

Then, it is determined whether the identified jackpot type is "Probable variable jackpot C" (step 162SGS163), and if it is not "Probable variable jackpot C", that is, if it is either "Probable variable jackpot A", "Probable variable jackpot B", or "Non-probable variable jackpot" (step 162SGS163; N), jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A or jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B is selected and set according to the identified jackpot type. Specifically, if the identified jackpot type is "non-probable variable jackpot", jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A is selected and set, and if the identified jackpot type is "Probable variable jackpot A" or "Probable variable jackpot B", jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B is selected and set.

On the other hand, if the identified jackpot type is a "C-type jackpot" (step 162 SGS163; Y), a special jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table is selected and set (step 162 SGS165).

If the determination in step 162SGS161 indicates that the big win flag is not ON (step 162SGS161; N), it is further determined whether or not the small win flag is ON (step 162SGS166). If the small win flag is ON (step 162SGS166; Y), a special win fluctuation pattern determination table is selected and set (step 162SGS167), and the process proceeds to step 162SGS175.

On the other hand, if the small win flag is off (step 162SGS166; N), the game control flag setting unit 162SG152 determines whether the time-saving flag is on to determine whether the game state is in a special state or a time-saving state and time-saving control is being performed (step 162SGS168). If the time-saving flag is on (step 162SGS168; Y), the loss fluctuation pattern determination table D is selected and set as the table to be used to determine the fluctuation pattern to one of multiple types (step 162SGS169).

On the other hand, when time-saving control is not in progress, that is, when the time-saving flag is not on (step 162SGS168; N), the number of reserved memories of the variable special chart is identified, for example, by reading the stored value of the reserved memory number counter for the variable special chart provided in the game control counter setting unit 162SG154, and it is determined whether the reserved memory number of the identified variable special chart is 1 or 2 (step 162SGS170).

If the number of reserved memories for the identified special variable chart is 1 or 2 (step 162 SGS170; N), the loss variable pattern determination table A is selected and set as the table to be used for determining one of multiple types of variable patterns (step 162 SGS171).

In addition, if the number of reserved memories for the identified variable special chart is not 1 or 2 (step 162 SGS170; N), it is further determined whether the number of reserved memories for the identified variable special chart is 3 (step 162 SGS172).

If the number of reserved memories for the identified special variable chart is 3 (step 162 SGS172; Y), the loss variable pattern determination table B is selected and set as the table to be used for determining one of multiple types of variable patterns (step 162 SGS173).

Also, if the number of reserved memories for the identified variable special chart is not 3, that is, if the number of reserved memories for the identified variable special chart is 4 (step 162SGS172; N), the program selects and sets the miss variable pattern determination table C as the table to be used for determining the variable pattern as one of multiple types (step 162SGS174), and proceeds to step 162SGS175.

After executing any of the processes of step 162SGS164, step 162SGS165, step 162SGS167, step 162SGS169, step 162SGS171, step 162SGS173, and step 162SGS174, the fluctuation pattern is determined to be one of several types by referring to the selected (set) jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table, special hit fluctuation pattern determination table, or miss fluctuation pattern determination table A to D based on numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern stored, for example, in a fluctuation random number buffer (step 162SGS175). In this case, even if the variation pattern is the same, if the value of the ball output state flag at that time is "1", a variation pattern of the variable display time that has been extended and adjusted by a first stage corresponding to the first high ball output state will be determined, and if the value of the ball output state flag at that time is "2", a variation pattern of the variable display time that has been extended and adjusted by a second stage corresponding to the second high ball output state will be determined.

In other words, in step 162SGS175, the variation pattern of the variable display time is determined according to the value of the ball output status flag.

When the jackpot flag is off, the process of step 162SGS175 determines the variation pattern, thereby determining whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbols is set to "reach." In other words, the process of step 162SGS170 includes a process for determining whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbols is set to a reach state when the variable display result is a "miss."

After the variation pattern is determined in step 162SGS175, settings are made to start the variation of the special pattern so that either a special pattern game using the first special pattern on the first special pattern display device 4A or a special pattern game using the second special pattern on the second special pattern display device 4B is started according to the variable special pattern designation buffer value (step 162SGS176). As an example, if the variable special pattern designation buffer value is "1", settings are made to send a drive signal to update the display of the first special pattern on the first special pattern display device 4A. On the other hand, if the variable special pattern designation buffer value is "2", settings are made to send a drive signal to update the display of the second special pattern on the second special pattern display device 4B.

Following the processing of step 162SGS176, settings are made to send various commands for when the special symbol starts to change (step 162SGS177). For example, when the special symbol change designation buffer value is "1", the CPU 103 stores setting data indicating the storage address (first address) in the ROM 101 of the first change start command table prepared in advance in the buffer area designated by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 162SG155 in order to sequentially send the game state designation command, the first change start command, the change pattern designation command, the variable display result designation command, and the first reserved memory number notification command from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. On the other hand, when the variable special chart designation buffer value is "2", the CPU 103 stores setting data indicating the storage address in ROM 101 of the second variable start command table prepared in advance in a buffer area specified by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 162SG155 in order to sequentially transmit the game state designation command, second variable start command, variable pattern designation command, variable display result designation command, and second reserved memory number notification command from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

After executing the processing of step 162SGS177, for the variation pattern determined in step 162SGS175, a special pattern variable display time, which is the variable display time of the special pattern corresponding to the value of the ball output status flag, is set (step 162SGS178). The special pattern variable display time, which is the variable display time of the special pattern, is the time required from the start of the variable display of the special pattern in the special pattern game to the fixed special pattern, which is the variable display result (special pattern display result), being displayed stationary. Thereafter, the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "2", which is the value corresponding to the special pattern variation processing (step 162SGS179), and the variation pattern setting processing is terminated.

Based on the command transmission setting in step 162SGS177, each time the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. 5 is executed after the variation pattern setting process is completed, the main board 11 will sequentially transmit a game state designation command, a first variation start command or a second variation start command, a variation pattern designation command, a variable display result designation command, a first reserved memory number notification command or a second reserved memory number notification command to the presentation control board 12. The order in which these presentation control commands are transmitted can be changed arbitrarily, and for example, the variable display result designation command may be transmitted first, followed by the first variation start command or the second variation start command, the variation pattern designation command, the game state designation command, the first reserved memory number notification command or the second reserved memory number notification command.

Figure 11-18 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step S113 of Figure 6 as the special symbol stop process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 103 turns on the end flag referred to in the special symbol change process in step S113 to end the change of the special symbol, and controls the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B to stop displaying the stopped symbol (step 162SGS180). If the change special symbol designation buffer value is "1" indicating the first special symbol, the change of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A is ended, and if the change special symbol designation buffer value is "2" indicating the second special symbol, the change of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B is ended. In addition, the CPU 103 controls to send a symbol determination command to the performance control board 12 (step 162SGS181). Then, it is determined whether the big win flag is turned on (step 162SGS182), and if the big win flag is turned off (step 162SGS182; N), it is further determined whether the small win flag is turned on (step 162SGS183).

If the small win flag is in the ON state, the performance control board 12 is set to send a win start 5 designation command corresponding to a small win (step 162SGS190a). Then, a value corresponding to the small win display time is set in the small win display time timer (step 162SGS190b). Also, the large prize opening count counter is set to the number of times it has been opened (for example, 2 times) (step 162SGS190c). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "8", which is the value corresponding to the small win opening pre-processing (step S118) (step 162SGS190d), and the special symbol stop processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is in the ON state (step 162 SGS182; Y), if the special probability flag or the time-saving flag is in the ON state, the CPU 103 clears the special probability flag and the time-saving flag to turn them OFF (step 162 SGS184), and sets the performance control board 12 to send a hit start 1 designation command (special probability jackpot A), a hit start 2 designation command (special probability jackpot B), a hit start 3 designation command (special probability jackpot C), or a hit start 4 designation command (non-special probability jackpot) according to the type of jackpot stored (step 162 SGS185).

The CPU 103 then performs settings to send a game state designation command indicating the normal state to the performance control board 12 (step 162 SGS 186).

Then, a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (for example, the time corresponding to the execution period of the fanfare effect that notifies the occurrence of a jackpot on the image display device 5) is set in the jackpot display time timer (step 162SGS187). At this time, the jackpot display time set in the jackpot display time timer is set to the jackpot display time corresponding to the ball output status flag.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11-21, if the value of the ball output state flag is "0", the jackpot display time is set to 30,000 milliseconds, which corresponds to the non-extended fanfare presentation period of 30,000 milliseconds corresponding to a low ball output state.

If the value of the ball output state flag is "1", the jackpot display time is set to 40,000 milliseconds, which corresponds to the 40,000 milliseconds of the first stage extension fanfare presentation period corresponding to the first high ball output state, and if the value of the ball output state flag is "2", the jackpot display time is set to 60,000 milliseconds, which corresponds to the 60,000 milliseconds of the second stage extension fanfare presentation period corresponding to the second high ball output state.

Then, the number of times the large prize opening is performed is set in the large prize opening counter (for example, 10 times for a non-variable jackpot or a variable jackpot A, 5 times for a variable jackpot B, and 2 times for a variable jackpot C) (step 162SGS188), and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "4", which corresponds to the pre-jackpot opening process (step S114) (step 162SGS189).

On the other hand, if the small win flag is off (step 162SGS183; N), in step 162SGS190, the CPU 103 determines whether the value of the time-saving count counter is "0". In addition, although not specifically illustrated, in this feature section 162SG, if the jackpot type of the jackpot game ended in the jackpot game ending process was a high probability jackpot A or a high probability jackpot B, the CPU 103 sets both the high probability flag and the time-saving count flag to the on state (controlling the game state to a high probability high base state) and sets the time-saving count counter to "0", and if the jackpot type of the jackpot game ended in the jackpot game ending process was a high probability jackpot C, the CPU 103 sets the high probability flag to the on state (controlling the game state to a high probability low base state) and sets the time-saving count counter to "0". If the type of jackpot in the jackpot game that ended in the jackpot game ending process was a non-variable jackpot, the CPU 103 turns on the time-saving flag and sets the time-saving counter to "100". Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 162SGS196.

On the other hand, if the value of the time-saving counter is not "0" (step 162SGS190; N), that is, if the time-saving count is remaining and the game is in a high base state, the value of the time-saving counter is decremented by 1 (step 162SGS191). Then, it is determined whether the value of the time-saving counter after subtraction is "0" or not (step 162SGS193). If it is not "0" (step 162SGS193; N), the program proceeds to step 162SGS196. If the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (step 162SGS193; Y), the program clears the time-saving flag to turn it off in order to end the time-saving control (step 162SGS194), sets the transmission of a game state designation command corresponding to the game state (specifically, low probability low base) corresponding to the state of the probability flag or the time-saving flag (step 162SGS195), and then proceeds to step 162SGS196. Furthermore, when step 162SGS195 is executed, the number of consecutive wins is also reset.

Then, a post-determination variable display remaining number update process is executed (step 162SGS196). In this post-determination variable display remaining number update process, it is determined whether the post-determination variable display remaining number is "0", and if it is not "0" (if there is a remaining number), the remaining number is updated by subtracting 1, and if it is "0", the post-determination variable display remaining number update process is terminated.

Next, in step 162SGS197, the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "0", which is the value corresponding to the normal processing of the special pattern, and then the special pattern stop processing is terminated.

Figure 11-19 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in S117 of Figure 6 as the jackpot end process.

In the jackpot end processing, the CPU 103 determines whether the jackpot end display timer is operating, i.e., whether the timer is counting (step 162SGS201). If the jackpot end display timer is not operating (step 162SGS201; N), the jackpot end display timer is set to a value equivalent to the execution period of the ending presentation that displays the jackpot end on the image display device 5 as the jackpot end display time (step 162SGS202), and the processing ends.

At this time, the jackpot end display time set in the jackpot end display timer is set to the jackpot end display time corresponding to the ball output state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11-21, if the ball output state flag value is "0", a timer value corresponding to 60,000 milliseconds, which is the non-extended ending presentation period corresponding to the low ball output state, is set. Also, if the ball output state flag value is "1", a timer value corresponding to 70,000 milliseconds, which is the first-stage extended ending presentation period corresponding to the first high ball output state, is set, and if the ball output state flag value is "2", a timer value corresponding to 90,000 milliseconds, which is the second-stage extended ending presentation period corresponding to the second high ball output state, is set.

On the other hand, if the jackpot end display timer is running (step 162SGS201; Y), the value of the jackpot end display timer is decremented by 1 (step 162SGS203). The CPU 103 then checks whether the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, i.e., whether the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step 162SGS204). If it has not elapsed, the process ends.

If the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step 162 SGS204; Y), the CPU 103 determines whether the stored jackpot type is a non-variable jackpot (step 162 SGS205).

If the stored jackpot type is not a non-variable jackpot (step 162SGS205; N), it is further determined whether the stored jackpot type is a variable jackpot C (step 162SGS206).

If the stored jackpot type is a special jackpot C (step 162SGS206; Y), the special jackpot flag is set to ON (step 162SGS210), and then the process proceeds to step 162SGS213.

On the other hand, if the stored jackpot type is not a sure jackpot C, that is, if the jackpot type is a sure jackpot A or a sure jackpot B (step 162SGS206; N), the sure jackpot flag is turned on (step 162SGS207), the time-saving flag is turned on (step 162SGS208), the time-saving count counter is set to "0" (step 162SGS209), and then the process proceeds to step 162SGS213.

On the other hand, if the jackpot type is a non-variable jackpot (step 162SGS205; Y), steps 162SGS211 and 162SGS212 are executed to turn on the time-saving flag and set the time-saving counter to "100", and then the process proceeds to step 162SGS213.

In step 162SGS213, the jackpot flag is turned off, and a jackpot end command is set to be sent according to the type of jackpot (step 162SGS214). Then, a game status command is set to be sent to notify the performance control board 12 of the game status based on the probability bonus flag and time-saving flag that have been turned on (step 162SGS215).

Then, the process of updating the consecutive win count and the consecutive win count after the determination is executed (step 162SGS216). In this update process, specifically, whether the completed jackpot is the first jackpot that occurred in a low base state as described above or the consecutive win that occurred in a high base state is determined, for example, from the value of the pre-jackpot start state flag corresponding to the state before the completed jackpot occurred ("0" if it is a low base, and "1" if it is a high base). If it is the first jackpot, the consecutive win count is set to "1". On the other hand, in the case of a consecutive jackpot, since the consecutive win count is already a value other than "0", the consecutive win count is updated by adding 1. Also, in the case of a consecutive jackpot, if the initial value is set for the consecutive win count after the determination, the consecutive win count after the determination is updated by adding 1.

Then, the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "0", which corresponds to normal processing of the special pattern (step 162SGS217).

In addition, in this feature section 162SG, although not shown in the figure, if the number of rounds executed in the post-jackpot opening process (step S116) has not reached the set upper limit, the CPU 103 sets an interval period timer according to the value of the ball output state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11-21, if the value of the ball output state flag is "0", a timer value corresponding to 5000 milliseconds, which is the non-extended interval period corresponding to the low ball output state, is set. Also, if the value of the ball output state flag is "1", a timer value corresponding to 6000 milliseconds, which is the first-stage extension interval period corresponding to the first high ball output state, is set. Also, if the value of the ball output state flag is "2", a timer value corresponding to 7000 milliseconds, which is the second-stage extension interval period corresponding to the second high ball output state is set.

After setting these timer values to the interval period timer, the CPU 103 subtracts and updates the value of the interval period timer each time it executes post-jackpot opening processing, and controls the opening of the large prize opening based on the time-out of the interval period timer, and updates the value of the special chart process to a value corresponding to the jackpot opening processing, i.e., starts a new round of play.

As shown in FIG. 11-20, in this feature unit 162SG, during the period from when the jackpot pattern is derived and displayed to when the jackpot game ends based on the derived display of the jackpot pattern, the round game continues until a certain open period (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed or a certain number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter the large prize opening, regardless of the value of the ball output status flag, so the number of prize balls that can be paid out in each round game does not change depending on the value of the ball output status flag. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11-20 and FIG. 11-21, the fanfare performance period, interval period, and ending performance period during which the game balls cannot enter the large prize opening because the large prize opening is closed, that is, the prize balls cannot be acquired, become longer as the value of the ball output status flag changes from 0 to 1 to 2.

This prevents a decrease in the number of prize balls that a player can obtain because the number of prize balls that can be paid out in each round of play does not change according to the value of the ball output status flag, while at the same time changing (lengthening) the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period, during which game balls cannot enter the large prize slot, according to the value of the ball output status flag, making it possible to reduce the number of prize balls paid out per unit time.

Next, we will explain the processing that the performance control CPU 120 can execute.

Figure 11-22 is a flow chart showing an example of the command analysis process executed in step S75 of Figure 8. In the command analysis process shown in Figure 11-22, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether or not there is a received command from the main board 11 transmitted via the relay board 15 by checking the memory contents of the performance control command receiving buffer (step 162SGS221).

If there is a received command in step 162SGS221 (step 162SGS221; Y), for example, by checking the MODE data of the received command, it is determined whether the received command is a first start port winning designation command (step 162SGS222). Then, if it is a first start port winning designation command (step 162SGS222; Y), the first pending memory number notification waiting time is set (step 162SGS223). For example, in the processing of step 162SGS223, a timer initial value that is predetermined corresponding to the waiting time for receiving the first pending memory number notification command may be set in the command reception control timer provided in the performance control timer setting unit 162SG192.

If the received command in step 162SGS222 is not a first start port winning designation command (step 162SGS222; N), it is determined whether the received command is a second start port winning designation command (step 162SGS224). If it is a second start port winning designation command (step 162SGS224; Y), the second pending memory number notification waiting time is set (step 162SGS225). For example, in the processing of step 162SGS225, a timer initial value that is predetermined corresponding to the waiting time for receiving the second pending memory number notification command may be set in the command reception control timer.

If the received command in step 162SGS224 is not a second start port winning designation command (step 162SGS224; N), it is determined whether the received command is a pattern designation command (step 162SGS226). If the received command in step 162SGS226 is not a pattern designation command (step 162SGS226; N), it is determined whether the received command is a variable category command (step 162SGS227). If the received command in step 162SGS227 is not a variable category command (step 162SGS227; N), it is determined whether the received command is a first pending memory number notification command (step 162SGS228). Then, if it is a first pending memory number notification command (step 162SGS228; Y), the first pending memory number notification waiting time is cleared, for example, by initializing the timing operation of the command reception control timer (step 162SGS229).

If the received command in step 162SGS228 is not the first pending memory number notification command (step 162SGS228; N), it is determined whether the received command is the second pending memory number notification command (step 162SGS230). If the received command is the second pending memory number notification command (step 162SGS230; Y), the second pending memory number notification waiting time is cleared, for example, by initializing the timing operation of the command reception control timer (step 162SGS231).

After executing either step 162SGS229 or step 162SGS231, the display pending flag of the stored entry is set to "1" indicating that the pending display mode has not been determined (the display pending flag is set to the ON state), and if there is an unreceived command, the performance restriction flag is set to "1" (the display restriction flag is set to the ON state) (step 162SGS232).

If the received command in step 162SGS226 is a pattern designation command (step 162SGS226; Y), if the received command in step 162SGS227 is a variable category command (step 162SGS227; Y), or after executing any of the processes in steps 162SGS223, 162SGS225, and 162SGS232, the received command is stored at the top of the free area in the start winning time received command buffer 162SG194A (not shown) (step 162SGS233), and the process returns to step 162SGS221.

In addition, when a pending memory number notification command (first pending memory number notification command or second pending memory number notification command) is received together with a variable display start command (first variable display start command or second variable display start command), the pending memory number notification command may not be stored in the start winning reception command buffer 162SG194A. In other words, it is sufficient if the performance control commands received in response to the occurrence of a start winning can be stored sequentially from the beginning of the free area in the start winning reception command buffer 162SG194A.

If the received command in step 162SGS230 is not the second pending memory count notification command (step 162SGS230; N), settings are made according to the other received command (step 162SGS234) and then processing returns to step 162SGS221. For example, if the received command is a ball output state designation command, the performance control CPU 120 may, in the processing of step 162SGS234, identify the ball output state from the ball output state designation command and execute processing such as turning on a flag corresponding to the identified ball output state. In this way, the performance control CPU 120 is able to identify the ball output state by referring to the flag.

If there is no received command in the command reception buffer in step 162SGS221 (step 162SGS221; N), it is determined whether the first pending memory number notification waiting time or the second pending memory number notification waiting time has elapsed (step 162SGS237). If the first pending memory number notification waiting time or the second pending memory number notification waiting time has not elapsed (step 162SGS237; N), the command analysis process is terminated. If the first pending memory number notification waiting time or the second pending memory number notification waiting time has elapsed (step 162SGS237; Y), the display pending flag of the corresponding entry that has not yet been stored is set to "1" as the performance restriction flag (the display pending flag is turned on), and the command analysis process is terminated.

Figure 11-23 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step S161 of Figure 9 as the advance notice setting process. In the advance notice setting process shown in Figure 11-23, the performance control CPU 120 first checks the start win reception command buffer 162SG194A (step 162SGS241), and determines whether there is a new command stored at the start win by checking whether there is an entry with the display pending flag in the ON state (step 162SGS242a).

If there is no entry with the display pending flag in the on state (step 162SGS242a; N), proceed to step 162SGS252. If there is an entry with the display pending flag in the on state (step 162SGS242a; Y), it is further determined whether the variable display remaining number after the determination is equal to or less than the look-ahead limit number (step 162SGS242b). If the variable display remaining number after the determination is equal to or less than the look-ahead limit number (step 162SGS242b; Y), proceed to step 162SGS250, where the pending display flag is set to "0", which corresponds to the normal display mode, as described below.

If the number of remaining variable display times after the determination is greater than the number of pre-reading limits (step 162SGS242b; N), it is determined whether the performance limit flag for the entry is on (whether "1" is set) (step 162SGS242c). If the performance limit flag is on (step 162SGS242c; Y), the process proceeds to step 162SGS250, where the pending display flag is set to "0", which corresponds to the normal display mode, as described below.

On the other hand, if the effect restriction flag is off (step 162SGS242b; N), it is determined whether the symbol designation command of the entry is the fourth symbol designation command or the sixth symbol designation command, that is, whether the symbol designation command is a symbol designation command indicating a guaranteed jackpot C or a small win (step 162SGS243a). If the symbol designation command is a symbol designation command indicating a guaranteed jackpot C or a small win (step 162SGS243a; Y), the process proceeds to step 162SGS250, where the reserved display flag is set to "0", which corresponds to the normal display mode, as described below. In other words, for reserved memories that result in a guaranteed jackpot C or a small win, the pre-reading preview effect is not executed.

On the other hand, if the symbol designation command is not a symbol designation command indicating a sure jackpot C or a small jackpot, it is determined whether the symbol designation command of the entry is the first symbol designation command, that is, whether the symbol designation command is a command indicating a miss (step 162SGS243b). If the symbol designation command of the entry is not the first symbol designation command, that is, if it is a command indicating a jackpot (sure jackpot A, sure jackpot B, or non-sure jackpot) (step 162SGS243b; N), the type of jackpot is identified from the symbol designation command of the entry (step 162SGS244).

Then, based on the numerical data indicating the random number value for the look-ahead preview performance extracted, for example, from the random number circuit 124 or the random counter of the performance control counter setting unit 162SG193, and the type of jackpot identified in step 162SGS244, a look-ahead preview performance judgment table at the time of the jackpot (not shown) is referenced to determine whether or not to execute the look-ahead preview performance and the display pattern when the look-ahead preview performance is executed (step 162SGS245).

In step 162SGS245, for example, the determination ratio shown in FIG. 11-24(A) is used to determine whether or not to execute a pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notification type). In the example of setting the determination ratio shown in FIG. 11-24(A), the determination ratio for whether or not to execute a pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notification type) is varied depending on the type of jackpot identified in the processing of step 162SGS244.

Specifically, there are two types of display patterns (preview types) for the preview performance: display pattern α and display pattern β. When the display pattern for the preview performance is determined to be display pattern α, the reserved memory display is displayed in a white square (◇) in the first reserved memory display area 5D or the second reserved memory display area 5U, and when the display pattern (preview type) for the preview performance is determined to be display pattern β, the reserved memory display is displayed in a white star (☆) in the first reserved memory display area 5D or the second reserved memory display area 5U.

In addition, if the variable display result is a jackpot other than a sure-win jackpot C, the pre-reading preview performance will never be determined to be non-executed, and the pre-reading preview performance will always be determined to be executed, and either display pattern α or display pattern β will be determined as the display pattern (pre-notice type).

Also, as shown in FIG. 11-24(A), when the jackpot type is "Probable jackpot A," the rate at which display pattern β is determined as the display pattern (notice type) is set higher than the rate at which display pattern α is determined. On the other hand, when the jackpot type is "Probable jackpot B" or "Non-probable jackpot," the rate at which display pattern β is determined as the display pattern (notice type) is set lower than the rate at which display pattern α is determined.

With this setting, when the variable display result is "jackpot" and display pattern β is executed as the display pattern (notice type), the probability that the jackpot type will be a special jackpot A is higher than when display pattern α is executed, and the player's anticipation of a special jackpot A can be increased.

In addition, in this feature section 162SG, when the variable display result is a "jackpot" other than a sure-win jackpot C, the execution of the pre-reading preview performance is always decided, and either display pattern α, which displays the reserved memory display in a white square (◇), or display pattern β, which displays the reserved memory display in a white star (☆), is executed; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and even when the variable display result is a "jackpot" other than a sure-win jackpot C, there may be a case where it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance, just as when the variable display result is a "miss."

In addition, in step 162SGS243b, if the symbol designation command of an entry whose display pending flag is on is the first symbol designation command, that is, if it is a command indicating a miss (step 162SGS243b; Y), the variable category indicated by the variable category designation command of the entry whose display pending flag is on is identified (step 162SGS247). Specifically, if the variable category designation command of the entry is C600H, it is identified as the category of the "non-reach" variable pattern, if it is C601H, it is identified as the category of the "super reach" variable pattern, and if it is C602H, it is identified as the category of the "other" variable pattern which includes normal reach.

Then, based on the numerical data indicating the random number value for the pre-reading preview performance extracted, for example, from the random number circuit 124 or the random counter of the performance control counter setting unit 162SG193, and the category of the fluctuation pattern identified in step 162SGS247, the pre-reading preview performance judgment table for misses (not shown) is referenced to determine whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notice type) in the case where the pre-reading preview performance is executed (step 162SGS248).

In step 162SGS248, the decision as to whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notice type) is made using a decision ratio such as that shown in FIG. 11-24(B), for example. In the example of setting the decision ratio shown in FIG. 11-24(B), the decision ratio as to whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notice type) is varied depending on the category of the variation pattern identified in the processing of step 162SGS247.

Specifically, there are two types of display patterns (notice types): display pattern α and display pattern β. When the display pattern (notice type) is determined to be display pattern α, the reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 5D or the second reserved memory display area 5U in a specific form of a white square (◇), and when the display pattern (notice type) is determined to be display pattern β, the reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 5D or the second reserved memory display area 5U in a specific form of a white star (☆). In addition, when the pre-reading notice performance is determined to be not executed, the reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 5D or the second reserved memory display area 5U in a normal form of a circle (○).

As shown in FIG. 11-24 (B), when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "other", the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is executed (the rate at which it is determined to be something other than "no preview performance") is set higher than when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "non-reach". Also, when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "super reach", the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is executed (the rate at which it is determined to be something other than "no preview performance") is set higher than when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "other".

When the variable display result is a "miss" and a decision is made to execute a foreseeing preview performance, if the variable category is "other", the probability of display pattern α being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "non-reach". Also, if the variable pattern category is "super reach", the probability of display pattern α being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "other". Furthermore, when the variable display result is a "miss" and a decision is made to execute a foreseeing preview performance, if the variable pattern category is "other", the probability of display pattern β being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "non-reach", and if the variable pattern category is "super reach", the probability of display pattern β being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "other".

When the variable display result is a "miss," the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is determined not to be executed is set to the highest, regardless of whether the variable pattern category is "non-reach," "other," or "super reach," and the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is determined to be executed and display pattern β is determined is set to the lowest.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11-24(A), when the variable display result is a "jackpot," the pre-reading preview performance is not determined to be non-executed (no preview performance), and the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is determined to be executed and display pattern α or display pattern β is determined is set to be higher than the rate at which display pattern α or display pattern β is determined in any of the categories of variable patterns when the variable display result is a "miss."

Furthermore, when the variable display result is "Miss (non-reach)", "Miss (super reach)", or "Miss (other)", and it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance, the rate at which display pattern α is determined is set higher than the rate at which display pattern β is determined. On the other hand, when the variable display result is "Big hit (probable hit A)", and it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance, the rate at which display pattern β is determined is set higher than the rate at which display pattern α is determined.

With this setting, when display pattern α or display pattern β is executed (displayed) as the display pattern (preview type) of the pre-reading preview performance, the variable display result is more likely to be a "jackpot" than when display pattern α or display pattern β is not executed (displayed); in particular, when display pattern β is executed (displayed), the variable display result is more likely to be a "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "high probability jackpot A," which can increase the player's sense of anticipation.

After executing step 162SGS248, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not a decision was made in step 162SGS247 to execute a pre-reading preview performance, that is, whether or not the display pattern (preview type) was decided to be either display pattern α or display pattern β (step 162SGS249).

After step 162SGS245 is executed or if it is determined that a preview performance is to be executed (step 162SGS249; Y), the flag value corresponding to the determined display pattern (preview type) is set to the pending display flag of the entry (step 162SGS246). Specifically, if the display pattern (preview type) determined in step 162SGS245 or step 162SGS248 is display pattern α that indicates the pending memory display with "◇", the pending display flag of the entry is set to "1", and if the display pattern (preview type) determined in step 162SGS245 or step 162SGS248 is display pattern β that indicates the pending memory display with "☆", the pending display flag of the entry is set to "2", and then the process proceeds to step 162SGS251.

Also, in step 162SGS249, if it has not been decided that a preview performance will be performed (step 162SGS249; N), the pending display flag for that entry is set to "0", which indicates a white "circle" (step 162SGS250), and then the process proceeds to step 162SGS251.

After executing step 162SGS246 or step 162SGS250, the performance control CPU 120 changes the value of the display pending flag of the entry to "0" (step 162SGS251). After that, the pending display is updated based on the memory contents of the start winning reception command buffer 162SG194A (step 162SGS252). As a result, the pending memory newly stored in the start winning reception command buffer 162SG194A is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the "0", "1", or "2" set in the pending display flag. Also, when the variable display is executed and the memory contents of the start winning reception command buffer 162SG194A are shifted, the pending display of the first pending memory display area 5D and the second pending memory display area 5U provided at the lower position of the image display device 5 is updated according to the memory contents of the start winning reception command buffer 162SG194A after the shift, as shown in FIG. 11-25 (A).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11-25(B), if the number of first special reserved memories is one, one reserved memory display is displayed. As for the display mode of this reserved memory display, if the flag value of the reserved display flag corresponding to the reserved memory is "0", it is displayed in the display mode of "○" as shown in FIG. 11-25(B), if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "1", it is displayed in the display mode of "◇", and if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "2", it is displayed in the display mode of "☆". If the number of first special reserved memories is two, two reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 5D in a mode corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory. Also, if the number of first special reserved memories is three, three reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 5D in a mode corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory. Also, if the number of first special reserved memories is four, four reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 5D in a manner according to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory.

Also, if the number of second special reserved memories is one, one reserved memory display is displayed. As for the display mode of this reserved memory display, as in the case of the first special, if the flag value of the reserved display flag corresponding to the reserved memory is "0", it is displayed in the display mode of "○", if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "1", it is displayed in the display mode of "◇", and if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "2", it is displayed in the display mode of "☆". If the number of second special reserved memories is two, for example, as shown in FIG. 11-25 (B), two reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the second reserved memory display area 5U in a mode corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory, for example, the reserved memory display of one is displayed in the display mode of "○" and the reserved memory display of one is displayed in the display mode of "☆". Also, if the number of second special reserved memories is three, three reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the second reserved memory display area 5U in a mode corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory. Also, if the number of second special reserved memories is four, four reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the second reserved memory display area 5U in a manner according to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory.

And each time the variable display is executed, the reserved memory is reduced (consumed), and the reserved memory display also shifts in a predetermined shift direction (towards the center of the screen in this feature part 162SG), as shown in FIG. 11-25 (B).

In other words, when the reserved memory is consumed in the variable display start setting process described below, which is executed when the variable display starts, and the reserved memory in the start winning reception command buffer 162SG194A is shifted, the reserved memory display in the first reserved memory display area 5D and the second reserved memory display area 5U is also shifted and displayed based on the reserved memory in the start winning reception command buffer 162SG194A after the shift, and if there is a new reserved memory due to the start winning, the display pattern of that reserved memory is determined and set in the reserved display flag, and it is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 5D and the second reserved memory display area 5U in a display mode according to the flag value set in the reserved display flag.

Note that, in this characteristic section 162SG, an example is shown in which the processing of step 162SGS252 is executed in the advance notice setting process, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the processing for updating the hold displays in the first hold memory display area 5D and the second hold memory display area 5U may be executed separately as a process different from the advance notice setting process (for example, a hold display update process).

In addition, in this characteristic section 162SG, a decision is made in step 162SGS242 as to whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory at the time of the start winning, on the condition that there is new storage of a command at the time of the start winning. However, if a start winning in the first start winning port and a start winning in the second start winning port occur simultaneously, and it is determined in step 162SGS242 that there is new storage of a command at the time of the start winning in both the first special chart and the second special chart, in other words, if an entry with the display pending flag in the on state exists in both the first special chart reserved memory and the second special chart reserved memory, then both entries are subject to the decision as to whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance. If the pending memory in which the command at the time of the start winning in the first special chart is newly stored and the pending memory in which the command at the time of the start winning in the second special chart is newly stored are both targets for deciding whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance, if there is no entry of the pending display flag of "1" or "2" indicating the execution of the pre-reading preview performance, the pre-reading preview performance may be executed simultaneously in both the pending display of the pending memory of the first special chart and the pending display of the second special chart.

In addition, in this feature section 162SG, as described above, when a start winning entry into the first start winning port and a start winning entry into the second start winning port occur simultaneously, both the reserved memory in which the command at the time of the start winning entry in the first special chart is newly stored and the reserved memory in which the command at the time of the start winning entry in the second special chart is newly stored are subject to the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance, but the present invention is not limited to this, and in such a case, it may be decided to execute or not execute only one of the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart and the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart.

Specifically, when the game state is a normal state in which high opening control is not performed, the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart is given priority over the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart. Then, when it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart, it is decided unequivocally not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart, and when it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart, it is decided to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart.

On the other hand, when the game state is a time-saving state in which high opening control is performed (high probability high base state/low probability high base state), the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart is given priority over the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart. Then, when it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart, it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart, and when it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart, it is decided to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart.

Figure 11-26 is a flow chart showing the variable display start setting process (step S171) in the performance control process shown in Figure 9. In the variable display start setting process, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether the first variable start command reception flag is on (step 162SGS271). If the first variable start command reception flag is on (step 162SGS271; Y), the various command data and various flags stored in association with buffer numbers "1-0" to "1-4" of the first special chart reserved memory in the start winning time reception command buffer 162SG194A are shifted up by one buffer number (step 162SGS272). Note that the contents of buffer number "1-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination to shift to, so it is erased.

Specifically, the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-1" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-0", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-2" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-1", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-3" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-2", and the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-4" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-3".

In addition, if the first variable start command reception flag is off in step 162SGS271 (step 162SGS271; N), it is determined whether the second variable start command reception flag is on (step 162SGS273). If the second variable start command reception flag is off (step 162SGS273; N), the variable display start setting process is terminated, and if the second variable start command reception flag is on (step 162SGS273; Y), the various command data and various flags stored in association with buffer numbers "2-0" to "2-4" of the second special chart reservation memory in the start winning time reception command buffer 162SG194A are shifted up by one buffer number (step 162SGS274). Note that the contents of buffer number "2-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination to shift to, so it is erased.

Specifically, the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-1" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-0", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-2" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-1", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-3" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-2", and the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-4" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-3".

After executing step 162SGS272 or step 162SGS274, the performance control CPU 120 reads the variation pattern designation command from the variation pattern designation command storage area (step 162SGS275).

Next, the display result (stopping pattern) of the decorative pattern is determined according to the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (i.e., the received display result designation command) (step 162SGS276). In this case, the performance control CPU 120 determines the stopping pattern of the decorative pattern according to the display result designated by the display result designation command, and stores data indicating the determined stopping pattern of the decorative pattern in the decorative pattern display result storage area.

In this feature section 162SG, when the received variable display result designation command is the second variable display result designation command corresponding to the probability of a jackpot A, the performance control CPU 120 determines, for example, a combination of decorative patterns (jackpot patterns) in which three patterns are aligned to "7" as the stopping pattern. When the received variable display result designation command is the third variable display result designation command corresponding to the probability of a jackpot B, the stopping pattern is determined from among multiple combinations of odd numbers other than "7" (for example, combinations of decorative patterns such as "111", "333", "555", and "999"). When the received variable display result designation command is the fourth variable display result designation command corresponding to the probability of a jackpot C, the stopping pattern is determined from among "334", "778", and the like, which are the same chance numbers as the small win. In addition, when the received variable display result designation command is the fifth variable display result designation command corresponding to a non-probability jackpot, the performance control CPU 120 determines, for example, a combination of decorative patterns (jackpot pattern) in which three patterns are aligned as even numbers as the stop pattern. In addition, when the received variable display result designation command is the sixth variable display result designation command corresponding to a small jackpot, the stop pattern is determined from among "334", "778", etc., which are the same chance numbers as the probability jackpot C. In addition, when the received variable display result designation command is the first variable display result designation command corresponding to a miss, if the variation pattern is a non-reach variation pattern, the stop pattern is determined to be a decorative pattern in which three patterns are not aligned, and a combination other than the above-mentioned chance numbers (miss pattern), and if the variation pattern is a reach variation pattern, the combination of decorative patterns (miss pattern) of reach misses, such as "121" and "464".

When determining these stopping symbols, the performance control CPU 120 may, for example, extract a random number for determining the stopping symbol, and determine the stopping symbol of the decorative symbol using a stopping symbol determination table in which data indicating the combination of decorative symbols is associated with a numerical value. In other words, the stopping symbol may be determined by selecting data indicating the combination of decorative symbols that corresponds to the numerical value that matches the extracted random number.

Next, the performance control CPU 120 performs the preview performance determination process shown in FIG. 11-27 to determine whether or not to execute a preview performance in the variable display (step 162SGS277). Note that in this feature section 162SG, an example is shown in which the preview performance determination process can determine whether to execute one of four preview performances, preview performance A to preview performance D, as described below, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of preview performances that can be executed may be three or less or five or more.

In the preview performance determination process of this feature section 162SG, the performance control CPU 120 first identifies the ball output state and sets a preview performance type determination table corresponding to the identified ball output state (step 162SGS290). The ball output state may be identified, for example, from the value of a flag that is turned on when a ball output state designation command is received in the command analysis process.

Here, as shown in FIG. 11-28, if the performance control CPU 120 determines that the ball output state is a low ball output state, it selects table A for determining the type of advance notice performance, if the ball output state is determined to be a first high ball output state, it selects table B for determining the type of advance notice performance, and if the ball output state is determined to be a second high ball output state, it selects table C for determining the type of advance notice performance.

The performance control CPU 120 also identifies the variable display result and the variation pattern (step 162SGS291). The variable display result can be identified by a variable display result designation command stored in a variable display result designation command storage area for storing a variable display result designation command for designating the variable display result (miss, special chance jackpot A, special chance jackpot B, special chance jackpot C, non-special chance jackpot, small win) sent from the main board 11 at the start of the variable display. Also, the variation pattern can be identified by a variation pattern designation command stored in a variation pattern designation command storage area, as described above.

Then, a random number for determining the preview performance is extracted, and the preview performance type determination table set in step 162SG290 is used to determine whether or not to perform the preview performance and, if so, what type of preview performance to use (step 162SGS292).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11-28, when the ball output state is a low ball output state, using table A for determining the type of preview performance, if the variable display result is a non-reach miss, there is an 85% chance that the preview performance will not be executed, a 10% chance that preview performance A will be executed, a 5% chance that preview performance B will be executed, a 0% chance that preview performance C will be executed, and a 0% chance that preview performance D will be executed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11-28, when the ball output state is a low ball output state, table A for determining the type of preview performance is used, and if the variable display result is a non-reach miss, there is an 85% chance that the preview performance will not be executed, a 10% chance that preview performance A will be executed, a 5% chance that preview performance B will be executed, a 0% chance that preview performance C will be executed, and a 0% chance that preview performance D will be executed. If the variable display result is a super-reach miss, there is a 20% chance that the preview performance will not be executed, a 50% chance that preview performance A will be executed, a 30% chance that preview performance B will be executed, a 0% chance that preview performance C will be executed, and a 0% chance that preview performance D will be executed. Then, if the variable display result is a jackpot other than jackpot C, there is a 10% chance that the preview performance will not be performed, a 25% chance that preview performance A will be performed, a 65% chance that preview performance B will be performed, a 0% chance that preview performance C will be performed, and a 0% chance that preview performance D will be performed.

Also, when the ball output state is the first high ball output state, using table B for determining the type of preview performance, if the variable display result is a non-reach miss, there is an 85% chance of deciding not to execute the preview performance, a 10% chance of deciding to execute preview performance A, a 5% chance of deciding to execute preview performance B, a 0% chance of deciding to execute preview performance C, and a 0% chance of deciding to execute preview performance D. If the variable display result is a super reach miss, there is a 20% chance of deciding not to execute the preview performance, a 50% chance of deciding to execute preview performance A, a 25% chance of deciding to execute preview performance B, a 5% chance of deciding to execute preview performance C, and a 0% chance of deciding to execute preview performance D. Then, if the variable display result is a jackpot other than jackpot C, there is a 10% chance that the preview performance will not be performed, a 25% chance that preview performance A will be performed, a 50% chance that preview performance B will be performed, a 15% chance that preview performance C will be performed, and a 0% chance that preview performance D will be performed.

Also, when the ball output state is the second high ball output state, using table C for determining the type of preview performance, if the variable display result is a miss of no reach, there is an 85% chance of deciding not to execute the preview performance, an 8% chance of deciding to execute preview performance A, a 4% chance of deciding to execute preview performance B, a 3% chance of deciding to execute preview performance C, and a 0% chance of deciding to execute preview performance D. If the variable display result is a miss of super reach, there is a 20% chance of deciding not to execute the preview performance, a 45% chance of deciding to execute preview performance A, a 20% chance of deciding to execute preview performance B, a 10% chance of deciding to execute preview performance C, and a 0% chance of deciding to execute preview performance D. Then, if the variable display result is a jackpot other than jackpot C, there is a 10% chance that the preview performance will not be performed, a 15% chance that preview performance A will be performed, a 45% chance that preview performance B will be performed, a 20% chance that preview performance C will be performed, and a 10% chance that preview performance D will be performed.

In other words, among the preview effects in this feature section 162SG, preview effect D is set to have the highest jackpot expectation (the percentage of times the variable display result will be a jackpot), preview effect C is set to have a lower jackpot expectation than preview effect D, preview effect B is set to have a lower jackpot expectation than preview effect C, and preview effect A is set to have a lower jackpot expectation than preview effect B. And when the preview effect is not executed, the jackpot expectation is set lower than when any of the preview effects are executed (jackpot expectation: preview effect D > preview effect C > preview effect B > preview effect A > preview effect not executed).

In addition, looking at the number of preview effects that can be executed in each ball output state, there are two preview effects that can be executed in the low ball output state, preview effect A and preview effect B, three preview effects that can be executed in the first high ball output state, preview effect A, preview effect B, and preview effect C, and four preview effects that can be executed in the second high ball output state, preview effect A, preview effect B, preview effect C, and preview effect D. In other words, in this feature section 162SG, the number of preview effects that can be executed during the variable display increases as the consecutive win state continues after the first hit occurs, making it possible to prevent a decrease in interest in the game due to the game becoming protracted during the consecutive wins.

In particular, in the second high ball output state, it becomes possible to execute preview performance D, which confirms that the variable display result will be a jackpot, so that during the variable display in the second high ball output state, the player can pay attention to whether or not preview performance D will be executed, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

Returning to FIG. 11-27, after executing step 162SGS292, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not it has decided to execute a preview performance (step 162SGS293). If it has not decided to execute a preview performance (step 162SGS293; N), the preview performance decision process ends. If it has decided to execute a preview performance (step 162SGS293; Y), the preview performance type decided in step 162SGS292 is stored (step 162SGS294), the preview performance execution decision flag is set to ON (step 162SGS295), and the preview performance decision process ends.

After executing the preview performance determination process, the performance control CPU 120 returns to the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. 11-26, and in step 162SGS278, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether the preview performance execution determination flag is set to the on state, that is, whether either the preview performance "Preview performance A" or "Preview performance B" has been determined in the preview performance determination process of step 162SGS277.

If the preview performance execution decision flag is set to the ON state, the process proceeds to step 162SGS279, the preview performance start waiting timer is set to a value corresponding to the period until the preview performance starts (step 162SGS279), the preview performance execution decision flag is set to the OFF state (step 162SGS280), and the process proceeds to step 162SGS281. On the other hand, if the preview performance execution decision flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step 162SGS281 without going through steps 162SGS279 and 162SGS280.

As for the period until the start of these preview performances, in this feature section 162SG, a performance (not shown) that indicates a precursor to the execution of the preview performance is executed before the timing at which the preview performance starts, and the timing at which this precursor starts is set to the start timing of the preview performance, so a period shorter than the period until the start of the preview performance is set, and the start timing of these preview performances is determined based on the process table of the preview performance that is executed from the start of the preview performance, and the preview performance is started, but the present invention is not limited to this, and in cases where these precursor performances are not executed in the preview performance, the start timing of the preview performance becomes the start timing of the preview performance, so the period until the start timing of the preview performance can be set in the preview performance start wait timer.

In step 162SGS281, the performance control CPU 120 identifies the ball output state and selects a performance control pattern (process table) according to the identified ball output state and the variable pattern designation command. Then, it starts the process timer in process data 1 of the selected process table (step 162SGS282).

In addition, in step 162SGS281, the performance control CPU 120 can determine the ball output state by referring to the value of the performance ball output state flag set in the processing of step 162SGS234 of the command analysis processing.

In addition, in the process table, display control execution data for controlling the display of the image display device 5, lamp control execution data for controlling the lighting of each LED, sound control execution data for controlling the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and operation unit control execution data for controlling the operation of the push button 31B and stick controller 31A are arranged in chronological order in correspondence with each process data n (numbers 1 to N).

Then, the performance control CPU 120 executes control of the performance device (image display device 5 as a performance component, various lamps as performance components, speakers 8L, 8R as performance components, and operation unit (push button 31B, stick controller 31A, etc.)) according to the contents of process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound control execution data 1, operation unit control execution data 1) (step 162SGS283). For example, to display an image corresponding to a fluctuation pattern on the image display device 5, it outputs a command to the display control unit 123. It also outputs a control signal (lamp control execution data) to the lamp control board 14 to control the lighting/extinguishing of various lamps. It also outputs a control signal (sound number data) to the sound control board 13 to output sound from the speakers 8L, 8R.

In this embodiment, the performance control CPU 120 controls the display of the decorative pattern to vary according to a variation pattern that corresponds one-to-one to the variation pattern designation command, but the performance control CPU 120 may select the variation pattern to be used from multiple types of variation patterns that correspond to the variation pattern designation command.

Then, the variable display time timer is set to a value corresponding to the variable display time specified by the specified ball output state and the variation pattern designation command (step 162SGS284). A predetermined time is also set to the variable display control timer (step 162SGS285). The predetermined time is, for example, 30 ms, and the performance control CPU 120 writes image data indicating the display state of the left, center, and right decorative patterns to the VRAM every time the predetermined time elapses, the display control unit 123 outputs a signal corresponding to the image data written to the VRAM to the image display device 5, and the image display device 5 displays an image corresponding to the signal, thereby realizing variable display (variation) of the decorative patterns. Next, the value of the performance control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the performance processing during variable display (step S172) (step 162SGS286).

As described above, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance executes the variable display start setting process, so that in this characteristic section 162SG, regardless of whether the ball output state is a low ball output state, a first high ball output state, or a second high ball output state, it is possible to execute the variable display of the decorative pattern in conjunction with the special chart variable display time. Note that in this characteristic section 162SG, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance exemplifies a form in which the CPU 120 for controlling the performance is capable of executing the variable display of the decorative pattern according to the ball output state by the value of the ball output state flag for the performance and the variable pattern designation command, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 103 can transmit a variable pattern determination state designation command that designates in which ball output state the variable pattern designation command was determined together with the variable pattern designation command to the performance control board 12 (CPU 120 for controlling the performance), and the CPU 120 for controlling the performance may execute the variable display of the decorative pattern according to the ball output state each time it receives the variable pattern designation command and the variable pattern designation state designation command.

Figure 11-29 is a flow chart showing the variable display performance processing (step S172) in the performance control process processing. In the variable display performance processing, the performance control CPU 120 decrements the values of the process timer, the variable display time timer, and the variable display control timer by 1 (steps 162SGS301, 162SGS302, and 162SGS303). In addition, if the preview performance start waiting timer is set (it has been decided that a preview performance will be performed) or the preview performance execution flag is on (preview performance is being executed) (step 162SGS304; Y), the performance control CPU 120 executes the preview performance processing (step 162SGS305). If both the preview performance start waiting timer and the preview performance execution flag are off, the process proceeds to step 162SGS306 without executing the preview performance processing of step 162SGS305.

In step 162SGS306, the performance control CPU 120 checks whether the process timer has timed out. If the process timer has timed out, the process data is switched (step 162SGS307). That is, the process timer is started again by setting the process timer to the next process timer setting value in the process table (step 162SGS308). In addition, the control state for the performance device (performance component) is changed based on the next set display control execution data, lamp control execution data, sound control execution data, operation unit control data, etc. (step 162SGS309a). On the other hand, if the process timer has not timed out, the performance device (performance component) is controlled according to the contents of the process data corresponding to the process timer (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, sound control execution data, operation unit control data, etc.) (step 162SGS309b).

Next, it is confirmed whether the variable display control timer has timed out (step 162SGS310). If the variable display control timer has timed out (step 162SGS310; Y), the performance control CPU 120 creates image data for the next display screen of the left, center, and right decorative patterns (screens that should be displayed 30 ms after the previous display switching of the decorative patterns) and writes it to a specified area of the VRAM (step 162SGS311). In this way, variable display control of the decorative patterns is realized in the image display device 5. The display control unit 123 outputs a signal based on data that superimposes image data of a specified area such as a set background image and image data based on the display control execution data set in the process table to the image display device 5. In this way, the background image, character image, and decorative pattern in the change of the decorative pattern are displayed in the image display device 5. In addition, a specified value is reset to the variable display control timer (step 162SGS312).

Also, if the variable display control timer has not timed out (step 162SGS310; N), after executing step 162SGS312, the performance control CPU 120 checks whether the variable display time timer has timed out (step 162SGS313). If the variable display time timer has timed out, the value of the performance control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special pattern hit waiting process (step S173) (step 162SGS315). Even if the variable display time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that a pattern confirmation command has been received is on (step 162SGS314; Y), the value of the performance control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special pattern hit waiting process (step S173) (step 162SGS315). Even if the variable display time timer has not timed out, if a pattern determination command is received, the control will transition to one that stops the variation. For example, even if a variable pattern specification command is received that indicates a long variation time due to noise between boards, the variable display of the decorative pattern can be ended when the regular variable display time has elapsed (when the variable display of the special pattern has ended).

The process table used for variable display control of the decorative pattern contains the process data during the variable display of the decorative pattern. In other words, the sum of the process timer settings of process data 1 to n in the process table corresponds to the variable display time of the decorative pattern. Therefore, when the process timer of the last process data n times out in the processing of step 162SGS306, there is no process data to switch (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, etc.), and the variable display control of the decorative pattern based on the process table ends.

When a preview performance is executed while the preview performance start waiting timer is set, the performance control CPU 120 first subtracts and updates the value of the preview performance start waiting timer in the preview performance processing, and determines whether the preview performance start waiting timer has timed out. If the preview performance start waiting timer has timed out, i.e., if the timing for the preview performance to start has arrived, a preview performance process table corresponding to the preview performance type that has been decided to be executed is selected, and the process timer for that preview performance is started. In other words, the performance device is controlled according to the contents of the first process data in the preview performance process table. In addition, the preview performance execution flag is set to ON, and the preview performance processing ends.

When a preview performance is to be executed while the preview performance execution flag is on, the performance control CPU 120 performs a subtractive update of the process timer for the preview performance and determines whether the process timer for the preview performance has timed out. If the process timer for the preview performance has not timed out, it controls the performance device according to the contents of the process data corresponding to the currently running process timer, and if the process timer for the preview performance has timed out, it switches the process data. At this time, the performance control CPU 120 starts the process timer for the next preview performance again and controls the performance device according to the contents of the next process data. By executing the preview performance process in this manner, a preview performance can be executed during variable display.

In the above-mentioned characteristic part 162SG, the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 is exemplified as only turning on and off, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the variable display is being executed in the high ball output state and variable display time extension adjustment is being executed, but the jackpot period extension adjustment is not being executed because the jackpot state is not in effect, the LED may be lit in green (first mode), and when the jackpot period extension adjustment is being executed in the high ball output state and the jackpot period extension adjustment is being executed because the variable display is not being executed and variable display time extension adjustment is not being executed, the LED may be lit in red (second mode) so that it is possible to confirm (understand) which adjustment is being executed.

In addition, in the above-mentioned feature unit 162SG, as the consecutive win state continues and the value of the ball output state flag is updated from 0 to 1 to 2 (the ball output state changes from a low ball output state to a first high ball output state to a second high ball output state), the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period of the jackpot game during the consecutive win state are lengthened to reduce the number of balls output per unit time, i.e., the speed at which prize balls are awarded is slowed down. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the first high ball output state and the second high ball output state, the period until the jackpot game state is controlled may be lengthened and the number of balls output per unit time may be reduced by determining the variation pattern using a high ball output state variation pattern determination table that has a higher probability of determining a variation pattern with a longer special chart variation time, such as a super reach variation pattern, than in the low ball output state.

In addition, if it is possible to execute a pre-reading preview performance in a form in which the fluctuation pattern can be determined using the fluctuation pattern determination table for high ball output states in this way in the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state, if a pending memory for a variable display that is executed after the number of remaining variable displays after determination becomes 0 occurs while the number of remaining variable displays after determination is still set to a value of 1 or more, a large difference will occur between the fluctuation pattern suggested by the performance pattern of the pre-reading preview performance and the fluctuation pattern actually selected in the variable display (for example, even though a variable display with a super reach fluctuation pattern is suggested as the pre-reading preview performance, the variable display is actually executed with a non-reach fluctuation pattern), and there is a risk that the pre-reading preview performance will become inappropriate.

Therefore, as shown in step 162SGS242a of the pre-reading preview setting process of the above-mentioned characteristic part 162SG (see Figure 11-23), when the remaining number of variable displays after the determination is equal to or less than the pre-reading limit number, the execution of the pre-reading preview performance is restricted, thereby preventing a large difference from occurring between the fluctuation pattern suggested by the performance pattern of the pre-reading preview performance and the fluctuation pattern actually selected in the variable display, thereby preventing the pre-reading preview performance from becoming inappropriate.

In addition, although not specifically illustrated in this feature section 162SG, the performance control CPU 120 refers to the value of the performance ball output status flag during the jackpot performance process shown in FIG. 9, selects a process table for fanfare performance according to the value of the performance ball output status flag, and controls the performance device according to the value of the process timer to execute a fanfare performance according to the ball output status.

Furthermore, although not specifically illustrated in this feature section 162SG, the presentation control CPU 120 executes an ending presentation according to the ball output state by referring to the value of the presentation ball output state flag in the ending presentation process shown in FIG. 9, selecting a process table for the ending presentation according to the value of the presentation ball output state flag, and controlling the presentation device according to the value of the process timer.

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1 in the characteristic part 162SG, the CPU 103 can determine whether the ball output state is a low ball output state or a high ball output state by executing the ball output state determination process shown in FIG. 11-13. When it is determined that the ball output state is a high ball output state, it is possible to lengthen the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period during the jackpot game (starting adjustment to reduce the payout speed of prize balls per unit time) by setting the value of the ball output state flag from "0" corresponding to the low ball output state to "1" corresponding to the high ball output state. In addition, after setting the ball output state flag to "1", the value of the ball output state flag is set to "0" based on the execution of 100 variable displays, that is, the ball output state is updated from the high ball output state to the low ball output state, thereby returning the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period during the jackpot game to the original period (ending adjustment to reduce the payout speed of prize balls per unit time). This allows the number of prize balls paid out per unit time during a winning streak to be reduced, preventing excessive gambling caused by excessive prize balls being paid out in a short period of time.

In addition, in this feature section 162SG, when the value of the ball output status flag is set from "0" to "1", as shown in Figure 11-8, only the special chart variable display time of the non-reach variable pattern is lengthened, and the special chart variable display time of the normal reach or super reach variable pattern is not lengthened. This prevents an increase in the amount of data related to the variable display and prevents a decrease in interest due to the lengthening of the super reach or normal reach variable display time.

In this characteristic section 162SG, the value of the ball output status flag is set from "0" to "1" to start the adjustment to reduce the payout speed of prize balls per unit time, and the value of the ball output status flag is set back to "0" based on the execution of 100 variable displays to end the adjustment to reduce the payout speed of prize balls. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a time measuring means (e.g., a real-time clock or timer) is provided, and the adjustment may be ended based on the time measuring means measuring a certain time (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) from the start of the adjustment. In other words, the end condition in the present invention may be "a certain time has passed during the consecutive win period since the CPU 103 set the value of the ball output status flag to "1".

Furthermore, in this feature section 162SG, an example has been given of a form in which only one end condition for terminating the adjustment to reduce the payout speed of prize balls per unit time is the execution of 100 variable displays, but the present invention is not limited to this, and multiple end conditions for terminating the adjustment to reduce the payout speed of prize balls per unit time may be provided. Note that, when multiple end conditions for terminating the adjustment are provided in this manner, the adjustment may be terminated when any one end condition is met, or the adjustment may be terminated when multiple end conditions are met.

Also, as shown in FIG. 11-8, when the value of the ball output state flag is set to "1" or "2", i.e., when the ball output state is the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state, the special chart variable display time in the variable pattern is set longer than when the value of the ball output state flag is set to "0" (when the ball output state is a low ball output state). Therefore, by lengthening the period required for the variable display, the time interval until the variable display result becomes a jackpot during the consecutive win state can be lengthened, and the payout speed of the prize balls during the consecutive win state can be slowed down without reducing the number of prize balls paid out in the jackpot game state.

Also, as shown in Figures 11-20 and 11-21, during a jackpot game, when the value of the ball output status flag is set to "1" or "2", the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period during which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening are set longer than when the value of the ball output status flag is set to "0". Therefore, the period during which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening between each round of play during a jackpot game can be lengthened without reducing the number of game balls that can enter during each round of play depending on the value of the ball output status flag, and the payout speed of prize balls per unit time during the consecutive win state can be reduced.

In addition, in this feature section 162SG, when the value of the ball output status flag is set to "1" or "2", a total of three periods, the fanfare presentation period, the interval period, and the ending presentation period, during a jackpot game are lengthened compared to when the value of the ball output status flag is set to "0". However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the value of the ball output status flag is set to "1" or "2", any one or two of the fanfare presentation period, the interval period, and the ending presentation period during a jackpot game may be lengthened compared to when the value of the ball output status flag is set to "0".

Furthermore, in this feature section 162SG, an example is given of a form in which the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period during a jackpot game are gradually lengthened by updating the value of the ball output status flag from 0 to 1 to 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the value of the ball output status flag is updated from "0" to "1", one or two of the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period may be lengthened, and when the value of the ball output status flag is updated from "1" to "2", the remaining periods may be lengthened.

As shown in FIG. 11-11, when the CPU 103 executes the game control main process at the start of the pachinko game machine 1, if the restoration condition is not satisfied, the CPU 103 sets the value of the ball payout state flag to "0" corresponding to a low ball payout state, so that it is possible to prevent adjustments that reduce the payout speed of prize balls per unit time from being implemented from the start of the pachinko game machine 1. Furthermore, if the restoration upper limit is satisfied, that is, if a power outage occurs and the pachinko game machine 1 is started again, if the value of the ball payout state flag was set to "1" or "2" at the time of the power outage, the CPU 103 sets the value of the ball payout state flag to "1" or "2" again, so that adjustments that reduce the payout speed of prize balls can be resumed from the time the pachinko game machine 1 is restored from the power outage.

In addition, in this characteristic section 162SG, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 recovers from a power outage, if the value of the ball output status flag was set to "1" or "2" when the power outage occurred, the CPU 103 sets the value of the ball output status flag to "1" or "2" again. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the pachinko gaming machine 1 recovers from a power outage, the value of the ball output status flag may be set to "0", in other words, the adjustment to reduce the payout speed of prize balls that was being performed when the power outage occurred may not be performed. In this way, the amount of data stored as backup data when a power outage occurs in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced.

Also, as shown in Figures 11-13, if the CPU 103 determines in the ball output state determination process that the state is high, the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 starts to light up under the control of the CPU 103. The lighting of the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 allows the user to recognize from outside the pachinko game machine 1 that an adjustment is being made to reduce the payout speed of prize balls.

In addition, in this characteristic section 162SG, an example is given of a form in which the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 can be turned on by the control of the CPU 103, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 may be an LED that can be turned on by the control of the performance control CPU 120. In this case, for example, the game control means (CPU 103) can send control information (performance control command) that can identify whether or not the high award state is in place to the performance control means (performance control CPU 120), and the performance control means can be provided with a notification means (high ball output state notification LED 162SG071) that can notify that the high award state is being controlled in response to identifying the high award state from the control information.

In addition, in this characteristic section 162SG, an example is given of a form in which a high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 is provided as notification means capable of notifying that a high award state (high ball output state) has been determined in the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the notification means may be sound output means (e.g., speakers 8L, 8R) that notifies that a high ball output state has been determined by outputting a specific sound, image display means (e.g., image display device 5) that notifies that a high ball output state has been determined by displaying a specific image, information output means that can output information (signal) corresponding to that a high ball output state has been determined, etc.

In addition, by making the control period for turning on and off the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 the same as the control period for turning on and off the first special pattern display device 4A, the second special pattern display device 4B, and the normal pattern display device 20, the CPU 103 is able to execute notification by the high ball output state notification LED 162SG071 with a common on/off control for the first special pattern display device 4A, the second special pattern display device 4B, and the normal pattern display device 20.

In addition, the CPU 103 can send a ball-out state designation command to the performance control board 12 (performance control CPU 120) by executing the command control process shown in FIG. 5 after executing the sending setting of the ball-out state designation command in the ball-out state determination process shown in FIG. 11-13. Then, as shown in FIG. 11-27 and FIG. 11-28, the performance control CPU 120 can specify the ball-out state from the received ball-out state designation command in the notice performance determination process, and determine whether or not to execute a notice performance during variable display and the type of notice performance to be executed using a notice performance type determination table according to the specified ball-out state. In particular, in this feature unit 162SG, the notice performance (notice performance type) that can be executed is different when the ball-out state is a low ball-out state, a first high ball-out state, and a second ball-out state, so that the interest in playing can be increased by executing a notice performance according to these ball-out states.

In addition, in this feature section 162SG, as shown in FIG. 11-28, an example is given in which the executable preview performances (preview performance types) are different when the ball output state is a low ball output state, a first high ball output state, and a second ball output state, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the ball output state is a low ball output state, a first high ball output state, and a second ball output state, the executable preview performances (preview performance types) may be the same but the determination ratio of each preview performance type may be different, or when the ball output state is a low ball output state, a first high ball output state, and a second ball output state, the executable preview performances (preview performance types) and the determination ratio of each preview performance type may be the same.

In addition, in this feature unit 162SG, a preview effect that suggests that the variable display result will be a jackpot during the variable display can be executed, and the type of preview effect that can be executed is different depending on the ball output state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a high probability suggestion effect that suggests that the game will be controlled to a high probability state after the jackpot game ends during a jackpot game, or a continuation suggestion effect that suggests that the jackpot game will continue for up to 10 rounds during a jackpot game can be executed with multiple types of effects, and the types of effects that can be executed as the high probability suggestion effect or the continuation suggestion effect, or the determination ratio of the types of effects that can be executed may be different depending on whether the ball output state is a low ball output state, a first high ball output state, or a second high ball output state.

Also, as shown in FIG. 11-23, the performance control CPU 120 can execute a pre-reading notice setting process to execute a pre-reading notice performance that can display the reserved display of a new reserved memory generated by a start winning in multiple display patterns, and the rate at which the variable display result becomes a jackpot varies depending on which display pattern the reserved display is displayed in. Furthermore, in this feature section 162SG, the performance control CPU 120 does not execute a pre-reading notice performance (displays the reserved display as a normal white circle) if the variable display remaining number after the judgment in the pre-reading notice setting process is equal to or less than the pre-reading limit number, so that when a pre-reading notice performance is executed for a reserved memory generated in a start winning in the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state, it is possible to prevent the pre-reading notice performance from becoming inappropriate due to the ball output state changing to a low ball output state before the variable display based on the reserved memory that is the target of the pre-reading notice performance is started.

In addition, in this feature section 162SG, when the ball output state is the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state, if the number of remaining variable displays after the judgment is equal to or less than the number of pre-reading limit times, the form in which the pre-reading preview performance is not executed is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when the ball output state is the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state, the pre-reading preview performance may not be executed in a straightforward manner.

The features of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these features, and the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the characteristic part 162SG, when the ball output state is a high ball output state, the fanfare performance period, interval period, and ending performance period during the jackpot game are made longer than when the ball output state is a low ball output state, and the special chart variable display time of some of the variable patterns is made longer to adjust the payout speed of the prize balls per unit time, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example 162SG-1, when the ball output state is a high ball output state, the determination rate of the special jackpot A as the jackpot type may be lowered and the determination rate of the special jackpot B may be increased compared to when the ball output state is a low ball output state. By doing this, when the ball output state is a high ball output state, the jackpot type is more likely to be determined as the special jackpot B with 5 rounds and less likely to be determined as the special jackpot A with 10 rounds, so that the number of prize balls paid out in one jackpot game can be reduced, and as a result, an adjustment to reduce the payout speed of the prize balls in a high ball output state can be realized.

Furthermore, as modified example 162SG-2, when the ball output state is a high ball output state, the probability of determining a jackpot type (probability variable jackpot A, probability variable jackpot B, probability variable jackpot C) may be lowered and the probability of determining a non-probability variable jackpot may be increased when the ball output state is a low ball output state, making it easier to control to a time-saving state (low probability high base state) after the jackpot game ends. By doing this, in the time-saving state (low probability high base state), the probability of the variable display result being a jackpot is lower than in the probability variable state (high probability high base state), so that the end of the consecutive win state is more easily determined by executing 100 variable displays in the time-saving state, making it easier to control to the normal state, and therefore the number of consecutive jackpot games can be reduced via the high base state, making it possible to realize an adjustment that reduces the payout speed of prize balls in the high ball output state. In this case, the "means for determining the end of the advantageous period" in the present invention corresponds to the part where the CPU 103 executes the processes of steps 162SGS190 to 162SGS194 in the special pattern stopping process shown in FIG. 11-18 (processing to determine the value of the time-saving count counter, processing to subtract the value of the time-saving count counter, processing to re-determine the value of the time-saving count counter after subtraction, and processing to turn off the time-saving flag).

In addition, the CPU 103 of the feature unit 162SG controls the game state from a time-saving state (low probability high base state) to a normal state (low probability low base state) based on the completion of 100 variable displays after the end of a non-probability jackpot game, in other words, an example of ending the consecutive win state has been given, but the present invention is not limited to this, and in a high base state (high probability high base state, low probability high base state), the CPU 103 may execute a fall lottery (end lottery) for the high base state each time the variable display is started in the normal processing of the special pattern, or each time the variable display is ended in the special pattern stop processing, and based on winning the lottery, control the game state to the high base state (high probability high base state, low probability high base state) or low probability low base state, in other words, end the consecutive win state. In addition, when the falling lottery is executed each time the variable display is started or ended, for example, when the ball output state is a high ball output state, it is possible to make it easier to win the falling lottery at a higher rate than when the ball output state is a low ball output state. In this way, in a high ball output state, the end of the consecutive winning state is more easily determined and it is easier to control to the normal state, so that the number of consecutive jackpot games occurring through the high base state can be reduced, and as a result, an adjustment can be realized to reduce the payout speed of prize balls in a high ball output state. In this case, the "advantageous period end determination means" of the present invention corresponds to the process of executing the falling lottery when the CPU 103 starts the variable display in the normal special pattern processing or executes the special pattern stop processing, and the process of turning off the probability change flag or the time reduction flag when the falling lottery is won.

In addition, in the characteristic section 162SG, the CPU 103 sets the value of the ball output state flag from "1" or "2" to "0" on the condition that the variable display has been executed 100 times, in other words, the CPU 103 controls the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state to a low ball output state on the condition that 100 variable displays have been executed after being controlled to the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example 162SG-3, the CPU 103 sets the value of the ball output state flag to "1" and then sets the value of the ball output state flag to "0" based on the execution of a predetermined number of jackpot games (for example, 10 times) during the consecutive win state, in other words, the "termination condition" in the present invention may be "the execution of a predetermined number of jackpot games during the consecutive win state after the value of the ball output state flag has been set to "1". In this way, the CPU 103 can reset the value of the ball output status flag from "1" or "2" back to "0" based on the number of times that the jackpot game has been executed since the value of the ball output status flag was set to "1" reaching a predetermined number (e.g., 10 times), which is the number of times the game has ended.

In addition, in the characteristic section 162SG, the CPU 103 sets the value of the ball output state flag from "1" or "2" to "0" on the condition that the variable display has been executed 100 times. In other words, the CPU 103 controls the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state to a low ball output state on the condition that 100 variable displays have been executed since being controlled to the first high ball output state or the second high ball output state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As a modified example 162SG-4, the CPU 103 sets the value of the ball output state flag to "1" and then sets the value of the ball output state flag to "0" based on the total number of game balls that have entered each winning port or entered the outlet during the consecutive win state reaching a predetermined number (for example, 1,000 balls). In other words, the "termination condition" in the present invention may be "the number of game balls used in play during the consecutive win state reaching a predetermined number after the value of the ball output state flag is set to "1". By doing this, the CPU 103 can reset the value of the ball output status flag from "1" or "2" back to "0" based on the number of game balls used in a game reaching a predetermined number (e.g., 1,000 balls) since the value of the ball output status flag was set to "1."

In addition, in the characteristic section 162SG, when the value of the ball output state flag is "1" (first high ball output state) or "2" (second high ball output state), an adjustment is made to reduce the payout speed of prize balls in the high ball output state by lengthening the special chart variable display time in each fluctuation pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an adjustment may be made to reduce the payout speed of prize balls in the high ball output state by varying the determination ratio of each fluctuation pattern according to the value of the ball output state flag.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 11-30 and 11-31, variant 162SG-5 has a miss fluctuation pattern determination table A for when the ball output state flag value is "0" (low ball output state), a miss fluctuation pattern determination table B for when the ball output state flag value is "1" (first ball output state), and a miss fluctuation pattern determination table C for when the ball output state flag value is "2" (second ball output state).

As shown in Figure 11-30 (A), in the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A, of the possible range of 1 to 997 for the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, 1 to 600 is assigned to the non-reach fluctuation pattern PA1-1, 601 to 900 is assigned to the normal reach fluctuation pattern PA2-1, and 901 to 997 is assigned to the super reach fluctuation pattern PA2-2.

As shown in Figure 11-30 (B), in the miss fluctuation pattern determination table B, of the possible range of 1 to 997 for the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, 1 to 400 is assigned to the non-reach fluctuation pattern PA1-1, 401 to 800 is assigned to the normal reach fluctuation pattern PA2-1, and 801 to 997 is assigned to the super reach fluctuation pattern PA2-2.

As shown in Figure 11-30 (C), in the miss fluctuation pattern determination table C, of the possible range of 1 to 997 for the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, 1 to 200 is assigned to the non-reach fluctuation pattern PA1-1, 201 to 700 is assigned to the normal reach fluctuation pattern PA2-1, and 701 to 997 is assigned to the super reach fluctuation pattern PA2-2.

When comparing miss fluctuation pattern determination table A and miss fluctuation pattern determination table B, miss fluctuation pattern determination table B has a lower rate of determining non-reach fluctuation patterns than miss fluctuation pattern determination table A, but has a higher rate of determining normal reach and super reach fluctuation patterns. In other words, miss fluctuation pattern determination table B is a fluctuation pattern determination table that is more likely to determine fluctuation patterns with longer variable display times than miss fluctuation pattern determination table A.

In addition, when comparing miss fluctuation pattern determination table B and miss fluctuation pattern determination table C, miss fluctuation pattern determination table C has a lower rate of determining non-reach fluctuation patterns than miss fluctuation pattern determination table B, but has a higher rate of determining normal reach and super reach fluctuation patterns. In other words, miss fluctuation pattern determination table C is a fluctuation pattern determination table that is more likely to determine fluctuation patterns with longer variable display times than miss fluctuation pattern determination table B.

In other words, among the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A, the miss fluctuation pattern determination table B, and the miss fluctuation pattern determination table C, the miss fluctuation pattern determination table C has the longest average variable display time, and the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A has the shortest average variable display time.

As shown in FIG. 11-31, if the value of the ball output state flag is "0" and the variable display result is a miss, the miss variation pattern determination table A is selected to determine the variation pattern, if the value of the ball output state flag is "1" and the variable display result is a miss, the miss variation pattern determination table B is selected to determine the variation pattern, and if the value of the ball output state flag is "2" and the variable display result is a miss, the miss variation pattern determination table B is selected to determine the variation pattern. In this way, by determining the variation pattern using a variation pattern determination table according to the value of the ball output state flag, an adjustment can be made to reduce the payout speed of prize balls in a high ball output state.

In addition, in the characteristic section 162SG, the "advantageous state" in the present invention is the big win game state, and the value of the ball payout state flag is set from "0" to "1" based on the fact that the big win game state has been controlled a specific number of times (five times in the characteristic section 162SG) during the consecutive win state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the "advantageous state" in the present invention may include a small win game state. In particular, when the present invention is applied to a gaming machine (a so-called small win rush machine) that can be frequently controlled to a small win game state during the consecutive win state and has a game feature of paying out prize balls by the entry of a game ball into a big win hole in these small win game states, the value of the ball payout state flag can be set from "0" to "1" based on the total number of times that the game state has been controlled to the big win game state and the number of times that the game state has been controlled to the small win game state during the consecutive win state reaching a specific number of times (for example, 100 times), thereby realizing an adjustment to reduce the payout speed of prize balls in the high ball payout state.

In addition, in the feature section 162SG, when the game is controlled to a non-variable jackpot game state, the time-saving control is executed 100 times with a variable display after the jackpot game, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a non-variable jackpot may be provided in which the number of time-saving controls executed after the jackpot game is completed is less than 100 times (for example, 50 times or 30 times). In this case, when a non-variable jackpot with a time-saving control number of 50 times or 30 times is provided, the value of the ball output state flag may be set to "0" even if 100 variable displays have not been executed since the value of the ball output state flag was set to "1". In other words, if a non-variable jackpot is won during consecutive wins, and the time-saving state following the end of the non-variable jackpot game ends without another jackpot and the game returns to normal, the adjustment to reduce the payout speed of prize balls in the high payout state may also end based on the fact that the game has entered the normal state.

In addition, this specification discloses both a pachinko gaming machine to which the invention of characteristic portion 109SG is applied and a pachinko gaming machine to which the invention of characteristic portion 162SG is applied, but the present invention is not limited to this, and both the invention of characteristic portion 109 and the invention of characteristic portion 162SG may be applied to one pachinko gaming machine.

The present invention is not limited to the above description. Furthermore, the specific configuration includes the above-mentioned embodiment and other examples described below, as well as modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

Furthermore, among the configurations shown in the embodiment and each modified example described above, and the configurations shown in the embodiment and each modified example described below, all or part of the configurations may be combined in any manner.

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

Other examples of the gaming machine of the present invention include:
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of performance identification information (e.g., decorative patterns) including specific performance identification information (e.g., pseudo consecutive patterns) to derive and display a display result, and capable of controlling the gaming machine to a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) favorable to a player,
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be controlled to a normal state and a special state that is easier to control to the advantageous state than the normal state (e.g., a time-saving state (high probability high base state or low probability high base state)),
A game control means (e.g., a CPU 103) capable of controlling the progress of a game;
A presentation control means (e.g., a presentation control CPU 120) capable of controlling presentation based on control information (e.g., a presentation control command shown in FIG. 11-2) transmitted from the game control means;
updating means (e.g., a portion in which the CPU 103 executes the ball output state determination process shown in Figures 11-13) capable of updating the predetermined numerical data from a first value (e.g., "0") to a second value (e.g., "1" or "2") when the number of times that the advantageous state has occurred during an advantageous period (e.g., a period during which consecutive wins have occurred) during which the normal state has never been controlled since the normal state was controlled to either the advantageous state or the special state has reached a specific number (e.g., when the number of consecutive wins is equal to or greater than the first determination number of "5");
an adjustment means for adjusting the speed at which the game value is awarded in a unit period to be decreased when the predetermined numerical data is the second value (for example, as shown in Figs. 11-13 and 11-21, a portion in which the CPU 103 sets the ball output state flag value to "1" or "2" in the ball output state determination process to lengthen the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period during a jackpot game);
Equipped with
The game control means is capable of transmitting control information capable of identifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value to the performance control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, after the CPU 103 executes the sending setting of the ball output state designation command in the processing of step 162SGS17, the part that executes the command control processing shown in FIG. 5);
The presentation control means is capable of executing presentation control based on control information capable of identifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-27 and FIG. 11-28, the presentation control CPU 120 is capable of identifying the ball output state from the received ball output state designation command in the preview presentation determination process, and determining whether or not to execute a preview presentation during variable display and the presentation type of the preview presentation to be executed using a preview presentation type determination table corresponding to the identified ball output state).
The update means updates the predetermined numerical data from the second value to the first value when a termination condition is satisfied (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, when the CPU 103 sets the ball-out state flag to "1", the ball-out state flag is set to "0" based on the fact that the number of remaining variable display times after the determination, which was also set, becomes 0).
moreover,
A specific effect execution means (e.g., a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display during effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., a pseudo consecutive effect) in which the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started until the display result is derived and displayed as a variable display, and then the variable display is resumed;
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification effect execution means (for example, a part where the performance control CPU 120 executes the variable display performance process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a temporary stop notification effect) that notifies that the specific performance identification information has temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestive performance, a performance in which the visibility of performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state (for example, as shown in Figures 15-33 and 15-34, a portion in which the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is reduced by displaying converging lines at a density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is further reduced by displaying converging lines at a density D2).
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-34 and 15-35, a part in which the decorative patterns on the left and right are made invisible by displaying an effect image for a temporary stop notification in the entire display area of the image display device 5),
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing the suggestive performance even when the specific performance identification information does not temporarily stop, and in the case of the temporary stop, is capable of continuing to display the effect display for a predetermined period of time after the predetermined timing has passed (for example, as shown in Figure 15-44, in the case where the pseudo-consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop after the temporary stop suggestive performance is executed, the converging lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo-consecutive pattern has become invisible on the image display device 5).
According to this feature, when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, an adjustment is made to slow down the granting speed of the game value, so that when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, it is possible to prevent excessive game value from being granted in a short period of time when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, which would lead to excessive gambling, and since it is possible to execute a presentation control corresponding to whether the predetermined numerical data is the second value or not, it is possible to improve the interest in the game. Furthermore, the suggestive presentation can increase the player's expectation of a provisional stop, and the execution of the notification presentation can increase the player's sense of elation at the provisional stop, and when a provisional stop is not made, the effect display continues to be displayed even after the predetermined timing of the provisional stop, making it easier for the player to recognize that the provisional stop was not made, and the player's sense of disappointment at the provisional stop can be alleviated, thereby improving the interest in the game.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention also includes:
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can variably display a plurality of types of performance identification information (e.g., decorative patterns) to derive and display a display result, and can be controlled to an advantageous state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to a player,
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be controlled to a normal state and a special state that is easier to control to the advantageous state than the normal state (e.g., a time-saving state (high probability high base state or low probability high base state)),
A game control means (e.g., a CPU 103) capable of controlling the progress of a game;
A presentation control means (e.g., a presentation control CPU 120) capable of controlling presentation based on control information (e.g., a presentation control command shown in FIG. 11-2) transmitted from the game control means;
updating means (e.g., a portion in which the CPU 103 executes the ball output state determination process shown in Figures 11-13) capable of updating the predetermined numerical data from a first value (e.g., "0") to a second value (e.g., "1" or "2") when the number of times that the advantageous state has occurred during an advantageous period (e.g., a period during which consecutive wins have occurred) during which the normal state has never been controlled since the normal state was controlled to either the advantageous state or the special state has reached a specific number (e.g., when the number of consecutive wins is equal to or greater than the first determination number of "5");
an adjustment means for adjusting the speed at which the game value is awarded in a unit period to be decreased when the predetermined numerical data is the second value (for example, as shown in Figs. 11-13 and 11-21, a portion in which the CPU 103 sets the ball output state flag value to "1" or "2" in the ball output state determination process to lengthen the fanfare presentation period, interval period, and ending presentation period during a jackpot game);
Equipped with
The game control means is capable of transmitting control information capable of identifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value to the performance control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, after the CPU 103 executes the sending setting of the ball output state designation command in the processing of step 162SGS17, the part that executes the command control processing shown in FIG. 5);
The presentation control means is capable of executing presentation control based on control information capable of identifying that the predetermined numerical data is the second value (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-27 and FIG. 11-28, the presentation control CPU 120 is capable of identifying the ball output state from the received ball output state designation command in the preview presentation determination process, and determining whether or not to execute a preview presentation during variable display and the presentation type of the preview presentation to be executed using a preview presentation type determination table corresponding to the identified ball output state).
The update means updates the predetermined numerical data from the second value to the first value when a termination condition is satisfied (for example, as shown in FIG. 11-13, when the CPU 103 sets the ball-out state flag to "1", the ball-out state flag is set to "0" based on the fact that the number of remaining variable display times after the determination, which was also set, becomes 0).
moreover,
As a variable display, at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started to when the display result is derived and displayed, a specific effect (e.g., a pseudo consecutive effect) that temporarily stops special identification information (e.g., a pseudo consecutive pattern) different from the effect identification information and then resumes the variable display is a specific effect (e.g., a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display during effect process shown in FIG. 14 );
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the special identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a temporary stop notification effect) that notifies that the special identification information has temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestive performance, a performance in which the visibility of the performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state (for example, as shown in Figures 15-33 and 15-34, a portion in which the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is reduced by displaying a converging line at a density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is further reduced by displaying the converging line at a density D2).
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which the performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-34 and 15-35, a part in which the decorative patterns on the left and right sides are made invisible by displaying an effect image for a temporary stop notification in the entire display area of the image display device 5),
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing the suggestive performance even when the special identification information does not temporarily stop, and in the case where the temporary stop does not occur, is capable of continuing to display the effect display for a specified period of time after the specified timing has passed (for example, as shown in Figure 15-44, in the case where the pseudo-consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop after the temporary stop suggestive performance is executed, the converging lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo-consecutive pattern has become invisible on the image display device 5).
According to this feature, when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, an adjustment is made to slow down the granting speed of the game value, so that when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, it is possible to prevent excessive game value from being granted in a short period of time when the predetermined numerical data is the second value, which would lead to excessive gambling, and since it is possible to execute a presentation control corresponding to whether the predetermined numerical data is the second value or not, it is possible to improve the interest in the game. Furthermore, the suggestive presentation can increase the player's expectation of a provisional stop, and the execution of the notification presentation can increase the player's sense of elation at the provisional stop, and when a provisional stop is not made, the effect display continues to be displayed even after the predetermined timing of the provisional stop, making it easier for the player to recognize that the provisional stop was not made, and the player's sense of disappointment at the provisional stop can be alleviated, thereby improving the interest in the game.

In other words, when an adjustment is made to slow down the speed at which game value is awarded (for example, an adjustment is made so that the variable display time is longer than when the speed at which game value is awarded is not slowed in the variation pattern selection), an effect corresponding to the adjustment is performed, so that excessive game value is prevented from being awarded in a short period of time while preventing a decline in interest in the game, and even if the specific effect identification information or special identification information does not temporarily stop, the effect display continues to be displayed for a specified period after the specified timing has passed, so that the lingering effect display can leave a strong impression on the player of the suggestive effect, and the player's sense of disappointment can be alleviated more than if the effect display were to end immediately after the specified timing has passed. In other words, a gaming machine can be provided that is moderately gambling-oriented, easily attracts the player's interest, and easily increases the player's interest in the effect.

You can also vary the rate at which suggestive effects are executed depending on the value of the numerical data. This will increase interest.

Furthermore, as another example of a gaming machine capable of increasing interest, there is a gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can variably display a plurality of types of performance identification information (e.g., decorative patterns) including specific performance identification information (e.g., pseudo consecutive patterns) to derive and display a display result, and can be controlled to an advantageous state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to the player,
A specific effect execution means (e.g., a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display during effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., a pseudo consecutive effect) in which the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started until the display result is derived and displayed, and then the variable display is resumed;
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification effect execution means (for example, a part where the performance control CPU 120 executes the variable display performance process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a temporary stop notification effect) that notifies that the specific performance identification information has temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestive performance, a performance in which the visibility of performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state (for example, as shown in Figures 15-33 and 15-34, a portion in which the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is reduced by displaying converging lines at a density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is further reduced by displaying converging lines at a density D2).
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-34 and 15-35, a part in which an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed in the entire display area of the image display device 5 to make the left and right decorative patterns invisible),
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing the suggestive performance even when the specific performance identification information does not temporarily stop, and in the case of the temporary stop, is capable of continuing to display the effect display for a specified period after the specified timing has passed (for example, as shown in Figure 15-44, in the case where the pseudo-consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop after the temporary stop suggestive performance is executed, the converging lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo-consecutive pattern has become invisible on the image display device 5), and an example of such a gaming machine is one in which the suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing the suggestive performance even when the specific performance identification information does not temporarily stop, and in the case of the temporary stop, is capable of continuing to display the effect display for a specified period after the specified timing has passed.

Furthermore, a gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can variably display a plurality of types of performance identification information (e.g., decorative patterns) to derive and display a display result and control the game machine to an advantageous state (e.g., a jackpot game state) that is advantageous to a player,
As a variable display, at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started to when the display result is derived and displayed, a specific effect (e.g., a pseudo consecutive effect) can be executed by temporarily stopping special identification information (e.g., a pseudo consecutive pattern) different from the effect identification information and then restarting the variable display (e.g., a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display during effect process shown in FIG. 14 );
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the special identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a temporary stop notification effect) that notifies that the special identification information has temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestive performance, a performance in which the visibility of the performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state (for example, as shown in Figures 15-33 and 15-34, a portion in which the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is reduced by displaying a converging line at a density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is further reduced by displaying the converging line at a density D2).
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which the performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-34 and 15-35, a part in which the decorative patterns on the left and right sides are made invisible by displaying an effect image for a temporary stop notification in the entire display area of the image display device 5),
The suggestive performance execution means can execute the suggestive performance even when the special identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the temporary stop does not occur, can continue to display the effect display for a predetermined period of time after the predetermined timing has passed (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-44, when the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop after the temporary stop suggestive performance is executed, the concentrated lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo consecutive symbols are no longer displayed on the image display device 5). An example of the form of this gaming machine will be described below as another example.

(Other examples)

Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of a display result judgment table. Figure 12 (A) shows an example of the configuration of a display result judgment table for the first special symbol used when the variable special symbol is the first special symbol, and Figure 12 (B) shows an example of the configuration of a display result judgment table for the second special symbol used when the variable special symbol is the second special symbol. The display result judgment table is a collection of data stored in ROM 101. In the display result judgment table, a winning judgment value compared with the random number value MR1 according to a set value is assigned to the special symbol display result, which is the variable display result of the special symbol. The random number value MR1 is a random number value for determining the display result, and the value is updated randomly within the range of 0 to 65535. As the display result judgment table, a display result judgment table common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be used.

As shown in FIG. 12(A), when the variable special chart is the first special chart, if the setting value is 1 and the game state is normal or time-saving, the value can be a number in the range of 0 to 65535, and among the hit determination values compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, 1020 to 1237 are assigned to "jackpot", 65317 to 65535 are assigned to "miss with time-saving", and the other numerical ranges are assigned to "miss". Also, when the setting value is 1 and the game state is a probability variable state, among the hit determination values mentioned above, 1020 to 1346 are assigned to "jackpot", and the other numerical ranges are assigned to "miss". Note that, when the setting value in the first special chart is 2 to 6 and the game state is normal or time-saving, it is as shown in FIG. 12(A).

As shown in FIG. 12(B), when the variable special chart is the second special chart, if the setting value is 1 and the game state is normal or time-saving, the value can be a number in the range of 0 to 65535, and of the hit determination values compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, 1020 to 1237 are assigned to "jackpot", 65317 to 65425 are assigned to "miss with time-saving", and the other numerical ranges are assigned to "miss". Also, when the setting value is 1 and the game state is a probability variable state, of the aforementioned hit determination values, 1020 to 1346 are assigned to "jackpot", and the other numerical ranges are assigned to "miss". Note that when the setting value in the second special chart is 2 to 6 and the game state is normal or time-saving, it is as shown in FIG. 12(B).

Now, looking at the numerical range of hit determination values assigned to "jackpot" and "miss with time-saving" in each display result determination table, as shown in FIG. 13, in the display result determination table for the first special chart when the game state is normal or time-saving, the range of hit determination values from 1020 to 1237 is set as a common numerical range of jackpot determination values for determining a jackpot regardless of the set value.

When the setting value is 1, only the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value is set (1020 to 1237 is assigned to "jackpot"), while when the setting value is 2 to 6, the numerical range corresponding to each setting value is set from 1238 as the non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value. This non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value is set to the range of 1238 to 1253 for setting value 2, the range of 1238 to 1272 for setting value 3, the range of 1238 to 1292 for setting value 4, the range of 1238 to 1317 for setting value 5, and the range of 1238 to 1346 for setting value 6.

In other words, in the first special chart display result judgment table when the game state is normal or time-saving, when the setting value is 1, among the hit judgment values that can take a value in the range of 0 to 65535, only values within the common numerical range (1020 to 1237) are assigned to "jackpot", while when the setting value is 2 or more, among the jackpot judgment values, values within the range obtained by adding the non-common numerical range to the common numerical range are assigned to "jackpot". Furthermore, the non-common numerical range increases with 1238 as the setting value increases.

For this reason, the probability of a jackpot is increased by increasing the non-common numerical range that is adjacent to the common numerical range as the set value increases, with 1020 being the reference value for determining a jackpot (jackpot reference value).

Furthermore, in the first special chart display result judgment table when the game state is normal or time-saving, the range of hit judgment values from 65317 to 65535 is set as the common numerical range of the time-saving miss judgment value for judging a time-saving miss regardless of the setting value. If we focus on the case where the setting value is 6, as described above, the hit judgment value from 1020 to 1346 is set as the numerical range of the jackpot judgment value, and the time-saving miss judgment value is set to the range of 65317 to 65535 with 65317 as the reference value for time-saving miss (time-saving miss reference value) in a numerical range different from the range of the jackpot judgment value of the previous setting value of 6 (1020 to 1346), so that the numerical range of the time-saving miss judgment value is prevented from overlapping with the range of the jackpot judgment value that changes according to each setting value.

In addition, in the first special chart display result judgment table when the game state is in a special probability state, the range of hit judgment values from 1020 to 1346 is set as a common numerical range of jackpot judgment values for determining a jackpot regardless of the set value.

When the setting value is 1, only the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value is set (1020 to 1346 is assigned to "jackpot"), while when the setting value is 2 to 6, the numerical range corresponding to each setting value is set from 1347 as the non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value. This non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value is set to the range of 1347 to 1383 for setting value 2, the range of 1347 to 1429 for setting value 3, the range of 1347 to 1487 for setting value 4, the range of 1347 to 1556 for setting value 5, and the range of 1347 to 1674 for setting value 6.

In other words, in the first special chart display result judgment table when the game state is in the high probability state, when the setting value is 1, among the hit judgment values that can take a value in the range of 0 to 65535, only values within the common numerical range (1020 to 1346) are assigned to "jackpot", while when the setting value is 2 or more, among the jackpot judgment values, values within the range obtained by adding the non-common numerical range to the common numerical range are assigned to "jackpot". Furthermore, the non-common numerical range increases with 1347 as the setting value increases.

For this reason, the probability of a jackpot is increased by increasing the non-common numerical range that is adjacent to the common numerical range as the set value increases, with 1020 being the reference value for determining a jackpot (jackpot reference value).

In the display result judgment table for the second special chart when the game state is normal or time-saving, the range of hit judgment values from 1020 to 1237 is set as the common numerical range of the jackpot judgment value for determining a jackpot regardless of the set value.

When the setting value is 1, only the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value is set (1020 to 1237 is assigned to "jackpot"), while when the setting value is 2 to 6, the numerical range corresponding to each setting value is set from 1238 as the non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value. This non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value is set to the range of 1238 to 1253 for setting value 2, the range of 1238 to 1272 for setting value 3, the range of 1238 to 1292 for setting value 4, the range of 1238 to 1317 for setting value 5, and the range of 1238 to 1346 for setting value 6.

In other words, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, in the second special chart display result judgment table when the game state is normal or time-saving, when the set value is 1, among the hit judgment values that can take a value in the range of 0 to 65535, only values within the common numerical range (1020 to 1237) are assigned to "jackpot", while when the set value is 2 or more, among the jackpot judgment values, values within the range obtained by adding the non-common numerical range to the common numerical range are assigned to "jackpot". Furthermore, the non-common numerical range increases with 1238 as the set value increases.

For this reason, the probability of a jackpot is increased by increasing the non-common numerical range that is adjacent to the common numerical range as the set value increases, with 1020 being the reference value for determining a jackpot (jackpot reference value).

Furthermore, in the display result judgment table for the second special chart when the game state is the normal state or the time-saving state, the range of 65317 to 65425 among the hit judgment values is set as the common numerical range of the time-saving miss judgment value for judging a time-saving miss regardless of the setting value. If we focus on the case where the setting value is 6, as described above, the hit judgment value is set to 1020 to 1346 as the numerical range of the jackpot judgment value, and the time-saving miss judgment value is set to the range of 65317 to 65425 with 65317 as the reference value for the time-saving miss (time-saving miss reference value) in a numerical range different from the range of the jackpot judgment value of the setting value 6 (1020 to 1346), so that the numerical range of the time-saving miss judgment value is prevented from overlapping with the range of the jackpot judgment value that changes according to each setting value.

In the second special symbol display result determination table when the game state is in a special probability state, the hit determination value range of 1020 to 1346 is set as a common numerical range of jackpot determination values for determining a jackpot regardless of the set value. The other features of the second special symbol display result determination table are the same as those of the first special symbol display result determination table.

As described above, in this pachinko game machine 1, when the variable special symbol is the first special symbol, the range of 65317 to 65535 is set as the common numerical range for time-saving misses regardless of the setting value when the game state is normal or time-saving, and when the variable special symbol is the second special symbol, the range of 65317 to 65425 is set as the common numerical range for time-saving misses regardless of the setting value when the game state is normal or time-saving. In other words, when the game state is normal or time-saving, the rate at which the variable display result is a time-saving miss is the same for all setting values, so that it is possible to prevent the setting value from making the gambling nature excessively high. Furthermore, for the time-saving misses to which a common judgment value is assigned for each setting value, the range is set to a continuous numerical range from 65317, which is the time-saving miss reference value, for all setting values, so that it is possible to reduce the processing load on the CPU 103 related to the judgment of the variable display result being a time-saving miss.

In addition, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, six setting values can be set, from 1 to 6, but the setting values that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be five or less or seven or more. Also, the smaller the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the more advantageous it may be for the player.

The jackpot type may be determined at different rates depending on the set value, based on the allocation of judgment values in the jackpot type judgment table. Alternatively, the jackpot type may be determined at a common rate regardless of the set value. The fluctuation pattern may be determined at different rates depending on the set value, based on the allocation of judgment values in the fluctuation pattern judgment table. Alternatively, the fluctuation pattern may be determined at a common rate regardless of the set value. The execution rate of normal reaches and super reaches may differ depending on the set value, so that the setting value may be suggested by the frequency at which normal reaches and super reaches are executed. Alternatively, the execution rate of normal reaches and super reaches may be common regardless of the set value. In addition, any setting suggestion performance may be possible at different rates depending on the set value.

Figure 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed in step S76 of Figure 9 as the performance control process processing. In the performance control process processing shown in Figure 14, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a look-ahead preview setting process (step S161). In the look-ahead preview setting process, for example, judgments, decisions, settings, etc. for executing the look-ahead preview performance are made based on the performance control command at the time of the start winning transmitted from the main board 11. In addition, processing is executed to display the hold display based on the number of hold memories specified from the performance control command.

After executing the processing of step S161, the performance control CPU 120 selects and executes one of the processing of steps S170 to S90175 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 body 32, 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 wait process of step S173 is executed when the value of the presentation process flag is "3". In this special winning wait process, the presentation control CPU 120 judges whether or not a presentation control command designating the start of a jackpot game state has been received from the main board 11. Then, when a presentation control command designating the start of a jackpot game state is received, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to "4". Also, when a command designating the start of a jackpot game state is not received and the waiting time for receiving the command has elapsed, it is judged that the display result in the special winning game was a "miss", and the value of the presentation process flag is updated to the initial value of "0". When the value of the presentation process flag is updated, the special winning wait process is terminated.

The jackpot performance process of step S17490 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 process flag is updated to "5", which is a value corresponding to the ending performance process, and the jackpot performance process ends.

The ending presentation process of step S17590 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 settings. After that, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to the initial value of "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 this 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 pattern (for example, a symbol showing "- ") may be displayed during the variable display of the special pattern, and the variable display may be achieved by repeatedly displaying and extinguishing the pattern. Furthermore, even if the pattern is displayed during the variable display, the pattern may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (the display result may not include the symbol showing "- ").

In the above basic explanation, a pachinko gaming machine 1 was shown as the gaming machine, but the 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 this 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 this invention may be distributed by being downloaded from another device on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communications 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, this also includes one being a "0%" percentage and the other being a "100%" percentage or a percentage less than "100%".

(Description of Characteristic Part 193SG in the Embodiment of the Invention)
Next, a characteristic feature 193SG in this embodiment of the invention (hereinafter, abbreviated as "characteristic feature 193SG") will be described.

The gaming machine of form 1 is
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of performance identification information (e.g., decorative patterns) including specific performance identification information (e.g., pseudo consecutive patterns) to derive and display a display result, and capable of controlling the gaming machine to a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) favorable to a player,
A specific effect execution means (e.g., a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display during effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., a pseudo consecutive effect) in which the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started until the display result is derived and displayed, and then the variable display is resumed;
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification effect execution means (for example, a part where the performance control CPU 120 executes the variable display performance process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a temporary stop notification effect) that notifies that the specific performance identification information has temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestive performance, a performance in which the visibility of performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state (for example, as shown in Figures 15-33 and 15-34, a portion in which the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is reduced by displaying converging lines at a density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is further reduced by displaying converging lines at a density D2).
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-34 and 15-35, a part in which an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed in the entire display area of the image display device 5 to make the left and right decorative patterns invisible),
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing the suggestive performance even when the specific performance identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the temporary stop does not occur, is capable of continuing to display the effect display for a predetermined period of time after the predetermined timing has passed (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-44, when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop after the temporary stop suggestive performance is executed, the convergence lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo consecutive patterns are hidden on the image display device 5).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the suggestive effect can heighten the player's anticipation of a temporary stop, and the execution of the notification effect can heighten the player's sense of excitement at the temporary stop. Furthermore, if a temporary stop is not made, the effect display continues to be displayed even after the specified timing for the temporary stop, making it easier for the player to recognize that a temporary stop did not occur and easing the player's sense of disappointment at not making a temporary stop, thereby improving interest in the game.

The gaming machine of form 2 is
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can variably display a plurality of types of performance identification information (e.g., decorative patterns) to derive and display a display result, and can be controlled to an advantageous state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to a player,
As a variable display, at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started to when the display result is derived and displayed, a specific effect (e.g., a pseudo consecutive effect) can be executed by temporarily stopping special identification information (e.g., a pseudo consecutive pattern) different from the effect identification information and then restarting the variable display (e.g., a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display during effect process shown in FIG. 14 );
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the special identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notification effect (for example, a temporary stop notification effect) that notifies that the special identification information has temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestive performance, a performance in which the visibility of the performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state (for example, as shown in Figures 15-33 and 15-34, a portion in which the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is reduced by displaying a converging line at a density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is further reduced by displaying the converging line at a density D2).
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which the performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-34 and 15-35, a part in which the decorative patterns on the left and right sides are made invisible by displaying an effect image for a temporary stop notification in the entire display area of the image display device 5),
The suggestive effect execution means can execute the suggestive effect even when the special identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the temporary stop does not occur, can continue to display the effect display for a predetermined period after the predetermined timing has passed (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-44, when the temporary stop suggestive effect is executed and the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop, the concentrated lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo consecutive patterns are hidden on the image display device 5).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the suggestive effect can heighten the player's anticipation of a temporary stop, and the execution of the notification effect can heighten the player's sense of excitement at the temporary stop. Furthermore, if a temporary stop is not made, the effect display continues to be displayed even after the specified timing for the temporary stop, making it easier for the player to recognize that a temporary stop did not occur and easing the player's sense of disappointment at not making a temporary stop, thereby improving interest in the game.

The gaming machine of form 3 is
When the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) does not temporarily stop, the suggested performance execution means moves the effect display toward a predetermined position where the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) will temporarily stop if it does (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-48 as modified example 193SG-1, a portion where a converging line is moved toward the center of the image display device 5).
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
According to this feature, since the predetermined position can be specified by the effect display, it becomes easier for the player to recognize that the specific performance identification information (or special identification information) has not temporarily stopped.

The gaming machine of form 4 is
The effect display has a higher transparency after the specified timing than before the specified timing (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-33, in the case where the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop, the convergence lines are displayed with a density of D2 before the timing of switching the display image data, and the convergence lines are displayed with a density of D1 after the timing of switching the display image data, so that the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is higher after the timing of switching the display image data than before the timing of switching the display image data).
4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein
According to this feature, the transparency of the effect display increases after the specified timing when the specific performance identification information (or special identification information) temporarily stops, thereby making the player aware that the specific performance identification information (or special identification information) will not temporarily stop, and by drawing attention to the background image which is easily visible through the effect display, the player's disappointment that the specific performance identification information (or special identification information) did not temporarily stop can be alleviated.

The gaming machine of form 5 is
The suggestive effect execution means erases the effect display before any effect identification information (or effect identification information) different from the specific effect identification information is stopped and displayed at a predetermined position where the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) is temporarily stopped when the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) is temporarily stopped (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-44, when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop, the portion where the converging lines are hidden before the decorative pattern of "1", which is a winning combination, or a number other than "1", which is a losing combination, stops in the "middle" decorative pattern display area 5C).
5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the stop of the effect identification information from being mistaken for a temporary stop.

The gaming machine of form 6 is
When the notification performance is executed, the temporarily stopped specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) is transformed (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-35(G) to FIG. 15-35(H), a crack appears in the pseudo consecutive pattern and the pattern explodes),
A movable body (e.g., a second movable body 193SG033) that can move to a performance position (e.g., a first performance position) that overlaps with at least a part of the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) when the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) is temporarily stopped.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein
According to this feature, the movement of the movable body and the transformation of the specific performance identification information (or special identification information) can give an even stronger impression to the player that the ball has been temporarily stopped.

The gaming machine of form 7 is
The movable body is
It is possible to perform a first action (e.g., movement from the retreat position shown in FIG. 15-2 to the first performance position) and a second action (e.g., movement from the retreat position shown in FIG. 15-2 to the second performance position) that has a smaller area of overlap with the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) than the first action,
In the notification performance, the first operation is performed (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-35(F), the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the retreat position to the first performance position during the temporary stop notification performance).
7. The gaming machine according to claim 6,
According to this feature, it is possible to impress upon the player that the reel has been temporarily stopped, while preventing the movable object from making it difficult to see the specific performance identification information (or special identification information).

The gaming machine of form 8 is
The movable body has a light-emitting portion (e.g., a second movable body LED 193SG034) capable of emitting light,
In the first operation, the light-emitting unit emits light in a manner corresponding to the effect display (for example, as shown in modified example 193SG-2, during the temporary stop notification performance, the second movable body LED 193SG034 emits light in the color of the concentrated line displayed in the temporary stop suggestion performance).
8. The gaming machine according to claim 7,
According to this feature, the light-emitting portion emits light in a manner corresponding to the effect display, thereby improving the presentation effect.

The gaming machine of form 9 is
The first operation of the movable body ends before the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) is erased (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-35(F) and FIG. 15-35(G), the part where the second movable body 193SG033 is moved from the first performance position to the retreat position before the pseudo consecutive pattern is not displayed on the image display device 5).
9. The gaming machine according to claim 7 or 8,
This feature makes it easier for the player to recognize that the specific performance identification information (or special identification information) is being erased.

The gaming machine of form 10 is
When the notification performance is executed, the temporarily stopped specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) is transformed (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-35(G) to FIG. 15-35(H), a crack appears in the pseudo consecutive pattern and the pattern explodes),
A specific performance corresponding display means (for example, a part where the performance control CPU 120 executes the performance process during variable display shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of displaying a specific performance corresponding display (for example, a display of “×2”, “×3”, “×4”, etc.) suggesting that the N+1th variable display will be executed after the specific performance identification information is temporarily stopped;
A movable body (e.g., a second movable body 193SG033) that can move to a performance position (e.g., a first performance position) that overlaps with at least a part of the specific performance corresponding display displayed by the specific performance corresponding display means;
Equipped with
10. The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 9,
According to this feature, the movement of the movable body can increase attention to the specific performance-related display, thereby improving the performance effect.

The gaming machine of form 11 is
The movable body has a light-emitting portion (e.g., a second movable body LED 193SG034) capable of emitting light,
The light-emitting unit emits light in a manner corresponding to the specific effect-corresponding display (for example, a part that causes the second movable body LED193SG034 to emit light in blue when displaying "x2" as the first variable display start count notification effect, in green when displaying "x3", and in red when displaying "x4").
11. The gaming machine according to claim 10,
According to this feature, since the light-emitting portion emits light in a manner corresponding to the separately variable display-compatible display, it is possible to draw attention to the specific performance-compatible display, thereby improving the performance effect.

A gaming machine of form 12 is
a special effect execution means (e.g., a portion in which the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a special effect (e.g., a portion in which a temporary stop suggestion image is displayed in the center of the image display device 5) in the case where the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) does not temporarily stop after the suggestion effect is executed;
Equipped with
When the suggestive performance is executed, the performance display of the suggestive performance is displayed in priority to the variable display of the performance identification information during the suggestive performance (for example, a portion in which a pseudo consecutive pattern is displayed moving from the top to the bottom of the image display device 5 instead of a normal decorative pattern),
The special effect execution means is capable of executing, as the special effect, an effect relating to a transition between a first effect period up to the predetermined timing when the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) moves to a predetermined position and temporarily stops (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-33, a period before the timing of switching display image data in the temporary stop suggestion effect) and a second effect period when the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) does not temporarily stop at the predetermined timing and moves to a position past the predetermined position (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-33, a period after the timing of switching display image data in the temporary stop suggestion effect) (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-33, FIG. 15-35, FIG. 15-44, a portion in the center of the image display device 5 that displays a convergence line while displaying a temporary stop suggestion image),
12. The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 11,
This feature makes it easier to control the display in suggestive performances, and prevents the transition to the second performance period from becoming unnatural when the specific performance identification information (or special identification information) is not temporarily stopped due to the special performance.

The gaming machine of form 13 is
The special effect execution means is capable of executing, as the special effect, an effect in which the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) temporarily stopped at the predetermined position is superimposed with the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) in a semi-transparent state at a position different from the predetermined position and corresponding to the second effect period (for example, a portion in the center of the image display device 5 that displays a temporary stop suggestion image),
13. The gaming machine according to claim 12,
This feature makes the transition to the second performance period even more natural.

A gaming machine of form 14 is
The image display means is capable of synthesizing and displaying images drawn on a plurality of drawing layers (for example, as shown in FIGS. 15-3 and 15-4, a portion capable of synthesizing and displaying data drawn as image data 1, image data 2, image data 3, and image data 4 on the image display device 5);
The drawing layer on which the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) and the effect display of the special effect are drawn is different from the drawing layer on which the effect display of the suggestive effect is drawn (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-3, a portion in which a temporary stop suggestion image is drawn as image data 1, a decorative pattern or a pseudo consecutive pattern is drawn as image data 2, and a convergent line is drawn as image data 4).
14. The gaming machine according to claim 12 or 13,
According to this feature, the specific performance identification information (or special identification information) and the performance display of the special performance can be drawn separately from the performance display of the suggestive performance, thereby increasing the freedom of the suggestive performance, the specific performance identification information (or special identification information), and the special performance.

A gaming machine of form 15 is
When the notification effect is executed, it is possible to execute an effect in which the temporarily stopped specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) is transformed, then moved and erased (for example, as shown in Figs. 15-35(G) to 15-35(H), 15-36(I) and 15-36(J), a portion in which a pseudo consecutive pattern is cracked and explodes, and then moved toward the player and then hidden).
The display means further includes a specific effect display means (e.g., a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the effect process during variable display shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of displaying a specific effect corresponding display (e.g., a display of “×2”, “×3”, “×4”, etc.) suggesting that the N+1th variable display will be executed after the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) is erased,
The specific effect corresponding display means can move and erase the specific effect corresponding display (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-37, a portion that moves and displays displays such as "x2", "x3", "x4" and the like toward the player and then makes them invisible);
The effect identification information in the N+1th variable display is visible during the period from when the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) is erased until when the specific effect corresponding display is erased (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-37(O) , when “x2”, “x3”, “x4”, etc. are displayed on the image display device 5, the decorative patterns on the left and right are visible to the player).
15. The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 14,
According to this feature, the presentation effect of the notification presentation and the specific presentation corresponding display can be enhanced, and since the presentation identification information can be seen before the specific presentation corresponding display is erased, it is possible for the player to easily recognize that the variable display will resume.

A gaming machine of form 16 is
A notice performance execution means (for example, a part where the performance control CPU 120 executes the variable display performance process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notice performance that notifies the player of a high possibility of the advantageous state by using the performance identification information,
The advance notice performance execution means restricts the execution of the advance notice performance when the specific performance corresponding display is erased (for example, as shown in modified example 193SG-3, in the case where the display of "x2", "x3", "x4" is moved (enlarged) toward the player as the first variable display start count notification performance, the portion restricting the advance notice performance execution).
16. The gaming machine according to claim 15,
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the execution of the advance notice makes it difficult to recognize that the variable display will resume.

The gaming machine of form 17 is
The movement of both the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) and the specific effect corresponding display is toward the player who is playing the game (for example, a portion where a pseudo consecutive pattern explodes and moves toward the player, and a portion where displays such as "x2", "x3", "x4", etc. move toward the player).
17. The gaming machine according to claim 15 or 16,
This feature can enhance the impression given to the player and improve the presentation effect.

The gaming machine of form 18 is
A special effect execution means (for example, a portion in which the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) is provided that can execute a special effect (for example, a portion that displays a visibility-impairing image such as an image of an explosion as shown in modified example 193SG-4) that makes it difficult to see the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) that has been temporarily stopped by displaying a special image after the notification effect is executed,
The specific performance execution means makes it possible to view a display corresponding to the resumption of variable display after the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) is made difficult to view by the special performance (for example, as shown in modified example 193SG-4, a part that executes variable display again after making the visibility-impairing image non-display),
18. The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 17,
According to this feature, before a display including performance identification information corresponding to the resumption of variable display is started, a special performance is executed in which the specific performance identification information (or special identification information) is difficult to see, making it easy to understand that the variable display will be resumed.

The gaming machine of form 19 is
An image display means (e.g., an image display device 5) capable of displaying a variable display of the performance identification information and a performance display of each performance;
A light guide plate (e.g., the light guide plate shown in modified example 193SG-4) that is a transparent plate material that is provided on the player side of the image display means and allows the player to see the display of the image display means and that can display the special image by introducing light from the outer peripheral side surface;
Equipped with
The special effect execution means makes the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) displayed on the image display means difficult to see by displaying the special image on the light guide plate during the special effect (for example, as shown in modified example 193SG-4, when the pseudo consecutive patterns are temporarily stopped, a visibility-impairing image is displayed on the light guide plate, making the pseudo consecutive patterns displayed on the image display device 5 difficult to see for the player).
20. The gaming machine according to claim 18,
According to this feature, a special image is displayed on the light guide plate, which can enhance the impression on the player, thereby enhancing the presentation effect of the special presentation.

The gaming machine of form 20 is
In the case where the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) does not temporarily stop, the moving speed of the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) before the predetermined timing is different from the moving speed of the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) after the predetermined timing (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-33, the moving speed of the pseudo consecutive symbols before the timing of switching the display image data is V1, but the moving speed of the pseudo consecutive symbols after the timing of switching the display image data is V3).
20. The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 19,
According to this feature, it is possible for the player to easily grasp whether it is before or after the specified timing at which the specific effect identification information (or special identification information) temporarily stops.

The gaming machine of form 21 is
When the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) is temporarily stopped, the moving speed of the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) to the temporary stop predetermined position before the predetermined timing is different from the moving speed of the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) that has passed the predetermined position after the predetermined timing when it returns to the predetermined position (for example, as shown in modified example 193SG-5, even if the pseudo-consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop at the center of the image display device 5, the pseudo-consecutive pattern may temporarily stop after starting to move downward on the image display device 5. In this case, the moving speed of the pseudo-consecutive pattern before the display image data switching timing is different from the moving speed of the pseudo-consecutive pattern when it returns to the center of the image display device 5 after passing through the center of the image display device 5).
21. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein
This feature makes it easier for the player to understand whether the movement is before passing a predetermined position, or a return movement after passing the position.

The gaming machine of form 22 is
The suggestion effect execution means, when the specific effect identification information (or the special identification information) that has passed the predetermined position returns to the predetermined position, restricts the display of the effect display (for example, as shown in modified example 193SG-5, when the pseudo consecutive pattern returns to the center of the image display device 5 after once passing through the center of the image display device 5, does not display the convergence lines again).
22. The gaming machine according to claim 21 .
This feature makes it even easier to understand that the movement is a return movement after passing by.

The gaming machine of form 23 is
When the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) is temporarily stopped, the moving speed of the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) before the temporary stop is different from the moving speed of the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) after the temporary stop (for example, as shown in FIG. 15-34, the moving speed of the pseudo-consecutive patterns before the temporary stop timing of the pseudo-consecutive patterns is V1, but the moving speed of the pseudo-consecutive patterns after the temporary stop timing of the pseudo-consecutive patterns is V2).
20. The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 19,
This feature makes it easier for the player to understand whether the movement is before the temporary stop or after the temporary stop.

The gaming machine of form 24 is
The direction of movement of the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) before the temporary stop is different from the direction of movement of the specific performance identification information (or the special identification information) after the temporary stop (for example, as shown in Figures 15-34 and 15-35, the pseudo consecutive symbols before the temporary stop move from above to below, but the pseudo consecutive symbols after the temporary stop move toward the player (nearby side)).
24. The gaming machine according to claim 23,
According to this feature, it is possible to make it easier to understand that the movement has occurred after a temporary stop, and it is possible to prevent the misconception of movement.

Figure 15-1 is a configuration diagram showing the control board etc. in this characteristic part 193SG. As shown in Figure 15-1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this characteristic part 193SG is provided with a second movable body 193SG033. The second movable body 193SG033 is equipped with a drive motor (not shown), and is operable by the performance control CPU 120 controlling the drive motor. In addition, a second movable body LED 193SG034 for illuminating the second movable body 193SG033 is built into the second movable body 193SG033. The second movable body LED 193SG034 is connected to the lamp control board 14.

As shown in FIG. 15-2(A), when not in operation, the second movable body 193SG033 is located between the image display device 5 and the game board 2, in a position below the image display device 5 (retracted position). Note that in the retracted position, most of the second movable body 193SG033 is hidden by the game board 2, making it difficult for the player to see.

The second movable body 193SG033 in this characteristic part 193SG moves upward from the retreat position shown in FIG. 15-2(A) during the variable display to notify of a temporary stop during the variable display and the first variable display start count notification during the variable display, as well as to notify of a jackpot during the reach effect of the super reach.

When the temporary stop notification effect and the first variable display start count notification effect are executed, the second movable body 193SG033 moves (operates) from the retracted position to the first performance position which is in front of the image display device 5, as shown in FIG. 15-2 (B), whereas when the jackpot notification in the reach effect of the super reach is executed, the second movable body 193SG003 moves (operates) from the retracted position to the second performance position which is in front of the image display device 5 and is higher than the first performance position, as shown in FIG. 15-2 (C).

Although not specifically shown, the second movable body 193SG033 that has been moved to the first or second performance position is configured to return from the first or second performance position to the retreat position again after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Furthermore, in this characteristic part 193SG, the second movable body 193SG moves from the retracted position to the first performance position during the temporary stop notification performance, so that a portion of the second movable body 193SG overlaps with the pseudo consecutive symbols when viewed from the front (see FIG. 15-35 (F)). On the other hand, the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the retracted position to the second performance position only when a jackpot notification is executed during the super reach performance. In other words, the movement of the second movable body 193SG033 from the retracted position to the first performance position is an operation that overlaps with a larger area of the pseudo consecutive symbols than the movement from the retracted position to the second performance position.

Next, the display control unit 123 in this characteristic unit 193SG will be described. The CGROM in the display control unit 123 stores multiple types of image data for displaying an image on the image display device 5. The display control unit 123 can display a specific image on the image display device 5 based on one image data stored in the CGROM based on an instruction from the performance control CPU 120, and can display a specific performance screen by arranging multiple types of image data and displaying an image on the image display device 5. When preventing a specific image from being displayed on the image display device 5, depending on the situation, there are cases where other image data is arranged in front of the image data of the specific image with a transmittance of 0%, thereby controlling so that an image based on the image data of the specific image is not displayed on the performance screen, and cases where an image is displayed on the image display device 5 that has created display data in which the image data of the specific image is not arranged, thereby controlling so that the specific image is not displayed on the performance screen.

As shown in Figs. 15-3(A) to 15-3(D) and Figs. 15-4(A) to 15-4(D), for example, when an image is displayed on the image display device 5, the image is displayed on the image display device 5 based on display data created by arranging multiple image data including image data 1 to 4. Of these, Fig. 15-3 shows image data immediately before the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop as a temporary stop suggestion performance (see Fig. 15-35) in this characteristic section 193SG, and Fig. 15-4 shows image data when the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop.

As shown in FIG. 15-3 (A), image data 1 is data that is drawn to display a temporary stop suggestion image that suggests that the pseudo consecutive pattern (the pattern displayed as "NEXT" in this feature) will stop (temporarily stop) in the center of the image display device 5 (the "middle" decorative pattern display area 5C) while the temporary stop suggestion performance is being performed.

The pseudo consecutive symbols in this feature section 193SG are special symbols that are displayed on the image display device 5 as part of the decorative symbols only during the temporary stop suggestion effect or the temporary stop notification effect described below, and the pseudo consecutive symbols are temporarily stopped to execute the re-variable display of the decorative symbols (pseudo consecutive effect). However, the invention is not limited to this, and the pseudo consecutive symbols may be symbols that are different from the decorative symbols and that are displayed on the image display device 5 only during the temporary stop suggestion effect or the temporary stop notification effect described below.

Furthermore, in this feature section 193SG, an example has been given of a form in which the pseudo consecutive pattern is a special pattern that is displayed on the image display device 5 as part of a decorative pattern only during a temporary stop suggestion effect or a temporary stop notification effect, but this invention is not limited to this, and the pseudo consecutive pattern may be a pattern that is displayed as part of a variable display during the period of a temporary stop suggestion effect or a temporary stop notification effect along with a normal decorative pattern.

Furthermore, if the pseudo consecutive symbols are different from the decorative symbols, a pseudo consecutive performance may be executed by temporarily stopping the normal decorative symbols (the symbols of the numbers "1" to "9" in this characteristic part) in the center of the image display device 5, and then changing the temporarily stopped decorative symbols into the pseudo consecutive symbols.

As shown in Figures 15-3 (B) and 15-4 (A), image data 2 is data that is drawn to display the aforementioned pseudo consecutive patterns moving from the top to the bottom on the image display device 5 while the temporary stop suggestion performance is being performed, and is also data that is drawn to display a variable display of normal decorative patterns (patterns from "1" to "9" in this feature unit 193SG) moving from the top to the bottom on the image display device 5 in place of the pseudo consecutive patterns immediately after the temporary stop suggestion performance ends without the pseudo consecutive patterns temporarily stopping.

The image data 2 also displays a swaying display of decorative symbols in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R when a temporary stop suggestion effect is being performed, and also displays a variable display of decorative symbols in the "left", "middle" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C and 5R when a temporary stop suggestion effect is not being performed.

As shown in FIG. 15-4 (B), the image data 3 is data that is drawn to display the pseudo consecutive symbols moving downward from the center of the image display device 5 immediately after the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop and the temporary stop suggestion performance ends.

As shown in Figures 15-3 (C) and 15-4 (C), the image data 4 is data that is drawn to display a converging line from the outer edge of the image display device 5 to the center of the image display device 5 (the "middle" decorative pattern display area 5C).

As shown in Fig. 15-3 and Fig. 15-4, display priorities are set for these image data 1 to 4 for displaying the images on the image display device 5. The display priority is set highest for image data 1. The display priority of image data 2 is set lower than that of image data 1, and the display priority of image data 3 is set lower than that of image data 2. The display priority of image data 4 is set lowest (image display priority on the image display device 5: image data 1>image data 2>image data 3>image data 4). In other words, on the image display device 5, the image based on image data 1 is displayed as the topmost image, the image based on image data 2 is displayed as the image lower than that based on image data 1, the image based on image data 3 is displayed as the image lower than that based on image data 1 and image data 2, and the image based on image data 4 is displayed as the image lower than that based on image data 1, image data 2, and image data 3.

Although not shown, the image data in this characteristic section 193SG includes image data 1 to image data 4 as well as image data 5 that is drawn to display a background image on the image display device 5. The display priority of this image data 5 is set lower than that of image data 4. In other words, in this characteristic section 193SG, of the images displayed on the image display device 5, the background image is displayed as the lowest layer of data.

For this reason, when the temporary stop suggestion effect is being performed, as shown in FIG. 15-3 (D), the image based on image data 2 (a pseudo-repeated pattern moving from the top to the bottom) is displayed in preference to the image based on image data 4 (concentrated lines), and the image based on image data 1 (a temporary stop suggestion image) is displayed in preference to the image based on image data 2 and the image based on image data 4. Just after the temporary stop suggestion effect ends without the pseudo-repeated pattern temporarily stopping, as shown in FIG. 15-4 (D), the image based on image data 3 (a pseudo-repeated pattern moving from the center to the bottom) is displayed in preference to the image based on image data 4 (concentrated lines), and the image based on image data 2 (a decorative pattern moving from the top to the bottom) is displayed in preference to the image based on image data 3 and the image based on image data 4.

The transmittance of the convergent lines in this feature section 193SG is set to be high (for example, 50%). Therefore, as shown in Figures 15-3 (C) and 15-4 (D), while the temporary stop suggestion effect is being executed, the player can see the decorative patterns, pseudo consecutive patterns, and temporary stop suggestion images through the convergent lines.

In particular, in this characteristic section 193SG, during the execution of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the effect control CPU 120 (display control section 123) displays the image data shown in FIG. 15-3 on the image display device 5 to draw the player's attention to whether the pseudo-repeated symbols will temporarily stop. Also, in the variable display that executes the temporary stop suggestion effect, the effect control CPU 120 (display control section 123) sets image data in which the pseudo-repeated symbols will temporarily stop regardless of whether the pseudo-repeated symbols will temporarily stop at the start timing of the variable display, and executes the variable display. Then, at the display image data switching timing (see FIG. 15-33) of the temporary stop suggestion effect in which the pseudo-repeated symbols do not temporarily stop, the effect control CPU 120 (display control section 123) switches the image data displayed on the image display device 5 from the image data in which the pseudo-repeated symbols will temporarily stop (FIG. 15-3) to the image data in which the pseudo-repeated symbols will not temporarily stop (FIG. 15-4) shown in FIG. 15-4.

Figure 15-5 (A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a performance control command used in this feature unit 193SG. The performance control command is, for example, two bytes in length, with the first byte indicating MODE (command classification) and the second byte indicating EXT (type of command). The first bit of the MODE data (bit 7) is always set to "1", and the first bit of the EXT data is set to "0". Note that the command format shown in Figure 15-5 (A) is just an example, and other command formats may be used. Also, in this example, the control command is composed of two control signals, but the number of control signals that make up the control command may be one, or may be three or more.

In the example shown in FIG. 15-5(A), command 8001H is a first variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A. Command 8002H is a second variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special symbol game using the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B. Command 81XXH is a variable pattern designation command that specifies the variable pattern (variable time (variable display time)) of the decorative symbols (also called performance symbols) that are variably displayed in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game. Here, XXH indicates an unspecified hexadecimal number, and may be any value that is set according to the instructions by the performance control command. In addition, in the variable pattern designation command, different EXT data is set according to the specified variable pattern, etc.

Command 8CXXH is a variable display result specification command, a presentation control command that specifies a variable display result such as a special pattern or a decorative pattern. In the variable display result specification command, different EXT data is set depending on the result of the determination (predetermination result) of whether the variable display result (also called the variable display result) is a "miss", "big win", or "small win", and the result of the determination of which of several types of big wins the big win type will be if the variable display result is a "big win", as shown in FIG. 15-5 (B), for example.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15-5(B), in the variable display result designation command, command 8C00H is a first variable display result designation command indicating a pre-determined result that the variable display result will be "miss". Command 8C01H is a second variable display result designation command notifying the pre-determined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "variable jackpot A". Command 8C02H is a third variable display result designation command notifying the pre-determined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "variable jackpot B". Command 8C03H is a fourth variable display result designation command notifying the pre-determined result and jackpot type determination result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "variable jackpot C". Command 8C04H is a fifth variable display result specification command that notifies the predetermined result that the variable display result is "jackpot" and the jackpot type is "non-variable jackpot" and the jackpot type determination result. Command 8C05H is a sixth variable display result specification command that notifies the predetermined result that the variable display result is "small jackpot".

Command 8F00H is a pattern determination command that specifies the stop (determination) of the change in the decorative patterns in each of the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R on the image display device 5. Command 95XXH is a game state designation command that specifies the current game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the game state designation command, different EXT data is set depending on the current game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. As a specific example, command 9500H is a first game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which neither time-saving control nor probability variable control is performed (low probability low base state, normal state), and command 9501H is a second game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control is performed but probability variable control is not performed (low probability high base state, time-saving state). In addition, command 9502H is a third game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which high probability bonus control is performed but time-saving control is not performed (high probability low base state, high probability bonus state without time-saving), and command 9503H is a fourth game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control and high probability bonus control are both performed (high probability high base state, high probability bonus state with time-saving).

Command A0XXH is a start of jackpot command (also called a "fanfare command") that specifies the display of an effect image indicating the start of a jackpot or small jackpot game. Command A1XXH is a large prize opening open notification command that notifies the player that the large prize opening is in an open state during a jackpot game. Command A2XXH is a large prize opening post-open notification command that notifies the player that the large prize opening has changed from an open state to a closed state during a jackpot game. Command A3XXH is a end of jackpot command that specifies the display of an effect image at the end of a jackpot game or small jackpot game.

In the hit start specification command and hit end specification command, for example, EXT data similar to that of the variable display result specification command may be set, so that different EXT data is set according to the pre-determined result and the result of the big win type determination. Alternatively, in the hit start specification command and hit end specification command, the correspondence between the pre-determined result and the big win type determination result and the EXT data set may be made different from the correspondence in the variable display result specification command. In the large prize opening notification command and the large prize opening after opening notification command, for example, different EXT data is set according to the number of rounds (for example, "1" to "10") executed in the normal opening big win state and the high-speed opening big win state described below.

Command B100H is a first start port entry designation command that notifies the first start condition for executing a special symbol game using a first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A has been established based on the occurrence of a start winning (first start winning) caused by a game ball passing through (entering) the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A being detected by the first start port switch 22A. Command B200H is a second start port entry designation command that notifies the second start condition for executing a special symbol game using a second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B has been established based on the occurrence of a start winning (second start winning) caused by a game ball passing through (entering) the second start winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B being detected by the second start port switch 22B.

Command C1XXH is a first reserved memory number notification command that notifies the first reserved memory number so that the reserved memory number of special charts can be specified. Command C2XXH is a second reserved memory number notification command that notifies the second reserved memory number so that the reserved memory number of special charts can be specified. The first reserved memory number notification command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12 when the first start port entry designation command is transmitted based on, for example, the game ball passing (entering) the first start port and the first start condition being satisfied. The second reserved memory number notification command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12 when the second start port entry designation command is transmitted based on, for example, the game ball passing (entering) the second start port and the second start condition being satisfied. In addition, the first pending memory number notification command and the second pending memory number notification command may be sent in response to the start of execution of the special game when either the first start condition or the second start condition is met (when the pending memory number is reduced).

Instead of the first pending memory number notification command and the second pending memory number notification command, a total pending memory number notification command that notifies the total pending memory number may be sent. In other words, the total pending memory number notification command may be used to notify an increase (or decrease) in the total pending memory number.

Commands C4XXH and C6XXH are presentation control commands (commands specifying the judgment result at the time of winning) that indicate the content of the judgment result at the time of winning. Of these, command C4XXH is a pattern specification command that indicates whether the variable display result will be a "jackpot" or not, the judgment result of the type of jackpot (probable win, non-probable win, or sudden probability), and whether it will be a small win, as the judgment result at the time of winning. Command C6XXH is a variation category command that indicates the judgment result at the time of winning, that is, whether the random number value for judging the variation pattern will be a "non-reach", "super reach", or "other".

The commands shown in FIG. 15-5(A) are merely examples, and some of these commands may not be included, or different commands may be used instead of these commands, or different commands may be added to these commands. For example, a prize ball number notification command may be provided to specify the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the game balls having entered each winning slot, a gate passage notification command to notify that the game ball has passed through the passage gate 41, and a notification command to notify the number of remaining times that the special bonus control or time-saving control will be executed.

Figure 15-6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the random number values counted on the main board 11 side. As shown in Figure 15-6, in this feature section 193SG, on the main board 11 side, the numerical data indicating each of the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the type of jackpot, the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, and the random number value MR4 for determining the normal chart display result are controlled so as to be countable. Note that random number values other than these may be used to enhance the game effect. Such random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also called game random numbers.

The random number circuit 104 may count the numerical data indicating some or all of these random number values MR1 to MR4. The CPU 103 may count the numerical data indicating some of the random number values MR1 to MR4 by updating various numerical data by software using a random counter different from the random number circuit 104, such as a random counter provided in a game control counter setting unit (not shown).

The random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result is a random number value used to determine whether or not to control the game state to a jackpot by treating the variable display result of a special symbol or the like in a special symbol game as a "jackpot", and takes a value in the range of "1" to "65536", for example. The random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type is a random number value used to determine the jackpot type as either "Probable jackpot A", "Probable jackpot B", "Probable jackpot C", or "Non-probable jackpot" when the variable display result is a "jackpot", and takes a value in the range of "1" to "100", for example.

The random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is a random number value used to determine the variation pattern in the variable display of special patterns and decorative patterns to one of several types prepared in advance, and can take a value in the range of "1" to "997", for example.

The random number value MR4 for determining the normal symbol display result is a random number value used to determine whether the variable display result in the normal symbol game by the normal symbol display device 20 is a "normal symbol hit" or a "normal symbol miss", and takes a value in the range of "3" to "13", for example.

Figure 15-7 (A) shows an example of the configuration of the special chart display result judgment table 1 stored in the ROM 101. In this feature section 193SG, a common special chart display result judgment table is used for the first special chart and the second special chart as the special chart display result judgment table, but the invention is not limited to this, and separate special chart display result judgment tables may be used for the first special chart and the second special chart.

The special pattern display result determination table 1 is a table that is referenced to determine whether or not to control the variable display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot" before a determined special pattern that is a variable display result is derived and displayed in a special pattern game using a first special pattern by the first special pattern display device 4A or a special pattern game using a second special pattern by the second special pattern display device 4B, based on a random number value MR1 for determining the special pattern display result.

In the special chart display result judgment table 1 in this feature section 193SG, a numerical value (judgment value) that is compared with the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result is assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" or "miss" depending on whether the game state of the pachinko game machine 1 is a normal state or time-saving state (low probability state), or a probability change state (high probability state).

In the special chart display result judgment table 1, the table data indicating the judgment value to be compared with the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result is judgment data assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control the special chart display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot". In the special chart display result judgment table 1 in this feature unit 193SG, when the game state is a probability variable state (high probability state), more judgment values are assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" than when it is in a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state). As a result, in the probability variable state (high probability state) in which the probability variable control is performed in the pachinko game machine 1, the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "jackpot" and controlled to a jackpot game state is higher (about 1/30 in this feature unit 193SG) than the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "jackpot" and controlled to a jackpot game state when it is in a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state) (about 1/300 in this feature unit 193SG). That is, in the special chart display result judgment table 1, when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a probability variable state (high probability state), the judgment data is assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control to a jackpot gaming state so that the probability of deciding to control to a jackpot gaming state is higher than when it is in a normal state or a time-saving state.

In addition, FIG. 15-7(B) shows an example of the configuration of the special symbol display result determination table 2 stored in the ROM 101. The special symbol display result determination table 2 is a table that is referenced to determine whether or not to control the variable display result to a small win game state as a "small win" based on the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result before a determined special symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed in a special symbol game using a first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A or a special symbol game using a second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B.

In the special chart display result judgment table 2 in this feature section 193SG, regardless of whether the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state), or a probability change state (high probability state), a numerical value (judgment value) that is compared with the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result is assigned to the special chart display result of "small win".

In the special chart display result determination table 2, the table data indicating the determination value to be compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result is the determination data assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control the special chart display result to a small win game state as a "small win". In the special chart display result determination table 2 in this feature section 193SG, the number of determination values assigned to a "small win" differs between the first special chart special chart game and the second special chart game. Specifically, in the first special chart special chart game, a determination value is assigned to a "small win", but in the second special chart special chart game, no determination value is assigned to a "small win". Therefore, as described below, the variable display of the second special chart is executed with priority over the variable display of the first special chart, and in a high base state in which the time-saving control is executed, a win occurs in the second start winning hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, and the variable display of the second special chart is executed frequently, so that "small wins" hardly occur. In a high base state in which game balls are likely to enter the second start winning hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, the occurrence of small wins in which many game balls cannot be obtained can be avoided, and a decrease in interest in the game can be prevented.

Figure 15-8 (A) shows an example of the configuration of a jackpot type determination table stored in ROM 101. The jackpot type determination table in this feature unit 193SG is a table that is referenced to determine the jackpot type as one of multiple types based on the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination when it is determined that the special symbol display result is a "jackpot" and the jackpot game state is controlled. In the jackpot type determination table, a number (determination value) that is compared with the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination is assigned to multiple types of jackpot types such as "non-variable jackpot", "variable jackpot A", "variable jackpot B", and "variable jackpot C" depending on whether the special symbol that is variably displayed (variably displayed) in the special symbol game is the first special symbol (special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A) or the second special symbol (special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B).

Now, the types of jackpots in this feature section 193SG will be explained using FIG. 15-8 (B). In this feature section 193SG, the jackpot types are set to "Probable variable jackpot A" and "Probable variable jackpot B", in which high probability control and time-saving control are executed after the jackpot game state ends, transitioning to a high probability, high base state; "Probable variable jackpot C", in which high probability control is executed but time-saving control is not executed after the jackpot game state ends, transitioning to a high probability, low base state; and "Non-probable variable jackpot", in which only time-saving control is executed after the jackpot game state ends, transitioning to a low probability, high base state.

The jackpot game state by "probable jackpot A" is a normal opening jackpot in which the rounds that change the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state that is advantageous to the player are repeated 10 times (so-called 10 rounds). On the other hand, the jackpot game state by "probable jackpot B" is a normal opening jackpot in which the rounds that change the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state that is advantageous to the player are repeated 5 times (so-called 5 rounds). Also, the jackpot game state by "non-probable jackpot" is a normal opening jackpot in which the rounds that change the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state that is advantageous to the player are repeated 10 times (so-called 10 rounds). Therefore, "probable jackpot A" may be called a 10-round (10R) probable jackpot, and "probable jackpot B" may be called a 5-round (5R) probable jackpot. Furthermore, in the jackpot game of "Probable jackpot C", a round that changes the special variable winning ball device 7 to a first state advantageous to the player is repeatedly executed twice (so-called two rounds), and the opening period of the special variable winning ball device 7 in each round is shorter (for example, 0.1 seconds) than other jackpot games, making it a high-speed opening jackpot. Note that, during jackpot games of any type, no probable jackpot control or time-saving control is executed.

Although not shown in the figure, the small win game state in this feature section 193SG changes the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state, which is advantageous to the player, twice, and the opening time is the same as the opening period of the special big win C (0.1 seconds in this feature section 193SG). After the small win game ends, the game state immediately before the small win game is carried over.

In other words, in this feature section 193SG, when it is decided to have a "high probability jackpot C" or a "small jackpot", the variable display is executed in the same variable pattern (PC1-1 shown in FIG. 15-9), and the chance eye is displayed as a variable display result. Furthermore, since the opening pattern of the special variable winning ball device 7 is the same, it is not possible to distinguish from these variable displays and the opening pattern of the special variable winning ball device 7 whether it is a "high probability jackpot C" in which high probability control is executed, or a "small jackpot" in which the previous game state continues without high probability control. Therefore, after the end of the high probability jackpot C jackpot game or small jackpot game, it is possible to have the player continue playing while expecting that high probability control is being executed.

The high probability control and time-saving control executed after the end of the jackpot game state of the variable probability jackpot A or the variable probability jackpot B will continue to be executed until another jackpot occurs after the end of the jackpot game state. Therefore, if the jackpot that occurs again is the variable probability jackpot A or the variable probability jackpot B, the high probability control and time-saving control will be executed again after the end of the jackpot game state, resulting in a so-called consecutive jackpot state in which the jackpot game state occurs continuously without going through the normal state.

On the other hand, the time-saving control that is executed after the end of the jackpot game state due to a "non-variable jackpot" ends when a specified number of special games (100 times in this feature part 193SG) are played, or when the jackpot game state is reached before the specified number of special games are played.

In the example of the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 15-8(A), the allocation of determination values to the jackpot types "Probable variable jackpot A", "Probable variable jackpot B", "Probable variable jackpot C", and "Non-probable variable jackpot" differs depending on whether the variably displayed special chart is the first special chart or the second special chart. In other words, when the variably displayed special chart is the first special chart, a predetermined range of determination values (values in the range of "81" to "100") are assigned to the jackpot types "Probable variable jackpot B" and "Probable variable jackpot C" with fewer rounds, whereas when the variably displayed special chart is the second special chart, no determination value is assigned to the jackpot types "Probable variable jackpot B" and "Probable variable jackpot C". With this setting, the ratio of determining the jackpot type to "probable jackpot B" or "probable jackpot C" with fewer rounds can be made different between the case where the first start condition for starting a special game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A is satisfied and the case where the jackpot type is determined to be one of the multiple types based on the second start condition for starting a special game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B being satisfied. In particular, in a special game using the second special symbol, the jackpot type is not determined to be "probable jackpot B" or "probable jackpot C" and controlled to a normal opening jackpot state or a high-speed opening jackpot state with fewer rounds, so that, for example, in a game state where game balls are likely to enter the second start winning hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B due to high opening control accompanying time reduction control, frequent occurrence of a jackpot state with fewer winning balls can be avoided, preventing a decline in game interest.

In the example of the jackpot type determination table shown in Figure 15-8 (A), the allocation of the determination value for the "non-probability variable" jackpot type is the same regardless of whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart, so the probability of a non-probability variable jackpot and the probability of a probability variable jackpot are the same regardless of whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart.

As described above, the allocation of judgment values for "Probable Variable Jackpot B" and "Probable Variable Jackpot C" differs depending on whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart, and accordingly, the allocation of judgment values for "Probable Variable Jackpot A" also differs depending on whether it is the first special chart game or the second special chart, and for "Probable Variable Jackpot A" which has a larger number of rounds, it is set up so that it is easier to determine in the second special chart game than in the first special chart game.

In addition, in the case of the special chart game of the second special chart, a predetermined range of judgment values different from that in the case of the special chart game of the first special chart may be assigned to the jackpot type of "Probable jackpot B" or "Probable jackpot C". For example, in the case of the special chart game of the second special chart, a smaller judgment value than that in the case of the special chart game of the first special chart may be assigned to the jackpot type of "Probable jackpot B" or "Probable jackpot C" compared to the case of the special chart game of the first special chart. Alternatively, regardless of whether it is the special chart game of the first special chart or the second special chart, the jackpot type may be determined by referring to common table data.

Figure 15-9 shows the variation patterns in this feature section 193SG. In this feature section 193SG, a plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance for the cases where the variable display result is a "miss" and the variable display state of the decorative pattern is a "non-reach" and a "reach", and for the cases where the variable display result is a "big hit" or a "small hit". The variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is a "miss" and the variable display state of the decorative pattern is a "non-reach" is called a non-reach variation pattern (also called a "non-reach miss variation pattern"), and the variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is a "miss" and the variable display state of the decorative pattern is a "reach" is called a reach variation pattern (also called a "reach miss variation pattern"). The non-reach variation pattern and the reach variation pattern are included in the miss variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is a "miss". The variation pattern that corresponds to the variable display result being "jackpot" is called the jackpot variation pattern.

The jackpot fluctuation pattern and reach fluctuation pattern include a normal reach fluctuation pattern in which a normal reach reach performance is executed, and a super reach fluctuation pattern in which a super reach reach performance is executed. Note that, although this feature section 193SG has two types of normal reach fluctuation patterns, the invention is not limited to this, and three or more types of normal reach fluctuation patterns may be provided, or there may be only one type of normal reach fluctuation pattern. Also, even for the super reach fluctuation pattern, multiple super reach fluctuation patterns may be provided, such as super reach α, super reach β, ....

The variation patterns in this feature section 193SG also include a special winning variation pattern (PC1-1) that corresponds to the case where the variable display result is a "small win" or the variable display result is a "jackpot" and the jackpot type is a "high probability jackpot C."

As shown in FIG. 15-9, the special chart change time of the normal reach change pattern in which the reach performance of the normal reach in this feature section 193SG is executed is set shorter than that of the super reach change pattern.

The normal reach variation pattern in this feature section 193SG includes a variation pattern that does not execute a pseudo consecutive performance in which the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped and then re-variably displayed during the variable display, and a variation pattern in which the pseudo consecutive performance is executed once during the variable display. In addition, in the normal reach variation pattern, the variation pattern in which the pseudo consecutive performance is not executed during the variable display is set to have a shorter special symbol variation time than the variation pattern in which the pseudo consecutive performance is executed once during the variable display.

Furthermore, the super reach variation pattern in this feature section 193SG includes a variation pattern in which the pseudo consecutive performance is executed twice during the variable display, and a variation pattern in which the pseudo consecutive performance is executed three times during the variable display. In the super reach variation pattern, the variation pattern in which the pseudo consecutive performance is executed twice during the variable display is set to have a shorter special chart variation time than the variation pattern in which the pseudo consecutive performance is executed three times during the variable display.

In addition, in this feature section 193SG, the variable display result is set in the order of super reach, normal reach, and non-reach so that the probability of a jackpot increasing. Therefore, in the normal reach variation pattern and super reach variation pattern, the longer the special chart variation time, the higher the probability of a jackpot.

In other words, for the normal reach variation pattern and super reach variation pattern in this feature section 193SG, the more pseudo consecutive effects that are executed during the variable display, the higher the chance of a big win.

In addition, in this characteristic section 193SG, as described later, instead of first determining the type of the fluctuation pattern, such as the non-reach type, normal reach type, super reach type, etc., and then determining the fluctuation pattern to be executed from the fluctuation pattern belonging to the determined type, these fluctuation patterns are determined using only the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination without determining these types, but this invention is not limited to this, and for example, in addition to the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination, a random number value for fluctuation pattern type determination may be provided, and the type of the fluctuation pattern may be determined first from these random number values for fluctuation pattern type determination, and then the fluctuation pattern belonging to the determined type may be determined.

Figure 15-10 is an explanatory diagram of how the variation pattern is determined in this feature section 193SG. In this feature section 193SG, the variation pattern determination table to be selected varies depending on the display result of the variable display to be executed and the number of reserved memories.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15-10, when the variable display result is a non-probable jackpot, jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined using this jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A from PB1-1 (fluctuation pattern for a normal reach jackpot), PB1-2 (fluctuation pattern for a normal reach pseudo-consecutive performance 1 jackpot), PB1-3 (fluctuation pattern for a super reach pseudo-consecutive performance 2 jackpots), and PB1-4 (fluctuation pattern for a super reach pseudo-consecutive performance 3 jackpots). Also, if the variable display result is a sure-win A or sure-win B, the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined using the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B from PB1-1 (fluctuation pattern of a normal reach jackpot), PB1-2 (fluctuation pattern of a normal reach pseudo consecutive performance 1 jackpot), PB1-3 (fluctuation pattern of a normal reach pseudo consecutive performance 2 jackpots), and PB1-4 (fluctuation pattern of a normal reach pseudo consecutive performance 3 jackpots).

As shown in FIG. 15-10, the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A and the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B have different determination rates for PB1-1 to PB1-4. Specifically, in the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A, PB1-1 is determined at a rate of 30%, PB1-2 at a rate of 45%, PB1-3 at a rate of 20%, and PB1-4 at a rate of 5%. On the other hand, in the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B, PB1-1 is determined at a rate of 5%, PB1-2 at a rate of 20%, PB1-3 at a rate of 30%, and PB1-4 at a rate of 45%. In other words, in this feature part 193SG, when the variable display result is a sure-change jackpot A or a sure-change jackpot B, the variable display result is determined to be a super reach fluctuation pattern at a higher rate than when there is a non-sure-change jackpot. Furthermore, when looking at the number of times the pseudo consecutive performances are performed, if the variable display result is a sure-win A or a sure-win B, it is easier for more pseudo consecutive performances to be performed during the variable display than if the variable display result is a non-sure-win. For this reason, this feature unit 193SG makes it possible to draw the player's attention to the change patterns in the variable display and the number of times the pseudo consecutive performances are performed.

In addition, if the variable display result is a guaranteed big win C or a small win, a special win variation pattern determination table is selected, and the variation pattern is determined to be PC1-1 (special win variation pattern) using the special win variation pattern determination table. In other words, in this feature section 193SG, the variable display is executed with the same variation pattern when the variable display result is a guaranteed big win C or a small win, so it is difficult for the player to determine from the variation pattern whether the variable display result is a guaranteed big win C or a small win.

In addition, in the normal game state (low base state), if the variable display result is "miss" and the number of reserved memories of the variable special chart is two or less, the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A is selected, and the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A is used to determine the fluctuation pattern from PA1-1 (non-reach miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-1 (normal reach miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-2 (normal reach pseudo consecutive performance one miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-3 (super reach pseudo consecutive performance two miss fluctuation pattern), and PA2-4 (super reach pseudo consecutive performance three miss fluctuation pattern).

In addition, in the normal game state (low base state), if the variable display result is "miss" and the number of reserved memories of the variable special chart is three, the miss fluctuation pattern determination table B is selected, and the miss fluctuation pattern determination table B is used to determine the fluctuation pattern from PA1-2 (shortened fluctuation pattern of non-reach miss), PA2-1 (fluctuation pattern of normal reach miss), PA2-2 (fluctuation pattern of normal reach pseudo consecutive performance one miss), PA2-3 (fluctuation pattern of super reach pseudo consecutive performance two misses), and PA2-4 (fluctuation pattern of super reach pseudo consecutive performance three misses).

In addition, in the normal game state (low base state), if the variable display result is "miss" and the number of reserved memories of the variable special chart is four, the miss fluctuation pattern determination table C is selected, and the miss fluctuation pattern determination table C is used to determine the fluctuation pattern from PA1-3 (shortened fluctuation pattern of non-reach miss), PA2-1 (normal reach miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-2 (normal reach pseudo consecutive performance one miss fluctuation pattern), PA2-3 (super reach pseudo consecutive performance two miss fluctuation pattern), and PA2-4 (super reach pseudo consecutive performance three miss fluctuation pattern).

In addition, when the variable display result is "miss" in the time-saving state (high base state), the miss fluctuation pattern determination table D is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is determined from PA1-4 (time-saving shortened fluctuation pattern for non-reach miss) and PA2-1 (normal reach miss fluctuation pattern) using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table D.

In other words, if the variable display result in this feature section 193SG is a "miss," the percentage of variable display being executed using a shortening variable pattern (PA1-2, PA1-3, PA1-4) in which the special chart fluctuation time is shorter than the normal non-miss variable pattern (PA1-1) based on the number of reserved memories of the variable special chart being 3 or 4, or on the time-saving state, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming protracted while shortening the period until the next variable display result is a jackpot.

The RAM 102 in this characteristic section 193SG is provided with, for example, a game control data holding area (not shown) as an area for holding various data used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. The game control data holding area includes a first special chart reserve memory section, a second special chart reserve memory section, a regular chart reserve memory section, a game control flag setting section, a game control timer setting section, a game control counter setting section, and a game control buffer setting section.

The first special symbol reservation memory unit stores reservation data of a special symbol game (a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A) in which a game ball has passed (entered) through the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A and a start winning (first start winning) has occurred but has not yet started. As an example, the first special symbol reservation memory unit associates reservation numbers with the order of winning (the order of detection of the game ball) in the first start winning port, and stores, as reservation data, random number values MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, random number values MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and numerical data indicating random number values MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, which are extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104, etc. based on the establishment of the first start condition when the game ball passes (enters), until the number of memories reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "4"). The reserved data stored in the first special chart reserved memory unit thus indicates that the execution of the special chart game using the first special chart is on hold, and serves as reserved information that makes it possible to determine whether or not a jackpot will be reached based on the variable display result (special chart display result) in this special chart game.

The second special symbol reservation memory unit stores reservation data of a special symbol game (a special symbol game using the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B) in which a game ball has passed (entered) through the second start winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B and a start winning (second start winning) has occurred but has not yet started. As an example, the second special symbol reservation memory unit associates reservation numbers with the order of winning (the order of detection of the game ball) into the second start winning port, and stores, as reservation data, random number values MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and numerical data indicating random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, which are extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104, etc. based on the establishment of the second start condition when the game ball passes (enters), until the number reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4"). The reserved data stored in the second special chart reserved memory unit thus indicates that the execution of the special chart game using the second special chart is on hold, and serves as reserved information that makes it possible to determine whether or not a jackpot will be reached based on the variable display result (special chart display result) in this special chart game.

The reserved information (first reserved information) based on the establishment of the first start condition by the game ball passing (entering) the first start winning port, and the reserved information (second reserved information) based on the establishment of the second start winning condition by the game ball passing (entering) the second start winning port may be stored in a common reserved memory unit in association with the reserved number. In this case, start port data indicating whether the game ball passed (entered) the first or second start winning port may be included in the reserved information and stored in association with the reserved number.

The regular symbol reserve memory unit stores reserve information for regular symbol games that have not yet been started by the regular symbol display device 20, even though the game ball that has passed through the passing gate 41 has been detected by the gate switch 21. For example, the regular symbol reserve memory unit associates the game balls with reserve numbers in the order in which they passed through the passing gate 41, and stores numerical data indicating the random number value MR4 for determining the regular symbol display result extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104, etc., based on the passage of the game ball, as reserved data, until the number reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4").

The game control flag setting unit is provided with multiple types of flags whose states can be updated depending on the progress of the game on the pachinko game machine 1. For example, the game control flag setting unit stores data indicating the flag value and data indicating the on or off state for each of the multiple types of flags.

The game control timer setting unit is provided with various timers used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, the game control timer setting unit stores data indicating the timer values of each of multiple types of timers.

The game control counter setting unit is provided with multiple types of counters for counting count values used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, the game control counter setting unit stores data indicating the count values of each of the multiple types of counters. Here, the game control counter setting unit may be provided with a random counter for counting some or all of the game random numbers in a manner that allows the CPU 103 to update them by software.

In the random counter of the game control counter setting unit, random numbers not generated by the random number circuit 104, for example, numerical data indicating random numbers MR2 to MR4, are stored as random count values, and the numerical data indicating each random number is updated periodically or irregularly according to the execution of software by the CPU 103. The software executed by the CPU 103 to update the random count value may be for updating the random count value separately from the updating operation of the numerical data in the random number circuit 104, or may be for updating the random count value by performing a predetermined process such as scrambling or arithmetic processing on all or part of the numerical data extracted from the random number circuit 104.

The game control buffer setting unit is provided with various buffers that temporarily store data used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, the game control buffer setting unit stores data indicating the buffer values for each of multiple types of buffers.

The RAM 122 mounted on the performance control board 12 shown in Figure 2 is provided with a performance control data holding area 193SG190 as shown in Figure 15-11 (A), for example, as an area for holding various data used to control performance operations. The performance control data holding area 193SG190 shown in Figure 15-11 (A) includes a performance control flag setting unit 193SG191, a performance control timer setting unit 193SG192, a performance control counter setting unit 193SG193, and a performance control buffer setting unit 193SG194.

The performance control flag setting unit 193SG191 is provided with multiple types of flags whose states can be updated according to the performance operation state, such as the display state of the performance image on the screen of the image display device 5, and the performance control commands sent from the main board 11. For example, the performance control flag setting unit 193SG191 stores data indicating the flag value and data indicating the on or off state for each of the multiple types of flags.

The performance control timer setting unit 193SG192 is provided with multiple types of timers that are used to control the progress of various performance operations, such as the display operation of a performance image on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, the performance control timer setting unit 193SG192 stores data indicating the timer values of each of the multiple types of timers.

The performance control counter setting unit 193SG193 is provided with multiple types of counters used to control the progress of various performance operations. For example, the performance control counter setting unit 193SG193 stores data indicating the count values of each of the multiple types of counters.

The performance control buffer setting unit 193SG194 is provided with various buffers that temporarily store data used to control the progress of various performance operations. For example, the performance control buffer setting unit 193SG194 stores data indicating the buffer values for each of multiple types of buffers.

In this feature section 193SG, data constituting the start winning time receiving command buffer 193SG194A as shown in FIG. 15-11 (B) is stored in a predetermined area of the performance control buffer setting section 193SG194. The start winning time receiving command buffer 193SG194A has a storage area (area corresponding to buffer numbers "1-1" to "1-4") corresponding to the maximum value of the total reserved memory number of the first special symbol reserved memory (for example, "4") and a storage area (area corresponding to buffer number "1-0") corresponding to the first special symbol being displayed variably. In addition, the start winning time receiving command buffer 193SG194A has a storage area (area corresponding to buffer numbers "2-1" to "2-4") corresponding to the maximum value of the total reserved memory number of the second special symbol reserved memory (for example, "4") and a storage area (area corresponding to buffer number "2-0") corresponding to the second special symbol being displayed variably. When a start win occurs at the first start win port or the second start win port, a set of four commands, namely, a start win designation command (first start win designation command or second start win designation command), a pattern designation command, a variable category designation command, and a reserved memory number notification command (first reserved memory number notification command or second reserved memory number notification command), is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. The storage area corresponding to the first special pattern reserved memory and the storage area corresponding to the second special pattern reserved memory in the start win reception command buffer 193SG194A are provided with storage areas (entries) for storing these start win designation commands, pattern designation commands, variable category designation commands, and reserved memory number notification commands separately as the first special pattern reserved memory and the second special pattern reserved memory.

The contents of these storage areas (entries) are shifted up one at a time when the start condition is met and the variable display of the top reserved memory (buffer number "1-1" or buffer number "2-1") begins, as described below, and the contents of buffer number "1-0" or buffer number "2-0", which stores the contents of the reserved memory for which the start condition is met, are cleared in the special chart hit waiting process that is executed when the variable display ends.

Furthermore, in the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A of this characteristic part 193SG, a memory area is reserved for each storage area (entry) so that a display pending flag indicating whether or not the display pattern associated with the decision on whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the pre-reading preview setting process (Figure 12) is pending, in other words, indicating that the display pattern is pending because a start opening winning designation command, a pattern designation command, a variable category designation command, and a pending memory count notification command have been newly stored due to the occurrence of a new start winning, and a pending display flag in which a flag value corresponding to the display pattern (display mode) of the pending memory display is set, can be stored in association with each buffer number corresponding to the first special chart pending memory and the second special chart pending memory.

In addition, in the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A of this feature unit 193SG, a memory area is reserved for each storage area (entry) so that a performance restriction flag can be stored in association with each buffer number corresponding to the first special symbol reserved memory and the second special symbol reserved memory. Note that the performance restriction flag is a flag that indicates that the entry is not subject to the pre-reading preview performance when a start winning occurs at the first start winning port or the second start winning port in the command analysis process (Figure 15-18) but the pattern designation command, variable category designation command, and reserved memory number notification command are not received within the first reserved memory number notification waiting time or the second reserved memory number notification waiting time described below.

When the execution of the pre-reading notice performance is not determined in the pre-reading notice setting process described later, the hold display flag is set to "0" corresponding to the display pattern of the normal hold memory display, and the hold memory display in the normal display mode (e.g., a white circle) is displayed in the first hold memory display area 193SG5D and the second hold memory display area 193SG5U provided at the bottom of the image display device 5. When the execution of the pre-reading notice performance is determined, the hold display flag is set to "1" (square (◇)) or "2" (star (☆)) corresponding to the display pattern of the hold memory display in a special mode different from the normal display mode (e.g., a square (◇) or a star (☆)), and the hold memory display in a special mode different from the normal display mode is displayed in the first hold memory display area 193SG5D and the second hold memory display area 193SG5U, and the variable display corresponding to the hold memory display is set to notify the possibility of a jackpot or a super reach.

When a first winning entry is made to the first winning entry, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance stores the command from the top (the entry with the lowest buffer number) of the free entry corresponding to the first special symbol reserved memory in the command buffer 193SG194A for receiving the command at the time of winning, and when a second winning entry is made to the second winning entry, the CPU 120 stores the command from the top (the entry with the lowest buffer number) of the free entry corresponding to the second special symbol reserved memory in the command buffer 193SG194A for receiving the command at the time of winning. When a winning entry is made to the first winning entry, the command from the starting entry designation command to the reserved memory number notification command is sent in sequence. Therefore, when a command is received, the command from the starting entry designation command, the pattern designation command, the variable category designation command, and the reserved memory number notification command are stored in the storage area corresponding to the last "1" to "4" of the buffer number corresponding to the first or second special symbol reserved memory in that order.

Whenever the variable display of the decorative pattern is started, the commands stored in the start winning time reception command buffer 193SG194A shown in FIG. 15-11(B) are deleted from the entry corresponding to the reserved memory of the variable display that just ended (the entry with buffer number "1-0" or "2-0"), and the contents stored in the entry corresponding to the reserved memory of the variable display that is about to start (the entry corresponding to buffer number "1-1" or "2-1") and the contents stored in the entries after the reserved memory of the variable display that is about to start are shifted. For example, when the variable display of the decorative pattern of the first special pattern reserved memory is ended in the storage state shown in FIG. 15-11(B), the commands stored in buffer number "0" are deleted, the commands stored in buffer number "1" are shifted to buffer number "0", the commands stored in the area corresponding to buffer number "2" are shifted to the area corresponding to buffer number "1", and the commands stored in the areas corresponding to buffer numbers "3" and "4" are shifted to the areas corresponding to buffer numbers "2" and "3". Therefore, buffer number "0" becomes the area (entry) for storing each command related to the pending memory that is variably displayed at that time.

Next, the start winning judgment process of this feature part 193SG executed in step S101 of FIG. 5 will be described based on FIG. 15-12. In the start winning judgment process, the CPU 103 first judges whether the first start hole switch 22A, which is provided corresponding to the first start winning hole formed by the winning ball device 6A, is in the on state based on the detection signal from the first start hole switch 22A (step 193SGS101). At this time, if the first start hole switch 22A is in the on state (step 193SGS101; Y), it judges whether the first special symbol reserved memory number, which is the reserved memory number of the special symbol game using the first special symbol, is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory number) (step 193SGS102). The CPU 103 may specify the first special symbol reserved memory number by, for example, reading the first reserved memory number count value, which is the stored value of the first reserved memory number counter provided in the game control counter setting part. If the number of reserved first special charts is not the upper limit in step 193SGS102 (step 193SGS102; N), the storage value of the start port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting section is set to "1" (step 193SGS103).

When the first start port switch 22A is off in step 193SGS101 (step 193SGS101; N) or when the first special symbol reserved memory number has reached the upper limit in step 193SGS102 (step 193SGS102; Y), the second start port switch 22B, which is provided corresponding to the second start hole formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, is judged to be on or not (step 193SGS104). At this time, if the second start port switch 22B is on (step 193SGS104; Y), it is judged whether the second special symbol reserved memory number, which is the reserved memory number of the special symbol game using the second special symbol, has reached a predetermined upper limit (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory number) (step 193SGS105). The CPU 103 can specify the number of reserved second special symbols by, for example, reading the second reserved memory count value, which is the stored value of the second reserved memory counter provided in the game control counter setting section. When the second reserved memory count is not the upper limit value in step 193SGS105 (step 193SGS105; N), for example, the storage value of the start port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting section is set to "2" (step 193SGS106).

After executing either the process of step 193SGS103 or step 193SGS106, the number of reserved memories corresponding to the start port buffer value, which is the stored value of the start port buffer, is updated to add 1 (step 193SGS107). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the first reserved memory count value is added by 1, while when the start port buffer value is "2", the second reserved memory count value is added by 1. Thus, the first reserved memory count value is updated to increase by 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning port and the first start condition corresponding to the special game using the first special game is established. In addition, the second reserved memory count value is updated to increase by 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the second start winning port and the second start condition corresponding to the special game using the second special game is established. At this time, the total reserved memory number is also updated to add 1 (step 193SGS108). For example, the total reserved memory count value, which is the stored value of the total reserved memory count counter provided in the game control counter setting unit, can be updated to add 1.

After executing the process of step 193SGS108, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the type of big win, and the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern from the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 104 and the random counter of the game control counter setting unit (step 193SGS109). The numerical data indicating each random number value thus extracted is stored by being set as reserved information at the beginning of an empty entry in the special chart reserved memory unit according to the start port buffer value (step 193SGS110). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the numerical data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 are stored in the first special chart reserved memory unit, while when the start port buffer value is "2", the numerical data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 are stored in the second special chart reserved memory unit.

The numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result and the random number value MR2 for determining the type of jackpot are used to determine whether the variable display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is a "jackpot" or not, and further to determine the type of jackpot if the variable display result is a "jackpot". The random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is used to determine the variation pattern including the variable display time of the special symbol or decorative symbol. By executing the processing of step 193SGS109, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating all of the random number values used to determine the variable display mode including the variable display result and the variable display time of the special symbol or decorative symbol.

Following the processing of step 193SGS110, the sending setting of the start port winning designation command according to the start port buffer value is performed (step 193SGS111). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the storage address of the first start port winning designation command table in ROM 101 is stored in the buffer area specified by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer, and the setting is performed to send the first start port winning designation command to the performance control board 12. On the other hand, when the start port buffer value is "2", the storage address of the second start port winning designation command table in ROM 101 is stored in the buffer area of the transmission command buffer, and the setting is performed to send the second start port winning designation command to the performance control board 12. The start port winning designation command thus set is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example, after the special pattern process processing is completed, by executing the command control processing of step S27 shown in FIG. 4.

Following the processing of step 193SGS111, a random number value determination process is executed at the time of winning (step 193SGS112). After that, a setting is made to send a pending memory number notification command to the performance control board 12, for example by storing the storage address of the pending memory number notification command table in ROM 101 in a buffer area specified by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer (step 193SGS113). The pending memory number notification command thus set is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example by executing the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. 4 after the special pattern process process is completed.

After executing the processing of step 193SGS113, it is determined whether the start port buffer value is "1" (step 193SGS114). At this time, if the start port buffer value is "1" (step 193SGS114; Y), the start port buffer is cleared and its stored value is initialized to "0" (step 193SGS115), and the processing proceeds to step 193SGS104. On the other hand, if the start port buffer value is "2" (step 193SGS114; N), the start port buffer is cleared and its stored value is initialized to "0" (step 193SGS116), and the start winning processing is terminated. As a result, even if both the first start port switch 22A and the second start port switch 22B simultaneously detect the start winning of a valid game ball, the processing based on the detection of both valid start winnings can be completed reliably.

Figure 15-13 (A) is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step 193SGS112 of Figure 15-13 as a winning random number value determination process. In this feature section 193SG, when the variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols is started, a determination is made by the normal special symbol process (step S110 of Figure 5, Figure 15-14) described below as to whether or not to control the special symbol display result (variable display result of special symbols) to a "jackpot" game state. Also, in the variable pattern setting process (step S111 of Figure 5, Figure 15-15) described below, a determination is made of a variable pattern that specifically specifies the variable display mode of the decorative symbols. On the other hand, apart from these judgments, when the game ball is detected in the start winning hole (first start winning hole or second start winning hole), the CPU 103 executes the winning random number judgment process of step 193SGS112 to judge whether or not it is judged that the jackpot pattern is to be stopped and displayed as the special symbol display result, and judge whether or not the variable display mode of the decorative pattern is a predetermined display mode accompanied by a super reach. As a result, before the variable display of the special symbol or the decorative symbol based on the detection of the game ball that entered the start winning hole is started, that is, before it is decided whether or not it is a jackpot at the start of the variable display, it is judged that the special symbol display result is a "jackpot" and which category of variable display mode the variable display mode of the decorative symbol will be, and based on this judgment result, the performance control CPU 120 etc. will execute a notice performance such as a pre-reading notice performance as described later.

In the winning random number determination process shown in FIG. 15-13(A), the CPU 103 first identifies the current game state of the pachinko game machine 1 by, for example, checking the state of the time-saving flag and the special probability flag provided in the game control flag setting unit (step 193SGS121). The CPU 103 identifies the special probability state when the special probability flag is on, identifies the time-saving state when the special probability flag is off and the time-saving flag is on, and identifies the normal state when both the special probability flag and the time-saving flag are off.

Following the processing of step 193SGS121, the special chart display result judgment table 1 shown in FIG. 15-7 is selected and set (step 193SGS122). After that, it is judged whether the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result extracted in step 193SGS109 of FIG. 15-12 is within a predetermined jackpot judgment range (step 193SGS123). In the jackpot judgment range, individual judgment values assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" in the special chart display result judgment table 1 selected by the processing of step 193SGS122 are set, and the CPU 103 can compare the random number value MR1 with each judgment value one by one to judge whether there is a judgment value that matches the random number value MR1. Alternatively, numerical values indicating the minimum (lower limit) and maximum (upper limit) judgment values included in the jackpot judgment range may be set, and the CPU 103 may compare the random number value MR1 with the minimum and maximum values of the jackpot judgment range to determine whether the random number value MR1 is within the jackpot judgment range. In this case, by determining that the random number value MR1 is within the jackpot judgment range, it can be determined that the variable display result based on the reserved data including the random number value MR1 is determined to be a "jackpot".

If it is determined in step 193SGS123 that the result is not within the big win determination range, i.e., if it is determined that the variable display will not result in a big win (step 193SGS123; N), the special chart display result determination table 2 shown in FIG. 15-7 is selected and set (step 193SGS124). After that, it is determined whether the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result extracted in step 193SGS109 in FIG. 15-12 is within a predetermined small win determination range (step 193SGS125).

If the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 is within a predetermined small win determination range, that is, if it is determined that a small win will occur in the variable display (step 193SGS125; Y), the transmission setting of the sixth pattern designation command, which is a pattern designation command corresponding to the variable display result being a "small win", is executed (step 193SGS126), a variable pattern determination table for special wins is selected and set (step 193SGS127), and the process proceeds to step 193SGS138.

If the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 is not within the predetermined small win judgment range, that is, if the variable display result in the variable display is "miss", the transmission setting of the first pattern designation command, which is a pattern designation command corresponding to the variable display result being "miss" (step 193SGS128), is executed, and it is judged whether the time-saving flag is on or not, that is, whether the current game state is in the time-saving state or not (step 193SGS129). If the time-saving flag is off (step 193SGS129; N), the miss fluctuation pattern judgment table A is selected and set, and if the time-saving flag is on (step 193SGS129; Y), the miss fluctuation pattern judgment table D is selected and set (step 193SGS131). The miss fluctuation pattern judgment table A is a miss fluctuation pattern judgment table used when the number of reserved memories is 2 or less. In addition, the loss fluctuation pattern determination table D is a loss fluctuation pattern determination table that is used when the game state is a high base state in which time-saving control is being executed.

In addition to these miss fluctuation pattern determination tables A and D, this feature unit 193SG also has miss fluctuation pattern determination table B, which is used when the number of reserved memories is three, and miss fluctuation pattern determination table C, which is used when the number of reserved memories is four, prepared in advance. Of these, of miss fluctuation pattern determination tables A to C, in miss fluctuation pattern determination table A, for example, 498 determination values from 0 to 497 (approximately 50%) of the possible range of the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination are assigned to non-reach fluctuation patterns, in miss fluctuation pattern determination table B, 598 determination values from 0 to 597 (approximately 60%) of the possible range of the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination are assigned to non-reach fluctuation patterns, and in miss fluctuation pattern determination table C, 698 determination values from 0 to 697 (approximately 70%) of the possible range of the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination are assigned to non-reach fluctuation patterns. On the other hand, in the loss fluctuation pattern determination tables A to C, 100 determination values (approximately 10%) from 898 to 997 are assigned to the range of possible values of the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern for the super reach fluctuation pattern.

For this reason, in step 193SGS126, the fluctuation pattern is determined using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A, and the determination of non-reach and super reach will always result in a non-reach or super reach fluctuation pattern even if the number of reserved memories changes after the determination, so the determination at the time of the initial winning is made using the miss fluctuation pattern determination table A.

Also, if it is determined in step 193SGS123 that the value is within the jackpot determination range, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot will occur during variable display (step 193SGS123; Y), as shown in FIG. 15-13 (A), the jackpot type is determined based on the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination (step 193SGS132). At this time, the CPU 103 selects table data for jackpot type determination from the table data constituting the jackpot type determination table according to the variable special chart (the "first special chart" corresponding to "1" or the "second special chart" corresponding to "2") specified in response to the start port buffer value. Then, by referring to the selected table data for jackpot type determination, it is determined which of the multiple types the jackpot type is determined to be.

The controller 100 executes the setting to send the symbol designation command according to the determined jackpot type, that is, the second symbol designation command if it is a sure-variable jackpot A, the third symbol designation command if it is a sure-variable jackpot B, the fourth symbol designation command if it is a sure-variable jackpot C, and the fifth symbol designation command if it is a non-variable jackpot (step 193SGS133), and then determines whether the determined jackpot type is a non-sure-variable jackpot (step 193SGS134a). If the determined jackpot type is a non-sure-variable jackpot (step 193SGS134a; Y), the controller 100 selects and sets the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A as a table for determining the jackpot fluctuation pattern (step 193SGS135), and proceeds to step 193SGS138.

In addition, if the determined jackpot type is not a non-variable jackpot (step 193SGS134a; N), it is further determined whether the determined jackpot type is a variable jackpot A or a variable jackpot B (step 193SGS134b).

If the determined jackpot type is a sure jackpot A or a sure jackpot B (step 193SGS134b; Y), select and set jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B as the table for determining the jackpot fluctuation pattern (step 193SGS136), and proceed to step 193SGS138.

If the determined jackpot type is not a variable jackpot A or a variable jackpot B (step 193SGS134b; N), in other words, if the determined jackpot type is a variable jackpot C, select and set the special jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table (step 193SGS137) and proceed to step 193SGS138.

After executing any of the processes of step 193SGS127, step 193SGS130, step 193SGS131, step 193SGS135, step 193SGS136, and step 193SGS137, the variable category according to the range of judgment values including the random number MR3 is determined using each of the variable pattern determination tables set in each of these steps and the numerical data indicating the random number MR3 for variable pattern determination (step 193SGS138). In this characteristic part 193SG, as shown in FIG. 15-13 (B), at least when the variable display result is "miss", a variable category that is a variable display mode of "non-reach" in common regardless of the total reserved memory number, a variable category that is a variable display mode of "super reach", and a variable category of "other" that is a variable display mode other than "non-reach" and "super reach" (for example, normal reach) are provided, and it is sufficient to determine whether such a variable category is determined based on the random number MR3.

After that, a variable category designation command according to the result of the processing in step 193SGS138 is set up to be sent to the performance control board 12 (step 193SGS132), and the winning random number value determination process is terminated.

Figure 15-14 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed in S110 of Figure 6 as the normal special symbol processing. In the normal special symbol processing shown in Figure 15-14, the CPU 103 first judges whether or not the second special symbol reserved memory count is "0" (step 193SGS141). The second special symbol reserved memory count is the reserved memory count of the special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B. For example, in the processing of step 193SGS141, it is sufficient to read out the second reserved memory count value stored in the game control counter setting unit and judge whether or not the read value is "0".

When the second special chart reserved memory number is other than "0" in step 193SGS141 (step 193SGS141; N), the reserved data stored in the second special chart reserved memory section corresponding to reserved number "1" is read out as numerical data indicating a random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, a random number value MR2 for determining the type of big win, and a random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern (step 193SGS142). The numerical data read out at this time may be temporarily stored, for example, in a fluctuation random number buffer.

Following the processing of step 193SGS142, the second special chart reserved memory count value and the total reserved memory count value are updated by subtracting 1 from each other, and the second special chart reserved memory count and the total reserved memory count are updated, and the data in the second special chart reserved memory section is updated. Specifically, the reserved data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 stored in entries lower than reserved number "1" in the second special chart reserved memory section (for example, entries corresponding to reserved numbers "2" to "4") are shifted up by one entry at a time (step 193SGS143).

After that, the variable special chart designation buffer value, which is the stored value in the variable special chart designation buffer, is updated to "2" (step 193SGS144), and then the process proceeds to step 193SGS149.

On the other hand, when the second special pattern reserved memory number is "0" in step 193SGS141 (step 193SGS141; Y), it is determined whether the first special pattern reserved memory number is "0" (step 193SGS145). The first special pattern reserved memory number is the reserved memory number of the special pattern game using the first special pattern by the first special pattern display device 4A. For example, in the process of step 193SGS145, the first reserved memory number count value stored in the first reserved memory number counter in the game control counter setting unit is read, and it is determined whether the read value is "0". In this way, the process of step 193SGS145 is executed when it is determined that the second special pattern reserved memory number is "0" in step 193SGS141, and it is determined whether the first special pattern reserved memory number is "0". As a result, the special pattern game using the second special pattern is started in priority to the special pattern game using the first special pattern.

The special chart game using the second special chart is not limited to being executed with priority over the special chart game using the first special chart, and may be started in the order in which the game ball enters (passes) the first start winning port or the second start winning port and the start winning occurs. In this case, a table may be provided that stores data that can identify the order in which the start winning occurs, and it may be possible to determine whether to start the special chart game using the first special chart or the second special chart from the stored data.

When the number of reserved first special charts is other than "0" in step 193SGS145 (step 193SGS145; N), the reserved data stored in the first special chart reserved memory section corresponding to reserved number "1" is read out as numerical data indicating a random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, a random number value MR2 for determining the type of big win, and a random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern (step 193SGS146). The numerical data read out at this time may be temporarily stored, for example, in a random number buffer for fluctuation.

Following the processing of step 193SGS146, the first special chart reserved memory count value and the total reserved memory count value are updated by subtracting 1 from each other, and the first special chart reserved memory count and the total reserved memory count are updated, and the data in the first special chart reserved memory section is updated. Specifically, the reserved data indicating the random number values MR1 to MR3 stored in entries lower than reserved number "1" in the first special chart reserved memory section (for example, entries corresponding to reserved numbers "2" to "4") are shifted to higher entries by one entry (step 193SGS147).

After that, the variable special chart designation buffer value, which is the stored value in the variable special chart designation buffer, is updated to "1" (step 193SGS148), and then the process proceeds to step 193SGS149.

In step 193SGS149, the special pattern display result judgment table 1 shown in FIG. 15-7 is selected and set as the table to be used to determine whether the special pattern display result, which is the variable display result of the special pattern, is a "jackpot" or a "miss". Next, the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for special pattern display result judgment stored in the variable random number buffer is compared with the judgment value assigned to each special pattern display result of "jackpot" or "miss" to determine whether the special pattern display result is a "jackpot" or a "miss" (step 193SGS150a). In addition, in this step 193SGS150a, if the game state at that time is a high probability state (high probability state) in which the high probability flag is on, if the random number value MR1 for special pattern display result judgment falls within the range of 10000 to 12180 corresponding to the high probability state (high probability state), it is judged as a "jackpot", and if it does not fall within the range, it is judged as a "miss". Also, if the probability is low and the probability flag is off, if the random number value MR1 used to determine the special chart display result falls within the range of 1 to 219, it is determined to be a "jackpot," and if it does not fall within the range, it is determined to be a "miss."

In this way, in the special chart display result judgment table 1 selected in step 193SGS149, different judgment values are assigned to "jackpot" depending on the game state at that time (high probability, low probability), so in the processing of step 193SGS150a, whether or not the special chart display result is a "jackpot" is determined using different judgment data (judgment values) depending on whether or not the game state when the variable display of the special chart game or the like is started is a high probability state, so that when the game state is a high probability state, it is judged (determined) to be a "jackpot" with a higher probability than when it is a low probability state.

When it is determined in step 193SGS150a that it is a "jackpot" (step 193SGS150a; Y), the jackpot flag is set to ON in the game control flag setting section (step 193SGS152). At this time, the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 15-8 (A) is selected and set as the table to be used for determining the jackpot type as one of the multiple types (step 193SGS153). By referring to the jackpot type determination table thus set, it is determined which of the multiple types of jackpot types the jackpot type should be, depending on whether the numerical data indicating the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination stored in the variable random number buffer matches with the determination value assigned to each jackpot type of "non-variable jackpot", "variable jackpot A", "variable jackpot B", or "variable jackpot C" in the jackpot type determination table (step 193SGS154).

By determining the jackpot type in the process of step 193SGS154, it is determined before the derivation of the fixed special pattern as the variable display result whether the game state after the end of the jackpot game state will be controlled to a time-saving state or a high probability state, which is more advantageous to the player than the time-saving state. In response to the jackpot type thus determined, the determined jackpot type is stored by, for example, setting a jackpot type buffer value, which is a stored value of the jackpot type buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit (step 193SGS155). As an example, if the jackpot type is a "non-high probability jackpot" corresponding to a non-high probability jackpot, the jackpot type buffer value can be set to "0", if it is a "high probability A" corresponding to a high probability jackpot A, it can be set to "1", if it is a "high probability B" corresponding to a high probability jackpot B, it can be set to "2", and if it is a "high probability C" corresponding to a high probability jackpot C, it can be set to "3".

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 193SGS150a that the result is not a "big win" (step 193SGS150a; N), proceed to S150b and select and set the special chart display result determination table 2 shown in FIG. 15-7. Next, the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result stored in the variable random number buffer is compared with the determination value assigned to each special chart display result of "small win" to determine whether the special chart display result is a "small win" (step 193SGS150c). In step 193SGS150c, if the variable special chart is the first special chart, the determination value corresponding to the first special chart is used to determine whether the special chart display result is a "small win", and if the variable special chart is the second special chart, the determination value corresponding to the second special chart is used to determine whether the special chart display result is a "small win".

If it is determined in step 193SGS150c that the special chart display result is a "small win" (step 193SGS150c; Y), the small win flag provided in the game control flag setting section is set to the ON state (step 193SGS151).

On the other hand, if it is not determined in step 193SGS150c that the special chart display result is a "small win" (step 193SGS150c; N), proceed to step 193SGS156.

In step 193SGS156, the fixed special symbol is set according to the pre-determined result of whether to control to a big win game state (whether the big win flag is on or not), whether to control to a small win game state (whether the small win flag is on or not), and further according to the determined result of the big win type in the case of a big win game state. As an example, in response to the pre-determined result of the special symbol display result being "miss", a special symbol showing the "-" symbol, which is a miss symbol, is set as the fixed special symbol. Also, if the special symbol display result is determined to be "big win" in step 193SGS150a, if the big win type in step 193SGS154 is "big win A", a special symbol showing the number "7" is set as the fixed special symbol. Also, if the big win type is "big win B", a special symbol showing the number "5" is set as the fixed special symbol. Also, if the jackpot type is a "non-variable jackpot", a special symbol showing the number "3" is set as the confirmed special symbol. Also, if the jackpot type is a "variable jackpot C", a special symbol showing the number "1" is set as the confirmed special symbol. Also, in response to a pre-determined result that the special symbol display result is a "small jackpot", a special symbol showing the symbol "2", which is a small jackpot symbol, is set as the confirmed special symbol. Note that these confirmed special symbols are only examples, and other confirmed special symbols may be set, or multiple types of symbols may be set as confirmed special symbols.

After the confirmed special symbol is set in step 193SGS156, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "1", which corresponds to the variable pattern setting process (step 193SGS157), and then the normal special symbol processing is terminated.

If the number of reserved memories for the special symbol game using the first special symbol is "0" in step 193SGS145 (step 193SGS145; Y), a predetermined demo display setting is performed (step 193SGS158), and then the normal special symbol processing is terminated. In this demo display setting, it is determined whether or not a performance control command (customer waiting demo designation command) that designates a demonstration display (demo screen display) by, for example, displaying a predetermined performance image on the image display device 5 has been transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. At this time, if the customer waiting demo designation command has already been transmitted, the demo display setting is terminated as is. On the other hand, if it has not been transmitted, settings are performed to transmit the customer waiting demo designation command, and then the demo display setting is terminated.

Figure 15-15 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step S111 of Figure 6 as the fluctuation pattern setting process. In the fluctuation pattern setting process shown in Figure 15-15, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the jackpot flag is turned on (step 193SGS161). If the jackpot flag is turned on (step 193SGS161; Y), the jackpot type is identified from the jackpot type buffer value (step 193SGS162).

Then, it is determined whether the identified jackpot type is "Probable variable jackpot C" (step 193SGS163), and if it is not "Probable variable jackpot C", that is, if it is either "Probable variable jackpot A", "Probable variable jackpot B", or "Non-probable variable jackpot" (step 193SGS163; N), jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A or jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B is selected and set according to the identified jackpot type. Specifically, if the identified jackpot type is "non-probable variable jackpot", jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table A is selected and set, and if the identified jackpot type is "Probable variable jackpot A" or "Probable variable jackpot B", jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table B is selected and set.

On the other hand, if the identified jackpot type is a "C-type jackpot" (step 193SGS163; Y), a special jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table is selected and set (step 193SGS165).

If the determination in step 193SGS161 indicates that the big win flag is not ON (step 193SGS161; N), it is further determined whether or not the small win flag is ON (step 193SGS166). If the small win flag is ON (step 193SGS166; Y), a special win fluctuation pattern determination table is selected and set (step 193SGS167), and the process proceeds to step 193SGS175.

On the other hand, if the small win flag is off (step 193SGS166; N), the game control flag setting unit determines whether the time-saving flag is on to determine whether the game state is in a special state or a time-saving state and time-saving control is being performed (step 193SGS168). If the time-saving flag is on (step 193SGS168; Y), the loss fluctuation pattern determination table D is selected and set as the table to be used to determine the fluctuation pattern to one of multiple types (step 193SGS169).

On the other hand, when time-saving control is not in progress, that is, when the time-saving flag is not on (step 193SGS168; N), the number of reserved memories of variable special charts is identified, for example, by reading the stored value of a reserved memory number counter for variable special charts provided in the game control counter setting unit, and it is determined whether the identified reserved memory number of variable special charts is 1 or 2 (step 193SGS170).

If the number of reserved memories for the identified special variable chart is 1 or 2 (step 193SGS170; N), the loss variable pattern determination table A is selected and set as the table to be used for determining one of multiple types of variable patterns (step 193SGS171).

In addition, if the number of reserved memories for the identified variable special chart is not 1 or 2 (step 193SGS170; N), it is further determined whether the number of reserved memories for the identified variable special chart is 3 (step 193SGS172).

If the number of reserved memories for the identified special variable chart is 3 (step 193SGS172; Y), the loss variable pattern determination table B is selected and set as the table to be used for determining one of multiple types of variable patterns (step 193SGS173).

Also, if the number of reserved memories for the identified variable special chart is not 3, that is, if the number of reserved memories for the identified variable special chart is 4 (step 193SGS172; N), the program selects and sets the miss variable pattern determination table C as the table to be used for determining the variable pattern as one of multiple types (step 193SGS174), and proceeds to step 193SGS175.

After executing any of the processes of step 193SGS164, step 193SGS165, step 193SGS167, step 193SGS169, step 193SGS171, step 193SGS173, and step 193SGS174, the fluctuation pattern is determined to be one of several types by referring to the selected (set) jackpot fluctuation pattern determination table, special win fluctuation pattern determination table, or miss fluctuation pattern determination table A to D based on, for example, numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination stored in a fluctuation random number buffer (step 193SGS175).

When the jackpot flag is off, the process of step 193SGS175 determines the variation pattern, thereby determining whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbols is set to "reach." In other words, the process of step 193SGS170 includes a process for determining whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbols is set to a reach state when the variable display result is a "miss."

After the variation pattern is determined in step 193SGS175, settings are made to start the variation of the special symbols so that either a special symbol game using the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 4A or a special symbol game using the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 4B is started according to the variable special symbol designation buffer value (step 193SGS176). As an example, if the variable special symbol designation buffer value is "1", settings are made to send a drive signal to update the display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 4A. On the other hand, if the variable special symbol designation buffer value is "2", settings are made to send a drive signal to update the display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 4B.

Following the processing of step 193SGS176, settings are made to send various commands for when the special symbol starts to change (step 193SGS177). For example, when the special symbol change designation buffer value is "1", the CPU 103 stores setting data indicating the storage address (first address) in the ROM 101 of the first change start command table prepared in advance in a buffer area designated by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer provided in the game control buffer setting section in order to sequentially send the game state designation command, the first variable display start command, the variable pattern designation command, the variable display result designation command, and the first reserved memory number notification command from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. On the other hand, when the variable special chart designation buffer value is "2", the CPU 103 stores setting data indicating the storage address in ROM 101 of the second variable start command table prepared in advance in a buffer area designated by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer provided in the game control buffer setting section in order to sequentially transmit the game state designation command, second variable display start command, variable pattern designation command, variable display result designation command, and second reserved memory number notification command from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

After executing the processing of step 193SGS177, the special symbol fluctuation time, which is the variable display time of the special symbol according to the determination result of the fluctuation pattern, is set (step 193SGS178). The special symbol fluctuation time, which is the variable display time of the special symbol, is the time required from the start of the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game to the stop display of the confirmed special symbol, which is the variable display result (special symbol display result). After that, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "2", which is the value corresponding to the special symbol fluctuation processing (step 193SGS179), and the fluctuation pattern setting processing is terminated.

Based on the command transmission setting in step 193SGS177, each time the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. 5 is executed after the variable pattern setting process is completed, the main board 11 will sequentially transmit a game state designation command, a first variable display start command or a second variable display start command, a variable pattern designation command, a variable display result designation command, a first reserved memory number notification command or a second reserved memory number notification command to the presentation control board 12. The order in which these presentation control commands are transmitted can be changed arbitrarily, and for example, the variable display result designation command may be transmitted first, followed by the first variable display start command or the second variable display start command, the variable pattern designation command, the game state designation command, the first reserved memory number notification command or the second reserved memory number notification command.

Figure 15-16 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step S113 of Figure 6 as the special symbol stop process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 103 turns on the end flag referred to in the special symbol change process in step S112 to end the change of the special symbol, and controls the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B to stop displaying the stopped symbol (step 193SGS180). If the change special symbol designation buffer value is "1" indicating the first special symbol, the change of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A is ended, and if the change special symbol designation buffer value is "2" indicating the second special symbol, the change of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B is ended. In addition, the CPU 103 controls to send a symbol determination command to the performance control board 12 (step 193SGS181). Then, it is determined whether the big win flag is turned on (step 193SGS182), and if the big win flag is turned off (step 193SGS182; N), it is further determined whether the small win flag is turned on (step 193SGS183).

If the small win flag is in the ON state, the performance control board 12 is set to send a win start 5 designation command corresponding to a small win (step 193SGS190a). Then, a value corresponding to the small win display time is set in the small win display time timer (step 193SGS190b). Also, the large prize opening count counter is set to the number of times it has been opened (for example, 2 times) (step 193SGS190c). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "8", which is the value corresponding to the small win opening pre-processing (step S118) (step 193SGS190d), and the special symbol stop processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is in the ON state (step 193SGS182; Y), if the special probability flag or the time-saving flag is in the ON state, the CPU 103 clears the special probability flag and the time-saving flag to turn them OFF (step 193SGS184), and sets the performance control board 12 to send a hit start 1 designation command (special probability jackpot A), a hit start 2 designation command (special probability jackpot B), a hit start 3 designation command (special probability jackpot C), or a hit start 4 designation command (non-special probability jackpot) according to the type of jackpot stored (step 193SGS185).

The CPU 103 then performs settings to send a game state designation command indicating the normal state to the performance control board 12 (step 193SGS186).

Then, the jackpot display time timer is set to a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (the time for announcing the occurrence of a jackpot on the image display device 5, for example) (step 193SGS187). Also, the number of times the jackpot opening counter has been opened (for example, 10 times for a non-variable jackpot or a variable jackpot A, 5 times for a variable jackpot B, and 2 times for a variable jackpot C) is set (step 193SGS188). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "4", which is the value corresponding to the jackpot opening pre-processing (step S114) (step 193SGS189).

On the other hand, if the small win flag is off (step 193SGS183; N), in step 193SGS190, the CPU 103 determines whether the time-saving count counter value is "0". If the time-saving count counter value is "0" (step 193SGS190; Y), the process proceeds to step 193SGS196.

On the other hand, if the value of the time-saving counter is not "0" (step 193SGS190; N), that is, if the time-saving counter is in a high base state with remaining time-saving times, the value of the time-saving counter is decremented by 1 (step 193SGS191). Then, it is determined whether the value of the time-saving counter after subtraction is "0" or not (step 193SGS193). If it is not "0" (step 193SGS193; N), the process proceeds to step 193SGS196. If the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (step 193SGS193; Y), the process clears the time-saving flag to turn it off in order to end the time-saving control (step 193SGS194), sets the transmission of a game state designation command corresponding to the game state (specifically, low probability low base) corresponding to the state of the probability flag or the time-saving flag (step 193SGS195), and then proceeds to step 193SGS196.

In step 193SGS196, the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "0", which is the value corresponding to the normal processing of the special pattern, and then the special pattern stop processing is terminated.

Figure 15-17 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in S117 of Figure 6 as the jackpot end process.

In the jackpot end processing, the CPU 103 determines whether the jackpot end display timer is operating, i.e., whether the timer is counting (step 193SGS201). If the jackpot end display timer is not operating (step 193SGS201; N), the jackpot end display timer is set to a value equivalent to the display time corresponding to the time for which the jackpot end display is performed on the image display device 5 (jackpot end display time) (step 193SGS202), and the processing ends.

On the other hand, if the jackpot end display timer is running (step 193SGS201; Y), the value of the jackpot end display timer is decremented by 1 (step 193SGS203). The CPU 103 then checks whether the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, i.e., whether the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step 193SGS204). If it has not elapsed, the process ends.

If the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step 193 SGS204; Y), the CPU 103 determines whether the stored jackpot type is a non-variable jackpot (step 193 SGS205).

If the stored jackpot type is not a non-variable jackpot (step 193SGS205; N), it is further determined whether the stored jackpot type is a variable jackpot C (step 193SGS206).

If the stored jackpot type is a special jackpot C (step 193SGS206; Y), the special jackpot flag is set to ON (step 193SGS210), and then the process proceeds to step 193SGS213.

On the other hand, if the stored jackpot type is not a guaranteed jackpot C, that is, if the jackpot type is a guaranteed jackpot A or a guaranteed jackpot B (step 193SGS206; N), the guaranteed jackpot flag is turned on (step 193SGS207), the time-saving flag is turned on (step 193SGS208), the time-saving count counter is set to "0" (step 193SGS209), and then the process proceeds to step 193SGS213.

On the other hand, if the jackpot type is a non-variable jackpot (step 193SGS205; Y), steps 193SGS211 and 193SGS212 are executed to turn on the time-saving flag and set the time-saving counter to "100", and then the process proceeds to step 193SGS213.

In step 193SGS213, the jackpot flag is turned off, and a jackpot end command is sent according to the type of jackpot (step 193SGS214). Then, after sending a game state command to notify the performance control board 12 of the game state based on the ON-state probability flag and time-saving flag (step 193SGS215), the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "0", which corresponds to the normal processing of special symbols (step 193SGS216).

Next, the operation of the performance control board 12 will be described. FIG. 15-18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed in step S75 of FIG. 6 as the command analysis processing. In the command analysis processing shown in FIG. 15-18, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether there is a received command from the main board 11 transmitted through the relay board 15 by checking the memory contents of the performance control command receiving buffer (step 193SGS221). At this time, if there is no received command (step 193SGS221; N), it determines whether the first or second pending memory number notification waiting time set (set) in step 193SGS223 or step 193SGS225 described later has elapsed (step 193SGS237), and if the first or second pending memory number notification waiting time has not elapsed (step 193SGS2375; N), the command analysis processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the first or second pending memory number notification waiting time has elapsed, that is, if the first or second pending memory number notification command has not been received before the set first or second pending memory number notification waiting time has elapsed (step 193 SGS237; Y), the display pending flag of the entry for which the first or second pending memory number notification command has not yet been stored is turned on, and the performance restriction flag of the entry for which storage has not been completed is turned on (step 193 SGS238), and the command analysis process is terminated.

If there is a received command in step 193SGS221 (step 193SGS221; Y), for example, by checking the MODE data of the received command, it is determined whether the received command is a first start port winning designation command (step 193SGS222). Then, if it is a first start port winning designation command (step 193SGS222; Y), the first pending memory number notification waiting time is set (step 193SGS223). For example, in the processing of step 193SGS223, a timer initial value that is predetermined corresponding to the waiting time for receiving the first pending memory number notification command may be set in the command reception control timer provided in the performance control timer setting unit 193SG192.

If the received command in step 193SGS222 is not a first start port winning designation command (step 193SGS222; N), it is determined whether the received command is a second start port winning designation command (step 193SGS224). If it is a second start port winning designation command (step 193SGS224; Y), the second pending memory number notification waiting time is set (step 193SGS225). For example, in the processing of step 193SGS225, a timer initial value that is predetermined corresponding to the waiting time for receiving the second pending memory number notification command may be set in the command reception control timer.

If the received command in step 193SGS224 is not a second start port winning designation command (step 193SGS224; N), it is determined whether the received command is a pattern designation command (step 193SGS226). If the received command in step 193SGS226 is not a pattern designation command (step 193SGS226; N), it is determined whether the received command is a variable category command (step 193SGS227). If the received command in step 193SGS227 is not a variable category command (step 193SGS227; N), it is determined whether the received command is a first pending memory number notification command (step 193SGS228). Then, if it is a first pending memory number notification command (step 193SGS228; Y), the first pending memory number notification waiting time is cleared (step 193SGS229), for example, by initializing the timing operation of the command reception control timer.

If the received command in step 193SGS228 is not the first pending memory number notification command (step 193SGS228; N), it is determined whether the received command is the second pending memory number notification command (step 193SGS230). If the received command is the second pending memory number notification command (step 193SGS230; Y), the second pending memory number notification waiting time is cleared, for example, by initializing the timing operation of the command reception control timer (step 193SGS231).

After executing either step 193SGS229 or step 193SGS231, the display pending flag of the stored entry is set to ON, and if there is an unreceived command, the performance restriction flag is set to ON (step 193SGS232).

If the received command in step 193SGS226 is a pattern designation command (step 193SGS226; Y), if the received command in step 193SGS227 is a variable category command (step 193SGS227; Y), or after executing any of the processes in steps 193SGS223, 193SGS225, and 193SGS232, the received command is stored at the top of the free area in the start winning time received command buffer 193SG194A shown in Figure 15-11 (step 193SGS233), and the process returns to step 193SGS221.

In addition, when a pending memory number notification command (first pending memory number notification command or second pending memory number notification command) is received together with a variable display start command (first variable display start command or second variable display start command), the pending memory number notification command may not be stored in the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A. In other words, it is sufficient if the performance control commands received in response to the occurrence of a start winning can be stored sequentially from the beginning of the free area in the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A.

If the received command in step 193SGS230 is not the second pending memory number notification command (step 193SGS230; N), settings are made according to other received commands (step 193SGS234). Then, it is determined whether the first or second pending memory number notification waiting time set in step 193SGS223 or step 193SGS225 has elapsed (step 193SGS235), and if the first or second pending memory number notification waiting time has not elapsed (step 193SGS235; N), the process returns to step 193SGS221. On the other hand, if the first or second pending memory number notification waiting time has elapsed, that is, if the first or second pending memory number notification command has not been received before the set first or second pending memory number notification waiting time has elapsed (step 193SGS235; Y), the display pending flag of the stored entry is set to ON, and the performance restriction flag of the corresponding entry that has not yet been stored is set to ON (step 193SGS236), and processing returns to step 193SGS221.

Figure 15-19 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of the performance control process. In the performance control process, the performance control CPU 120 first determines the presence or absence of a pre-reading preview performance in the pre-reading preview setting process, as well as the performance pattern of the pre-reading preview performance (display pattern of the pending memory display) (S161), and then executes a pending display update process to update the pending memory display in the first pending memory display area 193SG005D and the second pending memory display area 193SG005U of the image display device 5 to a display according to the memory contents of the start winning time reception command buffer 193SG194A (step 193SGS162).

Figure 15-20 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step S161 of Figure 5 as the advance preview setting process. In the advance preview setting process shown in Figure 15-20, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether or not variable display is being executed (step 193SGS240a). Whether or not variable display is being executed can be determined by whether or not the value of the performance control process flag is one of 1 to 3.

If the variable display is not being executed (step 193SGS240a; N), the process proceeds to step 193SGS241. If the variable display is being executed (step 193SGS240a; Y), the process further judges whether or not the first variable display start count notification effect is being executed (step 193SGS240b). Note that the first variable display start count notification effect is an effect for notifying the number of times that the variable display of the decorative pattern including the re-variable display has been started during one variable display after the re-variable display has been started as a pseudo consecutive effect, as shown in FIG. 15-29 (E), FIG. 15-30 (L), and FIG. 15-31 (S). Also, in step 193SGS240a, whether or not the first variable display start count notification effect is being executed can be judged by referring to the process data of the variable display being executed.

If the first variable display start count notification effect is not being executed (step 193SGS240b; N), the process proceeds to step 193SGS241. If the first variable display start count notification effect is being executed (step 193SGS240b; Y), the process proceeds to step 193SGS250, where the pending display flag is set to "0", which corresponds to the normal display mode, as described below. In other words, the pre-reading preview effect is not executed while the first variable display start count notification effect is being executed.

In step 193SGS241, the performance control CPU 120 checks the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A. Then, it determines whether there is a new command stored at the start winning by checking whether there is an entry with the display pending flag in the on state (set to "1") (step 193SGS242).

If there is no entry with the display pending flag on (step 193SGS242; N), the pre-reading notice setting process is terminated, and if there is an entry with the display pending flag on (step 193SGS242; Y), it is determined whether the symbol designation command of the entry is the fourth symbol designation or the sixth symbol designation command, that is, whether the symbol designation command is a symbol designation command indicating a sure-variable big win C or a small win (step 193SGS243a). If the symbol designation command is a symbol designation command indicating a sure-variable big win C or a small win (step 193SGS243a; Y), the process proceeds to step 193SGS250, where the reserved display flag is set to "0", which corresponds to the normal display mode, as described below. In other words, the pre-reading notice performance is not executed for reserved memories that are sure-variable big win C or a small win.

On the other hand, if the symbol designation command is not a symbol designation command indicating a sure jackpot C or a small jackpot, it is determined whether the symbol designation command of the entry is the first symbol designation command, that is, whether the symbol designation command is a command indicating a miss (step 193SGS243b). If the symbol designation command of the entry is not the first symbol designation command, that is, if it is a command indicating a jackpot (sure jackpot A, sure jackpot B, or non-sure jackpot) (step 193SGS243b; N), the type of jackpot is identified from the symbol designation command of the entry (step 193SGS244).

Then, based on the numerical data indicating the random number value for the look-ahead preview performance extracted, for example, from the random number circuit 124 or the random counter of the performance control counter setting unit, and the type of jackpot identified in step 193SGS244, a look-ahead preview performance judgment table at the time of the jackpot (not shown) is referenced to determine whether or not to execute the look-ahead preview performance and the display pattern when the look-ahead preview performance is executed (step 193SGS245).

In step 193SGS245, the presence or absence of a pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notification type) are determined, for example, at a determination ratio as shown in FIG. 15-21(A). In the example of setting the determination ratio shown in FIG. 15-21(A), the determination ratio of the presence or absence of a pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notification type) is varied according to the type of jackpot identified in the processing of step 193SGS244.

Specifically, there are two types of display patterns (preview types) for the preview performance: display pattern α and display pattern β. When the display pattern for the preview performance is determined to be display pattern α, the reserved memory display is displayed as a white rectangle (◇) in the first reserved memory display area 193SG5D or the second reserved memory display area 193SG5U, and when the display pattern (preview type) for the preview performance is determined to be display pattern β, the reserved memory display is displayed as a white star (☆) in the first reserved memory display area 193SG5D or the second reserved memory display area 193SG5U.

In addition, if the variable display result is a jackpot other than a sure-win jackpot C, the pre-reading preview performance will never be determined to be non-executed, and the pre-reading preview performance will always be determined to be executed, and either display pattern α or display pattern β will be determined as the display pattern (pre-notice type).

Also, as shown in FIG. 15-21(A), when the jackpot type is "Probable jackpot A," the rate at which display pattern β is determined as the display pattern (notice type) is set higher than the rate at which display pattern α is determined. On the other hand, when the jackpot type is "Probable jackpot B" or "Non-probable jackpot," the rate at which display pattern β is determined as the display pattern (notice type) is set lower than the rate at which display pattern α is determined.

With this setting, when the variable display result is "jackpot" and display pattern β is executed as the display pattern (notice type), the probability that the jackpot type will be a special jackpot A is higher than when display pattern α is executed, and the player's anticipation of a special jackpot A can be increased.

In addition, in this feature section 193SG, when the variable display result is a "jackpot" other than a sure-win jackpot C, the execution of the pre-reading preview performance is always decided, and either display pattern α, which displays the reserved memory display in a white square (◇), or display pattern β, which displays the reserved memory display in a white star (☆), is executed; however, this invention is not limited to this, and even when the variable display result is a "jackpot" other than a sure-win jackpot C, there may be a case where it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance, just as when the variable display result is a "miss."

In addition, in step 193SGS243b, if the symbol designation command of an entry whose display pending flag is on is the first symbol designation command, that is, if it is a command indicating a miss (step 193SGS243b; Y), the variable category indicated by the variable category designation command of the entry whose display pending flag is on is identified (step 193SGS247). Specifically, if the variable category designation command of the entry is C600H, it is identified as the category of the "non-reach" variable pattern, if it is C601H, it is identified as the category of the "super reach" variable pattern, and if it is C602H, it is identified as the category of the "other" variable pattern which includes normal reach.

Then, based on the numerical data indicating the random number value for the pre-reading preview performance extracted, for example, from the random number circuit 124 or the random counter of the performance control counter setting unit, and the category of the fluctuation pattern identified in step 193SGS247, a pre-reading preview performance judgment table for misses (not shown) is referenced to determine whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (pre-notice type) when the pre-reading preview performance is executed (step 193SGS248).

In step 193SGS248, the display pattern (preview type) and whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance are determined using a determination ratio such as that shown in FIG. 15-21(B). In the example of setting the determination ratio shown in FIG. 15-21(B), the determination ratio of whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance and the display pattern (preview type) is varied depending on the category of the variation pattern identified in the processing of step 193SGS247.

Specifically, there are two types of display patterns (notice types): display pattern α and display pattern β. When the display pattern (notice type) is determined to be display pattern α, the reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 193SG5D or the second reserved memory display area 193SG5U in a specific form of a white square (◇), and when the display pattern (notice type) is determined to be display pattern β, the reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 193SG5D or the second reserved memory display area 193SG5U in a specific form of a white star (☆). In addition, when the pre-reading notice performance is determined to be non-executed, the reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 193SG5D or the second reserved memory display area 193SG5U in a normal form of a circle (○).

As shown in FIG. 15-21 (B), when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "other", the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is executed (the rate at which it is determined to be something other than "no preview performance") is set higher than when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "non-reach". Also, when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "super reach", the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is executed (the rate at which it is determined to be something other than "no preview performance") is set higher than when the variable display result is "miss" and the category of the fluctuation pattern is "other".

When the variable display result is a "miss" and a decision is made to execute a foreseeing preview performance, if the variable category is "other", the probability of display pattern α being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "non-reach". Also, if the variable pattern category is "super reach", the probability of display pattern α being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "other". Furthermore, when the variable display result is a "miss" and a decision is made to execute a foreseeing preview performance, if the variable pattern category is "other", the probability of display pattern β being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "non-reach", and if the variable pattern category is "super reach", the probability of display pattern β being determined is set higher than when the variable pattern category is "other".

When the variable display result is a "miss," the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is determined not to be executed is set to the highest, regardless of whether the variable pattern category is "non-reach," "other," or "super reach," and the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is determined to be executed and display pattern β is determined is set to the lowest.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15-21(A), when the variable display result is a "jackpot," the pre-reading preview performance is not determined to be non-executed (no preview performance), and the rate at which the pre-reading preview performance is determined to be executed and display pattern α or display pattern β is determined is set higher than the rate at which display pattern α or display pattern β is determined in any of the categories of variable patterns when the variable display result is a "miss."

Furthermore, when the variable display result is "Miss (non-reach)", "Miss (super reach)", or "Miss (other)", and it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance, the rate at which display pattern α is determined is set higher than the rate at which display pattern β is determined. On the other hand, when the variable display result is "Big hit (probable hit A)", and it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance, the rate at which display pattern β is determined is set higher than the rate at which display pattern α is determined.

With this setting, when display pattern α or display pattern β is executed (displayed) as the display pattern (preview type) of the pre-reading preview performance, the variable display result is more likely to be a "jackpot" than when display pattern α or display pattern β is not executed (displayed); in particular, when display pattern β is executed (displayed), the variable display result is more likely to be a "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "high probability jackpot A," which can increase the player's sense of anticipation.

After executing step 193SGS248, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not a decision was made in step 193SGS247 to execute a pre-reading preview performance, that is, whether or not the display pattern (preview type) was decided to be either display pattern α or display pattern β (step 193SGS249).

After step 193SGS245 is executed or if it is decided to execute a preview performance (step 193SGS249; Y), the flag value corresponding to the decided display pattern (preview type) is set to the pending display flag of the entry (step 193SGS246). Specifically, if the display pattern (preview type) decided in step 193SGS245 or step 193SGS248 is display pattern α showing the pending memory display with "◇", the pending display flag of the entry is set to "1", and if the display pattern (preview type) decided in step 193SGS245 or step 193SGS248 is display pattern β showing the pending memory display with "☆", the pending display flag of the entry is set to "2", and then the process proceeds to step 193SGS251.

Also, in step 193SGS249, if it has not been decided that a preview performance will be performed (step 193SGS249; N), the pending display flag for that entry is set to "0", which indicates a white "circle" (step 193SGS250), and then the process proceeds to step 193SGS251.

After executing step 193SGS246 or step 193SGS250, the performance control CPU 120 changes the value of the display pending flag of the entry to "0" (step 193SGS251). After that, the pending display is updated based on the memory contents of the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A (step 193SGS252). As a result, the pending memory newly stored in the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the "0", "1", or "2" set in the pending display flag. Also, when the variable display is executed and the memory contents of the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A are shifted, the pending display of the first pending memory display area 193SG5D and the second pending memory display area 193SG5U provided at the lower position of the image display device 5 is updated according to the memory contents of the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A after the shift.

Specifically, if the number of first special reserved memories is one, one reserved memory display is displayed. As for the display mode of this reserved memory display, if the flag value of the reserved display flag corresponding to the reserved memory is "0", it is displayed in the display mode of "○", if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "1", it is displayed in the display mode of "◇", and if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "2", it is displayed in the display mode of "☆". If the number of first special reserved memories is two, two reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 193SG5D in a mode corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory. Also, if the number of first special reserved memories is three, three reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 193SG5D in a mode corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory. Also, if the number of first special reserved memories is four, four reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 193SG5D in a manner that corresponds to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory.

Also, if the number of second special reserved memories is one, one reserved memory display is displayed. As for the display mode of this reserved memory display, as in the case of the first special, if the flag value of the reserved display flag corresponding to the reserved memory is "0", it is displayed in the display mode of "○", if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "1", it is displayed in the display mode of "◇", and if the flag value of the reserved display flag is "2", it is displayed in the display mode of "☆". If the number of second special reserved memories is two, for example, two reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the second reserved memory display area 193SG5U in a mode corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory, for example, the reserved memory display of one is displayed in the display mode of "○" and the reserved memory display of one is displayed in the display mode of "☆". Also, if the number of second special reserved memories is three, three reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the second reserved memory display area 193SG5U in a mode corresponding to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory. Also, if the number of second special reserved memories is four, four reserved memory displays are displayed, and each reserved memory display is displayed in the second reserved memory display area 193SG5U in a manner that corresponds to the flag value set in the reserved display flag of the corresponding reserved memory.

And each time the variable display is executed, the reserved memory is reduced (consumed), and the reserved memory display also shifts in a predetermined shift direction (towards the center of the screen in this feature part 193SG).

In other words, when the reserved memory is consumed in the variable display start setting process described below, which is executed when the variable display starts, and the reserved memory in the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A is shifted, the reserved memory display in the first reserved memory display area 193SG5D and the second reserved memory display area 193SG5U is also shifted and displayed based on the reserved memory in the start winning reception command buffer 193SG194A after the shift, and if there is a new reserved memory due to the start winning, the display pattern of that reserved memory is determined and set in the reserved display flag, and it is displayed in the first reserved memory display area 193SG5D and the second reserved memory display area 193SG5U in a display mode according to the flag value set in the reserved display flag.

Note that, in this characteristic section 193SG, an example is shown in which the processing of step 193SGS252 is executed in the advance notice setting process, but the invention is not limited to this, and the processing for updating the hold displays in the first hold memory display area 193SG5D and the second hold memory display area 193SG5U may be executed separately as a process different from the advance notice setting process (for example, a hold display update process).

In addition, in this characteristic part 193SG, a decision is made in step 193SGS242 as to whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory at the time of the start winning, on the condition that there is new storage of a command at the time of the start winning. However, if a start winning in the first start winning port and a start winning in the second start winning port occur simultaneously, and it is determined in step 193SGS242 that there is new storage of a command at the time of the start winning in both the first special chart and the second special chart, in other words, if an entry with the display pending flag in the on state exists in both the first special chart reserved memory and the second special chart reserved memory, then both entries are subject to the decision as to whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance. If the pending memory in which the command at the time of the start winning in the first special chart is newly stored and the pending memory in which the command at the time of the start winning in the second special chart is newly stored are both targets for deciding whether or not to execute the pre-reading preview performance, if there is no entry of the pending display flag of "1" or "2" indicating the execution of the pre-reading preview performance, the pre-reading preview performance may be executed simultaneously in both the pending display of the pending memory of the first special chart and the pending display of the second special chart.

In addition, in this feature section 193SG, as described above, when a start winning entry into the first start winning port and a start winning entry into the second start winning port occur simultaneously, both the reserved memory in which the command at the time of the start winning entry in the first special chart is newly stored and the reserved memory in which the command at the time of the start winning entry in the second special chart is newly stored are subject to the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance, but this invention is not limited to this, and in such a case, it may be decided to execute or not execute only one of the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart and the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart.

Specifically, when the game state is a normal state in which high opening control is not performed, the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart is given priority over the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart. Then, when it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart, it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart, and when it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart, it is decided to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart.

On the other hand, when the game state is a time-saving state in which high opening control is performed (high probability high base state/low probability high base state), the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart is given priority over the decision to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart. Then, when it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart, it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart, and when it is decided not to execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the second special chart, it is decided to execute or not execute the pre-reading preview performance in the reserved memory in the first special chart.

Figure 15-22 is a flow chart showing the variable display start setting process (step S171) in the performance control process shown in Figure 14. In the variable display start setting process, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether the first variable display start command reception flag is on or not (step 193SGS271). If the first variable display start command reception flag is on (step 193SGS271; Y), the various command data and various flags stored in association with the buffer numbers "1-0" to "1-4" of the first special chart reserved memory in the start winning time reception command buffer 193SG194A are shifted up by one buffer number (step 193SGS272). Note that the contents of buffer number "1-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination to shift to, so it is erased.

Specifically, the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-1" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-0", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-2" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-1", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-3" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-2", and the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-4" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-3".

Also, if the first variable display start command reception flag is off in step 193SGS271 (step 193SGS271; N), it is determined whether the second variable display start command reception flag is on (step 193SGS273). If the second variable display start command reception flag is off (step 193SGS273; N), the variable display start setting process is terminated, and if the second variable display start command reception flag is on (step 193SGS273; Y), the various command data and various flags stored in association with the buffer numbers "2-0" to "2-4" of the second special chart reserved memory in the start winning time reception command buffer 193SG194A are shifted up by one buffer number (step 193SGS274). Note that the contents of buffer number "2-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination to shift to, so it is erased.

Specifically, the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-1" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-0", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-2" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-1", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-3" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-2", and the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-4" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-3".

After executing step 193SGS272 or step 193SGS274, the performance control CPU 120 reads the variation pattern designation command from the variation pattern designation command storage area (step 193SGS275).

Next, the display result (stopping pattern) of the decorative pattern is determined according to the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (i.e., the received display result designation command) and the variation pattern (step 193SGS276). In this case, the performance control CPU 120 determines the stopping pattern of the decorative pattern according to the display result designated by the display result designation command, and stores data indicating the determined stopping pattern of the decorative pattern in the decorative pattern display result storage area.

In this feature section 193SG, when the received variable display result designation command is the second variable display result designation command corresponding to the probability of a jackpot A, the performance control CPU 120 determines, for example, a combination of decorative patterns (jackpot patterns) in which three patterns are aligned to "7" as the stopping pattern. When the received variable display result designation command is the third variable display result designation command corresponding to the probability of a jackpot B, the stopping pattern is determined from among multiple combinations of odd numbers other than "7" (for example, combinations of decorative patterns such as "111", "333", "555", and "999"). When the received variable display result designation command is the fourth variable display result designation command corresponding to the probability of a jackpot C, the stopping pattern is determined from among "334" and "778", which are the same chance numbers as the small win. In addition, when the received variable display result designation command is the fifth variable display result designation command corresponding to a non-probability jackpot, the performance control CPU 120 determines, for example, a combination of decorative patterns (jackpot patterns) in which three patterns are aligned as even numbers as the stop patterns. In addition, when the received variable display result designation command is the sixth variable display result designation command corresponding to a small jackpot, the stop patterns are determined from among "334" and "778", which are the same chance numbers as the probability jackpot C. In addition, when the received variable display result designation command is the first variable display result designation command corresponding to a miss and the variable display variation pattern is a non-reach variation pattern, the stop patterns are determined to be decorative patterns in which three patterns are not aligned, and are combinations other than the above-mentioned chance numbers (miss patterns). In addition, if the received variable display result designation command is a first variable display result designation command corresponding to a miss and the variable display fluctuation pattern is a reach fluctuation pattern, a reach miss combination (miss pattern) in which the left and right patterns are the same but the center pattern is different is determined as the stopping pattern.

When determining these stopping patterns, the performance control CPU 120 may, for example, extract a random number for determining the stopping pattern, and determine the stopping pattern of the decorative pattern using a stopping pattern determination table in which data indicating combinations of decorative patterns are associated with numerical values. In other words, the stopping pattern may be determined by selecting data indicating the combination of decorative patterns that corresponds to the numerical value that matches the extracted random number.

Then, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance judges whether or not the corresponding variation pattern is a variation pattern for executing a pseudo consecutive performance during variable display (step 193SGS277). If the corresponding variation pattern is a variation pattern for executing a pseudo consecutive performance during variable display (step 193SGS277; Y), a preview performance decision process for variable display that executes a pseudo consecutive performance (for when pseudo consecutive performance is not executed) is executed to determine whether or not a preview performance is executed during variable display and the preview performance to be executed (step 193SGS278).

After executing step 193SGS278, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance judges whether the change pattern is a super reach change pattern or not. If the change pattern is a super reach change pattern (193SGS279; Y), it decides whether to execute a special temporary stop notification performance instead of a temporary stop notification performance based on the variable display result (step 193SGS280). The temporary stop notification effect is an effect that notifies the player that the decorative symbol has temporarily stopped by outputting a temporary stop notification sound from speakers 8L and 8R from the timing when the decorative symbol has temporarily stopped as a pseudo consecutive effect, and the special temporary stop notification effect is an effect that notifies the player that the decorative symbol has temporarily stopped by outputting a temporary stop notification sound from speakers 8L and 8R from the timing when the decorative symbol has temporarily stopped as a pseudo consecutive effect, and updating the background image displayed on image display device 5 to a background image according to the number of temporary stops (a first special background image if the temporary stop is the first time, a second special background image if the temporary stop is the second time, and a third special background image if the temporary stop is the third time).

Then, the performance control CPU 120 judges whether or not it has been decided to execute the special temporary stop notification performance (step 193SGS281). If it has been decided to execute the special temporary stop notification performance (step 193SGS281; Y), it selects a process table corresponding to the execution of the special temporary stop notification performance and the fluctuation pattern, and proceeds to step 193SGS287 (step 193SGS282).

If the fluctuation pattern is a normal reach fluctuation pattern (193SGS279; N) or if it is decided not to execute the special temporary stop notification effect (193SGS281; N), the temporary stop notification effect period is determined from 2 seconds and 1.5 seconds based on the variable display result (step 193SGS283). Then, a process table is selected according to the temporary stop notification effect period and fluctuation pattern determined in step 193SGS283, and the process proceeds to step 193SGS287 (step 193SGS284).

In addition, if the relevant variable pattern is one in which pseudo consecutive performance is not executed during the variable display (step 193SGS277; N), a preview performance decision process for variable display that does not execute pseudo consecutive performance is executed to determine whether or not to execute a preview performance during the variable display and the preview performance to be executed (step 193SGS285). After determining whether or not to execute a preview performance and the preview performance to be executed in step 193SGS285, a process table corresponding to the variable pattern is selected and the process proceeds to step 193SGS287 (193SGS286).

In step 193SGS287, the performance control CPU 120 starts the process timer for process data 1 of the process table selected in either 193SGS282, 193SGS284, or 193SGS286 (step 193SGS287).

In addition, in the process table, display control execution data for controlling the display of the image display device 5, lamp control execution data for controlling the lighting of each LED, sound control execution data for controlling the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and operation unit control execution data for controlling the operation of the push button 31B and stick controller 31A are arranged in chronological order in correspondence with each process data n (numbers 1 to N).

Then, the performance control CPU 120 executes control of the performance device (image display device 5 as a performance component, various lamps as performance components, speakers 8L, 8R as performance components, and operation unit (push button 31B, stick controller 31A, etc.)) according to the contents of process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound control execution data 1, operation unit control execution data 1) (step 193SGS288). For example, to display an image corresponding to a fluctuation pattern on the image display device 5, it outputs a command to the display control unit 123. It also outputs a control signal (lamp control execution data) to the lamp control board 14 to control the lighting/extinguishing of various lamps. It also outputs a control signal (sound number data) to the sound control board 13 to output sound from the speakers 8L, 8R.

In addition, in this feature section 193SG, the performance control CPU 120 controls the display of the decorative pattern to vary according to a variation pattern that corresponds one-to-one to the variation pattern designation command, but the performance control CPU 120 may select the variation pattern to be used from multiple types of variation patterns that correspond to the variation pattern designation command.

Then, the variable display time timer is set to a value corresponding to the variable display time specified by the variation pattern designation command (step 193SGS289). A predetermined time is also set to the variable display control timer (step 193SGS290). The predetermined time is, for example, 30 ms, and the performance control CPU 120 writes image data indicating the display state of the left, center, and right decorative patterns to the VRAM every time the predetermined time elapses, and the display control unit 123 outputs a signal corresponding to the image data written to the VRAM to the image display device 5, and the image display device 5 displays an image corresponding to the signal, thereby realizing the variable display (variation) of the decorative patterns. Next, the value of the performance control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variable display in progress performance process (step S172), and the variable display start setting process is terminated (step 193SGS291).

The performance control CPU 120 decrements the value of the process timer by 1 each time it executes the performance process during variable display, and determines whether the process timer has timed out. If the process timer has not timed out, it controls the performance device according to the contents of the process data corresponding to the process timer, and if the process timer has timed out, it switches to the next process data, starts the next process timer anew, and controls the performance device according to the next process data, thereby executing the variable display of the decorative pattern. Note that if the performance control CPU 120 has decided to execute a preview performance in the variable display start setting process, it is capable of executing a preview performance execution process to execute a preview performance within the variable display performance process.

Next, the flow of the variable display that executes the pseudo consecutive performance will be explained. First, as shown in FIG. 15-23 (A), when the variation pattern is a normal reach variation pattern that executes a pseudo consecutive performance once during the variable display, a temporary stop suggestion performance is executed first, which suggests a temporary stop of the decorative symbols after the reach is reached. Note that the temporary stop suggestion performance in this characteristic part 193SG is a performance in which the decorative symbols temporarily stop in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R, and then the pseudo consecutive symbols are variably displayed at a slower speed than normal in the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C. Note that the length of the temporary stop suggestion performance period differs depending on the length of the temporary stop notification performance period determined in step 193SG283 of the variable display start setting process.

If the temporary stop notification performance period is set to the temporary stop notification performance period A (2 seconds), the temporary stop suggestion performance ends when the first temporary stop timing A occurs, the pseudo consecutive symbols are temporarily stopped, and the temporary stop notification performance is performed for 2 seconds. Also, if the temporary stop notification performance period is set to the temporary stop notification performance period B (1.5 seconds), the temporary stop suggestion performance ends when the first temporary stop timing B occurs, the pseudo consecutive symbols are temporarily stopped, and the temporary stop notification performance is performed for 1.5 seconds. Note that, as shown in FIG. 15-23(A), the temporary stop notification performance period A and the temporary stop notification performance period B are set to end at the same timing, that is, the temporary stop notification performance is set to end at a specific timing regardless of whether the performance period is set to 1.5 seconds or 2 seconds.

Then, when the temporary stop notification effect ends, the re-variable display notification effect is executed. The re-variable display notification effect is an effect that notifies the player that a re-variable display of the decorative pattern is being executed by outputting a re-variable display notification sound from speakers 8L and 8R, and displaying an image of a character according to the number of re-variable display times on the image display device 5 (an image of character A if the re-variable display time is the first time, an image of character B if the re-variable display time is the second time, and an image of character C if the re-variable display time is the third time).

The first re-variable display is executed during the re-variable display notification performance. When the re-variable display notification performance ends, the first re-variable display start count notification performance is executed from the end timing of the re-variable display notification performance. The first re-variable display start count notification performance is a performance in which the image display device 5 displays the re-variable display count of the decorative pattern including the re-variable display count, and an effect image of a color according to the re-variable display count is displayed on both the left and right ends of the image display device 5. In other words, the first re-variable display start count notification performance corresponding to the first re-variable display is a performance in which "x2" is displayed on the image display device 5 and a blue effect image is displayed on both the left and right ends of the image display device 5, the first re-variable display start count notification performance corresponding to the second re-variable display is a performance in which "x3" is displayed on the image display device 5 and a green effect image is displayed on both the left and right ends of the image display device 5, and the first re-variable display start count notification performance corresponding to the third re-variable display is a performance in which "x4" is displayed on the image display device 5 and a red effect image is displayed on both the left and right ends of the image display device 5.

When the first variable display start count notification effect ends, the second variable display start count notification effect is executed from the end timing of the first variable display start count notification effect. The second variable display start count notification effect is an effect in which the variable display count of the decorative pattern including the re-variable display count is displayed on the image display device 5 in a smaller size than the first variable display start count notification effect.

After the second variable display start count notification effect ends, the game will enter a reach state again and a temporary stop suggestion effect will be executed. At this time, the pseudo consecutive symbols will not temporarily stop and a normal reach reach effect will be executed.

As shown in FIG. 15-23(B), when it is decided not to execute the special temporary stop notification effect and the fluctuation pattern is a super reach fluctuation pattern in which a pseudo consecutive performance is executed twice during a variable display, in the same way as when the fluctuation pattern shown in FIG. 15-23(A) is a normal reach fluctuation pattern in which a pseudo consecutive performance is executed once during a variable display, after a reach is reached, a temporary stop suggestion effect, a temporary stop and re-variable display of the first pseudo consecutive pattern, a temporary stop notification effect, a re-variable display notification effect, a first variable display start count notification effect, a second variable display start count notification effect, and a first temporary stop and re-variable display are executed, and then a reach is reached again, and a second temporary stop and re-variable display of the pseudo consecutive pattern, a temporary stop notification effect, a re-variable display notification effect, a first variable display start count notification effect, and a second variable display start count notification effect are executed. Then, after the second second variable display start count notification effect is finished, a reach is reached again, and a temporary stop suggestion effect is executed. At this time, the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop and the Super Reach reach effect is executed.

If the first temporary stop notification performance is executed during temporary stop notification performance period A (2 seconds), the second temporary stop notification performance will also be executed during temporary stop notification performance period A (2 seconds), and if the first temporary stop notification performance is executed during temporary stop notification performance period B (1.5 seconds), the second temporary stop notification performance will also be executed during temporary stop notification performance period B (1.5 seconds).

As described above, in the second re-variable display notification performance, an image of a character (character B) different from that in the first re-variable display performance is displayed on the image display device 5. In addition, in the second first variable display start count notification performance and the second variable display start count notification performance, unlike the first first variable display start count notification performance and the second variable display start count notification performance, "x3" is displayed on the image display device 5 (the second second variable display start count notification performance displays "x3" of a smaller size than that of the second first variable display start count notification performance).

As shown in FIG. 15-25, when it is determined that the special temporary stop notification effect will not be executed and the change pattern is a super reach change pattern in which the pseudo consecutive effects are executed three times during the variable display, the same as when the change pattern shown in FIG. 15-23(B) is a super reach change pattern in which the pseudo consecutive effects are executed twice during the variable display, after the reach is reached, a temporary stop suggestion effect, temporary stop and re-variable display of the pseudo consecutive symbols up to the second time, a temporary stop notification effect, a re-variable display notification effect, a first variable display start count notification effect, and a second variable display start count notification effect are executed. Then, after the second second variable display start count notification effect is finished, the reach is reached again, and the third temporary stop and re-variable display of the decorative symbols, a temporary stop notification effect, a re-variable display notification effect, a first variable display start count notification effect, and a second variable display start count notification effect are executed, and further a reach effect of the super reach is executed.

If the first and second temporary stop notification performances are executed during temporary stop notification performance period A (2 seconds), the third temporary stop notification performance will also be executed during temporary stop notification performance period A (2 seconds), and if the first and second temporary stop notification performances are executed during temporary stop notification performance period B (1.5 seconds), the third temporary stop notification performance will also be executed during temporary stop notification performance period B (1.5 seconds).

As described above, in the third re-variable display notification performance, an image of a character (character C) different from that in the first and second re-variable display performances is displayed on the image display device 5. In addition, in the third first variable display start count notification performance and the second variable display start count notification performance, "x4" is displayed on the image display device 5, different from the second first variable display start count notification performance and the second variable display start count notification performance (the third second variable display start count notification performance displays "x4" of a smaller size than that in the third first variable display start count notification performance).

As shown in FIG. 15-26, if it has been decided to execute a special temporary stop notification effect and the fluctuation pattern is a super reach fluctuation pattern in which a pseudo consecutive effect is executed twice during the variable display, a temporary stop suggestion effect is executed first.

In addition, in this variable display, when the first temporary stop timing A is reached, the temporary stop notification effect ends, the decorative pattern is temporarily stopped, and the special temporary stop notification effect is executed for two seconds. In other words, in a variable display in which the special temporary stop notification effect is executed, unlike a variable display in which the special temporary stop notification effect is not executed (the temporary stop notification effect is executed), the temporary stop hint effect period and the special temporary stop notification effect period are constant.

After the special temporary stop notification effect is finished, the first re-variable display of the decorative pattern is executed without executing the re-variable display notification effect and the first variable display start count notification effect. After a while, the second variable display start count notification effect is executed. In other words, in the variable display, after the first special temporary stop notification effect is executed, the image of the character (character A) is not displayed as the first re-variable display notification effect, and the image display device 5 does not display "x2" as the first variable display start count notification effect, but only the image display device 5 displays "x2" smaller than the first variable display start count notification effect as the second variable display start count notification effect.

Then, after the first temporary stop of the decorative pattern and re-variable display, the special temporary stop notification effect, and the second variable display start count notification effect are executed, the second temporary stop of the decorative pattern and re-variable display, the special temporary stop notification effect, and the second variable display start count notification effect are executed, and then the reach effect of the super reach is executed.

As the second second variable display start count notification effect, a "x3" smaller in size than the first variable display start count notification effect is displayed on the image display device 5, as in FIG. 15-23 (B).

As shown in Figure 15-27, when it has been decided to execute the special temporary stop notification effect and the fluctuation pattern is a super reach fluctuation pattern in which the pseudo consecutive effects are executed three times during the variable display, the temporary stop suggestion effect, the temporary stop and re-variable display of the decorative symbols up to the second time, the special temporary stop notification effect, and the notification effect of the number of times the second variable display has started are executed as in Figure 15-26, and then the temporary stop and re-variable display of the decorative symbols for the third time, the special temporary stop notification effect, and the notification effect of the number of times the second variable display has started are executed, and then the reach effect of the super reach is executed.

As for the third second variable display start count notification effect, the image display device 5 displays "x4" in a smaller size than the first variable display start count notification effect, as in FIG. 15-23 (B).

As mentioned above in part, as shown in FIG. 15-28, the temporary stop notification effect in this feature section 193SG is an effect that notifies the player that the decorative symbols have temporarily stopped by outputting a temporary stop notification sound from speakers 8L and 8R from the timing when the decorative symbols have temporarily stopped as a pseudo consecutive effect, and is an effect that is executed for 2 seconds or 1.5 seconds.

The special temporary stop notification effect is an effect that notifies the player that the decorative symbols have temporarily stopped by outputting a temporary stop notification sound from speakers 8L and 8R from the moment the decorative symbols have temporarily stopped as a pseudo consecutive effect, and updating the background image displayed on the image display device 5 to a background image according to the number of temporary stops (the first special background image if the temporary stop is the first, the second special background image if the second, and the third special background image if the third). Note that the special background image displayed on the image display device 5 as the special temporary stop notification effect is an image that is displayed until the next special background image is updated or the variable display ends, while the output period of the temporary stop notification sound (special temporary stop notification effect period) is 2 seconds, the same as part of the temporary stop notification effect.

The re-variable display notification effect is an effect that notifies the player that a re-variable display of a decorative pattern is being executed by outputting a re-variable display notification sound from the speakers 8L and 8R and displaying an image of a character according to the number of times of re-variable display on the image display device 5 (an image of character A if the number of times of re-variable display is the first, an image of character B if the number of times of re-variable display is the second, and an image of character C if the number of times of re-variable display is the third). The performance period of the re-variable display notification effect (the display period of the image of the character on the image display device 5 and the output period of the re-variable display notification sound from the speakers 8L and 8R) is 3 seconds regardless of the number of times of execution of the re-variable display. As mentioned above, in a variable display that executes a pseudo consecutive performance, the higher the number of times the pseudo consecutive performance is executed (the number of times the temporary stop and re-variable display are executed), the higher the expectation of a big win is set for the re-variable display notification effect, so that the expectation of a big win is set to be highest when the image of character C is finally displayed, and the lowest when the image of character A is finally displayed.

The first variable display start count notification effect is an effect for notifying the number of times that the variable display of decorative patterns including the re-variable display has started during one variable display after the re-variable display has started as a pseudo consecutive effect, and is an effect that displays the number of times that the variable display of decorative patterns including these re-variable displays has started on the image display device 5 ("x2" for the first first variable display start count notification effect, "x3" for the second first variable display start count notification effect, and "x4" for the third first variable display start count notification effect). The duration of these first variable display start count notification effects is 1 second regardless of the number of times that the variable display of decorative patterns including the re-variable display has started.

The second variable display start count notification effect is an effect for notifying the number of times that the variable display of the decorative pattern including the re-variable display has started during one variable display after the first variable display start count notification effect, and is an effect that displays the number of times that the variable display of the decorative pattern including the re-variable display has started on the image display device 5 ("x2" for the first first variable display start count notification effect, "x3" for the second first variable display start count notification effect, and "x4" for the third first variable display start count notification effect) in a smaller size than the first variable display start count notification effect. The duration of these second variable display start count notification effects is 2 seconds regardless of the number of times that the variable display of the decorative pattern including the re-variable display has started.

Figure 15-29 (A) is a flowchart showing the preview performance determination process (for when pseudo consecutive performance is executed) of the variable display start setting process in Figure 15-22. In the preview performance determination process (for when pseudo consecutive performance is executed), the performance control CPU 120 first identifies the variable display result and the fluctuation pattern (step 193SGS301). Then, a random number value for preview performance execution determination is extracted, and using the random number value and a preview performance determination table (not shown), it determines whether or not to execute a preview performance in the variable display that executes the pseudo consecutive performance, and which preview performance to execute (step 193SGS302).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15-29 (B), when the variable display result is a jackpot, a decision is made to not execute the preview performance at a rate of 5%, to execute the cut-in preview performance at a rate of 20%, to execute the group preview performance at a rate of 45%, and to execute both the cut-in preview performance and the group preview performance at a rate of 30%.

The cut-in preview performance is a performance in which a cut-in image is displayed on the image display device 5 as shown in FIG. 15-29 (F), and the swarm preview performance is a performance in which a large number of characters are displayed crossing the display area of the image display device 5 as shown in FIG. 15-29 (G).

If the variable display result is a miss and a super reach fluctuation pattern (super reach miss), the preview performance is not executed at a rate of 40%, the cut-in preview performance is executed at a rate of 30%, the group preview performance is executed at a rate of 25%, and the cut-in preview performance and group preview performance are executed at a rate of 5%. Also, if the variable display result is a miss and a normal reach fluctuation pattern (normal reach miss), the preview performance is not executed at a rate of 90%, the cut-in preview performance is executed at a rate of 8%, the group preview performance is executed at a rate of 2%, and the cut-in preview performance and group preview performance are executed at a rate of 0%.

In other words, in the variable display that executes the pseudo consecutive performance in this characteristic part 193SG, the lowest jackpot expectation is set when neither the cut-in notice performance nor the group notice performance is executed, the jackpot expectation is set higher when only the cut-in notice performance is executed as the notice performance than when neither the cut-in notice performance nor the group notice performance is executed, the jackpot expectation is set higher when only the group notice performance is executed as the notice performance than when only the cut-in notice performance is executed, and the highest jackpot expectation is set when both the cut-in notice performance and the group notice performance are executed as notice performances (jackpot expectation for notice performance in the variable display that executes the pseudo consecutive performance: cut-in notice performance + group notice performance > group notice performance > cut-in performance > not executed).

After executing step 193SGS302, the performance control CPU 120 judges whether or not it has decided to execute a preview performance (deciding to execute at least one of a cut-in preview performance and a group preview performance) (step 193SGS303). If it has not decided to execute any preview performance (step 193SGS303; N), it ends the preview performance decision process (for executing pseudo consecutive performances); if it has decided to execute any preview performance (step 193SGS303; Y), it stores the decided preview performance and sets a preview performance start waiting timer to end the preview performance decision process (for executing pseudo consecutive performances) (steps 193SGS304, step 193SGS305).

As shown in FIG. 15-32, the execution period of these preview effects overlaps with the re-variable display notification performance period and the first variable display start count notification performance period. In particular, if it has been decided that both the cut-in preview performance and the group preview performance will be executed as preview effects, the cut-in preview performance and the group preview performance will be executed in an overlapping manner during the re-variable display notification performance period and the first variable display start count notification performance period.

In addition, in this feature section 193SG, if it is decided in the preview performance decision process (for when a pseudo consecutive performance is executed) that any preview performance will be executed, the same preview performance will be executed during all re-variable display notification performance periods (see Figures 15-29 to 15-31).

Figure 15-30 (A) is a flowchart showing the preview performance determination process (for when pseudo consecutive performance is not executed) of the variable display start setting process in Figure 15-22. In the preview performance determination process (for when pseudo consecutive performance is not executed), the performance control CPU 120 first identifies the variable display result and the fluctuation pattern (step 193SGS311). Then, a random number value for preview performance execution determination is extracted, and using the random number value and a preview performance determination table (not shown), it determines whether or not to execute a preview performance in the variable display where pseudo consecutive performance is not executed, and which preview performance to execute (step 193SGS312).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15-30 (B), when the variable display result is a jackpot, a decision is made to not execute the preview effect 5% of the time, to execute the cut-in preview effect 30% of the time, and to execute the group preview effect 65% of the time.

If the variable display result is a miss and a super reach fluctuation pattern (super reach miss), the preview performance is not executed with a probability of 40%, the cut-in preview performance is executed with a probability of 35%, and the group preview performance is executed with a probability of 25%. Also, if the variable display result is a miss and a normal reach fluctuation pattern (normal reach miss), the preview performance is not executed with a probability of 90%, the cut-in preview performance is executed with a probability of 8%, and the group preview performance is executed with a probability of 2%.

In other words, in the variable display in which the pseudo consecutive performance is not executed in this characteristic part 193SG, the lowest jackpot expectation is set when neither the cut-in preview performance nor the group preview performance is executed, the jackpot expectation is set higher when only the cut-in preview performance is executed as the preview performance than when neither the cut-in preview performance nor the group preview performance is executed, and the jackpot expectation is set higher when only the group preview performance is executed as the preview performance than when only the cut-in preview performance is executed (jackpot expectation for preview performance in variable display that executes pseudo consecutive performance: group preview performance > cut-in performance > not executed).

After executing step 193SGS312, the performance control CPU 120 judges whether or not it has been decided to execute a preview performance (step 193SGS313). If it has not been decided to execute a preview performance (step 193SGS313; N), the preview performance decision process (for when pseudo consecutive performances are not executed) is terminated. If it has been decided to execute a preview performance (step 193SGS313; Y), the decided preview performance is stored, a preview performance start waiting timer is set, and the preview performance decision process (for when pseudo consecutive performances are not executed) is terminated (steps 193SGS314, step 193SGS315).

When a preview performance is executed in the variable display in which the pseudo consecutive performance is not executed, the preview performance may be executed at any time during the period from the start timing of the variable display to the reach timing.

Figure 15-31 (A) is a diagram showing the decision ratio when the presentation control CPU 120 decides whether or not to execute a special temporary stop notification presentation in step 193SG280 in Figure 15-22. In step 193SG280 in Figure 15-22, if the variable display result is a jackpot (super reach jackpot), the presentation control CPU 120 decides not to execute the special temporary stop notification presentation (execution of the temporary stop notification presentation) at a rate of 20% and decides to execute the special temporary stop notification presentation (not to execute the temporary stop notification presentation) at a rate of 80%. On the other hand, if the variable display result is a miss (super reach miss), the presentation control CPU 120 decides not to execute the special temporary stop notification presentation (execution of the temporary stop notification presentation) at a rate of 80% and decides to execute the special temporary stop notification presentation (not to execute the temporary stop notification presentation) at a rate of 20%.

In other words, in this feature section 193SG, when a special temporary stop notification effect is executed in a variable display that executes a pseudo consecutive performance (when a temporary stop notification sound is output from speakers 8L, 8R in response to the temporary stop of the decorative pattern and a special background image is displayed on image display device 5), the expectation of a jackpot is set higher than when a special temporary stop notification effect is not executed (when only a temporary stop notification sound is output from speakers 8L, 8R in response to the temporary stop of the decorative pattern; when a temporary stop notification effect is executed) (expectation of a jackpot in a variable display that executes a pseudo consecutive performance: execution of special temporary stop notification effect > non-execution of special temporary stop notification effect).

Also, as mentioned above, when focusing on the case where the special temporary stop notification effect is executed, if the pseudo consecutive effect is executed once during the variable display, only the first special background image is displayed on the image display device 5 in response to the first temporary stop of the decorative pattern, but if the pseudo consecutive effect is executed twice during the variable display, after the first special background image is displayed on the image display device 5 in response to the first temporary stop of the decorative pattern, the second special background image is displayed on the image display device 5 in place of the first special background image in response to the second temporary stop of the decorative pattern (the first special background image is updated to the second special background image), and the third special background image is displayed on the image display device 5 in place of the second special background image in response to the third temporary stop of the decorative pattern (the second special background image is updated to the third special background image).

In other words, for variable displays that perform pseudo consecutive performances, the more pseudo consecutive performances that are performed during the variable display, the higher the chance of a jackpot is set, so that the highest chance of a jackpot is set when the background image that is finally displayed on the image display device 5 is the third special background image, and the lowest chance of a jackpot is set when the background image that is finally displayed on the image display device 5 is the first special background image (jackpot chance for special background images that are finally displayed on the image display device 5 in variable displays that perform pseudo consecutive performances: third special background image > second special background image > first special background image).

Figure 15-31 (B) is a diagram showing the determination ratio when the performance control CPU 120 determines the temporary stop notification presentation period based on the variable display result in step 193SG283 in Figure 15-22. In step 193SG283 in Figure 15-22, if the variable display result is a jackpot, the performance control CPU 120 determines the temporary stop notification presentation period to be temporary stop notification presentation period A (2 seconds) at a rate of 60% and to be temporary stop notification presentation period B (1.5 seconds) at a rate of 40%. On the other hand, if the variable display result is a miss, the performance control CPU 120 determines the temporary stop notification presentation period to be temporary stop notification presentation period A (2 seconds) at a rate of 40% and to be temporary stop notification presentation period B (1.5 seconds) at a rate of 60%. In other words, when the special temporary stop notification effect is not executed in the variable display that executes the pseudo consecutive performance, if the performance period of the temporary stop notification effect is set to 2 seconds, the expectation of a jackpot is set higher than when the performance period of the temporary stop notification effect is set to 1.5 seconds (expectation of a jackpot for the performance period of the temporary stop notification effect when the special temporary stop notification effect is not executed in the variable display that executes the pseudo consecutive performance: temporary stop notification performance period A (2 seconds) > temporary stop notification performance period B (1.5 seconds)).

In addition, in this feature section 193SG, an example is given of a form in which the temporary stop notification display period can be determined from 2 seconds and 1.5 seconds, but this invention is not limited to this, and the temporary stop notification display period may be uniquely determined to be one period, or may be determined from three or more periods.

In addition, this feature section 193SG exemplifies a form in which a longer temporary stop notification display period has a higher expectation of a jackpot than a shorter temporary stop notification display period, but the invention is not limited to this, and a shorter temporary stop notification display period may have a higher expectation of a jackpot than a longer temporary stop notification display period.

Next, the output mode of the sound output from the speakers 8L, 8R during the variable display will be described. As shown in FIG. 15-32, first, the speakers 8L, 8R are capable of outputting background music (BGM) based on the progress of the variable display. The BGM is output during the variable display except during the re-variable display notification performance period. In addition, the speakers 8L, 8R are capable of outputting a temporary stop suggestion sound, a temporary stop notification sound, a re-variable display notification sound, and a first variable display start count notification sound. Of these, the temporary stop suggestion sound is output only during the temporary stop suggestion performance period, the temporary stop notification sound is output only during the temporary stop notification performance period, the re-variable display notification sound is output only during the re-variable display notification performance period, and the first variable display start count notification sound is output only during the first variable display start count notification performance period.

Furthermore, speakers 8L and 8R are capable of outputting a cut-in preview performance sound and a group preview performance sound. Of these, the cut-in preview performance sound is output only during the cut-in preview performance execution period when it has been decided that a cut-in preview performance will be executed, and the group preview performance sound is output only during the group preview performance execution period when it has been decided that a group preview performance will be executed.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 15-32, during the variable display in which the pseudo consecutive performance is executed, the output of BGM from the speakers 8L, 8R is restricted during the variable display notification performance period in which the variable display notification sound is output from the speakers 8L, 8R, while the output of BGM from the speakers 8L, 8R is not restricted during the variable display except for the variable display notification performance period. Furthermore, during the tentative stop suggestion performance period, two types of sounds, BGM and the tentative stop suggestion sound, are output from the speakers 8L, 8R, while during the first variable display start count notification performance period, up to four types of sounds are output from the speakers 8L, 8R, including the first variable display start count notification sound as well as BGM, a cut-in advance performance sound, and a group advance performance sound.

Next, the display mode of each image on the image display device 5 during the tentative stop suggestion performance period will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 15-33, during the tentative stop suggestion performance period when the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop, the image display device 5 displays the moving pseudo consecutive symbols from the top to the bottom on the image display device 5 by drawing them with image data 2. The moving display of the pseudo consecutive symbols is executed at a speed V1 from the start timing of the tentative stop suggestion performance period to the display image data switching timing. Note that the pseudo consecutive symbols are not drawn as image data 2 from the display image data switching timing onwards; in other words, the pseudo consecutive symbols are hidden as image data 2 from the display image data switching timing onwards.

In addition, halfway through the pseudo consecutive pattern moving at speed V1, a tentative stop suggestion image is displayed on the image display device 5 by drawing with image data 1. The tentative stop suggestion image is displayed from halfway through the pseudo consecutive pattern moving at speed V1 until the display image data switching timing period, but is not displayed (hidden) during other periods.

Also, just before the timing of switching the display image data, the pseudo-repeated pattern begins to be displayed in the center of the image display device 5 by drawing the image data 3. The pseudo-repeated pattern drawn by the image data 3 does not move (speed 0) until the timing of switching the display image data, but from the timing of switching the display image data, it moves downward from the center of the image display device 5 at a speed V3 that is faster than the aforementioned speed V1. The pseudo-repeated pattern moved at speed V3 by drawing the image data 3 becomes invisible as the pseudo-repeated pattern moves outside the display area of the image display device 5.

Furthermore, from the timing of switching the display image data, the decorative symbols are moved (variable display) from the top to the bottom on the image display device 5 by drawing the image data 2. The moving display (variable display) of the decorative symbols is performed from the timing of switching the display image data at a speed V2 (speed: V3>V2>V1) that is faster than speed V1 and slower than speed V3. The moving display (variable display) of the decorative symbols continues until the start of the reach performance.

Then, from the timing when the temporary stop suggestion effect starts, the image display device 5 displays the converging lines by drawing the image data 4. The converging lines are displayed at a density (display density) of D1 for a certain period of time from the timing when the temporary stop suggestion effect starts, and then at D2, which is denser than D1. In other words, the number of converging lines displayed increases as a certain period of time passes from the start of display on the image display device 5. Then, from the timing when the display image data is switched, the converging lines are displayed again at a density of D1, and then are hidden.

Therefore, during the period of the temporary stop suggestion performance in which the pseudo consecutive patterns are not stopped, from the start of the temporary stop suggestion performance to the time when the display image data is switched, the converging lines are displayed at a density of D1, making the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns (the decorative patterns displayed in the "left" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R) lower than the state before the temporary stop suggestion performance was performed (visibility: high) (visibility: medium). Furthermore, the density of the converging lines changes from D1 to D2, making the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns (the decorative patterns displayed in the "left" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R) even lower (visibility: low).

In addition, from the time when the display image data is switched to the time when the display of the converging lines ends, the visibility of the decorative patterns on the left and right is higher (visibility: medium) than when the converging lines are displayed at density D2 because the converging lines are displayed at density D1. Then, after the time when the display of the converging lines ends, the display of the converging lines ends (they are not displayed), so the visibility of the decorative patterns on the left and right is the highest (visibility: high).

As shown in FIG. 15-34, during the tentative stop indication performance period when the pseudo consecutive symbols are temporarily stopped, the image display device 5 executes the moving display of the pseudo consecutive symbols from the top to the bottom on the image display device 5 by drawing with the image data 2. The moving display of the pseudo consecutive symbols is executed at a speed V1 from the start timing of the tentative stop indication performance period to the end timing of the tentative stop indication performance (the tentative stop timing of the pseudo consecutive symbols). The period required from the start timing of the variable display to the tentative stop timing of the pseudo consecutive symbols is the same as the period required from the start timing of the variable display to the display image data switching timing when the pseudo consecutive symbols are not temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. 15-33. Furthermore, after the tentative stop indication performance is executed, the tentative stop notification performance is executed, but during the tentative stop notification performance execution period, the pseudo consecutive symbols are temporarily stopped (at a speed V0) in the "medium" decorative symbol display area 5C and then hidden.

In addition, from the start timing of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the display of converging lines is executed on the image display device 5 by drawing the image data 4. The display of the converging lines is such that the density (display density) of the converging lines is displayed in D2 from the start timing of the temporary stop suggestion effect to the end timing of the temporary stop suggestion effect (the temporary stop timing of the pseudo consecutive patterns), but is hidden from the end timing of the temporary stop suggestion effect.

Then, from the timing when the temporary stop suggestion effect starts, the image display device 5 displays the converging lines by drawing the image data 4. The converging lines are displayed at a density (display density) of D1 for a certain period of time from the timing when the temporary stop suggestion effect starts, and then are displayed at D2, which is denser than D1. In other words, the number of converging lines displayed increases as a certain period of time passes from the start of display on the image display device 5. The converging lines are then hidden from the timing when the pseudo consecutive patterns are temporarily stopped.

Therefore, during the temporary stop suggestion performance period when the pseudo consecutive patterns are not stopped, from the start timing of the temporary stop suggestion performance to the timing of the display image data change, the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns (decorative patterns displayed in the "left" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R) is lower (visibility: medium) than the state before the temporary stop suggestion performance was executed (visibility: high) because the concentration lines are displayed at density D1. Furthermore, the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns (decorative patterns displayed in the "left" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R) is further lower (visibility: low) because the density of the concentration lines changes from D1 to D2. Also, from the temporary stop timing of the pseudo consecutive patterns, the display of the concentration lines ends (is not displayed), so the visibility of the left and right decorative patterns is the highest (visibility: high).

Although not shown in FIG. 15-34, after the end of the temporary stop suggestion display, that is, during the temporary stop notification display period, the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop, and an effect image for the temporary stop notification of the decorative symbols is displayed around the pseudo consecutive symbols by drawing image data 1. The effect image for the temporary stop notification of the decorative symbols is then switched to being displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5 (see FIG. 15-35). The effect image for the temporary stop notification in this feature section 193SG is an image whose transparency is set to 0%.

In other words, during the temporary stop notification performance period, the convergence lines are temporarily hidden, making the left and right decorative patterns more visible than during the temporary stop suggestion performance period (visibility: medium), but the left and right decorative patterns become invisible due to the display of the temporary stop notification effect image across the entire display area of the image display device 5 (visibility: invisible).

However, from the timing when the display of the provisionally stopped pseudo consecutive symbols in the image data 2 ends, the pseudo consecutive symbols are displayed moving toward the player (the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1) at a speed V2 by drawing the image data 2. At this time, the pseudo consecutive symbols are displayed moving (enlarged) over the entire display area of the image display device 5, so the pseudo consecutive symbols on the left and right are again invisible.

In addition, when the pseudo consecutive symbols are temporarily stopped during the temporary stop suggestion performance, the moving display of the pseudo consecutive symbols on the image display device 5 by drawing the image data 3 and the moving display of the decorative symbols on the image display device 5 by drawing the image data 2 (variable display) are not executed.

Next, the display mode of the image display device 5 in the variable display that executes the temporary stop suggestion effect in this characteristic part 193SG will be explained based on Figures 15-35 to 15-47.

First, if it is decided not to execute the special temporary stop notification effect at the start of the variable display, as shown in Figures 15-35(A) to 15-35(C), when a certain period of time has passed since the start of the variable display, the decorative symbols stop (swinging stop) in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5C, resulting in a reach. After that, as the first temporary stop suggestion effect, the pseudo consecutive symbols move from the top to the bottom at a speed of V1 in the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C. At this time, the image display device 5 displays a convergence line from the periphery of the image display device 5 to the center of the image display device 5 (the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C). The convergence line is displayed with a density of D1 at the start of the display, but the density changes to D2 after a certain period of time has passed.

When the variable display is a variable display by the normal reach miss variable pattern PA2-1 that does not execute the pseudo consecutive performance, the pseudo consecutive pattern moves downward on the image display device at a speed V2 without a temporary stop and becomes invisible, as shown in FIG. 15-35 (D). At this time, the density of the convergence lines displayed on the image display device 5 changes from D2 to D1. On the other hand, when the variable display is a variable pattern that executes the pseudo consecutive performance (any of PA2-2 to PA2-4, PB1-2 to PB1-4), as shown in FIG. 15-35 (E), the pseudo consecutive pattern temporarily stops and an effect image for temporary stop notification is displayed around the temporarily stopped pseudo consecutive pattern. In addition, the convergence lines become invisible. At this time, a temporary stop notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R as a temporary stop notification performance. Furthermore, the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the retreat position to the first performance position, and the built-in second movable body LED 193SG034 emits blue light.

Next, as shown in Figures 15-35 (F) and 15-35 (G), the effect image for the temporary stop notification is switched to being displayed across the entire display area of the image display device 5, making the left and right decorative patterns invisible to the player, and the blue light emission by the second movable body 193SG033 ends. At this time, the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the first performance position to the retreat position.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 15-35(G) and Fig. 15-35(H), as the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the first performance position to the retreat position, multiple cracks are displayed in the temporarily stopped pseudo consecutive pattern. After that, an image is displayed of the pseudo consecutive pattern with the multiple cracks displayed exploding, and as shown in Fig. 15-36(I) and Fig. 15-36(J), an image is displayed of the letters that made up the pseudo consecutive pattern (in the case of this feature part 193SG, the letters of "NEXT", which indicate that a pseudo consecutive performance will be executed) spreading and moving towards the player.

Next, as shown in Figures 15-37 (K) to 15-37 (P), the first re-variable display of the decorative pattern is started. Furthermore, an image of character A is displayed on the image display device 5 as a re-variable display notification effect, and a re-variable display notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R. At this time, if it has been decided that a cut-in preview effect or a group preview effect will be executed at the start of the variable display, the cut-in preview effect or the group preview effect will be executed in overlap with the re-variable display notification effect and the first variable display start count notification effect.

When the re-variable display notification performance ends, the image "x2" is displayed on the image display device 5 as the first first variable display start count notification performance, and blue effect images begin to be displayed on both the left and right ends of the image display device 5. At this time, the second movable body 193SG033 again moves from the retracted position to the first performance position and emits blue light.

The "x2" image displayed on the image display device 5 as the first first variable display start count notification effect is displayed once on the image display device 5, then displayed in a larger size and then hidden (see Figures 15-37 (O) and 15-37 (P)).

When the first variable display start count notification performance ends, the second movable body 193SG033 stops emitting blue light and moves from the first performance position to the retreat position. In addition, as the first second variable display start count notification performance, an image of "x2" smaller than the first variable display start count notification performance is displayed in the upper left corner of the image display device 5.

A short time after the first second variable display start count notification effect ends, as shown in Figures 15-38 (R) to 15-38 (T), the decorative symbols stop (swinging stop) in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R, resulting in a reach, and then, as a second provisional stop suggestion effect, pseudo consecutive symbols move from above to below in the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C at a speed of V1. At this time, in the image display device 5, a converging line is displayed from the periphery of the image display device 5 to the center of the image display device 5 (the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C). Note that the converging line is displayed with a density of D1 at the start of display, but the density changes to D2 after a certain period of time has passed.

If the variable display is a normal reach miss variation pattern PA2-2 that executes the pseudo consecutive performance only once or a normal reach big win variation pattern PB1-2, the pseudo consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop but moves downward on the image display device at a speed V2 and becomes invisible, as shown in FIG. 15-38 (U). At this time, the density of the convergence lines displayed on the image display device 5 changes from D2 to D1. On the other hand, if the variable display is a variation pattern that executes the pseudo consecutive performance two or more times (any of PA2-3, PA2-4, PB1-3, and PB1-4), the pseudo consecutive pattern temporarily stops and an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed around the temporarily stopped pseudo consecutive pattern, as shown in FIG. 15-38 (V). In addition, the convergence lines become invisible. At this time, a temporary stop notification sound is output from speakers 8L and 8R as a temporary stop notification performance. Furthermore, as the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the retracted position to the first performance position, the built-in second movable body LED 193SG034 emits green light.

Next, as shown in Figures 15-38 (W) and 15-38 (X), the effect image for the temporary stop notification is switched to being displayed across the entire display area of the image display device 5, making the left and right decorative patterns invisible to the player, and the green light emitted by the second movable body 193SG033 ends. At this time, the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the first performance position to the retreat position.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 15-38(X) and Fig. 15-38(Y), as the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the first performance position to the retreat position, multiple cracks are displayed in the temporarily stopped pseudo consecutive pattern. After that, an image is displayed of the pseudo consecutive pattern with the multiple cracks displayed exploding, and as shown in Fig. 15-39(Z) and Fig. 15-39(a), an image is displayed of the letters that made up the pseudo consecutive pattern (in the case of this feature part 193SG, the letters of "NEXT", which indicate that a pseudo consecutive performance will be executed) spreading and moving towards the player.

Next, as shown in Figures 15-40(b) to 15-40(h), the second re-variable display of the decorative pattern is started. Furthermore, an image of character B is displayed on the image display device 5 as a re-variable display notification effect, and a re-variable display notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R. Furthermore, if it has been decided at the start of the variable display that a cut-in preview effect or a group preview effect will be executed, these cut-in preview effects and group preview effects will be executed in overlap with the re-variable display notification effect and the first variable display start count notification effect.

When the re-variable display notification performance ends, the image "x3" is displayed on the image display device 5 as the second first variable display start count notification performance, and green effect images begin to be displayed on both the left and right ends of the image display device 5. At this time, the second movable body 193SG033 again moves from the retracted position to the first performance position and emits green light.

The "x3" image displayed on the image display device 5 as the second first variable display start count notification performance is displayed once on the image display device 5, then displayed in a larger size and then hidden (see Figures 15-40(f) and 15-40(g)).

When the first variable display start count notification performance ends, a "x3" image smaller than the first variable display start count notification performance is displayed in the upper left corner of the image display device 5 as the second second variable display start count notification performance.

A short time after the second variable display start count notification effect ends, as shown in Figures 15-41 (e) to 15-41 (g), the decorative symbols stop (swinging stop) in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R, resulting in a reach, and then the pseudo consecutive symbols move from above to below at a speed of V1 in the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C as the third provisional stop suggestion effect. At this time, the image display device 5 displays a converging line from the periphery of the image display device 5 to the center of the image display device 5 (the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C). Note that the converging line is displayed with a density of D1 at the start of display, but the density changes to D2 after a certain period of time has passed.

And, if the variable display is a variation pattern PA2-3 of a super reach miss in which the pseudo consecutive performance is executed only twice or a variation pattern PB1-3 of a super reach big win, the pseudo consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop but moves downward on the image display device at a speed V2 and becomes invisible, as shown in FIG. 15-41 (h). At this time, the density of the convergence lines displayed on the image display device 5 changes from D2 to D1. On the other hand, if the variable display is a variation pattern (PA2-3, PA2-4, PB1-3, or PB1-4) in which the pseudo consecutive performance is executed two or more times, as shown in FIG. 15-41 (i), the pseudo consecutive pattern temporarily stops and an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed around the temporarily stopped pseudo consecutive pattern. Also, the convergence lines become invisible. At this time, a temporary stop notification sound is output from speakers 8L and 8R as a temporary stop notification performance. Furthermore, as the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the retracted position to the first performance position, the built-in second movable body LED 193SG034 emits red light.

Next, as shown in Figures 15-41(j) and 15-41(k), the effect image for the temporary stop notification is switched to being displayed across the entire display area of the image display device 5, making the left and right decorative patterns invisible to the player, and the red light emitted by the second movable body 193SG033 ends. At this time, the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the first performance position to the retreat position.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 15-41(k) and Fig. 15-41(l), as the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the first performance position to the retreat position, multiple cracks are displayed in the temporarily stopped pseudo consecutive pattern. After that, an image is displayed of the pseudo consecutive pattern with the multiple cracks displayed exploding, and as shown in Fig. 15-42(m) and Fig. 15-42(n), an image is displayed of the letters that made up the pseudo consecutive pattern (in the case of this feature part 193SG, the letters of "NEXT" indicating that a pseudo consecutive performance will be executed) spreading and moving toward the player.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15-43(o) to FIG. 15-43(u), the third re-variable display of the decorative pattern is started. Furthermore, as a re-variable display notification effect, an image of character C is displayed on the image display device 5, and a re-variable display notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R. Furthermore, if it has been decided to execute a cut-in preview effect or a group preview effect at the start of the variable display, the cut-in preview effect or the group preview effect is executed in overlap with the re-variable display notification effect and the first variable display start count notification effect.

When the re-variable display notification performance ends, the image "x4" is displayed on the image display device 5 as the third first variable display start count notification performance, and red effect images begin to be displayed on both the left and right ends of the image display device 5. At this time, the second movable body 193SG033 again moves from the retracted position to the first performance position and emits red light.

The "x4" image displayed on the image display device 5 as the third first variable display start count notification effect is displayed once on the image display device 5, and then displayed in a larger size (see Figure 15-43 (s) and Figure 15-43 (t)).

When the first variable display start count notification effect ends, a "x4" image smaller than the first variable display start count notification effect is displayed in the upper left corner of the image display device 5 as the third second variable display start count notification effect.

Now, we will explain the execution of the temporary stop suggestion effect. As shown in Figures 15-44(A) and 15-44(B), when the temporary stop suggestion effect is executed, the pseudo-repeated pattern moves from top to bottom at speed V1 on the image display device 5 as described above, and the converging lines are displayed at density D2. As the temporary stop suggestion effect progresses and the pseudo-repeated pattern approaches the temporary stop position, a pseudo-repeated pattern (a pseudo-repeated pattern drawn with image data 3) different from the pseudo-repeated pattern (a pseudo-repeated pattern drawn with image data 2) that moves from top to bottom at speed V1 is displayed in the center of the image display device 5 (the temporary stop position of the decorative pattern), suggesting a temporary stop of the pseudo-repeated pattern.

If the decorative pattern temporarily stops as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, as shown in FIG. 15-44(C), the pseudo consecutive pattern temporarily stops, causing an effect image for notifying a temporary stop to be displayed around the pseudo consecutive pattern, and the second movable body 193SG033, which has moved from the retreat position to the first effect position, emits light in a color according to the number of temporary stops (number of pseudo consecutive stops) (blue for the first temporary stop, green for the second temporary stop, and red for the third temporary stop). Also, the converging lines displayed on the image display device 5 at this time are no longer displayed.

On the other hand, if the decorative pattern does not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion performance, as shown in Figures 15-44 (D) and 15-44 (E), the pseudo consecutive pattern (the pseudo consecutive pattern drawn from image data 3) in the center of the image display device 5 becomes hidden, and the pseudo consecutive pattern (the pseudo consecutive pattern drawn from image data 2) that had been moving from top to bottom at speed V1 passes the temporary stop position at speed V2 and moves toward the bottom of the image display device 5 and becomes hidden. At the same time, the normal moving display of the decorative pattern is executed from top to bottom of the image display device 5 (variable display is executed).

The density of the convergent lines displayed on the image display device 5 changes from D2 to D1 (the number of convergent lines displayed decreases) from the timing when the pseudo-repeated pattern starts to move at the speed V2. Then, the convergent lines whose density has changed to D1 are no longer displayed a certain period of time after the pseudo-repeated pattern is no longer displayed on the image display device 5.

As shown in Fig. 15-44(F) and Fig. 15-44(G), after the convergence lines are hidden, a variable display is performed in the "middle" decorative pattern display area 5C with the decorative patterns other than the pseudo consecutive patterns for a while, then a reach effect is performed according to the variation pattern, and finally a decorative pattern indicating a big win or a miss is derived and displayed (in the case of this feature part 193SG, a "1" which is a big win combination, or a decorative pattern with a number other than "1" which is a miss combination stops in the "middle" decorative pattern display area 5C). In other words, if the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop in the temporary stop suggestion effect, the convergence lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo consecutive patterns are hidden from the image display device 5, but the convergence lines are hidden before the decorative patterns stop in a big win or miss combination (more precisely, before the reach effect starts).

As described above, with regard to the variable display when the special temporary stop notification effect is not executed, as shown in FIG. 15-45, the left and right decorative patterns (the decorative patterns displayed in the "right" and "left" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R) are less visible than before the temporary stop suggestion effect was executed due to the convergence lines being displayed at density D1 during the temporary stop suggestion effect (visibility: low). In addition, the left and right decorative patterns (the decorative patterns displayed in the "right" and "left" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R) are even less visible due to the convergence line density changing to D2 (visibility: medium).

In addition, the left and right decorative symbols during the temporary stop notification performance period are more visible during the period from the start of the temporary stop notification performance (temporary stop timing of the pseudo consecutive symbols) to when the effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed around the pseudo consecutive symbols, than during the temporary stop suggestion performance period (visibility: medium).

In addition, once the effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5 during the temporary stop notification performance period, it becomes invisible to the player for the remainder of the temporary stop notification performance period (moving display of the pseudo consecutive patterns toward the player) and the re-variable display notification performance period.

Then, from the start timing of the variable display start count notification performance, the left and right decorative symbols are displayed again on the image display device. At this time, these left and right decorative symbols are partially overlapped with the displays such as "x2", "x3", and "x4" displayed in the center of the image display device 5, so that the visibility (medium visibility) is the same as immediately after the start of the temporary stop notification performance.

Then, the decorative symbols on the left and right become invisible to the player as the "x2", "x3", "x4", etc. are enlarged (moved towards the player), and these "x2", "x3", "x4", etc. displays switch to small displays in the upper left corner of the image display device 5, making them the most visible (high visibility).

In addition, in this characteristic part 193SG, as shown in Figures 15-36 to 15-37, 15-39 to 15-40, and 15-42 to 15-43, the execution period of the temporary stop notification effect and the execution period of the re-variable display notification effect are different (the re-variable display notification effect is executed after the execution of the temporary stop notification effect), but this invention is not limited to this, and the execution period of the temporary stop notification effect and the execution period of the re-variable display notification effect may overlap in part. For example, as shown in Figures 15-36 to 15-37, when a pseudo-sequential pattern explodes and moves forward and is displayed on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop notification effect, a part of the pseudo-sequential pattern (for example, the letter "E") is displayed in the entire display area of the image display device 5 and then erased, while a character image is displayed as a re-variable display notification effect on the back side of a part of the pseudo-sequential pattern. By doing this, the image of the character becomes gradually visible to the player as the pseudo consecutive patterns are erased, improving the presentation effect, and furthermore, it becomes possible to transition the image displayed on the image display device 5 without any sense of incongruity.

In addition, in this characteristic section 193SG, as shown in FIG. 15-35(H) and the like, an image in which a crack appears in a pseudo-repeated pattern is displayed on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop notification effect, and the image itself explodes. However, this invention is not limited to this, and the image with the crack and the image of the explosion may be different images. For example, as a temporary stop notification effect, after displaying an image in which a crack appears in a pseudo-repeated pattern on the image display device 5, an image in which smoke or light comes out of the cracks is displayed. Then, the smoke or light image makes it difficult for the player to see the pseudo-repeated pattern, and an image of an explosion is displayed in place of the pseudo-repeated pattern. This also makes it possible to transition the images displayed on the image display device 5 without any sense of incongruity.

Next, if it is decided to execute a special temporary stop notification effect at the start of the variable display, a reach will occur a while after the variable display starts, as shown in Figures 15-46 (A) to 15-46 (C). Then, as the first temporary stop suggestion effect, a moving display of the pseudo consecutive symbols indicating the execution of a pseudo consecutive effect is executed at a slower speed (speed V1) than normal in the "medium" decorative symbol display area 5C. Then, at the same time as the temporary stop re-effect period ends, the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop. At this time, a temporary stop notification sound is output from speakers 8L and 8R as a temporary stop notification effect.

As shown in Figures 15-46 (D) to 15-46 (H), when the output of the temporary stop notification sound ends, the display of the first special background image begins on the image display device 5, and the first re-variable display of the decorative pattern begins. At this time, if it has been decided at the start of the variable display that a cut-in preview performance or a group preview performance will be performed, overlapping with the re-variable display notification performance.

Then, when the cut-in effect or group preview effect ends, the first second variable display start count notification effect is executed without executing the first variable display start count notification effect.

After that, as shown in FIG. 15-47(I) to FIG. 15-47(N), the second temporary stop of the decorative symbols causes the first special background image displayed on the image display device 5 to be displayed on the second special background image, and the decorative symbols are displayed again in a variable manner, with a cut-in preview effect, a group preview effect, and a second second variable display start count notification effect being executed, and the third temporary stop of the decorative symbols causes the second special background image displayed on the image display device 5 to be displayed on the third special background image, and the decorative symbols are displayed again in a variable manner, with a cut-in preview effect, a group preview effect, and a third second variable display start count notification effect being executed. Then, a reach effect is executed, and the decorative symbols are derived and displayed in a combination indicating a big hit or a miss.

As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 with this characteristic part 193SG, as shown in Figs. 15-33 and 15-34, as a temporary stop suggestion effect, the visibility of the left and right decorative symbols is reduced by displaying convergent lines at density D1 on the image display device 5, and then the visibility of the left and right decorative symbols is further reduced by displaying convergent lines at density D2, thereby increasing the player's anticipation that the pseudo consecutive symbols will temporarily stop due to the temporary stop suggestion effect. And as a temporary stop notification effect, an effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5, making the left and right decorative symbols invisible, thereby increasing the excitement of the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopping.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15-44, in the case where the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop after the temporary stop suggestion effect is executed, the convergence lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo-consecutive patterns are no longer displayed on the image display device 5. Therefore, in the case where the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop, the convergence lines continue to be displayed even after the timing when the pseudo-consecutive patterns should have temporarily stopped, making it easier for the player to recognize that the pseudo-consecutive patterns did not temporarily stop, and also easing the player's disappointment that the pseudo-consecutive patterns did not temporarily stop, thereby improving the player's interest in the game.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15-33, when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop, the concentration lines are displayed at density D2 before the timing of switching the display image data, and the concentration lines are displayed at density D1 after the timing of switching the display image data, so the visibility of the decorative patterns on the left and right is higher after the timing of switching the display image data than before the timing of switching the display image data. In other words, by increasing the transparency of the concentration lines after the timing of switching the display image data, the player is made aware that the pseudo consecutive patterns will not temporarily stop, and by drawing attention to the background image through the concentration lines, the player's disappointment that the pseudo consecutive patterns did not temporarily stop can be alleviated.

In addition, if the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the convergence lines will be hidden before the decorative symbols that, together with the decorative symbols on the left and right, form a combination that will result in a jackpot or a miss in the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C, stop, so it is possible to prevent the player from mistaking the stopping of the decorative symbols after the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop for a temporary stop.

Also, as shown in Figures 15-35(G) to 15-35(H), when the pseudo consecutive symbols are temporarily stopped, the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the retreat position to the first performance position, and an image of the pseudo consecutive symbols cracking and exploding (an image of the pseudo consecutive symbols moving towards the player) is displayed on the image display device 5, so that the movement of the second movable body 193SG033 and the display of the exploding pseudo consecutive symbols can give the player an even stronger impression that the pseudo consecutive symbols have temporarily stopped.

In particular, with this feature 193SG, when the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop, the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the retracted position to the first performance position as a temporary stop notification performance, so that the pseudo consecutive symbols and a part of the second movable body 193SG033 overlap when viewed from the front. This prevents the second movable body 193SG033 from making it difficult for the player to see the pseudo consecutive symbols, while giving the player the impression that the pseudo consecutive symbols have temporarily stopped.

In addition, in this feature section 193SG, an example of the transformation of the pseudo-consecutive patterns is shown as an explosion of the pseudo-consecutive patterns, but this invention is not limited to this. Examples of the transformation of the pseudo-consecutive patterns may include the pseudo-consecutive patterns changing into a specific geometric shape (for example, a circle or a triangle) or the size of the pseudo-consecutive patterns changing from before the temporary stop.

In addition, in this characteristic part 193SG, when the pseudo pattern is temporarily stopped, the second movable body 193SG033 is moved from the retracted position to the first performance position, but this invention is not limited to this. When the pseudo consecutive pattern is temporarily stopped, in addition to or instead of the second movable body 193SG033, the movable body 32 may be moved to the first performance position or a position different from the first performance position, which overlaps with at least a part of the pseudo consecutive pattern when viewed from the front.

Also, as shown in Figures 15-35 (F) and 15-35 (G), in the temporary stop notification presentation, the second movable body 193SG033 is moved from the first presentation position to the retreat position before the pseudo consecutive symbols are no longer displayed on the image display device 5, so the movement of the second movable body 193SG033 makes it easier for the player to recognize that the pseudo consecutive symbols will no longer be displayed on the image display device 5.

In addition, the variable display of the characteristic part 193SG can execute pseudo consecutive performances up to three times, and each time the pseudo consecutive pattern is temporarily stopped and a re-variable display is executed as one of these pseudo consecutive performances, a display such as "x2", "x3", "x4", etc. corresponding to the re-variable display count is displayed on the image display device 5 as the first variable display start count notification performance. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15-37(O), when the first variable display start count notification performance is executed, the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the retreat position to the first performance position, and the second movable body 193SG033 and a part of the display such as "x2", "x3", "x4", etc. overlap when viewed from the front, so that the display such as "x2", "x3", "x4", etc. corresponding to the variable display count can be drawn to, improving the performance effect.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15-37(O), 15-40(f), and 15-43(s), when displaying "x2" as a variable display start count notification effect, the second movable body 193SG033 is illuminated blue, when displaying "x3" the second movable body 193SG033 is illuminated green, and when displaying "x4" the second movable body 193SG033 is illuminated red, thereby making it possible to draw the player's attention to the display of the first variable display start count notification effect, thereby improving the presentation effect.

In addition, in this characteristic part 193SG, when the first variable display start count notification performance is executed, the second movable body 193SG033 moves from the retracted position to the first performance position, and the second movable body 193SG033 and the display of "x2", "x3", "x4", etc. are partially overlapped when viewed from the front. However, this invention is not limited to this, and when the first variable display start count notification performance is executed, the second movable body 193SG033 and the display of "x2", "x3", "x4", etc. may be completely overlapped.

As shown in Fig. 15-33, Fig. 15-35, and Fig. 15-44, the temporary stop suggestion performance displays a converging line while displaying a pseudo consecutive pattern as a temporary stop suggestion image in the center of the image display device 5, which makes it easier for the performance control CPU 120 to control the display of the temporary stop suggestion performance, and prevents the switching of image data (switching from the image data shown in Fig. 15-3 to the image data shown in Fig. 15-4) from appearing unnatural at the timing of switching the display image data when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop. In particular, after the timing of switching the display image data, the pseudo consecutive patterns move downward from the center of the image display device 5, so by displaying the pseudo consecutive patterns in advance as a temporary stop suggestion image in the center of the image display device 5, the switching of image data at the timing of switching the display image data can be performed in a more natural way that gives an even more uncomfortable feeling to the player.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this characteristic section 193SG, the presentation control CPU 120 can display an image on the image display device 5 by synthesizing the data rendered as image data 1, image data 2, image data 3, and image data 4, as shown in Figs. 15-3 and 15-4. In particular, the pseudo consecutive patterns as temporary stop images are rendered as image data 1, which has the highest display priority, the decorative patterns and pseudo consecutive patterns are rendered as image data 2, which has a lower display priority than image data 1, and the converging lines as temporary stop suggestion presentations are rendered as image data 4, which has the lowest display priority, so that the degree of freedom of the decorative patterns and pseudo consecutive patterns during moving display (variable display), the pseudo consecutive patterns as temporary stop suggestion images, and the converging lines as temporary stop suggestion presentations can be increased.

In addition, in the characteristic portion 193SG, as shown in FIG. 15-35(H), FIG. 15-36(I), and FIG. 15-36(J), when the pseudo consecutive symbols explode and move forward on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop notification effect, the left and right decorative symbols are not visible to the player, whereas as shown in FIG. 15-37(O), when "x2" or the like is displayed on the image display device 5 as the first variable display start count notification effect, the left and right decorative symbols are visible to the player, so that the presentation effect of the temporary stop notification effect and the first variable display start count notification effect (particularly the display of "x2" or the like) can be enhanced, and since the left and right decorative symbols are visible to the player during the first variable display start count notification effect, it becomes easier for the player to recognize that a re-variable display is being executed.

In addition, the part where the pseudo consecutive symbols explode and move as shown in Figures 15-35 (H), 15-36 (I), 15-36 (J), etc., and the part where the displays "x2", "x3", "x4", etc., as shown in Figures 15-37 (O), 15-37 (P), etc., are both moving displays (enlarged displays) facing the player, so that the effects of the temporary stop notification effect and the first variable display start count notification effect can be enhanced by these moving displays facing the player.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15-33, in the case where the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop, the movement speed of the pseudo consecutive symbols before the timing of switching the display image data is V1, but the movement speed of the pseudo consecutive symbols after the timing of switching the display image data is V3, so the player can easily grasp whether it is before or after the timing of the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopping (before or after the timing of switching the display image data) based on the movement speed of the pseudo consecutive symbols.

In addition, in this characteristic section 193SG, when the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop, the moving speed of the pseudo-consecutive patterns before the timing of switching the display image data is slower than the moving speed of the pseudo-consecutive patterns after the timing of switching the display image data, but this invention is not limited to this, and the moving speed of the pseudo-consecutive patterns before the timing of switching the display image data may be faster than the moving speed of the pseudo-consecutive patterns after the timing of switching the display image data.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15-34, when the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop, the movement speed of the pseudo consecutive symbols before the timing of the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopping is V1, but the movement speed of the pseudo consecutive symbols after the timing of the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopping is V2, so the player can easily understand whether the pseudo consecutive symbols are before or after the temporary stop based on the movement speed of the pseudo consecutive symbols.

In particular, in this feature section 193SG, as shown in Figures 15-34 and 15-35, the pseudo consecutive symbols before the provisional stop move from top to bottom, but the pseudo consecutive symbols after the provisional stop move toward the player (the player's side). Therefore, the direction of movement of the pseudo consecutive symbols makes it easier for the player to tell whether the pseudo consecutive symbols are before or after the provisional stop, and misinterpretation of the pseudo consecutive symbols' movement display can be prevented.

In addition, in this feature section 193SG, an example is given in which the direction of movement of the pseudo-consecutive patterns is different before and after the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, but this invention is not limited to this, and the direction of movement of the pseudo-consecutive patterns may be the same before and after the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop. Furthermore, the direction of movement of the pseudo-consecutive patterns after the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop does not have to be toward the player (the front side) as long as it is different from the direction of movement of the pseudo-consecutive patterns before the temporary stop.

In addition, in this feature section 193SG, in the case where the pseudo-continuous pattern does not temporarily stop, the moving speed of the pseudo-continuous pattern before the display image data switching timing is slower than the moving speed of the pseudo-continuous pattern after the display image data switching timing, but this invention is not limited to this, and in the case where the pseudo-continuous pattern does not temporarily stop, the number of display frames for displaying the image of the pseudo-continuous pattern before the display image data switching timing and the number of display frames for displaying the pseudo-continuous pattern after the display image data switching timing may be different. Also, in the case where the pseudo-continuous pattern does not temporarily stop, the period during which the pseudo-continuous pattern is displayed before the display image data switching timing (the performance period during which the pseudo-continuous pattern is displayed) and the period during which the pseudo-continuous pattern is displayed after the display image data switching timing may be different. In other words, in this invention, "the speed at which the specific performance identification information (the pseudo-consecutive patterns in this feature section 193SG) moves is different" includes the number of display frames required to display the pseudo-consecutive patterns being different, and the period during which the pseudo-consecutive patterns are displayed (the performance period during which the pseudo-consecutive patterns are displayed).

The characteristic features 193SG of this invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these, and changes and additions that do not deviate from the gist of this invention are also included in this invention.

For example, in the characteristic portion 193SG, a form was exemplified in which a concentration line is displayed on the image display device 5 during the temporary stop suggestion performance to draw the player's attention to whether the pseudo consecutive symbols will temporarily stop in the center of the image display device 5 (the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C), but this invention is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 15-48 (A) to Fig. 15-48 (D) as a modified example 193SG-1, a concentration line may be displayed on the image display device 5 during the temporary stop suggestion performance, and the concentration line may be moved toward the center of the image display device 5 according to the progress of the temporary stop suggestion performance (the pseudo consecutive symbols are moved toward the center of the image display device 5). In this way, the player can identify that the pseudo consecutive symbols may stop in the center of the image display device 5, so that if the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop, the player can more easily recognize that the pseudo consecutive symbols did not temporarily stop.

In addition, in the characteristic part 193SG, a form has been exemplified in which a concentration line is displayed on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop suggestion performance, and when the pseudo consecutive pattern is temporarily stopped as a result of the temporary stop suggestion performance, the second movable body 193SG033 (second movable body LED 293SG034) is illuminated in a color corresponding to the number of temporary stops. However, this invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example 193SG-2, when a temporary stop suggestion performance is executed, the concentration line may be displayed on the image display device 5 in a color corresponding to the number of times the temporary stop suggestion performance is executed. For example, when the first temporary stop suggestion performance is executed, the concentration line is displayed in blue, when the second temporary stop suggestion performance is executed, the concentration line is displayed in green, and when the third temporary stop suggestion performance is executed, the concentration line is displayed in red. In this way, when the second movable body 193SG033 is illuminated as a temporary stop notification performance, the second movable body 193SG033 is illuminated in the same color as the concentration line displayed as the temporary stop suggestion performance, so that the performance effect can be improved.

In addition, in the characteristic section 193SG, a form in which a cut-in preview effect and a group preview effect can be executed as preview effects that suggest that the variable display result will be a jackpot during the variable display has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example 193SG-3, as a preview effect, for example, a performance that changes the display mode of the decorative pattern or changes the direction of the variable display from the timing of the start of the variable display or the timing of the re-variable display when the pseudo consecutive pattern is temporarily stopped may be executed.

In this way, when it is possible to execute an effect that changes the display mode of the decorative pattern or changes the direction of the variable display as a preview effect, the execution of the preview effect may be restricted if the display of "x2", "x3", or "x4" is moved (enlarged) toward the player as the first variable display start count notification effect. This prevents the player from becoming unaware that the re-variable display will be executed as a result of the execution of the preview effect.

In addition, in the characteristic section 193SG, when the pseudo consecutive patterns are temporarily stopped, a form in which the re-variable display is executed on the image display device 5 without displaying an image that impairs the visibility of the pseudo consecutive patterns from the player's perspective is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example 193SG-4, when the pseudo consecutive patterns are temporarily stopped, a visibility-impeding image (e.g., an image of an explosion) that reduces the visibility of the temporarily stopped pseudo consecutive patterns on the image display device 5 may be displayed, and the re-variable display may be executed after the visibility-impeding image is made non-display. In this way, the visibility-impeding image is displayed before the re-variable display is executed, making it easy to understand that the re-variable display is being executed.

Furthermore, a light guide plate made of a transparent plate material capable of displaying the above-mentioned visibility-impeding image by shining light from the outer peripheral side may be provided in front of the image display device 5 (at a position between the image display device 5 and the player) in the pachinko gaming machine 1. By doing this, when the pseudo consecutive patterns are temporarily stopped, the visibility-impeding image is displayed on the light guide plate, making it difficult for the player to see the pseudo consecutive patterns displayed on the image display device 5, thereby improving the impression on the player and enhancing the presentation effect of the visibility-impeding image.

In addition, in the characteristic portion 193SG, if the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop at the center of the image display device 5, the pseudo consecutive symbols always move downward and are not displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a modified example 193SG-5, even if the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop at the center of the image display device 5, the pseudo consecutive symbols may temporarily stop at the center of the image display device 5 after starting to move downward. In this case, the moving speed of the pseudo consecutive symbols before the timing of switching the display image data may be made different from the moving speed of the pseudo consecutive symbols when they return to the center of the image display device 5 after passing through the center of the image display device 5, so that the player can easily understand whether the pseudo consecutive symbols are before passing through the center of the image display device 5 or after passing through the center of the image display device 5.

Furthermore, if the pseudo consecutive patterns pass through the center of the image display device 5 and then return to the center of the image display device 5, the convergence lines may not be displayed again. By doing so, it is possible to make it even easier for the player to understand that the pseudo consecutive patterns pass through the center of the image display device 5 and then return to the center of the image display device 5.

In addition, in the characteristic section 193SG, the pseudo consecutive performance can be executed up to three times during the variable display, and when three pseudo consecutive performances are executed during the variable display, a super reach reach performance is executed in the same way as when the pseudo consecutive performance is executed twice, but this invention is not limited to this, and when the pseudo consecutive performance is executed the maximum number of times during the variable display (three times in the case of this characteristic section 193SG), a reach performance different from when the pseudo consecutive performance is executed less than the maximum number of times during the variable display (for example, a full rotation reach performance that has a higher probability of the variable display result being a jackpot than other super reach reach performances) may be executed. Note that when the pseudo consecutive performance is executed the maximum number of times during the variable display in this way, the full rotation reach performance may be executed without going through the re-variable display notification performance after the temporary stop notification performance.

In addition, in the characteristic portion 193SG, a pseudo consecutive performance is exemplified in which the pseudo consecutive performance is temporarily stopped in the center (the "middle" decorative performance display area 5C) when the left and right decorative performances show the same numerical value (a reach state), but this invention is not limited to this, and the pseudo consecutive performance may be temporarily stopped in a state other than a reach state. Furthermore, as described above, a decorative performance different from the pseudo consecutive performance may be temporarily stopped in the "middle" decorative performance display area 5C. Note that, for a form in which a decorative performance different from the pseudo consecutive performance is temporarily stopped in the "middle" decorative performance display area 5C as a pseudo consecutive performance, the decorative performance may be temporarily stopped in a specific combination, such as a combination of odd and even numbers such as "135" and "246", or a combination of so-called offset numbers such as "112" and "334".

(Description of Characteristic Part 225SG in the Embodiment of the Invention)
Next, a characteristic part 225SG in the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as the present characteristic part 225SG) will be described. Note that, in the present characteristic part 225SG, the description of the same configuration as that of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the characteristic part described above will be omitted.

The gaming machine of form 1 is
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be controlled to a state advantageous to a player (e.g., a jackpot gaming state),
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5) capable of displaying a performance image;
A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect) that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state by displaying a specific image displayed on the display means;
Equipped with
The suggestion performance execution means includes:
A front-stage effect in which the specific image is moved and displayed (for example, a temporary stop suggestion effect shown in FIG. 16-4(C) to FIG. 16-4(E)),
A first post-stage performance that is a successful mode in which the specific image is stopped and displayed after the execution of the pre-stage performance (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-4 (G) to FIG. 16-4 (H), a part where a pseudo consecutive pattern is temporarily stopped);
A second subsequent performance that is a failure mode in which the moving display of the specific image continues after the execution of the first performance (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-4 (F), a part in which the pseudo consecutive patterns continue to move and are not displayed without being temporarily stopped) can be executed.
This is a characteristic feature of the device.
According to this feature, it becomes easier to grasp whether a suggestive performance is successful or unsuccessful, thereby increasing the interest in the suggestive performance.

The gaming machine of form 2 is
In the first stage, a semi-transparent effect display is displayed on the specific image (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-1, a portion in which a convergent line with a transmittance of 50% is displayed in preference to a decorative pattern or a pseudo-repeated pattern),
In the first latter stage performance, when the specific image is stopped and displayed, an opaque effect display is displayed, so that the specific image is temporarily difficult to see (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-4 (G), a part where an effect image for a temporary stop notification with a transmittance of 0% is displayed).
In the second latter stage performance, the opaque effect display is not displayed (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-4 (F), when the pseudo consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop, the effect image for the temporary stop notification is not displayed),
The gaming machine according to embodiment 1, characterized in that
According to this feature, the translucent effect display can increase the interest of the early performance in which it is unclear whether the specific image being displayed in a moving manner will be displayed still or not, and the specific image can be made difficult to see when it is displayed still, reducing the sense of incongruity when it is displayed still and emphasizing that it is displayed still, thereby increasing the interest of the later performance.

The gaming machine of form 3 is
In the first stage performance, an effect display is displayed on the background side of the specific image (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-5 as modified example 225SG-1, a part where a decorative pattern or a pseudo-continuous pattern is displayed in priority to a convergence line),
When the first latter stage performance is executed, an opaque effect display is displayed when the first latter stage performance is executed, so that the specific image is temporarily made difficult to see (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-6 (G), a portion where an effect image for a temporary stop notification with a transmittance of 0% is displayed),
When the second latter stage performance is executed, the opaque effect display is not displayed (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-6 (F), when the pseudo consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop, the effect image for the temporary stop notification is not displayed).
The gaming machine according to embodiment 1, characterized in that
According to this feature, by displaying the effect display in the background of the specific image, it is possible to increase the interest of the early performance in which it is unclear whether the specific image being displayed in a moving manner will be displayed still or not, and by making it difficult to see when the specific image is displayed still, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity when the image is displayed still and to emphasize that the image is displayed still, thereby increasing the interest of the later performance.

The gaming machine of form 4 is
In the first stage performance, an effect display is displayed on the background side of the specific image (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-5 as modified example 225SG-1, a part where a decorative pattern or a pseudo-continuous pattern is displayed in priority to a convergence line),
In the second latter stage performance, an effect display is displayed on the background side of the specific image before the failure mode occurs, and the effect display is displayed for a predetermined period of time even after the specific image is erased (for example, as shown in Fig. 16-7(F) to Fig. 16-7(H) as modified example 225SG-2, when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop, the convergence lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo consecutive patterns are hidden on the image display device 5 due to the moving display of the pseudo consecutive patterns).
The gaming machine according to embodiment 1, characterized in that
According to this feature, by displaying an effect display in the background of the specific image, it is possible to increase the interest of the first stage performance in which it is unclear whether the specific image being displayed moving will be displayed still or not, and in the second second stage performance, the interest of the second stage performance is also increased by displaying an effect display from before the failure mode occurs until a predetermined period after the specific image is erased.

The gaming machine of form 5 is
In the first stage performance, a semi-transparent effect display is displayed on the specific image (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-1, a portion in which a converging line with a transmittance of 50% is displayed in preference to a decorative pattern or a pseudo-repeated pattern),
In the second latter stage performance, a semi-transparent effect display is displayed on the specific image before the failure mode occurs, and the effect display is displayed for a predetermined period of time even after the specific image is erased (for example, as shown in Fig. 16-8 (F) to Fig. 16-8 (H) as modified example 225SG-3, when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop, the convergence lines continue to be displayed even after the pseudo consecutive patterns are hidden on the image display device 5 due to the moving display of the pseudo consecutive patterns).
The gaming machine according to embodiment 1, characterized in that
According to this feature, by displaying a semi-transparent effect display on the specific image, it is possible to increase the interest of the first stage performance in which it is unclear whether the moving specific image will be displayed stationary or not, and in the second second stage performance, the interest of the second stage performance is also increased by displaying the effect display from before the failure mode occurs until a predetermined period after the specific image is erased.

The gaming machine of form 6 is
In the first stage performance, a semi-transparent, highly transparent effect display is displayed on the specific image (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-1, a portion in which a converging line with a transparency of 50% is displayed in preference to a decorative pattern or a pseudo-repeated pattern),
In the first latter stage performance, when the specific image is stopped and displayed, a low-transparency effect display with a lower transparency than the high-transparency effect display is displayed, so that the specific image is temporarily difficult to see (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-9 as modified example 225SG-4, an effect image for a temporary stop notification with a transmittance of 20% is displayed on the image display device 5, making it difficult for the player to see decorative patterns and pseudo consecutive patterns).
In the second latter stage performance, the low-transparency effect display is not displayed (for example, when the pseudo-continuous pattern does not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion performance, the effect image for the temporary stop notification is not displayed on the image display device 5).
The gaming machine according to embodiment 1, characterized in that
According to this feature, by displaying a highly transparent effect display, it is possible to increase the interest of the early performance in which it is unclear whether a specific image being displayed in a moving manner will be displayed still or not, and by displaying a low-transparency effect display when a specific image is displayed still, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity at the time of the stopped display and to emphasize that the image is displayed still, thereby increasing the interest of the later performance.

The gaming machine of form 7 is
The first latter stage performance includes a performance in which the size of the specific image is enlarged compared to the size in the former stage performance (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-1 and FIG. 16-2, when the pseudo consecutive pattern is temporarily stopped, the pseudo consecutive pattern after the temporary stop is displayed in a larger size than the temporary stop),
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 2 to 6, characterized in that
According to this feature, it is possible to improve the visibility of the specific image displayed in a still state, and to further emphasize that the specific image is displayed in a still state.

The gaming machine of form 8 is
The degree of emphasis of the effect display in the first stage performance increases as the first stage performance progresses (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-4(C) to FIG. 16-4(E), the convergence lines move toward the center of the image display device 5 as the temporary stop suggestion performance progresses).
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 2 to 7, characterized in that
According to this feature, it is possible to heighten the sense of anticipation for the specific image to be frozen and displayed, and to further increase the interest of the early performance.

The gaming machine of form 9 is
A notice performance execution means (for example, a part where the performance control CPU 120 executes the variable display performance process shown in FIG. 14 ) capable of executing a notice performance that notifies the occurrence of a specific event,
During the period in which the effect display is displayed in the first subsequent performance and the second subsequent performance, the execution of the advance notice performance is restricted (for example, as a modified example 225SG-5, a part that restricts the execution of the advance notice performance when an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop notification performance).
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 2 to 8, characterized in that
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the preview performance from being reduced by the effects, which would reduce the interest in the preview performance.

The gaming machine of form 10 is
The suggestion performance execution means includes:
As the suggestion performance, a first suggestion performance (for example, a pseudo consecutive suggestion performance shown in FIG. 16-11(C) as modified example 225SG-5) in which a first specific image (for example, an image having a left-right width dimension of L1 as a pseudo consecutive suggestion performance) is displayed on the display means to perform the first stage performance and the first subsequent stage performance, or the first stage performance and the second subsequent stage performance, and a second suggestion performance (for example, an active display change suggestion performance shown in FIG. 16-11(D) to FIG. 16-11(F) as modified example 225SG-5) in which a second specific image having a display dimension smaller than that of the first specific image (for example, an image of an arrow having a left-right width dimension of L2 (L1>L2) as an active display change suggestion performance) is displayed on the display means to perform the first stage performance and the first subsequent stage performance, or the first stage performance and the second subsequent stage performance,
When executing the first latter stage performance as the first suggestion performance, an opaque effect display or a low-transparency effect display is displayed (for example, as shown in FIG. 16-11 (B) , a part in the image display device 5 that displays an effect image for a temporary stop notification with a transmittance of 0% together with an image as a pseudo consecutive suggestion performance),
When executing the first latter stage performance as the second suggestion performance, the opaque effect display or the low-transparency effect display is not displayed (for example, as shown in Figures 16-11 (D) to 16-11 (F), a part in which an arrow image is displayed as an active display change notice performance on the image display device 5 while an effect image for a temporary stop notification with a transmittance of 0% is not displayed).
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 2 to 9, characterized in that
According to this feature, in the second suggestion performance, an opaque effect display or a low-transparency effect display is not displayed when the first latter performance is executed, thereby preventing the second specific image, which has a small display size, from becoming difficult to understand due to the effect display.

First, the display control unit 123 in this characteristic unit 225SG will be described. The CGROM in the display control unit 123 stores multiple types of image data for displaying images on the image display device 5. The display control unit 123 can display a specific image on the image display device 5 based on one image data stored in the CGROM based on instructions from the performance control CPU 120, and can display a specific performance screen by arranging multiple types of image data and displaying the image on the image display device 5. When preventing a specific image from being displayed on the image display device 5, depending on the situation, there are cases where other image data is arranged in front of the image data of the specific image with a transmittance of 0%, thereby controlling so that an image based on the image data of the specific image is not displayed on the performance screen, and cases where an image is displayed on the image display device 5 that has created display data in which the image data of the specific image is not arranged, thereby controlling so that the specific image is not displayed on the performance screen.

As shown in Figs. 16-1(A) to 16-1(C), 16-2(A) to 16-2(C), and 16-3(A) to 16-3(C), for example, when an image is displayed on the image display device 5, the image is displayed on the image display device 5 based on display data created by arranging multiple image data including image data 1 to 4. Of these, Fig. 16-1 is image data immediately before the pseudo consecutive patterns temporarily stop as a temporary stop suggestion performance in this feature section 225SG, Fig. 16-2 is image data when the pseudo consecutive patterns temporarily stop, and Fig. 16-3 is image data when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop.

As shown in FIG. 16-2 (A), image data 1 is data that is drawn to display an effect image (effect image for temporary stop notification) to notify that the pseudo consecutive patterns have temporarily stopped across the entire display area of the image display device 5 as a temporary stop notification performance.

As shown in FIG. 16-1 (A), the image data 2 is data that is drawn to display a converging line from the outer edge of the image display device 5 to the center of the image display device 5 (the "middle" decorative pattern display area 5C) as a temporary stop suggestion effect.

As shown in Fig. 16-1 (B), Fig. 16-2 (B), and Fig. 16-3 (A), the image data 3 is data drawn to display the pseudo-repeated pattern moving from the top to the bottom on the image display device 5 during the execution of the temporary stop suggestion performance. In addition, when the pseudo-repeated pattern temporarily stops, the data is drawn to display the temporarily stopped pseudo-repeated pattern in a larger size than during the moving display (as shown in Fig. 16-1 (B), the left-right width dimension of the pseudo-repeated pattern before the temporary stop is a and the up-down width dimension is b, but as shown in Fig. 16-2 (B), the left-right width dimension of the pseudo-repeated pattern at the time of the temporary stop is x (x>a) and the up-down width dimension is y (y>b)), and immediately after the temporary stop suggestion performance ends without the pseudo-repeated pattern temporarily stopping, the data is drawn to display a variable display of a normal decorative pattern (patterns from "1" to "9" in this characteristic part 225SG) from the top to the bottom of the image display device 5 instead of the pseudo-repeated pattern.

As shown in FIG. 16-3(B), the image data 4 is data that is drawn to display the pseudo consecutive symbols moving downward from the center of the image display device 5 immediately after the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop and the temporary stop suggestion performance ends.

As shown in Figs. 16-1 to 16-3, display priorities are set for these image data 1 to 4 for displaying the images on the image display device 5. The display priority is set highest for image data 1. The display priority of image data 2 is set lower than that of image data 1, and the display priority of image data 3 is set lower than that of image data 2. The display priority of image data 4 is set lowest (image display priorities on the image display device 5: image data 1>image data 2>image data 3>image data 4). In other words, on the image display device 5, the image based on image data 1 is displayed as the topmost image, the image based on image data 2 is displayed as an image lower than that based on image data 1, the image based on image data 3 is displayed as an image lower than that based on image data 1 and image data 2, and the image based on image data 4 is displayed as an image lower than that based on image data 1, image data 2, and image data 3.

For this reason, when the temporary stop suggestion effect is being executed, as shown in FIG. 16-1 (C), the image based on image data 2 (concentrated lines) is displayed in priority over the image based on image data 3 (a moving display of pseudo consecutive symbols from top to bottom). Note that the concentrated lines in this feature section 225SG are set to a high transparency (for example, 50%), so that the player can see the decorative symbols and pseudo consecutive symbols through the concentrated lines while the temporary stop suggestion effect is being executed.

As shown in Fig. 16-2(C) and Fig. 16-2(D), immediately after the pseudo consecutive symbols have temporarily stopped, the image based on image data 1 (the effect image for the temporary stop notification) is displayed in priority over the image based on image data 3 (the pseudo consecutive symbols that have become larger in size than when they were moving due to the temporary stop). Note that the effect image for the temporary stop notification is hidden after a predetermined period of time has elapsed before the start of the re-variable display.

The effect image for the temporary stop notification in this feature section 225SG has a transparency set to 0%. In other words, when the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop, as shown in Figures 16-2 (C) and 16-2 (D), the effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5, making the decorative symbols and pseudo consecutive symbols invisible to the player, but after a certain period of time has passed, these decorative symbols and pseudo consecutive symbols become visible to the player.

Immediately after the pseudo-repeated pattern does not temporarily stop and the temporary stop suggestion performance ends, as shown in FIG. 16-3 (C), the image based on image data 3 (a variable display of a decorative pattern different from the pseudo-repeated pattern) is displayed in priority over the image based on image data 4 (a moving display of the pseudo-repeated pattern from the center downwards on the image display device 5).

In particular, in this feature section 225SG, while the temporary stop suggestion presentation is being executed, the presentation control CPU 120 (display control section 123) displays the image data shown in FIG. 16-1 on the image display device 5, thereby drawing the player's attention to whether or not the pseudo consecutive symbols will temporarily stop.

In addition, in the variable display that executes the temporary stop suggestion effect, the performance control CPU 120 (display control unit 123) sets image data in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, regardless of whether the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop at the start timing of the variable display, and executes the variable display. Then, at the display image data switching timing of the temporary stop suggestion effect in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop (see FIG. 15-33 of the aforementioned characteristic unit 193), the performance control CPU 120 (display control unit 123) switches the image data displayed on the image display device 5 from image data in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop (FIGS. 16-1 and 16-2) to image data in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop, as shown in FIG. 16-3.

Next, the display mode of the image display device 5 in the variable display that executes the temporary stop suggestion effect in this characteristic section 225SG will be explained based on FIG. 16-4.

First, as shown in Figures 16-4(A) to 16-4(C), when a certain period of time has passed since the start of the variable display, the decorative symbols stop (swinging stop) in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5C, resulting in a reach. After that, as the first tentative stop suggestion performance, the pseudo consecutive symbols move from top to bottom in the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C. At this time, as shown in Figures 16-4(C) to 16-4(E), in the image display device 5, as the pseudo consecutive symbols move toward the center of the image display device 5, a converging line is displayed moving toward the center of the image display device 5.

If the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the effect control CPU 120 (display control unit 123) switches the image data, so that the converging lines are no longer displayed, and the pseudo consecutive symbols continue to move downward on the image display device without temporarily stopping, and are no longer displayed, as shown in FIG. 16-4 (F).

On the other hand, if the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, as shown in FIG. 16-4 (G) and FIG. 16-4 (H), the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop and an effect image for temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5. Note that, as described above, the transparency of the effect image for temporary stop notification is set to 0%, so the player cannot see the pseudo consecutive symbols due to the effect image for temporary stop notification until a predetermined period has passed since the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopped. Then, after the predetermined period has passed since the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopped, the effect image for temporary stop notification is hidden, allowing the player to see the pseudo consecutive symbols that are larger than those during the temporary stop notification effect.

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1 in the characteristic part 225SG, the pseudo consecutive symbols are moved toward the center of the image display device 5 during the variable display of 1, and a temporary stop suggestion effect is executed that suggests that the pseudo consecutive symbols will temporarily stop. Furthermore, if the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the pseudo consecutive symbols are temporarily stopped and an effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed in the entire display area of the image display device 5, making the temporarily stopped pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily invisible. If the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the pseudo consecutive symbols are continuously moved toward the bottom of the image display device 5 without displaying the effect image for the temporary stop notification, and then hidden. This makes it easier for the player to understand the success (temporary stop of the pseudo consecutive symbols) and failure (non-temporary stop of the pseudo consecutive symbols) of the temporary stop suggestion effect, and improves the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect.

In addition, during the temporary stop indication performance, a converging line with a high transparency is displayed on the image display device 5, which draws the player's attention to whether the moving pseudo consecutive symbols will temporarily stop or not, thereby increasing interest. Furthermore, when the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop, an effect image for notifying the temporary stop with a transparency of 0 is displayed on the image display device 5, which reduces the player's sense of discomfort at the time of the temporary stop and emphasizes that the pseudo consecutive symbols have temporarily stopped, thereby increasing interest in the temporary stop of the pseudo consecutive symbols.

In addition, when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, the pseudo-consecutive patterns at the time of the temporary stop are displayed in a larger size than before the temporary stop (the left-right width dimension before the temporary stop is a and the top-bottom width dimension is b, whereas the left-right width dimension at the time of the temporary stop is x (x>a) and the top-bottom width dimension is y (y>b)). This improves the visibility of the temporarily stopped pseudo-consecutive patterns and further emphasizes the temporary stop of the pseudo-consecutive patterns.

In addition, in this feature section 225SG, an example is given of a form in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns are displayed in a larger size from the timing when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop than before the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, but this invention is not limited to this, and the timing when the pseudo-consecutive patterns are displayed in a larger size than before the temporary stop may be the timing immediately before the temporary stop, or the timing after the temporary stop, such as the timing when the effect image for notifying the temporary stop is no longer displayed.

In addition, in this feature section 225SG, an example is given of a form in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns are displayed in a larger size from the timing when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop than before the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, thereby emphasizing that the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop. However, this invention is not limited to this, and for example, the shape or color of the pseudo-consecutive patterns may be changed from the timing when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop to emphasize that the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop.

In addition, in this feature section 225SG, as shown in Figures 16-4 (C) to 16-4 (E), converging lines are displayed on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop suggestion effect, and the converging lines are moved toward the center of the image display device 5 as the temporary stop suggestion effect progresses, thereby increasing the degree of emphasis on whether the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop, thereby increasing the sense of anticipation that the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop and improving the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect.

In addition, in this feature section 225SG, an example is given of a form in which the degree of emphasis on whether or not the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop is increased by displaying the converging lines moving toward the center of the image display device 5 as the temporary stop suggestion performance progresses, but this invention is not limited to this, and the degree of emphasis on whether or not the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop may be increased by changing the color of the converging lines or increasing the number of lines displayed (increasing the density of the converging lines) as the temporary stop suggestion performance progresses.

The characteristic features 225SG of this invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these, and changes and additions that do not deviate from the gist of this invention are also included in this invention.

For example, in the characteristic portion 225SG, as shown in FIG. 16-1, a form is exemplified in which a convergent line is drawn as image data 2, and a decorative pattern or pseudo-repeated pattern is drawn as image data 3, thereby displaying the convergent line in priority over the decorative pattern or pseudo-repeated pattern on the image display device 5; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example 225SG-1, as shown in FIG. 16-5(A) to FIG. 16-5(C), a convergent line may be drawn as image data 4, thereby displaying the decorative pattern or pseudo-repeated pattern in priority over the convergent line on the image display device 5 (displaying the convergent line as an image behind the decorative pattern or pseudo-repeated pattern).

By doing this, as shown in Figures 16-6 (A) to 16-6 (H), during the temporary stop suggestion performance, the concentration lines on the image display device 5 are moved toward the center of the image display device 5 to increase the degree of emphasis on whether or not the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop, and it is possible to prevent the concentration lines from making it difficult for the player to see the decorative patterns and pseudo consecutive patterns.

In addition, if the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the effect control CPU 120 (display control unit 123) switches the image data, so that the converging lines are hidden, as shown in FIG. 16-6 (F), and the pseudo consecutive symbols continue to move toward the bottom of the image display device without temporarily stopping, and are no longer displayed.

On the other hand, if the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, as shown in FIG. 16-6 (G) and FIG. 16-6 (H), the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop and an effect image for temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5. Note that, as described above, the transparency of the effect image for temporary stop notification is set to 0%, so the player cannot see the pseudo consecutive symbols due to the effect image for temporary stop notification until a predetermined period has passed since the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopped. Then, after the predetermined period has passed since the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopped, the effect image for temporary stop notification is hidden, allowing the player to see the pseudo consecutive symbols that are larger than those during the temporary stop notification effect.

As described above, by displaying the convergence lines as an image behind the decorative pattern and pseudo consecutive patterns, it is possible to increase the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect that suggests that the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop. Furthermore, when the pseudo consecutive patterns temporarily stop, an effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5, which reduces the player's sense of discomfort at the time of the temporary stop and emphasizes that the pattern has temporarily stopped, thereby increasing the interest of the temporary stop of the pseudo consecutive patterns.

In addition, in the modified example 225SG-1, if the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the concentration lines are hidden and then the pseudo-consecutive patterns continue to move downward on the image display device without being temporarily stopped and are hidden. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in Figs. 16-7(A) to 16-7(H) as modified example 225SG-2, if the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the pseudo-consecutive patterns continue to move downward on the image display device without being temporarily stopped and are hidden, while the concentration lines may continue to be displayed for a predetermined period of time even after the pseudo-consecutive patterns are hidden, up to the timing when the variable display stops.

In this way, as in modified example 225SG-1, the convergence lines are displayed as an image behind the decorative pattern and the pseudo consecutive pattern, thereby increasing the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect that suggests that the pseudo consecutive pattern will temporarily stop. In addition, in cases where the pseudo consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop, the convergence lines are continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time after the pseudo consecutive pattern is no longer displayed on the image display device 5, thereby increasing the interest of whether or not the pseudo consecutive pattern will temporarily stop. Although not shown in particular, in cases where the pseudo consecutive pattern temporarily stops as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, as in the characteristic part 225SG, an effect image for notifying the temporary stop is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5 when the pseudo consecutive pattern temporarily stops, thereby reducing the discomfort felt by the player at the time of the temporary stop.

In addition, in the modified example 225SG-2, during the temporary stop suggestion performance, the decorative pattern and pseudo consecutive pattern are displayed in priority over the convergence lines, and when the pseudo consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion performance, the convergence lines are continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time after the pseudo consecutive pattern is no longer displayed on the image display device 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in Figs. 16-8(A) to 16-8(H) as modified example 225SG-3, during the temporary stop suggestion performance, the convergence lines are displayed in priority over the decorative pattern and pseudo consecutive pattern, and when the pseudo consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion performance, the convergence lines may be continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time after the pseudo consecutive pattern is no longer displayed on the image display device 5.

In this way, as with the feature portion 225SG, the decorative pattern and the pseudo-repeated pattern are displayed as images behind the converging lines, thereby increasing the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect that suggests that the pseudo-repeated pattern will temporarily stop. In addition, in cases where the pseudo-repeated pattern does not temporarily stop, the converging lines are continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time after the pseudo-repeated pattern is no longer displayed on the image display device 5, thereby increasing the interest of whether or not the pseudo-repeated pattern will temporarily stop. Although not shown in particular, in cases where the pseudo-repeated pattern temporarily stops as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, as with the feature portion 225SG, an effect image for notifying the temporary stop is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5 when the pseudo-repeated pattern temporarily stops, thereby reducing the discomfort felt by the player at the time of the temporary stop.

In addition, in the characteristic section 225SG, when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, an effect image for notifying a temporary stop is displayed on the image display device 5 as an image with a transmittance of 0%, and the stopped pseudo-consecutive patterns are temporarily made invisible. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in Figs. 16-9(A) to 16-9(C) as modified example 225SG-4, when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, an effect image for notifying a temporary stop may be displayed on the image display device 5 as an image with a lower transmittance (for example, 20%) than the converging lines.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 16-10, during the period when the concentration lines are displayed as a temporary stop suggestion effect (the period until the temporary stop timing of the pseudo-repeated patterns), the transparency of the concentration lines is high (for example, the aforementioned 50%), allowing the player to easily see the decorative patterns and pseudo-repeated patterns through the concentration lines, while during the period when the effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed as a temporary stop notification effect (the period after the temporary stop timing of the pseudo-repeated patterns), the transparency is lower than that of the concentration lines (for example, the aforementioned 20%), making it more difficult for the player to see the decorative patterns and pseudo-repeated patterns than during the period when the concentration lines are displayed.

In this way, as with the feature portion 225SG, a converging line with a relatively high transparency is displayed during the temporary stop suggestion effect, thereby increasing the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect that suggests that the pseudo-consecutive patterns will temporarily stop. Then, when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect (when the temporary stop notification effect is executed), as with the feature portion 225SG, an effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5 when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, thereby reducing the player's sense of discomfort at the time of the temporary stop, and the effect image for the temporary stop notification can be used to emphasize that the pseudo-consecutive patterns have temporarily stopped, thereby increasing the interest of the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stopping.

In addition, in the characteristic section 225SG, a form in which a temporary stop suggestion effect and a temporary stop notification effect can be executed as effects related to the pseudo consecutive effects during the variable display has been exemplified, but this invention is not limited to this, and during the variable display, a notice effect (see FIG. 15-29 in the characteristic section 193SG) that suggests that the variable display result will be a jackpot may be executed as an effect different from these temporary stop suggestion effects and temporary stop notification effects. Note that these notice effects may be executed when a convergence line is displayed on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop suggestion effect, while the execution of the notice effect may be restricted when an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop notification effect. In this way, the execution of the notice effect can draw the player's attention to whether the variable display result will be a jackpot or not, and by restricting the execution of the notice effect when an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed on the image display device 5, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the notice effect from being reduced by the effect image for the temporary stop notification, which reduces the interest of the notice effect.

Also, as a preview effect that can be executed during the variable display, as shown in FIG. 16-11 as modified example 225SG-5, for example, a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect that suggests that when a pseudo consecutive pattern temporarily stops as a result of a temporary stop suggestion effect, a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect that suggests that a pseudo consecutive pattern will temporarily stop again as a result of the next pseudo consecutive suggestion effect, or an active display area 225SG005F that displays a pending memory display corresponding to the variable display currently being executed as an active display at a specified position of the image display device 5 (for example, the lower center of the image display device), and by changing the display mode of the active display, an active display preview effect that suggests that the variable display result will be a jackpot, and an active display change preview effect that suggests that the display mode of the active display will change, may be executed.

In this way, when a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect is executed as a preview effect, for example, as shown in Figures 16-11 (A) to 16-11 (C), an image with a left-right width dimension of L1 is displayed as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect in the upper part of the image display device 5 based on the pseudo consecutive pattern being temporarily stopped as a result of the temporary stop preview effect, and an effect image for the temporary stop notification with a transparency of 0% is displayed in the image display device 5, and the effect image for the temporary stop notification is hidden when a predetermined period of time has passed since the temporary stop. In other words, the display of the image as the pseudo consecutive suggestion effect begins from the timing when the pseudo consecutive pattern is temporarily stopped, but the image as the pseudo consecutive suggestion effect becomes visible to the player from the timing when the effect image for the temporary stop notification is hidden.

On the other hand, when an active display change preview performance is executed as a preview performance, as shown in Figure 16-11 (A) and Figures 16-11 (D) to 16-11 (F), an effect image for notifying a temporary stop is displayed on the image display device 5 from the timing when the pseudo consecutive patterns temporarily stop, and an image of the active display change preview performance (in this modified example 225SG-5, an image of an arrow with a left-right width dimension of L2 (L1>L2) flying from the right part of the image display device 5 toward the active display area 225SG005F) is displayed.

When the display mode of the active display changes as a result of the active display change notice performance, as shown in FIG. 16-11 (E), an arrow coming from the right side of the image display device 5 pierces the active display, causing the display mode of the active display to change. When the display mode of the active display does not change as a result of the active display change notice performance, as shown in FIG. 16-11 (F), an arrow coming from the right side of the image display device 5 passes toward the left side of the image display device 5 without piercing the active display, and then becomes invisible.

In this way, in this modified example 225SG-5, when a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect is executed as a preview effect, an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed on the image display device 5 along with an image as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect, making the image as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect temporarily invisible to the player, whereas when an active display change preview effect is executed as a preview effect, an effect image for a temporary stop notification is not displayed on the image display device 5, and an image (arrow image) with a shorter display dimension than the image as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect is displayed as the image for the active display change preview effect, thereby preventing the active display change preview effect from being obscured by the effect image for the temporary stop notification and becoming difficult to understand.

In addition, in this modified example 225SG-5, when a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect is executed as a preview effect, an image with a left-right width dimension of L1 is displayed as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect on the upper part of the image display device 5 based on the pseudo consecutive pattern being temporarily stopped as a result of the temporary stop preview effect, and an effect image for temporary stop notification with a transparency of 0% is displayed on the image display device 5. However, this invention is not limited to this, and when a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect is executed as a preview effect, an effect image for temporary stop notification with a transparency other than 0% (for example, a transparency of 20% or 50%) may be displayed on the upper part of the image display device 5 together with the image as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect.

(Description of Characteristic Part 225SG in the Embodiment of the Invention)
Next, a description will be given of the characteristic part 225SG in the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as the present characteristic part 225SG). Note that, in the present characteristic part 225SG, the description of the same configuration as that of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the characteristic part described above will be omitted.

First, the display control unit 123 in this characteristic unit 225SG will be described. The CGROM in the display control unit 123 stores multiple types of image data for displaying images on the image display device 5. The display control unit 123 can display a specific image on the image display device 5 based on one image data stored in the CGROM based on instructions from the performance control CPU 120, and can display a specific performance screen by arranging multiple types of image data and displaying the image on the image display device 5. When preventing a specific image from being displayed on the image display device 5, depending on the situation, there are cases where other image data is arranged in front of the image data of the specific image with a transmittance of 0%, thereby controlling so that an image based on the image data of the specific image is not displayed on the performance screen, and cases where an image is displayed on the image display device 5 that has created display data in which the image data of the specific image is not arranged, thereby controlling so that the specific image is not displayed on the performance screen.

As shown in Figs. 16-1(A) to 16-1(C), 16-2(A) to 16-2(C), and 16-3(A) to 16-3(C), for example, when an image is displayed on the image display device 5, the image is displayed on the image display device 5 based on display data created by arranging multiple image data including image data 1 to 4. Of these, Fig. 16-1 is image data immediately before the pseudo consecutive patterns temporarily stop as a temporary stop suggestion performance in this feature section 225SG, Fig. 16-2 is image data when the pseudo consecutive patterns temporarily stop, and Fig. 16-3 is image data when the pseudo consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop.

As shown in FIG. 16-2 (A), image data 1 is data that is drawn to display an effect image (effect image for temporary stop notification) to notify that the pseudo consecutive patterns have temporarily stopped across the entire display area of the image display device 5 as a temporary stop notification performance.

As shown in FIG. 16-1 (A), the image data 2 is data that is drawn to display a converging line from the outer edge of the image display device 5 to the center of the image display device 5 (the "middle" decorative pattern display area 5C) as a temporary stop suggestion effect.

As shown in Fig. 16-1 (B), Fig. 16-2 (B), and Fig. 16-3 (A), the image data 3 is data drawn to display the pseudo-repeated pattern moving from the top to the bottom on the image display device 5 during the execution of the temporary stop suggestion performance. In addition, when the pseudo-repeated pattern temporarily stops, the data is drawn to display the temporarily stopped pseudo-repeated pattern in a larger size than during the moving display (as shown in Fig. 16-1 (B), the left-right width dimension of the pseudo-repeated pattern before the temporary stop is a and the up-down width dimension is b, but as shown in Fig. 16-2 (B), the left-right width dimension of the pseudo-repeated pattern at the time of the temporary stop is x (x>a) and the up-down width dimension is y (y>b)), and immediately after the temporary stop suggestion performance ends without the pseudo-repeated pattern temporarily stopping, the data is drawn to display a variable display of a normal decorative pattern (patterns from "1" to "9" in this characteristic part 225SG) from the top to the bottom of the image display device 5 instead of the pseudo-repeated pattern.

As shown in FIG. 16-3(B), the image data 4 is data that is drawn to display the pseudo consecutive symbols moving downward from the center of the image display device 5 immediately after the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop and the temporary stop suggestion performance ends.

As shown in Figs. 16-1 to 16-3, display priorities are set for these image data 1 to 4 for displaying the images on the image display device 5. The display priority is set highest for image data 1. The display priority of image data 2 is set lower than that of image data 1, and the display priority of image data 3 is set lower than that of image data 2. The display priority of image data 4 is set lowest (image display priorities on the image display device 5: image data 1>image data 2>image data 3>image data 4). In other words, on the image display device 5, the image based on image data 1 is displayed as the topmost image, the image based on image data 2 is displayed as an image lower than that based on image data 1, the image based on image data 3 is displayed as an image lower than that based on image data 1 and image data 2, and the image based on image data 4 is displayed as an image lower than that based on image data 1, image data 2, and image data 3.

For this reason, when the temporary stop suggestion effect is being executed, as shown in FIG. 16-1 (C), the image based on image data 2 (concentrated lines) is displayed in priority over the image based on image data 3 (a moving display of pseudo consecutive symbols from top to bottom). Note that the concentrated lines in this feature section 225SG are set to a high transparency (for example, 50%), so that the player can see the decorative symbols and pseudo consecutive symbols through the concentrated lines while the temporary stop suggestion effect is being executed.

As shown in Fig. 16-2(C) and Fig. 16-2(D), immediately after the pseudo consecutive symbols have temporarily stopped, the image based on image data 1 (the effect image for the temporary stop notification) is displayed in priority over the image based on image data 3 (the pseudo consecutive symbols that have become larger in size than when they were moving due to the temporary stop). Note that the effect image for the temporary stop notification is hidden after a predetermined period of time has elapsed before the start of the re-variable display.

The effect image for the temporary stop notification in this feature section 225SG has a transparency set to 0%. In other words, when the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop, as shown in Figures 16-2 (C) and 16-2 (D), the effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5, making the decorative symbols and pseudo consecutive symbols invisible to the player, but after a certain period of time has passed, these decorative symbols and pseudo consecutive symbols become visible to the player.

Immediately after the pseudo-repeated pattern does not temporarily stop and the temporary stop suggestion performance ends, as shown in FIG. 16-3 (C), the image based on image data 3 (a variable display of a decorative pattern different from the pseudo-repeated pattern) is displayed in priority over the image based on image data 4 (a moving display of the pseudo-repeated pattern from the center downwards on the image display device 5).

In particular, in this feature section 225SG, while the temporary stop suggestion presentation is being executed, the presentation control CPU 120 (display control section 123) displays the image data shown in FIG. 16-1 on the image display device 5, thereby drawing the player's attention to whether or not the pseudo consecutive symbols will temporarily stop.

In addition, in the variable display that executes the temporary stop suggestion effect, the performance control CPU 120 (display control unit 123) sets image data in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, regardless of whether the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop at the start timing of the variable display, and executes the variable display. Then, at the display image data switching timing of the temporary stop suggestion effect in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop (see FIG. 15-33 of the aforementioned characteristic unit 193), the performance control CPU 120 (display control unit 123) switches the image data displayed on the image display device 5 from image data in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop (FIGS. 16-1 and 16-2) to image data in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop, as shown in FIG. 16-3.

Next, the display mode of the image display device 5 in the variable display that executes the temporary stop suggestion effect in this characteristic section 225SG will be explained based on FIG. 16-4.

First, as shown in Figures 16-4(A) to 16-4(C), when a certain period of time has passed since the start of the variable display, the decorative symbols stop (swinging stop) in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5C, resulting in a reach. After that, as the first tentative stop suggestion performance, the pseudo consecutive symbols move from top to bottom in the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C. At this time, as shown in Figures 16-4(C) to 16-4(E), in the image display device 5, as the pseudo consecutive symbols move toward the center of the image display device 5, a converging line is displayed moving toward the center of the image display device 5.

If the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the effect control CPU 120 (display control unit 123) switches the image data, so that the converging lines are no longer displayed, and the pseudo consecutive symbols continue to move downward on the image display device without temporarily stopping, and are no longer displayed, as shown in FIG. 16-4 (F).

On the other hand, if the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, as shown in FIG. 16-4 (G) and FIG. 16-4 (H), the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop and an effect image for temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5. Note that, as described above, the transparency of the effect image for temporary stop notification is set to 0%, so the player cannot see the pseudo consecutive symbols due to the effect image for temporary stop notification until a predetermined period has passed since the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopped. Then, after the predetermined period has passed since the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopped, the effect image for temporary stop notification is hidden, allowing the player to see the pseudo consecutive symbols that are larger than those during the temporary stop notification effect.

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1 in the characteristic part 225SG, the pseudo consecutive symbols are moved toward the center of the image display device 5 during the variable display of 1, and a temporary stop suggestion effect is executed that suggests that the pseudo consecutive symbols will temporarily stop. Furthermore, if the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the pseudo consecutive symbols are temporarily stopped and an effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed in the entire display area of the image display device 5, making the temporarily stopped pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily invisible. If the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the pseudo consecutive symbols are continuously moved toward the bottom of the image display device 5 without displaying the effect image for the temporary stop notification, and then hidden. This makes it easier for the player to understand the success (temporary stop of the pseudo consecutive symbols) and failure (non-temporary stop of the pseudo consecutive symbols) of the temporary stop suggestion effect, and improves the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect.

In addition, during the temporary stop indication performance, a converging line with a high transparency is displayed on the image display device 5, which draws the player's attention to whether the moving pseudo consecutive symbols will temporarily stop or not, thereby increasing interest. Furthermore, when the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop, an effect image for notifying the temporary stop with a transparency of 0 is displayed on the image display device 5, which reduces the player's sense of discomfort at the time of the temporary stop and emphasizes that the pseudo consecutive symbols have temporarily stopped, thereby increasing interest in the temporary stop of the pseudo consecutive symbols.

In addition, when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, the pseudo-consecutive patterns at the time of the temporary stop are displayed in a larger size than before the temporary stop (the left-right width dimension before the temporary stop is a and the top-bottom width dimension is b, whereas the left-right width dimension at the time of the temporary stop is x (x>a) and the top-bottom width dimension is y (y>b)). This improves the visibility of the temporarily stopped pseudo-consecutive patterns and further emphasizes the temporary stop of the pseudo-consecutive patterns.

In addition, in this feature section 225SG, an example is given of a form in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns are displayed in a larger size from the timing when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop than before the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, but this invention is not limited to this, and the timing when the pseudo-consecutive patterns are displayed in a larger size than before the temporary stop may be the timing immediately before the temporary stop, or the timing after the temporary stop, such as the timing when the effect image for notifying the temporary stop is no longer displayed.

In addition, in this feature section 225SG, an example is given of a form in which the pseudo-consecutive patterns are displayed in a larger size from the timing when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop than before the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, thereby emphasizing that the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop. However, this invention is not limited to this, and for example, the shape or color of the pseudo-consecutive patterns may be changed from the timing when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop to emphasize that the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop.

In addition, in this feature section 225SG, as shown in Figures 16-4 (C) to 16-4 (E), converging lines are displayed on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop suggestion effect, and the converging lines are moved toward the center of the image display device 5 as the temporary stop suggestion effect progresses, thereby increasing the degree of emphasis on whether the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop, thereby increasing the sense of anticipation that the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop and improving the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect.

In addition, in this feature section 225SG, an example is given of a form in which the degree of emphasis on whether or not the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop is increased by displaying the converging lines moving toward the center of the image display device 5 as the temporary stop suggestion performance progresses, but this invention is not limited to this, and the degree of emphasis on whether or not the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop may be increased by changing the color of the converging lines or increasing the number of lines displayed (increasing the density of the converging lines) as the temporary stop suggestion performance progresses.

The characteristic features 225SG of this invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these, and changes and additions that do not deviate from the gist of this invention are also included in this invention.

For example, in the characteristic portion 225SG, as shown in FIG. 16-1, a form is exemplified in which a convergent line is drawn as image data 2, and a decorative pattern or pseudo-repeated pattern is drawn as image data 3, thereby displaying the convergent line in priority over the decorative pattern or pseudo-repeated pattern on the image display device 5; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example 225SG-1, as shown in FIG. 16-5(A) to FIG. 16-5(C), a convergent line may be drawn as image data 4, thereby displaying the decorative pattern or pseudo-repeated pattern in priority over the convergent line on the image display device 5 (displaying the convergent line as an image behind the decorative pattern or pseudo-repeated pattern).

By doing this, as shown in Figures 16-6 (A) to 16-6 (H), during the temporary stop suggestion performance, the concentration lines on the image display device 5 are moved toward the center of the image display device 5 to increase the degree of emphasis on whether or not the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop, and it is possible to prevent the concentration lines from making it difficult for the player to see the decorative patterns and pseudo consecutive patterns.

In addition, if the pseudo consecutive symbols do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the effect control CPU 120 (display control unit 123) switches the image data, so that the converging lines are hidden, as shown in FIG. 16-6 (F), and the pseudo consecutive symbols continue to move toward the bottom of the image display device without temporarily stopping, and are no longer displayed.

On the other hand, if the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, as shown in FIG. 16-6 (G) and FIG. 16-6 (H), the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stop and an effect image for temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5. Note that, as described above, the transparency of the effect image for temporary stop notification is set to 0%, so the player cannot see the pseudo consecutive symbols due to the effect image for temporary stop notification until a predetermined period has passed since the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopped. Then, after the predetermined period has passed since the pseudo consecutive symbols temporarily stopped, the effect image for temporary stop notification is hidden, allowing the player to see the pseudo consecutive symbols that are larger than those during the temporary stop notification effect.

As described above, by displaying the convergence lines as an image behind the decorative pattern and pseudo consecutive patterns, it is possible to increase the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect that suggests that the pseudo consecutive patterns will temporarily stop. Furthermore, when the pseudo consecutive patterns temporarily stop, an effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5, which reduces the player's sense of discomfort at the time of the temporary stop and emphasizes that the pattern has temporarily stopped, thereby increasing the interest of the temporary stop of the pseudo consecutive patterns.

In addition, in the modified example 225SG-1, if the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the concentration lines are hidden and then the pseudo-consecutive patterns continue to move downward on the image display device without being temporarily stopped and are hidden. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in Figs. 16-7(A) to 16-7(H) as modified example 225SG-2, if the pseudo-consecutive patterns do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the pseudo-consecutive patterns continue to move downward on the image display device without being temporarily stopped and are hidden, while the concentration lines may continue to be displayed for a predetermined period of time even after the pseudo-consecutive patterns are hidden, up to the timing when the variable display stops.

In this way, as in modified example 225SG-1, the convergence lines are displayed as an image behind the decorative pattern and the pseudo consecutive pattern, thereby increasing the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect that suggests that the pseudo consecutive pattern will temporarily stop. In addition, in cases where the pseudo consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop, the convergence lines are continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time after the pseudo consecutive pattern is no longer displayed on the image display device 5, thereby increasing the interest of whether or not the pseudo consecutive pattern will temporarily stop. Although not shown in particular, in cases where the pseudo consecutive pattern temporarily stops as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, as in the characteristic part 225SG, an effect image for notifying the temporary stop is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5 when the pseudo consecutive pattern temporarily stops, thereby reducing the discomfort felt by the player at the time of the temporary stop.

In addition, in the modified example 225SG-2, during the temporary stop suggestion performance, the decorative pattern and pseudo consecutive pattern are displayed in priority over the convergence lines, and when the pseudo consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion performance, the convergence lines are continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time after the pseudo consecutive pattern is no longer displayed on the image display device 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in Figs. 16-8(A) to 16-8(H) as modified example 225SG-3, during the temporary stop suggestion performance, the convergence lines are displayed in priority over the decorative pattern and pseudo consecutive pattern, and when the pseudo consecutive pattern does not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion performance, the convergence lines may be continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time after the pseudo consecutive pattern is no longer displayed on the image display device 5.

In this way, as with the feature portion 225SG, the decorative pattern and the pseudo-repeated pattern are displayed as images behind the converging lines, thereby increasing the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect that suggests that the pseudo-repeated pattern will temporarily stop. In addition, in cases where the pseudo-repeated pattern does not temporarily stop, the converging lines are continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time after the pseudo-repeated pattern is no longer displayed on the image display device 5, thereby increasing the interest of whether or not the pseudo-repeated pattern will temporarily stop. Although not shown in particular, in cases where the pseudo-repeated pattern temporarily stops as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, as with the feature portion 225SG, an effect image for notifying the temporary stop is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5 when the pseudo-repeated pattern temporarily stops, thereby reducing the discomfort felt by the player at the time of the temporary stop.

In addition, in the characteristic section 225SG, when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, an effect image for notifying a temporary stop is displayed on the image display device 5 as an image with a transmittance of 0%, and the stopped pseudo-consecutive patterns are temporarily made invisible. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in Figs. 16-9(A) to 16-9(C) as modified example 225SG-4, when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, an effect image for notifying a temporary stop may be displayed on the image display device 5 as an image with a lower transmittance (for example, 20%) than the converging lines.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 16-10, during the period when the concentration lines are displayed as a temporary stop suggestion effect (the period until the temporary stop timing of the pseudo-repeated patterns), the transparency of the concentration lines is high (for example, the above-mentioned 50%), so that the player can easily see the decorative patterns and pseudo-repeated patterns through the concentration lines, while during the period when the effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed as the temporary stop notification effect (the period after the temporary stop timing of the pseudo-repeated patterns), the transparency is lower than that of the concentration lines (for example, the above-mentioned 20%), so that the player may find it more difficult to see the decorative patterns and pseudo-repeated patterns than during the period when the concentration lines are displayed. Although not specifically shown in this modified example 225SG-4, if the pseudo-repeated patterns do not temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect, the effect image for the temporary stop notification is not displayed on the image display device 5, as in other characteristic parts and modified examples.

In this way, as with the feature portion 225SG, a converging line with a relatively high transparency is displayed during the temporary stop suggestion effect, thereby increasing the interest of the temporary stop suggestion effect that suggests that the pseudo-consecutive patterns will temporarily stop. Then, when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop as a result of the temporary stop suggestion effect (when the temporary stop notification effect is executed), as with the feature portion 225SG, an effect image for the temporary stop notification is displayed over the entire display area of the image display device 5 when the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stop, thereby reducing the player's sense of discomfort at the time of the temporary stop, and the effect image for the temporary stop notification can be used to emphasize that the pseudo-consecutive patterns have temporarily stopped, thereby increasing the interest of the pseudo-consecutive patterns temporarily stopping.

In addition, in the characteristic section 225SG, a form in which a temporary stop suggestion effect and a temporary stop notification effect can be executed as effects related to the pseudo consecutive effects during the variable display has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a modified example 225SG-5, a preview effect (see FIG. 15-29 in the characteristic section 193SG) that suggests that the variable display result will be a jackpot may be executed as an effect different from these temporary stop suggestion effects and temporary stop notification effects during the variable display. Note that these preview effects may be executed when a convergence line is displayed on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop suggestion effect, while the execution of the preview effect may be restricted when an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed on the image display device 5 as a temporary stop notification effect. In this way, the execution of the preview effect can draw the player's attention to whether the variable display result will be a jackpot or not, and by restricting the execution of the preview effect when an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed on the image display device 5, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the preview effect from being reduced by the effect image for the temporary stop notification, which reduces the interest of the preview effect.

Also, as a preview effect that can be executed during the variable display, as shown in FIG. 16-11 as modified example 225SG-5, for example, a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect that suggests that when a pseudo consecutive pattern temporarily stops as a result of a temporary stop suggestion effect, a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect that suggests that a pseudo consecutive pattern will temporarily stop again as a result of the next pseudo consecutive suggestion effect, or an active display area 225SG005F that displays a pending memory display corresponding to the variable display currently being executed as an active display at a specified position of the image display device 5 (for example, the lower center of the image display device), and by changing the display mode of the active display, an active display preview effect that suggests that the variable display result will be a jackpot, and an active display change preview effect that suggests that the display mode of the active display will change, may be executed.

In this way, when a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect is executed as a preview effect, for example, as shown in Figures 16-11 (A) to 16-11 (C), an image with a left-right width dimension of L1 is displayed as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect in the upper part of the image display device 5 based on the pseudo consecutive pattern being temporarily stopped as a result of the temporary stop preview effect, and an effect image for the temporary stop notification with a transparency of 0% is displayed in the image display device 5, and the effect image for the temporary stop notification is hidden when a predetermined period of time has passed since the temporary stop. In other words, the display of the image as the pseudo consecutive suggestion effect begins from the timing when the pseudo consecutive pattern is temporarily stopped, but the image as the pseudo consecutive suggestion effect becomes visible to the player from the timing when the effect image for the temporary stop notification is hidden.

On the other hand, when an active display change preview performance is executed as a preview performance, as shown in Figure 16-11 (A) and Figures 16-11 (D) to 16-11 (F), an effect image for notifying a temporary stop is displayed on the image display device 5 from the timing when the pseudo consecutive patterns temporarily stop, and an image of the active display change preview performance (in this modified example 225SG-5, an image of an arrow with a left-right width dimension of L2 (L1>L2) flying from the right part of the image display device 5 toward the active display area 225SG005F) is displayed.

When the display mode of the active display changes as a result of the active display change notice performance, as shown in FIG. 16-11 (E), an arrow coming from the right side of the image display device 5 pierces the active display, causing the display mode of the active display to change. When the display mode of the active display does not change as a result of the active display change notice performance, as shown in FIG. 16-11 (F), an arrow coming from the right side of the image display device 5 passes toward the left side of the image display device 5 without piercing the active display, and then becomes invisible.

In this way, in this modified example 225SG-5, when a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect is executed as a preview effect, an effect image for a temporary stop notification is displayed on the image display device 5 along with an image as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect, making the image as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect temporarily invisible to the player, whereas when an active display change preview effect is executed as a preview effect, an effect image for a temporary stop notification is not displayed on the image display device 5, and an image (arrow image) with a shorter display dimension than the image as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect is displayed as the image for the active display change preview effect, thereby preventing the active display change preview effect from being obscured by the effect image for the temporary stop notification and becoming difficult to understand.

In addition, in this modified example 225SG-5, when a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect is executed as a preview effect, an image with a left-right width dimension of L1 is displayed as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect on the upper part of the image display device 5 based on the pseudo consecutive pattern being temporarily stopped as a result of the temporary stop preview effect, and an effect image for temporary stop notification with a transparency of 0% is displayed on the image display device 5. However, this invention is not limited to this, and when a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect is executed as a preview effect, an effect image for temporary stop notification with a transparency other than 0% (for example, a transparency of 20% or 50%) may be displayed on the upper part of the image display device 5 together with the image as a pseudo consecutive suggestion effect.

In addition, in the feature 193SG and the feature 225SG, a pattern (pseudo consecutive pattern) that notifies the execution of a pseudo consecutive performance is temporarily stopped on the image display device 5 as one of a plurality of decorative patterns or as a pattern different from the decorative pattern, but this invention is not limited to this. For example, by changing the display mode of the reserved memory display or the like at the timing of the end of the variable display, it is possible to execute a reserved memory display change performance that suggests that the variable display result corresponding to the reserved memory display will be a jackpot, and a case may be provided in which a pattern (reserved memory display change notification pattern) indicating that the reserved memory display will change is stopped on the image display device 5 as one of a plurality of decorative patterns or as a pattern different from the decorative pattern. In this way, when the reserved memory display change notification pattern stops on the image display device 5, it is possible to execute a performance (suggestion performance in this invention) equivalent to the temporary stop suggestion performance in the feature 193SG or the feature 225SG, targeting whether or not the reserved memory display change notification pattern stops.

In addition, in the feature 193SG and the feature 225SG, a pattern (pseudo consecutive pattern) that notifies the execution of a pseudo consecutive performance is temporarily stopped on the image display device 5 as one of a plurality of decorative patterns or as a pattern different from the decorative patterns, but this invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to display a plurality of images as background images on the image display device 5, and to suggest the rate at which the variable display result being executed will be a jackpot according to the background image being displayed, and to provide a case in which a pattern (background image change notification pattern) indicating that the background image will change is stopped on the image display device 5 as one of a plurality of decorative patterns or as a pattern different from the decorative patterns. In this way, when the background image change notification pattern stops on the image display device 5, it is possible to execute a performance (suggestion performance in this invention) equivalent to the temporary stop suggestion performance in the feature 193SG or the feature 225SG, with the background image change notification pattern stopping or not.

In addition, in the characteristic section 193SG, a pachinko gaming machine 1 is exemplified as a gaming machine that performs a predetermined game, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the gaming machine that performs a predetermined game may be a pachinko gaming machine 1, a slot machine, or a general game machine, as long as it at least performs a predetermined game.

In addition, although this specification has given examples of multiple characteristic features and variations as configurations of the gaming machine of this invention, the gaming machine of this invention may be implemented by combining these multiple characteristic features and variations, or may implement only one characteristic feature or variation.

For example, in the feature unit 193SG and the feature unit 225SG, a pattern (pseudo consecutive pattern) that indicates that a pseudo consecutive performance will be executed is temporarily stopped on the image display device 5 as one of a number of decorative patterns, or as a pattern different from the decorative patterns, but this invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to suggest the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 by a combination of decorative patterns (stopping patterns), and to execute a performance equivalent to the temporary stop suggestion performance in the feature unit 193SG or the feature unit 225SG (suggestion performance in this invention) for the stopping of a pattern that suggests that a specific setting value has been set.

1 Pachinko game machine 4A First special symbol display device 4B Second special symbol display device 5 Image display device 103 CPU
120 Performance control CPU

Claims (2)

A gaming machine which variably displays a plurality of types of performance identification information including specific performance identification information, derives and displays a display result, and is controllable to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player, and is controllable to a normal state and a special state which is easier to control to the advantageous state than the normal state,
a specific effect execution means capable of executing a specific effect as a variable display, in which the specific effect identification information is temporarily stopped at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started until the display result is derived and displayed, and then the variable display is resumed;
A suggested performance execution means capable of executing a suggested performance that suggests that the specific performance identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification performance execution means capable of executing a notification performance that notifies that the specific performance identification information has been temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
the suggestion performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestion performance, a performance in which visibility of performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is temporarily reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having even lower visibility than the first low visibility state;
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing, as the notification performance, a performance in which performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is made invisible;
The suggested performance execution means is capable of executing the suggested performance even when the specific performance identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the specific performance identification information does not temporarily stop , is capable of continuously displaying the effect display for a predetermined period after the predetermined timing has passed, and erases the effect display before any performance identification information different from the specific performance identification information is stopped and displayed at the predetermined position where the specific performance identification information temporarily stops,
a display area of the effect display is larger in the second low visibility state than in the first low visibility state,
Further, an update means is provided for updating the predetermined numerical data according to the number of times the advantageous state has occurred during an advantageous period in which the normal state has never been controlled since the normal state was controlled to either the advantageous state or the special state.
A gaming machine characterized by: A gaming machine that variably displays a plurality of types of performance identification information to derive and display a display result, and is controllable to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player, and is controllable to a normal state and a special state that is easier to control to the advantageous state than the normal state,
a specific effect execution means capable of executing a specific effect in which, as a variable display, at a predetermined timing from when the variable display of the effect identification information is started to when the display result is derived and displayed, the specific effect is resumed after temporarily suspending the display of special identification information different from the effect identification information;
A suggestion performance execution means capable of executing a suggestion performance that suggests that the special identification information is temporarily stopped;
A notification performance execution means capable of executing a notification performance to notify that the special identification information has been temporarily stopped;
Equipped with
the suggestion performance execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestion performance, a performance in which the visibility of the performance identification information is once reduced to a first low visibility state by displaying an effect display, and then reduced to a second low visibility state having an even lower visibility than the first low visibility state;
The notification performance execution means is capable of executing a performance in which the performance identification information is made invisible as the notification performance,
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing the suggestive performance even when the special identification information does not temporarily stop, and when the special identification information does not temporarily stop , is capable of continuously displaying the effect display for a predetermined period after the predetermined timing has passed, and erases the effect display at a predetermined position where the special identification information temporarily stops before any of the performance identification information is stopped and displayed.
a display area of the effect display is larger in the second low visibility state than in the first low visibility state,
Further, an update means is provided for updating the predetermined numerical data in accordance with the number of times the advantageous state has occurred during an advantageous period in which the normal state has never been controlled since the normal state was controlled to either the advantageous state or the special state.
A gaming machine characterized by: