JP7469829B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines, and can be applied in particular to pachinko gaming machines.

In conventional gaming machines, a hit/miss probability is determined based on the ball entering the starting hole, and a game presentation is presented to show the result of the hit/miss judgment along with the changing display of the pattern, and if a hit is obtained, a big win game is executed in which the big win hole is opened. There are also gaming machines that execute a predetermined game presentation along with the changing display of the pattern, and notify the player of the possibility that the hit/miss judgment result will be a big win through the game presentation, thereby increasing the interest in the game (for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Publication 2015-66055

In addition, the gaming machine of the cited document 1 is equipped with a gaming presentation using a timer as a gaming presentation executed in conjunction with the variable display of the symbols. According to such a gaming presentation using a timer, the display mode of the gaming presentation changes at a predetermined time regardless of the judgment result. Therefore, all players can see gaming presentations with different display modes before and after the change time. As a result, the gaming presentations executed become more diverse (change) as the playing time passes, and it is possible to prevent players from getting bored with the game as much as possible, even if they play the same gaming machine for a long time. However, although there are many gaming presentations with different display modes, the gaming presentations executed are associated with the playing time, so there is a lack of change and surprise, and there is a risk of reducing interest in the game.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine with a variety of gaming presentations that provides unexpected presentations and enhances the enjoyment of the game.

The first aspect of the invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a gaming machine comprising:
an identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
a variable ball entry port that can be changed between a ball entry possible state where the game ball can enter and a ball entry impossible state where the game ball cannot enter;
A game mode transition means capable of transitioning between game modes;
a game presentation execution means for executing a game presentation corresponding to the currently executed game mode in accordance with the variable display of the identification information;
and a special game execution means for executing a special game in which the variable ball entrance is in a ball entrance state when the result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific result,
The game mode includes at least a first game mode and a second game mode, and the first game mode and the second game mode have different background displays on a display screen and are different in part or all of the display modes of the executable game performances,
The game performance includes at least a first game performance and a second game performance having a different performance mode from the first game performance,
A determination means for determining whether a predetermined specific condition is satisfied,
The first game performance is executable in the second game mode and is not executable in the first game mode;
The second game performance is executable in the first game mode and in the second game mode when the specific condition is satisfied, and is not executable in the second game mode when the specific condition is not satisfied ,
When the specific condition is met, the special game is more likely to be executed than when the specific condition is not met.
It is characterized by the above.

According to such a gaming machine, the second game presentation is executed in the first game mode, and the first game presentation is executed in the second game mode, while the second game presentation can also be executed in the second game mode if specific conditions are met, thereby providing an unexpected game presentation and increasing interest in the game.

The gaming machine of the present invention can provide a gaming machine with a variety of game presentations that can provide unexpected game presentations and increase the interest of the player.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an enlarged view of the main display shown in FIG. 3, showing displays provided in the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. This is a table showing the correspondence between the type of win and the opening pattern of the large prize opening. 13 is a table showing various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer. (A) is a hit determination table, (B) is a jackpot type determination table, (C) is a normal pattern hit determination table, and (D) is a normal pattern change pattern selection table. This is a fluctuation pattern table. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of an interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a start port sensor detection process. This is a flowchart of the processing at the time of starting the ball entry. 13 is a flowchart of a general operation process. 13 is a flowchart of normal symbol waiting processing. This is a flowchart of the normal pattern correctness determination process. 13 is a flowchart of normal pattern random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of processing during normal pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of the normal symbol determination process. 13 is a flowchart of normal electric device processing. 13 is a flowchart of special chart operation processing. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 correct/incorrect determination process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 correct/incorrect determination process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process. FIG. 1 is a flowchart of random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of processing during special pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination process. This is a flowchart of special electric device processing 1 (jackpot game). 13 is a flowchart of a game status setting process. This is a flowchart of special electric device processing 2 (small hit game). 13 is a flowchart of a specific area sensor detection process. This is a flowchart for processing the number of reserved balls. 13 is a flowchart of a power interruption monitoring process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a reception interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 2 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a first presentation mode setting process. 13 is a flowchart of a pre-performance switching process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of a pre-determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a second presentation mode setting process. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance start processing. 13 is a flowchart of a preview performance setting process. 13 is a flowchart of a third presentation mode setting process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a pre-performance. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a pre-performance. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a pre-performance. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a pre-performance. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a preview performance. 13 is a table showing types of preview performances. A figure showing an example of another aspect of the preview performance. A figure showing an example of another aspect of the preview performance. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific mode of the second embodiment. A figure showing a preview performance of Example 2. 13 is a flowchart of a right-hit instruction image display process. (a) is a figure showing an example of a display screen during a round presentation in a special game state, (b) is a figure showing an example of a display screen during the changing display of presentation patterns in a high base state, and (c) is a figure showing an example of a display screen when transitioning from a high base state to a low base state. 13 is a flowchart of the right-hit instruction image change process in Example 3. 13 is a flowchart of the right-hit instruction image change process in Example 4.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using examples. In the following examples, the present invention will be applied to a pachinko game machine (pinball game machine) in which the game medium used in the game is a game ball, and the game can be progressed by firing the game ball toward the game board. Specifically, the present invention will be described using as an example a so-called "type 1" pachinko game machine in which a special pattern is displayed in a variable manner based on the entry of a game ball into the starting hole, and when a jackpot pattern is displayed stationary with the end of the variable display of the special pattern, a jackpot game (special game) in which a predetermined amount of game profit (e.g., prize balls) can be played by the player.

In the following description, the term "front" simply refers to the near side (the side where the player is positioned when playing) when the gaming machine is viewed from the front, and the term "rear" simply refers to the rear side when the gaming machine is viewed from the front. Additionally, the terms "upper", "lower", "left" and "right" simply refer to the top, bottom, left and right directions when the gaming machine is viewed from the front, for example the top, bottom, left and right in Figures 1 and 3.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment 1 includes a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2 attached within the game machine frame 50, and the game board 2 is configured to be freely attached and detached from the game machine frame 50. Figure 3 shows the game board 2 removed from the game machine frame 50. The game machine frame 50 is configured to have a front frame 51 with a decorative surface, a main frame 52 to which the game board 2 and the like are attached, and an outer frame 53 for attaching the pachinko game machine 1 to the island equipment of the hall, and the front frame 51, the main frame 52, and the outer frame 53 are pivotally supported at one side end and each is configured to be openable and closable.

The front frame 51 is also provided with a launch handle 60 for launching game balls with a launch strength according to the amount of operation (rotation angle) by the player, a ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 capable of storing game balls and supplying the stored game balls to the launching device, and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 61. The front frame 51 is also provided with a first effect button 63a and a second effect button 63b (collectively referred to as the "effect button 63") that can be operated by the player during the execution of game effects that are executed as the game progresses, a decorative frame lamp 66 that can emit various lights depending on the game situation, and a speaker 67 that can emit various sounds (sound effects) depending on the game situation.

The effect button 63 functions as an input means that allows input by the player, and the effect button to be used can be selected according to the type of game effect. For example, when the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b is operated during the execution of a game effect, a predetermined operation-related effect is performed based on the operation. The configuration of the effect button 63 is not limited to the embodiment 1, and it is sufficient as long as the player can input. For example, it may be an input means (e.g., a retractable type, a touch sensor type, etc.) in which the player directly touches the button part to input, or a non-contact type input means (e.g., a photoelectric type) in which input is performed by detecting that a part of the player's body is approaching. In addition, the effect button may be one that performs an effect action such as protruding upward or forward or vibrating (a movable effect operation means).

The game board 2 has a game area 3, in which game balls launched by operating the launch handle 60 flow down, surrounded by a rail member 4. A number of game nails 16 that guide the game balls are protruding from the game area 3, and a ball return prevention piece 6 is provided at the tip of the rail member 4. The ball return prevention piece 6 is intended to prevent the game balls that have been guided into the game area from returning to the launching device. The game board 2 also has a decorative board lamp 5 (see Figure 5) that can emit various lights depending on the game situation.

Near the center of the game area 3, an image display device 7, which is one aspect of the performance display means, is provided. The image display device 7 in this embodiment is a liquid crystal display device, and its display screen 7a is provided with a performance pattern display area 7b (also called the "performance pattern display section") in which performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R (also simply called "performance pattern 8") are displayed, and a background display area 7c in which a background image constituting the background of the display screen 7a is displayed. The performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed in synchronization with the variable display of the first special pattern and the variable display of the second special pattern, which will be described later. The variable display mode includes, for example, a mode in which the display is scrolled up and down, left and right, and diagonally, and in this embodiment, the display is scrolled up and down in principle. The performance pattern display area 7b is composed of three pattern display areas, for example, "left", "middle", and "right", and the left pattern display area displays the left performance pattern 8L, the middle pattern display area displays the middle performance pattern 8C, and the right pattern display area displays the right performance pattern 8R. Furthermore, the left, center, and right pattern display areas do not need to be positioned separately, and the left, center, and right performance pattern display areas may each be the entire pattern display area (performance pattern display area 7b).

In this embodiment, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are each composed of a number (identification information) that represents a number from "1" to "9". Depending on the combination (stop display mode) of the left, center, and right performance symbols stopped and displayed in the performance symbol display area 7b, the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 41a (also called the "first special symbol display section") described later and the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 41b (also called the "second special symbol display section"), that is, the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment (also simply called the "hit/miss judgment"), are displayed so that the player can easily recognize them. In this embodiment, the stopping order of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R that are displayed in a variable manner is, in principle, "left → right → center". In addition, the first special symbol, the second special symbol, or the performance symbol may be simply referred to as "symbol" or "identification information". Additionally, normal patterns are sometimes called "normal patterns," special patterns "special patterns," the first special pattern "special pattern 1" or "first special pattern," and the second special pattern "special pattern 2" or "second special pattern."

For example, if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a big hit, it is possible to stop and display the performance symbols with three identical digits such as "777" (also called "hit performance symbols"). Also, if the result is a small hit, it is possible to stop and display the performance symbols with a pre-set chance symbol such as "135" or a special symbol such as "3★3" (also called "small hit performance symbols"). Also, if the result is a miss, it is possible to stop and display the performance symbols with a variety of symbols (also called "miss performance symbols") in which at least one of the three symbols is different, such as "637" or "373". This makes it possible for the player to easily grasp the progress of the game by looking at the performance symbols that are stopped and displayed. In other words, the player generally does not directly grasp the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment by looking at the special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display 41a or the second special symbol display 41b, but by looking at the performance symbols displayed in the performance symbol display area 7b.

Here, among the stop display modes of the performance symbols, the stop display mode (in this embodiment, a repeat number) that corresponds to the result of the special symbol hit/miss determination is sometimes referred to as the "big hit mode" or "specific display result", and the stop display mode (in this embodiment, a random number) that corresponds to the result of the special symbol hit/miss determination is sometimes referred to as the "miss mode" or "non-specific display result". Also, the stop display mode that corresponds to the result of the special symbol hit/miss determination is sometimes referred to as the "small hit mode" or "predetermined display result".

On the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, in addition to displaying game effects using the aforementioned effect patterns (effect pattern game effects), winning game effects executed in response to winning games and demo effects for waiting customers are also displayed. In addition to effect patterns such as numbers, various effect images other than the effect patterns, such as background images and character images, are also displayed in the effect pattern game effects, winning game effects and demo effects.

The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is provided with a first effect hold display area 9c (first effect hold display section) that displays the first effect hold 9a according to the number of stored first special chart holds, which will be described later, and a second effect hold display area 9d (second effect hold display section) that displays the second effect hold 9b according to the number of stored second special chart holds, which will be described later. Depending on the display mode (display number) of the first effect hold and the second effect hold, the number of stored first special chart holds displayed on the first special chart hold display 43a (see FIG. 4) and the number of stored second special chart holds displayed on the second special chart hold display 43b, which will be described later, can be clearly shown to the player.

Furthermore, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 of this embodiment is provided with a variable hold display area 9e that displays the effect hold corresponding to the currently changing special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern), i.e., the effect hold corresponding to the consumed special pattern hold (first effect hold 9a or second effect hold 9b) (see Figure 3).

The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is also provided with a left-hit display area 70c (left-hit instruction image display section) that displays a left-hit instruction image 70 (described below) and a right-hit display area 71c (right-hit instruction image display section) that displays a right-hit instruction image 71 (described below) depending on the game status. The left-hit instruction image 70 and the right-hit instruction image 71 are collectively referred to as "fire instruction images."

Near the center of the game area 3 and in front of the image display device 7, a center ornament 10 is provided so as to surround the performance pattern display area 7b. At the bottom of the center ornament 10, a stage section 11 is provided, which has a game ball rolling surface on which the game ball can roll. A hollow warp section 12 is provided at the left side of the center ornament 10. The warp section 12 is provided with a warp entrance and a warp exit, and receives game balls flowing down the game area 3 from the warp entrance, discharges the game balls from the warp exit, and guides them to the stage section 11. Game balls guided to the rolling surface of the stage section 11 are more likely to enter the first starting hole 20 described below than game balls that are not guided to the stage section 11. Furthermore, at the top of the center ornament 10, a decorative member 13 is arranged, which has an electric member such as an LED (board lamp 5) that can be lit depending on the game status and is shaped like letters, figures, etc.

In addition, a movable decorative member 14 is provided at the top of the center decorative body 10, behind the decorative member 13, which can move in conjunction with game effects. In FIG. 3, only a portion of the movable decorative member 14 is visible, but, for example, when a game effect that has a relatively high probability of winning is executed, the movable decorative member 14 falls downward and covers the front of the display screen 7a, making most of it visible. This increases the player's sense of anticipation for a win.

A fixed winning device 19 is provided below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, and is equipped with a non-variable first starting hole 20 that does not change the ease with which the game ball can enter. Random numbers and the like for determining whether the special symbol has been won are obtained based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 20, and when a predetermined condition is met, a win/loss determination for the first special symbol (first special symbol win/loss determination) is executed and the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and is displayed as a still symbol based on the result of the win/loss determination.

A variable winning device 22 (also called a "variable starting hole") is provided below the first starting hole 20. The variable starting hole 21 changes the ease with which the game ball can enter the hole. A random number or the like for determining whether the special symbol has been hit is obtained based on the game ball's entry into the second starting hole 21, and when a predetermined condition is met, a hit/miss determination of the second special symbol (second special symbol hit/miss determination) is made and the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and stopped based on the result of the hit/miss determination.

The variable winning device 22 includes a movable member 23, and opens and closes the second starting hole 21 by the operation of the movable member 23. This opening and closing operation allows the second starting hole 21 to change from a first state (closed state) to a second state (open state) in which the probability of a game ball entering the hole is higher than that of the first state. In other words, the movable member 23 changes the probability of a game ball entering the second starting hole 21 by performing a predetermined operation (opening and closing operation). The movable member 23 is driven by a second starting hole solenoid 24 (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the second starting hole 21 allows a game ball to enter only when the movable member 23 is in an open state, and does not allow a game ball to enter the hole when the movable member 23 is in a closed state. Note that the second starting hole 21 does not have to be completely unable to enter the hole when the movable member 23 is in a closed state, as long as it is more difficult for a game ball to enter the hole when the movable member 23 is in a closed state than when the movable member 23 is in an open state.

To the right of the first starting hole 20 in the game area 3, a first large prize winning device 31 equipped with a first large prize winning hole 30 (also called the "first variable ball winning hole") is provided. The first large prize winning device 31 is equipped with an opening/closing member 32, and the first large prize winning hole 30 is opened and closed by the operation of the opening/closing member 32. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by a first large prize winning hole solenoid 33 (see FIG. 5). The first large prize winning hole 30 can receive game balls only when the opening/closing member 32 is in the open state. In other words, the first large prize winning device 31 can be changed between a ball-entry-prohibited state (closed state) in which game balls cannot enter and a ball-entry-possible state (open state) in which game balls can enter, by the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 32.

In addition, above the first large winning opening 30 in the game area 3 and at the lower right of the center decorative body 10, a second large winning device 36 equipped with a second large winning opening 35 (also called a "second variable ball winning opening") is provided. The second large winning device 36 is equipped with an opening/closing member (wing member) 37, and the second large winning opening 35 is opened and closed by the operation of the opening/closing member 37. The opening/closing member 37 is driven by a second large winning opening solenoid 38 (see FIG. 5). The second large winning opening 35 can receive game balls only when the opening/closing member 37 is in the open state. In other words, the second large winning device 36 can be changed between a ball-entry-prohibited state (closed state) in which game balls cannot enter and a ball-entry-possible state (open state) in which game balls can enter, by the opening and closing operation of the opening/closing member 37.

The second large prize device 36 is formed with a specific area 39 through which a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 35 can pass. In this pachinko game machine 1, a high probability state, which will be described later, is generated based on the detection that at least one of the game balls that have entered the second large prize opening 35 has passed through the specific area 39. In other words, the specific area 39 is a high probability activation port. Such a specific area 39 is not provided in the first large prize device 31. The second large prize opening 35 (second large prize device 36) that has such a specific area 39 (V area) as a high probability activation port is also called a "V attacker." The high probability state is one of the game benefits that is given to the player separately from the special game.

In the right area of the center decoration 10 in the game area 3, a gate 28 (game ball passage port) through which the game ball can pass is provided. Based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28, a random number for determining whether or not the normal pattern is a winning symbol is obtained, and when a predetermined condition is met, a normal pattern winning/losing determination is executed to determine whether or not the second starting port 21 is opened, and the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner, and is displayed as a stopped state based on the result of the normal pattern winning/losing determination. When the winning normal pattern is displayed as a stopped state, the second starting port 21 is opened. Furthermore, a plurality of general winning ports 27 are provided at the bottom of the game area 3. In this embodiment, four general winning ports 27 are provided, three of which are left general winning ports provided to the left of the first starting port 20, and one is a right general winning port provided to the right of the first large winning port 30. The first start hole 20, the second start hole 21, the first large prize hole 30, the second large prize hole 35, and the general prize hole 27 are each ball entry holes that trigger the payout of prize balls, and when a game ball enters each ball entry hole, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are paid out from each ball entry hole. Specifically, the number of prize balls from the first start hole 20 is "4", the number of prize balls from the second start hole 21 is "2", the number of prize balls from the first large prize hole 20 and the second large prize hole 35 is "15", and the number of prize balls from the general prize hole 27 is "10".

In this way, the game area 3, which has multiple ball entry ports (first start port 20, second start port 21, first large prize entry port 30, second large prize entry port 35, general prize entry port 27, and gate 28), can be divided into a left game area 3A (first area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 3B (second area) on the right side. Firing a game ball so that it flows down the left game area 3A is called a "left hit," and firing a game ball so that it flows down the right game area 3B is called a "right hit." Here, among the multiple ball entry ports, the first start port 20 and the three left general entry ports 27 are provided so that game balls flowing down the left game area 3A of the game area 3 can enter, and the second start port 21, the first large entry port 30, the second large entry port 35, the right general entry port 27, and the gate 28 are provided so that game balls flowing down the right game area 3B of the game area 3 can enter. In this pachinko game machine 1, when starting a game, in principle, a left shot is used to aim for a ball to enter the first start port 20. On the other hand, when a hit or miss judgment based on a ball entering the first start port 20 results in a hit and the game state changes, in principle, a right shot is used to aim for a ball to enter the gate 28, the second start port 21, the first large entry port 30, and the second large entry port 35.

3 and 4, the main display 40 is disposed at the lower right of the game board 2. The main display 40 includes a first special symbol display 41a (first special symbol display section) for displaying and stopping the first special symbol, a second special symbol display 41b (second special symbol display section) for displaying and stopping the second special symbol, and a normal symbol display 42 (normal symbol display section) for displaying and stopping the normal symbol. The main display 40 also includes a first special symbol reserved display 43a for displaying the number of hit/miss judgment information (first special symbol reserved) stored for the first special symbol, a second special symbol reserved display 43b for displaying the number of hit/miss judgment information (second special symbol reserved) stored for the second special symbol, and a normal symbol reserved display 44 for displaying the number of operation reserved (normal symbol reserved) stored for the normal symbol display 42. Furthermore, the main display 40 includes a win indicator 48 that indicates that the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a hit, a round indicator 45 that indicates the number of rounds of the winning game that will be executed if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a hit, a game status indicator 46 that indicates that the probability fluctuation function is activated, and a launch direction indicator 47 that indicates the launch direction of the game ball, i.e., whether the state is to be hit to the right or the state is to be hit to the left. The display of these various indicators included in the main display 40 is controlled by the main control unit described below.

The first special symbol is displayed based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 20. The second special symbol is displayed based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 21. In the following description, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are sometimes collectively referred to as "special symbols." Furthermore, the first special symbol display device 41a and the second special symbol display device 41b are sometimes collectively referred to as "special symbol display unit 41." Furthermore, the first special symbol reserve display device 43a and the second special symbol reserve display device 43b are sometimes collectively referred to as "special symbol reserve display unit 43."

In the special symbol display section 41, the special symbol (identification information) is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, and then displayed in a static manner, and the result of the lottery (special symbol hit/miss judgment, big win lottery) based on the ball entering the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21 is announced by the special symbol (stopped symbol) that is stopped and displayed. The special symbol that is stopped and displayed is one special symbol selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by the special symbol hit/miss judgment. When the stopped symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (specific identification information), that is, when the mode of the stopped display of the special symbol (display result of the variable display of the special symbol) is a hit mode such as a big win symbol or a small win symbol, a special game (big win game, small win game) is played in which the first big win hole 30 or the second big win hole 35 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the winning symbol that is stopped and displayed. The opening pattern of the big win hole (first big win hole 30 and second big win hole 35) in the special game will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first special symbol display 41a is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "i-p" and displays a special symbol according to the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment. In this embodiment, four types of big hits, "15R first big hit", "15R second big hit", "5R third big hit" and "2R fourth big hit", and a first small hit are provided as the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 8), and the LEDs of the first special symbol display 41a can adopt a display mode according to each of these big hits and small hits. For example, if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is the first big hit (15R big hit), the three LEDs of "ijn" are lit and the rest are turned off (15R first big hit symbol). In addition, if the second jackpot (15R jackpot) occurs, the three "ijk" LEDs are lit and the rest are turned off (15R second jackpot symbol). In addition, if the third jackpot (15R jackpot) occurs, the three "ijl" LEDs are lit and the rest are turned off (15R third jackpot symbol). In addition, if the fourth jackpot (2R jackpot) occurs, the four "jnop" LEDs are lit and the rest are turned off (2R fourth jackpot symbol). In addition, if the first small jackpot occurs, the four "mnop" LEDs are lit and the rest are turned off (small jackpot symbol). In addition, if the miss occurs, the two "lo" LEDs are lit and the rest are turned off (miss symbol).

On the other hand, the second special symbol display 41b is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "a-h" and displays a special symbol according to the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment. In this embodiment, two types of hits, "15R 5th hit" and "15R 6th hit", are provided as the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment (see FIG. 8), and the LEDs of the second special symbol display 41b can adopt a display mode according to each of these hits. For example, if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is the 5th hit (15R jackpot), the three LEDs of "abd" are lit and the rest are turned off (15R 5th hit symbol). Also, if the result is the 6th hit (15R jackpot), the three LEDs of "abc" are lit and the rest are turned off (15R 6th hit symbol). In addition, if a second small win occurs, the four LEDs of "cdeh" are lit and the rest are turned off (second small win pattern). In addition, if a miss occurs, the two LEDs of "eh" are lit and the rest are turned off (miss pattern).

The display mode of the special symbols (stopping symbols) is not limited to these and can be set arbitrarily. Also, before the special symbols are displayed, the special symbols are displayed for a predetermined period of time, and the display mode can be, for example, a mode in which the LEDs are lit so that light flows repeatedly from left to right in a predetermined order.

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21, various information (also called "acquired information") such as a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol is drawn is acquired based on the ball entry, and the acquired various information is temporarily stored in a special symbol reservation memory unit (not shown) formed in the RAM of the main control unit. In detail, if the ball enters the first starting hole 20, it is stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit (not shown) as a first special symbol reservation (first acquired information), and if the ball enters the second starting hole 21, it is stored in the second special symbol reservation memory unit (not shown) as a second special symbol reservation (second acquired information). The number of special symbol reservations (acquired information) that can be stored in each special symbol reservation memory unit is limited to a predetermined number, and the upper limit in this embodiment is "4". These first special symbol reservation memory unit and second special symbol reservation memory unit are also called "first acquired information storage means" and "second acquired information storage means", respectively, and are also collectively called "acquired information storage means".

The reserved special symbols stored in the reserved special symbols memory unit are consumed when it becomes possible to display the special symbols based on the reserved special symbols. The consumption of reserved special symbols means judging the random numbers or the like for judging whether the special symbols correspond to the reserved special symbols, and executing the display of the special symbols to show the result of the judgment. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, even if the display of the special symbols based on the ball entering the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21 cannot be executed immediately at the time of the ball entering, that is, even if the display of the special symbols is being executed or a special game is being executed, it is possible to reserve the right to judge whether the special symbol is entered for the ball up to a predetermined number.

The number of reserved special drawings stored in the reserved special drawing memory unit is displayed on the first reserved special drawing display 43a and the second reserved special drawing display 43b. Specifically, the first reserved special drawing display 43a is composed of two LEDs, "uv", and displays the number of reserved first special drawings by controlling the display of the LEDs according to the number of reserved first special drawings. For example, when the number of pending items is "0", the display mode may be "u□v□" (for example, □ is off, ● is red, ▲ is green) with both LEDs turned off; when the number of pending items is "1", the display mode may be "u□v●" with the "u" LED turned off and the "v" LED turned red; when the number of pending items is "2", the display mode may be "u●v□" with the "u" LED turned red and the "v" LED turned off; when the number of pending items is "3", the display mode may be "u●v●" with both LEDs lit red; and when the number of pending items is "4 (maximum number)", the display mode may be "u▲v▲" with both LEDs lit green.

The second special chart reserved indicator 43b is composed of two LEDs, "wx", and displays the number of second special charts reserved by controlling the display of the LEDs according to the number of second special charts reserved. For example, when the reserved number is "0", the display mode is "w□x□" (for example, □: off, ●: red lit, ▲: green lit), with both LEDs turned off, and the reserved numbers "1" to "4" are determined in the same way as the first special chart reserved indicator 43a.

The normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner when the game ball passes through the gate 28. The normal symbol display 42 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time, and then stops displaying it. The normal symbol (stopped symbol) displayed in a stopped state notifies the player of the result of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment based on the game ball passing through the gate 28. The normal symbol displayed in a stopped state is one normal symbol selected from a plurality of types of normal symbols by the normal symbol hit/miss judgment. If the normal symbol displayed in a stopped state is a predetermined specific normal symbol (a winning normal symbol), an auxiliary game is played in which the second start hole 21 is opened in an opening pattern according to the current game state. The opening pattern of the second start hole 21 will be described later.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the normal symbol display 42 is composed of two "st" LEDs, and displays the normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment by the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if the judgment result is a hit, a winning normal symbol with both LEDs lit is displayed as "s■t■" (for example, ■: lit, □: off). If the judgment result is a miss, a missing normal symbol with only the "t" LED lit is displayed as "s□t■". Note that a missing normal symbol is not a specific normal symbol. Before the normal symbol is displayed, a variable display of the normal symbol is executed for a predetermined variable time, and the variable display state is, for example, a state in which both LEDs alternately light up and go out.

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball passes through the gate 28, various information (also called "acquired information") such as a random number for determining whether or not a normal pattern is a hit is acquired based on the passing, and the acquired various information is temporarily stored as a normal pattern reserve in a normal pattern reserve memory unit (not shown) formed in the RAM of the main control unit. The number of normal patterns that can be stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit is limited to a predetermined number, and the upper limit in this embodiment is "4". The normal pattern reserve stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit is consumed when it becomes possible to display the normal pattern based on the normal pattern reserve. The consumption of the normal pattern reserve means judging the random number for judging whether or not a normal pattern is a hit corresponding to the normal pattern reserve, and executing the normal pattern variable display to show the judgment result. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, even if the normal pattern variable display based on the passing of the game ball through the gate 28 cannot be executed immediately at the time of the passing, that is, even if the normal pattern variable display is being executed or the auxiliary game is being executed, the right to judge whether or not a normal pattern is a hit for the passing can be reserved up to a predetermined number.

The number of reserved regular maps stored in the reserved regular map memory unit is displayed on the reserved regular map display 44. Specifically, the reserved regular map display 44 is composed of two LEDs, "qr", and displays the number of reserved regular maps by lighting up the LEDs according to the number of reserved regular maps. For example, when the reserved number is "0", the display mode is "q□r□" (for example, □: off, ●: red lit, ▲: green lit), with both LEDs off, and when the reserved number is "1", the display mode is "q□r●", with the "q" LED off and the "r" LED lit in red. In addition, the reserved numbers "2" to "4" are determined in the same way as the first special map reserved display 43a.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 5. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a main control board 80 (also called the "main control unit" and "game control unit") that controls game progress and game profits, such as determining whether a special symbol is a hit or not, determining whether a normal symbol is a hit or not, and transitioning game states, a sub-control board 90 (also called the "sub-control unit" and "performance control unit") that controls the performance executed as the game progresses, a payout control board 110 (also called the "payout control unit") that controls the payout of game balls, an image control board 100 (image control unit) that controls the display of the image display device 7, the performance display unit 102, the performance first special symbol reserve display unit 103a, and the performance second special symbol reserve display unit 103b, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, a main control board storage case that stores the main control board 80 is provided in the approximate center of the rear side (back side) of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and above this main control board case is a storage case for the image control board, etc., that stores the sound control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the image control board 100, and above this storage case for the image control board, etc., is a sub-control board storage case that stores the sub-control board 90. Also, below and to the left of the main control board case is a payout control board case that stores the payout control board, and to the right of that is a power supply board case that stores the power supply board 109.

The main control board 80 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as "game control microcomputer") 81 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 transmits and receives data (information) to and from other boards, etc. via an input/output circuit 87 (I/O port section). The input/output circuit 87 may be built into the game control microcomputer 81. The ROM may also be external. The RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 is provided with the above-mentioned special chart reservation memory section (first special chart reservation memory section and second special chart reservation memory section) and normal chart reservation memory section. In addition, a memory area for use in various flags and various counting counters is secured at a predetermined address in the RAM (main control RAM) of the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81).

Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via a relay board 88. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the main control board 80, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to each solenoid. Specifically, the sensors connected include the first start hole sensor 20a, the second start hole sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the first large prize hole sensor 30a, the second large prize hole sensor 35a, the specific area sensor 39a, the non-specific area sensor 49a, and the general prize hole sensor 27a. These various sensors are also referred to as "game ball detection means."

The first start port sensor 20a is provided in the first start port 20 and detects game balls that have entered the first start port 20. The second start port sensor 21a is provided in the second start port 21 and detects game balls that have entered the second start port 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided in the gate 28 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 28. The first large prize port sensor 30a is provided in the first large prize port 30 and detects game balls that have entered the first large prize port 30. The second large prize port sensor 35a is provided in the second large prize port 35 and detects game balls that have entered the second large prize port 35. The specific area sensor 39a is provided in a specific area 39 in the second large prize port 35 and detects game balls that have passed through the specific area 39. The non-specific area sensor 49a is provided in a non-specific area (not shown) in the second large prize opening 35, and detects game balls that enter the second large prize opening 35 and pass through the non-specific area (i.e., game balls that do not pass through the specific area 39). The general prize opening sensor 27a is provided in each general prize opening 27 and detects game balls that enter the general prize opening 27.

The solenoids connected include the second start port solenoid 24, the first large prize port solenoid 33, and the second large prize port solenoid 38. The second start port solenoid 24 is for driving the movable member 23 of the variable prize device 22. The first large prize port solenoid 33 is for driving the opening/closing member 32 of the first large prize device 31. The second large prize port solenoid 38 is for driving the opening/closing member 37 of the second large prize device 36.

Furthermore, the first special symbol display 41a, the second special symbol display 41b, the normal symbol display 42, the first special symbol reserve display 43a, the second special symbol reserve display 43b, the normal symbol reserve display 44, the round display 45, the game status display 46, the launch direction display 47, and the win display 48 are connected to the main control board 80. In other words, the display control of these main displays 40 is performed by the game control microcomputer 81.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 110 is connected to a payout device 120 that pays out prize balls and loan balls, and a card unit 135 (installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enabling ball lending based on information stored in an inserted prepaid card (game value storage medium) or the like), as well as to a launching device 112 via a launch control board 111 (also called the "launch control unit"). The launching device 112 includes a launch handle 60 (see FIG. 1).

The payout control board 110 is equipped with a payout control one-chip microcomputer 116 (also called the "payout control microcomputer") that controls the payout of game balls from the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The payout control microcomputer 116 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the payout of game balls, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The payout control microcomputer 116 drives the payout motor 121 of the payout device 120 to pay out prize balls or pay out loan balls based on signals from the game control microcomputer 81 and signals from the card unit 135 connected to the pachinko game machine 1 via the input/output circuit 117. The paid-out game balls are detected by payout sensors 122 and 123 for counting. When the player operates the handle 60 (see FIG. 1) of the launching device 112, the touch switch 114 detects the player's contact with the launching handle 60, and the launching volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the launching handle 60. The launching motor 113 is then driven and controlled so that the game balls are launched with a strength that corresponds to the magnitude of the detection signal from the launching volume 115. In this embodiment, the number of game balls that can be continuously launched by the launching device 112 by driving the launching motor 113 is approximately 100 per minute.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the sub-control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example, a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 90 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the effects as the game progresses, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects transmits and receives data to and from other boards via an input/output circuit 95. The input/output circuit 95 may be built into the microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects. The ROM may also be external. At a predetermined address in the RAM (RAM for controlling the effects) of the sub-control board 90 (microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects), a memory area is reserved for use by various flags and various counting counters.

The image control board 100, the sound control board 106, and the lamp control board 107 are connected to the sub-control board 90. The sub-control board 90 (sub-controller), the image control board 100 (image controller), the sound control board 106 (sound controller), and the lamp control board 107 (lamp controller) function as a presentation control means (presentation execution means) that controls the execution of various presentations such as display presentations, sound presentations, and lamp presentations (light presentations) by corresponding presentation devices, components, etc. (presentation means) according to the game situation.

The performance control microcomputer 91 of the sub-control board 90 causes the CPU of the image control one-chip microcomputer 101 ("image control microcomputer") of the image control board 100 to control the display of the image display device 7, the performance display device 102, the performance first special pattern reserved display device 103a, and the performance second reserved display device 103b based on a command received from the main control board 80. The RAM of the image control board 100 is a memory for expanding image data. The ROM of the image control board 100 stores image data such as still image data and video data to be displayed on the image display device 7, specifically, characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, and symbols (including performance patterns, reserved patterns, etc.) and background images. The image control microcomputer 101 reads image data from the ROM based on a command from the performance control microcomputer 91. Then, it executes display control based on the read image data.

The performance display 102 is made up of two LEDs, and performs a change display and a stop display in accordance with the change display and stop display of the performance pattern 8, and displays the stop display in a display mode that indicates the display result of the performance pattern 8 (the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment) by turning on/off the two LEDs or by combining colors. In addition, the performance first special pattern hold display 103a and the performance second hold display 103b are also made up of two LEDs. And, by turning on/off the two LEDs or by combining colors, the performance first special pattern hold display 103a is displayed and controlled in a display mode that indicates the same number of reserved items as the number of reserved items displayed in the first performance hold display area 9c and the number of reserved items displayed in the first special pattern hold display 43a. In addition, the performance second special pattern hold display 103b is displayed and controlled in a display mode that indicates the same number of reserved items as the number of reserved items displayed in the second performance hold display area 9d and the number of reserved items displayed in the second special pattern hold display 43b. This is because it is possible that the performance pattern, the first performance pending display section, or the second performance pending display section may become partially or entirely invisible when the character pattern is displayed on almost the entire display screen 7a (performance pattern display section) or when the movable decorative member 14 is operated to cover the performance pattern display area 7b (performance pattern display section) of the display screen 7a, and therefore such a display is provided. Note that a VDP (Video Display Processor) may be provided instead of or in addition to the image control one-chip microcomputer 101 of the image control board 100.

The performance control microcomputer 91 outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 67 via the voice control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. Sound data such as voice output from the speaker 67 is stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. A CPU may be implemented on the voice control board 106, in which case the CPU may be made to execute voice control. In this case, a ROM may be implemented on the voice control board 106, and sound data may be stored in the ROM. The speaker 67 may also be connected to the image control board 100, and the image control microcomputer 101 may be made to execute voice control. In this case, sound data may also be stored in the ROM of the image control board 100.

Furthermore, based on the commands received from the main control board 80, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines the light pattern data (data that determines the on/off state and light color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 from the data stored in the ROM, and controls the lighting of lamps (LEDs) such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107.

In addition, the performance control microcomputer 91 operates the movable decorative member 14 connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108 based on the command received from the main control board 80. As mentioned above, the movable decorative member 14 is a so-called movable gimmick provided on the center decorative body 10 (behind the decorative member 13). The performance control microcomputer 91 determines operation pattern data (also called "drive data") for operating the movable decorative member 14 in a predetermined operating mode from the data stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90, and controls the operation of the movable decorative member 14 based on the determined operation pattern data. Note that a CPU may be implemented in the lamp control board 107, and in this case, the CPU may be made to execute lamp lighting control and operation control of the movable decorative member 14. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be implemented in the lamp control board 107, and data regarding the light emission pattern and operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

The sub-control board 90 is also connected to a first effect button detection switch 63c and a second effect button detection switch 63d, which detect when the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b (see FIG. 1) is operated (pushed, rotated, pulled, etc.). Therefore, when the player performs a specified input operation on the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b, a signal is output from the corresponding effect button detection switch to the sub-control board 90. The first effect button detection switch 63c and the second effect button detection switch 63d are collectively referred to simply as the "effect button detection switch."

Next, the control (judgment means) related to the hit/miss judgment in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. The results of the special symbol hit/miss judgment are "big hit", "small hit", and "miss". When the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is "big hit", a "big hit symbol" is displayed in the special symbol display section 41, when it is "small hit", a "small hit symbol" is displayed in the special symbol display section 41, and when it is "miss", a "miss symbol" is displayed in the special symbol display section 41. When it is judged to be a big hit or a small hit, a "special game" is executed in which the first big winning hole 30 or the second big winning hole 35 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed. The special game executed when a big hit is obtained is called a "big hit game", and the special game executed when a small hit is obtained is called a "small hit game".

There are several types of jackpots. As shown in FIG. 6, the types of jackpots are "15R (round) 1st jackpot", "15R 2nd jackpot", "15R 3rd jackpot", "2R 4th jackpot", "15R 5th jackpot" and "15R 6th jackpot". "15R 1st jackpot" and "15R 5th jackpot" are jackpots in which the number of times (number of rounds) the large prize entry port (first large prize entry port 30 or second large prize entry port 35) is opened 15 times, and in the first and second rounds, the second large prize entry port 35 is opened in a manner that makes it possible (easy) for the game ball to pass (V pass) to the specific area 39. The rounds that aim to pass the game ball to the specific area 39 are also called "V rounds" or "chance rounds".

In the "15R 2nd jackpot", "15R 3rd jackpot" and "15R 6th jackpot", the large prize opening (first large prize opening 30 or second large prize opening 35) is opened 15 times (number of rounds), but the opening time in the first and second rounds, which are the aforementioned V rounds, is extremely short (opening and closing for an instant), making it difficult (or even impossible) for the game ball to pass through to the specific area 39. In other words, these jackpots can be said to be jackpots that do not open the second large prize opening 35 in a manner that allows (easy) the game ball to pass through to the specific area 39.

The "2R 4th jackpot" is a jackpot in which the large prize opening (first large prize opening 30 or second large prize opening 35) is opened twice (number of rounds), and the second large prize opening 35 is opened in such a way that the game ball can pass through to the specific area 39 in the first and second rounds, which are V rounds. However, the opening time of the second large prize opening 35 is 1.8 seconds in the first and second rounds combined, so the possibility of the game ball passing through to the specific area is lower than in the 15R 1st jackpot.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is transitioned to a high probability state, which will be described later, based on the passage of the game ball into the specific area 39 during the jackpot game. Therefore, if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a 15R 1st jackpot or a 15R 5th jackpot, the first and second V rounds are executed in a state in which the game ball has a very high probability of passing through the specific area 39, so that the game state after the jackpot game can be transitioned to a high probability state by passing the game ball into the specific area 39 during the execution of the jackpot game. Also, if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a 2R 4th jackpot, the first and second V rounds are executed in a state in which the game ball has a possibility of passing through the specific area 39, although not as much as a 15R 1st jackpot or a 15R 5th jackpot, so that if the game ball can be passed through the specific area 39 during the execution of the jackpot game, the game state after the jackpot game can be transitioned to a high probability state.

In contrast, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is 15R 2nd jackpot, 15R 3rd jackpot, or 15R 6th jackpot, since the opening times of the V rounds in the first and second rounds are each 0.1 seconds, it is extremely difficult to get the game ball to enter the second large prize entry port, and therefore the possibility of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game is extremely low (effectively impossible), and the game state after the jackpot game is very likely to be the normal state (low probability state) described below (it can be said to be in a low probability state).

On the other hand, a small win (first small win, second small win) is a win that opens the large prize opening (second large prize opening 35) in the same opening pattern as the 2R 4th jackpot. In other words, in a small win, the second large prize opening 35 is opened in a manner that allows the game ball to pass through the specific area 39. However, even if a game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the execution of a small win game, the game state after the execution of the small win game does not change from before the execution of the small win game. Therefore, if the game state before the execution of the small win game is a normal state (low probability state), the game state after the execution of the small win game will also be a normal state. And from the player's point of view, the above-mentioned 2R 4th jackpot and a small win cannot be distinguished even by looking at the opening pattern of the large prize opening (second large prize opening 35). In other words, it is difficult for the player to recognize whether the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is a "2R 4th jackpot" or a "small win". Therefore, even if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during a special game (during a jackpot game) for the 2R 4th jackpot, it is difficult to recognize whether the game state has transitioned to a high probability state. Also, even if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during a special game (during a small jackpot game) for a small jackpot, it is difficult to recognize whether the game state has remained normal or transitioned to a high probability state. As a result, in the case of a small jackpot or a 2R 4th jackpot, the player can play with the expectation that the game may be in a high probability state, which can increase the interest in the game. Note that in the case of a small jackpot, the number of times the large prize winning hole is opened is not called the number of rounds, but simply the number of openings.

The opening pattern of the large prize opening when each big prize and small prize occurs in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is as shown in FIG. 6. That is, in the case of the 15R first big prize (when the 15R first big prize symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41a) and the 15R fifth big prize (when the 15R fifth big prize symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 41b), the second large prize opening 35 is opened for a maximum of 28 seconds in the 1R to 2R, and the first large prize opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 28 seconds in the 3R to 15R. In this case, since the opening time of the second large prize opening 35 in the 1R and 2R is 28 seconds each, the possibility that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 during that round (V round) is extremely high.

In addition, in the case of a 15R 2nd jackpot (when the 15R 2nd jackpot symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display 41a), a 15R 3rd jackpot (when the 15R 3rd jackpot symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display 41a), or a 15R 6th jackpot (when the 15R 6th jackpot symbol is displayed on the second special symbol display 41b), the second jackpot opening 35 is opened for a maximum of 0.1 seconds in the 1st to 2nd rounds, and the first jackpot opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 28 seconds in the 3rd to 15th rounds. In this case, the opening time of the second jackpot opening 35 in the 1st and 2nd rounds is a very short time of a maximum of 0.1 seconds each (opening and closing for an instant), so it is almost impossible for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39 during that round (during the V round).

In this embodiment, the opening patterns for the 15R 2nd, 3rd, and 6th jackpots are different from the opening patterns for the 15R 1st and 5th jackpots in the 1st and 2nd rounds (V rounds). In the 15R 1st and 5th jackpots, the second large prize winning hole 35 is opened for 28 seconds in the 1st and 2nd rounds, so that in the V round, unless there is a ball jam or a problem with the game ball launching system, the game ball will almost certainly enter the second large prize winning hole 35 and pass through the specific area 39 with a high probability. In contrast, in the 15R 2nd, 3rd, and 6th jackpots, the second large prize winning hole 35 is opened for only 0.1 seconds in the 1st and 2nd rounds. Therefore, it is very difficult for the game ball to enter the second large prize winning hole 35. Therefore, the possibility of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 during the execution of the jackpot game for the second, third, and sixth jackpots of 15R is significantly lower than for the first and fifth jackpots of 15R, and it can be said that it is virtually impossible for the game ball to pass through.

In addition, a jackpot in which a V round is executed in a state where the probability of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 (V passing probability) is extremely high is also called a "V passing scheduled jackpot," and a jackpot in which a V round is executed in a state where the probability of the V passing through is extremely low is also called a "V non-passing scheduled jackpot."

As shown in FIG. 6, in the case of a 2R 4th jackpot (when the 2R 4th jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41a), the second large prize opening 35 is opened for a maximum of 0.9 seconds from the 1R to the 2R. In this case, the total opening time of the second large prize opening 35 in the 1R and 2R is a maximum of 1.8 seconds, so it is possible to make a game ball enter the second large prize opening 35 during that round and pass through the specific area 39. In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, one game ball is launched in about 0.6 seconds, so if the opening time of the second large prize opening 35 is 1.8 seconds, it is fully possible to aim for a game ball to enter the second large prize opening 35 and pass through the specific area 39. However, the 2R 4th jackpot has a short total opening time of the 2nd main prize slot of 1.8 seconds, so you cannot expect to win as many prize balls (game profits) as you can with the other 15R jackpots. In other words, compared to other jackpots, it is a jackpot in which you will hardly get any prize balls.

In addition, in the case of the first small win (when the first small win pattern is stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display 41a) and in the case of the second small win (when the second small win pattern is stopped and displayed on the second special pattern display 41b), the second large prize winning hole 35 is opened twice for a maximum of 0.9 seconds. In other words, the large prize winning hole is opened in the same opening pattern as the 2R 4th big win. Even in this small win, the opening time of the second large prize winning hole 35 is a total of 1.8 seconds, so it is possible to make the game ball enter the second large prize winning hole 35 and pass through the specific area 39. However, as mentioned above, even if there is a passage to the specific area 39 in the small win game, there is no change in the game state before and after the small win game. In addition, in the small win game, the total opening time of the large prize winning hole is short at 1.8 seconds, so as with the 2R 4th big win, it is not possible to expect many prize balls. In other words, a small win offers almost no benefits to the player, either in terms of a transition in game state or winning balls (only winning balls from entering the jackpot).

In this embodiment, the opening patterns of the second large winning hole 35 may include a first opening pattern in which the game ball can pass through the specific area 39 (15 first jackpot, 15R fifth jackpot), a second opening pattern in which the game ball has difficulty passing through the specific area 39 (15R second jackpot, 15R third jackpot, 15R sixth jackpot), and a third opening pattern in which the game ball can pass through the specific area but has a lower probability of passing through than the first opening pattern (2R fourth jackpot). In addition, as an opening pattern for a small win, a fourth opening pattern in which the game ball can pass through the specific area 39 but does not give a bonus even if it does pass through (does not generate a high probability state). This fourth opening pattern may also be an opening pattern in which the game ball cannot pass through the specific area 39 as another embodiment.

The distribution probability for each jackpot in the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol (special symbol 1) is 40% for the first jackpot in 15R, 20% for the second jackpot in 15R, 30% for the third jackpot in 15R, and 10% for the fourth jackpot in 2R (see the column of random numbers for determining the type of jackpot in Figure 6). In contrast, the distribution probability for the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is 80% for the fifth jackpot in 15R, and 20% for the sixth jackpot in 15R (see the column of random numbers for determining the type of jackpot in Figure 6). This distribution probability can be said to represent the possibility that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 during the hit game, that is, the probability of a high probability state, and can also be said to represent the probability of a high base state in which the opening extension function described later is activated.

In other words, the probability of a high probability state occurring is at least 40% if a jackpot is determined based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20 (first special symbol hit/miss judgment), and the probability is 50% if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game related to the 2R 4th jackpot is included. On the other hand, if a jackpot is determined based on the ball entering the second starting hole 21 (second special symbol hit/miss judgment), the probability is 80%.

In addition, regarding the probability of a high base state, if a jackpot is reached based on the first special symbol judgment in a game state where the extension function is not activated (low base state), the probability is 60%, and if a 2R fourth jackpot is included when a jackpot is reached based on the first special symbol judgment in a high base state, the probability is 70%. On the other hand, if a jackpot is reached based on the second special symbol judgment, the probability is 100%. And if a jackpot is reached based on the second special symbol judgment, a 2R jackpot, which can occur when a jackpot is reached based on the first special symbol judgment, will not occur, and it will always be a 15R jackpot.

In this way, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability of a high probability state, the probability of a high base state, and the possibility of winning 15R's worth of prize balls are higher when a game ball enters the second start hole 21 and a jackpot is reached in the second special symbol hit judgment (second special symbol hit lottery) than when a game ball enters the first start hole 20 and a jackpot is reached in the first special symbol hit judgment (first special symbol hit lottery). In other words, the game is set so that a jackpot is more likely to be advantageous for the player when a game ball enters the second special symbol hit judgment than when a jackpot is reached in the first special symbol hit judgment, and the second special symbol is more likely to be advantageous for the player when a variably displayed display is made than when a variably displayed display is made. For this reason, the player plays the game in the hope of a ball entering the second start hole 21. This is particularly noticeable when the extended opening function is activated (high base state), which increases the frequency of balls entering the second starting hole 21. Note that the distribution probability described above is only an example, and can be set arbitrarily, taking into account gameplay, specifications, etc.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the second special symbol is given priority over the first special symbol, when both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are executable, that is, when the first special symbol reservation and the second special symbol reservation are both "1" or more, the second special symbol (consumption of the second special symbol reservation) is prioritized over the first special symbol (consumption of the first special symbol reservation). As a result, in a high base state in which the frequency of balls entering the second starting hole 21 increases, the frequency of the second special symbol display increases, so it can be said that this is a state in which the player can play advantageously. Nevertheless, the first special symbol display in a high base state means that the advantageous state (high base state) is ruined for the player, and the first special symbol display may be more disadvantageous than the second special symbol display, so the first special symbol display in a high base state is not desirable for the player.

Here, as the mode of the stop display of the special symbols, the jackpot symbol is also called the "specific display result", the small jackpot symbol is also called the "predetermined display result", and the miss symbol is also called the "predetermined mode" or "non-specific display result". Also, the jackpot symbol that does not trigger the setting of the high base state (15R third jackpot symbol, 2R fourth jackpot symbol in low base state) is also called the "first specific display result", and the jackpot symbol that triggers the setting of the high base state (15R first, second, fifth, and sixth jackpot symbols, 2R fourth jackpot symbol in high base state) is also called the "second specific display result". Also, as the game state when the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner, the game state in which the opening extension function does not operate (low base state) is also called the "first game state", and the game state in which the opening extension function operates (high base state) is also called the "second game state".

In this pachinko game machine 1, the judgment of whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or a miss is made based on the "special symbol hit/miss judgment random number (also called "hit/miss judgment information")", and the judgment of the type of the big hit in the case of a big hit is made based on the "jackpot type determination random number (also called "symbol determination random number" or "symbol determination information"). As shown in FIG. 7(A), the special symbol hit/miss judgment random number takes a value in the range of "0 to 629", and the big hit type determination random number takes a value in the range of "0 to 99". In addition, the random numbers (acquired information) acquired based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21 include the special symbol hit/miss judgment random number and the big hit type determination random number as well as the "variation pattern random number (also called "variation pattern information")". The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern including the variation time, and takes a value in the range of "0 to 198". Furthermore, the random numbers obtained based on the passage of gate 28 include a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol has been drawn, as shown in FIG. 7(B). The random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol has been drawn is a random number used to determine whether or not to play the auxiliary game that opens second starting hole 21 (a normal symbol lottery), and takes a value in the range of "0 to 240."

Next, the game state of the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. The pachinko game machine 1 has a plurality of game states by combinations in which the probability fluctuation function for special symbols, the probability fluctuation function for normal symbols, the fluctuation time shortening function, and the opening extension function are in an activated or deactivated state. The state in which the probability fluctuation function is activated for special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) is called the "high probability state", and the state in which it is not activated is called the "normal state (also called the "low probability state"). In the high probability state, the probability of being determined as a jackpot in the special symbol hit/miss judgment is higher than in the normal state. That is, in the normal state, the hit/miss judgment is performed using the hit judgment table for the normal state, and in the high probability state, the hit/miss judgment is performed using the hit judgment table for the high probability state in which the value of the special symbol hit/miss judgment random number determined as a jackpot is higher than in the normal state (see FIG. 8 (A)). In other words, when the probability variation function for special symbols is activated, the probability that the display result of the special symbol variation display will be a jackpot (the stopped symbol will be a jackpot symbol) increases compared to when it is not activated.

The state in which the time-saving function is activated for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) is called the "time-saving state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "non-time-saving state." In the time-saving state, the average value of the special symbol's time of fluctuation (the time from the start of the fluctuation display to the final display) is shorter than the average value of the special symbol's time of fluctuation in the non-time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, the fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation pattern table that is set so that a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see Figure 9). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the reserved special symbols is faster, and effective balls entering the starting hole (balls that can be stored as reserved special symbols) are more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot while playing smoothly.

The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) may operate simultaneously, or only one of them may operate. The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function for the normal symbols are designed to operate in synchronization with the fluctuation time shortening function for the special symbols. That is, the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function for the normal symbols operate in the time shortening state of the special symbols, and do not operate in the non-time shortening state. Therefore, in the time shortening state, the probability of a win in the normal symbol hit/miss judgment is higher than in the non-time shortening state. That is, the normal symbol hit/miss judgment (normal symbol judgment) is performed using a normal symbol hit judgment table in which the value of the normal symbol random number (hit random number) that is judged to be a hit is greater than the normal symbol hit judgment table used in the non-time shortening state (see FIG. 8 (C)). In other words, when the probability fluctuation function for the normal symbols is activated, the probability that the display result of the normal symbol fluctuation display will be a hit (the stopped symbol will be a normal hit symbol) is higher than when it is not activated.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the change time of the normal pattern is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, the change time of the normal pattern is 30 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state (see FIG. 8 (D)). Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) is activated, and the opening time of the second starting hole 21 in the auxiliary play is longer than in the non-time-saving state. In addition, in the time-saving state, the opening count increase function of the variable winning device 22 is activated, and the opening count of the second starting hole 21 in the auxiliary play is greater than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, when the normal symbol hit/miss judgment is a hit in the non-time-saving state, the movable member 23 of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) performs one 0.2-second opening operation, and when the normal symbol hit/miss judgment is a hit in the time-saving state, the movable member 23 of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) performs three 2.0-second opening operations.

When the probability variation function and variation time reduction function for normal symbols, as well as the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the variable winning device 22 are operating, the second starting hole 21 opens more frequently and game balls enter the second starting hole 21 more frequently than when these functions are not operating (also called a "high frequency state"). As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls, becomes higher. Therefore, the state in which these functions are operating is also called a "high base state," and the state in which they are not operating is also called a "low base state." In a high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the game balls you have in hand (held balls).

The high base state (high frequency state) does not necessarily require all of the above functions to be activated. In other words, the activation of at least one of the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time reduction function for normal symbols, and the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the variable winning device 22, must make the second starting hole 21 more likely to open (higher ball entry frequency) than when that function is not activated. Also, the high base state may be controlled independently without being associated with the time reduction state for special symbols. The function that generates such a high base state can also be called the "high base generation function."

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, if the first or fifth jackpot of 15R occurs, the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a high probability state of the special symbol, a time-saving state of the special symbol, and a high base state if the game ball passed through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game (see FIG. 6). This game state is specifically called the "high probability, high base state." The high probability, high base state ends when the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this example) or when a jackpot is hit and the jackpot game is executed.

In addition, in the case of the 15R 2nd and 6th jackpots, the game state after the jackpot game ends is the normal state of the special pattern because it is extremely difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game, and in addition, it becomes the special pattern time-saving state and the high base state (see FIG. 6). This game state is specifically called the "low probability high base state". The low probability high base state ends when the special pattern variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this example) or when a jackpot is won and a special game (jackpot game) related to the jackpot is executed before the special pattern variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this example). Note that, although the possibility is extremely low, if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game related to the 15R 2nd and 6th jackpots, the game state after the jackpot game ends will be the "high probability high base state". Also, although the possibility is extremely low, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game related to the first and fifth jackpots of 15R, the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a "low probability high base state."

In addition, in the case of a 15R third jackpot, the game state after the jackpot game ends will be the normal state of the special symbol, since the possibility of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 during that jackpot game is extremely low, and in addition, the game state will be the non-time-saving state of the special symbol and the low base state (see Figure 6). This game state is specifically called the "low probability low base state." The low probability low base state is the basic game state in this pachinko game machine 1, that is, the initial game state. Note that, although the possibility is extremely low, if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game related to the 15R third jackpot, the game state after the jackpot game ends will be the "high probability low base state" described below.

In addition, in the low probability low base state, if a 2R fourth jackpot occurs, the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a high probability state of the special pattern, a non-time-saving state of the special pattern, and a low base state if the game ball passes through specific area 39 during the jackpot game (see Figure 6). This game state is specifically called the "high probability low base state." The high probability low base state ends when the special pattern is displayed in a variable manner a predetermined number of times (100 times in this example) or when a jackpot is hit and the jackpot game is played.

This high-probability, low-base state is a state in which the high-probability state is latent, i.e., it is a state in which it is difficult for the player to recognize that it is a high-probability state. In other words, the high-probability, low-base state is what is known as a "latent high-probability state (also called a "non-probability notification state"). In contrast, the above-mentioned high-probability, high-base state is a state in which it is clear to the player that it is a high-probability state. In other words, the high-probability, high-base state is what is known as a "high-probability game state."

In addition, in the high base state, if the 2R fourth jackpot occurs, the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a "high probability high base state" if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game (see Figure 6). In other words, the time-saving function of the special pattern and the base state will be the same as the state before the jackpot game is executed.

In a high base state such as a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, it is more advantageous to play by hitting the ball to the right to enter the right play area 3B. In a high base state, the second start hole 21 is more easily opened than in a low base state, and it is easier to enter the second start hole 21 than the first start hole 20. Therefore, in a high base state, by hitting the ball to the right to enter the second start hole 21 while passing the ball through the gate 28, which is the trigger for determining whether the normal pattern is a hit or not, more start balls (opportunities for determining whether the special pattern is a hit or not) can be obtained than by hitting the ball to the left. In this state, the launch direction indicator 47 is controlled to light in a predetermined manner, and notifies the player that the ball should be launched into the right play area.

In contrast, in low base states such as a high-probability low base state or a low-probability low base state, it is more advantageous to play by hitting the ball from the left into the left play area 3A. In a low base state, the second start hole 21 is less likely to open than in a high base state, and it is easier to get the ball into the first start hole 20 than into the second start hole 21. Therefore, in a low base state, hitting the ball from the left to get the ball into the first start hole 20 can provide more start holes (opportunities to determine whether the special symbol has been hit) than hitting the ball from the right. In this state, the launch direction indicator 47 is controlled to light up (display controlled) in a predetermined manner, indicating that the ball should be launched into the left play area.

Specifically, the launch direction indicator 47 is composed of two LEDs, "yz", and indicates the launch direction by lighting the LEDs according to the game state. For example, in a low base state, it can notify that the ball should be launched into the left game area by displaying "y□z□" (e.g., □: off, ■: on) with both LEDs off. In a high base state, it can notify that the ball should be launched into the right game area by displaying "y■z■" (e.g., □: off, ■: on).

In addition, in this embodiment, the launch instruction notification instructing whether the game ball should be launched toward the left game area 3A or the right game area 3B is performed not only by the display mode of the LED on the launch direction indicator 47, but also by displaying the launch instruction image (left hit instruction image 70, right hit instruction image 71) on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a). Generally, it can be said that the image display device 7 (display screen 7a) is easier for a player to see and grasp (understand) the display content than the launch direction indicator 47. Therefore, a player generally looks at the launch instruction image displayed on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a) to understand whether he should "hit left" or "hit right", that is, whether the current game state is a "left hit game state" in which the ball is hit from the left, or a "right hit game state" in which the ball is hit from the right.

In this embodiment, as mentioned above, a "right hit" is performed when the game state is a special game state (jackpot game state) or a high base state (high probability high base state, low probability low base state), so the "right hit game state" refers to the special game state or the high base state. This "right hit game state" is also called the "predetermined game state," the "special game state" is also called the "first predetermined game state," and the "high base state" is also called the "second predetermined game state."

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, if the low-probability, low base state in which no small hit or big hit games are being played is used as a reference, this low-probability, low base state can be regarded as the "normal game state" or "normal state", and the game in which the special pattern is displayed in a variable manner in this state can be regarded as "normal game".

The jackpot game is a game that can be executed by changing the display of the special symbol and stopping the display of the jackpot symbol, and since it is an advantageous game for the player in that a large number of prize balls can be obtained by the game ball entering the large prize opening (first large prize opening 32, second large prize opening 35), the jackpot game can be regarded as a "special game," and the game state in which the jackpot game is played can be regarded as a "special game state."

Although small win games are not as profitable as big win games, it is possible to win prize balls by having game balls enter the big prize openings (first big prize opening 32, second big prize opening 35), so they can be said to be more advantageous to players than regular games. Therefore, small win games can also be considered as "special games", and the game state in which the small win games are played can also be considered as a "special game state". Furthermore, to distinguish between special games as big win games and special games as small win games, special games as small win games can also be considered as "small profit special games".

[Main control main processing]
Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 (control processing by the main control unit) will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 38. The counters, flags, statuses, buffers, etc., which appear in the operation description of the game control microcomputer 81, are provided in the RAM of the main control board 80. When the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 provided in the main control board 80 reads out the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 10 from the ROM of the main control board 80 and executes it. As shown in the figure, in the main control main processing, initial settings are first performed (S101). In the initial settings, for example, stack settings, constant settings, interrupt time settings, CPU settings of the main control board 80, SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller) settings, various flags, statuses, and counters are reset, etc. The initial value of the flag is "0", i.e. "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Incidentally, the initial setting (S101) is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

Following the initial setting (S101), interrupts are prohibited (S102), and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103), the values of the various random number counters shown in FIG. 7 are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the value of each random number counter reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. The updated random number counter values are stored sequentially in a specified update value storage area (not shown) in the RAM of the main control board 80.

When the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S104). While the interrupt is permitted, the interrupt process (S105) can be executed. This interrupt process (S105) is executed based on an interrupt pulse repeatedly input to the CPU of the main control board 80 at a cycle of, for example, 4 ms. Then, after the interrupt process (S105) is completed and before the next interrupt process (S105) is started, the update process of various counter values by the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU when the interrupt is prohibited, the interrupt process (S105) does not start immediately, but starts after the interrupt is permitted (S104).

[Interrupt handling]
Next, the interrupt process (S105) will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, in the interrupt process (S105), first, the output process (S201) is executed. In the output process (S201), the commands (control signals) set in the output buffer provided in the RAM of the main control board 80 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 90 and the payout control board 110. The commands output here include information on the game state, the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment, the symbol as the type of big hit, the variation pattern, and the like. The command is, for example, made of 2 bytes of information. The upper byte is information on the type of command, and the lower byte is information on the content of the command.

In the input process (S202) that follows the output process (S201), the detection signals detected by various sensors (first start hole sensor 20a, second start hole sensor 21a, first large prize hole sensor 30a, second large prize hole sensor 35a, general prize hole sensor 27a, etc. (see FIG. 5)) attached to the pachinko game machine 1 are read and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as prize ball information. In addition, when the first start hole sensor 20a or the second start hole sensor 21a detects a game ball, the start ball entry process (S205) described below stores the start ball entry command corresponding to each start hole in the output buffer of the RAM. In addition, a detection signal from the lower tray full switch that detects the lower tray 62 being full is also taken in and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as lower tray full data.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S203) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed in the main control main process of Figure 10. That is, the update process of the various random number counter values (including the normal symbol random number counter value) shown in Figure 7 is performed both during the execution period of the timer interrupt process (S105) and during other periods (the period from the end of the interrupt process (S105) until the start of the next interrupt process (S105)).

Following the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S203), the start hole sensor detection process (S204), start ball entry process (S205), normal symbol operation process (S206), special symbol operation process (S207), specific area sensor detection process (S208), reserved ball count process (S209), and power cut monitoring process (S210) are executed. In addition, "other processes" necessary for progressing the game are executed, and the interrupt process (S105) is terminated. Then, the main control main process S102 to S104 is repeatedly executed (see FIG. 10) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU of the main control board 80, and when the interrupt pulse is input (about 4 msec later), the interrupt process (S105) is executed again. In the output process (S201) of the interrupt process (S105) executed again, the commands set in the output buffer of the RAM in the previous interrupt process (S105) are output.

[Starting port sensor detection process]
12, in the start gate sensor detection process (S204), first, it is determined whether the game ball has passed through the gate 28, that is, whether the game ball has been detected by the gate sensor 28a (S301). If the game ball has not passed through the gate 28 (NO in S301), the process proceeds to S305, and if the game ball has passed through the gate 28 (YES in S301), it is determined whether the number of reserved balls with normal symbols (the number of reserved normal symbols, specifically, the value of a counter that counts the number of reserved normal symbols provided in the RAM) is less than 4 (S302).

If the number of reserved balls for normal symbols is not less than four (NO in S302), the process proceeds to S305. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls for normal symbols is less than four (YES in S302), "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for normal symbols (S303), and the process of obtaining a random number for normal symbols (S304) is performed. In the process of obtaining a random number for normal symbols (S304), the value of the random number counter for determining whether or not a normal symbol has been selected (label-TRND-H, FIG. 7 (B)) stored in the update value memory area (not shown) of the RAM is obtained, and the obtained random number value (obtained information) is stored in the address space corresponding to the current number of reserved balls for normal symbols in the reserved balls memory section provided in the RAM of the main control board 80.

In S305, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 21, i.e., whether a game ball has been detected by the second start hole sensor 21a (S305). If a game ball has not entered the second start hole 21 (NO in S305), the process proceeds to S309. If a game ball has entered the second start hole 21 (YES in S305), it is determined whether the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 (the number of reserved second special charts, specifically, the value of the counter that counts the number of reserved second special charts provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80) is less than 4 (upper limit) (S306). If the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is not less than 4 (NO in S306), the process proceeds to S309. If the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is less than 4 (YES in S306), 1 is added to the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 (S307).

Next, the special symbol 2 related random number acquisition process (S308) is performed. In the special symbol 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the value of the random number counter for determining whether or not the special symbol has been hit (label-TRND-A), the value of the random number counter for determining the type of big win (label-TRND-AS), and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (label-TRND-T1) stored in the update value memory area (not shown) of the RAM are acquired (i.e., the random number values shown in FIG. 7(A) are acquired), and these acquired random number values (acquired information) are stored in the address space of the second special symbol reserved memory unit 85b according to the current number of reserved balls for special symbol 2.

Next, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the first starting hole 20, i.e., whether a game ball has been detected by the first starting hole sensor 20a (S309). If a game ball has not entered the first starting hole 20 (NO in S309), the process is terminated. If a game ball has entered the first starting hole 20 (YES in S309), it is determined whether the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 (the number of reserved first special charts, specifically, the value of the counter that counts the number of reserved first special charts provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80) is less than 4 (upper limit) (S310). Then, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is not less than 4 (NO in S310), the process is terminated. If the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is less than 4 (YES in S310), "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 (S311).

Next, the special chart 1 related random number acquisition process (S312) is performed. In the special chart 1 related random number acquisition process (S312), similar to the special chart 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the value of the special pattern hit/miss determination counter (label-TRND-A), the value of the jackpot type determination random number counter (label-TRND-AS), and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (label-TRND-T1) stored in the update value memory area (not shown) of the RAM are acquired (i.e., the random number values shown in FIG. 7(A) are acquired), and these acquired random number values are stored in the address space of the first special chart reserved memory unit according to the current number of reserved balls for special chart 1.

[Processing at the start of the ball entry]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the start ball entry process (S205) following the start ball entry sensor detection process (S204). As shown in FIG. 13, in the start ball entry process (S205), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the special figure 2 has increased by "1" (S315). If it is determined that the number of reserved balls in the special figure 2 has increased by "1" (YES in S315), the process proceeds to S316. This corresponds to the case where "1" is added to the number of reserved balls in the special figure 2 in S307 in the start ball entry sensor detection process (S204) based on the game ball entering the second start ball. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls in the special figure 2 has not increased (NO in S315), the process proceeds to S319.

In S316, the latest acquired random number value (acquired information) acquired in the special symbol 2 related random number acquisition process (S308) in the immediately preceding start port sensor detection process (S204) and stored in the second special symbol reserved memory unit is read (S316). Next, the acquired random number value related to the read second special symbol is judged (S317). In S317, the value of the special symbol hit/miss determination random number counter (special symbol hit/miss determination random number value) among the acquired random numbers read out is judged as a hit or miss depending on the current game state (low probability state or high probability state), and if the result of the judgment is a hit, the type of hit is further judged. This process of S317 corresponds to a pre-judgment (so-called "reserved pre-read") made prior to the hit/miss judgment (S1303, S1309) in the special symbol 2 hit/miss judgment process (S1202) described later.

In addition, the advance judgment of whether or not it is a jackpot can be judged based on the jackpot judgment table (see FIG. 8(A)), that is, the jackpot judgment table for high probability state in the high probability state in the high probability state, and the jackpot judgment table for normal state in the normal state (low probability state) to judge whether or not it matches the jackpot judgment value. In addition, as another advance judgment mode, as a fluctuation pattern information judgment table capable of judging the fluctuation pattern information, there is a fluctuation pattern information judgment table for normal state (low probability state) and a fluctuation pattern information judgment table for high probability state (high probability state). In the advance judgment, it is possible to select a predetermined fluctuation pattern information based on the acquired random number value (such as the value of the random number counter for judging whether or not a special pattern is hit) and the fluctuation pattern information judgment table according to the game state. Then, from this selected fluctuation pattern information, it is possible to identify whether or not it is a jackpot, the type of jackpot, whether a game performance with high jackpot reliability is executed, etc.

Next, in S318, game information (pre-judgment information) related to the result of the pre-judgment in S317, specifically, information indicating whether the random number value for the special symbol hit/miss judgment matches the jackpot judgment value (hit/miss information), information indicating the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot type (random number value for determining the jackpot type), information indicating the value of the variable pattern random number counter (variation pattern random number value), etc. are generated as a special symbol 2 start entry command, and the command is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S318). Note that as the special symbol 2 start entry command, part or all of the value of the special symbol 2 acquisition random number read in S316 may be sent directly to the sub-control board, or the value of the special symbol 2 acquisition random number may not be sent directly, and game information acquired based on the value of the special symbol 2 acquisition random number (for example, the aforementioned variable pattern information, etc.) may be sent.

In addition, by analyzing the special chart 2 start entry command sent from the main control unit 80 by the sub-control unit 90, the sub-control unit 90 can identify whether the information is related to a jackpot, what the jackpot type is, what the variation pattern is, etc. In addition, in this embodiment, by analyzing the special chart 2 start entry command, it is possible to determine whether the acquired special chart 2 acquisition random number will be a jackpot when judged in a high probability state, and whether it will be a jackpot when judged in a low probability state. As a result, the sub-control unit 90 stores the received special chart 2 start entry command as a hold (performance hold information), pre-judges the performance hold information at a specific timing, and determines whether performance hold information that will be judged as a jackpot when judged in a low probability state is stored.

In addition, from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, the random number value for determining whether or not a special symbol has been hit is not sent directly to the sub-control unit among the obtained random number values read in S316. Instead, command data including information indicating the value of the random number counter for determining the type of jackpot (random number value for determining the type of jackpot) and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (fluctuation pattern random number value), as well as information indicating the result of the preliminary judgment, is generated as a special symbol 2 start entry command, and this can be set.

Next, in S319, similar to the process related to Special Chart 2 described above, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 1 has increased by "1" (S319). If it is determined that the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 1 has increased by "1" (YES in S319), the process proceeds to S320. This corresponds to the case where "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 1 in S311 of the start hole sensor detection process (S204) based on a game ball entering the first start hole. On the other hand, if it is determined in S319 that the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 1 has not increased (NO in S319), the process ends as it is.

In S320, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON or not (S320). If it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON, i.e., that the base state is high (YES in S320), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time-saving flag is OFF, i.e., that the base state is low (NO in S320), the process proceeds to the pre-determination process from S321 onwards.

The processing of S321 to S323 is the same as the processing of S316 to S318 described above, but for special chart 1. That is, the latest acquired random number value (acquired information) acquired in the special chart 1 related random number acquisition process (S312) in the start port sensor detection process (S204) and stored in the first special chart reservation memory unit is read (S321), and a preliminary judgment is made on the acquired random number value that was read (S322). Then, command data including game information related to this preliminary judgment is generated as a special chart 1 start ball entry command, and the command is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S323). Note that the preliminary judgment (reserved advance reading) of S322 is made prior to the hit/miss judgment (S1603, S1609) in the special chart 1 hit/miss judgment process (S1207) described later.

Here, in the high base state, the open extension function is activated, which increases the frequency of balls entering the second starting hole 21, making it easier to judge whether or not the special symbol 2 is a hit (see FIG. 8 (B)). In addition, in this embodiment, as described below, the consumption of the special symbol 2 reservation (display of the second special symbol fluctuation) is executed in priority to the consumption of the special symbol 1 reservation (display of the first special symbol fluctuation). For this reason, in this embodiment, the advance judgment regarding the special symbol 1 reservation (special symbol 1 advance judgment) is performed in the low base state, where the display of the first special symbol fluctuation is mainly performed, and the advance judgment regarding the special symbol 2 reservation (special symbol 2 advance judgment) is performed regardless of whether the base state is low or high. In addition, as described below, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is controlled to a low-probability, low-base state during a jackpot game, but even if a game ball enters the first starting hole 20 during a jackpot game and the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 increases by "1," the processes of S321 to S323 (special chart 1 advance determination process) are not performed.

[General action processing]
After the start ball entry game process (S206), the game control microcomputer 81 performs the normal symbol operation process (S207) shown in Fig. 14. In the normal symbol operation process (S207), the process related to the normal symbol display 42 and the variable winning device 22 is divided into four stages, and each stage is assigned a "normal symbol operation status 1, 2, 3, 4". If the "normal map operation status" is "1" (YES in S401), normal pattern waiting processing (S402) is performed; if the "normal map operation status" is "2" (NO in S401, YES in S403), normal pattern changing processing (S404) is performed; if the "normal map operation status" is "3" (NO in both S401 and S403, YES in S405), normal pattern determination processing (S406) is performed; if the "normal map operation status" is "4" (NO in all of S401, S403, and S405), normal electric accessory processing (S407) is performed. Note that the normal map operation status is initially set to "1".

[Normal symbol standby processing]
As shown in FIG. 15, in the normal symbol waiting process (S402), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol is "0" (S501), and if it is "0" (YES in S501), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not "0" (NO in S501), a normal symbol hit/miss determination process described later is performed (S502), and then a normal symbol change pattern selection process (S503) is performed. In the normal symbol change pattern selection process, by referring to the normal symbol change pattern selection table shown in FIG. 8 (D), if the game state is in a time-saving state, a normal symbol change pattern with a normal symbol change time of 1 second is selected. On the other hand, if the game state is in a non-time-saving state, a normal symbol change pattern with a normal symbol change time of 30 seconds is selected. After the normal symbol change pattern selection process (S503) is completed, a normal symbol random number shift process (S504) described later is performed, and then a normal symbol change start process (S505) is performed, and the process is terminated. In the normal symbol variation start process, the normal symbol variation display is started based on the normal symbol variation pattern selected in S503, and the normal operation status is set to "2." In addition, in the normal symbol variation start process, a normal symbol variation start command is set to notify the sub-control board 90 of the start of the normal symbol variation.

[Normal pattern correctness determination process]
As shown in FIG. 16, in the normal symbol hit/miss judgment process (S502), first, the value of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment random number counter (label-TRND-H) stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit is read (S601). Next, it is judged whether the time-saving flag is ON (i.e., whether the game state is in the time-saving state or not) (S602). If it is judged in S602 that the time-saving flag is ON, that is, that the game state is in the time-saving state (YES in S602), it is judged whether or not there is a hit by the high probability normal symbol hit/miss judgment based on the table for the time-saving state (hit judgment value is "0" to "239") of the normal symbol hit judgment table shown in FIG. 8 (C) (S604), and the process proceeds to S605. That is, it is judged whether or not the value of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment random number counter (label-TRND-H) read out matches any of the hit judgment values. On the other hand, if it is determined in S602 that the time-saving flag is not ON, that is, that the game is in a non-time-saving state (NO in S602), a low-probability normal symbol hit/miss judgment based on the table for non-time-saving states (hit judgment values are "0" and "1") among the normal symbol hit judgment tables shown in FIG. 8 (C) is used to judge whether or not the game is a hit (S603), and the process proceeds to S605. Then, in S605, it is determined whether or not the result of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment (S603, S604) is a hit (normal symbol hit) (S605), and if it is judged to be a miss (NO in S605), the miss normal symbol (normal symbol miss symbol) to be displayed as a stop symbol is determined (S606), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is judged to be a hit (normal symbol hit) in S605 (YES in S605), the hit normal symbol (normal symbol hit symbol) to be displayed as a stop symbol is determined (S607), the normal symbol hit flag is set to ON (S608), and the process ends.

[Normal pattern random number shift processing]
As shown in FIG. 17, in the normal pattern random number shift process (S504), first, the number of normal pattern reserved balls is decremented by 1 (S701). Next, the storage location of each normal pattern reserved in the normal pattern reserved memory unit is shifted one position from the current position to the side to be read (S702). Then, the address space which is the storage location of the top reserved memory in the normal pattern reserved memory unit is made empty ("0"), that is, the RAM area corresponding to the fourth normal pattern reserved is cleared to 0 (S703), and the process is completed. In this way, the normal pattern reserved is consumed in the reserved order.

[Normal pattern change processing]
As shown in Fig. 18, in the normal pattern variation process (S404), first, it is determined whether the normal pattern variation time has elapsed (S801), and if it has not elapsed (NO in S801), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S801), a normal pattern variation stop command is set (S802) and the normal pattern operation status is set to "3" (S803). Then, other processes such as stopping the normal pattern variation display with the display result (won normal pattern or lost normal pattern) according to the result of the normal pattern hit/miss random number judgment are performed (S804), and this process is terminated.

[Normal design confirmation process]
As shown in FIG. 19, in the normal pattern determination process (S406), first, it is determined whether the normal pattern winning flag is ON (S901). If the normal pattern winning flag is not ON (NO in S901), the normal pattern operation status is set to "1" (S905), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the normal pattern winning flag is ON (YES in S901), it is then determined whether the time-saving flag is ON, that is, whether the time-saving state is in progress (S902). Then, if the time-saving state is in progress (YES in S902), the opening pattern during the time-saving state is set as the opening pattern of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) (S903). The opening pattern during the time-saving state is, as described above, an opening pattern in which a 2.0-second opening is repeated three times. Therefore, the second starting hole opening counter, which counts the number of times the second starting hole 21 is opened, is set to "3".

On the other hand, if the game is not in the time-saving state (NO in S902), the opening pattern during the non-time-saving state is set as the opening pattern of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) (S906). As mentioned above, the opening pattern during the non-time-saving state is an opening pattern in which a 0.2-second opening is performed once. Therefore, the second starting hole opening counter is set to "1". Then, following the setting of the opening pattern (S903, S906), the normal operation status is set to "4" (S904), and this process ends.

[Normal electric accessory processing]
As shown in Fig. 20, in the normal electric role processing (S407), first, it is determined whether the normal winning end flag is ON (S1001). The normal winning end flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of the second starting hole 21 has ended in the auxiliary game that was executed as a winning.

If the normal hit end flag is not ON (NO in S1001), it is determined whether the second start port 21 is open (S1002). If it is not open (NO in S1002), it is determined whether the time (timing) to open the second start port 21 has arrived (S1003). If not (NO in S1003), the process is terminated. If it has arrived (YES in S1003), the second start port 21 is opened (S1004), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the second start port 21 is open (YES in S1002), it is determined whether the time (timing) to close the second start port 21 has arrived (i.e., whether a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the second start port 21 was opened) (S1005). If not (NO in S1005), the process is terminated. If it has arrived (YES in S1005), the second start port 21 is closed (S1006).

Following the closing process of the second start hole 21 (S1006), the value of the second start hole opening counter is decremented by 1 (S1007), and it is determined whether the value of the second start hole opening counter is "0" or not (S1008). If it is not "0" (NO in S1008), the process is terminated to open the second start hole 21 again. On the other hand, if it is "0" (YES in S1008), a normal win end process is performed to end the auxiliary play (S1009), and the normal win end flag is set (S1010) to terminate the process. Note that the second start hole opening counter becomes "0" when the second start hole 21 is opened (the movable member 23 is opened) three times during the time-saving state, and becomes "0" when the second start hole 21 is opened once during the non-time-saving state.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol winning end flag is ON in S1001 (YES in S1001), the opening operation of the second starting port 21 for the number of times set in S903 or S906 has ended, so the normal symbol winning end flag is turned OFF (S1011), the normal symbol winning flag is turned OFF (S1012), the normal symbol operation status is set to "1" (S1013), and the process is terminated. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the normal symbol waiting process (S402) will be executed again as the normal symbol operation process (FIG. 13).
[Normal electric accessory processing]
As shown in Fig. 20, in the normal electric accessory process (S407), first, it is determined whether the normal winning end flag is ON (S1001). The normal winning end flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of the second starting hole 21 has ended in the auxiliary game that was executed as a winning one.

If the normal hit end flag is not ON (NO in S1001), it is determined whether the second start port 21 is open (S1002). If it is not open (NO in S1002), it is determined whether the time (timing) to open the second start port 21 has arrived (S1003). If not (NO in S1003), the process is terminated. If it has arrived, the second start port 21 is opened (S1004), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the second start port 21 is open (YES in S1002), it is determined whether the time (timing) to close the second start port 21 has arrived (i.e., whether a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the second start port 21 was opened) (S1005). If not (NO in S1005), the process is terminated. If it has arrived (YES in S1005), the second start port 21 is closed (S1006).

Following the closing process of the second start hole 21 (S1006), the value of the second start hole opening counter is decremented by 1 (S1007), and it is determined whether the value of the second start hole opening counter is "0" or not (S1008). If it is not "0" (NO in S1008), the process is terminated to open the second start hole 21 again. On the other hand, if it is "0" (YES in S1008), a normal win end process is performed to end the auxiliary play (S1009), and the normal win end flag is set (S1010) to terminate the process. Note that the second start hole opening counter becomes "0" when the second start hole 21 is opened (the movable member 23 is opened) three times during the time-saving state, and becomes "0" when the second start hole 21 is opened once during the non-time-saving state.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol win end flag is ON in S1001 (YES in S1001), the opening operation of the second starting port 21 has ended for the number of times set in S903 or S906, so the normal symbol win end flag is turned OFF (S1011), the normal symbol win flag is turned OFF (S1012), the normal symbol operation status is set to "1" (S1013), and the process ends. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the normal symbol wait process (S402) will be executed again as the normal symbol operation process (Figure 13).

[Special diagram operation processing]
As shown in Fig. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol operation processing (S207) following normal symbol operation processing (S206). As shown in Fig. 21, in the special symbol operation processing (S207), the processing related to the special symbol display device 41 and the big prize device (the first big prize device 31 and the second big prize device 36) is divided into five stages, and "special symbol operation status 1, 2, 3, 4, 5" is assigned to each stage. Then, if the special symbol operation status is "1" (YES in S1101), special symbol waiting processing (S1102) is performed; if the special symbol operation status is "2" (NO in S1101, YES in S1103), special symbol changing processing (S1104) is performed; if the special symbol operation status is "3" (NO in S1101, S1103, YES in S1105), special symbol determination processing (S1106) is performed; if the special symbol operation status is "4" (NO in S1101, S1103, S1105, YES in S1107), special electric device processing 1 for big win play (S1108) is performed; and if the special symbol operation status is "5" (NO in S1101, S1103, S1105, S1107), special electric device processing 2 for small win play (S1109) is performed. In addition, the special chart operation status is initially set to "1".

[Special symbol standby process]
As shown in Fig. 22, in the special symbol waiting process (S1102), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the second starting hole 21 (i.e., the number of reserved balls in special symbol 2) is "0" (S1201). If the number of reserved balls in special symbol 2 is "0" (YES in S1201), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value obtained based on the ball entering the second starting hole 21, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the first starting hole 20 (i.e., the number of reserved balls in special symbol 1) is "0" (S1206). Then, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is also "0" (YES in S1206), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value obtained based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20, it is determined whether or not the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is in the process of becoming a standby screen (a demo screen for waiting for customers is being executed) (S1211), and if it is in the process (YES in S1211), the process is terminated, and if it is not in the process (NO in S1211), a standby screen setting process is executed to display the standby screen (S1212).

If the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 2 is not "0" in S1201 (NO in S1201), that is, if there is one or more memories of random number counter values obtained based on a ball entering the second starting hole 21, the Special Chart 2 hit/miss determination process (S1202), Special Chart 2 change pattern selection process (S1203), Special Chart 2 random number shift process (S1204), and Special Chart 2 change start process (S1205) described below are performed in this order. In addition, when the number of reserved balls for the special chart 2 is "0" but the number of reserved balls for the special chart 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), that is, when there is no memory of the random number counter value related to the second starting hole 21, but there is one or more memories of the random number counter value acquired based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20, the special chart 1 hit/miss judgment process (S1207), the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208), the special chart 1 random number shift process (S1209), and the special chart 1 variation start process (S1210) described later are performed in this order. Thus, in this embodiment, the variation display of the first special pattern based on the first special pattern reservation is performed only when the number of reserved balls for the special chart 2 is "0" (YES in S1201). In other words, the consumption of the second special pattern reservation (the variation display of the second special pattern) is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special pattern reservation (the variation display of the first special pattern). In this embodiment, a win/loss determination based on the reserved second special chart is more likely to result in a jackpot that is more profitable for the player than a win/loss determination based on the reserved first special chart (see FIG. 8(B)).

[Special diagram 2 pass/fail judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 23, in the special pattern 2 hit/miss judgment process (S1202), first, the value (label-TRND-A) of the random number counter for determining whether or not the special pattern hit is hit (oldest memory) stored in the lowest area of the special pattern reserved memory section of the RAM (i.e., the RAM area corresponding to the first one of the second special pattern reserved) is read as a judgment value (S1301). Next, it is judged whether or not the probability variable flag is ON, that is, whether or not it is in a high probability state (S1302). Then, if it is not in a high probability state (NO in S1302), that is, in a normal state, a hit/miss judgment is made based on the hit judgment table for the normal state (the jackpot judgment values are "3" and "397") in the hit judgment table (see FIG. 8 (A)) (S1303). On the other hand, if it is in a high probability state (YES in S1302), a hit/miss judgment is made based on the jackpot judgment table for the high probability state in the hit judgment table (see FIG. 8 (A)) (S1309). In the jackpot determination table for high probability states, the jackpot determination values are "3,""53,""113,""173,""227,""281,""337,""397,""449," and "503."

If the result of the hit/miss judgment (S1303, S1309) is judged to be a "jackpot" (YES in S1304), the value of the random number counter for determining the type of jackpot (label-TRND-AS) is read out, the type of jackpot is judged based on the jackpot type judgment table shown in FIG. 8 (B) (S1310), the jackpot pattern is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the type of jackpot (S1311), the jackpot flag is turned ON (S1312), and the process ends. In addition, in the case of a hit/miss judgment related to the first special pattern, the type of jackpot is judged using the jackpot type judgment table for the first special pattern, and in the case of a hit/miss judgment related to the second special pattern, the type of jackpot is judged using the jackpot type judgment table for the second special pattern. If the first special symbol (special symbol 1) is judged to be a jackpot, then it will be determined to be either a 15R first jackpot, a 15R second jackpot, a 15R third jackpot, or a 2R fourth jackpot; if the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is judged to be a jackpot, then it will be determined to be a 15R fifth jackpot or a 15R sixth jackpot (see Figure 8 (B)).

In response to this, in this embodiment, the jackpot flag is a long jackpot flag that is turned ON when the jackpot type is 15R 1st jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot, 15R 3rd jackpot, 15R 5th jackpot, or 15R 6th jackpot, and a short jackpot flag that is turned ON when the jackpot type is 2R 4th jackpot. When the 2R 4th jackpot occurs and the short jackpot flag is turned ON, the 2R lamp (see FIG. 4) of the round display 45 is lit at the timing when the 2R 4th jackpot pattern is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display mode is "2R▲15R△" (for example, ▲: lit, △: unlit). Also, when the long win flag is turned ON for any of the 15R 1st to 3rd jackpots, 15R 5th jackpot, and 15R 6th jackpot, the 15R lamp (see Figure 4) will be lit at the timing when the corresponding jackpot pattern is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display will look like "2R △ 15R ▲".

Here, the jackpot determination (special symbol hit/miss determination) and the jackpot type determination may each be called a "determination," or the jackpot determination and the determination of which jackpot symbol will be obtained may also be called a "determination." These results may also be called "determination results."

On the other hand, if the result of the hit/miss determination (S1303, S1309) is not a "big hit" (NO in S1304), then it is determined whether or not it is a small hit (S1305). That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number counter for determining whether or not a special symbol is a hit (Label-TRND-A) matches any of the small hit determination values "101" to "105" (see FIG. 8 (A)). Then, if it is determined that it is not a "small hit" (NO in S1305), then the losing symbol is determined (S1308) and processing ends. In other words, if the result of the hit/miss determination (S1303, S1309) is neither a "big hit" nor a "small hit", then the result is a "miss". On the other hand, if the result of the small win determination (S1305) is determined to be a "small win" (YES in S1305), the small win symbol is determined (S1306), the small win flag is turned ON (S1307), and the process ends. Note that the random number that determines whether or not there is a small win may be set separately from the random number used to determine whether or not there is a special symbol.

[Special Chart 2 Variation Pattern Selection Processing]
In the special pattern waiting process (FIG. 22), the special pattern 2 winning/losing determination process (S1202) is followed by the special pattern 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203). As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, in the special pattern 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), first, it is determined whether the game state is in the time-saving state (whether the time-saving flag is ON or not) (S1401). Then, if it is not in the time-saving state (NO in S1401), that is, if it is in the non-time-saving state, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON or not (S1402), and if it is ON (YES in S1402), a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the table for jackpots during non-time-saving state (the part of the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state and the jackpot) (S1403). In addition, if the variation pattern is determined, the variation time is also determined. In addition, in this embodiment, the table for the big win during the non-time-saving state is also divided according to whether the big win is a long win (15R big win) or a short win (2R big win) (see FIG. 9). However, this process is a variation pattern selection process for the special chart 2, and only the 15R fifth big win (long win) exists in the big win that is won by the lottery of the special chart 2 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the part referenced in this process is always the part of the long win, and the variation pattern P1 or P2 is selected. In addition, the table for the big win during the non-time-saving state does not have to be divided into a long win and a short win. This is also the same for the table for the big win during the time-saving state described later.

On the other hand, if the big win flag is not ON (NO in S1402), it is determined whether the small win flag is ON or not (S1405). Then, if the small win flag is ON (YES in S1405), the table for non-time-saving state and small/medium wins (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state and small win) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1409). Specifically, in this embodiment, fluctuation pattern P4 is always selected.

Also, if the small win flag is not ON (NO in S1405), it is neither a big win nor a small win, and in this case, it is determined whether the reserved number of the second special pattern is "1" or "2" (S1406). The reserved number here refers to the number of memories including the information that determines the fluctuation pattern by this process, so the number of reserved memories is set to any value from "1" to "4". Then, if it is determined in S1406 that the reserved number is "1" or "2" (YES in S1406), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the first reserved number miss table during non-time-saving state (the part of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state, miss, and reserved ball number "1, 2") (S1407). In this embodiment, one of the fluctuation patterns P5 to P8 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1406 that the reserved number is not "1" or "2", i.e., it is "3" or "4" (NO in S1406), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the second reserved number miss table during non-time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state, miss, and reserved ball number "3, 4") (S1408). In this embodiment, one of the fluctuation patterns P9 to P12 is selected. Here, the first reserved number miss table during non-time-saving state is set to be more likely to select a fluctuation pattern with a relatively long fluctuation time than the second reserved number miss table. In addition, the shortest selectable fluctuation time (12,000 ms) is also longer than that of the second reserved number miss table (4,000 ms). In other words, when you miss, the function of shortening the fluctuation according to the number of reserved balls is activated, and when the number of reserved balls of the special pattern is "3" or "4", a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time is selected compared to when the number of reserved balls of the special pattern is "1" or "2".

In addition, in the above-mentioned S1401, if it is determined that the game state is in the time-saving state (YES in S1401), it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON or not (S1410 in FIG. 25). Then, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1410), it refers to the table for jackpots in the time-saving state (the part of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state and the jackpot), and selects a fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1411). As mentioned above, this process is a fluctuation pattern selection process for the special chart 2, and since only the 15R fifth jackpot (long jackpot) exists in the jackpot that can be won by the lottery for the special chart 2 (see FIG. 6), in S1411, the fluctuation pattern P13 or P14 corresponding to the long jackpot is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1410 that the big win flag is not ON (NO in S1410), it is determined whether or not the small win flag is ON (S1412). Then, if the small win flag is ON (YES in S1412), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value by referring to the time-saving state medium/small win table (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state and small win) (S1416). Specifically, in this embodiment, fluctuation pattern P16 is always selected.

In addition, if it is determined in S1412 that the small win flag is not ON (NO in S1412), that is, in the case of a miss, it is determined whether the reserved number of the second special pattern is "1" or not (S1413). The reserved number here is the same as described above, and the reserved number is set to any value from "1" to "4". Then, if it is determined that the reserved number is "1" (YES in S1413), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the table for the third reserved number miss during the time-saving state (the part of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state, miss, and reserved ball number "1") (S1414). In this embodiment, one of the fluctuation patterns P17 to P20 is selected. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1413 that the reserved number is not "1", that is, that the reserved number is any of "2" to "4" (NO in S1413), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (Label-TRND-T1) by referring to the fourth reserved number miss table during time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state, miss, and reserved ball number "2 to 4") (S1415). In this embodiment, one of the fluctuation patterns P21 to P24 is selected.

In this way, in the fluctuation pattern table during the time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state), the shortened fluctuation function according to the number of reserved balls at the time of a miss works when the number of reserved balls is between "2" and "4". Also, when a long jackpot is won, a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time is more likely to be selected than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the fluctuation pattern table during the time-saving state is a table in which the average fluctuation time of special symbols is shorter than in the fluctuation pattern table during the non-time-saving state. As a result, in the time-saving state, the speed at which reserved special symbols are consumed is faster (play during the time-saving state progresses more quickly) compared to the non-time-saving state (normal state).

After the variation pattern is selected as described above, other processing (S1404) shown in FIG. 24 is performed, and then this processing ends. In other processing (S1404), a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the selected variation pattern (variation pattern designation command corresponding to special chart 2) is set in the output buffer of the RAM. The set variation pattern designation command is included in a variation start command, which will be described later, and is sent to the sub-control board 90 by output processing (S201).

[Special Figure 2 Random Number Shift Processing]
As shown in Fig. 26, in the special chart 2 random number shift process (S1204), first, the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is decremented by 1 (S1501). Next, the storage location of various counter values in the second special chart reserved memory unit is shifted to the lower side (for example, to the address "0000" side when the second special chart reserved memory unit consists of an address space corresponding to addresses "0000" to "0003") (S1502). Then, "0" is set in the top address space of the second special chart reserved memory unit, that is, the RAM area corresponding to the fourth reserved second special chart (if the upper limit number has been stored) is cleared to 0 (S1503), and this process is completed.

After the special symbol 2 random number shift process (S1204) is executed, the special symbol 2 variation start process (S1205) in the special symbol standby process (S1102) shown in FIG. 22 is executed. In the special symbol 2 variation start process (S1205), the special symbol operation status is set to "2" and a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM to start the variation display of the second special symbol.

In addition, in the special pattern waiting process (S1102) of FIG. 22, if the number of reserved balls for special pattern 2 is "0" and the number of reserved balls for special pattern 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), the special pattern 1 hit/miss determination process (S1207), special pattern 1 change pattern selection process (S1208), special pattern 1 random number shift process (S1209), and special pattern 1 change start process (S1210) are performed in this order.

[Special diagram 1 pass/fail judgment process]
As shown in Fig. 27, in the special drawing 1 winning/losing determination process (S1207), processing (S1601 to S1612) is performed in the same manner as the special drawing 2 winning/losing determination process (S1202) shown in Fig. 23. Therefore, a detailed description of this process is omitted.

However, since this process is related to special pattern 1, in S1601, the random number counter value (label-TRND-A) for determining whether or not the special pattern has been hit is read out from the lowest area of the first special pattern reserved memory section of the RAM (i.e., the RAM area corresponding to the first of the first special pattern reserved). In addition, in the type determination of the jackpot in S1610, it may be determined to be any of the 15R first jackpot, 15R second jackpot, 15R third jackpot, and 2R fourth jackpot (Figure 8 (B)). As shown in the column for the first special pattern (special pattern 1) in Figure 8 (B), the distribution rate of each jackpot is 40% for the 15R first jackpot, 20% for the 15R second jackpot, 30% for the 15R third jackpot, and 10% for the 2R fourth jackpot. If the type of jackpot is determined to be either the 15R 1st jackpot, the 15R 2nd jackpot, or the 15R 3rd jackpot, the long jackpot flag is turned ON in S1612. On the other hand, if the type of jackpot is determined to be the 2R 4th jackpot, the short jackpot flag is turned ON in S1612.

[Special Chart 1 Variation Pattern Selection Processing]
As shown in Figures 28 and 29, in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208), processing (S1701 to S1720) is performed in the same manner as the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203) shown in Figures 24 and 25. Therefore, a detailed description of this process will be omitted.

However, since this process is related to special chart 1, if S1702 (Fig. 28) is YES (i.e., if the jackpot flag is ON), it is further determined whether the type of jackpot is a 15R jackpot (either a 15R first jackpot, a 15R second jackpot, or a 15R third jackpot) (S1703). If it is a 15R jackpot (long jackpot) (YES in S1703), the table for 15R jackpots in non-time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in Fig. 9 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state and long jackpot) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1704). Specifically, fluctuation pattern P1 or P2 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1703 that the 15R jackpot is not a jackpot (NO in S1703), i.e., if the 2R fourth jackpot (short jackpot) is a jackpot, the table for 2R jackpots in non-time-saving mode (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the non-time-saving mode and short jackpot) is referenced and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1706). Specifically, fluctuation pattern P3 is selected.

In addition, in this special chart 1 variation pattern selection process, even if S1712 (Fig. 29) is YES (i.e., the jackpot flag is ON), it is further determined whether the type of jackpot is a 15R jackpot (either a 15R first jackpot, a 15R second jackpot, or a 15R third jackpot) (S1713). If it is a 15R jackpot (long jackpot) (YES in S1713), the table for 15R jackpots during time-saving state (the portion of the variation pattern table shown in Fig. 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state and long jackpot) is referenced, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1714). Specifically, variation pattern P13 or P14 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1713 that it is not a 15R jackpot (NO in S1713), i.e., if it is a 2R fourth jackpot (short jackpot), the table for 2R jackpots in time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state and short jackpot) is referenced and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1715). Specifically, fluctuation pattern P15 is selected.

In this special chart 1 variation pattern selection process, after the variation pattern is selected, other processes (S1705, FIG. 28) are performed, and this process ends. In other processes (S1705), a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the selected variation pattern (variation pattern designation command corresponding to special chart 1) is set in the output buffer of the RAM. The set variation pattern designation command is included in a variation start command, which will be described later, and is sent to the sub-control board 90 by output process (S201).

[Special Figure 1: Random number shift processing]
As shown in Fig. 30, in the special chart 1 random number shift process (S1209), first, the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is decremented by 1 (S1801). Next, the storage location of various counter values in the first special chart reserved memory unit is shifted to the lower side by one (S1802). Then, "0" is set in the top address space of the first special chart reserved memory unit, that is, (if the upper limit number has been stored) the RAM area corresponding to the fourth reserved first special chart is cleared to 0 (S1803), and this process is completed.

After executing the special symbol 1 random number shift process (S1209), the special symbol 1 variation start process (S1210) in FIG. 22 is executed. In the special symbol 1 variation start process (S1210), the special symbol operation status is set to "2" and a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM to start the variation display of the first special symbol.

[Special pattern change processing]
As shown in Fig. 31, in the special symbol variation process (S1104), first, it is determined whether the variation time of the special symbol (variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in S1203 or S1208 in Fig. 22, see Fig. 9) has elapsed (S1901). If it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed (NO in S1901), the process ends. This allows the variation display of the special symbol to continue.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (YES in S1901), a fluctuation stop command is set (S1902). Then, it is determined whether the high probability flag is ON (S1903), and if it is ON (YES in S1903), the high probability counter is decremented by 1 (S1904), and it is determined whether the value of the high probability counter is "0" (S1905). If it is determined in S1905 that the high probability counter is "0", the high probability flag is turned OFF and processing transitions to S1907. On the other hand, if it is determined that the high probability flag is not ON (NO in S1903) or if it is determined that the high probability counter is not "0" (NO in S1905), processing transitions to S1907.

Then, in S1907, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON (S1907), and if it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON (YES in S1907), the value of the time-saving counter that counts the number of times the special pattern variable display is executed during the time-saving state is decremented by 1 (S1908), and it is determined whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (S1909), and if it is "0" (YES in S1909), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S1910), and the process proceeds to S1911. Also, if it is determined that the time-saving flag is not ON (NO in S1907) or if it is determined that the value of the time-saving counter is not "0" (NO in S1909), the process proceeds to S1911. In S1911, the special pattern operation status is set to "3" (S1911). Then, other processing is performed, such as stopping the display of the special symbol based on the results of the random numbers used to determine whether the special symbol is a hit or not and the random numbers used to determine the type of big win (S1912), and this processing ends.

[Special design confirmation process]
As shown in Fig. 32, in the special symbol determination process (S1106), first, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S2001). If the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S2001), it is then determined whether the jackpot type is a 15R jackpot (any of the 15R 1st jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot, 15R 3rd jackpot, and 15R 5th jackpot) (S2002). Then, if it is a 15R jackpot (i.e. if the long jackpot flag is ON), the value of a round counter which counts the number of rounds executed during the jackpot game (in the case of one opening per round, one round is from the opening to closing of the large prize opening) is set to "15", and the opening pattern of the large prize opening (first large prize opening 30 or second large prize opening 35) is set (see FIG. 6) as follows: if it is a 15R 1st jackpot, the opening pattern for a 15R 1st jackpot; if it is a 15R 2nd jackpot, the opening pattern for a 15R 2nd jackpot; if it is a 15R 3rd jackpot, the opening pattern for a 15R 3rd jackpot; if it is a 15R 5th jackpot, the opening pattern for a 15R 5th jackpot; and if it is a 15R 6th jackpot, the opening pattern for a 15R 6th jackpot (S2003).

On the other hand, if S2002 determines that the jackpot is not a 15R jackpot (i.e., the short jackpot flag is ON), the jackpot type is a 2R, fourth jackpot, so the round counter value is set to "2" and the opening pattern for the large prize opening (first large prize opening 30 or second large prize opening 35) is set to the opening pattern for a 2R, fourth jackpot (see Figure 6) (S2004).

After completing the processing of S2003 or S2004, the jackpot opening command is set to start the jackpot game (S2005), the opening performance of the jackpot game is started (S2006), and the special chart operation status is set to "4" (S2007).

Also, when it is determined in S2001 that the big win flag is not ON (NO in S2001), it is determined whether the small win flag is ON or not (S2008). As a result, if the small win flag is ON (YES in S2008), the value of the small win opening counter that counts the number of times the big win opening (second big win opening 35) is opened during the small win game is set to "2", and the opening pattern for the small win (see FIG. 6) is set as the opening pattern for the big win opening (second big win opening 35) (S2009). Then, in order to start the small win game, the opening command for the small win is set (S2010), the opening performance for the small win game is started (S2011), and the special chart operation status is set to "5" (S2012). Furthermore, if the small win flag is not ON in S2008 (NO in S2008), neither the big win game nor the small win game will start, so the special chart operation status is set to "1" and processing ends.

[Special Electric Device Processing 1 (Big Hit Game)]
As shown in FIG. 33, in the special electric role processing 1 (S1108), first, it is determined whether the probability variable flag is ON or not (S2101), and if it is determined to be ON (YES in S2101), the probability variable flag is turned OFF (S2102). Also, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON or not (S2103), and if it is determined to be ON (YES in S2103), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S2104). In other words, during the execution of a jackpot game, it is controlled to a low probability state and a non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, since the non-time-saving state is always a low base state, it is also controlled to a low probability low base state during the execution of a jackpot game.

Next, it is determined whether the jackpot end flag is ON (S2105). The jackpot end flag is a flag indicating that all the openings of the large prize winning holes (first large prize winning hole 30 and second large prize winning hole 35) in the jackpot game have been completed (the jackpot game has ended). If the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2105), it is determined whether the large prize winning hole (first large prize winning hole 30 or second large prize winning hole 35) is being opened (S2106). If it is not being opened (NO in S2106), it is determined whether it is time (timing) to open the large prize winning hole (first large prize winning hole 30 or second large prize winning hole 35) or not, that is, whether the opening time of the jackpot has passed and it has reached the time to start the first round, or whether the interval time between rounds has passed and it has reached the time to start the next round (next opening) (S2107). This is determined based on the large prize winning hole opening pattern set for each type of jackpot described above. For example, if it is before the start of the first round, it is determined whether the opening period has ended and it is time to execute the first opening process of the first round. If the first round has already started, it is determined whether the previous round has ended and the specified interval period has ended. Note that a round is simply called "R" or "round play."

If the result of the judgment in S2107 is NO, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of the judgment in S2107 is YES, it is judged whether the round to be executed corresponds to either the first round or the second round, that is, whether it is a V round (S2108). This may be judged using the value of a round counter for each type of jackpot, or a round counter that counts the number of the round to be executed may be provided separately. If the round to be executed is not a V round (NO in S2108), that is, if it is any of the 3rd to 15th rounds, the process proceeds to S2110, where the first large prize winning device 31 is operated to open the first large prize winning port 30 according to the opening pattern (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the type of jackpot. On the other hand, if it is determined that the round to be executed is a V round (first or second round) (YES in S2108), the V valid period setting process (S2109) is performed, and then the process proceeds to S2110, where the second large prize device 36 is operated to open the second large prize opening 35 according to the opening pattern (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the type of big win. In addition, when the large prize opening (first large prize opening 30 or second large prize opening 35) is opened, that is, when the round is started, the round start command for the corresponding round is set. For example, a round start command that can specify the round to be started is set, such as a "1R start command" for the start of the first round, and a "2R start command" for the start of the second round. The set round start command is sent to the sub-control unit 90 by the output process of S201.

In the V valid period setting process (S2109), the period during which the second large winning opening 35 is open and the few seconds after the second large winning opening 35 is closed in the V round (first or second round in this embodiment) is set as the period (corresponding to the first period) during which the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is judged to be valid. In this embodiment, the other periods (including during a small win or when a special game is not being played) are set as the period (corresponding to the second period) during which the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is judged to be invalid. Here, judging the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a to be valid means that the V flag is turned ON based on the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a (see S2401 to S2403 of the specific area sensor detection process described later), and judging the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a to be invalid means that the V flag is not turned ON even if the game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a.

Here, when the specific area sensor 39a detects a game ball and the V flag is turned ON, the game status indicator 46 is set to a predetermined display mode, and the game status indicator 46 is notified that the game status after the jackpot game ends will be a high probability state. Specifically, the game status indicator 46 is composed of three LEDs, "a1a2a3". In this embodiment, in the normal state (low probability state), the display mode is "a1□a2□a3□" (for example, □: off, ■: on). Also, when the specific area sensor 39a detects a game ball during the jackpot game and the V flag is turned ON, the display mode is "a1■a2■a3■". When the jackpot game ends and the game status is set to a high probability state, the display mode is "a1□a2□a3□". Furthermore, the timing of the lighting control of the game status indicator 46 is not limited to such timing, and during a jackpot game, the display mode may remain "a1□a2□a3□" even if the game ball passes through a specific area, and when the game transitions to a high probability state after the jackpot game ends, the display mode may change to "a1■a2■a3■", and when the game transitions from the high probability state to a low probability state, the display mode may change to "a1□a2□a3□".

In other words, in the specific area sensor detection process (S208) described below, the V flag is turned ON only when a V passage (passage of the game ball into the specific area 39) is detected during the V valid period, and the V flag is not turned ON when a V passage is detected outside the V valid period (V invalid period). When the V flag is ON, the high probability flag is turned ON, that is, the game state after the jackpot game is set to a high probability state (see the game state setting process described below). By doing this, the V flag is prevented from being turned ON based on a V passage caused by fraudulent conduct, that is, from being fraudulently set to a high probability state.

In addition, if there is a V pass in the V round (1st or 2nd round) of a big win game, the game state after the end of that big win game is set to a high probability state, while even if there is a V pass during a small win game, if the game state before the small win game was a normal state, the game state after the end of that small win game is also set to a normal state, and if the game state before the small win game was a high probability state, the game state after the end of that small win game is also set to a high probability state. In other words, the probability of winning or losing is not changed before and after a small win game.

In this embodiment, in the V valid period setting process (S2109), the period in which the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is judged to be valid is set to the period (first period) even in the case of the 15R second and third jackpots. In other embodiments, the first period may not be set in the V round in the case of the 15R second and third jackpots. That is, the V round may be set to the second period in the case of the 15R second and third jackpots. In the jackpot game related to the 15R second and third jackpots, the opening time of the second large winning hole 35 is set to an extremely short time of 0.1 seconds, so that the possibility of the game ball entering the second large winning hole 35 is extremely low, but if the second period is set, the V flag will not be ON even if the ball enters. This makes it possible to prevent the V flag from being turned ON illegally or the V flag from being turned ON by a rare ball entering. In this embodiment, the first and second rounds are considered to be V-rounds, and the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a is enabled in the V-rounds, but the location of the V-rounds does not have to be limited to this.

If the large prize opening (first large prize opening 30 or second large prize opening 35) is open in S2106 (YES in S2106), it is determined whether the number of balls entering the large prize opening in that round has reached the specified maximum number of balls (10 per round in this embodiment) (S2111). If the specified number of balls has not been reached (NO in S2111), it is determined whether the time has come to close the large prize opening, that is, whether a specified opening time (see FIG. 6) has elapsed since the large prize opening was opened (S2112). Then, if the opening time of the large prize opening has not elapsed (NO in S2112), the process ends.

On the other hand, if the specified number of balls has been reached (YES in S2111), or if the opening time of the large prize opening has elapsed (YES in S2112), that is, if one of the two round end conditions is met, the large prize opening (first large prize opening 30 or second large prize opening 35) is closed (S2113). Then, the round counter value is decremented by 1 (S2114), and it is determined whether the round counter value is "0" or not (S2115). If it is determined that the round counter value is not "0" (NO in S2115), the process ends in order to start the next round. In addition, when the large prize opening (first large prize opening 30 or second large prize opening 35) is closed, that is, when the round is ended, the round end command for the corresponding round is set. For example, a round end command that can specify the round to be ended is set, such as a "1R end command" for the end of the first round, and a "2R end command" for the end of the second round. This set round end command is sent to the sub-control unit 90 by the output process of S201. The round end command is sent at the end of a round except the final round of the jackpot game, that is, when it is determined in S2115 that the round counter value is not "0". For example, if the number of rounds of the jackpot game being executed is a 15R jackpot game, the round end command is sent until the end of the 14R, but is not sent at the end of the 15R. This is because at the end of the final round, the ending command set in the process of S2116 described later is sent.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the round counter value is "0" (YES in S2115), a jackpot ending command is set (S2116) as a jackpot ending process that ends the jackpot game, and the jackpot ending performance is started (S2117). Then, a jackpot end flag is set (S2118), and the process ends. Note that the round counter becomes "0" when the jackpot opening is executed 15 times in the case of a long jackpot (15R jackpot), and becomes "0" when the jackpot opening is executed twice in the case of a short jackpot (2R jackpot).

Also, if it is determined in S2105 that the jackpot end flag is ON (YES in S2105), the final round has ended, so it is determined whether the execution time (ending time) of the jackpot ending performance has elapsed (S2119), and if the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2119), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2119), the jackpot end flag is turned OFF (S2120), and the game state setting process (S2121) described below is performed. Then, the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2122), the special symbol operation status is set to "1" (S2123), and the process is terminated. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the special symbol standby process (S1102) is executed again as the special symbol operation process (S207). The game control microcomputer 81 that executes the above special electric role process 1 (S1108) can be said to function as a "special game execution means".

[Game Status Setting Process]
As shown in FIG. 34, in the game state setting process (S2121), first, it is determined whether or not the V flag is ON (S2201). The V flag is a flag that is turned ON in the specific area sensor detection process (FIG. 36) described later. Then, if the V flag is ON (YES in S2201), the probability variable flag is turned ON (S2202), the probability variable counter is set to "100" (S2203), the V flag is turned OFF (S2204), and the process proceeds to S2205. On the other hand, if the V flag is OFF (NO in S2201), the probability variable flag is not turned ON and the process proceeds to S2205. That is, in this pachinko game machine 1, whether or not the game state after the big win game is ended is determined based on whether or not the V flag is ON in this game state setting process.

In S2205, it is determined whether the jackpot game that has just finished (the jackpot game that has just been executed) is a 15R jackpot. If it is determined to be a 15R jackpot (YES in S2205), it is determined whether the 15R jackpot is a 15R third jackpot (S2206). If it is a 15R third jackpot (YES in S2206), the process ends. If it is not a 15R third jackpot, that is, if it is a 15R first, second, or fifth jackpot (NO in S2206), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2207), and the time-saving counter is set to "100" (S2208), and the process ends. Here, if the current jackpot game is related to the 15R 1st jackpot or the 15R 5th jackpot, the game ball should have passed through the specific area 39 (V passing) during the jackpot game and the V flag should have been ON (YES in S2201), so the game state after the jackpot game in this case will be a high probability high base state. Also, if the current jackpot game is related to the 15R 2nd jackpot, the V should not have been passed during the jackpot game and the V flag should not have been ON (NO in S2201), so the game state after the jackpot game in this case will be a low probability high base state. Also, if the current jackpot game is related to the 15R 3rd jackpot, the V should not have been passed during the jackpot game and the V flag should not have been ON (NO in S2201), so the game state after the jackpot game in this case will be a low probability low base state.

On the other hand, if S2205 determines that the jackpot game that has ended (the jackpot game executed this time) is not a 15R jackpot, i.e., a 2R fourth jackpot (NO in S2205), it determines whether or not the game state before the start of this jackpot game, i.e., the game state at the time of the 2R fourth jackpot, was in a time-saving state (S2209), and if it is determined that it was not in a time-saving state (NO in S2209), the processing ends without turning the time-saving flag ON. As a result, if the V flag is not turned ON in this jackpot game (NO in S2201), the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a low-probability low-base state, and if the V flag is turned ON in this jackpot game (YES in S2201), the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a high-probability low-base state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2209 that the game state at the time of the 2R fourth jackpot was in the time-saving state (YES in S2209), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2207), the time-saving counter is set to "100" (S2208), and the processing ends. As a result, if the V flag is not turned ON during this jackpot game (NO in S2201), the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a low-probability high-base state, and if the V flag is turned ON during this jackpot game (YES in S2201), the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a high-probability high-base state.

The high probability high base state, low probability high base state, and high probability low base state all end when one of the following conditions is met: the special pattern changes and is displayed 100 times, or the next jackpot occurs.

The reason for the process (S2209) of determining whether the game state before the start of the jackpot game for the 2R 4th jackpot is the time-saving state is to make the operating states of the time-saving function and high base function before and after the jackpot game the same as the state (conditions) when a small jackpot occurs. If these operating states were different for the 2R 4th jackpot and the small jackpot, even if it was difficult to recognize which win was generated based on the opening pattern of the large prize opening, it would be easy to determine which win was generated based on the subsequent game state (operating state of the time-saving function and high base function). This makes it difficult to distinguish between the 2R 4th jackpot and the small jackpot based on the opening pattern of the large prize opening, and also makes it difficult to distinguish based on the subsequent operating state of the time-saving function and high base generation function.

[Special Electric Device Processing 2 (Small Win Game)]
As shown in FIG. 35, in the special electric device processing 2 (S1109), first, it is determined whether the small win end flag is ON (S2301). The small win end flag is a flag indicating that the opening of the second large winning hole 35 has been completed in the small win game. If the small win end flag is not ON (NO in S2301), it is determined whether the second large winning hole 35 is being opened (S2302). If it is not being opened (NO in S2302), it is determined whether the time (timing) to open the large winning hole (first large winning hole 30 or second large winning hole 35) has arrived, that is, whether the time for the opening of the small win has passed and the time to start the first opening has arrived, or whether the time for the interval between multiple openings has passed and the time to start the next opening has arrived (S2303). If the result of the determination in S2303 is NO, the processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the judgment result of S2303 is YES, a V invalid period setting process (S2304) is performed, and then the process proceeds to S2305, where the second large prize device 36 is operated to open the second large prize opening 35 in accordance with the small prize opening pattern (see Figure 6).

In the V invalid period setting process (S2304), the period during which the second large winning opening 35 is open and the period after the second large winning opening 35 is closed during a small winning game is set as a period (second period) during which the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is determined to be invalid. In this embodiment, the period other than the period determined as the valid period in the above-mentioned V valid period setting process (S2109) is set as the invalid period (second period). Therefore, in this V invalid period setting process, it is confirmed whether the valid period is not set, that is, whether the invalid period is set. Specifically, it is confirmed whether the V timer (provided in the RAM of the main control board 80), which measures the elapse of the V valid period by counting down, is set to "0" (i.e., a state without a valid period). If the V timer is not "0", the V timer is set to "0". It is also possible to set the V timer to "0" without checking whether the V timer is "0" or not, that is, to a state without a valid period. As a result, even if a V passes during a small win game, if the game state before the small win game starts is normal, the game state after the small win game ends will not transition to a high probability state. In this embodiment, the period other than the period set as the valid period in the V valid period setting process (S2109) described above is an invalid period, so the process of S2304 may be omitted.

If the second large prize opening 35 is open in S2302 (YES in S2302), it is determined whether the number of balls that entered the second large prize opening 35 during the two openings, i.e., the total number of game balls that entered during the two openings, has reached the specified maximum number of balls (10 in this embodiment) (S2306). If the specified number of balls has not been reached (NO in S2306), it is determined whether it is time to close the second large prize opening 35, i.e., whether a specified opening time (see FIG. 6) has elapsed since the second large prize opening 35 was opened (S2307). Then, if the opening time of the second large prize opening 35 has not elapsed (NO in S2307), the process ends.

On the other hand, if the number of balls entering the second large prize opening 35 during the two openings reaches the specified number (YES in S2306), the second large prize opening 35 is closed (S2314) and the process proceeds to the small prize end process of S2311. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2307 that the opening time of the second large prize opening 35 has elapsed (YES in S2307), the second large prize opening 35 is closed (S2308). Then, the value of the small prize opening counter is decremented by 1 (S2309), and it is determined whether the value of the small prize opening counter is "0" or not (S2310). If it is determined in S2310 that the value is not "0" (NO in S2310), the process ends as it is in order to start the next opening.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2310 that the count is "0" (YES in S2310), the process proceeds to the small win end process in S2311. In S2311, as the small win end process that ends the small win game, a small win ending command is set (S2311) and the small win ending presentation is started (S2312). Then, the small win end flag is set (S2313) and the process ends. The small win opening counter becomes "0" when the second large winning port 35 is opened twice.

In S2301, if the small win end flag is ON (YES in S2301), two releases have been completed, so it is determined whether the small win ending time has elapsed (S2315), and if the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2315), processing ends. On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2315), the small win end flag is turned OFF (S2316), the small win flag is turned OFF (S2317), and the special symbol operation status is set to "1" (S2318), and processing ends. As a result, in the next interrupt processing, the special symbol standby processing (S1102) will be executed again as the special symbol operation processing (S207).

The probability change flag and time-saving flag are not switched from ON to OFF when the small win game starts. Furthermore, the game state setting process (S2121, FIG. 36) is not performed when the small win game ends. In other words, in this pachinko game machine 1, the game state does not change before and after the small win game is executed. The game control microcomputer 81 that executes the above special electric device process 2 (S1109) can be said to function as a "small-profit special game execution means."

[Specific area sensor detection process]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a specific area sensor detection process (S208) following the special chart operation process (S207). As shown in FIG. 36, in the specific area sensor detection process (S208), first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a (S2401), and if it is determined that there is no detection (NO in S2401), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is detection in S2401 (YES in S2401), it is determined whether or not it is during the V valid period (S2402). The V valid period is a period set in the V valid period setting process (S2109) in the special electric role process 1 (S1108) described above. In this embodiment, the V valid period is set in the first and second rounds of the big win game.

If it is determined in S2402 that the V is in the valid period (YES in S2402), the V flag is turned ON (S2403) and it is determined whether the currently active jackpot game is a 2R jackpot (2R fourth jackpot) or not (S2404). If it is determined that it is not a 2R jackpot (NO in S2404), that is, if it is a 15R jackpot, the first V pass command is set (S2405) and processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is a 2R jackpot (YES in S2404), the second V pass command is set (S2406) and processing ends. The CPU of the main control board 80 transmits this V pass command to the sub-control board 90 at a predetermined timing, and the sub-control board 90 executes a game presentation in the presentation pattern display area or the like depending on the type of V pass command received.

Also, if it is determined in S2402 that the V valid period is not in progress (NO in S2402), the third V passing command is set (S2407) without turning the V flag ON, and processing ends. The first V passing command is a command for causing the sub-control board 90 to control the notification of V passing. In contrast, the second V passing command and the third V passing command are commands for not causing the sub-control board 90 to control the notification of V passing in principle. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 functions as a means for switching between valid and invalid passing of the game ball into the specific area 39 (specific area state switching means) by executing such specific area sensor detection processing (S208) and V valid period setting processing (S2109).

[Reserved ball count processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the reserved ball number process (S209) following the specific area sensor detection process (S208). As shown in FIG. 37, in the reserved ball number process (S209), first, the reserved ball number of special pattern 1, the reserved ball number of special pattern 2, and the reserved ball number of normal pattern stored in the RAM of the main control board 80 are read (S2501). Next, the reserved ball number data (reserved ball number command for transmitting the reserved ball number information to the sub-control board 90, etc.) is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S2502). This reserved ball number data (reserved ball number command) is output by the output process (S201) in the next interrupt process (S105), and the reserved ball number data (reserved ball number command) is set in the output buffer (S2502) and output process (S201) are performed sequentially for each interrupt process.

When the sub-control unit 90 receives this reserved ball number command and determines that the number of reserved balls for the special chart has increased or decreased based on the received reserved ball number command, it updates the display contents of the performance reserved display area (first performance reserved display area 9c, second performance reserved display area 9d) on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 accordingly. Specifically, for example, when the number of reserved balls for the special chart 1 increases by one from "3" to "4", the first performance reserved 9a corresponding to the increased number of reserved balls for the special chart 1, "4", is additionally displayed in the first performance reserved display area 9c. Also, when the number of reserved balls for the special chart 1 decreases by one from "2" to "1" (that is, when the first special chart reservation is consumed), the first performance reserved 9a displayed at the left end of the first performance reserved display area 9c (the part corresponding to the number of reserved balls for the special chart 1, "1", see FIG. 3) is erased, or moved to the variable reserved display area (not shown) and displayed, and accordingly the first performance reserved 9a displayed in the first performance reserved display area 9c is moved (shifted) by one to the left. On the other hand, the display contents of the second performance hold 9b (second special chart hold) can be updated in the same way as the first performance hold 9a (first special chart hold).

The data on the number of reserved balls for the special pattern when the number of reserved balls for the special pattern is added, i.e., the data on the number of reserved balls for the special pattern when a starting ball is entered (starting winning), may be included in the starting ball entry command described above, or a reserved ball number command indicating the number of reserved balls for the special pattern after the addition (after the starting ball is entered) may be set in the output buffer together with the starting ball entry command. The data on the number of reserved balls for the special pattern when the number of reserved balls for the special pattern is subtracted, i.e., the data on the number of reserved balls for the special pattern when the special pattern starts to change (the reserved special pattern is consumed), may be included in the change start command described above, or a reserved ball number command indicating the number of reserved balls for the special pattern after the subtraction (after the reserved special pattern is consumed) may be set in the output buffer together with the change start command.

[Power off monitoring process]
As shown in Fig. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the reserved ball count process (S209) followed by the power off monitoring process (S210). As shown in Fig. 38, in the power off monitoring process (S210), first, it is determined whether or not a power off signal has been input (S2601), and if there is no input (NO in S2601), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a power off signal input (YES in S2601), data regarding the current state of the gaming machine (whether or not it is in a special mode, whether or not it is a winning game, how many reserved balls there are, how many times the special mode/time reduction mode is left, etc.) is stored in the RAM (S2602), the power off flag is turned ON (S2603), and then the loop process is performed without returning to the interrupt process (Fig. 11).

[Sub-control main processing]
Next, the operation of the performance control microcomputer 91 (control processing by the sub-control unit 90) will be described based on Fig. 39 to Fig. 51. The counter, flag, status, buffer, timer, etc. that appear in the operation description of the performance control microcomputer 91 are provided in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (sub-control unit). When the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 91 provided in the sub-control board 90 reads out the program of the sub-control main processing shown in Fig. 39 from the ROM of the sub-control board 90 and executes it. As shown in the figure, in the sub-control main processing, first, a CPU initialization process is performed (S4001). In the CPU initialization process (S4001), stack setting, constant setting, CPU 92 setting, SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller), etc. are set, and various flags, statuses, and counters are reset.

Next, in S4002, it is determined whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 are normal (S4002). If the result of this determination is NO (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized (S4003) and the process proceeds to S4004. On the other hand, if the result of the determination is YES (YES in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is not initialized and the process proceeds to S4004. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the power-off signal is ON but the contents of the RAM are not normal (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized, but if the power-off signal is ON due to a power outage or the like but the contents of the RAM are maintained normal (YES in S4002), the RAM is not initialized and information is restored based on the data backed up in the RAM. When the RAM is initialized, various flags, statuses, and counter values are reset.

Note that S4001 to S4003 are executed only once after power is turned on (when power is turned on), and are not executed thereafter. In this embodiment 1, the performance control microcomputer 91 also performs processing similar to the power interruption monitoring processing (S209) by the game control microcomputer 81 shown in FIG. 11, and when the power interruption signal is turned ON due to a power interruption or the like, data related to the performance control at that time is stored in the RAM of the sub-control board 90. In other words, data related to the performance control at the time of a power interruption such as a power interruption is backed up. Therefore, when power is turned on after recovery from a power interruption such as a power interruption (when power is restored), the state of the performance control by the performance control microcomputer 91 will return to the state before the power interruption occurred, unless the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized (S4003).

In S4004, interrupts are prohibited. Next, a random number seed update process is executed (S4005). In the random number seed update process (S4005), the values of various random number counters for determining effects are updated. The updated random number counter values are stored sequentially in a predetermined update value memory area (not shown) of the RAM of the sub-control board 90. The random numbers for determining effects include a random number for determining a variable effect that determines the mode (variable effect pattern) of the effect pattern game effect to be executed, a random number for determining a preview effect that determines a preview effect, and a random number for determining an effect pattern that determines an effect pattern. The method of updating the random numbers can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 80 described above. Note that when updating the random numbers, the random number values may be added by 2 instead of by 1. The random numbers for determining effects are obtained at a predetermined timing. This timing can be, for example, when a control signal (start ball entry command) is sent from the main control board 80 notifying that a start ball has been entered, when a control signal (start ball entry command) is sent from the main control board 80 notifying the start of a fluctuation (start fluctuation command), or when a fluctuation performance pattern, which will be described later, is determined. The acquired random number for determining the performance is stored in a specified random number counter value storage area (not shown) in the RAM of the sub-control board 90.

When the random number seed update process (S4005) is completed, the command transmission process is executed (S4006). In the command transmission process, various commands (control signals) stored in the output buffer (also called the "sub output buffer") in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 are transmitted to the control board that is the corresponding command transmission destination among the image control board 100, the voice control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. Each control board (each control unit) that receives the command executes various effects (such as effect pattern game effects and special game effects related to big win games) using various effect devices (such as the image display device 7, the speaker 67, the board lamp 5, the frame lamp 66, and the movable decorative member 14) according to the received command. The effect control microcomputer 91 then permits interruption (S4007). Thereafter, S4004 to S4007 are looped. While interrupts are enabled, it is possible to execute the receive interrupt process (S4008), the 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009), and the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010). By executing these control processes, it is possible to control the display of the performance patterns executed on the display screen 7a (performance pattern display area 7b) of the image display device 7, control the lighting of various lamps, control the operation of the movable decorative members, and control the sound output from the speaker.

[Receive interrupt processing]
In the reception interrupt process (S4008), as shown in FIG. 40, it is determined whether the strobe signal (STB signal) is ON, that is, whether the strobe signal sent from the main control board 80 has been input to the external INT input section of the performance control microcomputer 91 (S4101). If it is determined in S4101 that the strobe signal is not ON (NO in S4101), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4101 that the strobe signal is ON (YES in S4101), the various commands sent from the main control board 80 are stored in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (S4102), and the process is terminated. This reception interrupt process (S4008) is executed in priority to other interrupt processes (S4009, S4010).

[2ms timer interrupt processing]
The 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009) is a process executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 2 msec period is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in FIG. 41, in the 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009), first, an input process is performed to create switch data (edge data and level data) based on the detection signal from the performance button detection switches 63c and 63d (S4201). Next, a lamp data output process (S4202) is performed to output lamp data for illuminating lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5, and a drive data output process (S4203) is performed to output drive data for driving the movable decorative member 14 (electrical drive source). The lamp data and drive data are created in the 10 ms timer interrupt process described later. Then, a watchdog timer process is performed to reset the watchdog timer (S4204).

[10 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) is a process executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in FIG. 42, in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010), first, a first presentation mode setting process (S4301) is performed, which will be described later. In the first presentation mode setting process (S4301), a predetermined presentation mode is selected from a plurality of presentation modes (also called "game modes") based on a predetermined trigger, and the selected presentation mode is set. As will be described later in detail, these plurality of presentation modes differ in part or all of the display modes of the game presentation displayed on the display screen, in part or all of the display patterns of the LEDs, etc., and in part or all of the sound patterns output from the speaker. Next, a received command analysis process (S4302), which will be described later, is performed. Next, a switch state acquisition process is performed in which the switch data created in the 2 ms timer interrupt process is stored in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 as switch data for 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4303), and a switch process is performed to set the display contents of the display screen 7a, etc. based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process (S4304). After that, other processes are performed, such as creating lamp data (data for controlling the lighting of the panel lamps 5 and frame lamps 66) and updating the random numbers for determining effects (S4305).

[First rendering mode setting process]
Next, the first presentation mode setting process (S4301) will be described with reference to Fig. 43. In this embodiment, the presentation mode setting process also includes a second presentation mode setting process and a third presentation mode setting process, which will be described later, and the presentation mode can be changed (set) at various times (when various conditions are satisfied). This allows various game presentations (game modes) to be performed, enhancing the interest in the game.

Here, the sub-control board 90 of the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with an RTC (Real Time Clock) circuit (hereinafter, simply referred to as "RTC") (not shown). The RTC is a timekeeping means (counting means) capable of measuring the current date and time, such as hour, minute, and second. The RTC also has a function of automatically adjusting the measured value to Japan Standard Time periodically using a radio clock. When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is cut off, the RTC operates by receiving power from a backup power circuit (not shown). Furthermore, the CPU of the sub-control board 90 executes a performance using the RTC based on the timekeeping information from the RTC that measures the date and time (for example, a specific period performance). The RTC may be provided on the main board 80.

In this embodiment, using such an RTC, when a specific execution condition of every hour is met, a specific presentation mode (specific period presentation) is executed for 10 minutes. More specifically, when the power of the gaming machine is ON and the timing information from the RTC indicates 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, ... (similarly every hour thereafter, and before 8:00), the specific period presentation is started, and when the specific period presentation is started, the specific period presentation ends when 10 minutes have passed since the start (it may end when 8:10, 9:10, 10:10, ... are detected). In addition, this "specific period presentation" is executed simultaneously between multiple pachinko gaming machines 1 adjacent to the left and right, so that a presentation linked to multiple machines can be executed. Therefore, this "specific period presentation" is also called "simultaneous presentation", "RTC presentation", or "specific mode".

The specific period performance has a different display mode (background display, etc.) from the normal state (non-specific period). As shown in FIG. 52(a), in the normal state, the background displays characters representing mountains, trees, roads, etc., and when the specific period performance is executed, the background changes to one displaying characters representing rocks, humans, roads, etc., as shown in FIG. 53(a). In other words, when the performance mode is switched, the display mode of the background display displayed on the display screen (performance pattern display section) changes, and the player is shown (notified) that the specific period has begun. In addition, in the specific period performance, the mode display section 206 indicating the currently executed performance mode is displayed on the display screen, and the "specific mode" is displayed. This also clearly indicates to the player that the specific period performance is being executed (that it is in the specific mode).

In the first performance mode setting process (S4301), first, based on the timing information from the RTC, it is determined whether it is a predetermined start time (S4351). If it is determined that it is the start time of the predetermined specific period performance (all-at-once performance) (YES in S4352), the specific period flag is turned ON (S4352), a specific period performance execution command is set (S4353), and the process proceeds to sail processing in S4354. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4351 that it is not the predetermined start time (NO in S4351), the process proceeds to processing in S4354. When the specific period performance execution command set in S4353 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads out the specified image data from the ROM of the image control board 100 and executes the game performance (background performance) etc. based on the read image data on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. This sets the performance mode to the specific mode, and the specific period performance starts.

In S4354, it is determined whether the specific period flag is ON, i.e., whether the presentation mode is set to the specific mode (S4354). If it is determined that the specific period flag is ON, i.e., that the specific mode (specific period presentation) is being executed (YES in S4354), it is then determined whether the predetermined end time has arrived based on the timing information from the RTC (S4355). If it is determined in S4355 that the specific period presentation is being executed and that it is the end time of the specific period presentation (YES in S4355), the specific period flag is turned OFF (S4356), a specific period presentation end command is set (S4358), the pre-presentation switching process described below is performed (S4358), and the process ends.

In the pre-effect switching process described below, processing is performed to end or continue the specific-period pre-effect currently being executed when the specific period ends, based on the game status (pre-determination results, etc.). On the other hand, if it is determined in S4354 that the specific period flag is not ON, i.e., the presentation mode is not a specific mode (NO in S4354), the processing ends without performing the specific mode end processing. Also, if it is determined in S4355 that the predetermined end time has not arrived, i.e., the presentation mode is a specific mode but it is not the time to end (NO in S4355), the processing ends without performing the specific mode end processing.

When the specific period presentation end command set in S4357 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads out the specified image data from the ROM of the image control board 100, and executes the game presentation (background presentation) etc. based on the read image data on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. As a result, the presentation mode is set from the specific mode (specific period presentation mode) to the non-specific period presentation mode (including non-specific period normal mode, non-specific period time-saving mode, and non-specific period probability mode), and the specific period presentation ends. In this way, in the first presentation mode setting process, the presentation mode is set based on the timing information from the RTC, regardless of the execution of the variable display of the special pattern (presentation pattern).

[Pre-performance switching process]
Next, the pre-performance switching process (S4358) will be described with reference to FIG. 44. The pre-performance switching process is a process executed in the first performance mode setting process described above, and is a process executed when the end time of the specific mode arrives during the execution of the specific mode. In the pre-performance switching process (S4358), first, it is determined whether the pre-performance for the specific period is being executed (S4361), and if it is determined that the pre-performance for the specific period is not being executed (NO in S4361), the process is terminated. In other words, if the pre-performance for the specific period is not being executed at the end of the specific mode, the process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4361 that a pre-performance for a specific period is being executed (YES in S4361), then it is determined whether the target variation related to the pre-performance meets the specific conditions (S4362). The specific period performance is set (started and ended) based on the timing information from the RTC, regardless of the execution (start and/or end) of the variable display of the special pattern (performance pattern). In addition, this pre-performance is a game performance in which the result of the pre-determination of a specific variable display is executed across multiple consecutive variable displays of the special pattern (performance pattern), including the variable display before the specific variable display (shown in FIG. 53). In this embodiment, when a pre-performance is started in a specific period, a pre-performance of the performance mode (display mode) for a specific period is executed, and when a pre-performance is started in a non-specific period, a pre-performance of the performance mode (display mode) for a non-specific period (normal) is executed (see FIG. 52 and FIG. 53).

Therefore, even if a pre-performance for a specific period is started while a specific period performance is being executed, the specific period (specific period performance, specific mode) may end while the pre-performance for the specific period is being executed. In such a case, it is possible to uniformly end the pre-performance for the specific period and switch to a pre-performance for a non-specific period, or to simply end the pre-performance, but the highly entertaining pre-performance for the specific period will be interrupted, reducing the expectation for a jackpot and the entertaining factor, and in the worst case scenario, it may cause distrust in the game.

In order to solve this problem, or to execute a more inventive game presentation, in this embodiment, if a pre-presentation for a specific period is being executed at the timing when the specific period ends, the pre-presentation for the specific period can be continued for a predetermined period after the specific period ends, depending on whether or not a specific condition is met (if a specific condition is met). On the other hand, if the specific condition is not met, the pre-presentation for the specific period ends. That is, if it is determined in S4362 that the target variation (contents) related to the pre-presentation meets the specific condition (YES in S4362), the processing ends without ending the pre-presentation for the specific period (see FIG. 54). On the other hand, if it is determined in S4362 that the target variation (contents) related to the pre-presentation does not meet the specific condition (NO in S4362), a pre-presentation switching command for the normal period (for a non-specific period) is set (S4363), and processing ends. As a result, with the end of the specific period (specific period presentation), the pre-presentation for the specific period being executed ends and is switched to the pre-presentation for the non-specific period (see FIG. 55). In addition, the specific period in which the specific period effect (RTC effect) is set is called the "first gaming mode," and the non-specific period in which the specific period effect (RTC effect) is not set is called the "second gaming mode."

Here, in this embodiment, the "specific condition" is that the target variation is a variation performance with a relatively high probability of execution of a jackpot. More specifically, the specific condition is that the variation display for a time of 45,000 ms or more (45,000 ms and 75,000 ms) is executed (the variation pattern is selected) in the target variation related to the pre-performance. As a result, if the notice performance (pre-performance) of the display mode before the performance mode is switched continues to be executed even after the performance mode is switched, it is possible to increase the player's expectation of a jackpot and increase the interest in the game. In addition, as other specific conditions, a reach performance is executed, a super reach performance is executed, a game performance (reach or notice) indicating that the possibility of a jackpot is a specific probability (e.g., 30%) or more is executed, the pre-performance is executed over a specific number of consecutive variable displays (e.g., 3 times), a specific character is displayed in the target variation, etc. may be set as a condition. It is preferable to increase the possibility of a jackpot (possibility of playing a jackpot game) when a specific condition is met, compared to when the specific condition is not met. This can increase the interest in playing the game. The means for executing game effects, such as the CPU of the sub-controller 90, is referred to as a "game effect execution means."

Next, the presentation modes of Fig. 52 to Fig. 55 will be described. Fig. 52 is a diagram showing the display mode (background and advance notice presentation) in the normal mode for normal period (normal mode for non-specific period) that is set in a non-specific period and in a low probability low base state. Fig. 52 (a) shows a scene in which the normal background is displayed in the normal mode for normal period (also simply called "normal mode"). Fig. 52 (b) to (e) show a scene in which a pre-presentation is executed in the normal mode. Fig. 52 (b) to (e) are game presentations (pre-presentations) executed across multiple consecutive (four) variable displays, and are game presentations (pre-presentations) showing the result (judgment result) of the variable display of the fourth special pattern shown in Fig. 52 (e). The fourth (target) variable display in which the result (judgment result) of the variable display of the special pattern is shown by this game presentation (pre-presentation) is also called "target variation". In other words, this game performance (pre-performance) notifies the player of the judgment result of the target change along with the display of the special pattern change that is executed before the target change, and since the game performance (notification performance) is executed before the start of the display of the target change, it is also called a "pre-performance", "pre-reading performance", or "successive performance (successive notice performance)". Also, the means for determining the hit/miss judgment result and the game performance executed by the target change (reach, type of change pattern, etc.) before the display of the target change starts in order to execute the pre-performance is called the "pre-determination means". The pre-determination means is composed of the CPU of the sub-controller.

Figure 52 (b) shows the display mode of the pre-performance in normal mode, which is displayed when the first variable display of the special symbol is executed. A rank display section 213 indicating the background rank (number of times the pre-performance has been executed) is provided in the upper right corner of the display screen 7a, and this rank display section 213 displays the word "spring", indicating that the background rank is 1 (first variable display). In addition, a specific background 211 (specific character image) for normal mode, modeled after cherry blossoms, is displayed as the specific background image 210 (pre-release image) for the first variable display of the pre-performance.

Figure 52(c) shows a scene where the variable display of the special symbol shown in Figure 52(b) has ended and the variable display of the next special symbol has been executed (as shown by the decrease in the first effect reserve 9a). Also, in the display mode of the pre-effect in normal mode, this is a display mode displayed with the execution of the second variable display of the special symbol when the pre-effect is executed across at least two consecutive variable displays, and shows a scene where a specific background of background rank 2 in normal mode is displayed. In this specific background of background rank 2, the word "summer" is displayed in the rank display section 213, indicating that it is background rank 2 (second consecutive variable display). Also, a specific background for normal mode 211 imitating an overgrown tree is displayed as the specific background pattern 210 in the specific background.

Figure 52(d) shows a scene where the variable display of the special symbol shown in Figure 52(c) has ended and the variable display of the next special symbol has been executed (as shown by the decrease in the first effect pending 9a). It also shows a scene where a specific background of background rank 3 in normal mode is displayed, which is a display mode displayed with the execution of the third variable display of the special symbol when the pre-effect is executed across at least three consecutive variable displays, in the display mode of the pre-effect in normal mode. In this specific background of background rank 3, the character "Autumn" is displayed in the rank display section 213, indicating that the background rank is 3. In addition, a specific background for normal mode 211 imitating autumn leaves is displayed as the specific background pattern 210 in the specific background.

Also, FIG. 52(e) shows a scene where the variable display of the special symbol shown in FIG. 52(d) has ended and the variable display of the next special symbol has been executed (indicated by the decrease in the first effect reserve 9a). Also, in the display mode of the pre-effect in normal mode, this is a display mode displayed with the execution of the third variable display of the special symbol when the pre-effect is executed across at least four consecutive variable displays, and shows a scene where a specific background of background rank 4 in normal mode is displayed. Also, the variable display of the special symbol (effect symbol) shown in FIG. 52(e) is the target variable of the pre-effect shown in FIG. 52(b) to (e). In other words, the pre-effect executed in FIG. 52(b) to (e) notifies the player of the result of the variable display of the special symbol (effect symbol) shown in FIG. 52(e).

In this specific background of background rank 4, the rank display section 213 displays the word "winter" indicating that the background rank is 4. In addition, as the specific background pattern 210 in the specific background, a specific background 211 for normal mode that imitates a snowman is displayed. In this way, there are four types of specific backgrounds with different background ranks as the specific background in normal mode, and by checking the background rank during execution (depending on the display mode (specific background) related to the pre-effect), it is possible to grasp how many consecutive variable displays are being executed. In addition, when the pre-effect is executed across multiple variable displays, the background changes in the order of background rank 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 each time it moves to the next variable display. This makes it possible for the player to think that a jackpot is approaching and to increase his or her sense of expectation for a jackpot. In addition, since the specific background changes in a performance mode that indicates a predetermined order such as spring → summer → autumn → winter, the player can intuitively recognize how many stages it has changed. The specific backgrounds (preview performances) relating to the four seasons explained above are the display modes (execution modes) of the pre-performances for non-specific periods (normal periods).

Figure 53 shows the display mode (background and preview effect) in the normal mode for a specific period, which is set when the specific period is in a low probability, low base state. Figure 53 (a) shows a scene displaying the normal background in the normal mode for a specific period (also simply called the "specific mode"). A mode display section 206 indicating the current effect mode (game mode) is provided in the upper center of the display screen 7a, and "specific mode" is displayed to indicate that the specific period is in progress. Also, unlike the normal mode for a normal period (normal mode), a background image of a human-like character running toward a rock-like character is displayed in the approximate center of the display screen 7a. The player can understand that the current period is a specific period by looking at the mode display section and background image.

In addition, a remaining time display section 208 that displays the remaining time of the specific period is provided in the upper right part of the display screen 7a, and the player can see how long the specific period will continue by looking at the time displayed in the remaining time display section. In this embodiment, the execution time of the specific period is set to 10 minutes. Figure 53 (a) shows that the remaining time is 10 minutes, and it can be seen that this is a scene showing the start of the specific period (specific mode). Also, Figures 53 (b) to (e) show scenes in which a pre-effect is executed in the specific mode. Figures 53 (b) to (e) are game effects (pre-effects) for a specific period that are executed across multiple consecutive (four) variable displays, and are game effects (pre-effects) that show the results (judgment results, contents) of the fourth variable display of the special pattern shown in Figure 53 (e). In other words, the fourth variable display shown in Figure 53 (e) is the "target variable".

Figure 53(b) shows a scene 30 seconds after the scene in Figure 53(a), and is a display mode of a pre-performance in a specific mode, which is displayed when the first variable display of a special symbol is executed. In this specific background of background rank 1, a specific mode specific background 212 (specific character image) imitating a bird is displayed as the specific background image 210 in the specific background. Also, Figure 53(c) shows a scene where the variable display of the special symbol shown in Figure 53(b) has ended and the variable display of the next special symbol has been executed, and shows a scene where a specific background of background rank 2 in a specific mode is displayed. In this specific background of background rank 2, a specific mode specific background 212 (specific character image) imitating a greater number of birds than background rank 1 is displayed as the specific background image 210 in the specific background.

Also, FIG. 53(d) shows a scene where the variable display of the special pattern shown in FIG. 53(c) is completed and the variable display of the next special pattern is executed, and shows a scene where a specific background of background rank 3 in a specific mode is displayed. In this specific background of background rank 3, a specific mode specific background 212 (specific character pattern) imitating a greater number of birds than background rank 2 is displayed as the specific background pattern 210 in the specific background. Also, FIG. 59(e) shows a scene where the variable display of the special pattern shown in FIG. 53(d) is completed and the variable display of the next special pattern is executed, and shows a scene where a specific background of background rank 4 in a specific mode is displayed. In this specific background of background rank 4, a specific mode specific background 212 (specific character pattern) imitating a greater number of birds than background rank 3 is displayed as the specific background pattern 210 in the specific background. In addition, because the number of specific character images in a specific background changes in a stepwise manner, players can intuitively recognize how many steps have changed.

The variable display of the special pattern (performance pattern) shown in FIG. 53(e) is the target variable of the pre-performance shown in FIG. 53(b) through (e). In other words, the pre-performance executed in FIG. 53(b) through (e) notifies the player of the result (content) of the variable display of the special pattern (performance pattern) shown in FIG. 53(e).

In this way, in the specific mode, as in the normal mode, there are four types of specific backgrounds with different background ranks as specific backgrounds, and these game performances (specific backgrounds) are executed in the pre-performance for the specific period. Also, by checking the background rank during execution, it is possible to know how many consecutive variable displays are being executed. The specific backgrounds (pre-notification performances) with different numbers of bird characters displayed as described above are the display modes (execution modes) of the pre-performance for the specific period (specific mode). Also, in this embodiment, if the performance mode being executed at the start of the pre-performance is the specific mode, the pre-performance for the specific mode (for the specific period) is executed, and if the performance mode being executed at the start of the pre-performance is the normal mode, the pre-performance for the normal mode (for the non-specific period) is executed.

In addition, Figures 54 and 55 show the execution modes of pre-performances, etc., when a pre-performance of a type (display mode) corresponding to the currently executing performance mode is executed at the start of the pre-performance, but the performance mode is switched from a specific period to a non-specific period (from specific mode to normal mode) (the performance mode is changed) during the execution of the pre-performance. Figure 54 shows a mode in which a currently executing pre-performance for a specific period continues to be executed even after the performance mode is switched from a specific mode to normal mode. Also, Figure 55 shows a mode in which a currently executing pre-performance for a specific period is switched to a pre-performance for a non-specific period (for normal mode) as the performance mode is switched from a specific mode to normal mode. These control processes are as explained above for Figure 44.

Figures 54(a) and (b) show a scene where a pre-performance for a specific mode is started during the execution of a specific mode. Figure 54(c) shows a scene where the specific mode ends and the performance mode switches to the normal mode. In the example shown in Figure 54, since the specific conditions described in Figure 44 are met, the pre-performance being executed continues as the pre-performance for a specific period. Figures 54(d) and (e) show a scene where a pre-performance for a specific mode (a pattern imitating a bird) is executed against the background of the normal mode background (a pattern imitating a mountain and a road). Figure 54(f) shows a scene where the performance pattern ("333") indicating a jackpot is displayed as a fixed stop as a result of the variable display in Figure 54(e). Note that in the target variation where the pre-performance for a specific period is continuously executed, a game performance with a relatively high probability of a jackpot is executed. In other words, it can be said that the possibility of the target variation becoming a jackpot is higher than when the display mode of the pre-performance is switched to the normal mode. In this embodiment, the remaining time display unit 208 displays [0:00], indicating that there is no remaining time, and continues to display this for a predetermined period of time even immediately after the presentation mode switches to normal mode.

Figures 55(a) and (b) show a scene where a pre-performance for a specific mode is started while a specific mode is being executed. Figure 55(c) shows a scene where a specific mode ends, the performance mode switches to normal mode, and the pre-performance being executed also switches to a pre-performance for normal mode. In the example shown in Figure 55, since the specific condition described in Figure 44 is not met, the pre-performance being executed is switched from a pre-performance for a specific period to a pre-performance for a non-specific period (for normal mode). Figures 55(d) and (e) show a scene where a pre-performance for normal mode is executed against the background of a normal mode pattern (modeled after mountains and roads). Figure 55(f) shows a scene where the performance pattern ("353") indicating a miss is displayed as a confirmed stop as a result of the variable display in Figure 55(e).

In this embodiment, if the specific condition is not met, the pre-effect for the specific mode being executed is switched to a pre-effect for a non-specific period (for normal mode) and executed. Alternatively, when the effect mode is switched from the specific mode to the normal mode, the pre-effect for the specific mode being executed is not switched to a pre-effect for a non-specific period (for normal mode), but the pre-effect for the specific mode being executed may be terminated (the pre-effect for normal mode is not executed) with the switching of the effect mode. This is because the possibility of a jackpot being hit by the target variation when the specific condition is not met is set lower than when the specific condition is met. Therefore, the pre-effect may be terminated so as not to unnecessarily increase the player's expectations for a jackpot. As a result, if a pre-effect is being executed when the effect mode is switched, the player is drawn to whether the pre-effect being executed will continue or end, and it is possible to significantly increase the interest in the game if it continues.

Although not shown, the game state in this embodiment has a high probability high base state and a high probability high base state. The high probability high base state and the high probability high base state are displayed in different ways in a non-specific period (non-specific mode) and a specific period (specific mode). For example, in a high probability high base state in a non-specific period, a "probability mode" is displayed on the mode display unit 206 provided on the display screen 7a. In addition, in a high probability high base state in a specific period, a "probability specific mode" is displayed on the mode display unit 206 provided on the display screen 7a. In addition, a part or all of the background may be displayed in a different way between the probability mode and the probability specific mode. In addition, in a low probability high base state in a non-specific period, a "time-saving mode" is displayed on the mode display unit 206 provided on the display screen 7a. In addition, in a low probability high base state in a specific period, a "time-saving specific mode" is displayed on the mode display unit 206 provided on the display screen 7a. In addition, the display style of part or all of the background may be different between the time-saving mode and the specific time-saving mode. This allows the player to recognize the occurrence of a specific period even in the probability mode or the time-saving mode.

[Received command analysis process]
Next, the received command analysis process (S4302) will be described with reference to Figures 45 and 46. In the received command analysis process (S4302), first, it is determined whether or not a start-entry command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4401), and if it is determined that a start-entry command has not been received (NO in S4401), the process proceeds to S4404. If it is determined that a start-entry command has been received (YES in S4401), the process proceeds to a performance hold information storage process (S4402), and a pre-determination process (S4403) is performed, which will be described later, and then the process proceeds to S4404. The effect pending information storage process (S4402) stores various information (game information such as pre-determination results, random number values for determining the type of jackpot, fluctuation pattern random number values, fluctuation pattern information, etc.) contained in the start ball entry command received in S4401 (special ball entry command for special symbol 1 or special ball entry command for special symbol 2) in a shift memory format in a predetermined effect pending information storage area of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 according to the type of special pattern (first special pattern, second special pattern) and the number of special balls pending at the time of sending and receiving the start ball entry command (at the time of command generation).

For example, if the received start ball entry command is a special chart 1 start ball entry command corresponding to the reserved ball number "4" of special chart 1, the information such as the preliminary judgment result and the hit type contained in the special chart 1 start ball entry command is stored as special chart 1 performance reserved information in the area corresponding to the reserved number 4 in the special chart 1 performance reserved information storage area. The performance reserved information stored in this way is used to execute various performances such as variable performances, preview performances, and performance modes, which will be described later. The memory contents (performance reserved information) of the performance reserved information storage area in the sub-control board 90 are consistent with the memory contents (acquired information) of the special chart reserved memory section (first special chart reserved memory section, second special chart reserved memory section) in the main control board (main control section) 80 described above. For this reason, the performance reserved information storage area of the sub-control board 90 can also be called the "acquired information storage means." The means for making a judgment based on the acquired information in this sub-control board (sub-control section) is also called the "judgment execution means." The pre-determination process (S4403) is a process for pre-determining the various information stored in the effect pending information storage process, and executing a game effect (pre-effect) based on the results of the pre-determination in conjunction with a variable display prior to the variable display related to the various information. The means for making a pre-determination based on the various information (acquired information) in this sub-control board (sub-control unit) is also referred to as the "pre-determination means."

Next, in S4404, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation start command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4404), and if it is determined that a fluctuation start command has been received (YES in S4404), the second presentation mode setting process described later is performed (S4405), and then the fluctuation presentation start process described later (S4406) is performed, and the process proceeds to S4407. On the other hand, if it is determined that a fluctuation start command has not been received (NO in S4404), the process proceeds to S4407 without performing the second presentation mode setting process and the fluctuation presentation start process. In S4407, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4407), and if it is determined that a fluctuation stop command has been received (YES in S4407), the third presentation mode setting process described later is performed (S4408), and the fluctuation presentation end process is performed to stop the presentation pattern and end the fluctuation presentation (S4409), and the process proceeds to S4410. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4407 that the fluctuation stop command has not been received (NO in S4407), the process proceeds to S4410 without performing the third performance mode setting process or the fluctuation performance end process.

Here, in the variable performance end process (S4409), a variable performance end command is set in the sub-output buffer to stop the display of the performance pattern 8 and end the variable performance. When the set variable performance end command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 stops the display of the performance pattern 8 that was being displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, and ends the variable performance (performance pattern game performance). Note that variable performance refers to various performances that are performed in conjunction with the variable display of the special pattern.

Next, in S4410, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game-related command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4410). Here, a jackpot game-related command is a command sent from the main control board 80 when a jackpot game is executed, and specifically, it corresponds to an opening command sent at the start of a jackpot game (occurrence of a jackpot), a round start command sent at the start of a round, a round end command sent at the end of a round, an ending command sent at the end of a jackpot game, etc. In S4410, it is determined whether or not any of these jackpot game-related commands has been received (S4405), and if it is determined that a jackpot game-related command has been received (YES in S4410), a jackpot game-related performance process is performed according to the type of the received command (S4411), and the process proceeds to S4412.

In the jackpot game-related performance processing, for example, if the received command is an opening command, an opening performance command that specifies an opening performance according to the type of jackpot specified based on the command is set in the sub-output buffer; if the received command is a round start command, a round performance command that specifies a round performance according to the round specified based on the command is set in the sub-output buffer; if the received command is an ending command, an ending performance command that specifies an ending performance according to the type of jackpot specified based on the command is set in the sub-output buffer. When these various performance commands related to the jackpot that have been set are sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 executes performances related to the jackpot game, such as opening performances and round performances, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 in accordance with the progress of the jackpot game.

Here, in this embodiment, when the game state is in a low probability low base state (normal game state), that is, in a "left hit game state", the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (so-called "first hit"), and when the sub-control board 90 receives an opening command related to the jackpot (first hit), a corresponding first hit opening performance command is sent to the image control board 100. In response to this, an opening performance (also called a "first hit opening performance") including a right hit instruction notification instructing the player to hit the ball to the right to make the game ball enter the big prize opening 30 is executed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In the first hit opening performance (not shown) of this embodiment, a right hit instruction notification (also called a "right hit instruction notification for first hit") at the start of the jackpot game related to the first hit is executed. In this embodiment, the right-hit instruction notification for the first hit is performed by displaying a moving image depicting the game ball entering the big prize hole 30 located at the bottom of the right play area 3B in approximately the center of the display screen 7a. This makes it possible to actively encourage a player who has been playing a game (a game with a changing pattern) by hitting left in a low base state to hit right (to launch the game ball toward the right play area 3B) in the special play state (a big hit game).

When the sub-control board 90 receives a round start command (1R start command) for the first round at the start of the first round of the jackpot game related to the first hit, a corresponding 1R start performance command is sent to the image control board 100. In response to this, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 starts (executes) the round performance display including the round number display, and starts (executes) the display of the right hit instruction image 71 as a right hit instruction notification during the jackpot game (special game state). The right hit instruction image 71 continues to be displayed even in the high probability high base state or low probability high base state (i.e., right hit game state) after the jackpot game related to the first hit has ended. The process of starting the display of the right hit instruction image 71 (right hit instruction image display process) will be described later. The right hit instruction notification by displaying the right hit instruction image 71 is also called a "predetermined instruction notification".

Furthermore, when a jackpot occurs (so-called "consecutive wins") in a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state (i.e., a right-hit play state) after the end of the jackpot game related to the first win, and the sub-control board 90 receives an opening command related to the jackpot (consecutive wins), a corresponding consecutive win opening performance command is sent to the image control board 100. In response to this, an opening performance (also called a "consecutive win opening performance") with content different from the first win opening performance described above is executed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In the consecutive win opening performance (not shown), the right-hit instruction notification for the first win, that is, the display of a moving image depicting the game ball entering the big prize opening 30, as in the first win opening performance described above, is not executed, and the right-hit instruction image 71 displayed during play in the high base state continues to be displayed as it is. This is because the high base state is a "right-hit play state", and there is no need to change the launch direction of the game ball when executing a jackpot game related to consecutive wins.

S4411 is a process that is executed when any of the commands related to the jackpot game described above is received (for example, when an opening command is received) (a process that is executed when a jackpot occurs). S4412 is a process that executes other processes based on received commands other than the various commands described above (for example, a normal symbol change start command or a normal symbol change stop command) (S4407).

[Preliminary Judgment Process]
Next, the pre-determination process (S4403) will be described with reference to FIG. 47. In the pre-determination process, a pre-determination is performed based on the received start-entry command (when the ball enters the start-entry hole), to determine whether or not to perform a pre-performance, and what type of pre-performance to perform. In the pre-determination process (S4403), first, it is determined whether or not a pre-performance is being performed (S5001). If it is determined in S5001 that a pre-performance is being performed (YES in S5001), the process is terminated without determining whether or not to perform a new pre-performance. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5001 that a pre-performance is not being performed (NO in S5001), then a pre-determination random number value is obtained (S5002) and the process proceeds to S5003. Here, based on the obtained value of the pre-determination random number, a pre-determination is performed as to whether or not to perform a pre-performance in a mode in which a notice performance is performed across the above-mentioned multiple variable displays. In addition, if there are pre-determinations related to other pre-performances (for example, continuous notices or character appearance notices), the value of the pre-determination random number for making those judgments is also obtained here.

In S5003, it is determined whether the current game state is a high base state (high probability mode or time-saving mode) (S5002). If it is determined that the game is not in a high base state, that is, the game is played mainly on the variable display of the first special symbol (NO in S5003), it is then determined whether the start ball entry command received from the main control unit 80 is a special symbol 1 start ball entry command (S5004). If it is determined in S5004 that the start ball entry command is not a special symbol 1 start ball entry command, that is, that the start ball entry command is a special symbol 2 start ball entry command (NO in S5004), the processing ends. In other words, in a game state where the game is played mainly on the variable display of the first special symbol, no advance determination is made regarding the second special symbol hit/miss determination.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S5004 that the start entry command received from the main control unit 80 is a special chart 1 start entry command (YES in S5004), a pre-determination is made as to whether or not to perform a pre-performance based on the determination information contained in the special chart 1 start entry command (S5005). In this pre-determination, it is determined whether or not to perform a pre-performance based on the pre-determination random number value for the pre-performance obtained in S5002 and a predetermined pre-determination table (not shown), and if a pre-performance is to be performed, which execution mode of the pre-performance is to be used.

Next, in S5006, it is determined whether the result of the pre-determination in S5005 is to execute a pre-performance (S5006), and if it is determined that a pre-performance is not to be executed (NO in S5006), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5006 that a pre-performance is to be executed (YES in S5006), the pre-performance counter is set to the number of reserved first special symbols (S5007), and the process proceeds to S5008. Here, the pre-performance (see Figures 52 (b) to (e), etc.) executed based on the result of the pre-determination is executed at least during the period from the timing at which the pre-performance starts until the variable display of the performance symbol related to the pre-determination is executed (start, midway through execution, or end). And the "pre-performance counter" is a counter for determining (controlling) the execution period of this pre-performance.

In this embodiment, the timing for starting the pre-performance is after the start ball entry command is received (and it is determined that the pre-performance will be executed), when the display of the changing performance pattern first begins. However, this timing is not limited to this. If the start ball entry command is received during the display of the changing performance pattern and it is determined that the pre-performance will be executed, the pre-performance may be executed at a predetermined timing during the display of the changing performance pattern, without waiting for the start of the next display.

In addition, if it is determined in S5003 that the game state is a high base state (high probability mode or time-saving mode), that is, a game state in which the second special symbol is the main variable display (YES in S5003), then it is determined whether the received start ball entry command is a special symbol 2 start ball entry command (S5009). If it is determined in S5009 that the received start ball entry command is not a special symbol 2 start ball entry command (NO in S5009), processing ends. In other words, in a game state in which the game is played mainly on the variable display of the second special symbol, no advance determination is made regarding the first special symbol hit/miss determination.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S5009 that the start-entry command received from the main control unit 80 is a special-figure 2 start-entry command (YES in S5009), a pre-determination is made on the determination information contained in the special-figure 2 start-entry command (S5010). In S5010, as in S5005, a pre-determination random number value for pre-performance obtained in S5001 and a predetermined pre-determination table (not shown) are used to determine whether or not to execute a pre-performance, and if so, which execution mode of the pre-performance to use. In S5011, it is determined whether or not to execute a pre-performance as a result of the pre-determination in S5010 (S5011), and if it is determined that a pre-performance is not to be executed (NO in S5011), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5011 that a pre-performance is to be executed (YES in S5011), the second special pattern reserved number is set in the pre-performance counter (S5012), and the process proceeds to S5008.

In S5008, it is determined whether the specific period flag is ON (S5008). If it is determined that the specific period flag is ON, i.e., that the current period is a specific period (specific mode) (YES in S5008), a pre-performance for the specific period is selected and set (S5013), a pre-performance flag for the specific period indicating that a pre-performance for the specific period is being executed is set to ON (S5014), and the process proceeds to S5017. The pre-performance flag for the specific period may be a flag indicating that execution of a pre-performance for a specific period has been decided. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5008 that the specific period flag is not ON, i.e., that the current period is a non-specific period (NO in S5008), a pre-performance for the normal period (non-specific period) is selected and set (S5015), a pre-performance flag for the normal period indicating that a pre-performance for the normal period (non-specific period) is being executed is set to ON (S5016), and the process proceeds to S5017. The normal period pre-effect flag may be a flag indicating that a decision has been made to execute a normal period pre-effect. Next, other pre-determination processes (determinations related to other pre-effects, etc.) are executed (S5017), and the process ends.

[Second rendering mode setting process]
Next, the second presentation mode setting process (S4405) will be described with reference to FIG. 48. The second presentation mode setting process is a process executed based on receiving a fluctuation start command from the main control unit 80, and is a process that mainly sets the display mode on the display screen 7a (presentation pattern display unit 7b) to a predetermined presentation mode selected from among a plurality of presentation modes. Here, in this embodiment, the presentation modes set in the second presentation mode setting process (set based on the start of fluctuation) include a normal mode set in a low probability low base state, a probability change mode (also called "ST mode") set in a high probability high base state, and a time-saving mode set in a low probability high base state. In addition, a non-notification mode set in a high probability low base state may be set.

The normal mode, the probability change mode, and the time-saving mode have different display modes. Furthermore, the normal mode, the probability change mode, and the time-saving mode each have a display mode for a specific period and a display mode for a non-specific period. By looking at this display mode, the player can roughly grasp which game state the player is in. Next, the presentation mode setting process that sets these presentation modes will be explained in detail.

In the second presentation mode setting process (S4405), first, it is determined whether the game state is a high probability state (whether the special probability flag is ON) (S5201). If it is determined that it is a high probability state (YES in S5201), it is then determined whether the specific period flag is ON (S5202). If it is determined in S5202 that the specific period flag is ON, that is, that the current time is within a specific period (YES in S5202), a special period special probability mode setting command is set (S5203) to set the special period special probability mode, which is a special period special probability mode, as the presentation mode, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5202 that the specific period flag is not ON, that is, that the current time is not within a specific period (NO in S5202), a normal period special probability mode setting command is set (S5204) to set the non-specified period special probability mode, which is a special probability mode, as the presentation mode, and the process is terminated.

If it is determined in S5201 that the gaming state is not a high probability state (NO in S5201), then it is determined whether the gaming state is in a time-saving state, i.e., a high base state (whether the time-saving flag is ON) (S5205). If it is determined in S5205 that the gaming state is in a time-saving state (high base state) (YES in S5205), then it is determined whether the specific period flag is ON (S5206). If it is determined in S5206 that the specific period flag is ON, i.e., that the current time is within a specific period (YES in S5206), then a specific period time-saving mode setting command is set (S5207) to set the specific period time-saving mode, which is a time-saving mode for a specific period, as the presentation mode, and processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5206 that the specific period flag is not ON, i.e., that the current period is not a specific period (NO in S5206), a normal period time-saving mode setting command is set to set the "time-saving mode", which is a time-saving mode for non-specific periods, as the presentation mode (S5208), and the process ends.

If it is determined in S5205 that the game state is not the time-saving state (NO in S5205), that is, if it is determined that the game state is the low probability low base state, then it is determined whether the specific period flag is ON (S5209). If it is determined in S5209 that the specific period flag is ON (YES in S5209), a specific period normal mode setting command is set (S5210) to set the presentation mode to the "specific mode", which is the normal mode for a specific period, (S5210), and processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5209 that the specific period flag is not ON (NO in S5209), a normal period normal mode setting command is set (S5208) to set the presentation mode to the "normal mode", which is the normal mode for a non-specific period, (S5208), and processing ends.

[Variable performance start processing]
Next, the variable performance start process (S4406) executed in the received command analysis process (S4302) will be described. As shown in FIG. 49, in the variable performance start process (S4406), first, a random number process for determining performance (S4551) is performed to acquire various random numbers for determining performance, such as a random number for determining variable performance, a random number for determining notice performance, and a random number for determining performance patterns. In this embodiment, the process of S4551 is performed at the timing when the variable start command is received from the main control unit 80, and a predetermined value (acquired information) is acquired from each random number. Based on this acquired value (acquired information), the mode of the performance pattern game performance (variable performance) to be executed, the mode of the notice performance (including the presence or absence of a notice performance), the performance pattern to be displayed in a stopped state, etc. are determined.

Next, in S4552, the received variation start command is analyzed (S4552). The variation start command includes a variation pattern designation command (information for designating a variation pattern) that designates the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process for the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The variation pattern designation command includes the variation pattern information (P1 to P22) shown in FIG. 9, game state information that designates the current game state, the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment, and pattern information that designates the jackpot type (see FIG. 8). In addition, since there are variation pattern designation commands corresponding to the first special symbol and those corresponding to the second special symbol, by analyzing the variation pattern designation command, it is possible to determine whether the currently started performance pattern game performance (performance pattern change display) is related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The variation pattern information, game state information, pattern information, etc. can also be used in other processes other than the variation performance start process executed thereafter.

In addition, if the received fluctuation start command contains the aforementioned "state change command", it contains information (game state change information) indicating that the game state has transitioned (changed) to a low base state. Here, as described above, the state change command is a command indicating that the game state transitions (changes) from a high base state (high probability high base state, low probability high base state) to a low base state (low probability low base state in this example), and is transmitted from the main control unit 80 at the timing when the next fluctuation display following the special pattern fluctuation display (for example, the 100th fluctuation display in the time-saving game state) that triggers the end of the high base state is started. Therefore, as a result of the analysis of the fluctuation start command by S4502, depending on whether the fluctuation start command contains game state change information, it is possible to determine whether the fluctuation display of the special pattern (the fluctuation display of the performance pattern) that is starting this time corresponds to the first fluctuation display after the transition from the high base state to the low base state. As a result, if this corresponds to the first variable display after transitioning to the low base state, a left hit instruction flag (not shown) is turned ON so that a command specifying the display of a left hit instruction image (left hit instruction image display command) is included in the variable performance start command and set in the sub output buffer.

Next, in S4553, the performance control microcomputer 91 refers to the current mode status (S4553). The mode status is used to determine the performance mode to be executed. The mode status is a value between "1" and "6", and each value is assigned to a performance mode A to F. Specifically, mode status "1" corresponds to performance mode A (normal mode), mode status "2" corresponds to performance mode B (high probability mode), mode status "3" corresponds to performance mode C (time-saving mode), mode status "4" corresponds to performance mode D (specific mode), mode status "5" corresponds to performance mode E (high probability specific mode), and mode status "6" corresponds to performance mode F (time-saving specific mode). By referring to the current mode status, it is possible to identify the current performance mode.

Here, the presentation mode refers to the manner of presentation on the image display device 7, and when the presentation mode is different, some or all of the presentation modes of the game presentations such as the preview presentation and reach presentation are different. Specifically, the image displayed on the image display device 7 differs depending on the presentation mode, such as the display mode of the presentation pattern 8 (for example, pattern design, number design, etc.) being different, or the characters, items, and background images that appear being different. Also, each of these presentation modes may have a different background picture. For example, in the normal mode, there may be background picture A, background picture B, background picture C, and background picture D, and a predetermined background picture may be displayed depending on the lottery or game period (number of changes, etc.). Also, in the specific mode, there may be background picture E, background picture F, background picture G, and background picture H, and a predetermined background picture may be displayed in the same way.

In addition, the effect pattern game effect can also be executed in a manner corresponding to the effect mode, and when multiple game effects (such as advance notice effects and reach effects) are provided, different game effects may be executed depending on the effect mode. In this embodiment, the effect modes A and D are executed when the game is controlled to a low probability low base state, the effect modes B and E are executed when the game is controlled to a high probability high base state, and the effect modes C and F are executed when the game is controlled to a low probability high base state. Therefore, when the effect mode is any of A to F, the player can check the effect mode to know whether the current game state is a low probability low base state or a high probability high base state (probability change game state). In addition, the effect mode may be set to G, and it may be set so that it is difficult for the player to know whether the current game state is a low probability high base state (time-saving state) or a high probability high base state (probability change game state) even if he checks the effect mode. In that sense, the effect mode G can be said to be a probability non-notification mode.

Next, in S4554, the image display device 7, the board lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14, etc. are used to set a variable presentation pattern determination table (not shown) and a notice presentation determination table (not shown) for determining the variable presentation pattern (variable presentation pattern, presentation pattern game presentation) that is mainly controlled by the sub-control unit 90 (S4554). Specifically, the variable presentation pattern determination table and notice presentation determination table to be used are set based on the mode status (current presentation mode) referenced in S4553 and the variable pattern designation command received from the main control unit 80. In other words, there are multiple variable presentation pattern determination tables and multiple notice presentation determination tables, and a predetermined variable presentation pattern determination table and notice presentation determination table are set based on the game state (presentation mode), etc.

For example, if the fluctuation pattern information specified by the received fluctuation pattern specification command is "P1 (fluctuation pattern P1)" (see FIG. 9), the jackpot fluctuation presentation pattern determination table and advance notice presentation determination table corresponding to the current presentation mode are set as the fluctuation presentation pattern determination table. The fluctuation presentation pattern determination table is mainly for determining the execution mode of the presentation pattern game presentation (such as the fluctuation mode of the presentation pattern), and multiple fluctuation presentation pattern determination tables (not shown) corresponding to the presentation mode (mode status) are pre-stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. In S4554, from among these fluctuation presentation pattern determination tables, a table corresponding to the mode status (current presentation mode) referenced in S4553 is selected and set.

Next, in S4555, a variable presentation pattern that matches the specified variable presentation pattern is selected and set based on the variable presentation determination random number obtained in S4551 and the variable presentation pattern determination table set in S4554 (S4555). The variable presentation pattern is set as the variable presentation mode (execution mode of the presentation pattern game presentation) of the presentation pattern 8 displayed in the presentation pattern display area 7b. This determines whether a reach presentation is executed in the presentation pattern game presentation (reach presentation pattern game presentation), whether a character presentation using a specific character is executed (character presentation pattern game presentation), whether a reach presentation or character presentation is not executed (no reach presentation pattern game presentation), etc.

The reach effect refers to, for example, when the display mode of the effect pattern 8 when the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment indicates a hit, in which the three effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are all the same (double number) (hit mode, specific mode), two of the three effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed (temporarily displayed) as patterns (same effect patterns) that constitute a hit mode, and the remaining one continues to display (scroll) in a variable manner, and indicates whether the remaining one effect pattern is displayed as a pattern (three identical effect patterns) that completes the hit mode. In this case, a game effect is executed using a specified character in conjunction with the variable display of the effect pattern, and whether the effect pattern is displayed as a hit mode can be indicated by a performance of whether the specified character achieves a specified purpose. Such a game effect (reach effect and character effect, which will be described later) can also be called a story effect (specific game effect) or a purpose effect (specific game effect). This will increase players' expectations for a big win and make them more interested in playing.

In addition, in S4555, the effect pattern 8 to be displayed as a stop (also called the "stop effect pattern") is determined and set based on the effect pattern determination random number obtained in S4551 and a stop pattern determination table (not shown). The effect pattern 8 displayed as a result of the effect pattern game effect is a miss when the result of the special pattern hit/miss is a miss, and one of the three effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R, such as "787", is a different random pattern from the other effect patterns (a miss pattern). In addition, in the case of a miss without a reach, at least one of the three effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R, such as "635" or [559], is a different random pattern from the other effect patterns, or all of the three effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are a different random pattern from the other effect patterns.

On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, and if it is either the 1st jackpot in 16R or the 6th jackpot in 16R, the number will be a repeat of "777", and if it is either the 2nd to 5th jackpot in 6R or the 11th jackpot in 16R, the number will be a repeat of odd numbers other than "777" or an even number such as "666", and if it is a jackpot corresponding to RUB, the number will be a RUB-only number (exclusive symbol) such as "3▲3". In addition, in the case of a 2R jackpot, the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed in the same manner (variable numbers) as when it is a miss. However, for a 2R jackpot, a predetermined chance number such as "135" may be displayed in the stopped state. Note that the above-mentioned display mode of the performance symbol 8 is only an example, and it is possible to change what is displayed as the stop performance symbol when a jackpot occurs.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the following are set as the variation mode (variation presentation pattern, presentation pattern game presentation) of the presentation pattern 8: reach A, reach B, reach C, super reach (also called "SP reach") A, super reach B, super reach C, character presentation, etc., and in S4555, based on the variation presentation pattern determination table, it is determined which of these presentations will be performed, or whether these presentations will not be performed (also called "normal variation"). Then, when a reach presentation pattern game presentation is executed, a reach presentation is set based on the variation pattern designation command and the variation presentation pattern determination table. Here, when a super reach presentation is executed as a presentation pattern game presentation, it is set so that the possibility of a jackpot is higher than when a normal reach presentation is executed. In other words, it can be said that the super reach presentation is a game presentation with a higher jackpot reliability (possibility of a jackpot) than the reach (normal reach) presentation. The reach effect can be set (executed) mainly when a variation pattern designation command is received that designates a variation pattern with a variation time of 30,000 ms or more (see FIG. 9). A variation pattern with a variation time of less than 30,000 ms is called a normal variation (normal effect) that does not include reach effects, character effects, or story effects. This normal effect is considered to be a game effect that is less likely to result in a jackpot compared to reach effects and the like.

In addition, in S4556, a preview performance (including a pre-performance) to be executed in accordance with the variable performance pattern (performance symbol game performance) is determined. The preview performance to be executed is also referred to as the performance symbol game performance. This preview performance (including a pre-performance) is a performance (pre-notification performance) that indicates the possibility that the result of the performance symbol game performance being executed will stop in a jackpot mode after the variable display of the performance symbol has started and before the performance symbol stops (confirmed stop display) (during the variable display of the performance symbol). In S4556, a preview performance that matches the specified variable performance pattern and the determined variable performance pattern is selected and set based on the preview performance determination random number obtained in S4551 and the preview performance determination table set in S4554 (S4556).

In this embodiment 1, there are multiple preview performances with different display modes (execution modes), and multiple preview performance determination random numbers are used as the corresponding preview performance determination random numbers. Specifically, there are count preview determination random numbers, character preview determination random numbers, conversation preview determination random numbers, step-up preview determination random numbers, etc., and the preview performance to be executed is determined using the obtained values of these preview performance determination random numbers and each preview performance determination table. In addition, a predetermined value is obtained for each preview performance determination random number by the performance determination random number acquisition process (S4551) in the variable performance start process (S4402).

In S4557, a variable performance start command for starting the performance pattern game performance, etc. based on the variable performance pattern and advance notice performance (including advance performance) set in S4555 and S4556 is set in the output buffer in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (S4557), and the variable performance start process is terminated. When the variable performance start command set in S4557 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads out from the ROM of the image control board 100 the variable performance pattern specified based on the variable performance start command, that is, the specified image data corresponding to the variable performance pattern set in S4555, and executes the variable performance, etc. based on the read image data on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In addition, a variable display (blinking display) is also executed by two LEDs on the performance display device 102.

In addition, in S4557, it is determined whether the left hit instruction flag is ON, and if it is ON, the left hit instruction image display command is included in the variable performance start command and set in the sub-output buffer. Here, the left hit instruction flag is a flag that is ON when the result of analyzing the above-mentioned variable performance start command is that the variable performance start command contains game state change information, that is, when the game state transitions (changes) from a high base state (right hit game state) to a low base state (left hit game state). When the left hit instruction image display command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006) together with the variable performance start command, the image control microcomputer 101 reads out the left hit instruction notification image data from the ROM of the image control board 100 in addition to the above-mentioned variable performance image data and preview performance image data, and executes the variable performance, preview performance, left hit instruction notification, etc. based on the read image data on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In addition, when the left-hand hit instruction notification is executed (started), the right-hand hit instruction image 71 that had been displayed in the high base state until that point is erased from the display screen 7a.

The left hit instruction flag that is ON based on the analysis result of the aforementioned fluctuation start command is turned OFF by setting the left hit instruction image display command (fluctuation start command) in the sub-output buffer or by sending the left hit instruction image display command (fluctuation start command) to the image control board 100. In addition, in response to this, the performance control microcomputer 91 turns OFF the right hit display flag described later.

Here, the left hit instruction notification performed by the image display device 7 (display screen 7a) in this embodiment is performed by displaying a left hit instruction image 70 instructing the player to launch a game ball toward the left game area 3A in the left hit display area 70c provided on the display screen 7a. The left hit instruction image 70 consists of a left hit character image 70a that displays the characters "Please return to left hit" and three left arrow images 70b located above the left hit character image 70a. In this embodiment, this left hit instruction image 70 is displayed near the center of the display screen 7a (left hit display area 70c) as the game state transitions from the high base state to the low base state and the first performance pattern 8 begins to change. This actively encourages a player who has been playing a game (pattern change game) by playing a right hit in the high base state to play a left hit (return to left hit) as the game transitions to the low base state. Furthermore, the left-handed hit instruction image 70 is displayed on the display screen 7a (left-handed hit display area 70c) and then disappears after a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed (the left-handed hit instruction notification ends).

[Preview performance setting process]
Next, the preview performance setting process for setting the preview performance such as the pre-performance will be described with reference to FIG. 50. In the preview performance setting process (S4556), first, it is determined whether the value of the pre-performance counter for controlling the number of times the pre-performance is executed is greater than 0 (S4556). If it is determined in S4556 that the value of the pre-performance counter is 0 (S4556), the process proceeds to S4609 without setting the execution of the pre-performance. On the other hand, if the value of the pre-performance counter is greater than 0, that is, if it is determined that the pre-performance is to be executed (YES in S4601), it is then determined whether the pre-performance flag for a specific period is ON (S4602). If it is determined in S4602 that the pre-performance flag for a specific period is ON, that is, if it is determined that the pre-performance to be executed or the pre-performance already being executed is a pre-performance for a specific period (YES in S4602), a pre-performance execution command for a specific period corresponding to the value of the pre-performance counter is set (S4603), and the process proceeds to S4605.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4602 that the pre-performance flag for a specific period is not ON, that is, that the pre-performance to be executed or the pre-performance already being executed is a pre-performance for a non-specific period (NO in S4602), a pre-performance execution command for a normal period corresponding to the value of the pre-performance counter is set (S4602), and the process proceeds to S4605. Here, the "pre-performance execution command corresponding to the value of the pre-performance counter" refers to a command for executing the corresponding pre-performance by determining the number of times the pre-performance is executed (over how many variable displays it will be executed) and the value of the pre-performance counter, that is, the number of remaining pre-performances to be executed. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 52, when the execution of four pre-performances is confirmed, if the value of the pre-performance counter is 4, the remaining four pre-performances need to be executed, so a command for executing a pre-performance with background rank 1 shown in FIG. 52(b) is set. Also, if the value of the pre-performance counter is 1, it is sufficient to execute one remaining pre-performance, so a command for executing a pre-performance with background rank 4 shown in FIG. 52(d) is set.

In S4605, the value of the pre-performance counter is decremented by 1 (S4605), and then it is determined whether the value of the pre-performance counter is greater than 0 (S4606). If in S4606 the value of the pre-performance counter is greater than 0, i.e., there are still pre-performances (continuous preview performances) to be executed and it is determined that the pre-performances will continue to be executed in the next variable display (YES in S4606), the process proceeds to S4609. On the other hand, if in S4606 the value of the pre-performance counter is 0, i.e., the pre-performance executed this time is the last (final), (NO in S4606), the pre-performance flag for the specific period is turned OFF (S4607), the pre-performance flag for the normal period is turned OFF (S4608), and the process proceeds to S4609. In S4609, a decision is made as to whether or not to execute the count preview effect, cut-in preview effect, step-up preview effect, pseudo consecutive preview effect, etc., which will be described later, the execution type is decided, and other preview effect settings are processed (S4609), and the process ends. As a result, a pre-performance for a specific period or a non-specific period is executed in conjunction with the changing display of the performance pattern.

[Third presentation mode setting process]
Next, the third presentation mode setting process (S4408) for setting the presentation mode based on the reception of the variation stop command will be described with reference to FIG. 51. The third presentation mode setting process is a process for changing the setting to another presentation mode when the currently executed presentation mode is changed to another presentation mode by executing a predetermined number of variation displays. In the third presentation mode setting process (S4408), first, it is determined whether it is time to end the high probability state (S5301). When the game state is set to the high probability state after the end of a jackpot game, if the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times) without a jackpot in the high probability state, the high probability state ends and the state becomes a low probability state. Therefore, it is determined whether it is time to switch such a probability state (presentation mode).

In S5301, if it is determined that it is time to end the high probability state, that is, that a fluctuation stop command for the 100th fluctuation display has been received (YES in S5301), then it is determined whether the specific period flag is ON (S5302). If it is determined in S5302 that the specific period flag is ON (YES in S5302), a specific period normal mode setting command is set to set the normal mode for the specific period (specific mode) (S5303), and processing ends. This changes the presentation mode from the "special special mode for special probability" to the "special mode". On the other hand, if it is determined in S5302 that the specific period flag is not ON (NO in S5302), a normal period normal mode setting command is set to set the normal mode for the non-specific period (normal period) (S5304), and processing ends. This changes the presentation mode from the "special special mode" to the "normal mode".

If it is determined in S5301 that it is not time to end the high probability state (high probability, high base state) (NO in S5301), then it is determined whether it is time to end the time-saving state (low probability, high base state) (S5305). If the game state is set to the high base state (time-saving state) after the end of a jackpot game, when a predetermined number of (100) variable displays are executed in the high base state without a jackpot being reached, the high base state ends and the low base state is entered. Therefore, it is determined whether it is time to switch such base states (presentation modes). If it is determined in S5305 that it is time to end the time-saving state, that is, when a variable stop command for the 100th variable display has been received (YES in S5305), then it is determined whether the specific period flag is ON (S5306).

If it is determined in S5306 that the specific period flag is ON (YES in S5306), a specific period normal mode setting command is set (S5307) to set the normal mode for the specific period (specific mode), and processing ends. This changes the presentation mode from "time-saving specific mode" to "specific mode." On the other hand, if it is determined in S5306 that the specific period flag is not ON (NO in S5306), a normal period normal mode setting command is set (S5308) to set the normal mode for a non-specific period (normal period), and processing ends. This changes the presentation mode from "time-saving mode" to "normal mode."

[Countdown preview]
Next, the count notice performance (also called "count performance") set in the other notice performance setting process described above will be described with reference to FIG. 56 and FIG. 57. Here, in addition to the RTC circuit (also called "first timer circuit", "first timer means" or "first count means"), the sub-control board 90 of the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with a counter circuit (not shown) (also called "second timer circuit", "second timer means" or "second count means") that can measure time (time) by counting at a predetermined period. Unlike the RTC circuit, this counter circuit measures time only when the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is ON, and does not measure time when the power is OFF. This count notice performance is executed based on the time information (count value) from the timer circuit.

The count notice performance (also referred to as the unit "count notice") is determined in the previously mentioned notice performance setting process (S4556) as to whether it will be executed in conjunction with the changing display of a specified performance pattern, and if so, what type of performance (see FIG. 57) will be executed. This determination means is referred to as the "count notice execution determination means." The count notice execution determination means makes these determinations based on the value of the acquired count notice determination random number and a count notice determination table (not shown). Furthermore, the means for executing the count notice performance of the CPU of the sub-control unit 90 or the like is referred to as the count notice performance execution means (also referred to as the "count performance execution means").

Specifically, the execution mode (display mode) of the count preview performance is as shown in Figure 56. Figure 56 (a) shows a scene in which the count preview performance is executed while the variable display of a predetermined performance pattern 8 is being executed. A count display unit 221 is provided in the upper left of the display screen 7a, and a performance notification unit 223 is provided in the upper right. A predetermined value (time) is displayed on the count display unit 221, and in this example, a time of 3.0 seconds is displayed. Then, as the counting begins in the count preview performance, the value (count value) displayed on the count display unit 221 begins to count down (countdown display).

In this embodiment, since the timing information from the counter circuit is used, it takes 3 seconds for the "3.0" displayed in FIG. 56(a) to be subtracted (changed) to "0.0". Also, while the value displayed in the count display section is subtracted, the effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and the background and character images are displayed in a predetermined manner in the other effect symbol display sections. Also, the effect notification section 223 displays game effects (pre-notice effects, reach effects, etc.) that may be executed in the future. In FIG. 56(a), "pseudo consecutive" is displayed as the target effect 224 that may be executed. Here, "pseudo consecutive" refers to "pseudo consecutive notice effect". "Pseudo consecutive notice effect" is a game effect in which the effect symbols are displayed in a pseudo manner multiple times during the execution of one special pattern change display.

Specifically, during one special symbol change display (↓↓↓→555), the effect symbol starts changing, then stops temporarily, then changes again, and then stops for a fixed period (↓↓↓→535→↓↓↓→555). This makes it possible to make it look like multiple changes are being displayed despite only one change being displayed, or to make it possible for the temporary stop and re-change to be performed multiple times, and depending on the number of times, it is possible to show the possibility of a jackpot (the more times it is displayed, the higher the possibility of a jackpot).

In addition, in this count preview performance, when the count value (in this example, "3.0") displayed on the count display unit 221 starts to be subtracted and reaches "0 (specific value)," the target performance 224 displayed on the performance notification unit 223 will be executed. On the other hand, if the count preview performance is executed but the count value on the count display unit 221 does not subtract to "0" and stops midway, the target performance 224 displayed on the performance notification unit 223 will not be executed in conjunction with the changing display of the performance pattern being executed.

Figure 56(b) shows a scene where 1.5 seconds have passed since the scene shown in Figure 56(a) in the same variable display as Figure 56(a). The count value displayed on the count display unit 221 has been subtracted to "1.5" seconds. The variable display of the performance symbols progresses (as the game progresses), and the left and right performance symbols are displayed stopped in a reach state. Figure 56(c) shows a scene where a further predetermined time has passed since the scene in Figure 56(b). Figure 56(c) shows a scene where the count value displayed on the count display unit 221 stops at "0.5" without reaching "0 (specific value)", and the non-execution of the target performance 224 (pseudo consecutive wins) displayed on the performance notification unit 223 has been confirmed. To notify the player that the non-execution of the pseudo consecutive wins has been confirmed, an "X" is displayed on the target performance 224 (pseudo consecutive wins).

In addition, to notify that the subtraction effect of the count display section (count preview effect) has ended (confirmed), the background of the count display section 221 changes to a different color or pattern than before. Figure 56 (d) shows a scene where a predetermined time has passed (the game has progressed) from Figure 56 (c) and the effect pattern has been confirmed and stopped at the miss pattern (343). Note that Figures 56 (a) to (c) show one execution form of a failed effect (when a specific value is not displayed) in the count preview effect.

Next, one execution mode of a successful performance (when a specific value is displayed) in the count notice performance will be described using Fig. 56 (e) to (h). Fig. 56 (e) shows a scene where the count notice performance starts while a specific performance pattern is being displayed. Fig. 56 (f) shows a scene where a specific time has passed since Fig. 56 (e), the count value displayed on the count display unit 221 is subtracted, and "0 (specific value)" is displayed, and the execution of the target performance 224 displayed on the performance notification unit 223 is confirmed. In addition, in order to notify that the subtraction performance of the count display unit (count notice performance) has ended and the display of the specific value has been confirmed (successful), the background of the count display unit 221 changes to a different color or pattern than before (also a failure pattern). In addition, in order to notify the player that the execution of the pseudo consecutive wins has been confirmed, the target performance 224 (pseudo consecutive wins) is surrounded and displayed with a specific shape (a character imitating the sun).

Figure 56(g) shows a scene in which, with the same variable display as Figure 56(f), a predetermined time has passed (the game has progressed) and the performance symbol has temporarily stopped and displayed a specific symbol ("3★3") indicating the occurrence of a pseudo consecutive win. Also, Figure 56(h) shows a scene in which, with the same variable display as Figure 56(g), a predetermined time has passed and the performance symbol has changed again. In this way, when "0 (specific value)" is displayed in the count notice performance, the execution of the target performance (pseudo consecutive win) that was displayed at that time is confirmed, and the target performance is always executed after that. This makes it possible to increase the game interest in the count notice performance and significantly increase the expectation of a jackpot after the specific value is displayed when a game performance with a high reliability (expectation) of a jackpot is displayed in the target variation.

Also, as shown in FIG. 57, in this embodiment, multiple types (preview types 1 to 17) are stored as the execution mode of the count preview performance, and when the count preview performance is executed, one of these count preview performances is selected and executed depending on the fluctuation pattern, etc. The execution modes shown in FIG. 56 show preview types 1 and 2. As shown in preview types 1 to 4, when a "pseudo consecutive" is displayed as the target performance, the count value (initial count value) displayed in the count display section is provided with a first pattern (3.0 seconds) with a short display time, and a second pattern (5.0 seconds) with a longer display time than the first pattern. Each of these patterns also has a success pattern and a failure pattern.

In the count preview performance, when the same initial count value is displayed, the possibility of a jackpot is set to be higher when a specific value is displayed (success pattern) than when a specific value is not displayed (failure pattern). Also, when a specific value is displayed, the possibility of a jackpot is set to be higher when the initial count value is large (e.g., 5.0) than when the initial count value is small (e.g., 3.0). This is also true when other game effects (e.g., cut-in, super reach, button effect) are displayed as the target effect.

Also, as shown in notice type 11, even if the specific value is not displayed in the count notice performance (failure pattern), there may be a case where a jackpot is reached. Also, as shown in notice 17, when the target performance displayed in the performance notification unit 223 is a specific performance ("15R"), there may be a pattern in which a jackpot is confirmed at that point. When a specific performance ("15R") is displayed, it is always considered to be a success pattern in which a specific value is displayed. Also, although not shown in this embodiment, there may be a pattern in which a jackpot is not confirmed when a specific performance (second specific performance) is displayed in the performance notification unit 223, but a jackpot is confirmed when the second specific performance is displayed and a specific value is displayed. In this case, in the case of a failure pattern in which a specific value is not displayed, it may be confirmed as a miss.

[Other aspects of the countdown preview performance]
As another presentation mode of the count notice presentation described above, the presentation modes shown in Fig. 58 and Fig. 59 may be adopted. In the above-mentioned count notice presentation, when the count notice presentation is executed, the target presentation 224 (game presentation) scheduled to be executed when the specific value ("0") is displayed on the count display unit 221 is unconditionally displayed on the presentation notification unit 223 before the specific value is displayed (see Fig. 56). Instead of this, as shown in Fig. 58(a), in response to the execution of the count notice presentation, the presentation notification unit 223 displays an instruction presentation 225 instructing the operation of the presentation button 63 (first presentation button 63a) and a question mark indicating that the target presentation is unknown, instead of the target presentation 224. That is, at this stage, the player is not notified of the target presentation that may be executed when the successful pattern is executed in the count notice presentation.

In this count advance notice performance, the player operates a specific performance button 63 to be notified of the target performance 224 that will be executed if a successful pattern is executed. As a result, at any timing when the player operates the performance button 63, the target performance 224 that may be executed thereafter is displayed on the performance notification unit 223. Figure 58 shows a scene where the performance button 63 is operated (Figures 53(b) and (c)) and a scene where it is not operated (Figures 53(d) and (e)) before the count value 222 displayed on the count display unit 221 stops when a count advance notice performance of a failure pattern is executed.

After the count notice performance shown in FIG. 58(a) is executed, if the player operates the performance button 63 at any timing, the display mode shown in FIG. 58(b) will be displayed. In FIG. 58(b), the performance notification unit 223 displays "pseudo consecutive wins", which is the target performance 224, in response to the operation of the performance button 63 (input to the input means). It has been notified that this "pseudo consecutive wins" is the game performance that is scheduled to be executed when a specific value is displayed in this count notice performance. However, as shown in FIG. 58(c), the count value 222 displayed in the count display unit 221 does not reach the specific value ("0.0"), but stops at "0.5", and the count notice performance ends. This indicates that the target performance "pseudo consecutive wins" displayed in the performance notification unit 223 will not be executed in this variable display. This also allows the player to confirm that the game performance that could be executed, although it was not executed because it was a failure pattern, is "pseudo consecutive wins", and he or she can continue playing with a clear mind.

On the other hand, if the player does not operate the effect button 63 after the count preview effect shown in FIG. 58(a) is executed, as shown in FIG. 58(d), the instruction effect 225 remains displayed on the effect notification section 223 (without the target effect 224 being displayed), and the count preview effect continues to decrement. Then, as shown in FIG. 58(e), the count value 222 displayed on the count display section 221 stops at "0.5" without reaching the specific value ("0.0"), and the count preview effect ends. As a result, as shown in FIG. 58(e), the target effect is not notified on the effect notification section 223 (with a question mark remaining displayed), and the count preview effect of this variable display ends. This also allows the player to continue playing without needlessly increasing their expectations by not seeing the target effect that will not be executed anyway because it was a failure pattern.

In this way, depending on the player's preference, the player can choose whether or not to operate the effect button 63, that is, whether or not to display game effects that may (or may not) be executed subsequently on the effect notification unit 223, and play the game. This makes it possible to provide gameplay that suits a variety of players and increase interest in the game.

Next, using Figures 59(a) to (d), we will explain the execution patterns when the effect button 63 is operated and when it is not operated when a successful pattern count preview effect is executed. Figure 59(a) shows a scene where the count preview effect is executed while a specified effect pattern is being displayed in a changing state. As in Figure 58(a), the effect notification unit 223 displays an instruction effect 225 that instructs the operation of the effect button 63 (first effect button 63a) and a question mark indicating that the target effect is unknown.

After the count notice performance shown in FIG. 59(a) is executed, if the player operates the performance button 63 at any timing, the display state shown in FIG. 59(b) will be displayed. In FIG. 59(b), the target performance 224 "pseudo consecutive" is displayed on the performance notification section 223 in response to the operation of the performance button 63 (input to the input means). FIG. 59(c) shows a scene in which the count notice performance progresses with the same variable display as FIG. 59(b), and the count value 222 displayed on the count display section 221 reaches a specific value ("0.0") and stops at "0.0". By operating the performance button, the target performance 224 ("pseudo consecutive") previously displayed on the performance notification section 223 is surrounded by a character resembling the sun, indicating that the execution of the target performance 224 has been confirmed. This ends the count notice performance, and then the pseudo consecutive notice performance is executed. This also allows the player to look forward to the execution of the notified target effect (pseudo consecutive wins) while the count preview effect is being performed (while the count value displayed on the count display unit is being subtracted), and when a specific value is actually displayed, the pseudo consecutive wins are executed, making it possible to significantly increase the player's interest in the game.

On the other hand, if the player does not operate the effect button 63 after the count preview effect shown in FIG. 59(a) is executed, as shown in FIG. 59(c), the instruction effect 225 remains displayed on the effect notification unit 223 (without the target effect 224 being displayed), and the count preview effect continues to decrement. Then, as shown in FIG. 59(d), when the count value 222 displayed on the count display unit 221 reaches a specific value ("0.0") (based on the specific value being displayed), the target effect to be executed is displayed on the effect notification unit 223, even if the effect button is not operated. In other words, in this embodiment, if a successful pattern is executed, the target effect is always displayed.

As a result, if a failure pattern occurs, the target effect is notified, and a player who wants to check only the target effects that have been confirmed to be executed may choose not to operate the effect button during the count preview effect. In this way, depending on the player's preference, the player can choose whether or not to operate the effect button 63, that is, whether or not to display game effects that may (or may not) be executed later on the effect notification unit 223, and play the game. This makes it possible to provide gameplay that suits a variety of players and increase interest in the game.

Alternatively, instead of this mode, if the player does not operate the effect button, the count preview effect may end without notifying the player of the target effect that has been confirmed to be executed. This makes it difficult for the player to know which of the game effects that will be executed afterwards was the target effect. However, a player who wishes to play without knowing everything will hope that a game effect with a higher chance of winning will be executed afterwards, which will increase the player's anticipation of a big win and increase their interest in the game.

[Right-hit instruction image display processing]
Next, the right hit instruction image display process (S4600) executed as a subroutine of the big win game related process in the received command analysis process will be described. As shown in FIG. 62, in the right hit instruction image display process (S4600), first, it is determined whether the right hit display flag is OFF or not (S4651). Here, the right hit display flag is a flag for indicating (determining) whether the right hit instruction image 71 is being displayed on the display screen 7a (right hit display area 71c) of the image display device 7, and OFF indicates that it is not being displayed, and ON indicates that it is being displayed. If it is determined in S4601 that the right hit display flag is not OFF (NO in S4651), that is, if the right hit display flag is ON, the right hit instruction image 71 is being displayed, so this process is terminated without performing the processes after S4652.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4651 that the right-hit display flag is OFF (YES in S4651), it is determined whether or not the jackpot game-related command received in the previous S4410 is a 1R start command (S4652). Since the jackpot game-related process (S4411) is executed in response to the reception of a jackpot game-related command (YES in S4410) as described above, in S4652 it is determined whether or not the jackpot game-related command that triggered the execution of the process of S4411 is a 1R start command. If it is not a 1R start command (NO in S4652), this process ends without executing the processes from S4653 onwards.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4652 that the command is a 1R start command (YES in S4652), a right hit instruction image display start command is set in the sub-output buffer (S4653), the right hit display flag is turned ON (S4654), and this process ends. The right hit instruction image display start command set in S4653 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006) together with the 1R start performance command set in the sub-output buffer in the process of S4411 based on the reception of the 1R start command. As a result, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, as shown in FIG. 63(a), the round performance display is performed on almost the entire screen, and the round number image 72 (here, "1R") indicating the current round number is displayed in the round number display area 72a provided in the upper left of the screen, and the right hit instruction image 71 is displayed in the right hit display area 71c provided in the upper right of the screen. Here, as shown in Figures 63(a) and (b), the right-hit instruction image 71 in this embodiment is composed of a right-hit character image 71a that indicates the characters "right hit" and a right arrow image 71b located below the right-hit character image 71a. This right-hit instruction image 71 has a smaller display size than the moving image display of the right-hit instruction notification for the first hit and the left-hit instruction image 70 described above.

In addition, the right-hit instruction image 71 in this embodiment is displayed at the start of the first round of the jackpot game by the above-mentioned processing of S4652 and S4653, and continues to be displayed until the right-hit display flag that was turned ON by the processing of S4654 is turned OFF. As described above, while the special symbol is displayed in the high base state, the right-hit display flag is displayed in the number of times that the high base state ends (for example, 100 times of display in the time-saving game state), and is turned OFF when the game state becomes a low base state (low probability low base state) and the first special symbol display begins. Therefore, the display of the right-hit instruction image 71 in this embodiment (right-hit instruction notification by the image display device 7) is performed in the right-hit display area 71c on the display screen 7a from the start of the first round of the jackpot game related to the first hit until the high base state ends based on the execution of the specified number of special symbol display changes. In this embodiment, the game state after a jackpot game is a high-base state if the jackpot is a high-base state, and a time-saving game state if the jackpot is not a high-base state (normal jackpot), so ultimately, the game state after a jackpot game is a high-base state. Therefore, after the first jackpot, the right-hit instruction image 71 (right-hit instruction notification by the image display device 7) is continuously displayed in the right-hit display area 71c until the high-base state ends without a jackpot occurring in the high-base state.

Specifically, when the display of the right-hit instruction image 71 starts in the right-hit display area 71c with the start of the first round of the jackpot game related to the initial hit (see FIG. 63(a)), the display of this right-hit instruction image 71 continues even in the high base state (high probability high base state or low probability high base state) after the jackpot game (see FIG. 63(b)). After that, for example, if a jackpot occurs in the high base state (i.e., a "consecutive win"), the display of the right-hit instruction image 71 that has continued since the first round related to the initial hit continues even while the fanfare performance, round performance, and ending performance of the jackpot game related to the consecutive wins are executed on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a), and continues even in the subsequent high base state (high probability high base state or low probability high base state). In addition, if the conditions for ending the high base state are met without a jackpot occurring in the high base state, for example, if the high base state is a time-saving play state (low probability high base state) and the special pattern variable display has been performed 100 times in the time-saving play state, the display of the right-hit instruction image 71 ends with the start of the next variable display (the right-hit instruction image 71 is erased), and the left-hit instruction image 70 is displayed in the left-hit display area 70c (a left-hit instruction is announced by the image display device 7) (see FIG. 63(c)).

[Effects of Example 1]
In the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, at least a special game state (first predetermined game state) and a high base state (second predetermined game state) are provided as a right-hit game state (predetermined game state) in which a game ball is shot (right hit) toward the right game area 3B (predetermined area) of the game area 3 to play. In addition, a right-hit instruction notification (predetermined instruction notification) that instructs a player to shoot a game ball toward the right game area 3B can be executed in the same manner in the special game state (jackpot game) and the high base state (probability game state, time-saving game state). As a result, although the game states are different between the special game state and the high base state, the right-hit instruction notification is executed in the same manner for the player, so that the right-hit instruction notification can be easily recognized in either the special game state or the high base state.

In particular, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when the first round of a jackpot game starts, a right-hit instruction image 71 is displayed in the right-hit display area 71c of the image display device 7 (display screen 7a) and a right-hit instruction notification is started (executed). The right-hit instruction notification (display of the right-hit instruction image 71 in the right-hit display area 71c) is continuously executed until the jackpot game ends (until the ending performance ends in this example), and is also continuously executed after the game state transitions to a high base state (high probability high base state or low probability high base state) after the jackpot game. In other words, the right-hit instruction notification in a mode (predetermined mode) in which the right-hit instruction image 71 is displayed in the right-hit display area 71c is continuously executed from the start of the jackpot game (first round) through the high base state. As a result, even if the game state transitions from a special game state to a high base state, the right hit instruction notification is executed in the same manner before and after the transition, making it easier for the player to recognize the right hit instruction notification. In particular, the same right hit instruction image 71 is displayed in the same display position (right hit display area 71c) in both the special game state and the high base state, making it even easier for the player to recognize the right hit instruction notification.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when a jackpot (consecutive wins) occurs in the high base state, and when a jackpot game related to the jackpot (consecutive wins) is executed, the right hit instruction notification (display of the right hit instruction image 71 in the right hit display area 71c) that was performed during the high base state is continued to be executed during the jackpot game related to the consecutive wins. In other words, the right hit instruction notification in a mode (predetermined mode) in which the right hit instruction image 71 is displayed in the right hit display area 71c is continuously executed from the high base state to the jackpot game. As a result, even if the game state transitions from the high base state to the special game state, the right hit instruction notification is executed in the same mode before and after the transition, making it easier for the player to recognize the right hit instruction notification. In particular, the same right hit instruction image 71 is displayed in the same display position (right hit display area 71c) in the high base state and the special game state, making it easier to recognize the right hit instruction notification.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when a jackpot (first hit) occurs in a low-probability, low-base state, an opening performance for a first hit including a right-hit instruction notification for a first hit is performed as an opening performance. The right-hit instruction notification for a first hit displays a moving image depicting a game ball entering the big prize hole 30 located at the bottom of the right play area 3B in approximately the center of the display screen 7a, and is more noticeable than a right-hit instruction notification that displays a right-hit instruction image 71 in the right-hit display area 71c. For this reason, it is possible to actively encourage a player who has been playing by hitting left in a low-base state to hit right when the jackpot game begins.

On the other hand, in the opening performance (consecutive win opening performance) when a jackpot (consecutive win) occurs in the high base state, the right hit instruction notification for the first win (display of a moving image in the approximate center of the screen encouraging a right hit) like the opening performance for the first win is not performed, but the right hit instruction notification performed during the high base state (display of the right hit instruction image 71 in the right hit display area 71c) is performed as it is. This makes it possible to avoid exaggerated right hit instruction notifications being performed multiple times due to repeated consecutive wins, and to prevent the player from feeling annoyed. In particular, the right hit instruction notification during the high base state is continuously performed in the same manner (same image, same display position) from the special game state (at the time of the jackpot game) before the transition to the high base state, so that the player can be said to be fully aware that he or she must hit the right when consecutive wins occur. For this reason, it can be said that in consecutive win opening effects, instead of issuing a right-hit instruction notification similar to that in the first win opening effect, issuing a right-hit instruction notification during a high base state is an effective instruction notification that takes into account the player's psychology.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the right-hit instruction image 71 is displayed in the right-hit display area 71c from the start of the first round of the jackpot game related to the first hit until the high base state ends based on the execution of a predetermined number of variable displays of special symbols. In other words, the right-hit instruction image is displayed small compared to the screen size in the corner of the display screen 7a (top right of the screen in this example) consistently from the start of the first round of the jackpot game related to the first hit to the end of the consecutive win period, so that the right-hit instruction notification is not too noticeable. This makes it possible to make the player fully aware (impress) that he is in a game state in which he can hit right, while avoiding interference with the jackpot game performance executed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 and the performance pattern game performance during the high base state.

In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the specific period effect using the RTC (first timer circuit) and the counter notice effect using the second timer circuit were described. In both of these game effects (specific period effect, counter notice effect), the count value is displayed based on the timing information from the timer circuit, and the execution period of the game effect is displayed. For example, the remaining time display effect in the remaining time display section of the specific period effect and the subtraction display effect in the count display section of the count notice effect are examples of this. In addition, these game effects (specific period effect, counter notice effect) are highly entertaining game effects that are executed only when specific conditions are met, and the longer the execution period, the more the interest in the game is increased, and in the case of the count notice effect, the longer the execution period, the higher the possibility of a jackpot in the case of a successful pattern is set.

In other words, for the player, the longer the execution period of these game effects (specific period effect, counter preview effect) (the longer the remaining time in the remaining time display section of the specific period effect, or the larger the count value displayed in the count display section of the count preview effect), the higher the anticipation of a jackpot and the more likely it is that interest in playing will be maintained for a long time. Therefore, if the remaining time of the specific period effect is short or the initial count value of the count preview effect is small, there is a risk that interest in playing will decrease or anticipation of a jackpot will not be sufficiently increased.

Therefore, in the specific period effect and counter preview effect of Example 2, it is possible to execute a count restart effect that stops the count value in progress (during the subtraction display) and then resumes the progress. This allows the player to maintain interest in the game, even if the remaining time in the specific period effect is short, by looking forward to the occurrence of the count stop effect (and the count restart effect) in which the display of the remaining time decrease stops. Also, even if the initial count value of the count preview effect is small, the player can maintain interest in the game, by looking forward to the occurrence of the count stop effect in which the count value stops while being subtracted and then the count restart effect in which the display of the count value decrease resumes.

[Specific period performance of Example 2]
Specifically, the execution mode of the specific period performance of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 60. FIG. 60(a) shows a scene in which the performance mode is set to the specific mode, and the specific period performance is being performed on the display screen 7a. The remaining time display unit 208 shows a time display indicating that the specific mode (specific period performance) will end in 16 seconds. FIG. 60(b) shows a scene in which the remaining time display unit 208 of the ongoing specific mode is surrounded by a double frame (prescribed stop mode) with the same variable display as FIG. 60(a), and the subtraction display (count display) stops (pauses) at "0:15" (15 seconds remaining).

Figures 60(c) to (e) show a scene where the remaining time display in the remaining time display section stops at "0:15" (15 seconds remaining) while the display of the changing effect patterns and the character effect (background image) displayed on the display screen 7a (effect pattern display section) continue (without stopping) (count stop effect). Figure 60(e) shows the next display of the changing effect patterns from Figure 60(d), indicating that multiple display changes of the effect patterns (special patterns) can be executed while the remaining time display in the remaining time display section is stopped. Figure 60(f) shows a scene where the remaining time display in the remaining time display section resumes counting (decrement display) after multiple display changes have been executed from the scene in Figure 60(e) (count resume effect).

In this way, even if the remaining time for a specific mode (specific period effect) becomes short due to the display time of the remaining time display section, the count stop effect occurs, making it possible to execute multiple display changes of the effect patterns during that time, and to execute highly entertaining game effects for a specific period. This makes it possible to maintain game interest in the specific mode (specific period effect) for a long period of time, even when the display time of the remaining time display section becomes short.

[Countdown notice effect in embodiment 2]
Next, the count notice performance of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 61. FIG. 61(a) shows a scene in which a count notice performance occurs during the variable display of a predetermined performance pattern, and the count value of the count display unit 221 is subtracted and displayed to "3.0" seconds. The performance notification unit 223 displays "cut-in" as the target performance 224, and the count display unit 221 displays a specific value ("0.0"), thereby confirming that the "cut-in notice performance" will be executed thereafter. FIG. 61(b) shows a scene in which the count display unit 221 of the ongoing count notice performance is surrounded by a double frame (predetermined stop mode) in the same variable display as FIG. 61(a), and the subtraction display (count display) stops (pauses) at the point of "1.5" (1.5 seconds remaining).

Figures 61(b) and (c) show a scene in which the remaining time display in the count display section stops at "0.5" (0.5 seconds remaining) with the same changing display as Figure 61(a), while the changing display of the performance symbols and the character performance (background picture, battle performance) displayed on the display screen 7a (performance symbol display section) continue (without stopping) (count stop performance). Figure 61(d) shows a scene in which the subtraction display (count performance) in the count display section 221 resumes with the same changing display as Figure 61(a), and a specific value ("0.0") is displayed on the count display section 221. Figure 61(d) also shows that the execution of the target performance (cut-in preview performance) displayed on the performance notification section 223 has been confirmed.

Figures 61(e) to (g) show the same variable display as Figure 61(a), and after a predetermined time has passed since the scene in Figure 61(d), a cut-in preview effect is executed in which a snowman character is suddenly displayed on the display screen, and execution of the count preview effect is confirmed (see Figure 61(e)). Then, after a predetermined time has passed since Figure 61(e), a battle effect is executed in which an ally character defeats an enemy character (a battle victory effect) (see Figure 61(f)), and the performance pattern stops and is confirmed as a winning pattern ("333"), resulting in a jackpot.

In the count preview performance of Example 2, if the initial count value and the target performance are the same and both are success patterns (both are failure patterns), the possibility of a jackpot is higher when a count stop performance in which the subtraction display on the count display section stops (pauses) and a count restart performance in which the count is restarted after the count stop performance occurs than when the count stop performance and count restart performance are not performed. In addition, the longer the execution period of the count performance, the higher the possibility of a jackpot.

In addition, if the countdown display starts from the initial count value and is stopped before the count value reaches a specific value, the count preview effect can end while the count remains stopped without displaying the specific value, or the count can resume after the countdown and display the specific value. This allows the player to maintain interest in the game by looking forward to the count starting again, even if the countdown display of the count value displayed on the count display unit stops before it reaches a specific value. Even if the count preview effect has a small initial count value, the anticipation of a jackpot is increased by the count stop effect and count restart effect being executed while the count value is being subtracted, making it possible to maintain anticipation of a jackpot.

Next, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to Example 3 of the present invention will be described. This example (Example 3) is different from Example 1 described above in that the display mode of the right hit instruction image 71 can be changed during the high base state. The following will focus on the differences from Example 1 (configuration, action and effect, etc.), and will omit a description of the points in common with Example 1 (configuration, action and effect, etc.).

In this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 91 of the sub-control board 90 executes the right-hit instruction image change process (S4700) shown in FIG. 64. This right-hit instruction image change process (S4700) is executed in addition to the variable performance start process (S4406) when it is determined in S4404 of the received command analysis process (S4302) shown in FIG. 45 that a variable start command has been received (YES in S4404).

As shown in FIG. 64, in the right-hit instruction image change process (S4700) of this embodiment, first it is determined whether the right-hit display flag is ON or not (S4701), and if it is not ON (OFF) (NO in S4701), this process ends without performing the processes in S4702 and after. When the right-hit display flag is OFF, this is because it is a low base state (low probability low base state) in which the right-hit instruction image 71 is not displayed. On the other hand, if the right-hit display flag is ON (YES in S4701), it is determined whether the value of the fluctuation counter (count value) is a predetermined value (M) or not (S4702).

The fluctuation counter is a counter (fluctuation counting means) that counts the number of times (fluctuation count) the special symbol fluctuation display is executed in the high base state after a jackpot game on the sub-control side, and in this embodiment, the fluctuation counter is incremented by 1 each time a fluctuation stop command is received from the main control board 80. The count value of this fluctuation counter is reset (initialized) when the next jackpot occurs or when the high base state ends without a jackpot occurring (transition to a low base state). The fluctuation counter is provided in a specified area of the RAM of the sub-control board 90.

The predetermined value (M), which is the judgment value of the variable counter, is a value corresponding to a number of times less than the number of times the special symbol changes, which is the end condition of the high base state. For example, it is possible to set the predetermined value (M) to a number of times less than 100, which is the end condition of the time-saving game state. In this embodiment, the predetermined value (M) is set to "50" (M=50). The predetermined value (M) can be set arbitrarily, and may be a predetermined fixed value or a variable value that is set randomly each time a jackpot occurs, for example.

If it is determined in S4702 that the value of the variable counter is not the predetermined value (in this example, "50") (NO in S4702), this process ends without performing the processes in S4703 and onward. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the variable counter is the predetermined value (in this example, "50") (YES in S4702), a right-stroke character image erase command is set in the sub-output buffer (S4703), the right-stroke display change flag is turned ON (S4704), and this process ends.

The right-hit character image erase command set in S4703 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006) together with the variable performance start command set in the sub-output buffer in the variable performance start process based on the reception of the variable performance start command. As a result, the right-hit character image 71a is erased from the right-hit instruction image 71 (see FIG. 63 (b)) displayed in the right-hit display area 71c of the image display device 7 (display screen 7a), and only the right arrow image 71b is displayed. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the game state becomes a high base state and the variable display of the special pattern is performed 50 times, the right-hit character image 71a is erased with the start of the next (51st) variable display, and from this point on, only the right arrow image 71b is displayed as the right-hit instruction image 71 in the right-hit display area 71c. In other words, if the special symbol changes display 50 times without a jackpot (consecutive wins) occurring during a high base state, this triggers a change in the right-hit instruction notification from a "combination of a right-hit text image and a right-arrow image" to "only a right-arrow image."

The right-hit display change flag turned ON in S4704 is a flag indicating that the right-hit character image 71a has been erased in the high base state (the state of the right-hit instruction notification has changed). By referring to this right-hit display change flag when executing various effects, it is possible to reflect the reference result (whether or not the right-hit character image 71a is displayed) in the effect. For example, after the right-hit character image 71a is erased, it is possible to increase the variety of the effect display by displaying a notice effect image related to the change notice or reserved pre-read notice in the area where the right-hit character image 71a was displayed, or by displaying a number display indicating the number of times the special pattern (effect pattern 8) has changed. The right-hit display change flag turned ON in S4704 will then be turned OFF if the high base state ends without the occurrence of a jackpot (consecutive wins).

[Effects of Example 3]
According to the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment (embodiment 3) described above, the display mode (mode of right-hit instruction notification) of the right-hit instruction image 71, which is displayed in the right-hit display area 71c of the image display device 7 (display screen 7a) from the start of the first round of the big win game related to the first hit and continues to be displayed even in the high base state thereafter, can be changed at a predetermined time during the high base state. Specifically, based on the number of times that the special symbol changes in the high base state reaching a predetermined number, the right-hit character image 71a constituting the right-hit instruction image 71 is erased, and only the right arrow image 71b is displayed in the right-hit display area 71c. As a result, the mode of the right-hit instruction notification can be changed according to the number of times that the special symbol (performance symbol) changes in the high base state after the transition from the special game state to the high base state, so that it is possible to draw the player's attention to the right-hit instruction notification.

In particular, in this embodiment, the right hit instruction notification during the high base state is displayed in a corner of the display screen 7a (in this example, the top right of the screen) as a right hit instruction image 71 that is small compared to the screen size. By configuring the display mode of this right hit instruction image 71 (mode of right hit instruction notification) to be changeable, it is possible to add interest by making the player notice slight changes on the display screen during the high base state.

The change (change) in the mode of the right-hit instruction notification is not limited to the deletion of the right-hit character image 71a shown in this embodiment. For example, it is sufficient to change the display mode of the right-hit instruction image 71 (i.e., the mode of the right-hit instruction notification), such as deleting the right arrow image 71b, changing the display size (enlarging or reducing) of one or both of the right-hit character image 71a and the right arrow image 71b, changing the color, changing the pattern, changing the display position (display location), changing the font of the right-hit character image 71a, or changing the shape of the right arrow image 71b. In this case, for example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which image data of multiple types of right-hit instruction images (right-hit character images, right arrow images) with different sizes, colors, shapes, etc. are stored in advance in the ROM of the image control board 100, image data to be displayed is read from the image data, and the right-hit instruction notification based on the read image data is executed in the right-hit display area 71c.

In addition, the timing for changing (the timing for changing) the display mode of the right hit instruction image 71 (mode of right hit instruction notification) in the high base state is not limited to the configuration determined by the number of times the special pattern changes as shown in this embodiment. For example, it is possible to determine the timing for the change based on various conditions, such as determining the timing for the change based on the elapsed time after transitioning to the high base state, or determining the timing for the change based on the number of times a specific reach effect or preview effect is executed.

Next, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment (fourth embodiment) is different from the above-described embodiment in that the display mode of the right-hit instruction image 71 can be changed during a jackpot game. The following will focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments (configuration, action, effect, etc.), and will omit a description of the commonalities between the first and second embodiments (configuration, action, effect, etc.).

In this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 91 of the sub-control board 90 executes the right-hit instruction image change process (S4800) shown in FIG. 65. This right-hit instruction image change process (S4800) is executed as a subroutine of the jackpot game-related process (S4411) in the received command analysis process (S4302) shown in FIG. 45.

As shown in FIG. 65, in the right hit instruction image change process (S4800) of this embodiment, first, it is determined whether the right hit display change flag is ON (S4801), and if it is not ON (OFF) (NO in S4801), this process ends without performing the processes from S4802 onwards. In this embodiment, as described in the above-mentioned embodiment 3, if the mode of the right hit instruction notification (the display mode of the right hit instruction image 71) is changed during the high base state, the changed mode of the right hit instruction notification can be changed again at a predetermined time during the jackpot game related to the jackpot (consecutive wins) in the same high base state. For this reason, in S4801, the right hit display change flag that can be turned ON in the above-mentioned S4704 is referenced, and if the right hit display change flag is not ON (OFF), the mode of the right hit instruction notification (the display mode of the right hit instruction image 71) has not been changed during the high base state, so this process ends without performing the processes from S4802 onwards.

On the other hand, if the right-hit display change flag is ON (YES in S4801), it is determined whether the jackpot game-related command received in the aforementioned S4405 is a 2R start command (S4802), and if it is not a 2R start command (NO in S4802), this process ends without performing the processing from S4803 onwards. On the other hand, if it is a 2R start command (YES in S4802), a right-hit character image display command is set in the sub-output buffer (S4803), the right-hit display change flag is turned OFF (S4804), and this process ends.

The right-hit character image display command set in S4803 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006) together with the 2R start performance command set in the sub-output buffer in the process of S4411 (see FIG. 45) based on the reception of the 2R start command. As a result, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the round performance display of the second round is performed, and the right-hit character image 71a is additionally displayed above the right arrow image 71b displayed in the right-hit display area 71c. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the high base state, the variable display of the special pattern is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), and after the right-hit character image 71a is erased as a result of this, when a jackpot (consecutive wins) is achieved in the high base state, the right-hit character image 71a will be displayed again in the right-hit display area 71c with the start of the second round of the jackpot game. In other words, the mode of the right-hit instruction notification, which has become "only the right arrow image", changes (returns) to the original "combination of the right-hit character image and the right arrow image".

[Effects of Example 4]
According to the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment (embodiment 4) described above, the state of the right-hit instruction notification, which is only the right arrow image 71a due to the deletion of the right-hit character image 71a during the high base state, can be changed at a predetermined time during the special game state following the high base state. Specifically, in the high base state, after the deletion of the right-hit character image 71a causes only the right arrow image 71b to be displayed in the right-hit display area 71c, when a jackpot (continuous win) occurs in the high base state, the right-hit character image 71a that was deleted earlier is displayed in the original position of the right-hit display area 71c, which displays only the right arrow image 71b, with the start of the second round of the jackpot game. As a result, the state of the right-hit instruction notification can be changed (returned) according to the progress of the round game in the special game state after the transition from the high base state to the special game state, so that the player can pay attention to the right-hit instruction notification.

In particular, in this embodiment, it is possible to erase the right-hit text image 71a included in the right-hit instruction image 71, which is displayed small in the corner of the display screen 7a (top right corner in this example), during the high base state, and then display the right-hit text image 71a in its original position during the special game state. This makes it possible to add interest by making the player notice a further change (return in this example) in the state of the right-hit instruction notification that changed once during the high base state.

The change (alteration) in the mode of the right hit instruction notification in the special game state following the high base state is not limited to the re-display of the right hit character image 71a as shown in this embodiment. For example, it may be a change in the display size (enlargement or reduction), color, display position (display location), or design of the right arrow image 71b that continues to be displayed even after the right hit character image 71a is erased. In addition, regardless of the change in the mode of the right hit instruction notification in the previous high base state, the mode of the right hit instruction notification that has been continuously executed since the high base state may be changed (altered) at a predetermined time during the special game state.

Furthermore, the time to change (change) the mode of the right hit instruction notification in the special game state is not limited to the start timing of the second round of the jackpot game (triggered by receiving the 2R start command) shown in this embodiment. For example, it is possible to set the change time to any time from the start to the end of the special game state, such as the start timing of a specific round from the first round or the third round onwards, during the execution of a round game, the end timing of a specific round (triggered by receiving the round end command), the start timing of the opening performance (triggered by receiving the opening command), during the execution of the opening performance, the end timing of the opening performance (triggered by receiving the 1R start command), the start timing of the ending performance (triggered by receiving the ending command), during the execution of the ending performance, the end timing of the ending performance, etc. It is also possible to set the change time based on the elapsed time since transitioning to the special game state.

Although examples and other aspects have been described above as embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope of each claim, and includes a range that can be easily substituted by a person skilled in the art, and it is possible to appropriately add improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art would normally have.

[Other aspects]
In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, in the specific mode and the non-specific mode set based on the timing information of the RTC, the pre-effect started in the specific mode can be continuously executed even after the transition to the non-specific mode under specific conditions. Not limited to such a mode, when transitioning from the probability mode to the normal mode, when transitioning from the time-saving mode to the normal mode, or when transitioning from the first game mode to the second game mode, which simply have different presentation modes (the game state does not change), the game presentation (pre-effect, notice presentation, etc.) for the mode started in the mode before the transition (game mode) may be continuously executed even after the mode transition. Of course, when transitioning from an unfavorable game mode to an advantageous game mode, the game presentation (pre-effect, notice presentation, etc.) for the mode started in the mode before the transition (game mode) may be continuously executed even after the mode transition.

In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the remaining time display during subtraction is temporarily stopped and then resumed as a presentation mode to make the execution time of a specific mode (specific period presentation) or a count preview presentation appear longer. Instead of or in addition to this, the same effect can be achieved by a presentation mode in which the remaining time is increased at a predetermined timing, or the remaining time for a predetermined period is not changed from its initial value (subtraction is not started). In addition, a pause period measurement means for measuring the pause period, a pause period display unit for displaying the pause period, a total presentation time display unit for displaying the sum of the pause period and the subtraction period, etc. may be provided.

For example, in the above embodiment, the right-hit instruction image 71 is composed of a right-hit character image 71a representing the characters "right hit" and one right arrow image 71b located above it, but the form of the right-hit instruction image 71 is not limited to this, and it can be composed of only right-hit character images or only right arrow images. In this case, the change (change) of the display form in the above-mentioned embodiments 2 and 3 is not the erasure of a part of the image constituting the right-hit instruction notification, but the change (change) of the form (size, color, shape, display position, etc.) of the image itself being displayed. Also, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the display position of the right-hit instruction image 71 is the upper right corner of the display screen 7a (right-hit display area 71c), but the display position of the right-hit instruction image 71 is not limited to this, and it can be a predetermined position on the display screen 7a. However, in order to avoid interfering with the performance pattern game performance and the jackpot game performance (round performance, etc.), it is preferable to display it near the outer periphery of the display screen 7a (toward the periphery of the screen). Furthermore, if multiple display devices such as liquid crystal display devices are provided, the right-hit instruction image may be displayed on a display device other than the display device on which the performance symbol game performance and the jackpot game performance are performed.

In the above embodiment, the left-hit instruction image 70 is composed of a left-hit text image 70a that displays the text "Please return to left-hit" and three left arrow images 70b located above it, but the form of the left-hit instruction image 70 is not limited to this, and various forms can be adopted, as with the above-mentioned right-hit instruction image 71. Note that the display of the left-hit instruction image 70 (left-hit instruction notification) needs to clearly and proactively indicate to the player that the high base state (right-hit game state) has ended and the game state has transitioned to a low base state (left-hit game state), that is, that the launch of the game ball has been changed (returned) from "right-hit" to "left-hit". Therefore, it is preferable to display the left-hit instruction image 70 (left-hit instruction notification) in a form that is easier for the player to recognize (a conspicuous form), such as by making the display size larger or by positioning the display position closer to the center of the screen, compared to the display of the right-hit instruction image 71 (right-hit instruction notification).

In the above embodiment, the display of the right-hit instruction image 71 in the right-hit display area 71c is executed continuously from the start of the first round of the jackpot game related to the first hit to the end of the high base state thereafter (excluding the end due to the execution of the jackpot game), and is executed continuously even when the jackpot game related to the consecutive wins is played during that time, including during the execution of each of the fanfare effect, round effect, and ending effect. In contrast, the display of the right-hit instruction image 71 that continues from the first round of the jackpot game related to the first hit is interrupted (temporarily erased) when the fanfare effect or ending effect of the subsequent jackpot game related to the consecutive wins is performed, that is, when the game state transitions to the special game state or the high base state after the special game, and when the fanfare effect or ending effect is completed, the display of the right-hit instruction image 71 may be resumed at the same display position. Even if the display of the right hit instruction image 71 is temporarily interrupted in this way, it is highly unlikely (not likely) that the right hit instruction notification during the winning streak will be difficult for the player to recognize, and it is possible to achieve the same effect as the previously described embodiment.

In addition, pre-performance (continuous pre-performance) can be executed using multiple consecutive variable displays, and may be executed only in one variable display (target variable). These are all referred to as pre-performance (continuous pre-performance). In addition, pre-performance that is executed only in one variable display (target variable) is also included in continuous pre-performance. In addition, the sub-control unit that executes this "pre-performance" is also referred to as "pre-performance execution means."

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the number of rounds in the jackpot game is two types, "2R" and "15R", but the number of rounds is not limited to this, and there may be three or more types of rounds, or only one type. Furthermore, the opening pattern of the first large prize winning hole 30 and the second large prize winning hole 35 (V attacker) is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and for example, the opening time and number of openings per round can take various forms.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the possibility of V passing is set to be high (easy) or low (substantially impossible) depending on the length of the opening time of the second large winning opening 35 (V attacker) in the V round. In other words, if the opening time of the second large winning opening 35 in the V round is relatively long, it becomes easy for game balls to enter the second large winning opening 35, and at least one of the game balls that enter the second large winning opening 35 will almost certainly pass through the specific area 39, while if the opening time of the second large winning opening 35 in the V round is relatively short, it becomes difficult (substantially impossible) for game balls to enter the second large winning opening 35, and as a result, the game ball will not pass through the specific area 39. Instead of this, a movable piece that opens and closes the specific area may be provided, and the movable piece may be operated based on the number of balls that enter the second large winning opening 35 in the V round (the number of balls counted by the ball counting means), and the possibility of V passing may differ depending on the operating state.

For example, when the movable piece is operated based on a first predetermined number of balls (e.g., the first ball) entering the second large prize opening 35 in the V round, the movable piece is operated in a manner that makes the possibility of V passing low (effectively impossible), and when the movable piece is operated based on a second predetermined number of balls (e.g., any one from the second ball to a specified number), the movable piece is operated in a manner that makes the possibility of V passing high. Then, a jackpot in which the movable piece only operates in a manner that makes V passing low in the V round, that is, a jackpot in which the movable piece only operates based on the first predetermined number of balls entering the second large prize opening 35, is called a "V non-passing jackpot," and a jackpot in which the movable piece may operate in a manner that makes V passing low or in a manner that makes V passing high, that is, a jackpot in which the movable piece operates based on the first predetermined number of balls entering the second large prize opening 35 and the second predetermined number of balls entering the second large prize opening 35, is called a "V passing jackpot." With this configuration, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the probability fluctuation function is activated (whether a high probability state occurs) based on whether the game ball passes through a specific area.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a game privilege is given to the player in the form of a high probability state occurring based on the game ball passing through a specific area 39 in a V-round during a jackpot game (special game), but the privilege in this invention is not limited to the occurrence of a high probability state. For example, the content (type) of the privilege is not important as long as it gives some kind of benefit to the player, such as a high base state that increases the frequency with which the game ball enters the starting hole, or a fluctuation time reduction state (time reduction state) that makes the fluctuation time of the identification information shorter than normal. Also, the privilege may give one or multiple privileges based on the game ball passing through a specific area.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine (a so-called "V-type machine") having a specific area 39 as a sure-win operation port, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a type of gaming machine (a so-called "variable symbol machine") that does not have a specific area 39 in the big prize port and determines whether or not to grant a high probability state based on the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment (the type of big prize symbol that is stopped and displayed). Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to a type of gaming machine that does not have a probability fluctuation function. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a type 1/2 type pachinko gaming machine that has a specific area (V area) in the big prize port that can be entered when the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit, and when a game ball that enters the big prize port during a small hit game passes through the specific area (V passing), it becomes a big hit, and the big hit game is executed based on the V passing.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, a control process (so-called special pattern 2 priority change) was adopted in which the second special pattern reservation (display of the change of the second special pattern) is consumed in priority to the first special pattern reservation (display of the change of the first special pattern), but this is not limited to this, and a control process (so-called special pattern 1 priority change) may be used in which the first special pattern reservation is consumed in priority to the second special pattern reservation. Alternatively, a control process (so-called ball entry order (storage order) change) may be used in which the first special pattern reservation and the second special pattern reservation are consumed in order of the oldest memory without setting a priority between the consumption of the first special pattern reservation and the consumption of the second special pattern reservation. In addition, instead of the special pattern 2 priority change in the above-mentioned embodiment, a control process (so-called special pattern 1, 2 simultaneous change) in which the display of the change of the first special pattern and the display of the change of the second special pattern (the consumption of the first special pattern reservation and the consumption of the second special pattern reservation) are executed in parallel may be adopted.

[others]
As a reference invention for the gaming machine described above, the following may be adopted.
(Reference Invention 1)
The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 is as follows:
an identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
a variable ball entry port that can be changed between a ball entry possible state where the game ball can enter and a ball entry impossible state where the game ball cannot enter;
A game mode transition means capable of transitioning between game modes;
a game presentation execution means for executing a game presentation corresponding to the currently executed game mode in accordance with the variable display of the identification information;
and a special game execution means for executing a special game in which the variable ball entrance is in a ball entrance state when the result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific result,
The game mode includes at least a first game mode and a second game mode,
The game performance includes at least a first game performance and a second game performance having a different performance mode from the first game performance,
The first game performance is executable in the first game mode and is not executable in the second game mode;
The second game presentation is executable in the second game mode and in the first game mode when the specific condition is met.

Such a gaming machine is equipped with a gaming mode transition means capable of transitioning between gaming modes, and a gaming presentation execution means capable of executing a gaming presentation corresponding to the currently executed gaming mode. The gaming modes include at least a first gaming mode and a second gaming mode, and the gaming presentations include at least a first gaming presentation and a second gaming presentation having a presentation mode different from that of the first gaming presentation. The first gaming presentation is executable in the first gaming mode but not executable in the second gaming mode, and the second gaming presentation is executable in the second gaming mode and in the first gaming mode when a specific condition is met.

In this way, while the first game presentation is executed in the first game mode and the second game presentation is executed in the second game mode, if a specific condition is met, the second game presentation can also be executed in the first game mode, providing an unexpected game presentation and increasing interest in the game. Note that, for the first game mode and the second game mode, for example, the background presentation of the display unit may be different, a game mode display unit that notifies the player of the game mode may be provided and the game mode name may be different, or different characters may be displayed depending on the game mode, allowing the player to recognize the game mode being executed.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1,
The second game presentation is a game presentation that can be executed over a plurality of consecutive times of changing display of the identification information,
The game mode transition means is capable of transitioning the game mode from the second game mode to the first game mode,
The specific condition is characterized in that it is met at least when the second game presentation started in the second game mode continues to be executed even after transition from the second game mode to the first game mode.

According to such a gaming machine, the second game presentation is a game presentation that can be executed over multiple times of the variable display of the identification information. The specific condition that allows the second game presentation to be executed in the first game mode is established when, in the case of transitioning from the second game mode to the first game mode, the second game presentation that started in the second game mode continues to be executed after transitioning to the first game mode. This makes it possible to increase interest in the game by making the second game presentation executable in the first game mode and executing an unexpected game presentation. This also makes it possible to continue executing the game presentation (second game presentation) that has been determined to be executed over multiple times of the variable display of the identification information without interruption due to the transition of the game mode, making it possible to progress with the game presentation without any sense of incongruity.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2,
The present invention is characterized in that only the second game presentation, which is executed continuously from the second game mode to the first game mode, can be executed in the first game mode.

According to such a gaming machine, when the gaming mode transitions from the second gaming mode to the first gaming mode, the second gaming presentation can be executed in the first gaming mode only if the second gaming presentation starts in the second gaming mode and continues to be executed until the first gaming mode. Therefore, when the second gaming presentation executed in the first gaming mode ends, the second gaming presentation will not be executed in the first gaming mode. This also makes it possible to prevent a decrease in gaming interest as much as possible by interrupting the gaming presentation (second gaming presentation) that is being executed over several variable display of identification information.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 or Reference Invention 1-3,
a pre-determination means for determining in advance whether the result of the variation display of the specific identification information will be a specific result before the start of the variation display of the specific identification information;
The second game presentation is a game presentation that notifies a result of the pre-determination related to the variable display of the specific identification information by being executed at least in association with the variable display of the identification information prior to the variable display of the specific identification information,
The specific condition is characterized in that it is established when the second game presentation started in the second game mode has not ended when transitioning from the second game mode to the first game mode, and when the result of the pre-determination regarding the variable display of the specific identification information satisfies the second specific condition.

Such a gaming machine is provided with a pre-determination means for pre-determining the result of the variable display of the specific identification information, the second gaming performance is a gaming performance capable of announcing the result of the pre-determination, and the specific condition is established when the result of the pre-determination satisfies the second specific condition. This makes it possible to determine whether or not the second gaming performance being executed in the second gaming mode will continue after transition to the first gaming mode depending on the result of the pre-determination (whether or not the second specific condition is satisfied). This also makes it possible to heighten the player's expectations when the second gaming performance is executed in the first gaming mode, and to increase the player's interest in the game.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-5 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4,
In a case where the second game presentation started in the second game mode has not ended when the game mode is shifted from the second game mode to the first game mode, and a result of the pre-determination related to the variable display of the specific identification information satisfies the second specific condition, the second game presentation is continuously executed in the first game mode;
In the case where the second game presentation started in the second game mode has not ended when transitioning from the second game mode to the first game mode, and the result of the pre-determination regarding the variable display of the specific identification information does not satisfy the second specific condition, the second game presentation is ended with transition to the first game mode.

According to such a gaming machine, the second game presentation that has not yet ended when transitioning from the second game mode to the first game mode continues to be executed in the first game mode if the result of the pre-determination regarding the variable display of the specific identification information satisfies the second specific condition, and ends with transition to the first game mode if the result of the pre-determination does not satisfy the second specific condition. This makes it possible to heighten the player's expectations when the second game presentation is executed in the first game mode, and to increase the player's interest in the game.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-6 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4,
In a case where the second game presentation started in the second game mode has not ended when the game mode is shifted from the second game mode to the first game mode, and a result of the pre-determination related to the variable display of the specific identification information satisfies the second specific condition, the second game presentation is continuously executed in the first game mode;
In the case where the second game presentation started in the second game mode has not ended when transitioning from the second game mode to the first game mode, and the result of the pre-determination regarding the variable display of the specific identification information does not satisfy the second specific condition, the second game presentation is switched to and executed as the game mode transitions to the first game mode.

According to this type of gaming machine, the second game presentation that has not finished when transitioning from the second game mode to the first game mode is continued in the first game mode if the result of the pre-determination regarding the variable display of the specific identification information satisfies the second specific condition. If the result of the pre-determination does not satisfy the second specific condition, the second game presentation is switched to and executed as the game transitions to the first game mode. This makes it possible to heighten the player's expectations when the second game presentation is executed in the first game mode, and to increase the player's interest in the game.

(Reference Invention 2)
In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 is as follows:
an identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
a variable ball entry port that can be changed between a ball entry possible state where the game ball can enter and a ball entry impossible state where the game ball cannot enter;
A game performance execution means capable of executing a predetermined game performance;
a count display unit that displays a predetermined count value;
a count effect execution means capable of executing a count effect in which the count value displayed on the count display unit is changed as the game progresses;
and a special game execution means for executing a special game in which the variable ball entrance is in a ball entrance state when the result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific result,
As the game performance, at least a first game performance is included,
When the count effect is executed, if a specific count value is displayed on the count display section, the first game effect is executed, and if the specific count value is not displayed on the count display section, the first game effect is not executed.

Such a gaming machine is equipped with a count display unit that displays a predetermined count value, and a count effect execution means that is capable of executing a count effect that changes (advances) the count value displayed on the count display unit as the game progresses, and when the count effect is executed and a specific count value is displayed, a first gaming effect is executed, and when the specific count value is not displayed, the first gaming effect is not executed. As a result, whether or not the first gaming effect will be executed is indicated depending on whether or not a specific count value is displayed based on the progress of the count effect, so that the player can pay close attention to the progress of the count effect and hope for the specific count value to be displayed, increasing his or her interest in the game.

Here, "changing as the game progresses" includes cases where the displayed count value changes as the game presentation progresses, or cases where the count value changes as time passes. Also, "changing the count value" may mean a count-up method in which the displayed count value counts up, a count-down method in which the displayed count value counts down, or a random method in which the displayed count value changes randomly. In addition, both the game presentation execution means and the count presentation execution means are configured by the CPU of the sub-control unit. In addition, game presentations include preview presentations, reach presentations, presentations that show the results of judgments such as a jackpot (pattern changing presentations), etc.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1,
a game presentation information display unit for displaying game presentation information indicating a predetermined game presentation;
The game performance has at least a second game performance,
The game presentation information includes at least first game presentation information indicating the first game presentation and second game presentation information indicating the second game presentation,
When the first game performance information is displayed on the game performance information display section and the count performance is executed, if the specific count value is displayed on the count display section, the first game performance is executed, and if the specific count value is not displayed on the count display section, the first game performance is not executed,
When the second game performance information is displayed on the game performance information display section and the count performance is executed, if the specific count value is displayed on the count display section, the second game performance is executed, and if the specific count value is not displayed on the count display section, the second game performance is not executed.

According to such a gaming machine, the gaming presentation includes at least a first gaming presentation and a second gaming presentation, and the gaming presentation information displayed on the gaming presentation information display unit includes at least first gaming presentation information indicating the first gaming presentation and second gaming presentation information indicating the second gaming presentation. Then, when the first gaming presentation information is displayed on the gaming presentation information display unit and a specific count value is displayed on the count display unit, the first gaming presentation is executed, and when the specific count value is not displayed, the first gaming presentation is not executed. Also, the second gaming presentation information is displayed on the gaming presentation information display unit and when a specific count value is displayed on the count display unit, the second gaming presentation is executed, and when the specific count value is not displayed, the second gaming presentation is not executed.

According to this, whether or not a game effect shown by display on the game effect information display unit will be executed is indicated by whether or not a specific count value is displayed by the count effect. As a result, if the game effect displayed on the game effect information display unit is highly creative or increases the sense of anticipation for a special game, etc., the player can pay close attention to the progress of the count effect and hope for a specific count value to be displayed in the count effect, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

When a specific count value is displayed on the count display section as a result of the execution of the count effect, the game effect displayed on the game effect information display section is executed, and when a specific count value is not displayed as a result of the execution of the count effect, the game effect is not executed. In addition, a "count effect" refers to an effect in which a specific count value is displayed on the count display section, and the count value is changed (including stopped) by being subtracted, added, or stopped.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 or Reference Invention 2-2,
An input means for allowing a player to input a predetermined value,
The count performance is characterized by having a first input performance in which the specific count value is displayed on the count display section in response to an input to the input means.

Such a gaming machine is equipped with an input means through which the player makes a predetermined input, and has a presentation in which a specific count value is displayed based on the input to the input means in a count presentation involving input to the input means. This increases the player's motivation to make an input action, as whether or not a specific count value is displayed depends on the input to the input means, and makes it possible to increase the player's interest in the first input presentation. Furthermore, in the count presentation, rather than simply waiting for the passage of time to see whether a specific count value is displayed, it is possible to cause a specific count value to be displayed by the player's own input action, thereby significantly increasing the player's interest in the presentation.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-4 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 or Reference Invention 2-3,
An input means for allowing a player to input a predetermined value,
The game device is characterized by having a second input effect for displaying game effect information on the game effect information display section based on an input to the input means.

Such a gaming machine is equipped with an input means by which a player makes a predetermined input, and has a second input effect that displays game performance information on the game performance information display section based on the input to the input means. This has an effect that displays a game performance that is executed when a specific count value is displayed based on the input to the input means. This makes it possible for the player to be notified of the game performance that can be executed by the player by inputting to the input means, thereby increasing motivation for the input action and increasing interest in the game when the first input effect occurs. In addition, it is also possible to select whether or not to display game performance information on the game performance information display section depending on whether or not an input is made to the input means, making it possible to diversify the game performances.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-5 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-4,
In the second input presentation, if no input to the input means is detected, the game presentation information is not displayed on the game presentation information display unit at least until the specific count value is displayed in the count presentation, and when input to the input means is detected, the game presentation information is displayed on the game presentation information display unit before the specific count value is displayed in the count presentation.

According to such a gaming machine, in the second input presentation that displays information on game presentations that may be performed, if no input is made to the input means, the game presentation information is not displayed at least until a specific count value is displayed. In other words, if a specific count value is not displayed in the count presentation, the game presentation information remains undisplayed. Also, when an input is made to the input means, before the specific count value is displayed, game presentation information indicating game presentations that may be performed when the specific count value is displayed is displayed. This allows a player who wants to know the game presentations that may be performed while the presentation as to whether or not a specific count value will be displayed in the count presentation is being performed, before it is determined whether or not a specific count value will be displayed, to make an input to the input means, while a player who does not want to know the game presentations that may be performed (or may be performed) until (or even if) a specific count value is displayed, does not make an input to the input means. This allows a selection in gameplay to be made. This diversifies the game and increases interest in the game.

(Reference Invention 3)
In addition, the gaming machine of the reference invention 3-1 invention is as follows:
an identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
a variable ball entry port that can be changed between a ball entry possible state where the game ball can enter and a ball entry impossible state where the game ball cannot enter;
A game performance execution means capable of executing a predetermined game performance;
a count display unit that displays a predetermined count value;
a count effect execution means capable of executing a count effect in which the count value displayed on the count display unit is changed as the game progresses;
and a special game execution means for executing a special game in which the variable ball entrance is in a ball entrance state when the result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific result,
The game performance includes a specific game performance that can be executed in association with the count performance,
As the counting performance,
The present invention has a performance including a count stop performance that stops the change in the count value in the count performance, and a count restart performance that restarts the change in the count value after a predetermined period has elapsed since the stop,
The specific game presentation is characterized in that it can be continuously executed even during the execution of the count stop presentation.

Such a gaming machine is equipped with a count display unit that displays a predetermined count value, and a count effect execution means capable of executing a count effect that changes (advances) the count value displayed on the count display unit as the game progresses. The count effects include a count stop effect that stops the change (progression) of the displayed count value, and a count resume effect that starts changing (progressing) the count value again after the count stop. The specific game effects that can be executed in conjunction with the count effects can be executed continuously both during the period when the count value is changed (advanced) and during the execution period of the count stop effect.

As a result, when a count stop effect is executed during a count effect, the execution period of the specific game effect becomes longer, making it possible to execute a highly entertaining game effect. This also makes it possible to increase interest in the game. Furthermore, by having a count stop effect and a count restart effect, it is possible to prevent a decrease in interest in the game even if a count effect is displayed indicating that the execution period of the count effect is relatively short. Examples of "specific game effects" include preview effects, reach effects, character effects, and effect pattern change effects.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-1,
As the counting performance,
A count stop effect is performed to stop the change in the count value in the count effect, and the count restart effect is not executed after the stop,
The special game is more likely to be executed when the count restart performance is executed after the count stop performance than when the count restart performance is not executed.

In this type of gaming machine, the count effect is a count stop effect that stops the change in the count value, and after the stop, the count restart effect is not executed (the change in the count value is not restarted). The possibility of a special game being executed is higher when the count restart effect is executed after the count stop effect than when the count restart effect is not executed. This makes it possible to heighten the player's sense of expectation and increase their interest in the game by each occurrence of the count effect, the count stop effect, and the count restart effect.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-1 or Reference Invention 3-2,
The counting effect has a first counting effect having a predetermined execution period, and a second counting effect having a longer execution period than the first counting effect,
The present invention is characterized in that the possibility of executing the special game is higher when the second count performance is executed than when the first count performance is executed.

According to this type of gaming machine, the count effects include a first count effect and a second count effect that has a longer execution period than the first count effect, and the possibility of a special game being executed is higher when the second count effect is executed than when the first count effect is executed. This allows the player to look forward to the occurrence of a count effect with a longer execution period, and makes it possible to prevent a decrease in interest in the game even when the count stop effect and count restart effect show that the execution period of the count effect is relatively short.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-4 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-2,
The counting effect has a first counting effect having a predetermined execution period, and a second counting effect having a longer execution period than the first counting effect,
A higher probability of executing the special game is observed when the second counting effect is executed than when the first counting effect is executed,
The execution period of the second count effect includes the execution period of the count stop effect.

According to this type of gaming machine, the count effects include a first count effect and a second count effect that has a longer execution period than the first count effect, and the possibility of a special game being executed is higher when the second count effect is executed than when the first count effect is executed. In addition, the second count effect, which has a relatively long execution period and a relatively high possibility of a special game being executed, includes at least a count stop effect, so the player can look forward to the occurrence of a count effect with a longer execution period and the occurrence of a count stop effect, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game. This also makes it possible to prevent a decrease in interest in the game even when a display is displayed indicating that the execution period of the count effect is relatively short.

(Reference Invention 4)
In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-1 is as follows:
A gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting a game ball toward a game area,
A game state control means capable of controlling a game state;
and an instruction notification execution means capable of executing an instruction notification instructing a player to launch a game ball toward one of the game areas;
The game state includes at least a predetermined game state in which a game is played by shooting a game ball toward a predetermined area of the game area,
The predetermined game state includes at least a first predetermined game state and a second predetermined game state,
The instruction notification includes a predetermined instruction notification instructing the player to launch a game ball toward the predetermined area,
The instruction notification execution means is capable of executing the predetermined instruction notification in a similar manner in the first predetermined game state and the second predetermined game state.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-1 above has at least a first predetermined gaming state and a second predetermined gaming state as predetermined gaming states in which a game is played by firing a gaming ball toward a predetermined area of the gaming area. In addition, it is possible to execute a predetermined instruction notification instructing a player to fire a gaming ball toward a predetermined area of the gaming area in a similar manner in the first predetermined gaming state and the second predetermined gaming state. As a result, although the gaming states are different in the first predetermined gaming state and the second predetermined gaming state, the predetermined instruction notification is executed in a similar manner, so that the player can easily recognize the predetermined instruction notification in either the first predetermined gaming state or the second predetermined gaming state.

(Reference Invention 4-2)
In the gaming machine of the above-mentioned reference invention 4-1,
The gaming state control means is capable of controlling a gaming state from the first predetermined gaming state to the second predetermined gaming state,
The instruction notification execution means executes the predetermined instruction notification in a predetermined manner in the first predetermined game state, and also executes the predetermined instruction notification in the first predetermined game state even after the game state transitions from the first predetermined game state to the second predetermined game state.

In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-2 above, a predetermined instruction notification is executed in a predetermined manner in a first predetermined gaming state, and when the gaming state transitions from the first predetermined gaming state to a second predetermined gaming state, the predetermined instruction notification in the first predetermined gaming state prior to the transition is also executed in the second predetermined gaming state after the transition. This makes it easier for the player to recognize the predetermined instruction notification, since the predetermined instruction notification is executed in the same manner before and after the transition, even if the gaming state transitions from the first predetermined gaming state to the second predetermined gaming state.

(Reference Invention 4-3)
In the gaming machine of the above-mentioned reference invention 4-2,
The instruction notification execution means is characterized in that it is capable of changing the manner of the specified instruction notification after the game state transitions from the first specified game state to the second specified game state at a specified time during the second specified game state.

In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-3 above, even after the gaming state transitions from a first predetermined gaming state to a second predetermined gaming state, the manner of the predetermined instruction notification when the first predetermined gaming state is executed can be changed at a predetermined time during the second predetermined gaming state. This allows the manner of the predetermined instruction notification to change after the transition from the first predetermined gaming state to the second predetermined gaming state, making it possible to draw the player's attention to the predetermined instruction notification.

(Reference Invention 4-4)
In any one of the gaming machines according to the above-mentioned reference invention 4-1 to reference invention 4-3,
The gaming state control means is capable of controlling a gaming state from the second predetermined gaming state to the first predetermined gaming state,
The instruction notification execution means executes the predetermined instruction notification in a predetermined manner in the second predetermined game state, and also executes the predetermined instruction notification in the second predetermined game state even after the game state transitions from the second predetermined game state to the first predetermined game state.

In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-4 above, a predetermined instruction notification is executed in a predetermined manner in the second predetermined gaming state, and when the gaming state transitions from the second predetermined gaming state to the first predetermined gaming state, the predetermined instruction notification in the first predetermined gaming state prior to the transition is also executed in the first predetermined gaming state after the transition. This makes it easier for the player to recognize the predetermined instruction notification, since the predetermined instruction notification is executed in the same manner before and after the transition, even if the gaming state transitions from the second predetermined gaming state to the first predetermined gaming state.

(Reference Invention 4-5)
In the gaming machine of the above-mentioned reference invention 1-4,
The instruction notification execution means is characterized in that it is capable of changing the manner of the specified instruction notification after the game state transitions from the second specified game state to the first specified game state at a specified time during the first specified game state.

In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-5 above, even after the gaming state transitions from the second predetermined gaming state to the first predetermined gaming state, the manner of the predetermined instruction notification when the predetermined instruction notification is executed in the second predetermined gaming state can be changed at a predetermined time during the first predetermined gaming state. This allows the manner of the predetermined instruction notification to change after the transition from the second predetermined gaming state to the first predetermined gaming state, making it possible to draw the player's attention to the predetermined instruction notification.

(Reference Invention 4-6)
In any one of the gaming machines according to the above-mentioned reference invention 4-1 to reference invention 4-5,
the instruction notification execution means is capable of executing the predetermined instruction notification by displaying, on a predetermined display means, a predetermined instruction image instructing the player to launch a game ball toward the predetermined area;
The present invention is characterized in that the same predetermined instruction image can be displayed on the display means in the first predetermined game state and the second predetermined game state.

In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-6 above, it is possible to execute a predetermined instruction notification by displaying a predetermined instruction image on a predetermined display means. It is also possible to display the same predetermined instruction image in the first predetermined game state and the second predetermined game state. As a result, although the game states are different between the first predetermined game state and the second predetermined game state, the predetermined instruction image is the same for the player, making it easier for the player to recognize the display of the predetermined instruction image (predetermined instruction notification).

(Reference Invention 4-7)
In the gaming machine of the above-mentioned reference invention 4-6,
The instruction notification executing means is characterized in that the same predetermined instruction image can be displayed on the same display portion of the display means in the first predetermined game state and the second predetermined game state.

In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-7 above, it is possible to display the same predetermined instruction image on the same display section of the display means in the first predetermined game state and the second predetermined game state. As a result, although the game states differ between the first predetermined game state and the second predetermined game state, the predetermined instruction image and its display position are both the same for the player, making it easier for the player to recognize the display of the predetermined instruction image (predetermined instruction notification).

1 Pachinko game machine, 2 Game board, 3 Game area, 7 Image display device, 7a Display screen, 7b Performance pattern display area, 7c Background display area, 8 Performance pattern, 9a First performance hold, 9b Second performance hold, 9c First performance hold display area (First performance hold display section), 9d Second performance hold display area (Second performance hold display section), 20 First start opening, 21 Second start opening, 30 First big prize opening, 35 Second big prize opening, 41a First special pattern display (First special pattern display section), 41b Second special pattern display (Second special pattern display section), 80 Main control board (Main control section, game control means), 81 Game control microcomputer (Main control section, game control means), 90 Sub-control board (Sub-control section, performance control means), 91 Performance control microcomputer (Sub-control section, performance control means), 100 Image control board (image control unit, performance control means), 101 Image control microcomputer (image control unit, performance control means).

Claims (1)

an identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
a variable ball entry port that can be changed between a ball entry possible state where the game ball can enter and a ball entry impossible state where the game ball cannot enter;
A game mode transition means capable of transitioning between game modes;
a game presentation execution means for executing a game presentation corresponding to the currently executed game mode in accordance with the variable display of the identification information;
and a special game execution means for executing a special game in which the variable ball entrance is in a ball entrance state when the result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific result,
The game mode includes at least a first game mode and a second game mode, and the first game mode and the second game mode have different background displays on a display screen and are different in part or all of the display modes of the executable game performances,
The game performance includes at least a first game performance and a second game performance having a different performance mode from the first game performance,
A determination means for determining whether a predetermined specific condition is satisfied,
The first game performance is executable in the second game mode and is not executable in the first game mode;
The second game performance is executable in the first game mode and in the second game mode when the specific condition is satisfied, and is not executable in the second game mode when the specific condition is not satisfied ,
When the specific condition is met, the special game is more likely to be executed than when the specific condition is not met.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images