JP7469448B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

One gaming machine proposed is one that has a mini-character display section that displays mini-characters on the display screen and executes effects using the mini-characters (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 allows the player to select a new mini-character and display it on the mini-character display section by satisfying certain acquisition conditions.

JP 2014-233558 A

However, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of increasing the enjoyment of the game.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above situation, and aims to provide a gaming machine that improves the entertainment value of the game.

(Means A) The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine that performs variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
A state control means capable of controlling the first state and a second state different from the first state;
A suggestion effect execution means capable of executing a suggestion effect that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state in the first state;
A suggestion performance control means for performing specific control for changing the suggestion performance in the first state from a state in which the suggestion performance is not executable to a state in which the suggestion performance is executable in response to the establishment of a specific condition in the second state;
A variable display means for variably displaying performance identification information;
A performance execution means capable of executing a main performance corresponding to the performance identification information when controlled to the first state,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a performance using a predetermined character in a predetermined area as the main performance,
The suggestion effect execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestion effect, an effect using a specific character different from the predetermined character in a specific area different from the predetermined area;
The first state and the second state are states that are not controlled by the advantageous state,
The first state and the second state have different easiness to be controlled into the advantageous state,
The suggestive performance suggests a change in a variable display corresponding to the variable display ,
When the specific control is performed and the suggestion performance is in a state where it is possible to execute the suggestion performance, a specific display can be displayed,
The specific display can be displayed after the specific condition is met and before the condition for executing the suggestive performance is met.
It is characterized by:
Such a configuration can increase the enjoyment of the game.
(1) In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the characteristic part 072AK) that can be controlled to a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) that is favorable to a player,
A state control means (e.g., a CPU 103 for executing the processes of steps S113 and S117) capable of controlling a first state (e.g., a normal state) and a second state (e.g., a probability variable state) different from the first state;
A suggestion effect execution means (e.g., an effect control CPU 120 that executes the suggestion effect setting process of step 072AKS008) capable of executing a suggestion effect that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state in the first state;
A suggestion effect control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120 that executes the mini character release process of FIG. 10-2 (A)) that controls the suggestion effect in response to the establishment of a specific condition in the second state,
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing a plurality of types of suggestive performances, including a first suggestive performance (e.g., a suggestive performance in which one of mini-characters A to I appears) and a second suggestive performance having a different rate of being controlled to the advantageous state from the first suggestive performance (e.g., a suggestive performance in which a mini-character other than the first suggestive performance among mini-characters A to I appears);
The suggestion performance control means
In the second state, when a first specific condition (for example, the first big win after being controlled to a probability variable state) is established, the first suggestion effect (for example, a suggestion effect in which a mini character A appears) is executable;
In the second state after the first specific condition is established, when a second specific condition (e.g., a second jackpot occurs after being controlled to a probability variable state) is established, the second suggestive effect (e.g., a suggestive effect in which a mini character B appears) is executable;
When the vehicle is controlled to the first state after the first specific condition is satisfied and then controlled to the second state again, the state in which the first specific condition is satisfied is continued in the second state,
When the vehicle is controlled to the first state after the second specific condition is satisfied and then controlled to the second state again, the state in which the second specific condition was satisfied is continued in the second state.
Such a configuration can increase the enjoyment of the game.

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. A diagram showing the jackpot probability and jackpot type of feature part 072AK. This is a flowchart showing an example of a mini character release process of feature section 072AK. This is a flowchart showing an example of the advance notice setting process of the characteristic part 072AK. This is a flowchart showing an example of a suggestion effect setting process of the feature section 072AK. A diagram showing the determination rate of suggested performance patterns. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a song release process of the feature section 072AK. A diagram to explain the characters used in the presentation of feature part 072AK. A figure showing an example of the performance operation of feature part 072AK. A figure showing an example of the performance operation of feature part 072AK. A figure showing an example of the performance operation of feature part 072AK. A figure showing an example of the performance operation of feature part 072AK.

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

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

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.

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

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

The variable winning ball device 6B (normal electric device) forms a second start winning hole that changes between a closed state and an open state by 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, four positions are provided at the lower left and right of the game area), general winning openings 10 are provided which are always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. In this case, when a game ball enters one of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out as prize balls.

Below the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7 having a large winning opening is provided. The special variable winning ball device 7 has a large winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 82 (see Figure 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 called a "winning". In particular, a winning ball into the starting port (first starting winning port, second starting winning port) is also called a starting winning port.

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

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

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

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

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

A movable body 32 that moves according to the performance is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (not shown in Figure 1).

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

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

A stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player is attached to a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed by the player. Operations on the stick controller 31A are detected by the controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 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 30 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 30 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 combination ratio, and base. The consecutive win ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls that have won the first and second large winning openings (attackers) to the total number of winning balls. The winning combination ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls that have won the second start winning opening (electric chute) and the number of winning balls that have won the first and second large winning openings (attackers) 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 a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 can display the setting values in the pachinko game machine 1. When in a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 may 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 500A 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 500A 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 500A is a roughly L-shaped member including a short piece 500Aa and a long piece 500Ab, and may be made of a transparent synthetic resin.

(Outline of game progress)
A game ball is launched toward the game area by a player rotating a ball-hitting operation handle 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 wins".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Progression of the performance, etc.)
In the pachinko game machine 1, various effects (effects to notify the progress of the game or to liven up the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The effects are described below. The effects are executed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of the display, the effects may be executed as sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, turning on or off the game effect lamp 9, operating the movable body 32, or as an effect using any effect device including 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, in the image display device 5, a pseudo consecutive performance may be executed in which a single variable display appears to be multiple variable displays by temporarily pausing the decorative pattern during the variable display and then restarting the variable display.

During a 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 30, 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 in accordance with 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. Then, 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. 5.

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 where probability variable control is performed, the probability of determining that it 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 the jackpot judgment value 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 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 1346 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 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 depending on 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 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 issue an interrupt prohibition command (DI command). In response to an interrupt due to the performance control INT signal becoming ON, the performance control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process. In this command reception interrupt process, a performance control command is taken in from a predetermined input port that receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, among the input ports included in the I/O 125. The performance control command taken in at this time is stored in a performance control command reception buffer provided in, for example, the RAM 122. The performance control CPU 120 then sets the interrupt to permitted and ends the command reception interrupt process.

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

After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the performance control process is executed (step S76). In the performance control process, for example, control is performed to operate various performance devices, such as the display operation of the performance image in the display area of the image display device 5, the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation of the decorative light-emitting elements such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LEDs, and the driving operation of the movable 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 process is executed (step S77), and at least a portion of the performance random numbers used on the performance control board 12 side is updated by software. Then, the process returns to step S73. Before returning to step S73, other processes may be executed.

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 identified 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 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 has not been received and the waiting time for receiving the command has elapsed, it is judged that the display result in the special game was "miss", and the value of the performance process flag is updated to the initial value "0". When the value of the performance process flag is updated, the special winning waiting process is terminated.

The small win presentation process of step S174 is 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 part 072AK)
The characteristic part 072AK will be described. Regarding the characteristic part 072AK, the description of the parts (configuration, processing, etc.) common to the basic description will be omitted.

In the pachinko game machine 1 relating to feature part 072AK, it is possible to execute a suggestive effect that suggests that another effect (specific effect) will be executed in a low probability state (normal state). Then, when a specific condition is met (a jackpot occurs) in a high probability state (high probability state), a suggestive effect (a performance mode of an executable suggestive effect) in the low probability state (normal state) is opened. Also, once a suggestive effect is opened, it remains open even if the game is controlled to return to the high probability state.

In this way, the suggestive effects that were released in a high probability state can be executed in a low probability state after the high probability state ends, reducing the likelihood of players ceasing play when the low probability state is reached. Furthermore, if the game is subsequently controlled to a high probability state, the released state of the suggestive effects is carried over, making it easier for players to continue playing and promoting operation of the gaming machine. Furthermore, when a condition is met in one game state, the effects in other game states change, making it possible to execute effects that are related between different game states.

Figure 10-1 is a diagram showing the jackpot probability and jackpot type of feature part 072AK. As shown in Figure 10-1 (A), the jackpot probability is 1/319 when the probability is low (low probability state), and 1/70 when the probability is high (high probability state).

As shown in FIG. 10-1(B), when the display result of the first special pattern is a jackpot, there are two types of jackpot: a 10R sure-win jackpot and a 10R normal jackpot, with the distribution of jackpots being 50% for each. When a 10R sure-win jackpot occurs, the game is controlled to a 10-round jackpot game state, and then the game is controlled to a time-saving state (high base state) until 150 fluctuations are performed, and then the game is controlled to a sure-win state (high probability state) until 150 fluctuations are performed. Thus, in this embodiment, the sure-win state (high probability state) is limited by the number of times. When a 10R normal jackpot occurs, the game is controlled to a 10-round jackpot game state, and then the game is controlled to a time-saving state (high base state) until 100 fluctuations are performed.

As shown in FIG. 10-1(C), when the display result of the second special pattern is a jackpot, a 10R sure-win jackpot is set as the jackpot type, and when a jackpot occurs, it will be a 100% 10R sure-win jackpot. When a 10R sure-win jackpot occurs, the game is controlled to a 10-round jackpot game state, and then it is controlled to a time-saving state (high base state) until 150 fluctuations are performed, and it is also controlled to a sure-win state (high probability state) until 150 fluctuations are performed.

If the display result is a jackpot, in the jackpot end process of step S117 in FIG. 6, time-saving control or high-probability control is started according to the type of jackpot, and the number of time-saving times or the number of probability changes is set according to the type of jackpot. Then, in the special pattern stop process of step S113, it is determined whether the number of changes since the start of the time-saving control or high-probability control has reached the number of time-saving times or the number of probability changes set in step S117, and if so, the time-saving control or high-probability control is ended.

In this embodiment, special symbol 2 is consumed with priority, and if the display result of the first special symbol is a 10R sure-win jackpot, the state is controlled to a high probability, high base state, so basically the variation of the second special symbol is executed. Since the probability of a jackpot in the high probability state is 1/70, and the number of variations (number of sure-wins) that are the condition for ending the sure-win state is 150 times, the rate of another 10R sure-win jackpot (consecutive wins) (consecutive win continuation rate) is high. In this way, feature part 072AK is designed to be a gaming machine with a relatively high consecutive win continuation rate and in which specific conditions are likely to be met in a high probability state.

Note that the jackpot probability and jackpot types shown in Figure 10-1 are just examples, and it is sufficient that the consecutive win continuation rate is high so that specific conditions are more likely to be met in a high probability state.

In this embodiment, when a jackpot occurs in a high probability state, a specific condition is met, and in the ending performance of the jackpot, a performance is executed in which a character (mini character) used in the suggestive performance in a low probability state is released.

Figure 10-2 (A) is a flow chart showing an example of a mini character release process executed within the ending performance process of step S177 shown in Figure 9. In the mini character release process, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the mini character to be released in the current jackpot has been decided (step 072AKS101). In step 072AKS101, it can be determined whether or not the mini character has been decided based on whether or not the mini character decided flag, which indicates that the mini character has been decided, is on. If the mini character has been decided (step 072AKS101; Yes), the mini character release process ends.

If the mini character has not yet been determined (step 072AKS101; No), it is determined whether or not the current jackpot is a jackpot in a high probability state (step 072AKS102). In step 072AKS102, it may be determined whether or not the jackpot is in a high probability state based on, for example, the reception history of commands specifying a jackpot or commands specifying the game state. If the jackpot is not in a high probability state (step 072AKS102; No), the mini character release process is terminated.

If the jackpot is in a high probability state (step 072AKS102; Yes), it is determined whether the full release flag, which indicates that all mini characters have been released, is on (step 072AKS103). If the full release flag is on (step 072AKS103; Yes), the mini character release process ends.

If the full release flag is off (step 072AKS103; No), it is determined whether the release number counter, which indicates the number of mini characters released, is 9 or not (step 072AKS104). If the release number counter is not 9 (step 072AKS104; No), the mini character to be released this time is determined (step 072AKS105). In this embodiment, one mini character is released each time a jackpot is hit in a high probability state. Information capable of identifying the current mini character release status is stored in a specified storage area provided in RAM122, and in step 072AKS105, the mini character to be released this time is determined according to the mini character release status.

Figure 10-2 (B) shows the mini character release status. In this embodiment, 10 types of mini characters (mini characters A to I and mini character SP) are provided, and after power is turned on, all mini characters are not released until the first jackpot occurs in the high probability state. In this embodiment, each time a jackpot occurs in the high probability state, the mini characters are released in a predetermined order as shown in Figure 10-2 (B). That is, when the Nth (e.g., the first) jackpot occurs in the high probability state (when the first specific condition is met), the Nth mini character (e.g., mini character A) is released, and when the N+1th (e.g., the second) jackpot occurs in the high probability state (when the second specific condition is met), the N+1th mini character (e.g., mini character B) is released. In step 072 AKS105, it is determined to release the next mini character after the already released mini character depending on the current release status. If the release status is as shown in Figure 10-2 (B), it is determined to release mini character D.

The order in which the mini-characters are released is not limited to being predetermined, and which mini-characters are released may be determined by lottery. When the conditions for releasing a mini-character (a jackpot in a special state) are met, it is not limited to releasing one of the mini-characters, and whether or not a mini-character is released may be determined by lottery. In this case, the proportion of mini-characters released may differ depending on the content of the performance when the release conditions are met (type of reach, presence or absence of a notice, type, etc.). The number of types of mini-characters may be less than 10, or may be 11 or more. It is preferable that there are at least as many types of mini-characters as the number of contents suggested in the suggestive selection.

In addition, the release conditions or conditions under which a mini character is likely to be released may differ depending on the type of mini character. For example, mini character A is released under the condition that a jackpot occurs during a special probability state (first specific condition), and mini character C is released under the condition that a jackpot occurs via a specified super reach (for example, super reach A whose execution is suggested by mini character C) during a special probability state, or that a jackpot occurs after a specified preview performance is executed (second specific condition), or the probability of being released may be higher. Also, the release condition may be something other than a jackpot.

The probability of a mini-character being released when the release conditions are met may also differ depending on the type of mini-character. For example, mini-character A may be released with a 5% probability when the release conditions are met, and mini-character B may be released with a 2% probability when the release conditions are met. If the release condition is a jackpot in a special state, rare mini-characters (mini-characters with a low rate of release) may be made more likely to be released when the jackpot is unfavorable to the player (for example, a jackpot with a low payout or a regular jackpot). This can reduce player disappointment when the jackpot is unfavorable.

If the release count counter is 9 (step 072AKS104; Yes), the mini character to be released this time is determined to be a premium character (mini character SP) (step 072AKS106), and the all-release flag indicating that all mini characters have been released is set to ON (step 072AKS107). In this way, the tenth type of mini character SP is a special premium character that can be released by releasing all mini characters other than the mini character SP (when a special condition is met). By providing such a special mini character, it is possible to motivate the player to release all mini characters (when a special condition is met), and the excitement of the game is increased. Note that the special condition may be something else. For example, the number of consecutive wins in one high probability state may be set as a condition.

In addition, if the mini character to be unlocked is to be determined by lottery in step 072AKS105, the mini character can be selected from among the mini characters other than the SP, making the SP a special premium character with different unlocking conditions than the other mini characters.

When the mini character to be released this time is determined in step 072AKS105 or step 072AKS106, the mini character determined flag is set to ON. Also, after the processing of step 072AKS105 or step 072AKS107 is executed, the mini character release status shown in FIG. 10-2 (B) is updated according to the mini character to be released this time (step 072AKS108), and the release number counter for specifying the number of mini characters released is incremented by 1 (step 072AKS109). Then, settings are made (such as selection of performance control data, etc.) to execute a release performance indicating that the currently determined mini character will be released during the ending performance (step 072AKS110), and the mini character release processing is terminated.

Figure 10-3 (A) is a flow chart showing an example of the advance notice setting process executed in step S161 of Figure 9 of feature part 072AK. In the advance notice setting process, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether or not a start port winning designation command such as a first start port winning designation command or a second start port winning designation command has been received (step 072AKS001). If a start port winning designation command has not been received (step 072AKS001; No), the advance notice setting process ends.

When a start port winning designation command is received (step 072AKS001; Yes), it is determined whether or not a pre-reading prediction (pre-reading prediction performance) is already in progress (step 072AKS002). In step 072AKS002, it is possible to determine whether or not a pre-reading prediction is in progress by, for example, determining whether or not a pre-reading prediction in progress flag, which indicates that a pre-reading prediction is in progress, is in an on state.

If the advance notice is not being executed (step 072AKS002; No), it is determined whether or not the jackpot game state is in progress based on the value of the presentation process flag, etc. (step 072AKS003).

If the game is not in a jackpot game state (step 072AKS003; No), it is determined whether or not all fluctuations corresponding to the reserved data prior to the current start winning are non-reach fluctuations (step 072AKS004).

If a pre-reading prediction is being executed (step 072AKS002; Yes), if a jackpot game state is being played (step 072AKS003; Yes), or if there is a reach fluctuation in the fluctuation corresponding to the reserved data prior to the current start winning (step 072AKS004; No), the pre-reading prediction is not executed in this embodiment, so the process of determining the pre-reading prediction is omitted and the process proceeds to step 072AKS008 described below. Note that in these cases, the pre-reading prediction may be made executable, and in other cases, the pre-reading prediction may be restricted from being executed.

If all the fluctuations corresponding to the reserved data prior to the current start winning are non-reach fluctuations (step 072AKS004; Yes), it is determined whether to execute a pre-reading prediction and, if so, what the pre-reading prediction pattern will be (step 072AKS005). In step 072AKS005, the variable display result and the fluctuation category (fluctuation pattern) are pre-read based on the pattern designation command and the fluctuation category command received together with the start winning designation command at the time of the start winning, and it is determined whether to execute a pre-reading prediction and what the pre-reading prediction pattern will be.

In the process of step 072AKS005, the pre-reading prediction pattern (including no execution) is determined, for example, at a determination ratio as shown in FIG. 10-3(B). As shown in FIG. 10-3(B), in this embodiment, the pre-reading prediction pattern includes a pattern of executing an active change in which the display mode of the active display changes during the target change of the prediction, a pattern of executing a performance of moving to a pre-reading zone that suggests that reserved information with a high expectation of becoming a jackpot or a reach is stored before the target change of the prediction, and a pattern of executing both of them. In the determination ratio shown in FIG. 10-3(B), the determination ratio of the pre-reading prediction pattern (including no execution) is made different depending on the change pattern (variable display result). As a result, the jackpot reliability and reach reliability can be made different depending on whether or not the pre-reading prediction is executed and the performance mode, and the display result can be suggested. In FIG. 10-3(B), the jackpot reliability and super reach reliability are higher in the order of the pattern of executing both > pre-reading zone > active change. Note that the determination ratio shown in FIG. 10-3(B) is an example and can be changed arbitrarily. Also, instead of or in addition to these, other pre-reading notices (such as hold changes that change the display mode of the hold display) may be made possible.

After determining whether to execute the pre-reading notice and the pre-reading notice pattern if it is executed in the processing of step 072AKS005, it is determined whether it has been decided to execute the pre-reading notice (step 072AKS006). If it has been decided not to execute the pre-reading notice (no execution) (step 072AKS006; No), the process proceeds to step 072AKS008 described below.

If it is decided to execute the pre-reading preview (step 072AKS006; Yes), settings are made to execute the decided pre-reading preview (selection and storage of performance control data according to the pre-reading preview pattern) (step 072AKS007). Also, in step 072AKS007, the pre-reading preview execution flag is set to the ON state. The pre-reading preview execution flag may be reset to the OFF state when the pre-reading preview ends. After that, a suggestion performance setting process is executed to execute the suggestion performance of feature section 072AK (step 072AKS008). After the process of step 072AKS008 is executed, the pre-reading preview setting process is terminated.

Figure 10-4 (A) is a flow chart showing an example of the suggested performance setting process executed in step 072AKS008 of Figure 10-3 (A). The suggested performance is a performance using a mini-character that is unlocked in a high probability state. The suggested performance setting process includes a process for determining whether or not to execute the suggested performance, and if so, the suggested target and mini-character to be used.

In the suggestive effect setting process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether the current game state is normal or not by determining whether the probability bonus flag or the time-saving flag is off or not (step 072AKS021). If it is not normal (step 072AKS021; No), the suggestive effect setting process ends.

If it is in a normal state (step 072AKS021; Yes), it is determined whether the open count counter, which indicates the number of mini characters that have been opened, is 3 or more (step 072AKS022). If the open count counter is less than 3 (step 072AKS022; No), since there are few types of mini characters that can be used in the suggestive performance, the suggestive performance is not executed in this embodiment, and the suggestive performance setting process is terminated.

In this embodiment, as described below, the more mini-characters that appear in the suggestive performance, the higher the chance of hitting the jackpot. Therefore, if the suggestive performance is enabled when the number of mini-characters released is low, only suggestive performances that display a small number of mini-characters can be executed. Also, as described below, each mini-character suggests different things (performances), so even if you try to execute a suggestive performance when the number of mini-characters released is low, there is little content that can be suggested by the suggestive performance. Therefore, in this embodiment, by restricting the execution of suggestive performances when the number of released mini-characters counter is less than 3, it is possible to prevent suggestive performances that are not interesting from being executed, and to execute suggestive performances appropriately.

In this embodiment, no mini characters are released immediately after power is turned on, so if the game has never been controlled to a high probability state, the number of releases counter is determined to be less than 3 in step 072AKS022, and the suggestive performance setting process is terminated. Therefore, unless the game is controlled to a high probability state at least once after power is turned on and a mini character is released, the suggestive performance will not be executed. In contrast, it is possible to have a mini character that is released by default immediately after power is turned on, making it possible to execute the suggestive performance without going through the high probability state.

If the unlock count counter, which indicates the number of unlocked mini-characters, is 3 or more (step 072AKS022; Yes), it is determined whether or not a suggested performance is already being executed (step 072AKS023). In step 072AKS023, it is possible to determine whether or not a suggested performance is being executed based on whether or not a suggested performance execution flag, which indicates that a suggested performance is being executed, is on. If a suggested performance is already being executed (step 072AKS023; Yes), the suggested performance setting process is terminated.

If the suggestive effect is not being executed (step 072AKS023; No), it is determined whether or not the game is in a jackpot game state based on the value of the effect process flag, etc. (step 072AKS024). If the game is in a jackpot game state (step 072AKS024; Yes), the suggestive effect setting process is terminated.

If the game is not in a jackpot state (step 072AKS024; No), it is determined whether or not all of the fluctuations corresponding to the reserved data prior to the current start winning are non-reach fluctuations (step 072AKS025). If there is a reach fluctuation among the fluctuations corresponding to the reserved data prior to the current start winning (step 072AKS025; No), the suggestion performance setting process is terminated.

In addition, the suggestive effects may be allowed to be executed when the opening count counter is less than 3, when a suggestive effect is being executed, when there is a reach fluctuation in the fluctuation corresponding to the jackpot game state or the reserved data prior to the current start winning, or in other cases, the suggestive effects may be restricted from being executed.

If all fluctuations corresponding to the reserved data prior to the current start winning are non-reach fluctuations (step 072AKS025; Yes), it is determined whether the fluctuation corresponding to the current start winning (the fluctuation that is the subject of the suggestive performance) is a reach fluctuation (step 072AKS026).

If the variation that is the target of the suggestive effect is not a reach variation (step 072AKS026; No), it is determined whether or not it has been decided to execute a pre-reading notice of an active change in the variation that corresponds to this start winning (the variation that is the target of the suggestive effect) (step 072AKS027). In this embodiment, the content suggested by the suggestive effect is that a reach will be executed, or that an active change will be executed. Therefore, in steps 072AKS026 and 072AKS027, it is determined whether or not the variation that is the target of the suggestive effect will be executed. If it has not been decided to execute an active change (step 072AKS027; No), the suggestive effect setting process is terminated.

If the fluctuation that is the subject of the suggestive effect is a reach fluctuation (step 072AKS026; Yes), or if it has been decided that an active change will be executed in the fluctuation that is the subject of the suggestive effect (step 072AKS027; Yes), it is decided whether or not to execute the suggestive effect (step 072AKS028).

In this embodiment, the decision as to whether or not to execute a suggestive effect is made at different rates depending on the number of mini characters that have been released (the value of the number of releases counter). In step 072AKS028, for example, the decision as to whether or not to execute a suggestive effect is made at the rate shown in FIG. 10-4 (B). As shown in FIG. 10-4 (B), in this embodiment, the greater the number of mini characters that have been released (the value of the number of releases counter), the higher the rate at which a suggestive effect is decided to be executed. In this way, the greater the number of mini characters that have been released, the more likely it is that a suggestive effect will be executed. It is also expected that players will continue playing in order to release mini characters, and an improvement in utilization rate can be expected.

The decision ratio shown in FIG. 10-4(B) is an example, and other ratios may be used, the decision ratio may be divided into more detailed ratios depending on the number of mini characters released, or the decision ratio may be constant regardless of the number of mini characters released, and the ratio at which a suggestive performance is decided to be executed may be lower the more mini characters are released (the value of the release number counter). In addition, the decision on whether or not to execute a suggestive performance may be made based on other information (the display results and fluctuation patterns of the target (type of reach), the suggested target of the suggestive performance, etc.).

Next, it is determined whether or not it has been decided in step 072AKS028 to execute the suggested performance (step 072AKS029). If it has been decided not to execute the suggested performance (step 072AKS029; No), the suggested performance setting process is terminated.

If it is decided to execute a suggested performance (step 072AKS029; Yes), a suggested performance pattern corresponding to the performance content of the suggested performance is determined (step 072AKS030).

In this embodiment, the content suggested by the suggestive effect is determined for each mini-character, and depending on the type of mini-character, it suggests that a reach will occur, the type of reach, or that an active change will be executed as a preview effect (preview preview). Reach and preview effects are themselves previews or hints that a jackpot will occur, and as they are previews or hints that the hint effects will be executed, they can also be said to be previews of previews. As the suggestive effect is executed before the reach or preview effect, it is possible to draw attention to the hint effect, increasing the interest of the game.

In this embodiment, the possible reaches are normal reach, super reach A, super reach B, super reach C, and premium reach, with the order of jackpot reliability being normal reach < super reach A < super reach B < super reach C < premium reach. Premium reaches occur infrequently, and may be special reaches that guarantee a jackpot or have an extremely high jackpot reliability.

As shown in FIG. 10-4 (C), mini characters A and F suggest that a reach will be established, mini characters B and G suggest that an active change will be executed, mini characters C and H suggest that Super Reach A will be executed as a reach, mini characters D and I suggest that Super Reach B will be executed as a reach, mini character E suggests that Super Reach C will be executed as a reach, and mini character SP suggests that a premium reach will be executed as a reach. Note that the specific effect suggested by the suggestion effect may be other effects (changing preview effect, foresight zone, setting suggestion effect, etc.).

In step 072AKS030, a suggestion effect pattern (mini character that appears in the suggestion effect) is determined based on the mini character's release status, the type of reach, the display result, and whether or not there is an active change.

Figure 10-5 (A) shows the rate at which a suggested presentation pattern is determined when the type of reach is a normal reach. When the type of reach is a normal reach, a suggested presentation pattern in which mini character A or mini character F appears is determined depending on whether the display result is a jackpot or not. In this embodiment, the rate of a jackpot (normal reach jackpot) is higher when mini character F appears than when mini character A appears. This makes it possible to suggest the likelihood of a jackpot depending on the type of mini character, even for mini characters that suggest the same reach will be achieved. Note that if mini character A or mini character F (in this embodiment, mini character F based on the release order) has not been released, the suggested presentation pattern in which mini character A appears should be determined.

Figure 10-5 (B) shows the determination rate of the suggested performance pattern when the type of reach is Super Reach A. When the type of reach is Super Reach A, depending on whether the display result is a jackpot or not, one of the suggested performance patterns in which mini character A, mini character F, mini character A + C, or mini character F + H appears is determined. Mini character A + C is a suggested performance pattern in which two mini characters, mini character A and mini character C, appear, and mini character F + H is a suggested performance pattern in which two mini characters, mini character F and mini character H, appear. In this embodiment, the rate of a jackpot (Super Reach A jackpot) is higher in the order of mini character A < mini character F < mini character A + C < mini character F + H, and the rate of a jackpot is higher when there are two mini characters than when there is one. As a result, even if the mini characters suggest that the same reach will be established, the type of mini character and the number and combination of mini characters can suggest the expectation of a jackpot. Furthermore, if there are any mini-characters that have not been unlocked (in this embodiment, mini-characters F and H based on the unlocking order), the suggested performance pattern can be determined from among those that feature unlocked mini-characters (in this embodiment, mini-characters A and C based on the unlocking order).

In this embodiment, the suggested performance patterns when the reach type is Super Reach A do not include a pattern in which mini character C or H appears alone, or a combination of mini character A + H or mini character F + C, but these patterns may be provided. As in this embodiment, certain mini character combinations appear, but predetermined mini character combinations do not appear, which allows the mini characters to have connections and a narrative quality. It is also possible to make certain mini character combinations appear easily, but predetermined mini character combinations appear less easily.

Figure 10-5 (C) shows the determination rate of the suggested performance pattern when the type of reach is Super Reach B. When the type of reach is Super Reach B, depending on whether the display result is a jackpot or not, it is determined to be one of the suggested performance patterns in which mini character A, mini character F, mini character A + D, or mini character F + I appears. Mini character A + D is a suggested performance pattern in which two mini characters, mini character A and mini character D, appear, and mini character F + I is a suggested performance pattern in which two mini characters, mini character F and mini character I, appear. In this embodiment, the rate of a jackpot (Super Reach B jackpot) is higher in the order of mini character A < mini character F < mini character A + D < mini character F + I, and the rate of a jackpot is higher when there are two mini characters than when there is one. As a result, even if the mini characters suggest that the same reach will be established, the type of mini character and the number and combination of mini characters can suggest the expectation of a jackpot. Furthermore, if there are any mini-characters that have not been unlocked (in this embodiment, mini-characters D, F, and I based on the unlocking order), the suggested performance pattern can be determined from among those that feature unlocked mini-characters (in this embodiment, mini-character A, etc. based on the unlocking order).

In this embodiment, the suggested performance patterns when the reach type is Super Reach B do not include a pattern in which mini-characters D or I appear alone, or a combination of mini-characters A+I or mini-characters F+D, but these patterns may be included.

Figure 10-5 (C) shows the rate of determining the suggested presentation pattern when the type of reach is Super Reach C. When the type of reach is Super Reach C, depending on whether the display result is a jackpot or not, it is determined to be one of the suggested presentation patterns in which mini character A, mini character F, mini character A + E, or mini character F + E appears. Mini character A + E is a suggested presentation pattern in which two mini characters, mini character A and mini character E, appear, and mini character F + E is a suggested presentation pattern in which two mini characters, mini character F and mini character E, appear. In this embodiment, the rate of a jackpot (Super Reach C jackpot) is higher in the order of mini character A < mini character F < mini character A + E < mini character F + E, and the rate of a jackpot is higher when there are two mini characters than when there is one. As a result, even if the mini characters suggest that the same reach will be established, the type of mini character and the number and combination of mini characters can suggest the expected probability of a jackpot. Furthermore, if there are any mini-characters that have not been unlocked (in this embodiment, mini-characters F and E based on the unlocking order), the suggested performance pattern can be determined from among those that feature unlocked mini-characters (in this embodiment, mini-character A based on the unlocking order).

In this embodiment, a pattern in which mini character E appears alone is not provided as a suggested performance pattern when the reach type is Super Reach C, but a pattern in which mini character E appears alone may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 10-5 (E), when the type of reach is a premium reach, one of the suggestive performance patterns in which a mini character SP appears is determined. Note that when the type of reach is a premium reach, only a pattern in which a mini character SP appears alone is provided, but a pattern in which the mini character SP appears together with other mini characters that suggest the establishment of a reach may also be provided.

Figure 10-5 (F) shows the rate at which a suggested presentation pattern is determined when an active change is executed as a pre-reading notice. When an active change is executed, a suggested presentation pattern in which mini character B or mini character G appears is determined depending on whether the display result is a jackpot or not. In this embodiment, the rate of a jackpot is higher when mini character G appears than when mini character B appears. This makes it possible to suggest the likelihood of a jackpot even for mini characters that suggest an active change will be executed, depending on the type of mini character. Note that if mini character B or mini character G (in this embodiment, mini character G is selected based on the release order) has not been released, the suggested presentation pattern in which mini character B appears should be determined.

When a reach is reached for the target of the suggestive performance and an active change is executed, a suggestive performance pattern is determined according to the type of reach, and a suggestive performance pattern suggesting that an active change will be executed is determined. In the suggestive performance, in addition to the mini-character corresponding to the suggestive performance pattern determined according to the type of reach, a suggestive performance is executed in which a mini-character corresponding to the suggestive performance pattern determined in response to the execution of an active change appears. In other words, in this embodiment, a suggestive performance in which up to three mini-characters appear is executed.

As described above, in the suggestive performance that suggests that a reach will be executed, the probability of a jackpot is higher when there are two mini characters than when there is one. The active change pre-reading notice is executed at a higher rate when the display result is a jackpot than when it is a miss (Figure 10-3 (B)). Therefore, when mini character B or G appears in the suggestive performance, which suggests that an active change will be executed, the probability of a jackpot is higher than when they do not appear. Therefore, it can be said that the probability of a jackpot is higher when there are two mini characters than when there is one mini character in the suggestive performance, and further, the probability of a jackpot is higher when there are three mini characters than when there are two mini characters. Thus, in this embodiment, the more mini characters there are in the suggestive performance, the higher the probability of a jackpot (expectation, reliability), and the number of mini characters in the suggestive performance can suggest and notify the probability of a jackpot (expectation, reliability), so that the player will pay attention to the suggestive performance and the interest will increase. In addition, it becomes easier for the player to continue playing in order to release the mini characters, and the operation of the gaming machine is improved. It is also possible to have a suggestion effect in which four or more mini characters appear. In this case, the more mini characters there are in the suggestion effect, the higher the chance of a big win.

In this embodiment, mini-characters suggesting the same performance content are not made to appear at the same time. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10-5, mini-characters A and F suggesting that a reach will be established will not appear at the same time, mini-characters B and G suggesting that an active change will be executed will not appear at the same time, mini-characters C and H suggesting that a super reach A will be executed will not appear at the same time, and mini-characters D and I suggesting that a super reach B will be executed will not appear at the same time. By doing this, it is possible to prevent performances suggesting the same performance content from being performed in duplicate, which would be a waste, or to prevent players from being confused. Note that mini-characters suggesting the same performance content may be made less likely to appear at the same time. Also, if mini-characters suggesting the same performance content appear at the same time, they may be made to suggest other performances.

Note that the determination ratios and combinations of mini-characters that can be determined shown in Figure 10-5 are just examples, and any determination ratio can be used as long as the type of mini-character can suggest the type of performance or reach that will be executed subsequently, and the type and number of mini-characters can suggest that a jackpot will be reached.

After the suggested performance pattern is determined in step 072AKS030, settings are made to execute a suggested performance according to the determined suggested performance pattern (selection and storage of performance control data according to the suggested performance pattern) (step 072AKS031), and the suggested performance setting process is terminated. In step 072AKS031, the suggested performance execution flag is set to the ON state. The suggested performance execution flag may be reset to the OFF state when the suggested performance ends.

In this embodiment, in step 072AKS028, it is determined whether or not to execute the suggested performance regardless of the performance that is the target of the suggested performance, but the ratio (decision ratio) of executing the suggested performance may be varied depending on the performance of the target. For example, the execution ratio of the suggested performance may be varied depending on the performance that is the target of the suggested performance. For example, if a performance with a high appearance rate, such as the establishment of a reach, is the target of the suggested performance, the ratio of executing the suggested performance may be set to be low. In this way, it is possible to prevent the appearance rate of a specific mini character (for example, mini character A or F) from becoming excessively high. Specifically, if the appearance rate decreases in the order of reach establishment < active change < super reach A < super reach B < super reach C < premium reach, the frequency of execution of the suggested performance may be increased in the order of reach establishment < active change < super reach A < super reach B < super reach C < premium reach.

If the appearance rate of the effect targeted by the suggested effect decreases in the following order: Reach establishment < Active change < Super Reach A < Super Reach B < Super Reach C < Premium Reach, the mini-characters suggesting the effect with a higher appearance rate may be made more likely to be released. By doing this, it is possible to reduce the situation where the suggested effect cannot be executed because the mini-character has not been released, even though the effect targeted by the suggested effect is to be executed.

In addition, in this embodiment, after deciding whether or not to execute a suggestive performance, it is decided which mini-character will appear (suggestive performance pattern); however, when a performance that will be a suggestive performance is executed, it may be decided for each mini-character whether or not to have that mini-character appear. In this case, it is sufficient to decide not to have mini-characters that suggest the same performance appear.

Also, if the effect targeted by the suggested effect is an effect with a low probability of resulting in a jackpot (such as a normal reach, super reach A, or an active change that changes to a state with a low probability of occurring), the rate at which the suggested effect is executed may be set to be low. This can prevent effects with a low probability of occurring being frequently suggested, which can be annoying.

In addition, whether or not to execute a suggestive effect may be determined based on whether or not the target display result is a jackpot. In this way, the presence or absence of a suggestive effect can suggest that a jackpot will occur.

In this embodiment, when a specific condition is met (a jackpot occurs) in a high probability state (high probability state), a mini-character that appears in a suggestive effect is released, and a song that the player can select is released in a specified music selection effect (for example, during a reach effect or a jackpot effect in which a song can be selected). The music selection effect is designed to play a song selected by the player. Each time a specific condition is met, the number of songs that the player can select in the music selection effect is released and increased, increasing the interest of the music selection effect. For example, the music selection effect is an effect that is executed in a high probability state, but it may also be an effect that is executed in a normal state like the suggestive effect, or it may be an effect that is executed regardless of the game state.

Figure 10-6 (A) is a flow chart showing an example of the music release process executed in the ending presentation process of step S177 shown in Figure 9. The music release process is a process for releasing a music that can be selected by the player in the music selection presentation in response to a jackpot being hit in a high probability state. In the music release process, the presentation control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the music to be released in the current jackpot has been decided (step 072AKS120). In step 072AKS120, it is sufficient to determine whether or not the music has been decided based on whether or not a music decision flag indicating that the music has been decided is on. If the music has been decided (step 072AKS120; Yes), the music release process ends.

If the song has not been decided (step 072AKS120; No), it is determined whether or not the current jackpot is a jackpot in a high probability state (step 072AKS121). In step 072AKS121, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is in a high probability state based on the reception history of commands specifying a jackpot and commands specifying a game state, etc.

If the jackpot occurs in a high probability state (step 072AKS121; Yes), it is determined whether the full song release flag, which indicates that all songs have been released, is on (step 072AKS122). If the full release flag is on (step 072AKS122; Yes), the song release process ends.

If the full song release flag is off (step 072AKS122; No), the song to be released this time is determined (step 072AKS123). In this embodiment, one song is released each time a jackpot occurs in a high probability state. Information that can identify the current song release status is stored in a specified storage area provided in RAM122, and in step 072AKS123, the song to be released this time is determined according to the song release status.

Figure 10-6 (B) shows the song release status. In this embodiment, four types of songs (songs A to D) are provided, and all songs are unlocked until the first jackpot occurs in the high probability state. Also, in this embodiment, each time a jackpot occurs in the high probability state, songs are unlocked in a predetermined order as shown in Figure 10-6 (B). In step 072AKS123, it is decided to unlock the next song after the already unlocked songs depending on the current unlock status. In the unlock status shown in Figure 10-6 (B), it is decided to unlock song B. Once the song to be unlocked this time is decided in step 072AKS123, the song decided flag is set to ON.

The order in which the songs are released does not necessarily have to be predetermined, and the songs to be released may be determined by lottery. Also, the number of types of songs may be less than four or may be five or more.

After determining the song to be released this time in step 072AKS123, it is determined whether the song release count counter, which indicates the number of songs released this time, is 3 (step 072AKS124). If the song release count counter is 3 (step 072AKS124; Yes), it has been determined that the fourth song D will be released this time, so the all songs released flag, which indicates that all songs have been released, is set to ON (step 072AKS125).

If the song release count counter is not 3 (step 072AKS124; No), the song release status shown in FIG. 10-6 (B) is updated according to the song to be released this time (step 072AKS126), and the release count counter for specifying the number of songs released is incremented by 1 (step 072AKS127). Then, settings are made (selection of performance control data, etc.) to execute a song release performance indicating that the currently selected song will be released during the ending performance (step 072AKS128), and the song release process ends. Note that the song release performance may be executed at any timing during the ending performance, such as after the mini character release performance.

If the jackpot is not in a high probability state (step 072AKS121; No), the song release count counter, song release status, and all song release flag are reset (step 072AKS129), and the song release process ends.

In this way, in this embodiment, if a jackpot does not occur in a high probability state (if a jackpot occurs in a normal state after the high probability state ends), all released songs are reset to an unreleased state. Therefore, when the high probability state ends and control is made to the normal state and then controlled to the high probability state again, the songs released in the previous high probability state are reset. In contrast, when the high probability state ends and control is made to the normal state and then controlled to the high probability state again, the mini-characters released in the previous high probability state are carried over. In this way, it is possible to execute effects that carry over the fulfillment of specific conditions and effects that do not carry over the fulfillment of specific conditions, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, an example has been described in which the process for unlocking a song and the process for resetting the unlocked song are executed within the same song unlocking process, but the process for resetting the unlocked song may be executed within another process, for example, at the end of a high probability state.

Next, an example of a character image used in the performance of the feature part 072AK will be described. FIG. 10-7(A) illustrates a super reach character AK1 (predetermined character) used in the main performance executed in response to the change of the decorative pattern such as the reach performance of the super reach. FIG. 10-7(B) illustrates a mini character AK2 (specific character) used in the suggestive performance. Note that FIG. 10-7 illustrates the type of character, and the position actually displayed in the performance may differ. Also, here, three character images are shown, but in reality, the number of character images according to the performance is prepared. In this way, the mini character AK2 used in the suggestive performance is a character image that is not used in the main performance such as the reach performance. Also, the mini character AK2 used in the suggestive performance is different from the super reach character AK1 used in the main performance in terms of display size, color tone, and drawing, and can be distinguished from each other. As described later, the super reach character AK1 used in the main performance such as the reach performance is displayed in a predetermined area (for example, the center of the screen of the image display device 5), and the mini character AK2 is displayed in a specific area different from the predetermined area (such as the mini character square described later). In this way, since the suggestive performance is performed using an area and a different character image different from the main performance, the suggestive performance can be performed without considering the influence on the main performance, so adjustment of the display area and the image to be displayed is unnecessary, and image processing can be prevented from becoming complicated. Specifically, since the mini character AK2 may be used as a notice of a notice, it is determined whether or not the execution of the target notice has been decided and whether or not the mini character has been released. Therefore, if the image is created in such a way that the other performances and the mini character AK2 each have an influence, in addition to the above processing, a process of determining the execution mode of the other performances depending on whether or not the mini character AK2 is executed will occur. Therefore, by configuring the mini character AK2 as a performance separate from the other performances, it is possible to prevent the processing from becoming complicated and reduce the performance patterns.

The mini character AK2 used in the suggestive performance may be displayed simultaneously with the super reach character AK1 used in the main performance. For example, if an active change is executed during the reach performance of a super reach, the mini character AK2 suggesting that the active change will be executed will be displayed simultaneously with the super reach character AK1 used in the main performance. Also, if a mini character AK2 is provided that suggests that a performance during a reach performance (a reach promotion performance or a change notification performance) will be executed, the mini character AK2 will be displayed simultaneously with the super reach character AK1 used in the main performance. In this way, the super reach character AK1 used in the main performance and the mini character AK2 used in the suggestive performance may be displayed simultaneously, but as described above, they are each a distinguishable image and are displayed in different areas, so there is no interference between the images or performances of each other.

It is preferable that the mini character AK2 not be used in any effects other than suggestive effects and unlocking effects. This allows a clear distinction between suggestive effects and other effects. Also, although it is called a mini character AK2, it does not necessarily have to be a small character as long as it does not get in the way of other effects.

As mentioned above, mini character AK2 is not used in the main performance, and mini character AK2 does not affect the main performance, so the main performance currently being performed and the mini character AK2 displayed at that time are not related performances and are independent of each other.

The image display device 5 can display images in multiple display layers, and the super reach character AK1 and the mini character AK2 may be displayed in different display layers. The mini character AK2 may be displayed in a higher display layer than the super reach character AK1. In this case, the mini character AK2 is displayed with priority over the super reach character AK1. The mini character AK2 may also be displayed in a higher display layer than the display layer in which the decorative pattern is displayed. For example, the mini character AK2 may be displayed with priority when the decorative pattern is confirmed.

(Example of the performance of the characteristic part 072AK)
Next, an example of the performance operation of the characteristic part 072AK will be described. FIG. 10-8 shows an example of the performance operation when the opening performance is executed. FIG. 10-8(A) shows that the number "7" stops in the "left" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R of the image display device 5, and that the "center" decorative pattern display area 5C is in a "high probability" state, and a downward arrow indicates that the decorative pattern is being changed. In addition, the word "high probability" is displayed in the upper left corner of the image display device 5, and the game state is in a high probability state. In addition, four circular reserved displays are displayed in the lower left part of the image display device 5, and one circular active display is displayed in the square display area in the lower center part of the image display device 5. In addition, in the upper right corner of the image display device 5, a small pattern that is always visible to the player is also being changed.

If the display result is a jackpot, the number "7" stops in the "medium" decorative pattern display area 5C as shown in FIG. 10-8(B), and the small pattern showing the numbers "777" also stops. Then, as shown in FIG. 10-8(C), a message is displayed indicating that a jackpot has been reached, and the game is then controlled to a jackpot gaming state. When the jackpot gaming state ends, as shown in FIG. 10-8(D), the words "jackpot ended," for example, are displayed to notify the end of the jackpot gaming state.

In this embodiment, as described above, if a jackpot occurs during the probability bonus state, a mini character release effect is executed in the ending effect. In the release effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 10-8 (E), the words "Chance to Get a Mini Character" are displayed, and as shown in FIG. 10-8 (F), a capsule machine AK11 is displayed, and an effect is executed in which one capsule AK12 comes out of the capsule machine AK11. Then, as shown in FIG. 10-8 (G), the capsule AK12 breaks and a dog mini character AK13 (mini character A) is displayed.

After that, as shown in FIG. 10-8 (H), a dog mini character AK13 is displayed in the center of the image display device 5, and is then shrouded in smoke as shown in FIG. 10-8 (I). Then, as shown in FIG. 10-8 (J), the dog mini character AK13 changes into a token AK14, and the words "Get Mini Character A" are displayed, announcing that mini character A has been released. The token AK14 corresponding to the released mini character is displayed in a reduced size in the lower right part of the image display device 5 during the period of the special probability state as shown in FIG. 10-8 (K). This allows the player to know which mini character has been released.

In this way, the release effect in which the mini character is released is executed for a relatively long period (for example, 30 to 60 seconds). In other words, in this embodiment, the duration of the ending effect when a jackpot occurs in the special probability state is long. In contrast, in the ending effect when a jackpot occurs in the normal state, such an release effect is not executed, so the duration of the ending effect is shorter than in the special probability state (for example, 10 to 20 seconds). By doing this, when a streak occurs in the special probability state, the ending period is long, so the gambling element of winning a large number of balls in a short period of time is suppressed, and the release effect in which the mini character is released can be used to fill the gap even during a long ending period. When a streak occurs in the normal state and there is no streak, the ending period is not long, so it is possible to suppress a decrease in interest due to the long effect being shown.

Figure 10-9 shows an example of the performance operation when a suggestion performance is executed. Figure 10-9 (A) shows that a losing decorative pattern has stopped on the image display device 5 during the special chance state. In Figure 10-9 (A), four mini character tokens AK15 are displayed on the right side of the image display device 5, indicating that four mini characters have been released. Here, it is assumed that the 150th fluctuation, which is the condition for ending the special chance state, has ended. In this case, as shown in Figure 10-9 (B), the words "Special chance end" are displayed on the image display device 5, the special chance state ends, and the state transitions to the normal state.

When transitioning to the normal state, as shown in Figure 10-9 (C), the mini character token AK15 is erased and instead an image of the mini character square AK16, which is a specific area where mini characters are displayed in a stock manner in a suggestive performance, is displayed in the lower right portion of the image display device 5. In this way, the mini character display area (specific area) which is the mini character square AK16 is positioned to avoid the center of the screen (predetermined area) where the variable display of decorative patterns and reach performance are performed, and the area where small patterns are displayed. This makes it possible to execute a performance that displays mini characters without interfering with other performances.

After that, as shown in FIG. 10-9(D), when the reserved ball is consumed and a decision is made to execute a suggestive effect based on the game ball having entered the winning ball device 6A (first starting winning port), a bear mini character AK17 (mini character C) is displayed in the mini character square AK16 as shown in FIG. 10-6(E). This suggests that some kind of effect (here, Super Reach A corresponding to mini character C) will be executed or that a jackpot may occur based on this starting winning.

After that, as shown in Figures 10-9 (F) and (G), when the reserved amount is consumed and the target of the suggestive performance changes, the number "7" stops in the "left" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R as shown in Figure 10-9 (H), resulting in a reach, and as shown in Figure 10-9 (I), the mini character AK17 pops out into the center of the image display device 5 and disappears, and then, as shown in Figure 10-9 (J), it is announced that the performance has progressed to Super Reach A. In this way, the suggestive performance in which mini character C appears ends.

After that, for example, as shown in FIG. 10-9 (K), the reach performance of Super Reach A, in which the girl character AK18 and the enemy character AK19 fight among the characters for the Super Reach, is executed in the center of the screen (predetermined area), and if the display result is a jackpot, as shown in FIG. 10-9 (L), the girl character AK18 wins, and the decorative pattern and small pattern of the number "777" stop, announcing that a jackpot has been won.

Figure 10-10 shows another example of the presentation action when a suggestive presentation is executed. Figure 10-10 (A) shows that the suggestive presentation has already started, and a bear mini character AK17 (mini character C) and a pig mini character AK20 (mini character B) are displayed in the mini character square AK16. This suggests that some kind of presentation (here, super reach A corresponding to mini character C and active change corresponding to mini character B) will be executed, or that a jackpot may occur.

When the timing for the active change comes, as shown in FIG. 10-10(B), the mini character AK20 moves from the mini character square AK16 to the active display, and an effect that affects the active display is executed, and the display state of the active display changes, as shown in FIG. 10-10(C). This indicates that there is a high expectation that the display result of this change will be a jackpot. In addition, in the suggestive effect that suggests an active change, since the mini character itself is an effect that affects the active display, this suggestive effect itself can be said to be (part of) the preview effect. In this way, the suggestive effect using the mini character includes an effect that is executed as a preview of the preview, and an effect that is executed as a preview effect, so the effects become more diverse and the interest of the effects increases. In addition, when deciding whether or not to execute an active change, the decision on whether or not to execute it may be made based on whether or not the mini character that suggests an active change is released.

After that, as shown in FIG. 10-10(D), the number "7" stops in the "left" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R, resulting in a reach, and as shown in FIG. 10-10(E), the mini character AK17 pops out into the center of the image display device 5 and disappears, and then, as shown in FIG. 10-10(F), it is announced that the progress has progressed to Super Reach A. In this way, the suggestive performance in which mini characters B and C appear ends. In this way, the suggestive performance in which multiple mini characters B and C are displayed suggests that there is a higher possibility of a jackpot than when a single mini character C is displayed as shown in FIG. 10-9.

Figure 10-11 is an example of a presentation operation showing the flow when mini characters are released in a special chance state, controlled to the normal state, and then controlled to the special chance state again. In Figure 10-11 (A), four mini character tokens AK15 are displayed on the right side of the image display device 5, indicating that four mini characters have been released. In addition, the words "Special chance end" are displayed, indicating that the special chance state has ended. After that, it transitions to the normal state.

In this normal state, as shown in FIG. 10-11 (B), a jackpot occurs, and if it is a guaranteed jackpot, as shown in FIG. 10-11 (C) and (D), a notification is issued that the machine will transition to a guaranteed jackpot state after the jackpot game state ends, and the machine is controlled to the guaranteed jackpot state. Then, in the controlled guaranteed jackpot state, as shown in FIG. 10-11 (E), four mini-character tokens AK15 are displayed, and the mini-characters that were released in the previous guaranteed jackpot state are carried over. As a result, even if the machine returns to the normal state after being controlled to the guaranteed jackpot state, if the machine is controlled to the guaranteed jackpot state again, the mini-character release status is carried over, making it easier for the player to continue playing and promoting operation of the gaming machine.

(Modification of characteristic portion 072AK)
This characteristic part is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible, and further features may be added. The process contents and determination ratios of the flowcharts shown in the above embodiment and modified examples, and the method of determining various effects are only examples, and any method may be used as long as it can achieve the same effect as the above embodiment and can perform the effects shown in the above embodiment. In addition, the example of the performance operation shown in the above embodiment is only an example, and can be changed as appropriate as long as it can achieve the same performance effect. In addition, not all of the configurations described in the above embodiment are essential configurations, and some of them may be missing. In addition, this characteristic part may be combined with other characteristic parts as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the suggestive effect was an effect that suggested that another effect (specific effect) would be executed by displaying a mini-character, but the suggestive effect is not limited to this type of effect. In other words, the suggestive effect may have any content as long as it directly or indirectly suggests that the state will be controlled to be advantageous for the player in a first state (e.g., a low probability state). Furthermore, it is sufficient that the effect modes of the executable suggestive effect are opened (increased) in response to the establishment of a specific condition in a second state (e.g., a high probability state) different from the first state.

In the above embodiment, when executing a suggestion effect in which multiple mini characters are displayed for the same target change, it is assumed that multiple mini characters are displayed on one side, but multiple mini characters may be displayed sequentially before the target change.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the type and number of mini-characters in the suggestive performance suggested the likelihood of a jackpot, but the number of times the suggestive performance is performed or the performance format (how the mini-characters are displayed and erased, the facial expression of the same mini-character, etc.) may also suggest the likelihood of a jackpot.

In the above embodiment, when the special bonus state ends, the special effect whose release status is not carried over is the music release effect (the music that can be selected in the music release effect), but it may be another effect. If the power is cut off, the release status of the suggestion effect (mini character) and the special effect are both reset. In contrast, there may be an release effect that is not reset even when the power is cut off (for example, the contents of the customized effects or the contents set by mobile phone linkage (two-dimensional code)).

In the above embodiment, the special condition for the premier character (mini character SP) to be released was that a jackpot occurred in a special probability state while other mini characters were released, but the special condition may be other conditions. For example, the special condition may be established by performing a specific operation (hidden button effect) on the operating means such as the push button 31B or stick controller 31A at a special timing when operation is not encouraged. It may also be established by entering a specific password or code in conjunction with a mobile phone.

In addition, the music (special effects) may be unlocked in a way other than hitting a special jackpot (when certain conditions are met). For example, the music (special effects) may be unlocked by pressing the secret button. In this case, the music (special effects) may be unlocked by pressing the secret button, while the mini-characters (suggested effects) may not be unlocked by pressing the secret button.

In this embodiment, the mini-character (specific character) is the same character as the character (predetermined character) used in the main performance, but compared to the predetermined character, it may be distinguishable to the player by being deformed, animated rather than live-action, color-reduced, or image-processed.

In the above embodiment, multiple mini characters may be displayed in one suggestive performance, but it is also possible to display only one mini character in one suggestive performance.

In the above embodiment, if the number of unlocked mini characters is less than a predetermined number (3), the suggestive performance is restricted from being executed, but even if the number is less than the predetermined number, it is also possible to execute the possible suggestive performance.

In the above embodiment, the time-saving control is started when the player hits a jackpot, but the feature unit 072AK may be applied to a gaming machine in which the time-saving control is started (controlled to a time-saving state) when triggered by something other than a jackpot. For example, the feature unit 072AK may be applied to a gaming machine in which the time-saving control is started when the display result of the special symbol becomes a predetermined time-saving symbol, when the game ball enters a time-saving judgment area provided in the large prize winning port that opens in the small prize playing state, when the game ball enters a time-saving judgment area provided in the large prize winning port that opens in the small prize playing state, when the display result of the normal symbol becomes a predetermined time-saving symbol, etc. In this case, for example, in the time-saving state controlled by the trigger of a jackpot, the opening performance that opens the mini character of the above embodiment may be executed, while in the time-saving state controlled by a trigger other than a jackpot, the opening performance may not be executed. Also, when the time-saving state is controlled by a trigger other than a jackpot in the normal state, the suggestive effects of the above embodiment may not be executed in the time-saving state (low probability high base state), or the suggestive effects of the above embodiment may be executed even in the time-saving state (low probability high base state).

When a pre-reading preview performance is executed that reduces the visibility of the screen, such as by darkening or illuminating the screen of the image display device 5 at the time of the start winning, and a suggestion performance is also executed based on the start winning, the mini character may be displayed after the pre-reading preview performance that reduces the visibility of the screen has ended, or the mini character may be displayed completely behind the pre-reading preview performance that reduces visibility, and become visible when the visibility of the screen returns.

In suggestive effects, other effects may be suggested depending on the combination of mini-characters. For example, if mini-character A suggests that effect A will be performed and mini-character B suggests that effect B will be performed, when mini-characters A and B are displayed, it may be suggested that effect C will be performed.

In the above embodiment, the mini character's open status is maintained until the power is turned off, but it may also be possible to reset it by the player's operation. In this way, the player can execute the performance that suits their taste.

The mini character's unlocked status may also be allowed to be carried over via a password or two-dimensional code. In this way, the unlocked status can be carried over even after the power to the gaming machine is turned off, allowing the gamer to continually conquer the unlocked status of the mini characters.

In the above embodiment, the more mini-characters displayed in the suggestive performance, the higher the likelihood of a jackpot, but mini-characters for making up numbers that are not linked to other performances (do not suggest that a specific performance will be performed on their own) may be provided. By providing such mini-characters, the number of mini-characters for making up numbers can be increased to suggest the likelihood of a jackpot regardless of the performance being performed, making it easier to suggest the likelihood of a jackpot based on the number of mini-characters.

A specific mini-character may be provided to suggest that a special jackpot will occur. For example, if a jackpot occurs when a specific mini-character appears (is displayed), it may be confirmed that the jackpot will occur. In other words, the mini-character may suggest a special jackpot.

In addition, mini-characters that suggest a set value, or mini-characters that suggest added value other than a jackpot, such as control to a time-saving state triggered by something other than a jackpot, may be provided. Mini-characters that suggest such added value may not appear at the time of the start winning, but may appear later than the start winning, such as at the start of a target fluctuation (fluctuation corresponding to the start winning that triggered the mini-character to appear) or during the fluctuation of the target fluctuation. In that case, restrictions may be placed so that other mini-characters (mini-characters that suggest previews, reaches, etc.) do not appear at the time of the start winning.

The machine may be equipped with a function (ceiling function) that controls the machine to enter a time-saving state when a specified number of fluctuations have been consumed since the previous jackpot or since the power was turned on. In this case, the specified number of fluctuations (ceiling) may be about three times the probability of a jackpot under normal conditions (the number of fluctuations that can be expected to result in a jackpot).

When such a ceiling function is installed, the number fluctuations (e.g., 10 fluctuations) immediately prior to the specified number of times (ceiling) may be restricted so that suggestive effects are not executed, or so that suggestive effects that introduce a mini-character corresponding to an effect with a high expectation of a jackpot are not executed. Also, the number fluctuations immediately prior to the specified number of times (ceiling) may be restricted so that suggestive effects are not executed for fluctuations that result in a miss. Also, in this case, for example, during the number fluctuations immediately prior to the specified number of times (ceiling), an effect that displays the number of remaining fluctuations up to the specified number of times is executed, allowing the player to recognize that the ceiling is immediately prior to the ceiling. In a gaming machine in which a jackpot type that occurs with the second special symbol is more favorable than a jackpot type that occurs with the first special symbol, as in the above embodiment, frequent suggestive effects that suggest that the first special symbol will result in a jackpot when the player is about to reach the ceiling and is being controlled to a time-saving state may cause anxiety in the player. Therefore, by limiting suggestive effects that suggest that a jackpot will occur in a situation just before the ceiling, it is possible to prevent players from feeling anxious and prevent suggestive effects from reducing interest in the game.

(Means related to characteristic part 072AK)
(1) The gaming machine according to the characteristic part 072AK is
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the characteristic part 072AK) that can be controlled to a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) that is favorable to a player,
A state control means (e.g., a CPU 103 for executing the processes of steps S113 and S117) capable of controlling a first state (e.g., a normal state) and a second state (e.g., a probability variable state) different from the first state;
A suggestion effect execution means (e.g., an effect control CPU 120 that executes the suggestion effect setting process of step 072AKS008) capable of executing a suggestion effect that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state in the first state;
A suggestion effect control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120 that executes the mini character release process of FIG. 10-2 (A)) that controls the suggestion effect in response to the establishment of a specific condition in the second state,
The suggestive performance execution means is capable of executing a plurality of types of suggestive performances, including a first suggestive performance (e.g., a suggestive performance in which one of mini-characters A to I appears) and a second suggestive performance having a different rate of being controlled to the advantageous state from the first suggestive performance (e.g., a suggestive performance in which a mini-character other than the first suggestive performance among mini-characters A to I appears);
The suggestion performance control means
In the second state, when a first specific condition (for example, the first big win after being controlled to a probability variable state) is established, the first suggestion effect (for example, a suggestion effect in which a mini character A appears) is executable;
In the second state after the first specific condition is established, when a second specific condition (e.g., a second jackpot occurs after being controlled to a probability variable state) is established, the second suggestive effect (e.g., a suggestive effect in which a mini character B appears) is executable;
When the vehicle is controlled to the first state after the first specific condition is satisfied and then controlled to the second state again, the state in which the first specific condition is satisfied is continued in the second state,
When the vehicle is controlled to the first state after the second specific condition is satisfied and then controlled to the second state again, the state in which the second specific condition was satisfied is continued in the second state.
Such a configuration can increase the enjoyment of the game.

(2) In the gaming machine described in (1) above,
A variable display means (e.g., a CPU 120 for controlling the performance) for performing a variable display of performance identification information (e.g., a decorative pattern);
and a performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120 that executes the process of step S172) that is capable of executing a main performance (e.g., a reach performance) corresponding to the performance identification information when the device is controlled to the first state,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a performance using a predetermined character (for example, a super reach character AK1, a girl character AK18, or an enemy character AK19 shown in FIG. 10-7(A)) in a predetermined area (such as the center of the image display device 5 as shown in FIG. 10-9(K)) as the main performance,
The suggestion performance execution means may be capable of executing a performance as the suggestion performance using a specific character other than the specified character (for example, mini-character AK2, dog mini-character AK13, bear mini-character AK17, or pig mini-character AK20 shown in Figure 10-7 (B)) in a specific area other than the specified area (for example, mini-character plaza AK16 shown in Figure 10-9).
Such a configuration can increase the enjoyment of the game.

(3) In the gaming machine described in (1) or (2) above,
The suggestion effect execution means is capable of executing the suggestion effect a plurality of times in a specific period (for example, FIG. 10-10),
The proportion of the advantageous state that is controlled may differ depending on the number of times the suggestive performance is executed during the specific period (for example, the proportion of the number of mini characters that is determined may differ depending on whether or not a jackpot is reached, as shown in Figure 10-5).
With this configuration, it is possible to draw attention to the number of times the suggestive effects are executed, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

(4) In the gaming machine described in (3) above,
The suggested performance execution means may be configured to restrict the suggested performance from being executed until a predetermined number of types of the suggested performances are controlled to be executable by the suggested performance control means (for example, if the result of step 072AKS022 is No, the suggested performance setting process is terminated).
With this configuration, suggestive effects can be executed effectively.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The suggestion effect control means may be configured to control a special suggestion effect (for example, a suggestion effect in which a mini character SP appears) to be executable when a special condition different from the first specific condition and the second specific condition (for example, the release of mini characters A to I, or 10 jackpots in a special probability state) is established in the second state.
With this configuration, it is possible to draw attention to the establishment of special conditions, thereby making the game more entertaining.

(6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
The suggested performance execution means may be capable of executing the suggested performance at different rates between a state in which the suggested performance control means controls the first suggested performance to be executable and a state in which the suggested performance control means controls the first suggested performance and the second suggested performance to be executable (for example, the rate at which a suggested performance is determined to be executed may differ depending on the number of mini-characters unlocked, as shown in Figure 10-4 (B)).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to draw attention to the number of times a specific condition is realized, thereby making the game more interesting.

(7) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
A special effect execution means capable of executing a special effect (e.g., a music selection effect) different from the suggestion effect;
A special effect control means (for example, a music release process shown in FIG. 10-6(A)) that controls the special effect in response to the establishment of a specific condition in the second state,
the special effect execution means is capable of executing a first special effect (e.g., a music selection effect in which music A can be selected) and a second special effect (e.g., a music selection effect in which music B can be selected) different from the first special effect,
The suggestion performance control means
In the second state, when a first specific condition (for example, the first big win after being controlled to the probability variable state) is established, the first special performance is controlled to be executable;
In the second state after the first specific condition is established, when a second specific condition (for example, a second jackpot after being controlled to a probability variable state) is established, the second special performance is controlled to be executable;
When the vehicle is controlled to the first state after the first specific condition is satisfied and then controlled to the second state again, the state in which the first specific condition is satisfied is not inherited in the second state,
When the second specific condition is satisfied and then the first state is controlled and then the second state is controlled again, the state in which the second specific condition is satisfied may not be carried over to the second state (for example, the song unlock status, etc. may be reset in step 072AKS129).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute a presentation that continues the fulfillment of a specific condition and a presentation that does not continue the fulfillment of a specific condition, thereby making the game more entertaining.

(8) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (7) above,
A specific performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120 that executes the processes of steps S161, S171, and S172) capable of executing specific performances (e.g., reach, super reach, and active change advance notice),
The suggested performance execution means may be capable of executing the suggested performance that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state by announcing the execution of the specific performance.
With this configuration, it is possible to draw attention to the suggestive effects, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(9) In the gaming machine described in (8) above,
The suggestion performance execution means includes:
The first suggestion effect can predict the execution of one of the specific effects,
The second suggestion effect can predict the execution of the one specific effect,
When the first suggestive effect is executed, the second suggestive effect may be restricted from being executed (for example, as shown in Figure 10-5, there is no suggestive effect pattern in which mini-characters suggesting the same effect, such as mini-characters A+F, mini-characters B+G, mini-characters C+H, and mini-characters D+I, appear simultaneously).
With this configuration, it is possible to prevent effects that may mislead the player, and to execute suggestive effects appropriately.

(Means relating to characteristic part 073AK)
The gaming machine relating to the characteristic part 072AK includes a gaming machine relating to the characteristic part 073AK as follows.
(1) The gaming machine according to the characteristic part 073AK is
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the characteristic part 073AK) that can be controlled to a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) that is favorable to a player,
A state control means (e.g., a CPU 103 for executing the processes of steps S113 and S117) capable of controlling a first state (e.g., a normal state) and a second state (e.g., a probability variable state) different from the first state;
A suggestion effect execution means (e.g., an effect control CPU 120 that executes the suggestion effect setting process of step 072AKS008) capable of executing a suggestion effect that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state in the first state;
A suggestion effect control means (for example, a performance control CPU 120 that executes the mini character release process of FIG. 10-2 (A)) that controls the suggestion effect in response to the establishment of a specific condition in the second state;
A variable display means (e.g., a CPU 120 for controlling the performance) for performing a variable display of performance identification information (e.g., a decorative pattern);
and a performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120 that executes the process of step S172) that is capable of executing a main performance (e.g., a reach performance) corresponding to the performance identification information when the device is controlled to the first state,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a performance using a predetermined character (for example, a super reach character AK1, a girl character AK18, or an enemy character AK19 shown in FIG. 10-7(A)) in a predetermined area (such as the center of the image display device 5 as shown in FIG. 10-9(K)) as the main performance,
The suggestion performance execution means is capable of executing a performance using a specific character other than the specified character (for example, mini-character AK2, dog mini-character AK13, bear mini-character AK17, or pig mini-character AK20 shown in Figure 10-7 (B)) in a specific area other than the specified area (for example, mini-character plaza AK16 shown in Figure 10-9) as the suggestion performance.
Such a configuration can increase the enjoyment of the game.

(2) In the gaming machine described in (1) above,
The suggestion effect execution means is capable of executing the suggestion effect a plurality of times in a specific period (for example, FIG. 10-10),
The proportion of the advantageous state that is controlled may differ depending on the number of times the suggestive performance is executed during the specific period (for example, the proportion of the number of mini characters that is determined may differ depending on whether or not a jackpot is reached, as shown in Figure 10-5).
With this configuration, it is possible to draw attention to the number of times the suggestive effects are executed, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

(3) In the gaming machine described in (2) above,
The suggested performance execution means may be configured to restrict the suggested performance from being executed until a predetermined number of types of the suggested performances are controlled to be executable by the suggested performance control means (for example, if the result of step 072AKS022 is No, the suggested performance setting process is terminated).
With this configuration, suggestive effects can be executed effectively.

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
The suggestion effect control means may be configured to control a special suggestion effect (for example, a suggestion effect in which a mini character SP appears) to be executable when a special condition different from the first specific condition and the second specific condition (for example, the release of mini characters A to I, or 10 jackpots in a special probability state) is established in the second state.
With this configuration, it is possible to draw attention to the establishment of special conditions, thereby making the game more entertaining.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The suggested performance execution means may be capable of executing the suggested performance at different rates between a state in which the suggested performance control means controls the first suggested performance to be executable and a state in which the suggested performance control means controls the first suggested performance and the second suggested performance to be executable (for example, the rate at which a suggested performance is determined to be executed may differ depending on the number of mini-characters unlocked, as shown in Figure 10-4 (B)).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to draw attention to the number of times a specific condition is realized, thereby making the game more interesting.

(6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
A special effect execution means capable of executing a special effect (e.g., a music selection effect) different from the suggestion effect;
A special effect control means (for example, a music release process shown in FIG. 10-6(A)) that controls the special effect in response to the establishment of a specific condition in the second state,
the special effect execution means is capable of executing a first special effect (e.g., a music selection effect in which music A can be selected) and a second special effect (e.g., a music selection effect in which music B can be selected) different from the first special effect,
The suggestion performance control means
In the second state, when a first specific condition (for example, the first big win after being controlled to the probability variable state) is established, the first special performance is controlled to be executable;
In the second state after the first specific condition is established, when a second specific condition (for example, a second jackpot after being controlled to a probability variable state) is established, the second special performance is controlled to be executable;
When the vehicle is controlled to the first state after the first specific condition is satisfied and then controlled to the second state again, the state in which the first specific condition is satisfied is not inherited in the second state,
When the second specific condition is satisfied and then the first state is controlled and then the second state is controlled again, the state in which the second specific condition is satisfied may not be carried over to the second state (for example, the song unlock status, etc. may be reset in step 072AKS129).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute a presentation that continues the fulfillment of a specific condition and a presentation that does not continue the fulfillment of a specific condition, thereby making the game more entertaining.

(7) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
A specific performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120 that executes the processes of steps S161, S171, and S172) capable of executing specific performances (e.g., reach, super reach, and active change advance notice),
The suggested performance execution means may be capable of executing the suggested performance that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state by announcing the execution of the specific performance.
With this configuration, it is possible to draw attention to the suggestive effects, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(8) In the gaming machine described in (7) above,
The suggestion performance execution means includes:
The first suggestion effect can predict the execution of one of the specific effects,
The second suggestion effect can predict the execution of the one specific effect,
When the first suggestive effect is executed, the second suggestive effect may be restricted from being executed (for example, as shown in Figure 10-5, there is no suggestive effect pattern in which mini-characters suggesting the same effect, such as mini-characters A+F, mini-characters B+G, mini-characters C+H, and mini-characters D+I, appear simultaneously).
With this configuration, it is possible to prevent effects that may mislead the player, and to execute suggestive effects appropriately.

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

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

1 ... Pachinko game machine 11 ... Main board 12 ... Performance control board

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
A state control means capable of controlling the first state and a second state different from the first state;
A suggestion effect execution means capable of executing a suggestion effect that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state in the first state;
A suggestion performance control means for performing specific control for changing the suggestion performance in the first state from a state in which the suggestion performance is not executable to a state in which the suggestion performance is executable in response to the establishment of a specific condition in the second state;
A variable display means for variably displaying performance identification information;
A performance execution means capable of executing a main performance corresponding to the performance identification information when controlled to the first state,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a performance using a predetermined character in a predetermined area as the main performance,
The suggestion effect execution means is capable of executing, as the suggestion effect, an effect using a specific character different from the predetermined character in a specific area different from the predetermined area;
The first state and the second state are states that are not controlled by the advantageous state,
The first state and the second state have different easiness to be controlled into the advantageous state,
The suggestive performance suggests a change in a variable display corresponding to the variable display ,
When the specific control is performed and the suggestion performance is in a state where it is possible to execute the suggestion performance, a specific display can be displayed,
The specific display can be displayed after the specific condition is met and before the condition for executing the suggestive performance is met.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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