JP7470432B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, have a display device such as an LCD that displays multiple rows of symbols in a changing state, and while the symbols are changing, the multiple rows of symbols are in a ready state, suggesting the likelihood of a jackpot occurring after the symbol changes have ended.

JP 2020-48898 A

Many of these gaming machines are configured to execute a reach prompting effect that prompts the player to see whether or not a reach state will occur, but there is still room for improvement in this reach prompting effect in terms of increasing interest in the game.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the effect of increasing interest in gaming by encouraging players to consider whether or not a reach state will occur.

According to the present invention, a gaming machine capable of executing a pattern change based on the entry of a gaming ball into a starting hole, executing a win/loss judgment in the pattern change, varying and displaying a plurality of pattern rows, each having a plurality of types of patterns, and statically displaying the plurality of pattern rows in a pattern combination corresponding to the result of the win/loss judgment, and generating a jackpot game after the end of the pattern change related to the win/loss judgment when the result of the win/loss judgment is a specific result, is provided with a performance display means for displaying the plurality of pattern rows and a performance control means for controlling the performance display means, and the performance control means is capable of executing a specific reach prompting performance in the pattern change, which prompts whether or not a reach state consisting of specific patterns will occur by using the plurality of pattern rows, and the specific reach prompting performance includes a first specific reach prompting performance and a second specific reach prompting performance that requires a longer execution time than the first specific reach prompting performance. a degree of expectation that the jackpot game will occur due to a pattern change in which a reach state consisting of the specific symbols is generated by the first specific reach prompting performance is different from a degree of expectation that the jackpot game will occur due to a pattern change in which a reach state consisting of the specific symbols is generated by the second specific reach prompting performance, the plurality of pattern rows are composed of a first pattern row, a second pattern row, and a third pattern row, the specific reach prompting performance is a performance in which whether or not the specific symbol will be displayed stationary in the second pattern row after the specific symbol is displayed stationary in the first pattern row, the performance including a time when the specific symbol is displayed stationary in the second pattern row after the specific symbol is displayed stationary in the first pattern row, and a time when a symbol different from the specific symbol is displayed stationary in the second pattern row after the specific symbol is displayed stationary in the first pattern row , The time from when the deceleration of the first symbol row starts until when the specific symbol is displayed stationary in the first symbol row is the same as the time from when the deceleration of the first symbol row starts until when the specific symbol is displayed stationary in the first symbol row in the second specific reach prompting performance, the time from when the first symbol row is displayed stationary in the first specific reach prompting performance until when the second symbol row is displayed stationary is longer than the time from when the deceleration of the first symbol row starts until when the specific symbol is displayed stationary in the first symbol row in the first specific reach prompting performance and the time from when the deceleration of the first symbol row starts until when the specific symbol is displayed stationary in the first symbol row in the second specific reach prompting performance, A gaming machine is provided in which the difference in time between when the first symbol row is displayed statically and when the second symbol row is displayed statically is longer than the time between when the first symbol row starts to decelerate and when the second symbol row is displayed statically in the first specific reach encouraging performance, the jackpot game corresponding to a pattern alignment consisting of the specific symbols tends to be more advantageous than the jackpot game corresponding to a pattern alignment consisting of a predetermined pattern different from the specific symbols, the performance control means is further capable of executing a specific performance, the specific performance is a performance that can be executed before the specific reach encouraging performance is started in the pattern change in which the specific reach encouraging performance is executed, and the expectation of a reach state being generated by the specific reach encouraging performance can change depending on the number of times the specific performance has been executed before the specific reach encouraging performance is started.

The present invention provides a gaming machine that can enhance the effect of increasing interest in gaming by encouraging players to consider whether or not a reach state will occur.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device disposed in the area II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the operation buttons arranged in the area III shown in FIG. 1 and their surroundings. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a game board installed in the gaming machine. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine. Figure 8(a) is a diagram that shows a schematic drawing of a lottery table for determining whether a special symbol is a hit or not, Figure 8(b) is a diagram that shows a schematic drawing of a lottery table for selecting stopping symbols used when a big hit is derived in the special symbol hit or not determination related to special symbol 1, Figure 8(c) is a diagram that shows a schematic drawing of a lottery table for selecting stopping symbols used when a big hit is derived in the special symbol hit or not determination related to special symbol 2, and Figure 8(d) is a diagram that shows a schematic drawing of a lottery table for selecting stopping symbols used when a small hit is derived in the special symbol hit or not determination related to special symbol 2. Figure 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used in the pattern change related to special chart 1 when in the special chart change pattern derivation state PA, and Figure 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used when a special chart change pattern HNP is determined in the pattern change related to special chart 1 when in the special chart change pattern derivation state PA. Figure 10(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB, and Figure 10(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used when special chart change pattern HNP is determined in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB. Figure 11 (a) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a special chart change pattern lottery table used in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is in effect, and Figure 11 (b) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a special chart change pattern lottery table used when a special chart change pattern HNP is determined in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is in effect. FIG. 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special chart variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the average variation time for each special chart variation pattern derivation state. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing a specific example of a 7-reach provocative performance in a successful pattern, and FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing a specific example of a 7-reach provocative performance in a failed pattern. 14(a) and 14(b) are timing charts showing the state of the symbol strings related to the decorative symbols in the 7-reach provocation performance of the successful pattern. 15(a) and 15(b) are timing charts showing the state of the symbol strings related to the decorative symbols in the 7-reach provocation performance of the failure pattern. FIG. 16 shows a flow of the 7-reach stimulation presentation control process when a jackpot game occurs. FIG. 17 shows a flow of the 7 reach stimulation presentation control process when a miss occurs. Figure 18(a) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table used in the lottery to determine whether or not to execute the 7-reach provocation effect, and Figures 18(b) to 18(d) are schematic diagrams showing lottery tables used in the lottery to determine the presentation pattern related to the 7-reach provocation effect. FIG. 19 shows a flow of the process for determining a normal high probability medium reach symbol. 20(a) and 20(b) are schematic diagrams showing a lottery table used in a lottery for determining a reach pattern during a normal high probability state. 21(a) to 21(c) are diagrams showing the movable positions of the performance shield 83. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a specific example of the lid-covering effect A. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a specific example of the cover effect B. Figure 24(a) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table used to determine the number of times the lid-covering effect will be executed, and Figure 24(b) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table used to determine the effect pattern related to the lid-covering effect. 25(a) and 25(b) are diagrams showing specific examples of the symbol pre-reading presentation. Figure 26(a) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table used to determine whether or not to execute a pattern pre-reading effect, and Figure 26(b) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table used to determine the effect pattern related to the pattern pre-reading effect.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the gaming machine 10 as viewed from the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. 1, unless otherwise specified.
In the following explanation, "advantageous (degree of advantage)" refers to an advantage for the player, and further, unless otherwise specified, refers to an advantage in terms of the amount of prize balls (gaming media) obtained (including not only the payout of gaming balls but also the payout of medals), excluding aspects of presentation such as so-called premium images.

<Features of the present invention>
Before describing the details of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment, the features of the invention described in this embodiment will be described.
In addition, when explaining the features, the configuration in parentheses is an example of the configuration of this embodiment that corresponds to the immediately preceding configuration, and the configuration may be described in parentheses for the same purpose in the explanations of the gaming machine 10 that follow.

The present invention relates to
A gaming machine capable of executing a pattern change based on the entry of a gaming ball into a start hole (a first start hole 57, a second start hole 59), executing a win/loss judgment in the pattern change, varying and displaying a plurality of pattern rows, each having a plurality of types of patterns, statically displaying the plurality of pattern rows in a pattern combination corresponding to the result of the win/loss judgment, and generating a jackpot game after the end of the pattern change related to the win/loss judgment when the result of the win/loss judgment is a specific result,
A performance display means (main display unit 81) for displaying the plurality of symbol rows;
A performance control means (first sub-control board 200) for controlling the performance display means;
Equipped with
The performance control means is capable of executing a specific reach prompting performance (7 reach prompting performance) in which a reach state consisting of a specific pattern (7 patterns) is generated or not by using the plurality of pattern rows, in a pattern change;
The specific reach provoking performance includes a first specific reach provoking performance (a 7-reach provoking performance of performance pattern ESP1 or performance pattern EHP1) and a second specific reach provoking performance (a 7-reach provoking performance of performance pattern ESP2 or performance pattern EHP2) that requires a longer execution time than the first specific reach provoking performance.
The expectation of the jackpot game occurring due to the pattern fluctuation caused by the reach state consisting of the specific patterns by the first specific reach provoking performance is different from the expectation of the jackpot game occurring due to the pattern fluctuation caused by the reach state consisting of the specific patterns by the second specific reach provoking performance,
The jackpot game corresponding to the pattern matching composed of the specific symbols tends to be more advantageous than the jackpot game corresponding to the pattern matching composed of a predetermined symbol (a decorative symbol different from the 7 symbol) different from the specific symbol.
This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

According to the present invention, the expectation of a big win occurring can be varied depending on the time required to execute the specific reach encouraging performance, thereby increasing interest in the game.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the effect of increasing interest in the game by executing the specific reach encouraging performance can be enhanced.

In the present embodiment described later, the 7-reach-inducing performance is a performance in which the 7 symbol is displayed in the left symbol column after the 7 symbol is displayed in the left symbol column, but is not limited to this. For example, the performance in which the 7 symbol is displayed in the left symbol column after the 7 symbol is displayed in the right symbol column, etc., does not matter which symbol column is displayed in the left symbol column. In addition, the left symbol column and the right symbol column may be simultaneously decelerated, and the 7 symbol column may be simultaneously displayed in the left symbol column.
That is, as described above, the specific reach prompting performance is not limited as long as the reach state consisting of the specific symbols is prompted using the multiple symbol rows to determine whether or not the reach state is generated. Furthermore, the content (promotion method) of the first specific reach prompting performance and the content of the second specific reach prompting performance may be different.

In addition, in the present embodiment described later, the 7-reach encouraging performance is executed by the pattern change in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC, but the special pattern change pattern derivation state to be executed does not matter, and for example, the 7-pattern reach encouraging performance may be executed in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA (normal pattern high probability).
That is, the specific reach prompting effect is executed regardless of the game state (normal drawing state, etc.). Furthermore, the first specific reach prompting effect and the second specific reach prompting effect may be executed in different game states.

The gaming machine 10 having the above characteristics will be specifically described based on the following embodiment.

<Structure of the gaming machine 10>
First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, Figure 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device 90 arranged in area II shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in area III shown in Figure 1 and their surroundings, Figure 4 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10, and Figure 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine 10.
1 to 5 are merely components necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and components and functions not shown here may be added to the gaming machine 10. In addition, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to include all of the components shown here, and some components or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, in which gaming balls are shot into the front area (hereinafter referred to as "gaming area 50a") of a gaming board 50 on which numerous gaming nails (not shown) are erected, and a prize ball is obtained when the gaming ball enters a prize opening (such as the big prize opening 55). Note that in the following explanation, the entry of a gaming ball into a prize opening may be simply expressed as "entering (a prize opening)."

The gaming machine 10 comprises a rectangular outer frame 15 that opens at the front and rear, a middle frame 17 that detachably holds a gaming board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and a front frame 20 that is configured to cover the front side of the gaming board 50.

The middle frame 17 is supported so as to be freely rotatable about its left end by a hinge mechanism (not shown) on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21, and can be opened and closed in front of the outer frame 15. The middle frame 17 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20 (right in this embodiment)).

The front frame 20 is supported by a hinge mechanism 21 so as to be rotatable about the left end side, and can be opened and closed relative to the middle frame 17. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (by inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (left in this embodiment)).
In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with a transparent member 25 arranged to cover the playing area 50a, and the transparent member 25 protects the playing area 50a and the playing board 50 from view.
The front frame 20 also has an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are spaced apart from each other vertically and are formed integrally with the front frame 20.
In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with an operating handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29, and by rotating the operating handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a.

1 to 5, the middle frame 17 has a middle frame door open sensor 76 that detects whether the middle frame 17 is in an open state or a closed state relative to the outer frame 15, and a front frame door open sensor 77 that detects whether the front frame 20 is in an open state or a closed state relative to the middle frame 17. In this embodiment, both of these door open sensors are ON in the open state and OFF in the closed state. However, these door open sensors may be configured to be OFF in the open state and ON in the closed state.
This allows the gaming machine 10 to detect both the open/closed state of the middle frame 17 relative to the outer frame 15 , and the open/closed state of the front frame 20 relative to the middle frame 17 .

3, a group of operation buttons operated by the player is arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27. The group of operation buttons includes a ball loan button 39a and a return button 39b for accepting a return operation of a prepaid card as a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to the main control board 100 described later, and includes an effect button 37 for switching effects occurring during a game or accepting an operation by a player to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10 as an operation unit electrically connected to the first sub-control board 200 described later, and cursor buttons 38 (up cursor button 38a, down cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, center cursor button 38e) for instructing operations to the up, down, left, and right directions, respectively. Each operation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting the operation, and the control board to which it is connected detects the operation of each operation unit by a change in the detection state of the sensor.
Furthermore, a movable decorative body 22 that is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown) is provided on the side of the upper ball tray 27.

A ball ejection mechanism 36 is provided below the lower ball tray 29 to eject the game balls stored in the lower ball tray 29 downward. By operating this ball ejection mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball tray 29 opens, and the game balls fall naturally from the bottom opening and are ejected.
Although not shown in the figure, the upper ball tray 27 is provided with a mechanism which, similar to the ball removal mechanism 36, can be operated to move the stored balls to the lower ball tray 29, and by operating both this mechanism and the ball removal mechanism 36, it is possible to remove the stored balls.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20. In addition, the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed from a light-transmitting cover, within which a frame lamp 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) is disposed. The speaker 33 and the frame lamp 35 can emit sound or turn on or off in conjunction with effects and error notifications that occur during play.

The performance display device 80 is composed of a main display section 81 disposed approximately in the center of the game board 50, and a sub-display section 82 disposed around the main display section 81. The sub-display section 82 further includes an upper sub-display section 82a disposed above the main display section 81, a left sub-display section 82b disposed to the left of the main display section 81, and a right sub-display section 82c disposed to the right of the main display section 81.
Here, the main display unit 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, and the upper sub-display unit 82a, the left sub-display unit 82b, and the right sub-display unit 82c are movable liquid crystal display devices operated by actuators such as motors (not shown).

The main display unit 81 can display the changing display of a pattern row related to decorative patterns that is performed in conjunction with the changing display in the first special pattern display device 91 or the second special pattern display device 92 described below, and can also display various other effects.
In the variable display of the pattern rows (decorative patterns) displayed on the main display unit 81, the displayed decorative patterns form three pattern rows. In this embodiment, the direction of the variable display of each pattern row is downward, but the direction is not particularly limited. For example, it may be upward, left and right, depth, or a combination of these (diagonal direction).
Here, the depth direction refers to a virtual direction recognized by the player in a display mode that uses a technique (e.g., perspective) that makes the player perceive the pattern row as if it is changing from the back of the main display unit 81 to the front or vice versa, even though in reality it is a planar changing display on the display screen of the main display unit 81.
In addition, the decorative symbols in this embodiment include a "1 symbol" that imitates the number "1", a "2 symbol" that imitates the number "2", a "3 symbol" that imitates the number "3", a "4 symbol" that imitates the number "4", a "5 symbol" that imitates the number "5", a "6 symbol" that imitates the number "6", a "7 symbol" that imitates the number "7", an "8 symbol" that imitates the number "8", and a "9 symbol" that imitates the number "9", and these symbols are provided in each symbol row. In the following description, the "1 symbol", "3 symbol", "5 symbol", "7 symbol", and "9 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "odd number symbols", and the "2 symbol", "4 symbol", "6 symbol", and "8 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "even number symbols".

Each of the sub-display sections 82 is not only provided for the purpose of displaying a performance image mainly related to the performance, but is also configured to be movable.
The initial positions of the upper sub-display unit 82a are on the upper side relative to the main display unit 81, the left sub-display unit 82b are on the left side relative to the main display unit 81, and the right sub-display unit 82c are on the right side relative to the main display unit 81, and each of the sub-display units 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions to a position where the entire display area of the sub-display unit 82 overlaps with the display area of the main display unit 81.

In addition, in this embodiment, the performance display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub-display unit 82a, left sub-display unit 82b, right sub-display unit 82c) all use liquid crystal display devices, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices, such as drum type and dot matrix type, can be used as the performance display device 80.

A performance shield 83 is disposed between the main display unit 81 and the sub display unit 82. Furthermore, the performance shield 83 is composed of an upper left performance shield 83a, an upper right performance shield 83b, a lower left performance shield 83c, and a lower right performance shield 83d, which are configured to be movable in a direction to cover the display area related to the main display unit 81 in conjunction with each other. The performance shield 83 is used to execute the covering performance described below, and the operation of the performance shield 83 and details of the covering performance will be described later.

A plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as "LEDs") are arranged on the lower right side of the main display unit 81, and these LEDs form the display area of the pattern display device 90, and the pattern display device 90 displays special patterns and normal patterns.
In addition, the symbol display device 90 is disposed at a position that is more difficult for the player to see than the main display section 81, and the display area of the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of the main display section 81.
In addition, the arrangement and number of LEDs in the pattern display device 90 in this embodiment are as shown in Figure 2, but this is just one example, and the arrangement and number of LEDs in the pattern display device 90 are not limited to this example.

The special symbols are symbols that are stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol change that determines whether or not to activate a special electric device (e.g., the special electric device 65). The special symbols in this embodiment include a first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 92.
In addition, the special pattern may be abbreviated as "Special pattern", the first special pattern as "Special pattern 1", and the second special pattern as "Special pattern 2".

The normal symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether or not to operate a normal electric role (for example, the normal electric role 61). The normal symbol in this embodiment is displayed on the normal symbol display device 93.
In addition, normal patterns are sometimes abbreviated as "Fuzu", and normal electric devices are sometimes called "denchu".

In addition to the above-mentioned display devices, the symbol display device 90 is provided with a first special symbol reservation lamp 94, a second special symbol reservation lamp 95, and a normal symbol reservation lamp 96.
The first special pattern reserve lamp 94 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved special pattern 1, the second special pattern reserve lamp 95 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved special pattern 2, and the normal pattern reserve lamp 96 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved normal patterns, and all of them make it possible to identify the number of corresponding pattern variations by the lighting state of the two LEDs (in this embodiment, right side always lit only = 1, left and right sides always lit = 2, right side flashing + left side always lit = 3, left and right flashing = 4).

In the following explanation, the pattern change in which the first special pattern display device 91 or the second special pattern display device 92 displays a special pattern in a variable manner and then stops displaying the special pattern will be referred to as the ``pattern change of the special pattern,'' and in the following explanation, the pattern change in which the normal pattern display device 93 displays a variable manner and then stops displaying the normal pattern will be referred to as the ``pattern change of the normal pattern.''
In addition, in the following description, the change display of the pattern row (decorative pattern) displayed on the above-mentioned main display unit 81 may be referred to as "pattern change of decorative pattern" to distinguish it from "pattern change of special pattern" and "pattern change of normal pattern".
In the following explanation, when the term "pattern change" is used, it means a pattern change of a special design unless otherwise specified.

As shown in FIG. 4, a number of obstacles such as game pegs (not shown), windmills 52, and decorative parts are arranged on the front of the game board 50, thereby defining a game area 50a in which the shot game ball can roll.
Additionally, on the left and upper sides of the play area 50a, there are arranged a curved outer rail 51 and an inner rail 53 for guiding the game balls launched by rotating the operating handle 31 to the upper part of the play area 50a. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with the center of the play area 50a as the reference point. Here, the windmill 52 is a nail-shaped mechanism for changing the direction in which the game balls fall.

The gaming machine 10 allows the strength of the ball to be varied by the amount of rotation (e.g., the angle of rotation) of the operating handle 31, and various obstacles are arranged in the gaming area 50a to make the ball roll along either the first flow path X (so-called left hit), along which a weaker ball will roll, or the second flow path Y (so-called right hit), along which a stronger ball will roll.

In Figure 4, the main prize openings are shown as the large prize opening 55, the first start opening 57, the second start opening 59, the gate 63, and the general prize opening 67, but the prize openings shown are only examples, and the number and arrangement of the openings may be changed as appropriate.

The large prize opening 55 is located in the lower right of the play area 50a. A large prize opening sensor 72 is attached to the large prize opening 55, and a prize ball is determined to have been won in the large prize opening 55 based on the detection result of the large prize opening sensor 72, and the number of prize balls associated with the large prize opening 55 (15 in this embodiment) is awarded.
In this embodiment, the obstacles are positioned so that more game balls roll toward the large prize opening 55 when rolling from the second flow path Y compared to when rolling from the first flow path X.

A special electric device 65 is disposed above the large prize opening 55. The special electric device 65 is a member that can be switched between an open state, in which it is easy to win a prize in the large prize opening 55, and a closed state, in which it is difficult to win a prize, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a special electric device solenoid 66.
More specifically, the special electric device 65 is in an open state during a part of a big win game that starts when a big win is derived by the special chart hit/miss judgment described later, or during a part of a small win game that starts when a small win is derived by the special chart hit/miss judgment, and thus entry into the big winning hole 55 is permitted. In this way, when the special electric device 65 is in an open state, it is easy to enter the big winning hole 55, so the big win game and small win, in which the chances of winning prize balls are greatly increased, can be said to be advantageous game states. In addition, although details will be described later, the small win game in this embodiment can cause a big win game.
In a jackpot game, the special electric device 65 is alternately set to an open state and a closed state, and one open state (sometimes referred to as a "round game", and the total number of round games occurring in one jackpot may be referred to as the "number of rounds") ends when a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) of game balls have entered the large prize opening 55, and the special electric device 65 enters a closed state. Furthermore, one open state in a jackpot game also ends when a sufficient time (30 s (seconds) in this embodiment) has elapsed for a predetermined number of game balls to enter the large prize opening 55.
On the other hand, in the small win game, the game ends when the special electric device 65 is in the open state for 1.8 seconds or when 10 game balls enter the large prize hole. Therefore, in the small win game, it is more difficult for game balls to enter the large prize hole than in the large win game.

The first starting hole 57 is located at the center of the lower part of the play area 50a. A first starting hole sensor 70 is attached to the first starting hole 57, and the winning of the first starting hole 57 is determined based on the detection result of the first starting hole sensor 70, and the number of prize balls (4 in this embodiment) associated with the first starting hole 57 is awarded. In at least some cases where the winning of the first starting hole 57 is determined, the pattern of the special chart 1 is changed.
In addition, in the game area 50a of this embodiment, obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the first starting hole 57 when they roll from the first flow path X compared to when they roll from the second flow path Y.

The second starting hole 59 is located in the lower right of the play area 50a. A second starting hole sensor 71 is attached to the second starting hole 59, and the winning of the second starting hole 59 is determined based on the detection result of the second starting hole sensor 71, and the number of prize balls associated with the second starting hole 59 (1 in this embodiment) is awarded.
In at least some cases where a winning jackpot has been determined for the second starting hole 59, the pattern on special chart 2 will change.
In addition, in the game area 50a of this embodiment, obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the second starting hole 59 when they roll from the second flow path Y compared to when they roll from the first flow path X.

A normal electric device 61 is disposed in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59. The normal electric device 61 is a member that can be switched between an open state in which it is easy to insert a game ball into the second starting port 59 and a closed state in which it is difficult to insert the ball, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a normal electric device solenoid 62.
More specifically, the normal electric device 61 is opened when the result of the normal winning/losing judgment described later is a normal winning (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a "normal winning"), and thus entry into the second starting hole 59 is permitted. In this way, when the normal electric device 61 is in the open state, entry into the second starting hole 59 is possible, so that the opportunity for the pattern variation of the special drawing 2 to be executed can be greatly increased while suppressing the decrease in the game balls by the prize balls.

Gate 63 is located in the center right of play area 50a. A gate sensor 74 is attached to gate 63, and the detection result of gate sensor 74 determines whether or not a winning jackpot has been won at gate 63. In at least some cases where a winning jackpot has been won at gate 63, the pattern on the regular jackpot will change.

The general winning opening 67 is located at the lower left of the game area 50a. A general winning opening sensor 73 is attached to the general winning opening 67, and a winning ball is determined based on the detection result of the general winning opening sensor 73, and the number of prize balls associated with the general winning opening 67 (4 in this embodiment) is awarded.
In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the general winning opening 67 when rolling from the first flow path X compared to when rolling from the second flow path Y, but the obstacles may be arranged so that more game balls roll toward the general winning opening 67 when rolling from the second flow path Y. Also, a plurality of general winning openings 67 may be provided.

The outlet 69 is disposed at the bottom of the game area 50a. A game ball that is shot into the game area 50a and does not enter any of the winning holes falls into the outlet 69 and is treated as an out ball.
In this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 (not shown) is provided for detecting out balls, which are game balls that have entered the winning hole and the out hole.

As shown in Figure 5, the rear of the game board 50 is fitted with a main control board case 109 in which the main control board 100 is stored, a first sub-control board case 209 in which the first sub-control board 200 is stored, a second sub-control board case 309 in which the second sub-control board 300 is stored, a power supply control board case 509 in which the power supply control board 500 is stored, and a payout control board case 409 in which the payout control board 400 is stored.In addition to the rear of the first sub-control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an opening/closing cover 45 which covers part of the rear of the main control board case 109 is attached in a removable manner.
In addition, a RAM clear switch 43 is provided on the main control board 100.
Furthermore, the substrate cases and covers that cover the respective substrates are made of transparent materials, and the corresponding substrates can be seen through each case and cover.

The power supply control board 500 is composed of a normal power supply circuit 501 which generates normal power to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the control board mentioned above based on the primary power supply supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, a backup power supply circuit 502 which generates backup power, and a power interruption detection circuit 503 which detects power interruption (a predetermined voltage drop in the voltage supplied by the normal power supply).
In addition, a power switch 40 is connected to the power supply control board 500, and assuming that primary power is being supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit 501 of the power supply control board 500, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400).
In addition, when a power interruption detection circuit 503 detects a power interruption, the power supply control board 500 transmits a power interruption signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.
In addition, the backup power circuit 502 is configured to be charged when power is being supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment of the gaming island.
In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power interruption detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

A game ball tank 46 is disposed on the back of the game board 50, above the opening and closing cover 45, in which game balls supplied from the game island's ball supply equipment are stored. The game ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 that leads to the upper ball tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48, and the balls paid out by the payout unit 48 are paid out through the payout passage 49 to the upper ball tray 27.

So far, we have explained the structure of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment, but this is just one specific example, and the present invention can also be implemented with a different configuration.

<Regarding the control configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Next, a control configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the control configuration shown in Fig. 6 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have a control configuration not shown in Fig. 6.

The main control board 100 is equipped with a CPU 101 that performs various calculation processes related to the game, a ROM 102 that stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area and buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, an I/O port 104 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and a random number circuit 105 that operates separately from the program processing by the CPU 101 and generates random numbers (hard random numbers), and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

The CPU 101 executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading out various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performing arithmetic processing.
The RAM 103 is backed up by a backup power source generated in a backup power circuit described later. Specifically, among the information stored in the RAM 103, various information is backed up so that when power is restored (when power is turned on) after a power outage, the data can be used to restore the gaming machine 10 to the state it was in immediately before the power outage. For example, in addition to the data of the stack pointer and each register held at the time of the power outage, information related to the game, such as the state of the gaming machine 10 at that time (a game stop state or a game possible state), the current normal drawing state, etc., are backed up. Note that this information is cleared (initialized) by the RAM clear process. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA (low probability of normal drawing described later) is newly set. Furthermore, when the RAM clear process is executed, the pattern string related to the decorative pattern is in a state in which the initial pattern combination is stopped and displayed, and even if the RAM clear process is not executed when the power is turned on and the pattern variation is not being executed at the time of the previous power outage, the initial pattern combination is also stopped and displayed. In addition, this initial symbol combination is displayed statically only when the power is turned on, and is not displayed statically due to the execution of symbol variation.

In this embodiment, at least an area in which such information related to the game is stored (sometimes referred to as the game-related area of RAM 103) is backed up, as well as an area in which the complement of a checksum and a backup flag related to the game-related area of RAM 103 are stored (sometimes referred to as the game-related backup information area of RAM 103). Then, when power is restored, the gaming machine 10 returns to normal using the various pieces of information stored in the backed-up game-related area of RAM 103 and the game-related backup information area of RAM 103.
In addition, the specific method of backup in this embodiment is not limited. For example, the area to be backed up in the RAM 103 may be realized with a configuration capable of non-volatilely retaining data even in a power-off state. As another example, in the RAM 103, different hardware may be provided for a first memory configured to be capable of non-volatilely retaining data even in a power-off state and a second memory referenced during operation of the gaming machine 10. In that case, the gaming machine 10 may save the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when power is cut off, and recover the saved information from the first memory to the second memory when power is restored.

The main control board 100 is also electrically connected to the first start opening sensor 70, the second start opening sensor 71, the large prize opening sensor 72, the general prize opening sensor 73, the gate sensor 74, the out ball sensor 75, the middle frame open door sensor 76, the front frame open door sensor 77, etc., and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I/O port 104.

In addition, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first special pattern display device 91, the second special pattern display device 92, the normal pattern display device 93, the first special pattern reserve lamp 94, the second special pattern reserve lamp 95, the normal pattern reserve lamp 96, the normal electric role solenoid 62 and the special electric role solenoid 66, and is configured to be able to control these via the I/O port 104.
Similarly, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the main operation unit 39 and the RAM clear switch 43 , and is configured to be able to detect the operation of the main operation unit 39 .

The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and are connected so that communication is possible in only one direction, from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, and various performance control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200.
Furthermore, data cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 is configured so as not to be able to request the main control board 100 to transmit data.
In addition, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is used for transmitting data from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may also be used.

The first sub-control board 200 comprises a CPU 201 which performs various arithmetic processing related to game presentation based on presentation control commands from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 which stores data such as presentation control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 203 which functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I/O port 204 which inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus, and the CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to game presentation in accordance with the control program stored in ROM 202.
In addition, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the performance button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to be able to detect the operation of these operating sections.

In addition, the first sub-control board 200, through performance control processing based on performance control commands from the main control board 100, generates image control commands that instruct the image to be displayed on the second sub-control board 300, audio control commands that instruct the audio to be output to the audio control board 310, lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, and movement control data for controlling the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, etc.
Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the voice control board 310 to enable two-way communication, and each control command (image control command, voice control command) is transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300 or the voice control board 310, while in response, a response command (ACK command) indicating that the control command was received successfully is transmitted from each control board (second sub-control board 300, voice control board 310) to the first sub-control board 200.

The first sub-control board 200 is also electrically connected to the frame lamp 35, and transmits lamp control data via the I/O port 204. The frame lamp 35 is configured such that its illumination is controlled by the lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.
Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the movable decorative body 22, the sub-display unit 82, and the performance shield 83, and transmits movement control data via the I/O port 204. The movable decorative body 22, the sub-display unit 82, and the performance shield 83 are configured so that their movement is controlled by the movement control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.

The second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a CPU 301 that performs various arithmetic processing related to image presentation based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 302 that stores image control programs and various data, a RAM 303 that functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I/O port 304 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and is configured so that the CPU 301 executes main control related to image presentation in accordance with the control program stored in ROM 302.
In addition, the second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a VDP (not shown) that generates image data according to the content of the performance determined by the performance content determination means 225 (described later) based on a control signal received from the CPU 301, and a sound source IC that generates sound data according to the content of the performance based on a control signal received from the CPU 301. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in an image ROM in response to an instruction from the CPU 301, processes the image data, and transmits the generated image data to the main display unit 81 and the sub-display unit 82. A high-speed VRAM that is used to expand and process the image data read from the image ROM is also connected to this VDP.

The audio control board 310 is equipped with a CPU 311 that performs various calculation processes related to audio performance based on audio control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores audio control programs and audio data, etc., a RAM 313 that functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I/O port 314 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and is configured so that the CPU 311 executes main control related to audio performance according to the control program stored in the ROM 312. Therefore, the audio control board 310 can read audio data stored in the ROM 312 in response to audio control commands received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesize the read audio data, and transmit the final synthesized audio data to the speaker 33 via an amplifier, causing the speaker 33 to output audio.

The dispensing control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, ROM and RAM (all not shown).
In addition, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 for two-way communication, and performs control to drive the payout unit 48 to pay out game balls based on a payout control command from the main control board 100, and also controls the launch of the game balls by synchronously driving the ball feeding mechanism and the launching mechanism based on the amount of operation of the operating handle 31.

The power supply control board 500 is composed of a normal power supply circuit that generates normal power to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the control board mentioned above, based on the primary power supply supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, a backup power supply circuit that generates backup power, and a power interruption detection circuit (all not shown) that detects power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a specified voltage).
In addition, a power switch 40 is connected to the power supply control board 500, and assuming that primary power is supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit of the power supply control board 500, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400).
In addition, when a power interruption detection circuit detects a power interruption, the power supply control board 500 transmits a power interruption signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.
In addition, the backup power circuit is configured to be charged when power is being supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment of the gaming island.
In addition, the backup power supply circuit may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power interruption detection circuit may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

<Functional configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Next, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the functional configuration shown in Fig. 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have a functional configuration not shown in Fig. 7. Also, when explaining the functional configuration, Figs. 8 to 12 will be referred to as necessary.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main hold control means 120, a pre-determination means 125, a special drawing means 130, a normal drawing means 135, a jackpot game control means 140, a pattern display control means 145, an electric device control means 150, a game state control means 155, a main information storage means 160, a main error control means 165, a main command management means 170, a power restoration process execution means 175, and a power cut process execution means 180. These means are functional representations of what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 described using FIG. 6.

First, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the main control board 100, data derived by calculations in the means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas. In particular, the data (performance control commands) stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 is transmitted by the command transmission means to the sub-command management means 270 of the first sub-control board 200, which will be described later, after being stored.

The ball entry determination means 110 determines whether a ball has been entered into each entry port based on the detection results of the sensors installed in each entry port.

The main random number generating means 115 is capable of generating multiple types of random numbers with different update ranges depending on the random number circuit 105, and when a win at a winning port is determined, it obtains (latches) one or more random numbers corresponding to that winning port from the random number circuit 105.
More specifically, when it is determined that the first start gate 57 or the second start gate 59 has been won, the main random number generating means 115 obtains a random number for determining whether or not the special symbol has been won, a random number for drawing a special symbol stop symbol, and a random number for drawing a special symbol change pattern, which will be described later. When it is determined that the gate 63 has been won, the main random number generating means 115 stores a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol has been won, a random number for drawing a normal symbol stop symbol, and a random number for drawing a normal symbol change pattern, which will be described later, in a corresponding storage area of the main information storage means 160.
The random number circuit 105 monitors whether the multiple types of random numbers it updates are being updated normally, and if an update abnormality occurs in which the random numbers are not updated normally, information indicating the occurrence of the abnormality is written to a specific storage area of the random number circuit 105. Therefore, the CPU 101 can grasp that an update abnormality has occurred in the random number circuit 105.

The main reservation control means 120 controls the reservation of the pattern change of the special chart and the reservation of the pattern change of the normal chart. Regarding the special chart 1, the random number for determining whether the special chart is a hit or not, the random number for drawing the stop pattern of the special chart, and the random number for drawing the pattern of the special chart, which are obtained as a result of winning the first starting port 57, are reserved (stored) as operation reservation information of the special chart 1.
More specifically, the main hold control means 120 is provided with a hold counter (hereinafter referred to as the "special chart 1 hold counter") which is incremented by 1 each time the activation hold information of special chart 1 is held and decremented by 1 each time the activation hold information of special chart 1 is used (used in the draw by the special chart draw means 130), and stores the activation hold information in a storage area corresponding to the current special chart 1 hold counter of the main information storage means 160 until the value of the special chart 1 hold counter reaches an upper limit value (4 in this embodiment), and clears the used activation hold information each time the activation hold information is used, and controls the remaining activation hold information to be moved (shifted) from the current storage area to a storage area corresponding to a special chart 1 hold counter which is 1 less than the current special chart 1 hold counter, in order from the smallest special chart 1 hold counter.
In addition, the main reserve control means 120 performs the same control as described above for special drawing 2 and regular drawing separately from special drawing 1, and the reserve counter for special drawing 2 is referred to as the special drawing 2 reserve counter, and the upper limit value of the special drawing 2 reserve counter in this embodiment is 4.
In addition, in the following explanation, "suspended operation information" may be expressed as "suspended pattern change" or simply as "suspended."
In addition, when the main hold control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation hold information (hold counter) of special chart 1 or special chart 2, it generates a performance control command (hold command) including the special chart 1 hold counter and the special chart 2 hold counter, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
In this embodiment, when both the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 1 and the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 2 are reserved, a priority change is performed in which the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 2 is preferentially used. However, instead of this priority change, a simultaneous change in which the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 1 and the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 2 are simultaneously used in this case may be adopted.

The advance judgment means 125 executes an advance judgment for a pre-reading performance targeting the pending activation information in at least some cases where the pending activation information of a special chart is pending at a specified advance judgment timing.
More specifically, the pre-judgment means 125 reads out each random number of the operation reservation information reserved this time, and executes pre-judgment for each of the special chart hit/miss judgment, special chart stop pattern lottery, and special chart change pattern lottery, which will be described later. In each pre-judgment, a lottery table (not shown) that is the same as or equivalent to the lottery table used in the lottery corresponding to each pre-judgment is used. Therefore, the results of these pre-judgments will be the same as the results of the lottery that will be executed later.
In addition, the pre-determination means 125 generates a performance control command (pre-determination command) including the derived result of the pre-determination, and stores the command in a transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
Since the pre-determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160) at least part of the timing of the predetermined pre-determination, it will be transmitted following the above-mentioned reserved command. Here, the predetermined pre-determination timing refers to a timing that is not during a jackpot game, for example, a timing when the operation reservation information of the special chart is reserved. In this embodiment, if the operation reservation information of the special chart 1 is reserved during the normal chart high probability described below, the pre-determination is restricted, and therefore the transmission of the pre-determination command corresponding to the pre-determination is also restricted. On the other hand, if the operation reservation information of the special chart 2 is reserved during the normal chart low probability described below, the pre-determination may be restricted, or it may not be restricted.

The special drawing means 130 includes a special drawing hit/miss judgment means 131, a special drawing stop pattern drawing means 132, and a special drawing change pattern derivation means 133, and executes processing by each means in the order of the special drawing hit/miss judgment means 131, the special drawing stop pattern drawing means 132, and the special drawing change pattern derivation means 133. When the special drawing change start condition is satisfied, the special drawing lottery means 130 reads out the earliest operation pending information among the operation pending information reserved in the main information storage means 160.
In addition, "the conditions for starting the change of the special chart are satisfied" means, for example, that all of the following conditions are satisfied: a jackpot game is not being played, neither Special Chart 1 nor Special Chart 2 is currently changing the pattern (including when the pattern change related to Special Chart 1 or Special Chart 2 is displayed as stopped), and at least one of Special Chart 1 and Special Chart 2 has pending operation information.

8 to 11 are diagrams that diagrammatically show lottery tables used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as necessary in the following description.
In addition, in a lottery using a lottery table, including other than these lottery tables, the lottery values stored in the lottery table are added to the read random number in a predetermined order (if there is only one target lottery value, the number of additions is one), and a result corresponding to the lottery value where a carry (overflow) occurs is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the explanation of the lottery table, the lottery table is given a name for convenience of explanation, but it is sufficient that the data such as the lottery value included in the lottery table corresponding to the name is identifiable and stored in each ROM, and these names do not specify the area in which the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery table, there are items described for convenience of explanation, and if "-" or "0" is described as the lottery value, these do not necessarily indicate the data stored in each ROM. And, there is no winning result with "-" or "0" described as the lottery value. Furthermore, if the same lottery value as the random number range used for the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained in the range) is described in the lottery table, the result is derived 100%, so it is not necessary to perform a lottery. Furthermore, if the total value of the lottery values used in one lottery matches the random number range used in the lottery, a carry will always occur when adding the final lottery value, so that addition does not need to be performed, and in that case, the lottery values used in that addition themselves become unnecessary.

The special pattern hit/miss judgment means 131 reads out a random number for the special pattern hit/miss judgment for each pattern change, and executes a special pattern hit/miss judgment to judge by lottery whether a big hit, a small hit, or a miss will be won, using the read out random number and a lottery table for the special pattern hit/miss judgment.
8(a) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for determining whether a special drawing is a hit or a miss, and the drawing table is different between special drawing 1 and special drawing 2, and the range of random numbers used in these determinations is 0 to 65535. Therefore, in the special drawing hit or miss determination in special drawing 1, a big hit is derived with a probability of 205/65536 (about 1/320), and a miss is otherwise obtained, and a small hit is not derived. On the other hand, in the special drawing hit or miss determination in special drawing 2, a big hit is derived with a probability of 205/65536 (about 1/320), a small hit is derived with a probability of 1100/65536 (about 1/59.6), and a miss is otherwise obtained.
In this embodiment, as described later, a jackpot game can occur via a small jackpot, so the probability of a jackpot being derived in the special chart hit/miss determination is set to the one probability mentioned above.

When the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment is a big hit or a small hit, the special chart stopping pattern selection means 132 determines the special chart stopping pattern by lottery using a random number for special chart stopping pattern selection (in this embodiment, in the range of 0 to 999) and a selection table for special chart stopping pattern selection.
Specifically, as shown in Figure 8 (b), which is a schematic diagram of a lottery table for selecting the stopping patterns used when a jackpot is derived in the special pattern hit/miss judgment related to special pattern 1, when a jackpot is derived in the special pattern hit/miss judgment related to special pattern 1, pattern A is determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 950/1000 (approximately 1/1.05), and pattern B is determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 50/1000 (1/20).
Here, whether pattern A or pattern B is determined, after the end of the jackpot game, the normal pattern will have a high probability, as described below, but the number of pattern changes during which the normal pattern high probability will continue will be 30 times if pattern A is determined after the end of the jackpot game, and 80 times if pattern B is determined after the end of the jackpot game.
Here, the number of rounds for pattern A is 4, and the stopping pattern becomes a normal high probability pattern after the end of the jackpot game, as described below, and the prescribed number of times for the normal high probability pattern (the maximum number of times that the pattern variation continues while the normal high probability pattern continues) is 30. On the other hand, the number of rounds for pattern B is 10, and the stopping pattern becomes a normal high probability pattern after the end of the jackpot game, and the prescribed number of times for the normal high probability pattern is 80. Therefore, it can be said that pattern B is a more advantageous pattern than pattern A in terms of both the number of rounds and the prescribed number of times for the normal high probability pattern.

As shown in Figure 8 (c), which is a schematic diagram of a lottery table for selecting the stopping symbols used when a jackpot is derived in the special symbol hit/miss judgment related to special symbol 2, when a jackpot is derived in the special symbol hit/miss judgment related to special symbol 2, symbol a is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 250/1000 (1/4), and symbol b is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 750/1000 (approximately 1/1.33).
Here, the number of rounds for pattern a is 4, and the stopping pattern becomes a normal high probability pattern after the end of the jackpot game, and the prescribed number of times for the normal high probability pattern is 80. On the other hand, the number of rounds for pattern b is 10, and the stopping pattern becomes a normal high probability pattern after the end of the jackpot game, and the prescribed number of times for the normal high probability pattern is 80. Therefore, it can be said that pattern b is a more advantageous pattern than pattern a in terms of the number of rounds.

As shown in Figure 8 (d), which is a schematic diagram of a lottery table for selecting the stopping patterns used when a small win is derived in the special pattern hit/miss judgment related to special pattern 2, when a small win is derived in the special pattern hit/miss judgment related to special pattern 2, pattern c is determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 250/1000 (1/4), and pattern d is determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 750/1000 (approximately 1/1.33).
Here, when a big win game occurs in a small win game related to the pattern c, the number of rounds in the big win game becomes 4, and the stopping pattern becomes a normal high probability after the end of the big win game, and the specified number of times related to the normal high probability is 80. On the other hand, when a big win game occurs in a small win game related to the pattern d, the number of rounds in the big win game becomes 10, and the stopping pattern becomes a normal high probability after the end of the big win game, and the specified number of times related to the normal high probability is 80. Therefore, it can be said that the pattern d is a more advantageous pattern than the pattern c in terms of the number of rounds when a big win game occurs.
Here, the number of rounds in a big win game when a big win game occurs in a small win game is the number of rounds of the small win game. In the following explanation, a big win game caused by a small win game related to the pattern c may be expressed as a "big win game related to the pattern c", and a big win game caused by a small win game related to the pattern d may be expressed as a "big win game related to the pattern d".

In this embodiment, as described above, the rate at which the pattern a is determined, which generates a jackpot game with four rounds, when a jackpot is derived in the special chart hit/miss judgment related to the special chart 2, is the same as the rate at which the pattern c is determined, which generates a jackpot game with four rounds, when a small jackpot is derived in the special chart hit/miss judgment related to the special chart 2, and the rate at which the pattern b is determined, which generates a jackpot game with ten rounds, when a jackpot is derived in the special chart hit/miss judgment related to the special chart 2, is the same as the rate at which the pattern d is determined, which generates a jackpot game with ten rounds, when a small jackpot is derived in the special chart hit/miss judgment related to the special chart 2. Therefore, the advantage of the jackpot game when a jackpot is derived in the special chart hit/miss judgment related to the special chart 2 and the advantage of the jackpot game that occurs when a small jackpot is derived in the special chart hit/miss judgment related to the special chart 2 are the same.

In addition, the special chart stop pattern selection means 132 determines pattern C as the stop pattern when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment for special chart 1 is a miss, and determines pattern e as the stop pattern when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment for special chart 2 is a miss.

In this way, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the jackpot game generated by the pattern change related to special chart 2 tends to be more advantageous than the jackpot game generated by the pattern change related to special chart 1. Therefore, the transition from the special chart change pattern derivation state PA to another special chart change pattern derivation state described later can further increase the interest in the game.

The special pattern variation pattern derivation means 133 has a plurality of types of special pattern variation pattern selection tables to be referred to when determining the special pattern variation pattern, and selects one special pattern variation pattern selection table for determining the current special pattern variation pattern based on the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state and the result of the current special pattern hit/miss judgment, determines one special pattern variation pattern using the selected special pattern variation pattern selection table and the random number for special pattern variation pattern selection, and determines the variation time based on the determined special pattern variation pattern. Here, the variation time refers to the time from the start of the pattern variation related to the special pattern (special pattern 1 or special pattern 2) to the end of the pattern variation.
Although details of the transition conditions will be described later, the special chart variation pattern derivation state in this embodiment includes a special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, a special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, and a special chart variation pattern derivation state PC. The above-mentioned method of determining the special chart variation pattern is adopted in the pattern variation of the special chart 1 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and is adopted in the pattern variation of the special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC. In addition, in the pattern variation related to the other special chart in each special chart variation pattern derivation state, a predetermined special chart variation pattern is determined according to the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment.

Figure 9 (a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used for the pattern change related to special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999.
As shown in Figure 9 (a), in the pattern change related to special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA, special chart change patterns HNP to ASP-C can be determined.
Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA is a miss, the special chart change pattern HNP will appear with a probability of 900/1000 (approximately 1/1.11), the special chart change pattern HRP with a probability of 52/1000 (approximately 1/19.2), HSP1-A with a probability of 13/1000 (approximately 1/76.9), and HSP2-B with a probability of 11/1000 (approximately 1/90. 9) probability of HSP1-B, 9/1000 (about 1/111) probability of HSP2-A, 7/1000 (about 1/143) probability of HSP2-B, 5/1000 (1/200) probability of HSP3-A, 3/1000 (about 1/333) probability of HSP3-B are determined, and in this case, the special pattern variation pattern ASP1-A to the special pattern variation pattern ASP-C are not determined. Note that, although details will be described later using FIG. 9 (b), when the special pattern variation pattern HNP is determined, the special pattern variation pattern is further specified using the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern variation.
On the other hand, when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the pattern change related to the special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA is a jackpot, the special chart change pattern ASP1-A has a probability of 90/1000 (about 1/11.1), the special chart change pattern ASP1-B has a probability of 110/1000 (about 1/9.09), the special chart change pattern ASP2-A has a probability of 135/1000 (about 1/7.41), and the special chart change pattern ASP3-B has a probability of 165/1000 (about 1/6.01). Special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B is determined with a probability of 1.06), special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A with a probability of 180/1000 (approximately 1/5.56), special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B with a probability of 220/1000 (approximately 1/4.56), and special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-C with a probability of 100/1000 (1/10), and in this case, special chart fluctuation pattern HNP to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B will not be determined.
In this embodiment, when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 1 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA is a miss, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns HRP to HSP3-B is determined at a rate of 100/1000 (1/10), and the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 900/1000 (approximately 1/1.11). Furthermore, when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 1 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA is a big hit, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP1-A to ASP-C is determined at a rate of 1000/1000 (1/1).
Here, in the description of the special pattern variation pattern of this embodiment, when two special pattern variation patterns are described with "~" between them, the description of the special pattern variation pattern existing between the special pattern variation pattern described earlier and the special pattern variation pattern described later is omitted according to the order described in the drawing related to the special pattern variation pattern lottery table for each special pattern variation pattern derivation state. Also, in the description of the special pattern variation pattern of this embodiment, regardless of whether the corresponding variation time is described or not, if the names of the special pattern variation patterns are different, it indicates that the different special pattern variation patterns are different (different variation times).

Figure 9 (b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when a special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 during the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of the random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 9 (a)) is 0 to 999.
As shown in Figure 9 (b), the special chart variation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 during special chart variation pattern derivation state PA include special chart variation pattern HNP-A with a variation time of 3200 ms (milliseconds), special chart variation pattern HNP-B with a variation time of 5600 ms, special chart variation pattern HNP-C with a variation time of 8000 ms, and special chart variation pattern HNP-D with a variation time of 11200 ms, in that order of increasing variation time.
Specifically, if the special pattern 1 reserved counter is 3 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1). Similarly, if the special pattern 1 reserved counter is 2 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 150/1000 (about 1/6.67), and the special pattern change pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 850/1000 (about 1/1.18). If the special pattern 1 reserved counter is 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 50/1000 (1/20), and the special pattern change pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 150/1000 (about 1/6.67). The special pattern variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 800/1000 (1/1.25), and the special pattern variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 800/1000 (1/1.25). If the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the pattern variation is 0, the special pattern variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 50/1000 (1/20), the special pattern variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 100/1000 (1/10), and the special pattern variation pattern HNP-D is determined with a probability of 850/1000 (about 1/1.18). In the following explanation, when the value of the special pattern reserved counter to be referred to is 3, it may be called "retention 3", when the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 2, it may be called "retention 2", when the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 1, it may be called "retention 1", and when the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 0, it may be called "retention 0".
In this way, when the special pattern change pattern HNP is determined in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern change pattern (change time) that is likely to be determined by the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change differs. More specifically, the smaller the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change, the more likely it is that a long pattern change will be determined (the larger the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change, the more likely it is that a short change time will be determined).
In addition, such special chart variation pattern HNP (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "basic special chart variation pattern") also exists in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and in these special chart variation pattern derivation states, the reserved counter referenced is different from that in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and in both cases the value of the special chart 2 reserved counter is referenced.

FIG. 10(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used for the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999.
As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB, special chart change patterns HNP to ASP-F can be determined.
Specifically, when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the pattern change related to the special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is a miss, the special chart change pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 960/1000 (about 1/1.04), the special chart change pattern HSP-D with a probability of 20/1000 (1/50), the HSP-E with a probability of 15/1000 (about 1/66.7), and the HSP-F with a probability of 5/1000 (1/200), and in this case, the special chart change pattern ASP-D to the special chart change pattern ASP-F are not determined. Note that, although details will be described later using FIG. 10(b), when the special chart change pattern HNP is determined, the special chart change pattern is further specified using the value of the special chart 2 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change. And, the method of determining the special chart change pattern using this special chart 2 reserved counter is the same in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB described later.
On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit, special chart change pattern ASP-D is determined with a probability of 500/1000 (1/2), ASP-E with a probability of 350/1000 (approximately 1/2.86), and ASP-F with a probability of 150/1000 (approximately 1/6.67), and in such case, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern HSP-F are not determined.
In this way, in this embodiment, when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 2 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB is a miss, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F is determined at a rate of 40/1000 (1/25), and the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 960/1000 (approximately 1/1.04). Furthermore, when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F is determined at a rate of 1000/1000 (1/1).

Figure 10 (b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when a special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 during the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, and the range of the random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 10 (a)) is 0 to 999.
As shown in Figure 10 (b), the special chart variation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB include special chart variation pattern HNP-E with a variation time of 3000 ms and special chart variation pattern HNP-F with a variation time of 15000 ms.
Specifically, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 3 at the start of the current pattern change, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 2 at the start of the current pattern change, and when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-E is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1), and in these cases, the special pattern change pattern HNP-F is not determined. On the other hand, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 0 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-F is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1), and in these cases, the special pattern change pattern HNP-E is not determined.
In addition, special chart variation pattern HNP-E and special chart variation pattern HNP-F are different from either the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 in the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, or the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC described below.

FIG. 11(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used for the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is in, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999.
As shown in FIG. 11(a), in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern ASP-I can be determined.
Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is a miss, special chart change pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 940/1000 (approximately 1/1.06), special chart change pattern HRAP with a probability of 10/1000 (1/100), special chart change pattern HSP-G with a probability of 25/1000 (1/40), special chart change pattern HSP-H with a probability of 15/1000 (approximately 1/66.7), and special chart change pattern HSP-I with a probability of 10/1000 (1/100), and in this case, special chart change pattern ASP-G to special chart change pattern ASP-I are not determined.
On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is a big hit or a small hit, regardless of the number of rotations in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC, special chart change pattern ASP-G is determined with a probability of 500/1000 (1/2), ASP-H is determined with a probability of 350/1000 (approximately 1/2.86), and ASP-I is determined with a probability of 150/1000 (approximately 1/6.67), and in such case, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern HSP-I are not determined.

Figure 11 (b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when a special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 during the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and the range of the random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 11 (a)) is 0 to 999.
As shown in Figure 11 (b), the special chart variation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in include special chart variation pattern HNP-G with a variation time of 2000 ms and special chart variation pattern HNP-H with a variation time of 10000 ms.
Specifically, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 3 at the start of the current pattern change, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 2 at the start of the current pattern change, and when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-G is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1), and in these cases, the special pattern change pattern HNP-H is not determined. On the other hand, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 0 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-H is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1), and in these cases, the special pattern change pattern HNP-G is not determined.
In addition, special chart variation pattern HNP-G and special chart variation pattern HNP-H are different from both the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 in the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PB.

In addition, at the start of the pattern change, the special pattern change pattern derivation means 133 generates a performance control command (change start command) that includes the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment, the determined special pattern stop pattern, and the determined special pattern change pattern, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

The regular map lottery means 135, like the special map lottery means 130, reads out the most recent pending activation information from the pending activation information stored in the main information storage means 160 when the regular map pattern is not changing, and uses the read random number to perform a regular map hit/miss judgment to determine whether the regular map is correct or not, and determines various parameters related to the regular map (regular map change time, regular map stop display time, etc.) based on the result of the regular map hit/miss judgment and information such as the current special map change pattern derivation state.
In the normal drawing hit/miss judgment, there are a normal drawing lottery state with a high probability (sometimes abbreviated as "normal drawing high probability") and a normal drawing lottery state with a low probability (sometimes abbreviated as "normal drawing low probability"). Although the drawing of the lottery table is omitted, in this embodiment, in the normal drawing high probability, the probability of a normal drawing hit is 65535/65536, and the remaining probability of a 1/65536 miss, while in the normal drawing low probability, the probability of a normal drawing hit is 1/65536, and the remaining probability of a 65535/65536 miss. In addition, in the normal drawing low probability, it may be set so that the normal drawing does not hit (65536/65536 miss).

When the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a big hit or a small hit, the big hit game control means 140 determines the demo time for the start demo and the demo time for the end demo according to the determined symbol.
Furthermore, at the start of a jackpot game, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a presentation control command (jackpot start command) including information such as a demo time related to the start demo of the jackpot game, and stores it in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160, and at the end of the jackpot game, generates a presentation control command (jackpot end command) including a demo time related to the end demo of the jackpot game, and stores it in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. This is also true for a jackpot game caused by a small jackpot game.

In addition, the big win game control means 140 starts a small win game when the result of the special winning/unwinning judgment is a small win, and when the game ball passes through a V winning area (not shown) provided in the big win opening 55 during the small win game, the end of the small win game (more precisely, the end of the end demo of the small win game) is used as a trigger to start a big win game corresponding to the small win. Therefore, in this embodiment, the small win game functions as a game that generates a big win game.
In addition, if the game ball does not pass through the V winning area during a small win game, the big win game will not start (occur) after the small win game ends.

The pattern display control means 145 displays the special pattern 1 on the first special pattern display device 91 in a variable manner according to the variable time corresponding to the determined special pattern variable pattern of the special pattern 1, and displays the special pattern 1 in a stopped pattern determined by the special pattern stop pattern lottery after the variable time has elapsed. Similarly, the special pattern 2 is displayed on the second special pattern display device 92 in a variable manner according to the variable time corresponding to the determined special pattern variable pattern of the special pattern 2, and displays the special pattern 2 in a stopped pattern determined by the special pattern stop pattern lottery after the variable time has elapsed. Here, the stop display time of the pattern change related to the special chart refers to the time from when the special chart is stopped and displayed until the pattern change of the next special chart can start (when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment is a miss), or the time from when the pattern change of the special chart ends and until the big win game or small win game starts (when the result of the normal chart hit/miss judgment is a normal hit), and the stop display time of the pattern change related to the special chart in this embodiment is a uniform 300 ms, regardless of the type of special chart or the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment.
In addition, the pattern display control means 145 has a special chart game timer for managing the time (variation time, stop display time) related to the display of special chart 1 and special chart 2, and when the special chart is stopped from being displayed (at the timing when the value of the special chart game timer becomes "0"), it generates a presentation control command (variation stop command) for requesting a confirmed stop display of the decorative pattern, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
Here, the definite stop display of the decorative pattern refers to the final stop display of the decorative pattern in the pattern change, and naturally, in the definite stop display, all of the pattern strings related to the decorative pattern are stopped and displayed. Note that this definite stop display is different from the provisional stop display of the decorative pattern that may occur during the execution of the pattern change, such as during the execution of the 7-reach instigation performance described later, and hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the stop display of the decorative pattern refers to the provisional stop display of the decorative pattern.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the decorative patterns are temporarily displayed in all of the pattern rows related to the decorative patterns, all of the decorative patterns temporarily displayed are accompanied by a small shaking motion up and down (so-called shaking fluctuation), whereas in the definitive stop display of the decorative patterns, all of the decorative patterns stopped and displayed are not accompanied by a shaking fluctuation, thereby making it possible to distinguish whether the stopped display is a temporary stop display or a definitive stop display, and this shaking fluctuation ends when the above-mentioned fluctuation stop command is received, and the temporary stop display is switched to a definitive stop display.

Furthermore, the pattern display control means 145 causes the normal pattern display device 93 to display the normal pattern in a variable manner in accordance with a variable time corresponding to the determined normal pattern variable pattern of the normal pattern, and after the variable time has elapsed, causes the normal pattern to be displayed in a stopped state with the determined stopping pattern.
In addition, the pattern display control means 145 has a regular pattern play timer for managing the time related to the regular pattern (regular pattern change time, regular pattern stop display time, etc.).

In the above-mentioned big win game or small win game, the electric device control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric device solenoid 66, and opens the special electric device 65 according to an opening pattern corresponding to the stopping pattern of the special chart.
In addition, when the result of the normal winning/losing judgment is a normal winning, the electric device control means 150 outputs a control signal to the normal electric device solenoid 62 to open the normal electric device 61. In this embodiment, the open state of the normal electric device 61 ends when either the time of the open state reaches a specified time (4000 ms in this embodiment) or the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 59 occurs in the open state, and the normal electric device 61 is closed.

The game state control means 155 controls the normal drawing state. Specifically, the game state control means 155 sets the normal drawing state to low probability regardless of the stopped pattern of the special drawing related to the jackpot game at the start of the jackpot game, and when a specified condition such as the end of the jackpot game is satisfied, sets the normal drawing state to high probability until the pattern changes a specified number of times, and sets the normal drawing state to low probability after the pattern changes a specified number of times. Note that in this embodiment, during a small jackpot game, the normal drawing state in the pattern change that caused the small jackpot game is maintained. Therefore, if a small jackpot is won during a normal drawing high probability, the normal drawing state is maintained during the small jackpot game related to the small jackpot, and if a jackpot game is caused by the small jackpot game, the normal drawing state becomes low probability at the start of the jackpot game.

Such a general drawing state changes in link with the above-mentioned special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state is managed by the game state control means 155. The transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state will be described below with reference to Figures 12(a) and 12(b). Note that Figure 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and Figure 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the average variation time for each special drawing variation pattern derivation state.
As shown in Fig. 12(a), in the special pattern derivation state, there is a special pattern derivation state PA as a special pattern derivation state corresponding to a normal pattern low probability, and there are a special pattern derivation state PB and a special pattern derivation state PC as special pattern derivation states corresponding to a normal pattern high probability, and any of these special pattern derivation states is set except during a jackpot game. And, there are transition conditions (i) to (v) for the transition conditions between the special pattern derivation state PA and the special pattern derivation state PC.

Specifically, transition condition (i) is the end of a jackpot game related to pattern A, transition condition (ii) is the end of a jackpot game related to pattern B, transition condition (iii) is the end of a jackpot game related to patterns a, b, c, and d, transition condition (iv) is the end of pattern change in which the number of pattern changes related to special pattern 2 executed without a jackpot game in normal pattern high probability becomes 30 times (the specified number of times related to special pattern change pattern derivation state PB), and transition condition (v) is the end of pattern change in which the number of pattern changes related to special pattern 2 executed without a jackpot game in normal pattern high probability becomes 80 times (the specified number of times related to special pattern change pattern derivation state PC).
In addition, when a big win game occurs in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, the state transitions to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC again after the big win game ends, and the number of pattern variations related to the special pattern 2 that can be executed up to the specified number of times related to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC is reset. In addition, when a big win game does not occur in the small win game related to the transition condition (iii), the state when the small win game occurred (normal pattern high probability, and the number of pattern variations related to the special pattern 2 that can be executed up to the specified number of times) is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 12(b), the average fluctuation time of each of the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, and the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PC is shorter in the order of special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, and special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PC. This is due to the length of the fluctuation time related to the basic special pattern fluctuation pattern that is most likely to be determined in each special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state. Here, the average fluctuation time refers to the sum of the fluctuation times derived by multiplying the occurrence rate (the probability that may occur in any pattern fluctuation, derived by multiplying the probability of the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment by the probability of the special pattern fluctuation pattern) for each of the fluctuation times related to the special pattern fluctuation pattern that can be selected in a certain special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state. However, in this embodiment, when there is only one special pattern fluctuation pattern that can be selected in the certain special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state, the fluctuation time related to the special pattern fluctuation pattern is treated as the average fluctuation time.

In addition, when a transition occurs to the regular chart lottery state or the special chart variation pattern derivation state, the game state control means 155 generates a presentation control command (game state designation command) including the state after the transition, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
Furthermore, the game state control means 155 counts the number of times that the pattern change related to the transition to another special pattern change pattern derivation state is executed in each special pattern change pattern derivation state, and generates a performance control command including the number of times of the counted pattern change each time the pattern change is started, and stores the command in the transmission command area of the main information storage means 160. The information included in the performance control command may be included in the above-mentioned change start command.

As described above, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by each means and data derived by calculations or the like by each means in the corresponding storage areas.

The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I/O port 104 and determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. If it is determined that the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, it stores a presentation control command (error command) including information that can identify the error state in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

When a performance control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160, the main command management means 170 transmits the performance control command to the first sub-control board 200.
In principle, each performance control command is transmitted in the order in which it is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

The power recovery process execution means 175 includes a recovery state setting means 176 and a playable state transition means 179.

The return state setting means 176 executes a return state setting process to set a return state based on whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored, the state at the time of power interruption immediately before the power is restored, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 when power is restored, and the state of the inner frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. The return states set by this process include a game stop state and a game ready state (which may or may not involve the execution of a RAM clear process).
Specifically, if there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored, a game-stopped state is set regardless of the state of the RAM clear switch 43 and the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. Also, if there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored and the RAM clear switch 43 is ON (pressed state) when power is restored, the RAM clear process is executed and a playable state is set on the condition that the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON when power is restored (if the middle frame door open sensor 76 is OFF when power is restored, the RAM clear process is not executed and a playable state is set), and if there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored and the RAM clear switch 43 is OFF (not pressed state) when power is restored, the RAM clear process is not executed and a playable state is set.
Here, the game stop state is a return state in which game progress is impossible by not executing processing according to the detection results of the sensors installed at each winning port (it is not necessary to look at the detection results of the sensors themselves).
On the other hand, the playable state is a return state in which the game can be continued by executing a process according to the detection result of the sensor installed in each winning port. In particular, if the RAM clear process is not executed when the power is restored, the game returns to the playable state at the time of the last power outage. For example, if the last power outage was during a big win game or a small win game, the game returns to the big win game or small win game that was being executed, and if the last power outage was during a pattern change, the game returns to the pattern change that was being executed.

Whether or not there is an abnormality in RAM 103 is determined by executing a RAM abnormality check at the beginning of the recovery state setting process (specifically, a process which determines whether or not a backup flag is stored (whether or not the backup flag is ON) in the backup information area related to the target area, derives a checksum of the target area and the complement stored in the backup information area related to the area if the backup flag is stored (if the backup flag is ON), and determines that the target area is normal if the calculation result is 0, otherwise determines that the target area is abnormal) on the area related to the game in RAM 103.

The playable state transition means 179 executes a playable state transition process for transitioning to a playable state when a playable state is set.
More specifically, in the game play state transition process, if the security signal output is ON, a process of turning the security signal output OFF and initial settings of the device are performed.
In addition, during the initial setting of the device, processes such as sending a launch permission command to the payout control board 400 to permit the launch of game balls, setting the state in which balls will be valid when they enter each winning port, and setting data to activate the random number circuit 105 are performed.

The power cut-off process execution means 180 executes a power cut-off process based on receiving a power cut-off signal from the power supply control board 500 .
Specifically, for an area of RAM 103 related to gaming, a process is performed in which a checksum for that area is derived and the complement of that checksum is stored in a backup information area of RAM 103 related to gaming, and a process is performed in which a backup flag indicating that a power cut process has been performed for that area is turned ON (a backup flag is stored in the backup information area of RAM 103 related to gaming).

As shown in Figure 7, the first sub-control board 200 is equipped with a sub-random number generation means 210, a normal performance control means 220, a sub-error control means 230, a lamp control means 240, a movable prop control means 245, a sub-information storage means 260, and a sub-command management means 270, and these means are functional representations of what is realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 described using Figure 6.
Here, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas. Also, the performance control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in a received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270. In the following explanation, the storage of the performance control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 in a received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 may be simply expressed as "receiving a performance control command."

The sub-random number generating means 210 can generate random numbers (software random numbers) that are updated by the CPU 201 through program processing, and obtains random numbers at the timing when each lottery (details will be described later) is executed by the normal performance control means 220.

The normal presentation control means 220 includes a presentation mode control means 221, a presentation route determination means 222, a sub-hold control means 223, a look-ahead presentation control means 224, a presentation content determination means 225, a decorative pattern control means 226, and a jackpot presentation control means 227.

When the presentation mode control means 221 receives a game state designation command, it controls the transition of the presentation mode in a manner consistent with the special chart variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100 side.
The presentation modes in this embodiment are broadly divided into normal mode, RUSH challenge mode, and RUSH mode, with the normal mode corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, the RUSH challenge mode corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, and the RUSH mode corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC.

When the presentation route determination means 222 receives a pre-determination command, it determines (sets) a presentation route corresponding to the reserved pattern change based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command (in this embodiment, the special pattern change pattern). Note that, when the special pattern change pattern corresponding to the pattern change is the above-mentioned special pattern change pattern HNP, the presentation route determination means 222 does not determine a presentation route when the pre-determination command is transmitted, and at the start of the pattern change, it determines a presentation route based on the special pattern change pattern included in the change start command (for example, in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A to the special pattern change pattern HNP-D).
Here, the presentation route refers to the presentation from the start to the end of the pattern change, and specifies the process of the presentation that notifies the result of the special pattern determination in the pattern change, and the content of the presentation executed in the pattern change is determined by the presentation content determination means 225 described later in accordance with the presentation route corresponding to the pattern change.

The presentation route in this embodiment is roughly divided into a miss presentation route that notifies that the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the current pattern change is a miss (the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the current pattern change is neither a big hit nor a small hit), and a big hit presentation route that notifies that the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in the current pattern change is a big hit or a small hit. Furthermore, the miss presentation route includes a non-development miss presentation route in which the development presentation is not executed, and a development miss presentation route in which the development presentation is executed. Note that, as described later, when the big hit presentation route is determined, the development presentation is executed unless otherwise explained.
Here, the development performance is a performance that is executed after the decorative pattern reaches a reach state (a state in which the decorative pattern is displayed stationary except for one of the pattern rows related to the decorative pattern, and the remaining pattern rows are displayed in a variable manner), and at the end of the performance, it is notified whether the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment in the current pattern change is a big hit or a small hit. Therefore, in the development performance corresponding to the development miss performance route, a series of performances corresponding to the development performance is executed, and at the end of the performance, it is notified that the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment in the current pattern change is neither a big hit nor a small hit. On the other hand, in the development performance corresponding to the big hit performance route, a series of performances corresponding to the development performance is executed, and at the end of the performance, it is notified that the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment in the current pattern change is a big hit or a small hit.
In addition, as described later, in this embodiment, in one presentation mode, each of the determined special chart variation patterns corresponds to a different presentation route. Therefore, in the following description, the presentation route for the special chart variation pattern may be simply expressed as a special chart variation pattern. However, multiple presentation routes may be made to correspond to one special chart variation pattern, and in this case, one presentation route may be determined from multiple presentation routes corresponding to the determined special chart variation pattern.
Below, the contents of the presentation route corresponding to each special chart change pattern determined in each presentation mode will be explained.

First, the presentation routes corresponding to special chart variation patterns HNP-A to HNP-D and special chart variation pattern HRP, which are determined normally (special chart variation pattern derivation state PA), correspond to the non-development miss presentation route described above.
Specifically, the special pattern variation patterns HNP-A to HNP-D correspond to a presentation route that notifies the user that the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment in the current pattern change is a miss when the decorative pattern is not in a reach state and the decorative pattern is displayed in a barrage (a state in which the pattern rows related to all decorative patterns are displayed in a stopped state and the same decorative pattern is not displayed in each pattern row). Here, the same decorative pattern refers to a decorative pattern that imitates the same number, and the parts other than the numbers that make up the decorative pattern may be different. Similarly, different decorative patterns refer to decorative patterns that imitate different numbers.
The special pattern change pattern HRP corresponds to a performance route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state without pseudo-change, and then the decorative pattern stops and displays in a scattered manner without executing the development performance described later, thereby notifying the user that the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment in this pattern change is a miss. Here, the pseudo-change refers to a period before the development performance starts, which is divided by the stop of the decorative pattern based on a certain rule (for example, the stop of the decorative pattern in which the same decorative pattern stops in the middle of the pattern row related to the decorative pattern and to the right of the pattern row related to the decorative pattern, such as "5 pattern-6 pattern-6 pattern"). Therefore, it can be said that a pseudo-change occurs only when the number of pseudo-changes is two. In other words, if the decorative pattern changes once until the reach state is constituted, it can be said that a pseudo-change does not occur, and in that case, it can be said that one pseudo-change is executed. Note that the maximum number of pseudo-changes in this embodiment is three, but the maximum number of pseudo-changes is not limited to this, and any number of times equal to or greater than two may be adopted.

The special chart fluctuation patterns HSP1-A to HSP3-B correspond to the above-mentioned development miss performance route.
Specifically, the special pattern change pattern HSP1-A and the special pattern change pattern HSP1-B correspond to a performance route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state without pseudo-change, and then a development performance is executed to notify that the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment in this pattern change is a miss, and the decorative pattern is stopped and displayed with a spread pattern after the development performance ends. Note that the types of development performances corresponding to each special pattern change pattern are different from each other, and the development performance HEA corresponds to the special pattern change pattern HSP1-A, and the development performance HEB corresponds to the special pattern change pattern HSP1-B.
The special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-B correspond to a performance route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state through two pseudo fluctuations, and then a development performance is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a miss, and the decorative pattern is stopped and displayed with a spread eye after the development performance ends. Note that, like the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-B, the types of development performances corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development performance HEA corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-A, and the development performance HEB corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-B.
The special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B correspond to a performance route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state through three pseudo fluctuations, and then a development performance is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a miss, and the decorative pattern is stopped and displayed with a spread eye after the development performance ends. Note that, like the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-B, the types of development performances corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development performance HEA corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-A, and the development performance HEB corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B.

The special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B correspond to the jackpot performance route described above.
Specifically, the special pattern variation pattern ASP1-A and the special pattern variation pattern ASP1-B correspond to a performance route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state without pseudo-variation, and then a development performance is executed to notify that the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment in this pattern change is a big hit, and the decorative pattern is displayed in a pattern alignment (a state in which the pattern rows related to all decorative patterns are stopped and displayed, and the same decorative pattern is stopped and displayed in each pattern row) after the end of the development performance. Note that the types of development performance corresponding to each special pattern variation pattern are different from each other, and the development performance HEA corresponds to the special pattern variation pattern ASP1-A, and the development performance HEB corresponds to the special pattern variation pattern ASP1-B.
The special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B correspond to a performance route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state through two pseudo fluctuations, and then a development performance is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a big hit, and the decorative pattern stops and is displayed after the development performance ends. Note that, like the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B, the types of development performances corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development performance HEA corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-A, and the development performance HEB corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B.
The special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B correspond to a performance route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state through three pseudo fluctuations, and then a development performance is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a big hit, and the decorative pattern stops and is displayed after the development performance ends. Note that, like the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A and the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B, the types of development performances corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development performance HEA corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A, and the development performance HEB corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B.
The special pattern change pattern ASP-C corresponds to a presentation route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state without pseudo-change, and then a development presentation HEC is executed to notify that the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment in this pattern change is a jackpot, and the decorative pattern stops and is displayed in a matching pattern after the development presentation ends.

In this way, in this embodiment, by making the same development performance correspond, the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A corresponds to the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A, the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B corresponds to the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-B, the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-A corresponds to the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-A, the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B corresponds to the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-A corresponds to the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A, and the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B corresponds to the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B. As a result, the contents of the performances of the corresponding performance routes will match from the start to the end (the timing when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment is shown by the development performance related to the performance route). Therefore, in the pattern change in which the development performance HEA and the development performance HEB are executed, the player can have a sense of expectation of winning the jackpot. In addition, the above-mentioned special pattern change pattern in which the performance route in which the development performance HEA and the development performance HEB are executed is determined can also be said to be a special pattern change pattern that makes the player expect a jackpot. These are the same in other performance modes described later.
In addition, there is no corresponding development failure performance route for the special chart variation pattern ASP-C. Therefore, when the development performance HEC is executed in the pattern variation, the player can be made to definitely recognize that he has won the jackpot. Therefore, it can be said that the performance route corresponding to the special chart variation pattern is a performance route that determines the winning of the jackpot, and the special chart variation pattern is a special chart variation pattern that determines the winning of the jackpot.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9(a), when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment is a miss, within the range where the number of pseudo fluctuations is the same, the special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route where the development performance HEA is executed (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A), the special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route where the development performance HEB is executed (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-B) is less likely to be determined in that order. And, when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, within the range where the number of pseudo fluctuations is the same, the special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route where the development performance HEA is executed (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A), the special chart fluctuation pattern corresponding to the performance route where the development performance HEB is executed (for example, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B) is more likely to be determined in that order. And, as described above, the development performance HEC is executed only when a jackpot is won.
Therefore, the expectation of winning the jackpot can be increased in the order of the development performance HEA, the development performance HEB, and the development performance HEC. The expectation of winning the jackpot related to such development performances is also the same in the relationship between the development performance HED, the development performance HEE, and the development performance HEF, and the relationship between the development performance HEG, the development performance HEH, and the development performance HEI, which will be described later.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9(a), when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment is a miss, in the range of the same type of development performance, the special chart change pattern corresponding to the performance route where no pseudo-change occurs (for example, special chart change pattern HSP1-A), the special chart change pattern corresponding to the performance route where the number of pseudo-changes is two (for example, special chart change pattern HSP2-A), and the special chart change pattern corresponding to the performance route where the number of pseudo-changes is three (for example, special chart change pattern HSP3-A) are more likely to be determined in that order. And, when the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment is a big hit, in the range of the same type of development performance, the special chart change pattern corresponding to the performance route where no pseudo-change occurs (for example, special chart change pattern ASP1-A), the special chart change pattern corresponding to the performance route where the number of pseudo-changes is two (for example, special chart change pattern ASP2-A), and the special chart change pattern corresponding to the performance route where the number of pseudo-changes is three (for example, special chart change pattern ASP3-A) are more likely to be determined in that order.
Therefore, the more times the pseudo fluctuation is executed, the higher the expectation of winning the jackpot.

As described above, in special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-B, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-C, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-B, and special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-C, the reach state is reached without any pseudo-fluctuation, in special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-A, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP2-B, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-A, and special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B, the reach state is reached after two pseudo-fluctuations, and in special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-A, special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B, special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A, and special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B, the reach state is reached after three pseudo-fluctuations.
Therefore, the time to reach the reach state is longer in the order of the special pattern change pattern that reaches the reach state without pseudo-change, the special pattern change pattern that reaches the reach state with two pseudo-changes, and the special pattern change pattern that reaches the reach state with three pseudo-changes. However, in the pattern change that determines the special pattern change pattern ASP-C, the time to reach the reach state is longer than the special pattern change patterns that reach the reach state without other pseudo-changes (special pattern change pattern HSP1-A, special pattern change pattern HSP1-B, special pattern change pattern ASP1-A, and special pattern change pattern ASP1-B).

Next, the above-mentioned non-development miss presentation route corresponds to the presentation route corresponding to the basic special chart fluctuation patterns (special chart fluctuation patterns HNP-E and HNP-F) that can be determined in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB. Specifically, the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-E and HNP-F correspond to a presentation route that notifies the user that the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a miss by the decorative pattern not reaching a reach state and the decorative pattern being displayed as a scattered pattern. This is also the case for the basic special chart fluctuation patterns in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC described later, so an explanation will be omitted for this special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state.

The special chart fluctuation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F correspond to the above-mentioned development miss performance route.
Specifically, the special pattern variation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F correspond to a performance route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state without pseudo-variation, and then a development performance is executed to notify that the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment in this pattern change is a miss, and the decorative pattern is displayed with a scattered eye after the development performance ends. Note that the types of development performances corresponding to each special pattern variation pattern are different from each other, and the development performance HED corresponds to the special pattern variation pattern HSP-D, the development performance HEE corresponds to the special pattern variation pattern HSP-E, and the development performance HEF corresponds to the special pattern variation pattern HSP-F.
In addition, the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F correspond to the jackpot performance route described above.
Specifically, the special pattern variation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F correspond to a performance route in which the decorative pattern reaches a reach state without pseudo-variation, and then a development performance is executed to notify that the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment in this pattern change is a big hit or a small hit, and the decorative pattern stops and is displayed after the development performance ends. Note that the types of development performance corresponding to each special pattern variation pattern are different from each other, and the development performance HED corresponds to the special pattern variation pattern ASP-D, the development performance HEE corresponds to the special pattern variation pattern ASP-E, and the development performance HEF corresponds to the special pattern variation pattern ASP-F.

The special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-G to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-I that can be determined in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC correspond to the above-mentioned development miss performance route. Specifically, the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-G to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-I correspond to a performance route in which the decorative pattern becomes a reach state without pseudo-fluctuation, and then a development performance is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in this pattern fluctuation is a miss, and the decorative pattern is stopped and displayed with a spread eye after the development performance ends. Note that the types of development performance corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development performance HEG corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-G, the development performance HEH corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-H, and the development performance HEI corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-I.
In addition, the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-G to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-I correspond to the above-mentioned big win performance route. Specifically, the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-G to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-I correspond to a performance route in which the decorative pattern becomes a reach state without pseudo-fluctuation, and then a development performance is executed to notify that the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment in this pattern change is a big win or a small win, and the decorative pattern is displayed stopped with the pattern aligned after the development performance ends. Note that the types of development performance corresponding to each special chart fluctuation pattern are different from each other, and the development performance HEG corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-G, the development performance HEH corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-H, and the development performance HEI corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-I.

In addition, when a development miss presentation route and a jackpot presentation route that accompanies the occurrence of a reach state are determined in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC, as part of the process, a 7 reach prompting presentation is executed during the pattern fluctuation as a presentation indicating the occurrence of the reach state. The details of this 7 reach prompting presentation will be described later, but this presentation is also executed when the special chart fluctuation pattern HRAP is determined, in which case the reach state does not occur. Therefore, the 7 reach prompting presentation in this embodiment functions as a presentation that creates anticipation as to whether or not a reach will occur, and this presentation contributes to increasing interest in the game.

When the sub-hold control means 223 receives a hold command (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the occurrence of a hold winning), it sets performance data for displaying the number of hold images corresponding to the special hold counter 1 and the number of hold images corresponding to the special hold counter 2 in the hold display area (not shown) of the main display unit 81 based on the information on the special hold counter 1 and the special hold counter 2 included in the command. Note that the hold images are images that are the subject of a hold pre-reading performance that changes into various forms that suggest the degree of advantage, such as the expectation of a jackpot game occurring.

When the look-ahead performance control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the look-ahead performance based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command.
The pre-reading performance is a performance that suggests the expectation for the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment in the pre-reading target symbol change and the content of the performance executed in the pre-reading target symbol change before the pre-reading target symbol change starts, and this pre-reading target symbol change is a symbol change related to the main special symbol (special symbol 1 in the special symbol change pattern derivation state PA, and special symbol 2 in the special symbol change pattern derivation state PB and the special symbol change pattern derivation state PC). Note that in this embodiment, the pre-reading performance using the symbol combination at the time of the fixed stop display is configured to be executable, and the details of the performance will be described later.

When the effect content determining means 225 receives a variation start command, it determines the content of the effect to be executed in the current pattern variation according to the presentation route already determined by the presentation route determining means 222.
More specifically, the performance content determination means 225 determines the performance content (performance pattern) for each performance execution timing in the pattern change by a lottery using a performance pattern lottery table corresponding to the performance route determined by the performance route determination means 222. In this way, it is possible to change the content of the performance related to (executed according to) the determined performance route, and to provide a connection between the performances in one pattern change. Even if the same performance route is determined, it is also possible to diversify the performances to be executed. Note that the timing for determining the performance content can be, for example, the start of the pattern change.

When the decorative pattern control means 226 receives a variation start command, it determines the final (determined stopped) combination of decorative patterns (left pattern, center pattern, right pattern) based on the determined stopping pattern of the special pattern.

When the jackpot start command is received, the jackpot performance control means 227 determines the content of the jackpot game performance that notifies the player that a jackpot game is being played, based on the information included in the command. The jackpot game performance includes a start demo performance that notifies the player that a jackpot game is being played, a round performance that notifies the player that a round game is being played, and an end demo performance that notifies the player that a jackpot game is being played. Similarly to when the jackpot start command is received, when the jackpot performance control means 227 receives a performance control command related to a small jackpot game, the jackpot performance control means 227 determines the content of the small jackpot game performance that notifies the player that a small jackpot game is being played, based on the information included in the command.
Furthermore, the presentation control means 227 is configured to be capable of executing an over prize presentation each time the above-mentioned over prize occurs during a jackpot game, and the details of this presentation will be described later.

The normal performance control means 220 reads out performance data for each device corresponding to each performance at the execution timing of that performance, in accordance with the content of the performance determined by the above-mentioned means provided in the first sub-control board 200. If the read performance data includes performance data related to images, an image control command is generated based on that performance data, and the command is stored in a transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if the read performance data includes performance data related to sound, an audio control command related to sound is generated based on that performance data, and the command is stored in a transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260.
In particular, when the return state upon power restoration is a playable state accompanied by the execution of a RAM clear process, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for notifying that a playable state has been achieved accompanied by the execution of a RAM clear process, and when the return state upon power restoration is a playable state without the execution of a RAM clear process, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for notifying that a playable state has been achieved without the execution of a RAM clear process.
Furthermore, when the recovery state upon power restoration is a game stop state, the normal presentation control means 220 reads out presentation data for notifying not only that the game has stopped, but also that it is necessary to execute a RAM clear process.
Details of these notifications are omitted, but it is preferable that they continue to be executed for a certain period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) after execution has begun, and the presentation device that executes the notification does not matter.

When an error command is transmitted, the sub-error control means 230 determines an error notification pattern, and reads out performance data for executing an error notification in accordance with the error notification pattern.
In addition, the error notification is executed in priority over the variable performance related to the pattern variation. Here, the error notification is executed in priority, not only when the device related to the execution of the error notification and the device related to the execution of the variable performance are the same device, but also includes the case where the error notification is executed in a manner that is easier to recognize than the variable performance in the device, not only when the device related to the execution of the error notification and the device related to the execution of the variable performance are the same device, but also when the error notification is executed in a manner that is easier to recognize than the variable performance in the device.
In addition, the sub-error control means 230 may independently (independently of the main error control means 165) determine whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, and if it determines that the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, read out presentation data that executes an error notification.

The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35. For example, if the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a lamp, the lamp control means 240 reads out the lamp control data based on the performance data, and transmits the read lamp control data to the lamp to be executed.

The movable prop control means 245 holds movement control data for controlling the movement of movable props such as the movable decorative body 22, the sub display unit 82, and the performance shield 83. When the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a movable prop, it reads out the movement control data based on the performance data, and transmits the read movement control data to the drive unit associated with the target movable prop.

As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in said means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas.

The sub-command management means 270 receives performance control commands transmitted from the main control board 100, and stores the received performance commands in a received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260, the sub-command management means 270 transmits the image control command to the second sub-control board 300. Furthermore, if a voice control command or a volume adjustment command is stored in the storage area, the sub-command management means 270 transmits these commands to the voice control board 310. Note that, as a general rule, these commands are transmitted in the order in which they are stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260.

As explained above, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to execute the 7 reach stimulation effect in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC in order to increase the interest in the game. The details of this effect are explained below.

<Specific examples of 7-reach teasing performances>
First, a specific example of the 7 reach teasing effect in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 15.
FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing a specific example of a 7-reach provocative effect in a successful pattern, and FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing a specific example of a 7-reach provocative effect in a failed pattern.
14(a) and 14(b) are timing charts showing the state of the symbol strings related to the decorative symbols in the 7-reach provocation performance of the successful pattern.
15(a) and 15(b) are timing charts showing the state of the symbol strings related to the decorative symbols in the 7-reach provocation performance of the failure pattern.

As shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), the 7 reach encouraging effect in this embodiment is an effect that encourages whether or not a reach state consisting of 7 symbols will occur, and Figure 13(a) shows a pattern in which the effect is successful and a reach state consisting of 7 symbols occurs, while Figure 13(b) shows a pattern in which the effect is unsuccessful and a reach state consisting of 7 symbols does not occur.
Here, in this embodiment, the presentation that hints at whether or not a reach state will occur means that a pattern sequence related to the decorative pattern that constitutes the reach state is used to indicate the possibility of the reach state occurring, and a state in which it is not possible to determine whether or not the reach state will be constituted is maintained for a certain amount of time, after which it becomes possible to determine whether or not the reach state will be constituted.
In the following explanation, the pattern row related to the decorative pattern will simply be referred to as the "pattern row", and the pattern row on the left side of the pattern row related to the decorative pattern will be referred to as the "left pattern row", the pattern row in the middle of the pattern row related to the decorative pattern will be referred to as the "middle pattern row", and the pattern row on the right side of the pattern row related to the decorative pattern will be referred to as the "right pattern row".

Specifically, in the pattern that succeeds in the 7 reach stimulation performance shown in Fig. 13(a), first, from the state where all the symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner, the left symbol row decelerates just before the 7 symbol passes, and the 7 symbol is displayed stationary in the left symbol row (flow from the state shown in the leftmost state of Fig. 13(a) to the state shown in the second state from the left). After that, the right symbol row decelerates just before the 7 symbol passes, and the state just before the 7 symbol is displayed stationary in the right symbol row is maintained (the state shown in the third state from the left of Fig. 13(a)), and finally the 7 symbol is displayed stationary in the right symbol row (the state shown in the rightmost state of Fig. 13(a)).
In either state, the middle symbol row is displayed in a variable manner, and this is also the case in the specific example shown in FIG. 13(b) described later.

On the other hand, in the pattern shown in FIG. 13(b) where the 7 reach stimulation performance fails, first, from a state where all the symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner, the left symbol row decelerates just before the 7 symbol passes, and the 7 symbol is displayed stationary in the left symbol row (from the state shown in the leftmost position in FIG. 13(b) to the state shown in the second position from the left). After that, the right symbol row decelerates just before the 7 symbol passes, and the state just before the 7 symbol is displayed stationary in the right symbol row is maintained (the state shown in the third position from the left in FIG. 13(b)), and finally the 8 symbol, which is the decorative symbol next to the 7 symbol, is displayed stationary in the right symbol row (the state shown in the rightmost position in FIG. 13(b)).

In this way, in the 7 reach teasing effect, regardless of whether the effect is successful or unsuccessful, the state in which the 7 symbol is displayed stopped in the left pattern column and the state immediately before the 7 symbol is displayed stopped in the right pattern column are maintained (up to this point, this is common to both the success pattern and the failure pattern), and then depending on whether the 7 symbol is displayed stopped in the right pattern column, it is announced whether or not a reach state consisting of 7 symbols will occur.
In particular, in this embodiment, the start timing of the 7 reach teasing effect is the timing when the left pattern row starts to decelerate, and the end timing of the effect is the timing when the right pattern row is displayed stopped.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the successful pattern of the 7-reach provocation performance further includes two performance patterns (performance pattern ESP1 and performance pattern ESP2), and these performance patterns differ from each other in the time required to execute the 7-reach provocation performance.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14(a), in the performance pattern ESP1, the left symbol row is displayed stationary when time T11 has elapsed since the left symbol row started to decelerate, and the right symbol row is displayed stationary when time T12 has elapsed thereafter. Therefore, the time required to execute the 7-reach instigation performance related to the performance pattern ESP1 is time T13, which is the sum of time T11 and time T12.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14(b), in performance pattern ESP2, the left symbol row is displayed stationary when time T21 has elapsed since the left symbol row started to decelerate, and the right symbol row is displayed stationary when time T22 has elapsed thereafter. Therefore, the time required to execute the 7 reach stimulating performance related to performance pattern ESP2 is time T23, which is the sum of time T21 and time T22, and this time T23 is longer than time T13. In particular, in this embodiment, since time T11 and time T21 are the same time, the difference in the required time for this 7 reach stimulating performance is due to the difference in the time from when the 7 symbol is displayed stationary in the left symbol row to when the right symbol row is displayed stationary.

Next, as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), there are two presentation patterns (presentation pattern EHP1 and presentation pattern EHP2) for the 7 reach provocation performance of the failure pattern, just like the 7 reach provocation performance of the success pattern, and these presentation patterns differ in the time required to execute the 7 reach provocation performance.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 15(a), in the effect pattern EHP1, the left symbol row is displayed stationary when time T31 has elapsed since the left symbol row started to decelerate, and the right symbol row is displayed stationary when time T32 has elapsed thereafter. Therefore, the time required to execute the 7 reach stimulation effect related to the effect pattern EHP1 is time T33, which is the sum of time T31 and time T32.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15(b), in performance pattern EHP2, the left symbol row is displayed stationary when time T41 has elapsed since the left symbol row started to decelerate, and the right symbol row is displayed stationary when time T42 has elapsed thereafter. Therefore, the time required to execute the 7 reach stimulating performance related to performance pattern EHP2 is time T43, which is the sum of time T41 and time T42, and this time T43 is longer than time T33. In particular, in this embodiment, since time T31 and time T41 are the same time, the difference in the required time for this 7 reach stimulating performance is due to the difference in time from when the 7 symbol is displayed stationary in the left symbol row to when the right symbol row is displayed stationary, as in the above-mentioned success pattern.

In addition, in this embodiment, time T11 and time T31 are the same time, and time T12 and time T32 are the same, so the required time for the 7-reach provocation performance related to performance pattern ESP1, which is a success pattern, is the same as the required time for the 7-reach provocation performance related to performance pattern EHP1, which is a failure pattern.
Similarly, since time T21 and time T41 are the same time, and time T22 and time T42 are the same, the required time for the 7-reach provocation performance related to performance pattern ESP1, which is a successful pattern, is the same as the required time for the 7-reach provocation performance related to performance pattern EHP1, which is a failed pattern.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the difference between time T23 and time T13 is greater than time T13, and the same is true for the relationship between time T43 and time T33.
This enhances the effect of reducing the expectation of a jackpot game occurring in the 7-reach stimulation effect as time passes, as described below, thereby reducing the sense of loss when the effect fails.

Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, the difference between the execution time (time T13, time T33) of the first specific reach prompting effect (the 7 reach prompting effect of the effect pattern ESP1 or the effect pattern EHP1) and the execution time (time T23, time T43) of the second specific reach prompting effect (the 7 reach prompting effect of the effect pattern ESP2 or the effect pattern EHP2) is longer than the execution time of the first specific reach prompting effect.

<7 Reach stimulation performance control process>
Next, using Figures 16 to 18, the details of the 7 reach provocation performance control process that determines whether or not to execute the 7 reach provocation performance and the performance pattern when executed will be described.
Figure 16 shows a flow of the 7 reach stimulation presentation control processing when a jackpot game occurs, and this processing is executed by the presentation content determination means 225 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is in and the pattern change related to special chart 2 from which a jackpot or small jackpot is derived starts (when the change start command is received).
Figure 17 shows a flow of the 7 reach stimulation presentation control process when a miss occurs, and this process is executed by the presentation content determination means 225 at the start of the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is in and the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment is a miss.
Figure 18(a) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table used in the lottery to determine whether or not to execute the 7-reach provocation effect, and Figures 18(b) to 18(d) are schematic diagrams showing lottery tables used in the lottery to determine the presentation pattern related to the 7-reach provocation effect, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery using these lottery tables is 0 to 999.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the pattern change related to the special chart 2 that causes a jackpot game in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC, that is, when the pattern change related to the special chart 2 that causes a jackpot game to be generated in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is started, the jackpot game occurrence 7-reach prompting performance control process that determines whether or not to execute the 7-reach prompting performance in the pattern change and the performance pattern when executed, in the first step S202, it is determined whether the stopped pattern in the pattern change related to the special chart 2 this time is pattern b or pattern d (the stopped pattern that causes a jackpot game with 10 rounds to be generated), and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S204, and if the condition is not met, the jackpot game occurrence 7-reach prompting performance control process is terminated.

In step S204, whether or not to execute the 7-reach provocation effect is determined by a lottery using the lottery table TA. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 18(a), in this lottery, since the lottery condition this time is when a jackpot game related to the pattern b or the pattern d occurs, there is a probability of 300/1000 (about 1/3.33) that the lottery is won (the execution of the 7-reach provocation effect is determined), and a probability of 700/1000 (about 1/1.43) that the lottery is not won.
In step S206, it is determined whether or not the 7-reach stimulation effect execution lottery has been won, and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S208, and if the condition is not met, the 7-reach stimulation effect control process is terminated when a jackpot game occurs.

In step S208, a presentation pattern for the 7-reach provocation presentation is determined by a selection using the selection table TB. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 18(b), in the selection, the presentation pattern ESP1 is determined with a probability of 700/1000 (approximately 1/1.43), and the presentation pattern ESP2 is determined with a probability of 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33).
In step S210, the presentation data for the 7-reach provocation presentation of the determined presentation pattern is set, and then the 7-reach provocation presentation control process is terminated when a big win game occurs. This causes the 7-reach provocation presentation of the presentation pattern to be executed.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC, the process is executed when the pattern change related to the special chart 2, which is a miss, is started. In the first step S402 of the process of controlling the 7-reach teasing effect when a miss is determined, whether or not a 7-reach teasing effect is executed in the pattern change and the effect pattern when executed, it is determined whether or not a reach state has occurred, that is, whether or not a special chart change pattern involving the execution of a development effect has been determined in the pattern change related to this special chart 2. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S404, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S410.

In step S404, whether or not to execute the 7-reach provocation effect is determined by a lottery using the lottery table TA. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 18(a), in this lottery, since the lottery condition this time is a miss time, there is a 50/1000 (1/20) probability of winning the lottery (execution of the 7-reach provocation effect is determined) and a 950/1000 (approximately 1/1.05) probability of not winning the lottery.
In step S406, it is determined whether or not the 7-reach stimulation performance execution lottery has been won, and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S408, and if the condition is not met, the 7-reach stimulation performance control process is terminated when the winning combination is lost.
In step S408, a presentation pattern for the 7-reach provocation presentation is determined by a selection using the selection table TC. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 18(c), in the selection, the presentation pattern ESP1 is determined with a probability of 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33), and the presentation pattern ESP2 is determined with a probability of 700/1000 (approximately 1/1.43).

In step S410, it is determined whether or not the special chart change pattern HRAP has been determined in the pattern change related to the current special chart 2. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S412, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process ends the 7 reach stimulation performance control process when a miss occurs.
In step S412, a presentation pattern for the 7-reach provocation presentation is determined by a selection using the selection table TD. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 18(d), in the selection, the presentation pattern EHP1 is determined with a probability of 500/1000 (1/2), and the presentation pattern EHP2 is determined with a probability of 500/1000 (1/2).
In step S414, the effect data for the 7-reach provocative effect of the determined effect pattern is set, and then the 7-reach provocative effect control process for a miss is terminated. This causes the 7-reach provocative effect of the effect pattern to be executed.

In this embodiment, the probability of determining the performance pattern ESP1 is different between the lottery using the lottery table TB (when the pattern b or the pattern d is determined) and the lottery using the lottery table TC (when a ready state occurs when a miss occurs), and the probability of determining the performance pattern ESP2 is different between the lottery using the lottery table TB and the lottery using the lottery table TC. Therefore, the expectation of a big win game occurring when the performance pattern ESP1 is determined and a ready state consisting of 7 symbols occurs is different from the expectation of a big win game occurring when the performance pattern ESP2 is determined and a ready state consisting of 7 symbols occurs. Although details are omitted, the relationship of the expectation of such a big win game occurring does not change even when the frequency of occurrence of the situation in which each of the above-mentioned lotteries is executed occurs, and this is also the same for the expectation of a big win game occurring described below.
The time required for the 7 reach provocation presentation resulting in presentation pattern ESP2 or presentation pattern EHP2 (T23 or T43) is longer than the time required for the 7 reach provocation presentation resulting in presentation pattern ESP1 or presentation pattern EHP1 (T13 or T33).
According to this, the expectation of a big win occurring can be varied depending on the time required to execute the 7-reach stimulation performance, thereby increasing interest in the game.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the presentation control means (normal presentation control means 220) can execute a specific reach prompting presentation (7 reach prompting presentation) in the pattern change, which uses multiple pattern rows to prompt whether or not a reach state consisting of a specific pattern (7 patterns) will occur. The specific reach prompting presentation includes a first specific reach prompting presentation (7 reach prompting presentation of presentation pattern ESP1 or presentation pattern EHP1) and a second specific reach prompting presentation (7 reach prompting presentation of presentation pattern ESP2 or presentation pattern EHP2) that requires a longer execution time than the first specific reach prompting presentation. In other words, the expectation of a jackpot game occurring due to the pattern change that has caused a reach state consisting of specific patterns by the first specific reach prompting presentation is different from the expectation of a jackpot game occurring due to the pattern change that has caused a reach state consisting of specific patterns by the second specific reach prompting presentation.

In particular, in a lottery using the lottery table TB when the symbol b or the symbol d is determined, the probability that the presentation pattern ESP1 is determined is higher than the probability that the presentation pattern ESP2 is determined. Furthermore, in a lottery using the lottery table TC when a reach state occurs at the time of a miss, the probability that the presentation pattern ESP2 is determined is higher than the probability that the presentation pattern ESP1 is determined.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the expectation of a jackpot game occurring when presentation pattern ESP1 is determined and a reach state consisting of seven symbols is created is higher than the expectation of a jackpot game occurring when presentation pattern ESP2 is determined and a reach state consisting of seven symbols is created.
According to this, the expectation of a big win occurring in the 7-reach stimulation effect can be lowered as time passes, and the sense of loss felt when the effect fails can be alleviated.

Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, the expectation of a jackpot game occurring due to a pattern change that creates a reach state consisting of a specific pattern (7 patterns) due to the first specific reach prompting performance (the 7 reach prompting performance of performance pattern ESP1 or performance pattern EHP1) is higher than the expectation of a jackpot game occurring due to a pattern change that creates a reach state consisting of a specific pattern due to the second specific reach prompting performance (the 7 reach prompting performance of performance pattern ESP2 or performance pattern EHP2).

<Regarding the process of determining the normal high probability mid-reach symbol>
Next, using Figures 19 and 20, the details of the process of determining a reach symbol during a high probability of winning will be described, which determines the type of reach symbol during a high probability of winning.
Figure 19 shows a flow of the process for determining the reach pattern during a high probability of a normal pattern, and this process is executed following the above-mentioned 7 reach stimulation performance control process during a high probability of a normal pattern, that is, at the start of the pattern change related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB or the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC (at the time of receiving the change start command).
20(a) and 20(b) are diagrams showing the lottery tables used in the lottery to determine the reach pattern during normal high probability, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery using these lottery tables is 0 to 999. Here, the reach pattern is determined to determine the symbols that constitute the reach state.

As shown in FIG. 19, in the first step S602 of the normal high probability reach pattern determination process, it is determined whether or not a 7 reach teasing effect will be executed in the current pattern change, and if the condition is met (if the 7 pattern has already been determined as the pattern that constitutes the reach state), the normal high probability reach pattern determination process is terminated, and if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S604.
In step S604, it is determined whether or not a reach state occurs in the current pattern change, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S606, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process ends. Here, whether or not a reach state occurs in the current pattern change is synonymous with whether or not a special pattern change pattern in which a development performance is executed in the pattern change has been determined.
In step S606, it is determined whether the current special chart variation pattern derivation state is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S608, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S610.

In step S608, a reach pattern for the current symbol variation is determined by a lottery using the lottery table TE.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20(a), in a lottery using lottery table TE, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment for this pattern change is a miss and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern e, an even pattern reach is determined with a probability of 890/1000 (approximately 1/1.12), an odd pattern reach excluding the 7 pattern is determined with a probability of 100/1000 (1/10), and a 7 pattern reach is determined with a probability of 10/1000 (1/100).
In addition, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment regarding this pattern change is a jackpot and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern a, an even pattern reach is determined with a probability of 800/1000 (1/1.25), and an odd pattern reach excluding the 7 pattern is determined with a probability of 200/1000 (1/5), and in this case, a 7 pattern reach is not determined. On the other hand, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment regarding the pattern change is a jackpot and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern b, an even pattern reach is determined with a probability of 500/1000 (1/2), an odd pattern reach excluding the 7 pattern is determined with a probability of 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33), and a 7 pattern reach is determined with a probability of 200/1000 (1/5).
Furthermore, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment regarding this pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern c, an even pattern reach is determined with a probability of 850/1000 (1/1.18), and an odd pattern reach excluding the 7 pattern is determined with a probability of 150/1000 (approximately 1/6.67), and in this case, a 7 pattern reach is not determined. On the other hand, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment regarding this pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern d, an even pattern reach is determined with a probability of 600/1000 (approximately 1/1.67), an odd pattern reach excluding the 7 pattern is determined with a probability of 250/1000 (1/4), and a 7 pattern reach is determined with a probability of 150/1000 (approximately 1/6.67).

In step S610, a reach pattern for the current symbol variation is determined by a lottery using the lottery table TF.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20(b), in a lottery using lottery table TF, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment for this pattern change is a miss and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern e, there is a 940/1000 (approximately 1/1.06) probability that an even pattern reach will occur, a 50/1000 (1/20) probability that an odd pattern reach will occur excluding the 7 pattern, and a 10/1000 (1/100) probability that a 7 pattern reach will occur.
Also, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment regarding this pattern change is a jackpot and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern a, an even pattern reach is determined with a probability of 800/1000 (1/1.25), and an odd pattern reach excluding the 7 pattern is determined with a probability of 200/1000 (1/5), and in this case, a 7 pattern reach is not determined. On the other hand, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment regarding this pattern change is a jackpot and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern b, an even pattern reach is determined with a probability of 500/1000 (1/2), an odd pattern reach excluding the 7 pattern is determined with a probability of 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33), and a 7 pattern reach is determined with a probability of 200/1000 (1/5).
Furthermore, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment regarding this pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern c, an even pattern reach is determined with a probability of 850/1000 (1/1.18), and an odd pattern reach excluding the 7 pattern is determined with a probability of 150/1000 (approximately 1/6.67), and in this case, a 7 pattern reach is not determined. On the other hand, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment regarding this pattern change is a small hit and the result of the special pattern stop pattern lottery is pattern d, an even pattern reach is determined with a probability of 700/1000 (approximately 1/1.43), an odd pattern reach excluding the 7 pattern is determined with a probability of 250/1000 (1/4), and a 7 pattern reach is determined with a probability of 50/1000 (1/20).

In step S612, the symbols (decorative symbols) that make up the reach state are determined based on the determined reach pattern, and then the normal high probability medium reach symbol determination process is terminated.

As described above, in this embodiment, in both cases where a reach state occurs via the 7 reach provocation performance in the normal high probability including the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, and where a reach state occurs without going through the 7 reach provocation performance, if a reach state consisting of 7 symbols occurs and a jackpot game occurs afterwards (when a pattern arrangement consisting of 7 symbols is stopped and displayed), the stopped symbol in that case is pattern b or pattern d, and the number of rounds of the jackpot game is 10. On the other hand, in the normal high probability, if a reach state consisting of symbols other than 7 symbols occurs and a jackpot game occurs afterwards (when a pattern arrangement consisting of symbols other than 7 symbols is stopped and displayed), the stopped symbol in that case is pattern a, pattern b, pattern c, or pattern d, and the number of rounds of the jackpot game can be a number not less than 10.
In other words, a pattern combination (composed of seven symbols) that can be displayed stopped via a reach state consisting of seven symbols can be said to have a higher advantage in resulting in a jackpot game than a pattern combination (composed of symbols excluding the seven symbol) that can be displayed stopped via a reach state consisting of symbols other than the seven symbol.
This can enhance the effect of increasing interest in the game by implementing the above-mentioned 7-reach stimulation effect.
Although details regarding the low probability of normal drawings will be omitted, the difference in the degree of advantage of matching patterns is the same as that in the high probability of normal drawings.

Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, a jackpot game corresponding to a pattern matching consisting of specific symbols (7 symbols) tends to be more advantageous than a jackpot game corresponding to a pattern matching consisting of a predetermined pattern different from the specific symbol.
In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned specific pattern is one that provides the highest advantage in winning a jackpot game when it is formed into a pattern matching, as in this embodiment, but it is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned specific pattern may be one that provides a higher advantage in winning a jackpot game than a pattern matching composed of at least one other pattern.

Also, the probability that a reach pattern related to a 7 symbol reach is determined in a lottery when a miss occurs is configured to be significantly lower than the probability that an even symbol reach or an odd symbol reach excluding 7 symbol is determined. On the other hand, the probability that a 7 symbol reach is determined when a jackpot game related to symbols b or d occurs is not as different as when a miss occurs compared to the probability that an even symbol reach or an odd symbol reach excluding 7 symbol is determined, and a 7 symbol reach is never determined when a jackpot game related to symbols a or c occurs.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when a ready state consisting of 7 symbols occurs, the expectation of a jackpot game occurring is higher than when a ready state consisting of symbols other than 7 occurs. Note that this relationship of expectation does not change even if the expectation of a jackpot game occurring when a ready state consisting of 7 symbols occurs via a 7-reach teasing performance is taken into consideration.
This can also enhance the effect of increasing interest in the game by implementing the above-mentioned 7-reach stimulation effect.

Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, the expectation of a jackpot game occurring when a reach state consisting of a specific pattern (7 symbols) occurs is higher than the expectation of a jackpot game occurring when a reach state consisting of a predetermined pattern different from the specific pattern occurs.
In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned specific pattern is one that has the highest expectation of a jackpot game occurring when a reach state is formed, as in this embodiment, but it is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned specific pattern may be one that has a higher expectation of a jackpot game occurring when a reach state is formed than when a reach state consisting of at least one other pattern occurs.

As described above, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to execute a cover effect using the effect shield 83, and a symbol pre-reading effect using a symbol combination at the time of the confirmed stop display, and these effects are related to the 7 reach teasing effect described above. The details of this relationship will be explained in order below.

<About the relationship between the cover effect and the 7 reach provocation effect>
First, the relationship between the cover effect and the 7 reach prompting effect will be explained in detail using Figures 21 to 24.
21(a) to 21(c) are diagrams showing the movable positions of the performance shield 83.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a specific example of the lid-covering effect A, and FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a specific example of the lid-covering effect B.
24(a) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table used to determine the number of times the cover effect is performed, and FIG. 24(b) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table used to determine the effect pattern related to the cover effect. The lottery using these lottery tables is performed at the start of the pattern variation when the execution of the 7-reach stimulation effect is determined. Furthermore, the range of the random numbers used in these lotteries is 0 to 999.

As described above, the effect shielding body 83 is composed of the upper left effect shielding body 83a, the upper right effect shielding body 83b, the lower left effect shielding body 83c, and the lower right effect shielding body 83d, and Fig. 21 (a) shows the effect shielding body 83 in the initial position. Note that, at this position, substantially the entire display area of the main display unit 81 is visible.
21(b) shows a state in which a part (about 30% of the whole) of the display area of the main display unit 81 is covered by the effect shield 83. Hereinafter, the position of the effect shield 83 in this state may be referred to as a first protruding position.
21(c) shows a state in which the entire display area related to the main display unit 81 is covered by the effect shield 83. Hereinafter, the position of the effect shield 83 in this state may be referred to as the second protruding position.
In this way, the upper left performance shield 83a, the upper right performance shield 83b, the lower left performance shield 83c, and the lower right performance shield 83d operate in conjunction with each other in the planar direction of the display area related to the main display unit 81, and are configured to be movable from the initial position via the first protruding position to the second protruding position.
Also, as shown in Figure 21 (c), the upper left performance shield 83a has a convex portion modeled after the character "heaven" on its front surface (the front surface when the main display unit 81 side is defined as the rear surface), the upper right performance shield 83b has a convex portion modeled after the character "below" on its front surface, the lower left performance shield 83c has a convex portion modeled after the character "mu" on its front surface, and the lower right performance shield 83d has a convex portion modeled after the character "fuu" on its front surface, and each performance shield is configured so as not to transmit light from the rear (the main display unit 81 side).

Next, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, there are two types of performance patterns (covering lid performance A and covering lid performance B) for the lid covering performance in this embodiment, and these performances can be executed before the 7 reach teasing performance starts in the pattern change in which the 7 reach teasing performance is executed.
22, the cover performance A is a performance in which the performance shield 83 moves from the initial position to the first protruding position, and at the end of the cover performance A, the performance shield 83 returns from the first protruding position to the initial position. Therefore, the cover performance A can be said to be a performance in which the performance shield 83 moves in the order of the initial position, the first protruding position, and then back to the initial position.
23, the cover performance B is a performance in which the performance shield 83 moves from the initial position to the second protruding position, and at the end of the cover performance B, the performance shield 83 returns from the second protruding position to the initial position. Therefore, the cover performance B can be said to be a performance in which the performance shield 83 moves in the order of the initial position, the second protruding position, and then back to the initial position.
In this manner, the cover performance A and the cover performance B in this embodiment are performances in which the display area related to the main display unit 81 is covered by moving the performance shield 83. In particular, the cover performance B has a larger range of the display area related to the main display unit 81 that is covered by the execution of the cover performance than the cover performance A.
In addition, the amount of movement of the performance shielding body 83 in the lid covering performance B is greater than the amount of movement of the performance shielding body 83 in the lid covering performance A. Therefore, the time required to execute the lid covering performance B is longer than the time required to execute the lid covering performance A.

As shown in Figure 24 (a), the number of times the lid-covering effect is executed is determined based on whether or not the 7-reach provocative effect is successful, and the determined number of lid-covering effects are executed from the start of the pattern change that initiates the 7-reach provocative effect to before the start of the 7-reach provocative effect.
Specifically, when the 7 reach stimulation effect is successful, that is, when effect pattern ESP1 or effect pattern ESP2 is determined, there is a 100/1000 (1/10) probability of 0 times (no execution), a 200/1000 (1/5) probability of 1 time, a 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33) probability of 2 times, and a 400/1000 (1/2.5) probability of 3 times.
On the other hand, when the 7 reach stimulation effect fails, that is, when effect pattern EHP1 or effect pattern EHP2 is determined, there is a 500/1000 (1/2) probability that 0 times (no execution), a 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33) probability that 1 time will be determined, and a 200/1000 (1/5) probability that 2 times will be determined, and in this case 3 times will not be determined.

In this way, in this embodiment, when the 7-reach provocation performance is successful, the number of times the lid-covering performance is executed before the start of the 7-reach provocation performance tends to be greater than the number of times the lid-covering performance is executed before the start of the 7-reach provocation performance when the reach provocation performance fails.
According to this, the expected success rate of the 7-reach provocation performance is indicated before the start of the 7-reach provocation performance, making it easier to draw attention to the execution time of the 7-reach provocation performance (which is related to the expected success rate when a reach state consisting of 7 symbols occurs due to the 7-reach provocation performance).
In addition, when achieving this effect, the lid-covering effect may also be executed in pattern changes other than those that result in the 7-reach teasing effect, and this also applies to the invention relating to the relationship between the lid-covering effect and the 7-reach teasing effect described below.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the first effect (cover effect) is an effect that can be executed before the specific reach prompting effect (7 reach prompting effect) starts during the pattern change that executes the specific reach prompting effect, and in other words, the more times the first effect is executed before the specific reach prompting effect starts, the higher the expectation that the reach state will be created by the specific reach prompting effect.

Also, as shown in FIG. 24(b), when executing a lid covering effect, a presentation pattern is determined for each lid covering effect, and the determination is based on whether or not the 7 reach teasing effect will be successful.
Specifically, when the 7 reach stimulation effect is successful, that is, when effect pattern ESP1 or effect pattern ESP2 is determined, there is a 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33) probability that the lid covering effect A will be determined, and there is a 700/1000 (approximately 1/1.43) probability that the lid covering effect B will be determined.
On the other hand, when the 7 reach stimulation effect fails, that is, when effect pattern EHP1 or effect pattern EHP2 is determined, there is a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1) that the lid covering effect A will be determined, and in this case the lid covering effect B will not be determined.

In this way, if the 7-reach provocative performance is successful, in addition to the cover performance A, the cover performance B may be executed before the execution of the 7-reach provocative performance, whereas if the 7-reach provocative performance is unsuccessful, the cover performance A may be executed before the execution of the 7-reach provocative performance, but the cover performance B is not executed. That is, in this embodiment, at the point when the cover performance B is executed, it is determined that the 7-reach provocative performance executed thereafter will be successful.
This can further enhance the effect of making it easier to draw attention to the execution time of the above-mentioned 7-reach stimulation performance.

In particular, in this embodiment, multiple lid covering effects are executed before the start of the 7 reach teasing effect, and the presentation pattern of each of the multiple lid covering effects is determined, but this is not limited to this.
Specifically, once it has been decided to execute the lid covering effect B, all subsequent lid covering effects (before the start of the 7 reach teasing effect) may be made to be lid covering effects B.
This can further enhance the effect of making it easier to draw attention to the execution time of the above-mentioned 7-reach stimulation performance.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the first performance (covered performance) is a performance that can become multiple types of performance modes with different expectations of a jackpot game occurring in the pattern change in which the first performance is executed, and in other words, when the first performance is executed multiple times in one pattern change, each time the first performance is executed, the first performance can change to a performance mode with a high expectation of a jackpot game occurring (covered performance B), while the first performance does not change to a performance mode with a low expectation of a jackpot game occurring (covered performance A).

In particular, in this embodiment, the cover effect uses a movable body (effect shield 83), and this device is different from the device (main display unit 81) where the reach state is generated (the decorative pattern of the reach state is displayed). This can increase the degree of freedom of the content displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81 until the 7 reach stimulating effect is started, and can make the player recognize that the 7 reach stimulating effect may be executed even if a malfunction occurs in the main display unit 81.
Furthermore, as described above, the performance shield 83 for the cover performance covers the display area for the main display unit 81. Therefore, when the cover performance is executed, it is possible to prevent the attention to the display area for the main display unit 81 from decreasing.

<About the relationship between the pattern prediction performance and the 7 reach provocation performance>
Next, with reference to Figures 25 and 26, the relationship between the pattern pre-reading effect using the pattern combination at the time of the fixed stop display and the 7 reach prompting effect will be described in detail.
25(a) and 25(b) are diagrams showing specific examples of the symbol pre-reading effect.
26(a) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table used to determine whether or not to execute the symbol pre-reading performance, and FIG. 26(b) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table used to determine the performance pattern related to the symbol pre-reading performance. The lottery using these lottery tables is executed when a pre-determination command is received when the pattern variation related to the special pattern 2 is reserved during the high probability of the normal pattern. Furthermore, the range of the random numbers used in these lotteries is 0 to 999.

As shown in Figures 25(a) and 25(b), the pattern pre-reading performance is a pre-reading performance realized by using a combination of decorative patterns that are stopped and displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81, and there are two types of execution modes.
Specifically, there is an execution mode in which scattered symbols consisting of even symbols are displayed stopped during one or more pattern fluctuations (in this example, the Nth rotation to the N+2th rotation) that lead to the pattern fluctuation to be predicted ahead (the rotation to be predicted ahead) (the execution mode shown in FIG. 25(a) and hereinafter referred to as "even symbol pre-reading"), and an execution mode in which scattered symbols consisting of odd symbols excluding the 7 symbol are displayed stopped during each of the one or more pattern fluctuations (the execution mode shown in FIG. 25(b) and hereinafter referred to as "odd symbol pre-reading").
In this example, in each execution mode, the scatter symbols that are displayed in a stopped state in each of the multiple pattern variations that lead to the pattern variation that is the target of the pre-reading are combinations of decorative symbols that are different from each other, but as long as the rules for the scatter symbols in each execution mode are observed, the combinations of decorative symbols may match in some or all of the multiple pattern variations.

As shown in FIG. 26(a), whether or not to execute the pattern pre-reading effect is determined based on whether or not the 7 reach provocation effect executed in the pattern change to be pre-read is successful.
Specifically, when the 7-reach provocative effect in the pattern change that is the pre-read target is successful, that is, when the effect pattern of the 7-reach provocative effect in the pattern change that is the pre-read target is effect pattern ESP1 or effect pattern ESP2, there is a probability of 700/1000 (approximately 1/1.43) that the pattern pre-reading effect will be executed, and there is a probability of 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33) that the pattern pre-reading effect will not be executed.
On the other hand, when the 7 reach provocation effect in the pattern change that is the pre-read target fails, that is, when the presentation pattern of the 7 reach provocation effect in the pattern change that is the pre-read target becomes presentation pattern EHP1 or presentation pattern EHP2, there is a probability of 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33) that the pattern pre-reading effect will be executed, and there is a probability of 700/1000 (approximately 1/1.43) that the pattern pre-reading effect will not be executed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26(b), when it is decided to execute the symbol pre-reading effect, the effect pattern related to the current 7 reach provocation effect is referred to in detail.
Specifically, when the presentation pattern of the 7-reach stimulation presentation in the pattern change to be pre-read is presentation pattern ESP1, an even number pattern pre-read is determined with a probability of 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33), and an odd number pattern pre-read is determined with a probability of 700/1000 (approximately 1/1.43).
On the other hand, when the presentation pattern of the 7-reach stimulation presentation in the pattern change to be pre-read is presentation pattern ESP2, an even number pattern pre-read is determined with a probability of 700/1000 (approximately 1/1.43), and an odd number pattern pre-read is determined with a probability of 300/1000 (approximately 1/3.33).
In addition, if the presentation pattern of the 7-reach provocative presentation in the pattern change to be pre-read is presentation pattern EHP1 or presentation pattern EHP2, that is, if the 7-reach provocative presentation is a failure pattern, an even number pattern pre-read is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1), and an odd number pattern pre-read presentation is not determined.

In this way, in this embodiment, the device is configured to be able to execute a pattern pre-reading performance in which the pattern change that results in the 7 reach teasing performance is the pattern change that is the pre-read target, and the performance mode related to the pattern pre-reading performance includes a performance mode (odd pattern pre-reading) in which it is determined that the 7 reach teasing performance will be successful in the pattern change that is the pre-read target.
This pattern pre-reading effect relating to the pre-reading of odd patterns can be executed both when the presentation pattern relating to the 7-reach stimulation effect in the pattern change to be pre-read is presentation pattern ESP1, and when the presentation pattern is presentation pattern ESP2.
This makes it easier to draw attention to the execution time of the 7 reach provocation effect (which is related to the expected probability of a jackpot when a reach state consisting of 7 symbols occurs due to the 7 reach provocation effect).
In addition, in order to achieve this effect, a pattern pre-reading performance may be executed in which a pattern change other than the pattern change that results in the 7-reach provoking performance is read ahead as the pattern change to be pre-read, and this also applies to the invention relating to the relationship between the pattern pre-reading performance and the 7-reach provoking performance described below.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the second performance (pattern pre-reading performance) is a pre-reading performance that can be executed in the pattern change before the pattern change that executes a specific reach encouraging performance (7 reach encouraging performance), and is a performance that can become a predetermined performance mode (odd pattern pre-reading) that confirms that a reach state will occur in the specific reach encouraging performance. In other words, the second performance can be executed in both the pattern change before the pattern change that executes the first specific reach encouraging performance (7 reach encouraging performance of performance pattern ESP1) and the pattern change before the pattern change that executes the second specific reach encouraging performance (7 reach encouraging performance of performance pattern ESP2).

In particular, in this embodiment, when the presentation pattern of the 7-reach provocative presentation in the pattern change to be pre-read is presentation pattern ESP2, the probability (approximately 1/3.33) that an odd-pattern pre-reading presentation is determined is lower than the probability (approximately 1/1.43) that an odd-pattern pre-reading presentation is determined when the presentation pattern of the 7-reach provocative presentation in the pattern change to be pre-read is presentation pattern ESP1.
According to this, by making it less likely that the pattern pre-reading performance for the 7 reach provoking performance, which requires a relatively long time, will become an odd pattern pre-reading, it is possible to suppress a decrease in anticipation for the 7 reach provoking performance as time passes in the 7 reach provoking performance.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when a reach state consisting of a specific pattern (7 pattern) occurs in a second specific reach prompting performance (7 reach prompting performance of performance pattern ESP2) and the second performance (pattern pre-reading performance) is executed just before the pattern change that executes the second specific reach prompting performance, the rate at which the second performance becomes a specified performance mode (odd pattern pre-reading) can be said to be lower than the rate at which the second performance becomes a specified performance mode when a reach state consisting of a specific pattern occurs in a first specific reach prompting performance (7 reach prompting performance of performance pattern ESP1) and the second performance is executed just before the pattern change that executes the first specific reach prompting performance.

In the above explanation, when deciding whether or not to execute the pattern pre-reading performance and the execution mode, the information (whether or not to execute the 7 reach stimulation performance and the performance pattern) which has been explained to be decided after the decision (at the start of the pattern change to be pre-read) is referred to; however, this is not accurate, so a supplement is provided.
Specifically, as described above, in the case where there is a correlation between the pattern pre-reading performance and the 7-triggering performance, when the first sub-control board 200 receives a pre-determination command, based on the result of the pre-determination contained in the command, both the processing of the 7-reach taunting performance control processing at the time of a jackpot shown in Figure 16 excluding the processing related to setting the performance data, and the processing of the 7-reach taunting performance control processing at the time of a miss shown in Figure 17 excluding the processing related to setting the performance data are executed, and at the start of the pattern change corresponding to the pre-determination, the processing related to setting the excluded performance data is executed, thereby realizing a method of determining whether or not to execute the above-mentioned pattern pre-reading performance and the execution mode.

Although not mentioned in the above explanation, in this embodiment, the execution of new pattern pre-reading is restricted while the pattern pre-reading performance is being executed. In a situation where this restriction is not in place, the lottery for the above-mentioned pattern pre-reading performance is executed regardless of the value of the special pattern 2 pending counter related to the received advance judgment command.

<Other Modifications>
Modifications not mentioned in the above description are listed below.

First, each of the effects described in this embodiment does not necessarily have to be realized by the device according to this embodiment. For example, the cover effect may be realized by an image displayed by the main display unit 81, and the pattern pre-reading effect may be a pre-reading effect realized by the effect shield 83.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as long as the relationship between the probability, ratio, frequency, and number of times is ensured, the smaller value may be 0, and the larger value may be the maximum value. In particular, as long as the phenomenon aspect is ensured, the control for realizing the high and low of each ratio described above does not matter.
Furthermore, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in this embodiment is just an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

In addition, in the above explanation, the recovery state when power is restored is determined by referring to the state of the RAM clear switch 43 when power is restored, but it is also possible to refer to whether the time that the RAM clear switch 43 has been ON since power was restored exceeds a specified time (e.g., 3 seconds). In this way, the occurrence of erroneous RAM clear processing can be further reduced.

In addition, in the above explanation, the state of the middle frame open door sensor 76 (open/closed state of the middle frame 17) was referenced when determining the return state when power was restored, but the return state may be set without reference to that state. In this case, the return state when power is restored may be set uniformly according to the case when the middle frame open door sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is open).

The present invention described above is not limited to the above description, but includes various modifications, improvements, and other aspects as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

<Additional Notes>
The present embodiment encompasses the following technical idea.
(1)
A gaming machine capable of executing a pattern change based on the entry of a gaming ball into a starting hole, executing a win/loss judgment in the pattern change, varying and displaying a plurality of pattern rows each having a plurality of types of patterns, statically displaying the plurality of pattern rows in a pattern combination corresponding to the result of the win/loss judgment, and generating a jackpot game after the end of the pattern change related to the win/loss judgment when the result of the win/loss judgment is a specific result,
An effect display means for displaying the plurality of symbol rows;
A performance control means for controlling the performance display means;
Equipped with
The performance control means is capable of executing a specific reach prompting performance in which a reach state consisting of specific symbols is generated or not by using the plurality of symbol rows, in a pattern variation;
The specific reach prompting performance includes a first specific reach prompting performance and a second specific reach prompting performance that requires a longer execution time than the first specific reach prompting performance,
the degree of expectation that the jackpot game will occur due to the pattern fluctuation in which the reach state consisting of the specific pattern is generated by the first specific reach provoking performance is different from the degree of expectation that the jackpot game will occur due to the pattern fluctuation in which the reach state consisting of the specific pattern is generated by the second specific reach provoking performance;
The jackpot game corresponding to the pattern matching composed of the specific symbols tends to be more advantageous than the jackpot game corresponding to the pattern matching composed of a predetermined symbol different from the specific symbol.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(2)
The gaming machine according to (1) above,
The expectation of the jackpot game occurring due to the pattern change in which the reach state consisting of the specific pattern is generated by the first specific reach provoking performance is higher than the expectation of the jackpot game occurring due to the pattern change in which the reach state consisting of the specific pattern is generated by the second specific reach provoking performance.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(3)
The gaming machine according to (1) or (2) above,
The difference between the execution time of the first specific reach prompting performance and the execution time of the second specific reach prompting performance is longer than the execution time of the first specific reach prompting performance.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(4)
The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
The performance control means is capable of executing a first performance,
The first performance is a performance that can be executed before the specific reach prompting performance is started in the pattern change in which the specific reach prompting performance is executed,
The more times the first effect is executed before the specific reach prompting effect is started, the higher the expectation that the reach state will be generated by the specific reach prompting effect.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(a)
The gaming machine according to (4) above,
The first performance may be a plurality of different performance modes having different expectations of the jackpot game occurring in the pattern variation in which the first performance is executed,
When the first performance is executed multiple times in one pattern change, each time the first performance is executed, the first performance may change to a performance mode with a high probability of occurrence of the jackpot game, while the first performance does not change to a performance mode with a low probability of occurrence of the jackpot game.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(5)
A gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The performance control means is capable of executing a second performance,
The second performance is a pre-reading performance that can be executed in a pattern change before the pattern change in which the specific reach-inciting performance is executed, and can be a predetermined performance mode in which it is determined that a reach state will occur in the specific reach-inciting performance,
The second performance may be executed in both the pattern change before the pattern change in which the first specific reach-inciting performance is executed and the pattern change before the pattern change in which the second specific reach-inciting performance is executed.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(6)
The gaming machine according to (5) above,
In the case where a reach state consisting of the specific symbols is generated in the second specific reach provoking performance and the second performance is executed just before the symbol change for executing the second specific reach provoking performance, the rate at which the second performance becomes a predetermined performance mode is lower than the rate at which the second performance becomes a predetermined performance mode in the case where a reach state consisting of the specific symbols is generated in the first specific reach provoking performance and the second performance is executed just before the symbol change for executing the first specific reach provoking performance.
A gaming machine characterized by:

10 Gaming machine 15 Outer frame 17 Middle frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable decorative body 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent member 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 31 Operation handle 32 Upper frame portion 33 (33a, 33b) Speaker 34a, 34b Left and right side frame portions 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) Frame lamp 36 Ball removal mechanism 37 Performance button 38 Cursor button 38a Up cursor button 38b Down cursor button 38c Left cursor button 38d Right cursor button 38e Center cursor button 39 Main operation portion 39a Ball loan button 39b Return button 40 Power switch 43 RAM clear switch 46 Gaming ball tank 47 Tank rail 48 Payout unit 49 Payout passage 50 Gaming board 50a Gaming area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 54 Protective member 55 Large prize opening 57 First start opening 59 Second start opening 61 Normal electric role 62 Normal electric role solenoid 63 Gate 65 Special electric role 66 Special electric role solenoid 67 General prize opening 69 Out opening 70 First start opening sensor 71 Second start opening sensor 72 Large prize opening sensor 73 General prize opening sensor 74 Gate sensor 75 Out ball sensor 76 Middle frame door opening sensor 77 Front frame door opening sensor 80 Performance display device 81 Main display section 82 Sub display section 82a Upper sub display section 82b Left sub display section 82c Right sub display section 83 Performance shield 83a Upper left performance shield 83b Upper right performance shield 83c Lower left performance shield 83d Lower right performance shield 90 Pattern display device 91 First special pattern display device 92 Second special pattern display device 93 Normal pattern display device 94 First special symbol reserved lamp 95 Second special symbol reserved lamp 96 Normal symbol reserved lamp 100 Main control board 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 I/O port 105 Random number circuit 109 Main control board case 110 Ball entry determination means 115 Main random number generation means 120 Main hold control means 125 Advance determination means 130 Special chart lottery means 131 Special chart win/loss determination means 132 Special chart stop pattern lottery means 133 Special chart change pattern derivation means 135 Regular chart lottery means 140 Big win game control means 145 Pattern display control means 150 Electric role control means 155 Game state control means 160 Main information storage means 165 Main error control means 170 Main command management means 175 Power restoration process execution means 176 Recovery state setting means 179 Playable state transition means 180 Power cut process execution means 200 First sub-control board 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 I/O port 209 First sub-control board case 210 Sub-random number generation means 220 Normal presentation control means 221 Presentation mode control means 222 Presentation route determination means 223 Sub-hold control means 224 Pre-reading presentation control means 225 Presentation content determination means 226 Decoration pattern control means 227 Big win presentation control means 230 Sub-error control means 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable role control means 260 Sub-information storage means 270 Sub-command management means 300 Second sub-control board 301 CPU
302 ROM
303 RAM
304 I/O port 309 Second sub-control board case 310 Audio control board 311 CPU
312 ROM
313 RAM
314 I/O port 400 Dispensing control board 409 Dispensing control board case 500 Power supply control board 501 Normal power supply circuit 502 Backup power supply circuit 503 Power interruption detection circuit 509 Power supply control board case X First flow path Y Second flow path

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of executing a pattern change based on the entry of a gaming ball into a starting hole, executing a win/loss judgment in the pattern change, varying and displaying a plurality of pattern rows each having a plurality of types of patterns, statically displaying the plurality of pattern rows in a pattern combination corresponding to the result of the win/loss judgment, and generating a jackpot game after the end of the pattern change related to the win/loss judgment when the result of the win/loss judgment is a specific result,
An effect display means for displaying the plurality of symbol rows;
A performance control means for controlling the performance display means;
Equipped with
The performance control means is capable of executing a specific reach prompting performance in which a reach state consisting of specific symbols is generated or not by using the plurality of symbol rows, in a pattern variation;
The specific reach prompting performance includes a first specific reach prompting performance and a second specific reach prompting performance that requires a longer execution time than the first specific reach prompting performance,
the degree of expectation that the jackpot game will occur due to the pattern fluctuation in which the reach state consisting of the specific pattern is generated by the first specific reach provoking performance is different from the degree of expectation that the jackpot game will occur due to the pattern fluctuation in which the reach state consisting of the specific pattern is generated by the second specific reach provoking performance;
the plurality of symbol rows are composed of a first symbol row, a second symbol row, and a third symbol row;
The specific reach encouraging effect is an effect to encourage whether or not the specific pattern will be stopped and displayed in the second pattern column after the specific pattern is stopped and displayed in the first pattern column, and includes an effect when the specific pattern is stopped and displayed in the second pattern column after the specific pattern is stopped and displayed in the first pattern column, and an effect when a pattern different from the specific pattern is stopped and displayed in the second pattern column after the specific pattern is stopped and displayed in the first pattern column,
In the first specific reach prompting performance, a time from when the deceleration of the first symbol row starts to when the specific symbol is stopped and displayed in the first symbol row is the same as a time from when the deceleration of the first symbol row starts to when the specific symbol is stopped and displayed in the first symbol row in the second specific reach prompting performance,
A time from when the first symbol row is statically displayed to when the second symbol row is statically displayed in the first specific reach prompting performance is longer than a time from when the first symbol row starts to decelerate to when the specific symbol is statically displayed in the first symbol row in the first specific reach prompting performance, and a time from when the first symbol row starts to decelerate to when the specific symbol is statically displayed in the first symbol row in the second specific reach prompting performance,
a difference between a time from when the first symbol row is statically displayed to when the second symbol row is statically displayed in the second specific reach prompting performance and a time from when the first symbol row is statically displayed to when the second symbol row is statically displayed in the first specific reach prompting performance is longer than a time from when the first symbol row starts to decelerate to when the second symbol row is statically displayed in the first specific reach prompting performance;
The jackpot game corresponding to the pattern matching consisting of the specific symbols tends to be more advantageous than the jackpot game corresponding to the pattern matching consisting of a predetermined pattern different from the specific symbol,
The performance control means is further capable of executing a specific performance,
The specific performance is a performance that can be executed before the specific reach-inciting performance is started in the pattern change in which the specific reach-inciting performance is executed,
Depending on the number of times the specific performance is executed before the specific reach prompting performance is started, the expectation degree that the reach state will be generated by the specific reach prompting performance may change.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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