JP7471330B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing games.

Conventionally, gaming machines (e.g., pachinko machines) are known in which gaming balls, which represent gaming value, are launched into a gaming area, and when the gaming balls enter a winning area such as a winning slot, prize balls are paid out to the player, and further, the gaming state can be changed depending on the result of the variable display of the identification information.

In such gaming machines, a variable display effect corresponding to the variable display of the identification information can be executed in a specific gaming state, and a gaming machine is known that ends the specific gaming state when the number of times the identification information is variable displayed reaches a predetermined number (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-151238 A

However, if the variable display effects are configured to be switched in a specific game state, there is a risk that the player may feel uncomfortable when switching between the variable display effects, which may reduce the player's interest in the game.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of gaming.

(Means 1) In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of executing a variable display of special identification information corresponding to a lottery result related to a special game and normal identification information corresponding to a lottery result related to whether or not to perform an opening operation of a movable member provided in a variable start winning device, the gaming machine comprising: a state control means capable of control to a plurality of types of gaming states including a specific gaming state; and an effect execution means capable of executing an effect, the effect execution means being capable of executing a variable display effect corresponding to the variable display of either the special identification information or the normal identification information in a predetermined display area , the variable display effect including a first variable display effect corresponding to the normal identification information and a second variable display effect corresponding to the special identification information , and the state control means being configured to execute a variable display effect corresponding to the specific gaming state when the variable display of the special identification information has reached a first number of times , or when the variable display of the normal identification information or the opening operation of the movable member has reached a second number of times in the specific gaming state. the effect execution means is capable of switching the first variable display effect being executed in the predetermined display area to the second variable display effect when a first variable display effect relating to the variable display of the normal identification information is being executed in the specific game state and a switching condition for the variable display effect is established by starting the variable display of the special identification information; the first specific effect can be executed if the switching condition is established when the variable display of the normal identification information is being executed the second number of times in the specific game state; and the second specific effect can be executed if the switching condition is established when the variable display of the normal identification information is being executed less than the second number of times in the specific game state; the first specific effect and the second specific effect include a first effect part and a second effect part executed after the first effect part, and the execution time of the second effect part differs between the first specific effect and the second specific effect.
Therefore, by executing the first specific presentation and the second specific presentation according to the game situation when the variable display presentation is switched, it is possible to eliminate the sense of incongruity when the variable display presentation is switched, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

(Means 2) In the gaming machine of means 1,
the identification information includes first identification information and second identification information,
the first identification information and the second identification information can be independently and simultaneously variably displayed,
The first identification information corresponds to the first variable display performance,
The second identification information corresponds to the second variable display performance,
The switching condition is that the variable display result of the second identification information becomes a specific display result in the specific gaming state.
This makes it possible to switch the variable display presentation depending on the result of the variable display of the identification information, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

(Means 3) In the gaming machine of means 2,
If the switching condition is not satisfied in the specific game state (if the variable display result of the second identification information is a display result other than the specific display result), the effect execution means is capable of continuing to execute the first variable display effect without switching to the second variable display effect.
This makes it possible to switch the variable display presentation depending on the result of the variable display of the identification information, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

(Means 4) In the gaming machine of means 2 or 3,
The effect execution means is capable of executing a second specific effect when the identification information is being variable displayed in the specific game state and the number of times the identification information has been variable displayed reaches the specified number of times and the switching condition is not satisfied (when the variable display result of the second identification information is a display result other than the specific display result).
Therefore, by executing the second specific presentation when the specific game state ends and the variable display presentation is switched, it is possible to eliminate the sense of incongruity felt when the variable display presentation is switched, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board unit alone. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the game board unit. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart (1/2) illustrating an example of a procedure for a reset start process. 13 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an example of a procedure of a reset start process. 11 is a flowchart specifically illustrating an example of a procedure for a power interruption occurrence check process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for an interrupt management process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for switch input event processing. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a first special symbol memory update process. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a second special pattern memory update process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of a special symbol game process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for special pattern change pre-processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for special symbol memory area shifting processing. A diagram showing the composition columns of a special pattern stop pattern selection table when a jackpot is hit. A figure showing an example of a selection table for symbols to stop when a small win occurs. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a configuration of a number-of-times counter value management process; A figure showing an example of a variation pattern selection table. A diagram showing the configuration of each variation pattern selection table. A diagram showing the configuration of each variation pattern selection table. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing during a special symbol stop display. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a configuration of a display output management process. A flowchart showing an example of the configuration of a variable prize-winning device management process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting a large prize opening pattern. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting the large prize opening pattern when a jackpot occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting the large prize opening pattern when a small win occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize opening. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize opening when a small win occurs. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing when passing through a specific area. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize entry port when a jackpot is hit. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the closing of the large prize opening. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a termination process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of a normal symbol game process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for normal pattern change pre-processing. An explanatory diagram showing the change time of normal symbols and the opening pattern of the variable start winning device. An explanatory diagram showing the probability of selecting a normal pattern and the probability of selecting a long opening. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the game flow that unfolds in a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the opening time of the variable start winning device and the variable time of the second special pattern. An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the opening time of the variable start winning device and the variable time of the second special pattern. An explanatory diagram showing an example of changes in the performance pattern. An explanatory diagram of the display screen for the mini pattern and the fourth pattern. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for performance control processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for operating memory performance management processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing performance pattern management. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for pre-processing of the performance pattern change. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for pre-processing of the performance pattern change. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for pre-processing of the performance pattern change. This is an explanatory diagram of a specific example when suggesting a performance pattern that is subject to change depending on the game status. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the timing of switching the performance screen. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of switching of the performance screen. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of switching of the performance screen. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for chance lamp-related processing. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the lighting state of the chance lamp in a normal state. An explanatory diagram showing the lighting state of the chance lamp in the time-saving state and the jackpot game state. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the timing of lighting the chance lamp and the timing of outputting sound. FIG. An explanatory diagram of a specific example when the chance lamp is lit in the time-saving state. An explanatory diagram of a specific example when the chance lamp is lit during a jackpot game state. This is an explanatory diagram about the timing of the execution of the effects that are executed when a big hit or small hit occurs with a special pattern during the time-saving state. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a second specific presentation that is executed when a jackpot is reached with a special symbol during a fluctuation other than the final fluctuation of the time-saving state. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the first specific presentation that is executed when a jackpot is hit with a special pattern during the final change in the time-saving state.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1. Figure 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses game balls as a game medium, and a player borrows game balls from an amusement facility operator to play with the pachinko machine 1. In playing with the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium that has game value, and the benefits (profits) that the player enjoys as a result of playing can be converted into game value based on, for example, the number of game balls that the player has acquired. Below, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[overall structure]
The main body of the pachinko machine 1 mainly comprises an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4, and an inner frame assembly 7 (plastic frame, gaming machine frame). When viewed from the front facing the player, the integrated door unit 4 is located at the frontmost side. The inner frame assembly 7 is located on the rear side (rear side) of the integrated door unit 4, and the outer frame unit 2 is arranged so as to surround the outside of the inner frame assembly 7.

The outer frame unit 2 is a structure made by combining wood and metal materials into a vertically long rectangle, and this outer frame unit 2 is fixed to an island facility (not shown) in the amusement park using fasteners such as screws. Note that in the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used in the sections corresponding to the top and bottom short sides, and metal is used in the sections corresponding to the left and right long sides.

The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated at its lower position. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island equipment via the outer frame unit 2, and each of them operates to open and close via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening and closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

When viewed from the front in Figure 1, a unified lock unit 7a is provided on the inside of the right edge of the inner frame assembly 7 (left edge in Figure 2). Correspondingly, locking devices (not shown) are also provided on the right edges (back sides) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2. As shown in Figure 1, when the integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7 are closed relative to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 7a on the back side, together with the locking device, disables the opening of the integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7.

A cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an amusement facility manager inserts a special key into the keyhole and turns the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 7a is activated, enabling the integrated door unit 4 to be opened together with the inner frame assembly 7. When the entire assembly is opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed at the front side.

On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked and only the integrated door unit 4 is unlocked, allowing the integrated door unit 4 to be opened. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened to the front, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, allowing the amusement center manager to remove any obstacles such as balls getting stuck on the board. Furthermore, when the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the receiving tray unit 6 is also opened to the front.

The pachinko machine 1 also includes the above-mentioned game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the above-mentioned inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7, for example, with the integrated door unit 4 open to the front side. The integrated door unit 4 has a vertically oval window 4a formed in its center, and a glass unit (no reference number) is attached to this window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via a mounting tool (not shown). A game area 9a (board surface, game board) is formed on the front side of the game board unit 8, and this game area 9a can be seen by the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface through which game balls can flow down.

The receiving tray unit 6 has a shape that protrudes from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side, and an upper tray 6b is formed on its upper surface. This upper tray 6b can store game balls (loaned balls) lent to the player and game balls (prize balls) won by winning. In addition, a lower tray 6c is formed in the receiving tray unit 6 at a lower position of the upper tray 6b. This lower tray 6c stores game balls that are paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. Note that the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a model that connects to a card unit, and game balls borrowed by the player are paid out to the receiving tray unit 6 (upper tray 6b or lower tray 6c) from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from prize balls.

A loan operation unit 14 is provided on the top surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball loan button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the loan operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball loan button 10 with a valuable medium (e.g., a magnetic recording medium, a medium with a built-in memory IC, etc.) inserted into a card unit (not shown), a number of game balls (e.g., 125 balls) corresponding to a predetermined degree unit (e.g., 5 degrees) are loaned. For this reason, a degree display unit (not shown) is arranged on the top surface of the loan operation unit 14, and the degree display unit displays the remaining degree of the valuable medium inserted into the card unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with remaining degree by operating the return button 12. In this embodiment, a gaming machine connected to a card unit is given as an example, but the pachinko machine 1 may also be a cash machine (a gaming machine not connected to a card unit).

A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right of the tray unit 6. By operating this handle unit 16, the player can activate the launch control board set 174 and launch (throw) a game ball (ball launcher) toward the play area 9a (see FIG. 3). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge of the play board unit 8 along the left edge, and is guided by an outer band (not shown) and thrown into the play area 9a. Numerous obstacle nails and windmills (no reference numbers in the figure) are arranged in the play area 9a, and the thrown game ball flows down the play area 9a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and windmills. The configuration of the play area 9a (board surface, play board) will be described further below with reference to another drawing.

[Front frame configuration]
A lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 are installed as components for performance in the integrated door unit 4. Of these, a frame lamp 46 is incorporated in the lens unit 47, and a right-side frame lamp 50 is incorporated in the upper right illumination unit 49.

The various frame lamps 46, 50 described above perform effects, for example, by emitting light from built-in LEDs (lighting up, blinking, changing brightness gradations, changing color tones, etc.). Additionally, speakers 54a to 54d are built into each integrated door unit 4. These speakers 54a to 54d output sound effects, background music, voices, etc. (general sound) to perform effects.

In addition, a performance button 45 is provided in the center of the receiving tray unit 6, in front of the upper tray 6b. By pressing and operating this performance button 45, the player can switch the performance content (for example, the background screen displayed on the LCD display 42), or generate some kind of performance (preview performance, special promotion performance, promotion performance during a big win, etc.) while the patterns are changing, while a jackpot is being confirmed, or while playing a jackpot.

Furthermore, a jog dial 45a (operation input receiving means, rotary selector) is provided around the effect button 45 so as to surround the effect button 45. By rotating this jog dial 45a, the player can change the effect content displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, for example.

[Back side configuration]
2, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, a payout control board unit 176, a back cover unit 178, etc. In addition, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with various electronic devices (including a control computer, not shown) that constitute the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring, etc., not shown.

The payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference number), of which the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the inner frame assembly 7 and can store game balls supplied from a supply path not shown. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter not shown. The flow path unit 173 guides the game balls sent out from the payout device unit 172 toward the receiving tray unit 6 on the front side.

The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (such as a data display device, hall computer, etc.), and various external information signals (such as winning ball information, door opening information, number of pattern determination information, jackpot information, starting hole information, etc.) that indicate the game progress status and maintenance status of the pachinko machine 1 are output from this external terminal board 160 to the external electronic device.

The power cord 164 is connected to a power supply (e.g., AC 24V) installed in the island equipment of the amusement arcade, for example, to ensure the power source (electricity) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1. The earth wire 166 is connected to an earth terminal also installed in the island equipment, to ensure the earth (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Configuration of the game board unit]
3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 includes a base game board 9, and a game area 9a is formed on the front side of the game board 9. The game board 9 is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate, and when the game board unit 8 is fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front side of the game board 9 is parallel to the glass unit. On the front side of the game board 9, the above-mentioned game area 9a is formed inside a launch rail (no reference number) that is installed in a substantially circular shape.

A relatively large presentation unit 40 is placed in the center of the play area 9a, and the play area 9a is roughly divided into a left section, a right section, and a lower section with this presentation unit 40 at the center.

The left side of the play area 9a is a first play area (hereinafter also referred to as the left-hand play area) used in the normal play state (non-time-saving state), and the right side of the play area 9a is a second play area (hereinafter also referred to as the right-hand play area) used in the advantageous play state (big win play state, small win play state, time-saving state). Note that in this embodiment, the non-time-saving state may be referred to as the non-time-saving state, and the time-saving state may be referred to as the time-saving state.

At the top of the play area, a guide passage 18 is formed based on a section having an entrance (for example, an entrance to a row of passages formed at the top of the performance unit 40) and an exit for guiding game balls shot toward the top of the play area 9a to the right-hand hitting area.

In addition, within the game area 9a, a start gate 20, a normal winning port 22, a first start winning port 26, a variable start winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, etc. are distributed and installed.

Of these, the normal winning port 22 is located on the left side of the play area 9a. The first start winning port 26 is located in the center of the lower part of the play area 9a. The start gate 20, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are located on the right side of the play area 9a. In this embodiment, the variable winning device 30, the variable start winning device 28, and the start gate 20 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream. Therefore, in the flow path of the game ball, the variable start winning device 28 is arranged downstream of the variable winning device 30.

When a game ball is launched into the game area 9a, as it flows downstream it may enter the first start winning hole 26, the normal winning hole 22, pass through the start gate 20, or enter the variable start winning device 28 when activated or the variable winning device 30 when opened.

Then, the game balls that pass through the start gate 20, the normal winning port 22, the first start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 through through holes formed in the game board (the plywood material, transparent board, etc. that constitutes the game board unit 8).

In this embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 9a (board), when a game ball is to enter the first start winning hole 26 or the normal winning hole 22, it is necessary to hit the game ball into the left hitting area in the game area 9a (performing a so-called "left hit").

On the other hand, to make the game ball enter the start gate 20, the variable start winning device 28, or the variable winning device 30, it is necessary to hit the game ball into the right-hand hitting area in the game area 9a (performing a so-called "right hit").

When the game ball passes through the start gate 20, an activation lottery (regular symbol lottery) is held. The variable start winning device 28 then operates when a predetermined activation condition is met (when the regular symbol lottery is won and the regular symbol is displayed in a winning manner for a predetermined static display time).

The variable start winning device 28 is equipped with a plate-shaped opening and closing member 28a. The opening and closing member 28a can move back and forth in the front and rear directions relative to the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). In a normal state, the opening and closing member 28a is stored inside the board surface of the game board 9. At this time, it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start winning port 28b of the variable start winning device 28, and the game ball flows downstream without rolling on the upper surface of the opening and closing member 28a. Then, when the variable start winning device 28 is activated, the opening and closing member 28a is in a state where it protrudes forward of the board surface (i.e., the player side). The opening and closing member 28a is inclined from the right side to the left in the figure. In addition, the second start winning port 28b is provided on the left side of the opening and closing member 28a. Then, when the opening and closing member 28a protrudes, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening and closing member 28a and is guided to the second start winning port 28b. This reduces the difficulty of the game ball entering the second start winning hole 28b of the variable start winning device 28 when the opening and closing member 28a is protruding, making it possible for the game ball on the opening and closing member 28a to enter the second start winning hole 28b.

The variable winning device 30 operates when a specified condition is met (when the special symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol indicating a big win or when the special symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol indicating a small win).

The variable winning device 30 is equipped with a plate-shaped opening and closing member 30a. The opening and closing member 30a can move back and forth in the front and rear directions relative to the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). In a normal state, the opening and closing member 30a protrudes from the board surface of the game board 9 toward the player. At this time, the game balls roll on the upper surface of the opening and closing member 30a, so the game balls cannot flow into the variable winning device 30. Then, when the variable winning device 30 is activated, the opening and closing member 30a is drawn into the inside of the board surface, allowing the game balls to flow into the variable winning device 30. When the game balls flow into the variable winning device 30, it becomes possible for the game balls to enter the large winning opening 30b provided in the variable winning device 30. In the following, the large winning opening 30b may be simply referred to as the large winning opening.

Here, a specific area induction device 30c is provided within the variable winning device 30. A specific area (V winning port) switch 85a and a non-specific area (non-V winning port) switch 85b are provided side by side downstream of the specific area induction device 30c. The specific area switch 85a and the non-specific area switch 85b are composed of sensors through which the game ball can pass. The area through which the game ball passes in the specific area switch 85a is the specific area 30d, and the area through which the game ball passes in the non-specific area switch 85b is the non-specific area 30e.

The specific area induction device 30c can be rotated around an axis extending in the front-rear direction by a solenoid (not shown). Depending on the game situation, the specific area induction device 30c can be rotated to either a first position where the game ball can easily pass through the specific area switch 85a (i.e., the specific area 30d), or a second position where the game ball can easily pass through the non-specific area switch 85b (i.e., the non-specific area 30e). As will be described in detail later, the specific area 30d and the non-specific area 30e are areas for determining whether or not to develop a small win game state into a big win game state.

The game ball that enters (wins) inside the variable winning device 30 is sorted by the specific area induction device 30c into either the specific area 30d or the non-specific area 30e. The game ball that passes through the specific area or the non-specific area is then collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 through the through hole further downstream.

In this embodiment, the specific area induction device 30c is located in the first position regardless of the game state. This causes most of the game balls that enter the variable winning device 30 to pass through the specific area 30d. Therefore, if a game ball enters the variable winning device 30 when a small win is won, it will almost always develop into a big win.

The entry (advancement) of a game ball into each winning port or winning device is also referred to as a "winning". In particular, a winning ball into a start winning port (first start winning port, second start winning port) is also referred to as a start winning port.

The game board unit 8 is provided with the above-mentioned presentation unit 40 from its center position to the right side. The presentation unit 40 has its upper edge 40a functioning as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and is equipped with various decorative members 40b on its inside. The decorative members 40b enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 with their three-dimensional shape, and can perform dramatic actions by emitting transmitted light from a built-in light-emitting device (such as an LED). In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display device) is installed on the inside of the presentation unit 40, and various presentation images, including presentation patterns corresponding to special patterns, are displayed on this liquid crystal display 42. In this way, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of its board surface and the decorativeness of the presentation unit 40. In addition, when the game board 9 is a transparent resin plate (for example, an acrylic plate) as in this embodiment, decorativeness can be added by various decorative bodies (including movable bodies and light-emitting bodies) arranged not only on the front side but also behind the game board 9.

The game board 9 is provided with a number of lamps for producing effects on its surface. Specifically, the lamps include a board lamp 53a built into the decorative member 40b of the effect unit 40 and the decorative member 60a of the gadget 60 located below the liquid crystal display 42, a chance lamp 53b built into the decorative member 61a of the decorative part 61 located near the variable winning device 30 (lower right side), and an attacca lamp 53c built into the variable winning device 30.

When the panel lamp 53a lights up and emits light, the decorative member 40b of the performance unit 40 and the decorative member 60a of the role-playing device 60 emit light toward the front of the pachinko machine 1. The decorative member 61a is composed of a decoration that resembles a face. When the chance lamp 53b lights up, the eyes of the decorative member 61a emit light toward the front of the pachinko machine 1. The attacca lamp 53c also emits light toward the front of the pachinko machine 1.

In this example, the board lamp 53a is composed of one LED built into the decorative member 40b of the performance unit 40 and two LEDs built into the reel 60. The chance lamp 53b is composed of one LED built into the decorative member 61a. The attacca lamp 53c is composed of four LEDs.

On the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, for example, in synchronization with the display of the first special pattern and the display of the second special pattern, a plurality of types of effect patterns (such as patterns showing numbers, etc.) different from the special patterns are displayed. Here, in synchronization with (in other words, in parallel with) the display of the first special pattern, the display of the second special pattern, and the display of the normal pattern, the effect patterns are displayed (for example, scrolled up and down or updated) in each of the effect pattern display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R of the "left," "middle," and "right." Note that in this embodiment, the effect pattern that is displayed in the effect pattern display area 42L may be referred to as the left pattern, the effect pattern that is displayed in the effect pattern display area 42C may be referred to as the middle pattern, and the effect pattern that is displayed in the effect pattern display area 42R may be referred to as the right pattern.

For example, a display area is provided on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is pending. In this example, a first pending display area 42a for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display of a first special pattern, and a second pending display area 42b for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display of a second special pattern are provided.

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

In addition, an outlet 32 is formed within the play area 9a, and game balls that do not enter (win) any of the various winning ports are ultimately collected through the outlet 32 to the back of the play board unit 8. All game balls shot into the play area 9a, including game balls that enter the normal winning port 22, first start winning port 26, second start winning port 28b, and variable winning device 30, are collected to the back of the play board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged outside the frame from the back of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and then merge with the supply path of the island equipment (not shown).

Figure 4 is a front view showing an enlarged portion of the game board unit 8 (lower right position within window 4a).

The game board unit 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, for example, at the lower right position within the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 35, a first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and a game status display device 38.

The normal pattern display device 33, for example, alternately lights up two lamps (LEDs) to display the normal pattern, and stops the normal pattern by turning the lamps on or off. In this embodiment, the probability of winning is 1 in 1, so the winning pattern always stops. The normal pattern operation memory lamp 33a displays the number of memories from 0 to 4, for example, by combining the turning off, turning on, and blinking of the two lamps (LEDs). For example, the display mode in which both lamps are turned off displays the number of memories as 0, the display mode in which one lamp is turned on displays the number of memories as 1, the display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked displays the number of memories as 2, the display mode in which one lamp is blinked and the other lamp is turned on displays the number of memories as 3, and the display mode in which both lamps are blinked displays the number of memories as 4. In addition, although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal pattern operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of operating memories can be displayed by the number of lit lamps.

Whenever a game ball passes through the start gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a increases by one (up to a maximum of four) to remember that a pass has occurred that triggers an operation lottery, and decreases by one each time the normal symbol starts to change due to that pass. In this embodiment, if the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the display mode does not change even if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 when the normal symbol is already in a state where it can start to change (when the stop display is displayed). In other words, the number of memories (maximum of four) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passes that have not yet started changing the normal symbol at that point in time.

The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the changing and stopped states of the special symbols, for example, using a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means, first symbol display means, second symbol display means). In addition, the special symbol display devices 34 and 35 may be in the form of a geometric (for example, circular) arrangement of multiple dot LEDs. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 34 is used to display the changing of the special symbols, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol do not change simultaneously. The second special symbol display device 35 is used to display the changing of the normal symbols. The type of normal symbol determined by lottery is displayed as stopped by the second special symbol display device 35. The changing display by the second special symbol display device 35 is performed in synchronization with the changing display by the normal symbol display device 33.

The first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a each display a memory number of 0 to 4, for example, by a display mode consisting of a combination of two lamps (LEDs) being turned off, turned on, or blinking (memory number display means). For example, a display mode in which both lamps are turned off displays a memory number of 0, a display mode in which one lamp is turned on displays a memory number of 1, a display mode in which the same lamp is blinking displays a memory number of 2, a display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is turned on displays a memory number of 3, and a display mode in which both lamps are blinking displays a memory number of 4, and so on.

The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a increases by one (up to a maximum of four) each time a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26 to remember that a ball has entered, and decreases by one each time the special symbol starts to change with the ball entering. The second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a increases by one (up to a maximum of four) each time a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 (second start winning hole 28b) to remember that a ball has entered, and decreases by one each time the special symbol starts to change with the ball entering. In this embodiment, if the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the display mode does not change even if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26 when the first special symbol is already in a state where it can start to change (when the stop display is displayed). In addition, when the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the display state does not change even if a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 (second start winning port 28b) when the second special symbol is already in a state where it can start changing (when the stopped display is displayed). In other words, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display state of each special symbol activation memory lamp 34a, 35a represents the number of balls that have entered the game before the first special symbol or second special symbol has started changing at that point in time.

The game status display device 38 also includes five LEDs corresponding to, for example, the big win type indicator lamps 38a and 38b, the small win indicator lamp 38c, the time-saving status indicator lamp 38e, and the launch position designation lamp 38f. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 are mounted on a single integrated display board 90 and attached to the game board unit 8.

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

[Outline of game progress]
The game states of the pachinko machine 1 include a normal state (non-time-saving state) and a time-saving state in which the probability of winning is the same as in the normal state, but the variable efficiency of the special symbols is improved compared to the normal state. In this embodiment, the special symbols may be abbreviated as "special symbols" and the normal symbols may be abbreviated as "normal symbols." In addition, the first special symbol may be abbreviated as "special symbol 1" and the second special symbol may be abbreviated as "special symbol 2."

In the pachinko machine 1, when the game state is normal, it is advantageous for the player to perform a firing operation (so-called left-hand hit operation) aiming to the left of the game area 9a. The normal state is a state in which the pachinko machine 1 is controlled in the same way as the initial setting state (when the specified recovery process is not executed after power-on, such as when a system reset is performed). In the normal state, when the player performs a left-hand hit operation by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1 and the game ball enters the first start winning hole 26, the first special pattern display device 34 starts to display the first special pattern. Note that, since the time that the opening and closing member 28a protrudes is extremely short in the normal state, it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning hole 28b during the normal state.

In addition, if the game ball enters the start winning hole during the period when the special symbol variable display is being executed, or during the period when the game is controlled to a big win game state or a small win game state (when a start winning occurs but the special symbol variable display based on the start winning cannot be executed immediately), the execution of the special symbol variable display based on the winning will be suspended up to a specified upper limit number (for example, 4).

If the big win symbol appears as a static display in the first special symbol change display, it is a "big win", and if a small win symbol different from the big win symbol appears as a static display, it is a "small win". Also, if a losing symbol appears as a static display, it is a "miss".

After the display result of the first special symbol changing display becomes "big win", the game state is controlled to a big win game state, which is advantageous to the player. After the display result of the first special symbol changing display becomes "small win", the game state is controlled to a small win game state. In both the big win game state and the small win game state, the player rotates the handle unit 16 provided on the pachinko machine 1 to perform a right-hit operation.

In the jackpot game state, the large prize opening 30b formed by the variable prize-winning device 30 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed or the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 30b reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 10), whichever comes first. The predetermined period is the maximum period during which the large prize opening 30b can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as the maximum opening period. This cycle in which the large prize opening 30b is open is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeated until the predetermined maximum number of times is reached.

In the jackpot game state, the player can obtain prize balls by making the game ball enter the big prize opening 30b. Therefore, the jackpot game state is an advantageous state for the player. The more rounds there are in the jackpot game state, and the longer the upper limit opening period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

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

In the small win game state, the large prize opening 30b formed by the variable prize-winning device 30 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period of time (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed, or the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 30b reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 10), whichever comes first. In the small win game state, only one round can be played.

When the game ball that entered the big prize opening 30b passes through the specific area 30d during the small win game state, the game is controlled to the big win game state after the small win game state ends. At this time, the small win game state is the first round, and the big win game state starts from the second round.

After the small win game state ends without being controlled to a big win game state, the game state is not changed and the game continues to be controlled to the game state before the display result of the special pattern change display becomes "small win".

On the other hand, if a game ball that enters the large prize opening 30b passes through the non-specific area 30e, the small prize game state ends without progressing to a large prize game state. However, in this embodiment, a game ball that enters the large prize opening 30b is configured to always pass through the specific area 30d, so if a small prize occurs, it will progress to a large prize.

After the jackpot game state ends, the time-saving state may be controlled depending on the type of jackpot. In this embodiment, the time-saving state is controlled for all jackpots. When the jackpot game ends and the game state is controlled to the time-saving state, it is advantageous for the player to perform a firing operation (right-hit operation) aiming at the right side of the game area. When the player performs a right-hit operation by rotating the handle unit 16 provided on the pachinko machine 1, and the game ball passes through the start gate 20, the normal pattern display device 33 starts displaying the normal pattern variation. Note that if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 during the period during which the previous normal pattern variation display is being executed (if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 but the normal pattern variation display based on the passage cannot be executed immediately), the normal pattern variation display based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In this variable display of normal symbols, if a normal winning symbol is displayed as a static symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the normal winning symbol (a normal losing symbol) is displayed as a static symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal losing". When it becomes a "normal winning", an opening control is performed to keep the variable start winning device 28 in an open state for a predetermined period of time (the second start winning port 28b becomes an open state). In this embodiment, since there is a 1 in 1 chance of a normal winning, all symbols are normal winning symbols, but multiple types of symbols are provided as normal winning symbols (see FIG. 36(b)).

When a game ball enters the second start winning port 28b formed in the variable start winning device 28, the second special pattern display device 35 starts to display the variable second special pattern.

When the second special pattern changes, if a big win pattern is displayed, it is a "big win", and if a small win pattern different from the big win pattern is displayed, it is a "small win". Also, if a losing pattern different from the big win or small win pattern is displayed, it is a "miss".

After the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "big win", the game state is controlled to a big win game state, which is advantageous to the player. After the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "small win", the game state is controlled to a small win game state. In the small win game state and the big win game state, the game is played in the same way as described above.

In the time-saving state, the probability that the normal pattern will be a "normal hit" in the variable display is the same probability (1/1) as in the normal state (non-time-saving state), but the opening period of the second start winning port 28b when the normal pattern is a "normal hit" may be longer than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, in this embodiment, the opening mode of the second start winning port 28b includes a short opening in which the second start winning port 28b is opened for an extremely short time so that a game ball cannot win, and a long opening in which the second start winning port 28b is opened for a longer time than the short opening and so that multiple game balls can win. In the non-time-saving state, only a short opening is performed, but in the time-saving state, a long opening may be performed. As a result, it is impossible to enter a game ball into the variable start winning device 28 in the normal state, but it is possible to enter a game ball into the variable start winning device 28 in the time-saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving mode, the time for which the normal pattern changes is displayed is also shorter than in the non-time-saving mode.

In this example, if a game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b, there is a probability of about 1/1, resulting in a small win, or very rarely a big win (it never misses). And since the game ball can only enter the second start winning hole 28b in the time-saving state, the time-saving state can be said to be a state that is easily controlled to a small win game state.

When a long opening is performed, multiple game balls can be entered into the second start winning port 28b, so that reserved memory of a special pattern (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "special pattern reserved") is more likely to occur. A small win occurs in the second start winning port 28b at about 1/1, and a big win occurs even if a small win does not occur. Therefore, when a special pattern reserved occurs in the second start winning port 28b, a small or big win occurs based on the first winning, and the game is controlled to a big win game state, and a small or big win occurs again based on the special pattern reserved in the first change after the big win game state ends, and the game is controlled to a big win game state. Therefore, when there are three special patterns reserved in the second start winning port 28b, it is configured to be possible to make four consecutive big wins through one change in the following flow: big win game state → 1 change → big win game state → 1 change → big win game state → 1 change → big win game state → time reduction state. In this embodiment, the game state during one change in this flow is called a jackpot streak. Note that one change during a jackpot streak occurs after the end of the jackpot game state, so the actual game state is controlled to a time-saving state, but the change display is performed using the special chart performance pattern. Therefore, when a jackpot streak occurs, a state designation command indicating this is sent from the main control CPU 72 to the performance control CPU 126.

The time-saving state continues until a specified end condition is met, such as a specified number of times of special symbol changes, or a specified number of times of regular symbol changes. And when the end condition is that a specified number of times of special symbol changes, or a specified number of times of regular symbol changes, it is also called a "time-cut" (time-cut special bonus, etc.).

In this embodiment, the time-saving states are the time-saving state A, the time-saving state B, and the time-saving state C. The time-saving state A ends when the total number of changes in the special chart 1 and the special chart 2 reaches 5 times, the number of changes in the special chart 2 reaches 1 time, or the number of changes in the normal chart reaches 10,000 times. The time-saving state B ends when the total number of changes in the special chart 1 and the special chart 2 reaches 5 times, the number of changes in the special chart 2 reaches 1 time, or the number of changes in the normal chart reaches 200 times. The time-saving state C ends when the total number of changes in the special chart 1 and the special chart 2 reaches 5 times, the number of changes in the special chart 2 reaches 1 time, or the number of changes in the normal chart reaches 100 times.

[Progress of the production, etc.]
In the pachinko machine 1, various effects are executed according to the progress of the game. The effects are executed by displaying various effect images on the liquid crystal display 42.

As an effect that is executed according to the progress of the game, the "left", "center" and "right" effect pattern display areas 42L, 42C and 42R provided on the liquid crystal display 42 start displaying the change in the effect patterns in response to the start of the change in the first special pattern or the change in the second special pattern or the change in the normal pattern. When the display result (also called the fixed special pattern) is displayed in a static state in the change in the first special pattern or the change in the second special pattern, the fixed effect pattern (combination of three effect patterns) which is the display result of the change in the effect pattern is also displayed in a static state. Similarly, when the display result (also called the fixed normal pattern) is displayed in a static state in the change in the normal pattern, the fixed effect pattern (combination of three effect patterns) which is the display result of the change in the effect pattern is also displayed in a static state.

During the period from when the display of the changing effect symbols starts to when it ends, the display of the changing effect symbols may be in a predetermined reach mode. Here, the reach mode refers to a mode in which the display of the changing effect symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed continues to change when the display of the stopping effect symbols displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 forms part of a big win combination or a small win combination, which will be described later.

In addition, a reach effect is executed in response to the above-mentioned reach state being reached during the display of the varying effect symbols. In the pachinko machine 1, multiple types of reach effects are executed, which have different rates of "big hit" (also called big hit reliability or big hit expectation rate) or "small hit" (also called small hit reliability or small hit expectation rate) display results (display results of the varying display of special symbols or display results of the varying display of effect symbols) depending on the performance state. Reach effects include, for example, normal reach and super reach, which has a higher reliability of big hit than normal reach.

In this embodiment, during the normal state or consecutive jackpots, a display of a variation of the performance pattern corresponding to the special pattern is performed. More specifically, since a game ball cannot enter the second start winning port 28b in the normal state, a display of a variation of the performance pattern corresponding to the first special pattern is performed during the normal state. Also, consecutive jackpots occur when a reserved memory occurs in the second start winning port 28b in the time-saving state, so during consecutive jackpots, a display of a variation of the performance pattern corresponding to the second special pattern is performed.

When the display result of the special symbol variation display is "jackpot", a confirmed performance pattern that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as the display result of the performance symbol variation display on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the display result of the performance symbol variation display is "jackpot"). For example, the same performance pattern (for example, "7") is displayed stopped in line on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "center", and "right" performance symbol display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R.

When the display result of the special symbol variation display is a "small win", a confirmed performance pattern (such as "1 3 5") that is a predetermined small win combination is derived as the display result of the performance symbol variation display on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the display result of the performance symbol variation display is a "small win"). For example, performance patterns that make up a chance eye are displayed stopped on the predetermined effective lines in the "left", "center", and "right" performance symbol display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R.

When the display result of the special symbol change display is a "miss," the mode of the change display of the special symbol does not become a reach mode, and the display result of the change display of the special symbol may display a fixed performance pattern of a non-reach combination (also called a "non-reach miss") (the display result of the change display of the special symbol becomes a "non-reach miss"). Also, when the display result is a "miss," after the mode of the change display of the special symbol becomes a reach mode, the display result of the change display of the special symbol may display a fixed performance pattern of a predetermined reach combination (also called a "reach miss") that is not a jackpot combination (the display result of the change display of the special symbol becomes a "reach miss").

In this embodiment, during the time-saving state, the display of the effect pattern corresponding to the normal pattern is performed. As described above, if a game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b during the time-saving state, it will result in a small win or a big win, and even if it is a small win, it will develop into a big win. Therefore, when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b during the time-saving state, a predetermined big win combination is derived as the display result of the effect pattern change display on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the display result of the effect pattern change display is "big win"). For example, the same effect pattern (for example, "7") is displayed stopped on a predetermined effective line in the effect pattern display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R of "left", "center", and "right".

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

In addition, the liquid crystal display 42 may temporarily stop the display of the effect pattern while it is changing, and then resume the display of the change, thereby executing a pseudo consecutive display that makes a single change appear as if it were multiple changes.

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

In this embodiment, the large prize opening 30b is controlled to an open state during a large prize game state, and the large prize opening is controlled to a closed state when the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 30b reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) (10 game balls entering the large prize opening are detected). However, it is also possible to detect the entry of game balls into the large prize opening in excess of the predetermined number (hereinafter, also referred to as an over-entry), and the system is configured to pay out prize balls even when an over-entry is detected. For example, if one over-entry occurs between the entry of the tenth game ball into the large prize opening and the closing of the opening, 15 x (10 + 1) = 165 prize balls will be awarded in one round of play.

In this embodiment, if an over win occurs, the chance lamp 53b and the attacca lamp 53c will light up.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26, the start gate 20, or the second start winning hole 28b in the normal state or the time-saving state, a pre-reading performance lottery is executed to determine whether or not to execute a pre-reading performance. If the pre-reading performance lottery is won, a performance sound is output from the speakers 54a to 54d, and the board lamp 53a, chance lamp 53b, and frame lamps 46 and 50 light up depending on the game situation.

Furthermore, even if a specific variation pattern is selected in the normal state, the panel lamp 53a, chance lamp 53b, and frame lamps 46 and 50 also light up. Specifically, in this embodiment, the specific variation pattern is a full rotation reach pattern in which the patterns stop after four pseudo variation displays in which the pattern variation display and temporary stop display are repeated, and the fourth pseudo variation display executes a full rotation reach effect in which the performance patterns change in a jackpot combination (for example, the same patterns are aligned in the performance pattern display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R). When a variation display due to a full rotation reach is performed, a jackpot is confirmed.

In addition, for example, when the display of a special symbol change is not being performed, a demo image is displayed on the LCD display 42.

[Control configuration]
Next, the configuration related to the control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a main control device 70 (main control computer) which is the center of control operations, and this main control device 70 mainly has the function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main control device 70 is built into the main control board unit 170.

The main control device 70 is also equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which the main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The main control CPU 72 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 74 and RAM (RWM) 76 together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). The main control device 70 is also equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Of these, the random number generator 75 generates hardware random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery has been won and for determining whether or not a normal symbol lottery has been won, and the random numbers generated here are input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The main control device 70 is also equipped with an input/output (I/O) port 79 and peripheral ICs such as a clock generation circuit and a counter/timer circuit (CTC) (not shown), which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. Signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, etc. are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or on the inner layers).

The start gate 20 is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. The game board unit 8 is also provided with a first start winning port switch 80 corresponding to the first start winning port 26, a second start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second start winning port 28b, a count switch 84 corresponding to the variable winning device 30, a specific area switch 85a corresponding to the specific area 30d of the variable winning device 30, and a non-specific area switch 85b corresponding to the non-specific area 30e of the variable winning device 30.

The first start winning port switch 80 detects the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 26, and the second start winning port switch 82 detects the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 28b. When a game ball is detected by the first start winning port switch 80 or the second start winning port switch 82, a predetermined number of game balls (1) are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

The count switch 84 is for counting the number of balls that enter the variable winning device 30 (large winning port 30b). When a game ball is detected by the count switch 84, a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 15 balls) are paid out as prize balls based on the detection information.

The specific area switch 85a is for detecting that a game ball has entered the specific area 30d of the variable winning device 30. The non-specific area switch 85b is for detecting that a game ball has entered the non-specific area 30e of the variable winning device 30.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal winning port switch 81 that detects the entry of a game ball into the normal winning port 22. When a game ball is detected by the normal winning port switch 81, a predetermined number of game balls (6 balls) are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

The winning detection signals of these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input/output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, the detection signals from the gate switch 78, normal winning port switch 81, count switch 84, specific area switch 85a, and non-specific area switch 85b are transmitted via a panel relay terminal board 87, which is provided with wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying each winning detection signal.

The display operations of the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 are controlled based on control signals from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. In addition, these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a are installed in the game board unit 8 in a state where they are mounted on a single integrated display board 90 as described above, and a control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to this integrated display board 90 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

The game board unit 8 is also provided with a normal electric role solenoid 88 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28, and a large winning port solenoid 89 corresponding to the variable start winning device 30. These solenoids 88, 89 operate (excite) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72, and respectively open and close (actuate) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30. Note that control signals are also sent from the main control CPU 72 to these solenoids 88, 89 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed on the integrated door unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed on the inner frame assembly 7. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72), and when the inner frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame unit 2, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7, it generates a door open information signal as an external information signal.

The payout control device 92 is installed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. This payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and this payout control CPU 94 is also configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 96 and RAM 98 together with a CPU core (not shown). The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as an external information signal along with the prize ball instruction command.

In a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, a payout motor 102 (e.g., a stepping motor, payout means) and a payout device board 100 are installed, and a drive circuit for the payout motor 102 is provided on this payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on a payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and causes the specified number of game balls to be paid out from the prize ball case. The paid-out game balls are sent to the receiving tray unit 6 through a payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

In addition, for example, a payout path ball out switch 104 is installed upstream of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed downstream of the payout motor 102. Each time a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a counting signal from the payout counting switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100. In addition, when a ball runs out upstream of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball out switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 transmits the input counting signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the ball out state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (at the rear position when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) that are actually paid out are discharged to the upper tray 6b through the flow path unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is full of game balls, the game balls paid out beyond that flow into the lower tray 6c as described above. Furthermore, when the lower tray 6c is full of game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends any further prize ball operation and stores the number of remaining prize balls that have not been paid out in the RAM 98. The memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, so that the information on the number of remaining prize balls that have not been paid out will not be lost even if a power outage (including a momentary power outage) occurs during play.

The launch control board 108 and the launch solenoid 110 are installed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The tray unit 6 is provided with a ball feed solenoid 111. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. The ball feed solenoid 111 sends out the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. The launch solenoid 110 strikes the game balls sent out to the launch position, and as described above, continuously (intermittently) shoots out the game balls one by one toward the game area 9a. The launch interval of the game balls is, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls per minute).

On the other hand, the handle unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Of these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the amount of operation of the firing handle by the player (the so-called stroke). The touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the handle unit 16 (firing handle) from a change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal. And the firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in response to the player's operation.

A launch relay terminal board 118 is installed in the tray unit 6, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is sent to the launch control board 108 via the launch relay terminal board 118. In addition, the drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the launch handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated in the launch lever volume 112 according to the amount of operation, and the launch solenoid 110 is driven based on this signal. This adjusts the strength of the game ball launch according to the amount of operation by the player. The drive circuit of the launch control board 108 stops driving the launch solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when a launch stop signal is input from the launch stop switch 116. In addition, the launch relay terminal board 118 is connected to the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120, and if a card unit is not connected to this game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120, the drive circuit of the launch control board 108 also stops driving the launch solenoid 110.

The tray unit 6 also has a built-in degree display board 122 and a loan and return switch board 123. The degree display board 122 is provided with a display (three-digit seven-segment LED) for the degree display section. The loan and return switch board 123 also has a switch module that is connected to the ball loan button 10 and the return button 12, respectively. When the ball loan button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is sent from the loan and return switch board 123 to the card unit via the game ball etc. loan device connection terminal board 120. The card unit also sends a degree signal indicating the remaining degree of the valuable medium to the degree display board 122 via the game ball etc. loan device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the degree display board 122 drives the display based on the degree signal and displays the remaining degree of the valuable medium numerically. In addition, if no valuable medium is inserted into the card unit, or if the remaining points of the inserted valuable medium reach zero, the display circuit of the point display board 122 can drive the display to display a demo (a display encouraging the insertion of valuable media).

The pachinko machine 1 also includes a performance control device 124 (performance control computer) as a control component. This performance control device 124 controls the performance that accompanies the progress of play in the pachinko machine 1. The performance control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which a performance control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The performance control CPU 126 incorporates semiconductor memories such as ROM 128 and RAM 130 as main memory, along with a CPU core (not shown). The performance control device 124 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 in a position covered by a back cover unit 178.

The performance control device 124 is also equipped with input/output drivers and various peripheral ICs (not shown), as well as a lamp drive circuit 132 and an audio drive circuit 134. The performance control CPU 126 controls the performance based on performance commands sent from the main control CPU 72, and issues commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and audio drive circuit 134 to illuminate the frame lamps 46, 50, the board lamp 53a, the chance lamp 53b, and the attacca lamp 53c, and to actually output sound effects and voices from the speakers 54a to 54d.

The performance control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other, for example, via a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them is only one-way, from the main control device 70 to the performance control device 124, and communication in the opposite direction is not performed. Note that the communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus width of the various commands sent from the main control device 70 to the performance control device 124, or a serial format may be used according to the hardware configuration of each driver IC (I/O).

The lamp driving circuit 132 includes switching elements such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC and a MOSFET (not shown), and switches (or switches the duty) the driving voltage applied to various lamps including LEDs to manage their light emission, blinking, and other operations. In addition to the frame lamps 46 and 50, the various lamps include the board lamp 53a, chance lamp 53b, and attacca lamp 53c for decoration and performance that are installed on the game board unit 8. The board lamp 53a is an LED built into the performance unit 40 or the role 60, the chance lamp 53b is an LED located near the variable winning device 30 (specifically, on the right side), and the attacca lamp 53c is an LED built into the variable winning device 30.

The acoustic drive circuit 134 is a sound generator that includes, for example, a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, etc. (not shown), and this acoustic drive circuit 134 drives the speakers 54a to 54d to output sound.

In this embodiment, a glass frame illumination board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 are applied to the various frame lamps 46, 50, the board lamp 53a, the chance lamp 53b, the attacca lamp 53c, and the speakers 54a to 54d via the glass frame illumination board 136. In addition, a performance button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when a player operates the performance button 45, the contact signal is input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. In addition, a jog dial 45a is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when a player rotates the jog dial 45a, the rotation signal is input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. Note that, although an example is given here in which the performance button 45 and jog dial 45a are connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, if a saucer illumination board is installed, the performance button 45 and jog dial 45a may be connected to the saucer illumination board.

The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display screen can be seen through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8. In addition, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and this inverter board 158 generates AC power applied to the backlight (e.g., cold cathode fluorescent lamp) of the liquid crystal display 42. Furthermore, a performance display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the performance display control device 144. The performance display control device 144 is equipped with a circuit board (performance display control board) on which a display processor VDP 152 is mounted, together with a display control CPU 146, which is a general-purpose central processing unit. Of these, the display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 148 and RAM 150 together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156 together with a processor core (not shown). Note that part of the storage area of the VRAM 156 can be used as a frame buffer.

The ROM 128 of the performance control CPU 126 stores a basic program for controlling the performance, and the performance control CPU 126 executes the control of the performance in accordance with this program. As described above, the control of the performance includes the control of the performance using the frame lamps 46, 50, board lamp 53a, chance lamp 53b, attacca lamp 53c, etc. and speakers 54a to 54d, as well as the control of the performance by image display using the LCD display 42. The performance control CPU 126 sends basic information about the performance (for example, the performance number) to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 that receives this controls the display of specific images for the performance based on the basic information.

The display control CPU 146 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 152. The VDP 152 receives this signal and accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads out the necessary image data from there, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Furthermore, the VDP 152 expands the image data on the VRAM 156 into a frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time), and individually drives each pixel (full-color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the image data buffered here.

In addition, a power supply control unit 162 (power supply control means) is equipped on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. This power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit, and when external power (e.g., AC 24V, etc.) is taken in from the island equipment through the power cord 164, it can generate the necessary power (e.g., DC +34V, +12V, etc.) from it. The power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the performance control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the card unit via the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120. In addition, low-voltage power (e.g., DC +5V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (e.g., a three-terminal regulator, etc.) built into each device. In addition, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is earthed (grounded) to the island equipment through the earth wire 166.

The external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are output from the external terminal board 160 to the outside via the payout control device 92. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are collected, for example, by a hall computer (not shown) in the game center. Note that, although a configuration via the payout control device 92 is given here as an example, a configuration in which external information signals are output directly from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may also be used.

The above is an example of the configuration related to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, we will explain the control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the main control CPU 72 starts the reset start process. The reset start process is a process for adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by restoring the game state based on the backup information saved at the time of the previous power cut (so-called power recovery) or, conversely, clearing the backup information. The reset start process is also positioned as the main process (main control program) for ensuring stable game operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure for the reset start process. Below, each step of the process performed by the main control CPU 72 is explained in order.

Step S101: The main control CPU 72 first sets the top address of the stack area to the stack pointer.

Step S102: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector-based interrupt mode (mode 2) and modifies the default RST-based interrupt mode (mode 0). This allows the main control CPU 72 to subsequently reference any address (where the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute a specified interrupt handler.

Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a standby process at reset. This process is intended to secure a certain amount of standby time (e.g., several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (e.g., power-on) and check the main power failure detection signal during that time. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a loop counter for the standby time, and performs a bit check of the input port for the main power failure detection signal while decrementing the loop counter value. The main power failure detection signal is input, for example, from a power supply monitoring IC, which is a peripheral device. If the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power failure detection signal has been input before the loop counter reaches 0, it resumes processing from the beginning. This makes it possible to protect the system when, for example, the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly turned on and off within a short period of time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, it resets the RAM protection setting value of the work area (to 00H). This allows access to the work area of the RAM 76 from then on.

Step S105: The main control CPU 72 also initializes the mask register to set the interrupt mask. Specifically, it stores a value that enables the CTC interrupt in the mask register.

Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the RAM clear switch that was saved earlier, and checks whether the RAM clear switch has been operated (switched ON). If the RAM clear switch has not been operated (No), it then executes step S107.

Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, i.e., whether the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup ended normally in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (e.g., "A55AH") is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S108.

Step S108: The main control CPU 72 performs a sum check on the backup information in RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 performs a sum check on all areas of the work area of RAM 76 (user work area including the prohibited area and stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (e.g., to "0000H").
Step S110: The main control CPU 72 also clears any commands that were waiting to be sent immediately before the previous power outage occurred.

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a presentation control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends return commands (e.g., a machine type designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a presentation command when the number of operation memories increases, a presentation command when the number of operation memories decreases, a number of times the counter is off, a special game state designation command, etc.) to the presentation control device 124. In response to this, the presentation control device 124 can return to the presentation state that was active at the time of the previous power outage (e.g., the internal probability state, the display mode of the presentation symbol, the presentation display mode of the number of operation memories, the sound output contents, the light emission state of various lamps, etc.).

Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes a state restoration process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and restores the game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power outage (for example, the display mode of the special symbol, the internal probability state, the contents of the operation memory, the various flag states, the random number update state, etc.). The main control CPU 72 also restores the backed up values of the PC register.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch was operated when the power was turned on (step S106: Yes), if the backup validity determination flag was not set (step S107: No), or if the backup information was not normal (step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents of the RAM 76 other than the prohibited areas. As a result, the work areas and stack areas of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored therein, the contents are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU 72 also performs initial settings for the RAM 76.

Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes a performance control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs commands (commands necessary for performance control) to be sent to the performance control device 124 after the initial setting.

Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command to the payout control device 92 to start paying out prize balls.

Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes a CTC initial setting process to initialize the CTC (counter/timer circuit), which is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and also sets an interrupt count value (e.g., 4 ms) in the CTC. This allows the main control CPU 72 to continue processing from the program address of the backed up PC register the next time a CTC interrupt occurs.

When the above steps are executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 transitions to the main loop shown in Figure 7 (connection symbol A → A).

Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts and then executes a power interruption check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs a bit check on the input port of the main power interruption detection signal to monitor the occurrence of a power interruption (a drop in the drive voltage). When a power interruption occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the normal electric role solenoid 88 and the large prize opening solenoid 89, etc., backs up the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76 except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, and saves the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the above valid value (for example, "A55AH") in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops the process (NOP). On the other hand, if a power interruption does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. Note that there is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes such a process at the time of a power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (e.g., jackpot pattern random numbers, reach judgment random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) other than the jackpot determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) and the win determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to normal patterns are generated in the program. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 9), but in this process, the initial value of the loop counter (not all random numbers are the target) is changed every time the random number value goes around once. The initial value update random numbers are used to randomly change these initial values, and in step S120, the initial value update random numbers are updated. The reason why step S120 is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S118 is to prevent overlap (conflict) with another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 9) that executes a similar process. As described above, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number and the win determination random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update period is even faster (e.g., several μs) than the timer interrupt period (e.g., several ms), so there is no need to update the initial values of the jackpot determination random number and the win determination random number.

Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this processing are software random numbers that are not related to the determination of the type of win (hit type) (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.). This processing is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management processing (Figure 9). The contents of the interrupt management processing will be described later.

[Power interruption check process]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart specifically showing an example of the procedure of the power interruption occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking whether a power interruption has occurred. This check condition can be set, for example, as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power interruption detection signal is being continuously output.

Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power interruption detection switch input port and checks whether or not a main power interruption detection signal is being output (checks a specific bit). Although not shown in the figure, the main power interruption detection switch is implemented in the main control device 70, for example, and this main power interruption detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162, and outputs a main power interruption detection signal when the voltage level falls below a reference voltage. The main power interruption detection switch may be built into the power supply control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 checks that the main power interruption detection signal is not being output at the present time (No), it exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, when it checks that the main power interruption detection signal is being output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

Step S134: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the above check conditions are met. Specifically, the on-counter value set in the previous step S130 is decremented by, for example, 1, and whether the result is 0 is checked. If the on-counter value is still not 0 at this point (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and checks the main power interruption detection switch input port again. Then, when the check conditions are met by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S136.

Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output ports corresponding to the normal electric role solenoid 88 and the large prize opening solenoid 89 as described above.

Steps S138 and S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds up the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76, excluding the backup validity determination flag and the checksum buffer, in byte units, and repeats this process until the addition is completed for the entire area.
Step S142: When the calculation of the sum for all areas is completed (Step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores a valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.

Step S146: The main control CPU 72 also stores "01H", indicating access is prohibited, in the protection value of RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area of RAM 76 (including the prohibited area and stack area).

Step S148: The main control CPU 72 then enters a standby loop and stops all other processing in preparation for a main power outage. After a main power outage occurs, backup power is supplied from a backup power circuit (not shown, for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main control device 70), so the contents stored in the RAM 76 are retained even after the main power is cut off. The backup power circuit may be built into the power control unit 162, for example.

Through the above process, all information that was stored in the work area of RAM 76 and is to be backed up (subject to sum addition) will be retained as memory in RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. In addition, the retained memory will be restored as backup information at the time of power outage after the checksum is confirmed to be normal in the previous reset start process (Figure 6).

[Interrupt management process (timer interrupt process)]
Next, the interrupt management process (timer interrupt process) will be described. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the interrupt management process. The main control CPU 72 executes the interrupt management process at predetermined time intervals (e.g., several ms) based on an interrupt request signal from the counter/timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 writes the values of the registers (accumulator A, flag register F, and each pair of general-purpose registers B to L) used during the execution of the main loop to R
The values are saved in the save area of the AM 76. After the values are saved, other values can be written to the registers (A to L) during the interrupt management process.

Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the values of the counters used to generate various random numbers for the lottery. The values of each counter are incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76, and each loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers.

Step S202: The main control CPU 72 also executes the initial value update random number update process. The content of the process is the same as that described above.

Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from the input/output (I/O) port 79. Specifically, it reads the input state (ON/OFF) of the passing detection signal from the gate switch 78 and the winning detection signals from the first start winning port switch 80, the normal winning port switch 81, the second start winning port switch 82, the count switch 84, the specific area switch 85a, and the non-specific area switch 85b.

Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this processing, an event that has occurred during play is determined based on the winning detection signal or passing detection signal from the gate switch 78, first start winning port switch 80, normal winning port switch 81, second start winning port switch 82, count switch 84, specific area switch 85a, and non-specific area switch 85b among the switch signals input in the previous input processing, and further processing is executed according to each of the events that have occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event processing will be described later using another flowchart.

In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the first start winning port switch 80 or the second start winning port switch 82, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers an internal lottery (lottery trigger) corresponding to the first special pattern or the second special pattern has occurred. In addition, when a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers a lottery corresponding to a normal pattern has occurred. When it is determined that either event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing according to the respective event that has occurred. The processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the first start winning port switch 80 or the second start winning port switch 82 will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes special symbol game processing and normal symbol game processing during the interrupt management processing. These processes are intended to specifically progress the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game processing (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of an internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, controls the variable display and stop display by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, and controls the operation of the variable winning device 30 according to the display results. Details of the special symbol game processing will be described later using another flowchart.

In the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores the random number (normal symbol winning determination random number) obtained in the previous switch input event process (step S204) as a trigger for passing through the start gate 20, reads the random number value from the memory in this normal symbol game process, and judges whether it falls within a predetermined winning range (operation lottery execution means). If the random number value falls within the winning range, the normal symbol is displayed by the normal symbol display device 33 in a variable manner, and the normal symbol is displayed in a stopped state in a predetermined winning manner, and then the main control CPU 72 excites the normal electric role solenoid 88 to operate the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece operation means). On the other hand, if the random number value is outside the winning range, the main control CPU 72 displays the normal symbol in a losing manner after the variable display.

Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the prize ball payout process. In this process, a prize ball instruction command is output to the payout control device 92 to instruct the number of prize balls based on the winning detection signal input from the various switches 81, 82, 84, 85a, and 85b in the previous input process (step S203).

Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 stores the above-mentioned external information signals (e.g., winning ball information, door opening information, number of pattern determination information, jackpot information, starting hole information, etc.) in the port output request buffer to the hall computer of the amusement facility via the external terminal board 160.

In this embodiment, various kinds of jackpot information can be provided to external electronic devices (data display device and hall computer) connected to the pachinko machine 1 by outputting, for example, "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5" from among various external information signals (external information signal output means). In other words, by outputting the jackpot information divided into a plurality of "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5", it is possible to count and manage the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations in a hall computer (not shown), recognize changes in the internal probability state (low probability state or high probability state) and the shortened state of the pattern change time, and count and manage the occurrence of small jackpots (hits where the condition device does not operate) that are not classified as "jackpots" even if they are not non-wins. In addition, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) can count and display the number of jackpots that have occurred within the past few business days for each machine of the pachinko machine 1, recognize whether or not each machine is currently in a jackpot, or recognize whether or not each machine is currently in a shortened state of the pattern change time. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the detailed output state (set of ON or OFF) of each of "Jackpot 1" through "Jackpot 5."

Step S209: The main control CPU 72 also executes test signal processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals that indicate its own internal state (e.g., normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot in progress, probability fluctuation function in operation, time reduction function in operation) and stores these in the port output request buffer. These test signals make it possible to test the internal state of the main control CPU 72, for example, outside the main control device 70.

Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a display output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, the game status display device 38, and the like. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer in the previous special symbol game process (step S205) or normal symbol game process (step S206) is output to the port. The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode that displays the changing or stopping of symbols, the number of operation memories, the game status, etc.).

Step S211: The main control CPU 72 also executes output management processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 outputs to the port the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S208). The main control CPU 72 also outputs to the port the drive signals, test signals, etc., of the normal electric role solenoid 88 and the large prize opening solenoid 89 stored in the port output request buffer.

Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes a performance control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether there are any commands in the command buffer that it should send to the performance control device 124 (commands necessary for performance control), and if there are any unsent commands, it outputs the commands to be output to the port.

Step S213: The main control CPU 72 then clears the port output request buffer that was stored during this CTC interrupt.

In this embodiment, an example is given in which the processes of steps S205 to S212 (game control program module) are executed as timer interrupt processes, but there are also known programming examples in which these processes are incorporated into the main loop of the CPU and executed.

Step S214: After completing the above processing, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) specifying the end of the interrupt in the interrupt program counter and ends the CTC interrupt.

Step S215, Step S216: The main control CPU 72 then restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and allows the next CTC interrupt. After this, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (the program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
10 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure for the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 9). Each step will be described below in order.

Step S10: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery trigger has occurred) from the first start winning port switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. The specific contents of the process will be described further below using a separate flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery trigger has occurred) from the second start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Again, the specific process content will be described further below using a separate flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

Step S18: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the large winning opening 30b of the variable winning device 30. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and executes the large winning opening count process. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

Step S20: In the jackpot count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls that enter the variable winning device 30 for each round during jackpot play. The main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S22.

Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a passing detection signal has been input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. If the input of this passing detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current normal symbol activation memory number is less than the upper limit number (e.g., 4), and if the upper limit number has not been reached, acquires a random number per normal symbol. In addition, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol activation memory number by 1. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random number value per normal symbol in the random number memory area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if the passing detection signal has not been input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S26.

Step S26a: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a passage detection signal has been input from the specific area switch 85a corresponding to the specific area 30d in the variable prize winning device 30 (i.e., the large prize opening 30b). If the input of a passage detection signal corresponding to the specific area 30d is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S27 and executes processing at the time of passing through the specific area. On the other hand, if the input of a passage detection signal corresponding to the specific area 30d is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S26b.

Step S26b: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a passage detection signal has been input from the non-specific area switch 85b corresponding to the non-specific area 30e in the variable prize-winning device 30 (i.e., the large prize opening 30b). If the input of a passage detection signal corresponding to the non-specific area 30e is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S28 and executes non-specific area passing processing. On the other hand, if the input of a passage detection signal corresponding to the non-specific area 30e is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management processing (Figure 9).

Step S27: In the specific area passing processing, the main control CPU 72 stores in a memory area of the RAM 76 that passing through the specific area 30d has been confirmed. In addition, a specific area passing command is generated which indicates that the specific area 30d has been passed. The specific area passing command is transmitted to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output processing (step S212 in FIG. 9).

Step S28: In the non-specific area passing processing, the main control CPU 72 generates a non-specific area passing command indicating that the non-specific area 30e has been passed. The non-specific area passing command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output processing (step S212 in FIG. 9).

[First special symbol memory update process]
11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 10). The procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described below step by step.

Step S30: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol activation memory number counter and checks whether the activation memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The activation memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot pattern random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Here, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections for the first special symbol and four sections (for example, 2 bytes each) for the second special symbol, and each section can store one set (set) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot pattern random numbers. At this time, if the value of the activation memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (Figure 10). On the other hand, if the value of the activation memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31. In this embodiment, the number of activation memories for the first special symbol, i.e. the maximum number of reserved memories for the first special symbol, is set to four.

Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one to the number of first special symbol activation memories. The first special symbol activation memory number counter is stored, for example, in the activation memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments the value (+1). Based on the counter value thus incremented, the lighting state of the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9).

Step S32: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determining random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of first lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). The random number value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. If the main control CPU 72 is an 8-bit process, the address is specified in two parts, one byte at a time for the upper and lower bits. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determining random number value from the specified address, it saves this in the destination address as the jackpot determining random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 obtains the jackpot pattern random number value corresponding to the first special pattern from the jackpot pattern random number counter area of the RAM 76. This random number value is also obtained by specifying the address of the jackpot pattern random number counter area. After the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot pattern random number value from the specified address, it saves this in the destination address as the jackpot pattern random number corresponding to the first special pattern.

Step S34: The main control CPU 72 also sequentially acquires the reach determination random number and the fluctuation pattern determination random number from the fluctuation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as random number values related to the fluctuation conditions of the first special pattern (fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition means). The acquisition of these random number values is also performed by specifying the address of the fluctuation random number counter area. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the fluctuation pattern determination random number from the specified addresses, it saves them in the transfer destination address.

Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot pattern random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special pattern, and stores these random numbers as a set in empty sections within the area (storage means, lottery element storage means). An order (e.g., 1st to 4th) is set for the multiple sections, and if all of the 1st to 4th sections are empty at the current stage, the random numbers are stored in order starting from the 1st section. Alternatively, if the 1st section is already filled and the other sections 2nd to 4th are empty, the random numbers are stored in order starting from the 2nd section. The random number storage area is read out in a FIFO (First In First Out) format.

Step S38: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the performance command for the first special symbol when the number of operating memories is increased. Specifically, a one-word performance command is generated by adding the increased number of operating memories (for example, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte, in addition to the preceding value of the upper byte (for example, "BBH") that indicates the type of command. At this time, the lower byte has the second digit set to "0" by default, indicating that the value is the "result of an increase in the number of operating memories (change information)". In other words, if the lower byte is "01H", it indicates that the number of operating memories this time is "01H" as a result of an increase of one from the previous number of operating memories "00H". Similarly, if the lower byte is "02H" to "04H", it indicates that the number of operating memories this time is "02H" to "04H" as a result of an increase of one from the previous number of operating memories "01H" to "03H". The preceding value "BBH" above indicates that the current effect command is an activation memory count command for the first special symbol.

Step S39: The main control CPU 72 then executes a performance command output setting process for the first special symbol. This process is for sending the performance command generated in step S38 when the number of activation memories increases to the performance control device 124 (memory number notification means).

When the above steps are completed, or the number of first special pattern activation memories reaches four (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (Figure 10).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in Fig. 10). The procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described below step by step.

Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter and checks whether the activation memory number is less than the maximum value. As with the above, the second special symbol activation memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot pattern random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter has reached the maximum value (e.g., 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and onwards. In this embodiment, the activation memory number for the second special symbol, i.e., the maximum reserved memory number for the second special symbol, is set to 3.

Step S41: The main control CPU 72 adds one to the number of second special symbol activation memories (increments the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter). As in the previous step S31 (Figure 11), the illumination state of the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in Figure 9) based on the counter value added here.

Step S42: The main control CPU 72 then obtains a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 via the sampling circuit 77 (obtaining the second lottery element, lottery element obtaining means). The method of obtaining the random number value is the same as that of step S32 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 obtains the jackpot pattern random number value corresponding to the second special pattern from the jackpot pattern random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method of obtaining the random number value is the same as that of step S33 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S44: The main control CPU 72 also sequentially acquires reach determination random numbers and fluctuation pattern determination random numbers related to the fluctuation conditions of the second special symbol from the fluctuation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition means). The acquisition of these random number values is also performed in the same manner as in step S34 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot pattern random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special pattern, and stores these random numbers as a set in an empty section within the area (storage means). The storage method is the same as that of step S35 (Figure 11) described above.

Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a performance command for the second special symbol when the number of operating memories is increased. Here, a one-word performance command is generated by adding the increased number of operating memories (for example, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte, in addition to a preceding value (for example, "BCH") in the upper byte that indicates the type of command. Similarly, for the second special symbol, the second digit of the lower byte can be set to "0" by default to indicate that this value is the "result of an increase in the number of operating memories (change information)." Note that the preceding value "BCH" is a value that indicates that the current performance command is an operating memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S49: The main control CPU 72 then executes a performance command output setting process for the second special symbol. This prepares to send a performance command, etc., for the second special symbol when the number of activation memories increases to the performance control device 124 (memory number notification means). After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (Figure 10).

[Special symbol game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interruption management process (FIG. 9) will be described. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the configuration of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes a group of subroutines (program modules) of execution selection process (step S1000), special symbol pre-variation process (step S2000), special symbol variation process (step S3000), special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and variable winning device management process (step S5000). Here, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along with each process.

Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the next process to be executed (any of steps S2000 to S5000) from the "jump table." For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the next process to be executed as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the special symbol game process in the stack pointer as the return address.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress status (special symbol game management status) of the process performed so far. For example, if the special symbol has not yet started to change (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol change processing has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the address of the jump destination is specified in the "jump table" to select the process, but in addition to such a selection method, there are also known programming examples in which the CPU selects the process to be executed next using "process flags" and "process selection flags". In this programming example, the CPU calls each process and at the first step, it references a flag for each process to determine whether to continue or return. However, the selection method of this embodiment eliminates the need for the main control CPU 72 to call each process.

Step S2000: In the special symbol change pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 prepares the conditions for starting the special symbol change display. The specific processing content will be described later using a separate flowchart.

Step S3000: In the special pattern variation process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, it outputs an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) to each segment and dot (numbers 0 to 7) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes over time, thereby displaying the variation of the special pattern.

Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Here too, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, which causes the special symbol to stop being displayed.

Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is displayed in a winning state (a state other than a non-winning state) during the previous special symbol display process. Depending on the state in which the special symbol is displayed, a big win game or a small win game is started.

[Jackpot Game]
For example, when the special symbol is displayed in a seven-round jackpot mode, a trigger occurs to transition from the normal state to a jackpot game state (a special game state advantageous to the player). During a jackpot game, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning port solenoid 89 is excited for a certain period of time (for example, 29 seconds or until 10 winnings are counted) for a preset number of consecutive operations (for example, 7 times), and the variable winning device 30 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric role). During this time, by concentrating game balls on the variable winning device 30, the player is given the opportunity to win many prize balls at once (special game execution means). In addition, the opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of the jackpot is called a "round", and if the number of consecutive operations is 7 in total, these may be collectively referred to as "7 rounds". In this embodiment, a plurality of winning types (winning symbols) are provided for the 7-round jackpot. In addition to the 7-round jackpot, multiple types of 4-round jackpots and 2-round jackpots may be provided as jackpot types.

In addition, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large prize opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening/closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable prize device management process, it increments the value of the round number counter by 1 each time it completes one round of opening/closing operations of the variable prize device 30. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example with an initial value of 0. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command that indicates the value of the round number counter. The round number command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of consecutive operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the large prize game (big prize) at the end of that round.

Then, when the jackpot game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state (time-saving state) after the jackpot game ends based on the game state flag (time-saving flag) (time-saving state transition means). In the "time-saving state", the time-saving function is activated, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is shortened, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended, increasing the number of times it opens (so-called electric chute support is performed).

[Small win game]
In this embodiment, a small win is provided as a winning type other than a non-win (miss). When a small win is won, a small win game is played separately from the big win game, and the variable winning device 30 opens and closes (special game execution means). For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small win, an opportunity occurs to transition from the normal state to a small win state (a special game state advantageous to the player). During the small win, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning port solenoid 89 is excited for a certain time (for example, 29 seconds) or for a preset number of times (for example, 10 times) until 10 winnings are counted, and the variable winning device 30 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern (operation of the special electric device). During this time, game balls are concentrated in the variable winning device 30, so that the player is given an opportunity to win a certain number of prize balls (special game execution means).

In addition, in the variable winning device management process during a small win, the game ball that entered the variable winning device 30 passes through the specific area 30d, giving the player an opportunity to start a big win game. In other words, whether or not to start a big win game is determined by whether or not the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during a small win.

In addition, if the game ends with a small win without the game ball passing through the specific area 30d, the "time-saving function" will not be activated again, so the privilege of moving to the "time-saving state" will not be granted (it is not a prerequisite for this) (unless the upper limit of the number of times has been reached).

[Multiple winning types]
In this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned "7-round jackpot", a "10-round jackpot" is provided as one of the multiple winning types. These jackpots start when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode, and may also start when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a small jackpot mode and the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during a small jackpot. If a jackpot starts when the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during a small jackpot, the small jackpot is counted as the first round and the number of rounds is counted.

The above "7-round jackpot" and "10-round jackpot" correspond to the type of first or second special symbol that is stopped and displayed when a jackpot is won. For this reason, hereafter, "winning type" will be referred to as "winning symbol" as appropriate.

[7 round jackpot pattern]
In the special symbol stop display process, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a "7 round symbol", an opportunity to transition from the normal state to a big win game state occurs (special game execution means). In this case, the big prize winning hole 30b is opened once each time over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the seventh round (final round). This winning game can grant the player seven rounds of balls (prize balls) (special value game). In addition, when the big prize winning hole 30b wins a specified number of times (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) in one round, it is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, for example, by activating the "time shortening function" after the end of the big win game, the player is granted a privilege to transition to the "time shortening state".

[10 round jackpot pattern]
In the special symbol stop display process, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a "10 round symbol", an opportunity to transition from the normal state to a big win game state occurs (special game execution means). In this case, the big prize winning hole 30b is opened once each time over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the 10th round (final round). This winning game can grant the player 10 rounds of balls (prize balls) (special value special game). In addition, when the big prize winning hole 30b wins a specified number of times (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) in one round, it is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, for example, by activating the "time-saving function" after the end of the big win game, the player is granted a privilege to transition to the "time-saving state".

[7 round small winning pattern]
In the previous special pattern stop display process, when the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in the form of a "7-round small win pattern", an opportunity occurs to transition from the normal state to a small win state. Then, when the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during the small win, an opportunity occurs to transition from the small win to the big win game state. From the second round, the big prize opening is opened once at a time over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds), and this continues until the seventh round (the final round). This "7-round small win pattern" big win game can award the player with seven rounds of balls (prize balls) (special value special game). In addition, when a prize is won a specified number of times (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) in one round, the big prize opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse.

[10 round small winning pattern]
In the previous special pattern stop display process, when the second special pattern is stopped and displayed in the form of a "10 round small win pattern", an opportunity occurs to transition from the normal state to a small win state. Then, when the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during the small win, an opportunity occurs to transition from the small win to the big win game state. From the second round, the big prize opening is opened once at a time over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds), and this continues until the 10th round (final round). This "10 round small win pattern" big win game can give the player 10 rounds of balls (prize balls) (special value special game). In addition, when a prize is won a specified number of times (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) in one round, the big prize opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse.

In this embodiment, it is possible to win 1,050 prize balls in a 7-round jackpot, and 1,500 prize balls in a 10-round jackpot. Therefore, if you win four 10-round jackpots in a row, you can win about 6,000 prize balls.

In this embodiment, depending on the type of symbol, a bonus is given to the player to switch the internal state to the "time-saving state" after the big win game ends. Also, if the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during a small win and a big win game starts, a bonus is given to the player to switch the internal state to the "time-saving state" after the big win game ends. Also, if a small win is won in the internal lottery while in the "time-saving state", and the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during the small win and a big win game starts, the "time-saving state" will continue (resume) even after the big win game ends.

In this embodiment, the second special pattern has a higher probability of a small win than the first special pattern, but it is also possible to use a configuration other than this embodiment in which the advantage regarding a small win is different between the first special pattern and the second special pattern, such as making it easier for the game ball to pass through the specific area 30d with the second special pattern than with the first special pattern, or only the second special pattern being a small win.

[Special pattern change pre-processing]
14 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for the special symbol variation pre-processing. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the first special symbol activation memory count or the second special symbol activation memory count remains (is greater than 0). This check can be made by referring to the value of the activation memory count counter stored in the RAM 76. If the activation memory count for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the demo setting process of step S2500.

Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demo performance command. The demo performance command is output to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above (step S212 in FIG. 9). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (similarly thereafter).

In contrast, if the value of the activation memory number counter for either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2200.

Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the random numbers for lottery (jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, random number value for first special symbol variation) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, which correspond to the second special symbol. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections (only the first special symbol applies), the main control CPU 72 reads out the random numbers in order from the first section, erases (consumes) them, and then moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. The read out random numbers are stored, for example, in another temporary storage area. If no random numbers corresponding to the second special symbol are stored, the main control CPU 72 reads out the random numbers corresponding to the first special symbol and stores them in the temporary storage area. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for the internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in this embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. In addition, the program may simply read out random numbers in the order in which they were stored, without setting priorities for each special symbol. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one from the value of the activation memory counter (the first special symbol or the second special symbol, whichever has been shifted) stored in the RAM 76, and sets the subtracted value to the "activation memory number at the start of fluctuation." This causes the display mode of the memory number by the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a to change (decreased by one) in the above-mentioned display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9). After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2300.

[Special design memory area shift processing]
Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the special symbol memory area shift process. In the previous special symbol variation pre-processing, if the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than "0" (step S2100 in Fig. 14: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes this special symbol memory area shift process. Each procedure will be explained below.

Step S2210: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the oldest of the current activation memories corresponds to the first special symbol. That is, the memory area of the RAM 76 is accessed, and if the oldest activation memory does not correspond to the first special symbol but corresponds to the second special symbol (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2212.

Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 designates the second special symbol as the special symbol to be shifted in the memory area. This designation is performed, for example, by setting "02H" as the target symbol designation value.

Step S2214: On the other hand, if the oldest activation memory corresponds to the first special symbol (step S2210: Yes), the main control CPU 72 designates the first special symbol as the special symbol to be shifted in the memory area. In this case, the designation is performed, for example, by setting "01H" as the target symbol designation value.

Step S2216: For the special symbol specified in either step S2212 or step S2214, the main control CPU 72 shifts the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Note that the specific processing content has already been described in the special symbol change pre-processing above.

Step S2218: Next, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the operation memory counter for the target special symbol. For example, if the target for shifting the memory area this time is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) from the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol.

Step S2220: The main control CPU 72 then sets the "number of activation memories at the start of fluctuation" from the value of the activation memory counter after subtraction. Note that here, the "number of activation memories at the start of fluctuation" may be set by adding the values of the activation memory counter for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

Step S2222: The main control CPU 72 also checks whether the special pattern to be shifted in the current memory area is the second special pattern.

Step S2224: If the target is the second special symbol (Step S2222: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the effect command when the number of operation memories is decreased for the second special symbol. The effect command set here is also generated as a command of one word length, but its configuration is in contrast to the above-mentioned "effect command when the number of operation memories is increased". That is, the effect command when the number of operation memories is decreased is obtained by adding the value of the lower byte (e.g., "00H" to "03H") representing the number of operation memories after the decrease to the preceding value of the upper byte (e.g., "BCH") representing the command type, and further adding (logical OR) an additional value (e.g., "10H") meaning "a decrease in the number of operation memories due to consumption". Therefore, by logical ORing the additional value "10H" with the lower byte, the second digit becomes "1", and this value represents "a result of a decrease in the number of operation memories (change information)". In other words, if the lower byte of the command is "13H", it indicates that the number of activation memories up to the previous time "4" (command notation "14H") has been reduced by one, resulting in the current number of activation memories being "3" (command notation "13H"). Similarly, if the lower byte is "12H" to "10H", it indicates that the number of activation memories up to the previous time "3" to "1" (command notation "13H" to "11H") has been reduced by one, resulting in the current number of activation memories being "2" to "0" (command notation "12H" to "10H"). The preceding value "BCH" above is a value indicating that the current performance command is an activation memory number command for the second special pattern.

Step S2226: If the current target is the first special symbol (step S2222: No), the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for the first special symbol when the number of activation memories decreases. In this case, the command is the same as above, except that the preceding value is a value (e.g., "BBH") indicating that the number of activation memories is a command for the first special symbol.

Step S2228: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes a performance command output process. This process is for transmitting the performance command set in the previous step S2224 or step S2226 when the number of operation memories is reduced to the performance control device 124 (memory number notification means).
After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special pattern change pre-processing (FIG. 14).

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of jackpot values and determines whether the read random number value is included within this range (internal lottery execution means). If the read random number value is included within the range of jackpot values, the main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot flag (01H) and proceeds to step S2400.

If the jackpot flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 next sets a range of small jackpot values in the same jackpot determination process and judges whether the read random number value is included within this range (lottery execution means). The "small jackpot" here is something other than a non-win (miss), but has a different nature from a "jackpot". In other words, a "jackpot" generates an opportunity (a turning point in the game) to transition to the above-mentioned "time-saving state", but a "small jackpot" does not generate such an opportunity. A "small jackpot" is positioned as satisfying the conditions for activating only the variable winning device 30 (it does not satisfy the conditions for activating the condition device). Furthermore, if the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during a "small jackpot", it is positioned as developing into a "jackpot" (satisfying the conditions for activating the condition device). In any case, if the read random number value is included within the range of the small jackpot value, the main control CPU 72 sets the small jackpot flag and proceeds to step S2400. In this way, in this embodiment, the range of big win and small win values is predefined in the program as a win range other than non-win, but a big win determination table and a small win determination table for each state can be written in advance to ROM 74, and the big win determination can be made by reading them and comparing them with the random number value.

Here, as a specific example, in this embodiment, in the internal lottery for the special symbol, if the special symbol is the first special symbol, the probability of winning a big win is set to about 1 in 319, and the probability of winning a small win is set to about 1 in 500. Also, if the special symbol is the second special symbol, the probability of winning a big win is set to the same about 1 in 319, and the probability of winning a small win is set to about 1 in 1. Therefore, when the internal lottery for the second special symbol is executed, it represents that a small win is almost always won. In order to satisfy these winning probabilities of a big win and a small win, the range of the big win value and the range of the small win value are set by the main control CPU 72 and compared with the read random number value. It is also possible to set the winning probability of a small win for the first special symbol to 0, and to allow only the second special symbol to win a small win.

Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the value (01H) was set to the jackpot flag in the previous jackpot determination process. If the value (01H) was not set to the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) was set to the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) was not set to the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2404. Note that the main control CPU 72 may determine whether a big hit (e.g., set 01H) or a small hit (e.g., set 0AH) is occurring based on the value of a common hit flag, without providing separate big hit and small hit flags.

Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining the stop pattern when a loss occurs. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop pattern number data when a loss occurs by the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35. The main control CPU 72 also generates a stop pattern command and a lottery result command (when a loss occurs) to be sent to the performance control device 124. These commands are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9).

In this embodiment, since 7-segment LEDs are used for the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stopping symbol when a miss occurs can always be set to only one segment (the central bar "-") being lit, and the stopping symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H). In this case, the memory capacity used by the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a fluctuation pattern when a loss occurs. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines by lottery the fluctuation pattern number when a loss occurs for the special symbol (fluctuation pattern selection means). The fluctuation pattern number distinguishes the type (pattern) of the fluctuation display of the special symbol and corresponds to the fluctuation time required for the fluctuation display.

Here, except for when a fluctuation is made to execute a reach performance, the fluctuation time at the time of a miss may be shortened based on the "number of operation memories at the start of the fluctuation display (0 to 3)" set in step S2200 (for example, 0 operation memories at the start of the fluctuation display → approximately 12.5 seconds, 1 operation memory at the start of the fluctuation display → approximately 8 seconds, 2 operation memories at the start of the fluctuation display → approximately 5 seconds, 3 operation memories at the start of the fluctuation display → approximately 2.5 seconds). Note that the stopped display time of the pattern at the time of a miss is constant (for example, approximately 0.5 seconds) regardless of the fluctuation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time (at the time of a miss) to the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stopped display time at the time of a miss to the stopped pattern display timer.

In this embodiment, if the result of the internal lottery using the special symbols is a non-win, the performance is controlled so that, for example, a "reach performance" occurs and it is a miss, or a "reach performance" is not generated and it is a miss. The "miss time variation pattern selection table" pre-specifies variation patterns corresponding to multiple types of performance, for example, "non-reach performance" and "reach performance", and if it is a non-win, one of these variation patterns will be selected. Note that reach performance includes various reach performances such as normal reach performance, long reach performance, super reach performance, etc.

The above steps S2404 and S2405 are the control procedures when the jackpot determination result is a miss (other than a non-win), but if the determination result is a jackpot (step S2400: Yes) or a minor jackpot (step S2402: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of a jackpot will be explained.

Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining the symbol to be stopped at the time of a jackpot (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol (the symbol number to be stopped at the time of a jackpot) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is specified in advance in a special symbol determination data table (winning type determination means). For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can refer to the jackpot symbol selection table in the process for determining the symbol to be stopped at the time of a jackpot, and determine the type of winning symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number from the stored contents.

[Winning design when hitting the jackpot]
In this embodiment, two types of winning symbols are prepared as the winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a big win. The two types are a "first winning symbol" and a "second winning symbol". If the type of the special symbol is the first special symbol, the winning type is determined to be the "first winning symbol", and if the type of the special symbol is the second special symbol, the winning type is determined to be the "second winning symbol".

Furthermore, the first winning symbols include "7-round jackpot symbol 1" and "7-round jackpot symbol 2," and the second winning symbols include "10-round jackpot symbol." In this embodiment, the winning symbol selected at the time of the jackpot is stored in RAM 76.

[Special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the special symbol stop pattern selection table at the time of a big win.

As shown in FIG. 16(a), if the current jackpot result corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selectively determines the winning symbol shown in the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table. In addition, the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table specifies, for example, 2-byte command data as the stop symbol command when a win occurs, as shown in the third column from the left. The stop symbol command is written, for example, as a combination of MODE value-EVENT value, and the MODE value "B1H" in the upper byte indicates that the current winning symbol is the one selected when the first special symbol jackpot occurs. In addition, the EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte indicates the type of winning symbol corresponding to the selection table.

The result of this jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol, and if the "7 Round Jackpot Symbol 1" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described as "B1H01H", and if the "7 Round Jackpot Symbol 2" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described as "B1H02H". In this embodiment, the number of judgment values is allocated so that when a jackpot is won, the probability that the "7 Round Jackpot Symbol 1" is selected is 95%, and the probability that the "7 Round Jackpot Symbol 2" is selected is 5%.

In addition, if "7-round jackpot pattern 1" is selected, time-saving state B is selected as the time-saving state. Therefore, the conditions for ending the time-saving state are when the total number of times that special pattern 1 changes and the number of times that special pattern 2 changes reach 5, when the number of times that special pattern 2 changes reach 1, or when the number of times that normal pattern changes reach 200.

On the other hand, if "7-round jackpot pattern 2" is selected, time-saving state A is selected as the time-saving state. Therefore, the conditions for ending the time-saving state are when the total number of times that special pattern 1 changes and the number of times that special pattern 2 changes reach 5, when the number of times that special pattern 2 changes reach 1, or when the number of times that normal pattern changes reach 10,000.

As shown in FIG. 16(b), if the result of the current jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selectively determines the winning symbol shown in the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table. Similarly, in the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table, as shown in the third column from the left, a command data of, for example, 2 bytes is specified as the stop symbol command at the time of winning. Here, too, the stop symbol command is described by the above-mentioned MODE value-EVENT value combination, and the MODE value "B2H" in the upper byte indicates that the current winning symbol is the one selected at the time of the second special symbol jackpot. The EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte indicates the type of winning symbol corresponding to the selection table. And, if the result of the current jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol, the "10 round jackpot symbol" is selected as the winning symbol, and the stop symbol command is described as "B2H01H".

In addition, if the "10-round jackpot pattern" is selected, time-saving state C is selected as the time-saving state. Therefore, the conditions for ending the time-saving state are when the total number of times that special pattern 1 changes and the number of times that special pattern 2 changes reaches 5, when the number of times that special pattern 2 changes reaches 1, or when the number of times that normal pattern changes reaches 100.

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects a winning pattern from the special pattern jackpot stop pattern selection table, it generates a stop pattern command for that time. The generated stop pattern command is sent to the performance control device 124, for example, in the performance control output process described above. In addition, the main control CPU 72 determines the jackpot stop pattern number for the second special pattern based on the selected winning pattern.

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a fluctuation pattern at the time of a big win. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol by lottery based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time to the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time to the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of a fluctuation of a reach for a big win, a longer fluctuation time is determined than in the case of a miss.

In this embodiment, when a jackpot is selected as a result of the internal lottery, the performance is controlled to generate, for example, a "reach performance" to result in a jackpot. The "jackpot fluctuation pattern selection table" specifies fluctuation patterns corresponding to multiple types of "reach performance," and when a jackpot is selected, one of these fluctuation patterns is selected. Reach performance includes various reach performances such as normal reach performance, long reach performance, and special reach performance. In addition, when a jackpot is selected while the time-saving function is activated, a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time (a fluctuation pattern without a reach performance) is selected, rather than a fluctuation pattern with a long fluctuation time.

A full rotation reach pattern is set as a selectable change pattern when a jackpot is reached. The full rotation reach pattern is composed of pseudo change 1, from when the pattern starts to change until it temporarily stops, → pseudo change 2, from when the pattern starts to change again after pseudo change 1 until it temporarily stops, → pseudo change 3, from when the pattern starts to change again after pseudo change 2 until it temporarily stops, → pseudo change 4, from when the pattern starts to change again after pseudo change 3 until it stops. Then, in pseudo change 4, a full rotation reach effect is executed in which a change display is performed when the effect patterns are aligned, and any combination will result in a jackpot.

Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes other setting processing at the time of a jackpot. In this processing, the value of the time-saving flag (01H) corresponding to the time-saving states A to C may be set in the flag area of the RAM 76 as a game state flag in accordance with the type of winning symbol (the number of symbols that stop at the time of a jackpot) determined in the previous step S2410 (time-saving state transition means, time-saving function activation means).

In addition, in the processing of step S2414, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop pattern (jackpot pattern) by the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35 based on the jackpot stop pattern number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of a jackpot) along with the above-mentioned stop pattern command (at the time of a jackpot). These stop pattern command and lottery result command are also sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output processing.

Next, we will explain how to handle a small hit.

Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining the winning symbol to be stopped at the time of a small win. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol at the time of a small win (the number of symbols to be stopped at the time of a small win) based on the jackpot symbol random number. Here, too, the relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol at the time of a small win is specified in advance in a small win symbol selection table (winning type specifying means). Note that in this embodiment, the jackpot symbol random number is used to determine the winning symbol at the time of a small win in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, but a separate dedicated random number may also be used.

[Winning design for small wins]
In this embodiment, two types of winning symbols are prepared as the winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a small win. The two types are a "first winning symbol" and a "second winning symbol". If the type of the special symbol is the first special symbol, the winning type is determined to be the "first winning symbol", and if the type of the special symbol is the second special symbol, the winning type is determined to be the "second winning symbol".

Furthermore, the first winning symbol includes a "7-round small win symbol," and the second winning symbol includes a "10-round small win symbol." In this embodiment, the winning symbol selected at the time of the small win is stored in RAM 76.

[Small hit stop symbol selection table]
17 is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the small win stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol by referring to the small win stop symbol selection table (winning type determination means) shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17, if the result of this small win is, for example, the type of special symbol, the winning type is determined to be the "7 round small win symbol" if the type is the first special symbol, and the "10 round small win symbol" if the type is the second special symbol. The special symbol small win stop symbol selection table also specifies, for example, 2-byte command data as the stop symbol command when a win occurs, as shown in the third column from the left. Here again, the stop symbol command is written as a combination of the above MODE value-EVENT value, and the MODE values "B1H" and "B2H" in the upper byte indicate that the current winning symbol was selected when the first special symbol or second special symbol was a small win. The EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte indicates the type of winning symbol that corresponds to each selection table.

If the result of this small win is that the "7 round small win pattern" is selected as the winning pattern, the stop pattern command will be written as "B1H03H", and if the result of this small win is that the "10 round small win pattern" is selected as the winning pattern, the stop pattern command will be written as "B2H02H".

In addition, if the "7-round small win pattern" is selected, the time-saving state A is selected as the time-saving state. Therefore, the conditions for ending the time-saving state are when the total number of times that Special Chart 1 and Special Chart 2 change is 5, the number of times that Special Chart 2 changes is 1, or the number of times that the normal chart changes is 10,000.

On the other hand, if the "10 round small win pattern" is selected, time-saving state C is selected as the time-saving state. Therefore, the conditions for ending the time-saving state are when the total number of times that special pattern 1 changes and the number of times that special pattern 2 changes reaches 5, when the number of times that special pattern 2 changes reaches 1, or when the number of times that normal pattern changes reaches 100.

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects a winning pattern from the small win stop pattern selection table, it generates a stop pattern command for that time. The generated stop pattern command is sent to the performance control device 124, for example, in the performance control output process described above. In addition, the main control CPU 72 determines the small win stop pattern number for the second special pattern based on the selected winning pattern.

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a variation pattern at the time of a small win. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol by lottery based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (variation pattern selection means). In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the variation time to the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time to the stop symbol display timer.

In this embodiment, when the internal lottery results in a small win, the performance is controlled to generate, for example, a "reach performance" to result in a small win. The "small win fluctuation pattern selection table" specifies fluctuation patterns corresponding to multiple types of "reach performance", and when a small win occurs, one of these fluctuation patterns is selected. Reach performance includes various reach performances such as normal reach performance, long reach performance, and special reach performance. In addition, when a win occurs while the time-saving function is activated, a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time (a fluctuation pattern without a reach performance) is selected, rather than a fluctuation pattern with a long fluctuation time.

Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes other setting processing for a small win. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop pattern (small win pattern) by the second special pattern display device 35 based on the stop pattern number at the time of a small win. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop pattern command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small win) to be sent to the performance control device 124. These stop pattern commands and lottery result commands are also sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output processing.

Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol fluctuation start processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 selects fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (miss/win). In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol fluctuation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Also, if the value of the time-saving flag (01H) is set, processing according to the time-saving state is executed. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a special symbol fluctuation start command to be sent to the performance control device 124. The special symbol fluctuation start command is a command that can specify the fluctuation pattern determined in steps S2405, S2408, and S2412. This special symbol fluctuation start command is also sent to the performance control device 124 in the above-mentioned performance control output processing. After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol fluctuation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game processing.

Step S2416: The main control CPU 72 executes a count-off counter value management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to update the count-off counter value. Specifically, this process is performed as shown in FIG. 18. In FIG. 18, the main control CPU 72 resets the time-saving flag when the number of times the special pattern has been displayed in a time-saving state reaches a specified number. Therefore, in the final change in the time-saving state, the time-saving state ends before the special pattern starts to change. This type of process may also be executed during the process of special pattern stop display.

[Figure 13: Processing during special symbol fluctuation, processing during special symbol stop display]
In the special symbol variation process, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then decrements the timer counter value according to the passage of time (the number of clock pulse counts or the value of the interrupt counter).Then, while referring to the timer counter value, the main control CPU 72 controls the variation display of the special symbol as described above until the timer counter value becomes 0.When the timer counter value becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

In addition, in the special pattern stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the stop display of the special pattern based on the stop pattern determined in the stop pattern determination processing (steps S2404, S2407, and S2410 in FIG. 14). In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a pattern stop command to be sent to the performance control device 124. The pattern stop command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output processing described above. When the stopped pattern is displayed for a predetermined period of time in the special pattern stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 erases the pattern change in progress flag.

[Counter value management process]
18 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for managing the number-of-times-cut counter value, which will be described below in accordance with the example procedure.

Step S2420: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to load the number of times the first number of times counter (counter that counts the number of times the special symbol changes) or the second number of times counter (counter that counts the number of times the normal symbol changes). The first number of times counter is composed of a number of times counter corresponding to the first special symbol and a number of times counter corresponding to the second special symbol, and can count the number of times the first special symbol changes and the number of times the second special symbol changes separately. The "number of times counter value" is set in the time-saving count area of the RAM 76 in the "time-saving state". In this embodiment, when transitioning to the "low probability time-saving state", the number of times counter related to the high probability state is not set, and the number of times counter related to the time-saving state is set to a predetermined value.

Step S2422: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the loaded counter value is 0. At this time, if the number-of-times-off counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game processing. On the other hand, if the number-of-times-off counter value is not 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 generates a number-of-times-off counter value command (such as a time-saving number of times designation command), and then executes step S2424.

Step S2424: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the number of cuts counter value.

Step S2426: The main control CPU 72 then determines whether the subtraction result is 0. If the subtraction result indicates that the value of the number-of-times-off counter is 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S2428. On the other hand, if the value of the number-of-times-off counter is not 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special pattern change pre-processing (Figure 14).

Step S2428: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to reset the flag when the number-of-times cut function is activated. In this embodiment, when the state transitions to the "time-shortened state", the number-of-times cut counter for the time-shortened state is set to a predetermined value, so in this case, only the time-shortened flag is reset.

After completing the above processing, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (Figure 14). Note that the number-of-times-cut counter value management processing may be executed when the variation stops.

[Variation pattern selection table]
Next, the variation pattern selection table used in steps S2405, S2408, and S2412 of FIG. 14 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 19, the fluctuation pattern selection table is composed of fluctuation pattern selection table A, fluctuation pattern selection table B, fluctuation pattern selection table C, fluctuation pattern selection table D, and fluctuation pattern selection table E.

The variation pattern selection table A is referenced when the number of times the special symbol has changed becomes 31 or more times after transitioning to the normal state (non-time-saving state). Note that in the normal state, it is impossible to get the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 28b, and the ball is hit from the left, so in effect, the table is referenced when the first special symbol has changed 31 or more times. Also, the main control CPU 72 starts counting the number of times the first special symbol has changed since transitioning to the normal state when the time-saving state ends and the normal state is restored (see FIG. 38 (k)).

The variation pattern selection table B is referenced in time-saving state A, time-saving state B, and time-saving state C (see Figure 38).

The variation pattern selection table C is referenced during a one-variable consecutive jackpot in normal conditions (see Figure 38).

The variation pattern selection table D is referenced when the game transitions to the normal state (non-time-saving state) and the number of times the special symbol varies is from the first to the fifth. Note that in the normal state, it is not possible to get the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 28b, and the ball is hit from the left, so in effect, the table is referenced when the first special symbol varies from the first to the fifth times.

The variation pattern selection table E is referenced when the game transitions to the normal state (non-time-saving state) and the number of times the special symbol varies is between the 6th and 30th times. Note that in the normal state, it is not possible to get the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 28b, and the ball is hit from the left, so in effect, the table is referenced when the first special symbol varies between the 6th and 30th times.

In this embodiment, fluctuation pattern selection table B is referenced in the time-saving state, and fluctuation pattern selection tables A, C to E are referenced in the normal state, so the fluctuation pattern selected in fluctuation pattern selection table B has a shorter pattern fluctuation time than the fluctuation patterns selected in fluctuation pattern selection tables A, C to E.

In addition, the fluctuation time in the fluctuation pattern selected in fluctuation pattern selection table B is set to a fixed time. On the other hand, the fluctuation time in the fluctuation pattern selected in fluctuation pattern selection tables A and C to E is set to a fluctuation time according to the fluctuation pattern.

Next, the configuration of the above-mentioned variation pattern selection tables A to E will be explained using Figures 20 and 21.

As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the fluctuation pattern selection table A is composed of fluctuation pattern selection tables A1 to A5. The fluctuation pattern selection table A1 is referenced when the first special symbol is a miss in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table A2 is referenced when the first special symbol is a jackpot in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table A3 is referenced when the second special symbol is a jackpot in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table A4 is referenced when the first special symbol is a small hit in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table A5 is referenced when the second special symbol is a small hit in the jackpot determination process. Each of the fluctuation pattern selection tables A1 to A5 has multiple types of fluctuation patterns set. The fluctuation time is set according to the selected fluctuation pattern. Note that the second special symbol never misses, so no table for misses is provided.

The fluctuation pattern selection table B is composed of fluctuation pattern selection tables B1 to B5. The fluctuation pattern selection table B1 is referenced when the first special symbol is a miss in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table B2 is referenced when the first special symbol is a jackpot in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table B3 is referenced when the second special symbol is a jackpot in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table B4 is referenced when the first special symbol is a small hit in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table B5 is referenced when the second special symbol is a small hit in the jackpot determination process. Each of the fluctuation pattern selection tables B1 to B5 has one type of fluctuation pattern set. The fluctuation time of each fluctuation pattern is set to a fixed time. The second special symbol never becomes a miss, so no table for misses is provided.

The fluctuation pattern selection table C is composed of fluctuation pattern selection tables C1 to C2. The fluctuation pattern selection table C1 is referenced when the second special symbol is a big hit in the big hit determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table C2 is referenced when the second special symbol is a small hit in the big hit determination process. The fluctuation pattern table C is referenced when the reserved memory of the second special symbol is consumed and one fluctuation consecutively occurs, and since the big hit determination of the second special symbol is either a big hit or a small hit, only tables for big hits and small hits are provided. And, in each of the fluctuation pattern selection tables C1 to C2, multiple types of fluctuation patterns are set. And, a fluctuation time is set according to the selected fluctuation pattern.

The fluctuation pattern selection table D is composed of fluctuation pattern selection tables D1 to D5. The fluctuation pattern selection table D1 is referenced when the first special symbol is a miss in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table D2 is referenced when the first special symbol is a jackpot in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table D3 is referenced when the second special symbol is a jackpot in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table D4 is referenced when the first special symbol is a small hit in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table D5 is referenced when the second special symbol is a small hit in the jackpot determination process. Each of the fluctuation pattern selection tables D1 to D5 has multiple types of fluctuation patterns set. A fluctuation time is set according to the selected fluctuation pattern. The second special symbol never becomes a miss, so no table for misses is provided.

The fluctuation pattern selection table E is composed of fluctuation pattern selection tables E1 to E5. The fluctuation pattern selection table E1 is referenced when the first special symbol is a miss in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table E2 is referenced when the first special symbol is a jackpot in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table E3 is referenced when the second special symbol is a jackpot in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table E4 is referenced when the first special symbol is a small hit in the jackpot determination process. The fluctuation pattern selection table E5 is referenced when the second special symbol is a small hit in the jackpot determination process. Each of the fluctuation pattern selection tables E1 to E5 has multiple types of fluctuation patterns set. A fluctuation time is set according to the selected fluctuation pattern. The second special symbol never becomes a miss, so no table for misses is provided.

[Special symbol stop display processing]
22 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for processing during the display of a stopped special symbol. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 decrements the value of the stopped pattern display timer (decrements by the interrupt period).

Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 then determines whether the stopped display time has ended based on the currently subtracted value of the stopped symbol display timer. Specifically, if the value of the stopped symbol display timer is not equal to or less than 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stopped display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game processing, and in the next interrupt cycle, it jumps from the execution selection processing (step S1000 in FIG. 13) and repeatedly executes the special symbol stopped display processing.

On the other hand, if the value of the stopped symbol display timer is equal to or less than 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stopped display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4250.

Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a pattern stop command and a stopped display time end command. The pattern stop command and the stopped display time end command are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 also erases the pattern changing flag here. The "stop display time end command" is a command that indicates that the stopped display time of the special pattern has ended (elapsed).

Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set. If the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S4350.

[When elected]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to "variable winning device management processing". In addition, the main control CPU 72 executes processing to set various functions to inactivation in this processing. Specifically, the time-saving function is deactivated. As a result, before the special game (big role) starts, the normal state (non-time-saving state) is entered.

When the above steps are completed upon a jackpot, the main control CPU 72 returns to special symbol game processing.

[If not selected]
In contrast, in cases other than a jackpot, the following procedure is executed.
That is, if the main control CPU 72 determines in step S4300 that the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is not set (No), it then executes step S4600.

Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 then checks whether the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set. If the value of the small hit flag (01H) is not set and it is simply a miss (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S4602. On the other hand, if the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S4605.

Step S4602: The main control CPU 72 sets the address of the special pattern change pre-processing (step S2000 in FIG. 13) as the jump destination address in the jump table. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S4610.

Step S4605: If the value of the small win flag (01H) is set (Step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the variable winning device management process as the jump destination address of the jump table.

[Display output management process]
Next, Fig. 23 is a flow chart showing an example of the configuration of the display output management process (step S210 in Fig. 9) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a subroutine group of a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a status display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation count display setting process (step S1240).

Of these, the special pattern display setting process (step S1200), normal pattern display setting process (step S1210), and operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are processes that generate and output drive signals to be applied to the LEDs of the first special pattern display device 34, the second special pattern display device 35, the normal pattern display device 33, the normal pattern operation memory lamp 33a, the first special pattern operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special pattern operation memory lamp 35a, as already described.

The status display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation count display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting drive signals to be applied to each LED of the game status display device 38. First, in the status display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the time-saving state display lamp 38e according to the value of the time-saving flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the time-saving flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the time-saving state display lamp 38e, regardless of whether the power is turned on or not. Furthermore, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the launch position designation lamp 38f according to the special game management status. For example, when the variable winning device 30 is in an operating state due to a big win game or a small win game, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation lamp 38f. Furthermore, if the time-saving flag is set to a value (01H), the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation lamp 38f in addition to the time-saving state display lamp 38e. When transitioning to the "time-saving state" after a jackpot game, the launch position designation lamp 38f is lit from the start of the jackpot game until the end of the "time-saving state", and becomes unlit (OFF) when the "time-saving state" ends.

The main control CPU 72 also controls the lighting of the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b in the continuous operation count display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to one of the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b based on the value of the continuous operation count status. At this time, the target for outputting the lighting signal is one of the display lamps 38a and 38b corresponding to the jackpot pattern specified by the value of the continuous operation count status. For example, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "7 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing "7 rounds (7R)". Furthermore, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "10 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing "10 rounds (10R)".

[Variable prize device management process]
Next, the details of the variable winning device management process will be described. Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a subroutine group of a game process selection process (step S5100), a large winning hole opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a large winning hole opening and closing operation process (step S5300), a large winning hole closing process (step S5400), and an end process (step S5500).

Step S5100: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the variable winning device management process as the return address in the stack pointer. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening and closing operation) of the variable winning device 30 has not yet started, the main control CPU 72 selects the large winning opening pattern setting process (step S5200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the large winning opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the large winning opening opening and closing operation process (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and if the large winning opening and closing operation process has been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the large winning opening closing process (step S5400) as the next jump destination. In addition, when the special prize opening/closing process and the special prize opening closing process are repeatedly executed for the set number of consecutive operations (number of rounds), the main control CPU 72 selects the end process (step S5500) as the next jump destination. Each process will be explained in more detail below.

[Big prize opening pattern setting process]
25 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for setting a pattern of the large prize opening. This procedure is for setting conditions such as the number of times the variable prize opening device 30 is opened and closed when a large prize is won or when a small prize is won, and the time for each opening. Each procedure will be explained below.

Step S5202: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set. If the result of this check is that the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5203. On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is not set (No), i.e., if the value of the small jackpot flag (01H) is set, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5204.

Step S5203: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for setting the large prize opening pattern when a jackpot is hit. In this process, a large prize opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol when a jackpot is hit is set based on a jackpot symbol-specific opening pattern setting table. The specific process content will be described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5205.

Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for setting the large prize opening pattern when a small win occurs. In this process, the opening pattern of the large prize opening is set based on a table for setting opening patterns by symbol when a small win occurs. The specific content of this process will be described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5205.

Step S5205: After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening/closing operation processing and returns to the variable prize device management processing.

[Big win opening pattern setting process]
26 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for setting a large prize opening pattern when a big win occurs. The contents will be described below along with the procedure example.

Step S5210: The main control CPU 72 operates the condition device and the consecutive operation device of the reel. Here, the "condition device" is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for the operation of the consecutive operation device of the reel, and the "consecutive operation device of the reel" is a device that can operate the variable winning device 30 consecutively. This means that unless this condition device is operated, the variable winning device 30 will not operate during a jackpot game. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5212.

Step S5212: The main control CPU 72 sets the internal state flag for control to "Big role start (jackpot game in progress)". The main control CPU 72 also sets the value of the continuous operation count status according to the type of jackpot pattern. In this embodiment, the continuous operation count status is set to a value representing "7 rounds" or "10 rounds" according to the type of jackpot pattern. The main control CPU 72 also generates a state command representing a jackpot. The state command representing a jackpot is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5214.

Step S5214: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for selecting an opening pattern by symbol when a jackpot is hit. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to a setting table for an opening pattern by symbol when a jackpot is hit, and selects an opening pattern that corresponds to the type of winning symbol related to the special symbol. Here, the opening pattern refers to the setting for operating the variable winning device 30, and represents, for example, the number of rounds to be performed, the opening time, the interval time, and the like. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5216.

Step S5216: The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the type of variable winning device to be operated for each round (1st round to final round) during the jackpot game in the variable winning device 30 based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5218.

Step S5218: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during the jackpot game based on the release pattern corresponding to the winning symbol. In this embodiment, the number of rounds to be executed is set to 7 rounds or 10 rounds. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5220.

Step S5220: The main control CPU 72 sets the opening timer at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) for each time the large prize opening is opened for each round at the time of a jackpot. In this embodiment, the opening time is set for each round based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of a jackpot. For example, the opening time for opening the large prize opening is set to 29.0 seconds. Therefore, if the value of the opening timer is set to about 29.0 seconds, the opening time will be sufficient to easily cause a prize to be won at the first large prize opening during one opening (for example, the time it takes for 10 or more game balls to be launched by the launch control board set 174, preferably 6 seconds or more). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5222.

Step S5222: The main control CPU 72 sets an interval timer at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the waiting time (interval timer) between rounds at the time of a jackpot. In this embodiment, the interval timer for the opening pattern is set to 1.0 second. For example, after the opening of the jackpot opening between the first and second rounds is completed and the jackpot opening is temporarily closed, an interval timer of about 1.0 second is set. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5224.

Step S5224: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation count command. The continuous operation count command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5218). Therefore, based on the number of execution rounds of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of a jackpot, "7R or 10R", the continuous operation count command generates a value representing "7 rounds" or "10 rounds". The generated continuous operation count command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above.

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the large prize opening pattern setting process (Figure 25).

[Setting process for large prize opening pattern at small win time]
27 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for setting a large prize opening pattern when a small prize is won. The following describes the procedure.

Step S5252: The main control CPU 72 sets "small win start (small win game in progress)" as an internal state flag for control. The main control CPU 72 also generates a state command representing that a small win is in progress. The state command representing that a small win is in progress is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5254.

Step S5254: The main control CPU 72 executes a small win opening pattern selection process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to the small win opening pattern setting table and selects an opening pattern. Here, the opening pattern represents the setting for operating the variable winning device 30, such as the number of openings, the opening time, the interval time, etc. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5256.

Step S5256: The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the type of variable winning device to be operated during a small win in the variable winning device 30 based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small win. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5258.

Step S5258: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of openings. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of openings to be performed during a small win based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small win. In this embodiment, the number of openings for the opening pattern corresponding to a small win is set to 1. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5260.

Step S5260: The main control CPU 72 sets the small win opening timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) per opening of the large prize opening based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small win. In this embodiment, 0.5 seconds or 1.8 seconds is set based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the small win. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5262.

Step S5262: The main control CPU 72 sets an interval timer for a small win. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the waiting time (interval timer) between openings of the large prize opening based on the opening pattern corresponding to a small win. In this embodiment, since the large prize opening is opened only once, the interval timer is not set (0.0 seconds is set). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5264.

Step S5264: The main control CPU 72 sets the opening timer for the specific area 30d. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) for the specific area 30d based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small win. In this embodiment, since the specific area 30d is always open, this process is omitted.

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the large prize opening pattern setting process (Figure 25).

[Big prize opening/closing process]
28 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize opening. This process is mainly for controlling the opening and closing operation of the variable prize winning device 30. The procedure will be described below.

Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current internal state is "big role in progress". Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer of the RAM 76 and checks whether the current internal state is "big role in progress" based on whether the flag "big role in progress (big win game in progress)" is set as the internal state flag for control. The flag "big role in progress (big win game in progress)" is set by the main control CPU 72 during the previous process (big win time big prize opening opening pattern setting process: step S5212) or during the specific area passing process described later. If the result of this check is that the current internal state is "big role in progress" (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5306. On the other hand, if the current internal state is not "big role in progress" (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5304.

Step S5304: The main control CPU 72 executes the large prize opening opening/closing operation process when a small win occurs. In this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the variable prize winning device 30 to open and close the large prize opening 30b based on the set opening pattern (outputs a drive signal to be applied to the large prize opening solenoid 89). The specific content of the process will be described further below with reference to another flowchart.

Step S5306: The main control CPU 72 executes the process for opening and closing the large prize opening when a jackpot occurs. In this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the variable prize winning device 30 to open and close the large prize opening 30b based on the set opening pattern (outputs a drive signal to be applied to the large prize opening solenoid 89). The specific content of the process will be described further below with reference to another flowchart.

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable prize-winning device management process (Figure 24).

[Big prize opening and closing process at the time of small win]
29 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize winning port when a small win occurs. The contents will be explained below along with the procedure example.

Step S5310: The main control CPU 72 opens the large prize opening 30b. Specifically, it outputs a drive signal to be applied to the large prize opening solenoid 89. This activates the variable prize device 30, causing it to transition from a closed state to an open state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5310b. Note that if the large prize opening 30b has already been opened, the main control CPU 72 executes step S5316.

Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 executes an opening timer countdown process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the timer set in the previous process (step S5260, step S5264, and step S5266 of the process for setting the large prize opening pattern when a small win occurs (in FIG. 27)). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5313.

Step S5314: The main control CPU 72 executes a specific area opening/closing operation process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to output a drive signal to be applied to the inlet opening solenoid 86 to open or close the specific area 30d based on the set opening pattern. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5316. Note that in this embodiment, since the specific area 0d is always open, this process is omitted.

Step S5316: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the opening time of the large prize opening 30b has ended. Specifically, it checks whether the value of the opening timer for the large prize opening 30b after the countdown process is equal to or less than 0. If the result of this check is that the opening time of the large prize opening 30b has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5322. On the other hand, if the opening time of the large prize opening 30b has not ended (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5317a.

Step S5317a: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a game ball has entered the large prize opening 30b. Specifically, it checks whether a winning detection signal has been input from the count switch 84. If the result of this check is that a game ball has entered the large prize opening 30b (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5318. On the other hand, if a game ball has not entered the large prize opening 30b (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable prize opening management process. Then, when the variable prize opening management process is next executed, the jump destination is currently set to the large prize opening opening opening operation process (Figure 28), so the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the above steps S5310 to S5316.

Step S5318: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 30 (the large winning port that is open) during the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the value of the count number based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 during the opening time. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5320.

Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current count is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number, as described above, determines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) permitted per opening (per small win). If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is next executed, the jump destination is currently set to the large winning opening opening operation process (Figure 28), so the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the above steps S5310 to S5320.

When it is determined in step S5316 above that the open time has ended (Yes), or when it is confirmed in step S5320 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5322.

Step S5322: The main control CPU 72 closes the large prize opening 30b. Specifically, it stops the output of the drive signal that was being applied to the large prize opening solenoid 89. This causes the variable prize device 30 to return from an open state to a closed state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5324.

Step S5324: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the specific area passing flag is ON. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and checks whether the specific area passing flag is ON based on whether the value of the specific area passing flag is 01H. If the result of this check is that the specific area passing flag is ON (Yes), that is, if the game ball passed through the specific area 30d while the large prize opening was open during a small win, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5326. On the other hand, if the specific area passing flag is not ON (No), that is, if the game ball did not pass through the specific area 30d while the large prize opening was open during a small win, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5328.

Step S5326: The main control CPU 72 executes processing when passing through a specific area. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 executes processing to operate the condition device and the device for continuously operating the role based on the game ball passing through the specific area 30d during a small win, and to continuously operate the variable winning device 30, that is, processing to start a big win game. The specific content of the processing will be described further below with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5328.

Step S5328: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening closing process and returns to the large prize opening opening opening operation process (Figure 28). Then, when the variable prize device management process is next executed, the main control CPU 72 next executes the large prize opening closing process.

[Processing when passing through a specific area]
30 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for processing when passing through a specific area. The contents will be described below along with the example procedure.

Step S5350: The main control CPU 72 resets the small hit flag. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and resets the value of the small hit flag to 00H. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5352.

Step S5352: The main control CPU 72 declares the end of the small win. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 erases "small win in progress" from the internal state flag, and declares the end of the small win as the internal state in the control process. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5354.

Step S5354: The main control CPU 72 activates the condition device and the consecutive operation device of the accessory. This allows the variable winning device 30 to be operated consecutively, and the big win game can be started. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5356.

Step S5356: The main control CPU 72 sets the internal state flag for control to "Big role start (jackpot game in progress)". The main control CPU 72 also sets the value of the continuous operation count status according to the type of jackpot pattern. In this embodiment, the continuous operation count status is set to a value representing "7 rounds" or "10 rounds" according to the type of jackpot pattern. The main control CPU 72 also generates a state command representing a jackpot. The state command representing a jackpot is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5358.

Step S5358: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for selecting an opening pattern for each symbol when passing through a specific area. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to the setting table for an opening pattern for each symbol when passing through a specific area, and selects an opening pattern corresponding to the type of winning symbol for the special symbol when a small win occurs. For example, for the first special symbol, an opening pattern in which the type of variable winning device to be operated is only the variable winning device 30 and the number of execution rounds is 7 is selected. Also, for the second special symbol, an opening pattern in which the type of variable winning device to be operated is only the variable winning device 30 and the number of execution rounds is 10 is selected. Note that this number of execution rounds includes the operation of the variable winning device 30 that was opened by a small win, so in the big win game that will start from now, 6 rounds, which is 7 rounds minus 1 round, or 9 rounds, which is 10 rounds minus 1 round, represents the number of rounds in the actual big win game. Then, an opening pattern is selected in which the opening time for opening the large prize opening per round is 29.0 seconds, and the interval time between each round is 1.0 second. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5350.

Step S5360: The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the type of variable winning device to be operated for each round (2nd round to final round) during the big win game based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning pattern for the special pattern when a small win is hit, in the variable winning device 30. Note that in this embodiment, the opening pattern corresponding to the winning pattern for the special pattern when all small wins are hit opens the big win port in the 2nd round to the final round, so the operation of the variable winning device 30 is set. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5362.

Step S5362: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during a big win game based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol for the special symbol when a small win is hit. In this embodiment, the number of rounds to be executed for the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol for the special symbol when all small wins are hit is set to 7 rounds for the first special symbol and 10 rounds for the second special symbol. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5364.

Step S5364: The main control CPU 72 sets the opening timer at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) for each time the large prize opening is opened for each round at the time of a jackpot. In this embodiment, the opening time is set for each round based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol for the special symbol when a small jackpot occurs. For example, the opening time for opening the large prize opening is set to 29.0 seconds. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5366.

Step S5366: The main control CPU 72 sets an interval timer at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a waiting time (interval timer) between rounds at the time of a jackpot. In this embodiment, 1.0 seconds is set as the interval timer for the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol for the special symbol when a small jackpot occurs. For example, after the opening of the large prize opening between the second and third rounds is completed and the opening is temporarily closed, an interval timer of about 1.0 seconds is set. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5368. The waiting period (interval period) from the end of the small jackpot to the start of the jackpot is also set in the interval timer.

Step S5368: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation count command. The continuous operation count command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5362). Therefore, based on the number of execution rounds "7R" or "10R" of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning pattern for the special pattern when a small win occurs, a value representing "7 rounds" or "10 rounds" is generated as the continuous operation count command. The generated continuous operation count command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above.

Step S5370: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for setting the time-saving function for each symbol when passing through a specific area. In this process, the value of the time-saving function activation flag (01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76 as a game state flag corresponding to the winning symbol for the special symbol when a small win occurs (time-saving state transition means, time-saving function activation means).

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the large prize opening opening and closing process when a small win occurs (Figures 29 and 24).

[Big prize opening and closing process at the time of big win]
31 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the big prize winning hole when a big win occurs. The following describes the procedure.

Step S5380: The main control CPU 72 opens the large prize opening 30b. Specifically, it outputs a drive signal to be applied to the large prize opening solenoid 89. This activates the variable prize device 30, causing it to transition from a closed state to an open state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5382.

Step S5382: The main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the open timer set in the previous process. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5386.

Step S5386: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the opening time of the large prize opening 30b has ended. Specifically, it checks whether the value of the opening timer for the large prize opening 30b after the countdown process is equal to or less than 0. If the result of this check is that the opening time of the large prize opening 30b has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5392. On the other hand, if the opening time of the large prize opening has not ended (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5388.

Step S5388: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 30 (the large winning port that is open) during the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the value of the count number based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 during the opening time. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5390.

Step S5390: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current count is less than a predetermined number (9 balls). This predetermined number, as described above, determines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) permitted per opening (one round during a jackpot). If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is next executed, the jump destination is currently set to the large winning port opening and closing operation process, so the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the above steps S5380 to S5390.

When it is determined in step S5386 above that the open time has ended (Yes), or when it is confirmed in step S5390 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5392.

Step S5392: The main control CPU 72 closes the large prize opening. Specifically, it stops the output of the drive signal that was being applied to the large prize opening solenoid 89. This causes the variable prize device 30 to return from an open state to a closed state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5324.

Step S5394: The main control CPU 72 executes interval waiting processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes countdown of the interval timer set in the previous processing (step S5222 of the large prize opening pattern setting processing at the time of big win (in FIG. 26) or step S5366 of the processing at the time of passing a specific area (in FIG. 30)). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5314. Then, when the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5395. Although not shown here, the main control CPU 72 returns to the end address of the variable prize device management processing (FIG. 24) that was called from step S5394 at each interruption until the interval time has elapsed (until the interval timer value becomes 0). Then, when the large prize opening and closing operation processing is executed at the next call, step S5394 is executed directly instead of from the first step S5380.

Step S5395: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening count counter. Note that the value of the opening count counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example with an initial value of 0.

Step S5396: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the opening count counter after incrementing has reached the number of times set in the current round. Here, the reason for determining the "number of times set in the current round" is to accommodate an opening pattern in which, for example, "the variable winning device 30 is opened multiple times in one round during a jackpot." Note that this embodiment does not employ such an opening pattern, so the "number of times set in the current round" is set to one time per round. Therefore, since the counter value usually reaches the set number of times with one opening/closing operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S5398.

When a pattern is adopted in which multiple opening and closing operations are repeated within one round as described above, the counter value will not have reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (No). In this case, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable prize device management process, the jump destination is currently set to the large prize opening opening and closing operation process, so the above steps S5380 to S5390 are repeatedly executed. As a result, the opening count counter is incremented in step S5395, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5398.

Step S5398: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening closing process and returns to the large prize opening opening opening operation process (Figure 28). Then, when the variable prize device management process is next executed, the main control CPU 72 next executes the large prize opening closing process.

[Big prize hole closing process]
32 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for the large prize opening closing process. This large prize opening closing process is for continuing or terminating the operation of the variable prize winning device 30. The procedure will be described below.

Step S5401: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current game is a big win (jackpot game), and if so (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5402.

Step S5402: The main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. As a result, for example, when the first round ends and the second round begins, the value of the round number counter is "1". If the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during a small win and the big win game starts after the small win ends, the opening of the big win opening at the time of the small win is treated as the first round, and the first round in which the big win game starts is treated as the second round.

Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the incremented value of the round number counter has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the incremented value of the round number counter (1 to 7, 1 to 10), and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (6 after subtracting 1, or 9) (No), it then executes step S5405.

Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current value of the round number counter. This command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process as described above. The performance control device 124 can check the current number of rounds based on the received round number command.

Step S5406: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening/closing operation processing.

Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 then resets the winning ball count counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable prize winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes the next jump destination, the large prize winning opening opening/closing operation process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 24). After the execution of the large prize winning opening opening/closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the large prize winning opening closing process again, and repeats the above steps S5402 to S5408. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the variable prize winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (15 or 16 times).

If the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (step S5404: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5410.

Step S5410, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (=0) and sets the next jump destination to the end process.

Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 then resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, the next time the main control CPU 72 executes the variable winning device management process, the end process will be selected.

[Small hit]
In contrast, in the case of a small hit, the following procedure is followed (special operation execution means).
Step S5411: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the current game is not a big win (step S5401: No), it increments the value of the opening count counter.

Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the opening count counter after increment has reached the set number of openings. The number of openings is the one set in the previous process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a small win (step S5258 in FIG. 27). If the value of the opening count counter has not yet reached the set number of openings (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

Step S5416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening opening/closing operation processing. The main control CPU 72 then resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the variable prize device management processing (step S5408).

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable prize device management process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 24), the main control CPU 72 executes the large prize opening opening opening operation process, which is the next jump destination. After executing the large prize opening opening opening operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the large prize opening closing process again, and repeats steps S5401 to S5413 (No) above, and then steps S5416 and S5408. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of openings reaches the set number of openings. In this embodiment, since the number of openings is set to one, the opening and closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is not repeatedly executed and ends.

If the actual number of times that the reels open when a small win occurs reaches the set number of times that the reels open (step S5413: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5414.

Step S5414, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the opening count counter (=0) and sets the next jump destination to the termination process.

Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 then resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, the next time the main control CPU 72 executes the variable winning device management process, the end process will be selected.

[End processing]
33 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the termination process. This termination process is for preparing the conditions for terminating the operation of the variable prize-winning device 30. The following is an explanation of the procedure.

Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set, and if the value of the jackpot flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5503.

Step S5503, Step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the jackpot flag (00H). This ends the jackpot game state in the control processing of the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 also erases "jackpot in progress" from the internal state flag and declares the end of the jackpot as an internal state in the control processing. The main control CPU 72 also resets the value of the continuous operation count status.

Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the time-saving function activation flag (01H) is set. This flag is also set in the jackpot and other setting process during the previous special symbol change pre-processing (step S2414 in FIG. 14) and in the specific area passing symbol-specific time-saving function setting process during the previous specific area passing processing (step S5370 in FIG. 30).

Step S5512: If the value of the time-saving function activation flag (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the time-saving flag) is set (Step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time-saving times. In this embodiment, the end condition of the time-saving state is that the number of times the normal pattern changes or the number of times the special pattern changes reaches a predetermined number (see FIG. 16 and FIG. 17). Then, a first number-of-time-cut counter for counting the number of times the special pattern changes in the time-saving state and a second number-of-time-cut counter for counting the number of times the normal pattern changes in the time-saving state are provided in the time-saving count area of the RAM 76. Then, in this process, values according to the type of the time-saving state are set in the first number-of-time-cut counter and the second number-of-time-cut counter as the number of time-saving times (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as the time-saving times). Note that if the value of the time-saving function activation flag is not set (Step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute Step S5512 and proceeds to Step S5514.

Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 then generates a state designation command based on the flag. Specifically, when the big win flag is reset or when a big win ends, a state designation command is generated that indicates the "normal" game state. Also, if the time-saving flag is set, a state designation command is generated that indicates the "time-saving (time-saving state)" as the internal state according to the type of time-saving state. These state designation commands are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process.

The above steps are for a big win, but if a small win occurs (step S5502: No), the following steps will be executed.

Step S5520, Step S5522: In the case of a small hit, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the small hit flag (00H) and also erases "small hit in progress" from the internal status flag. Note that in the case of a small hit, the internal condition device does not operate, so this procedure is simply for the purpose of erasing the flag. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5524.

Step S5516: After going through the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening pattern setting process.

Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 then sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 13) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol change pre-processing. After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Normal symbol game processing]
Next, the details of the normal symbol game process executed in the interruption management process (FIG. 9) will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the normal symbol game process. The normal symbol game process includes a subroutine (program module) group of execution selection process (step S1001), normal symbol pre-change process (step S2001), normal symbol change process (step S3001), normal symbol stop display process (step S4001), and variable start winning device management process (step S5001). Here, the basic flow of the normal symbol game process will be described along with each process.

Step S1001: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the next process to be executed (any of steps S2001 to S5001) from the "jump table." For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the next process to be executed as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the normal symbol game process in the stack pointer as the return address.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress status (normal pattern game management status) of the process performed so far. For example, if the normal pattern has not yet started to change (normal pattern game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the normal pattern change pre-processing (step S2001) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the normal pattern change pre-processing has already been completed (normal pattern game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the normal pattern change processing (step S3001) as the next jump destination, and if the normal pattern change processing has been completed (normal pattern game management status: 02H), the main control CPU 72 selects the normal pattern stop display processing (step S4001) as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified in the "jump table" to select the process, but in addition to such a selection method, there are also known programming examples in which the CPU selects the process to be executed next using "process flags" and "process selection flags". In this programming example, the CPU calls each process and at the first step, it references a flag for each process to determine whether to continue or return. However, the selection method of this embodiment eliminates the need for the main control CPU 72 to call each process.

Step S2001: In the normal pattern change pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 prepares the conditions for starting the normal pattern change display. The specific processing content will be described later using a separate flowchart.

Step S3001: In the normal pattern change process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the normal pattern display device 33 while counting the change timer. Specifically, it outputs an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) to each dot of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes over time, thereby displaying the change in the normal pattern.

Step S4001: In the normal symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the normal symbol display device 33. Here too, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each dot of the 7-segment LED, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, which causes the normal symbol to stop being displayed.

Step S5001: The variable start winning device management process is selected when the normal symbol is displayed in a winning state (a state other than a non-winning state) during the previous normal symbol display process.

[Normal pattern change pre-processing]
35 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for normal symbol variation pre-processing. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S2600: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the number of normal symbol activation memories remains (is greater than 0). This check can be performed by referring to the value of the activation memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. If the number of normal symbol activation memories is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 ends the process.

In contrast, if the value of the activation memory number counter for any of the normal symbols is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2602.

Step S2602: The main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol memory area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads out the lottery random number (normal symbol variation random number value) stored in the random number memory area of the RAM 76. The read out random number is stored, for example, in another temporary memory area. The random number stored in the temporary memory area is used for the internal lottery in the next winning judgment process. In addition, in this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one from the value of the activation memory number counter stored in the RAM 76, and sets the subtracted value to the "activation memory number at the start of variation". As a result, the display mode of the memory number by the normal symbol activation memory lamp 33a changes (decreases by one) in the above display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9). After completing the procedure up to this point, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2604.

Step S2604: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning determination process (regular drawing). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of winning values and determines whether the read random number value is included within this range (regular drawing execution means). Here, in this embodiment, the probability of winning in the regular drawing is set to 1 in 1, so that a winning result is guaranteed when the regular drawing is performed. Then, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2606.

Step S2606: The main control CPU 72 executes the stopping symbol determination process. The relationship between the random number value and the type of stopping symbol is predefined in the normal symbol determination data table (winning type definition means). Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can refer to the stopping symbol selection table in the stopping symbol determination process and determine the type of stopping symbol based on the symbol random number from the stored contents. Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the stopping symbol number data by the normal symbol display device 33. The main control CPU 72 also generates stopping symbol commands to be sent to the performance control device 124. These commands are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). Then, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2608.

Step S2608: The main control CPU 72 determines whether the determined stop pattern corresponds to a long release or a short release. If it is a long release, the main control CPU 72 sets the long release flag (01H) and proceeds to step S2612, and if it is a short release, the main control CPU 72 sets the short release flag (01H) and proceeds to step S2610.

In this embodiment, the long opening can be selected according to the stopping pattern only in the time-saving state, and the long opening cannot be selected regardless of the stopping pattern in the non-time-saving state. In other words, only the short opening is selected in the non-time-saving state. Also, in this embodiment, either the long opening or the short opening is determined according to the stopping pattern, but the configuration may be such that either the long opening or the short opening is determined by a separate process.

Step S2610: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining the fluctuation pattern when the short is opened. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number when the short is opened for the normal symbol (fluctuation pattern selection means). The fluctuation pattern number distinguishes the type (pattern) of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol and corresponds to the fluctuation time required for the fluctuation display.

In this embodiment, when a short opening occurs, the performance is controlled so that, for example, a "reach performance" occurs and it is a miss, or a "reach performance" is not generated and it is a miss. The "short opening variation pattern selection table" predefines variation patterns corresponding to multiple types of performance, for example, "non-reach performance" and "reach performance", and when a non-winning result occurs, one of these variation patterns will be selected. Note that reach performance includes various reach performances such as normal reach performance, long reach performance, super reach performance, etc.

The above step S2610 is the control procedure when the valve is short-circuited, but if the determination result is long-circuited (step S2608: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure.

Step S2612: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining the fluctuation pattern during long opening. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time and stop display time) of the normal pattern based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop pattern display timer.

In this embodiment, when the result of the normal drawing is a long opening, the performance is controlled to generate, for example, a "reach performance" to indicate a win. The "big win time fluctuation pattern selection table" specifies fluctuation patterns corresponding to multiple types of "reach performance", and when a long opening is reached, one of these fluctuation patterns is selected. Note that the reach performance includes various reach performances such as normal reach performance, long reach performance, and special reach performance. In addition, when a win occurs while the time-saving function is activated, a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time (a fluctuation pattern without a reach performance) is selected, rather than a fluctuation pattern with a long fluctuation time.

Step S2616: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes normal symbol fluctuation start processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 selects fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (short opening/long opening). In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol fluctuation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Also, if the value of the time-saving flag (01H) is set, processing according to the time-saving state is executed. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a normal symbol fluctuation start command to be sent to the performance control device 124. The normal symbol fluctuation start command is a command that can specify the fluctuation pattern determined in steps S2405, S2408, and S2412. This normal symbol fluctuation start command is also sent to the performance control device 124 in the above-mentioned performance control output processing. After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol fluctuation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the normal symbol game processing.

Step S2618: The main control CPU 72 executes a count-off counter value management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to update the count-off counter value. Specifically, this process is performed as shown in FIG. 18. In FIG. 18, the main control CPU 72 resets the time-saving flag when the number of times that the normal pattern variation display has been performed in the time-saving state reaches a specified number. Therefore, in the final variation of the time-saving state, the time-saving state ends before the normal pattern variation begins. Note that this type of process may be executed during the process of normal pattern stop display.

[Figure 34: Processing during normal symbol fluctuation, processing during normal symbol stop display]
In the normal symbol variation process, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then decrements the timer counter value according to the passage of time (the number of clock pulse counts or the value of the interrupt counter).Then, while referring to the timer counter value, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal symbol variation display as described above until the timer counter value becomes 0.When the timer counter value becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol stop display process (step S4001) as the next jump destination.

In addition, in the normal pattern stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the stop display of the normal pattern based on the stop pattern determined in the stop pattern determination processing (step S2606 in FIG. 35). In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a pattern stop command to be sent to the performance control device 124. The pattern stop command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the above-mentioned performance control output processing. When the stopped pattern is displayed for a predetermined time in the normal pattern stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 erases the pattern change in progress flag.

[Normal symbol change time]
FIG. 36(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the fluctuation time of normal symbols.

As shown in FIG. 36(a), in the non-time-saving state, the normal symbol variation time is set to 30 seconds. In the time-saving state, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.5 seconds. In the normal symbol lottery, for example, a value in the range of "1" to "65536" is extracted, and the winning random number value is in the range of "1" to "65536". Therefore, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is 65536/65536, or 1/1.

[Variable start winning device opening pattern]
FIG. 36(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the opening pattern of the variable start winning device and the type of normal symbol. In this embodiment, normal symbols 1 to 5 are provided as stop symbols that can be stopped when the normal symbol is variably displayed. In addition, short opening and long opening are provided as opening patterns of the variable start winning device 28. The short opening is an opening pattern in which the variable start winning device 28 is opened for 0.044 seconds. The long opening is an opening pattern in which the variable start winning device 28 is opened for 0.1 seconds and then opened for 5.8 seconds with an interval of 2.7 seconds. Therefore, in practice, the game ball cannot win a prize during the short opening, and the game ball can win a prize during the long opening.

As shown in FIG. 36(b), in the non-time-saving state, when normal pattern 1 is selected as the stopping pattern, it is a short release. Also, when normal pattern 2 is selected as the stopping pattern, it is a short release. Also, when normal pattern 3 is selected as the stopping pattern, it is a short release. Also, when normal pattern 4 is selected as the stopping pattern, it is a short release. Also, when normal pattern 5 is selected as the stopping pattern, it is a short release.

Therefore, when the time-saving mode is not activated, no matter which normal symbol is selected as the stopping symbol, a long opening will not occur (in other words, when the time-saving mode is not activated, only a short opening will be selected).

In the case of time-saving state B, when normal pattern 1 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release. When normal pattern 2 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a long release. When normal pattern 3 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release. When normal pattern 4 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release. When normal pattern 5 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release.

Therefore, in time-saving state B, a long reel will open when normal symbol 2 is selected as the stopping symbol.

In the case of time-saving state A, when normal pattern 1 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release. When normal pattern 2 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release. When normal pattern 3 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a long release. When normal pattern 4 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release. When normal pattern 5 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release.

Therefore, in time-saving state A, a long reel will open when normal pattern 3 is selected as the stopping pattern.

In the case of time-saving state C, when normal pattern 1 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release. When normal pattern 2 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release. When normal pattern 3 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release. When normal pattern 4 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a long release. When normal pattern 5 is selected as the stopping pattern, it will be a short release.

Therefore, in time-saving state C, a long reel will open when normal symbol 4 is selected as the stopping symbol.

[Probability of selecting normal symbols]
FIG. 37(c) is an explanatory diagram showing the selection probability of the normal symbol in step S2606 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 37(c), in this embodiment, when determining the type of stopping pattern when the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner, a value in the range of "1" to "65536" is extracted. The judgment values are then allocated so that the probability of normal pattern 1 being selected is 55111/65536 (1/1.2), the probability of normal pattern 2 being selected is 225/65536 (1/291.3), the probability of normal pattern 3 being selected is 10000/65536 (1/6.6), the probability of normal pattern 4 being selected is 180/65536 (1/364.1), and the probability of normal pattern 5 being selected is 20/65536 (1/3276.8).

[Long open selection ratio]
Fig. 37(d) is an explanatory diagram showing the probability that the long opening will be selected in the variable start winning device 28 as a result of the normal symbol lottery. In this embodiment, the type of normal symbol that will be selected for the long opening differs depending on the type of time-saving state as shown in Fig. 36(b). Then, each normal symbol is selected with the probability shown in Fig. 37(c).

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 37(d), the selection probability of long opening is 1/291.3 in time-saving state B, 1/6.6 in time-saving state A, and 1/364.1 in time-saving state C. In this embodiment, a normal drawing is also performed during jackpot play, but since the same drawing table as in time-saving state C is used during jackpot play, the selection probability of long opening during jackpot play is 1/364.1. Note that during jackpot play, the time-saving state is not entered and the drawing may be performed using the drawing table used in the normal state (non-time-saving state).

[Game Flow]
FIG. 38 is a diagram explaining the game flow that unfolds in a pachinko machine. A game with a pachinko machine 1 progresses by shooting (firing) a game ball into a game area 9a in response to a player's operation. In the following explanation, reference characters a to k in the figure are shown in parentheses as appropriate. In addition, "winning" as used in the following explanation means that "a detected winning ball is treated as valid." Below, the contents will be explained according to each internal state or each trigger.

For example, when a player starts playing with the pachinko machine 1, the internal state (playing state) of the pachinko machine 1 is in the "normal play" state. In this embodiment, the "normal play" state means a "non-time-saving state (long release non-winning)" for normal symbols (normal symbol lottery), and a "non-time-saving state" for special symbols (internal lottery).

During the normal state (non-time-saving state), the game is played by shooting the game ball from the left so that it flows down the left side of the game area 9a. When the game ball enters the first start winning hole 26, an internal lottery is held for the first special symbol, and then the display of the first special symbol changes over a predetermined change time.

If the internal lottery for the first special symbol results in a small win (7 round small win symbol) (1 in 399 chance of winning), the small win game will start after the changing display (static display) of the first special symbol ends. In this embodiment, the game ball always passes through the specific area 30d during the small win game, so the big win game (7 rounds) will start following the small win game (a).

In addition, if the internal lottery for the first special symbol results in a jackpot (7-round jackpot symbol 2) (1 in 319 chance of winning), the jackpot game (7 rounds) will begin after the changing (still) display of the first special symbol has ended (b).

In addition, if the internal lottery for the first special symbol results in a jackpot (7-round jackpot symbol 1) (1 in 319 chance of winning), the jackpot game (7 rounds) will begin after the changing (still) display of the first special symbol has ended (c).

If the internal lottery for the first special symbol results in a non-winning result (miss), the small win or big win game will not start, and preparations will be made for the next special symbol to be displayed in a variable manner.

The jackpot game is played by hitting the right side, which launches the game ball so that it flows down the right side of the game area 9a. When the jackpot game starts, the variable winning device 30 is activated, and the large winning opening 30b is opened based on the opening pattern corresponding to the type of winning pattern for the first special pattern at the time of the jackpot. Then, when the jackpot game ends, the internal state (game state) is set to the time-saving state based on the winning pattern. At this time, in the case of the 7-round small winning pattern or the 7-round jackpot pattern 2, the time-saving state is set to A (a, b). On the other hand, in the case of the 7-round jackpot pattern 1, the time-saving state is set to B (c). When a jackpot is won, the 7-round jackpot pattern 2 is selected 5% of the time (5/100), and the 7-round jackpot pattern 1 is selected 95% of the time (95/100).

In this embodiment, the "time-saving play in progress" state means that the normal symbols (normal symbol lottery) are in the "time-saving state (long release win possible)" and the special symbols (internal lottery) are in the "time-saving state."

In the time-saving state A, the probability of winning the regular drawing is 1 in 1, and the probability of a long opening is 6.5 in 1. The state ends when the regular drawing changes 10,000 times, the special drawing 2 changes once, or the total number of changes of special drawing 1 and special drawing 2 reaches 5 times.

In time-saving state B, the probability of winning the regular drawing is 1 in 1, and the probability of a long opening is 291.2 in 1. The state ends when the regular drawing changes 200 times, the special drawing 2 changes 1 time, or the total number of changes in special drawing 1 and special drawing 2 reaches 5 times.

During the time-saving state, play is performed by hitting the ball to the right. When the game ball passes through the start gate 20 and wins the regular lottery, the variable start winning device 28 is activated and the second start winning port 28b is opened. In this embodiment, the probability of winning the regular lottery is set to 1/1, so the second start winning port 28b is always opened when the game ball passes through the start gate 20.

When the second start winning hole 28b is opened and a game ball wins, an internal lottery for the second special symbol is executed, and then the variable display of the second special symbol starts for a predetermined variable time. In this embodiment, the result of the internal lottery for the second special symbol is never a non-win (miss), and always results in a small win or a big win.

In time-saving state A or time-saving state B, if the internal lottery for the second special symbol results in a small win (10-round small win symbol) (1 in 1.003 chance of winning), the small win game will start after the variable display (static display) of the second special symbol ends. In this embodiment, the game ball always passes through the specific area 30d during the small win game, so the big win game (10 rounds) will start following the small win game (d, f).

In addition, in time-saving state A or time-saving state B, if the internal lottery for the second special symbol results in a jackpot (10-round jackpot symbol) (1 in 319 chance of winning), the jackpot game (10 rounds) will start after the changing display (static display) of the second special symbol has ended (e, g).

In this embodiment, either a short opening or a long opening is selected as the opening pattern of the variable start winning device 28. When a short opening is selected, it is impossible to win a game ball in the second start winning port 28b, but when a long opening is selected, it is possible to win a game ball in the second start winning port 28b. When a long opening is performed, it is possible to win multiple game balls in the second start winning port 28b, so that the reservation of the variable display of the second special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as special pattern reservation) is more likely to occur. Note that the second start winning port 28b can store a maximum of three special pattern reservations, making it possible to win four game balls at one time.

Then, when the variable start winning device 28 is opened for a long time and the upper limit of four game balls enters the second start winning port 28b, first, a small hit or a big hit occurs based on the first winning ball, and the game is controlled to a big hit game state. Then, in the first change after the big hit game state ends, the first reserved special chart is consumed, and a small hit or a big hit occurs again, and the game is controlled to a big hit game state. Then, in the first change after the big hit game state based on the first reserved special chart is ended, the second reserved special chart is consumed, and a small hit or a big hit occurs again, and the game is controlled to a big hit game state. Then, in the first change after the big hit game state based on the second reserved special chart is ended, the third reserved special chart is consumed, and a small hit or a big hit occurs again, and the game is controlled to a big hit game state.

For this reason, if the upper limit of four game balls enters the second start winning hole 28b when a long opening is performed, it is possible to get four consecutive jackpots through one change in the following sequence: jackpot game state (first winning ball) → small hit or jackpot occurs in the first change → jackpot game state (first special chart reserved) → small hit or jackpot occurs in the first change → jackpot game state (second special chart reserved) → small hit or jackpot occurs in the first change → jackpot game state (third special chart reserved) → time-saving state. As a result, it is possible to get about 1,500 prize balls for a 10-round jackpot, so if you get four consecutive jackpots, you can get about 6,000 game balls.

Note that one change during a jackpot streak occurs after the jackpot game state ends, so the actual game state is controlled to a time-saving state, but the time-saving state ends when the second special symbol starts to change. Then, when the last jackpot game state related to the jackpot streak ends with the consumption of the third reserved special symbol, the time-saving state is set to C (h).

In time-saving state C, the probability of winning the regular drawing is 1 in 1, and the probability of a long opening is 364.1 in 1. It ends when the regular drawing changes 100 times, the special drawing 2 changes 1 time, or the total number of changes of special drawing 1 and special drawing 2 reaches 5 times.

When a long opening is performed in the time-saving state C and a game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b, a small win (10-round small win pattern) or a big win (10-round big win pattern) occurs, and the game is again controlled to the big win game state (i, j). At this time, if four game balls enter the second start winning hole 28b, four consecutive big wins will occur as described above. Then, when the last big win game state related to the big win series ends due to the consumption of the third reserved special pattern, the game is again controlled to the time-saving state C.

In addition, if a long opening is not performed in the time-saving state C, and the end condition of the time-saving state C is satisfied without the game ball entering the second start winning hole 28b, the state is controlled to the normal state (k).

[About the opening time of the variable start winning device and the variable time of the second special symbol]
Next, the relationship between the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 and the variable time of the second special symbol in this embodiment will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 39, when a long opening is selected as the opening pattern of the variable start winning device 28 ("electric chute" in the figure), the second start winning port 28b is opened for an opening time t1 (approximately 10 seconds). Then, when the first game ball enters the second start winning port 28b ("N1" in the figure), the variable display of the second special symbol begins, but the variable display time t2 of the second special symbol is set to a time longer than the opening time t1. Therefore, the variable start winning device 30 ("attacca" in the figure) can be started to open after the variable start winning device 28 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to cause multiple (e.g., three) game balls to enter the variable start winning device 28 ("N2" to "N4" in the figure) while the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner.

In this embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 is located downstream of the variable winning device 30 on the path along which the game balls flow. Therefore, when the variable winning device 30 is open, most of the game balls enter the variable winning device 30, and the number of game balls that flow down to the variable start winning device 28 decreases. In this embodiment, when the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, a small win or a big win always occurs.

As shown in FIG. 40, if the change time t2 of the second special symbol is set to a time shorter than the opening time t1 of the variable start winning device 28, the variable start winning device 28 opens and the first game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b ("N1" in the figure), and a small win or big win occurs based on the winning N1, the variable winning device 30 begins to open while the variable start winning device 28 is open.

In this case, the game balls flowing down the game area 9a enter the variable winning device 30 (in other words, win the attack), making it difficult to allow the game balls to enter the variable start winning device 28. Therefore, even though the variable start winning device 28 is long open, it becomes impossible to allow the four game balls to win.

In addition, since the probability of winning a long opening during small hit or big hit play is low (the same probability as in time-saving state C), it is difficult to make a game ball enter the variable start winning device 28 during small hit or big hit play. Therefore, if multiple game balls cannot enter the variable start winning device 28 when a long opening is performed during the time-saving state, consecutive big hits will not be possible.

However, in this embodiment, the change time t2 of the second special symbol is set to a time longer than the opening time t1 of the variable start winning device 28, so the opening of the variable start winning device 30 ("attacca" in the figure) can be started after the variable start winning device 28 is closed. Therefore, multiple game balls can be made to win in the variable start winning device 28 while the second special symbol is being displayed in a changing manner. This allows consecutive jackpots and a large number of prize balls to be obtained, increasing the excitement of the game.

In the long opening of this embodiment, after the 0.1 second opening, there is an interval followed by a 5.8 second opening (approximately 10 seconds in total). Then, the 0.1 second opening triggers a right-hit display on the LCD display 42, suggesting that a right hit will be performed. The interval period is set taking into consideration the time it takes for the game ball to reach the variable start winning device 28 when it is released. The opening period after the interval period is set to a period in which four game balls can be won.

[Examples of changing display of performance patterns]
Next, a specific description will be given of the display of the variations of the performance symbols performed by the liquid crystal display 42. When an internal lottery for special symbols is performed in the pachinko machine 1, a variation pattern (in other words, a variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed.

In addition, when a regular symbol lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (in other words, the variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display using the regular symbols is performed.

However, as described above, the first special symbol, second special symbol, and normal symbol themselves are displayed by 7-segment LEDs that light up or flash, so they lack visual appeal. Therefore, in pachinko machine 1, a variable display effect is performed using the effect symbols as described above.

As shown in FIG. 41, the performance symbols 43 include three symbols, for example, a left performance symbol 43L, a middle performance symbol 43C, and a right performance symbol 43R, which are displayed in a line on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each performance symbol represents, for example, the numbers "1" to "9." Here, the left performance symbol 43L, the middle performance symbol 43C, and the right performance symbol 43R all form a pattern string in which the numbers are arranged in descending order from "9" to "1." Such pattern strings are displayed in a changing manner, flowing (scrolling) vertically in the left, middle, and right areas of the screen, respectively.

In this embodiment, the performance symbols include a performance symbol corresponding to a special symbol (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a special performance symbol) and a performance symbol corresponding to a normal symbol (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a normal performance symbol). Then, the special performance symbol or the normal performance symbol is displayed in a variable manner depending on the game state. Specifically, in the normal state and during consecutive big wins, the special performance symbol is displayed in a variable manner. In the time-saving state, the normal performance symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

The display mode of the special pattern and the display mode of the regular pattern are the same, and it is not possible to distinguish from the pattern which of the special pattern and the regular pattern is being changed. In FIG. 41, an example is described in which the special pattern corresponding to the first special pattern is changed, but the change display of the special pattern corresponding to the second special pattern and the change display of the regular pattern are also performed in a similar manner. In addition, the display mode of the special pattern and the display mode of the regular pattern do not have to be the same as long as they are difficult to distinguish. For example, they may be slightly deformed in shape, slightly different in color, slightly different in transparency, or slightly different in size.

Figure 41 is a continuous diagram showing an example of a performance image corresponding to the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol. Note that this shows an example of the variable display performance and the stop display performance (result display performance) performed using the performance pattern for the variation of the special symbol when it is not a winning (miss). This variable display performance corresponds to a series of performances performed from the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but it can also be the second special symbol) to the stop display (including the confirmed stop). In addition, the stop display performance is a performance that shows the special symbol being stopped and the result of the internal lottery at that time as a combination of performance patterns. Here, before explaining the specific contents of the control process, the basic flow of the variable display performance and the stop display performance for each variation adopted in this embodiment will be explained.

[Before change display]
In Fig. 41 (a): For example, before the first special symbol starts to vary (when the demo effect is not in progress), three rows of effect symbols are displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. At this time, the effect symbols are also displayed in a stopped state in accordance with the stopped display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

In addition, the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 displays hold indicators (reference symbols M1 and M2 in the figure) that indicate the number of activation memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. These hold indicators M1 and M2 can be displayed when the special symbol performance symbol is subject to change, and the number displayed indicates the number of activation memories of the corresponding first special symbol and second special symbol (the number displayed by the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a), and the number displayed increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of activation memories during play. In addition, for the hold indicators M1 and M2, the hold indicator M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, for example, as a circle (○) in order to make it easier to visually distinguish, and the hold indicator M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed, for example, as a heart. In the example of FIG. 41 (a), all four pending indicators M1 are lit to indicate that the number of activation memories for the first special symbol is four, and all pending indicators M2 are hidden (shown by dashed lines) to indicate that the number of activation memories for the second special symbol is zero (memory number display performance execution means).

The reserved display M1 is also displayed when the normal pattern is subject to change (the reserved display M2 is not displayed in this case), and the number of reserved displays M1 displayed indicates the number of activation memories of the corresponding normal pattern (the number of displays of the normal pattern activation memory lamp 33a), and the number displayed increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of activation memories during play.

In addition, a mini symbol and a fourth symbol (see FIG. 42) are displayed in the sub-display area Z at the bottom right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The mini symbol and the fourth symbol are the "fourth performance symbol" following the left, center, and right performance symbols, and are displayed in a synchronized manner with the display of the special symbol and the normal symbol.

In FIG. 41 (b): For example, in synchronization with the start of the first special pattern, three pattern rows scroll on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 to start the change display performance (performance execution means). That is, in synchronization with the start of the change of the first special pattern, the change display performance is started by vertically scrolling (flowing) the left performance pattern 43L, the middle performance pattern 43C, and the right performance pattern 43R within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Also, the pending displays M1 and M2 are displayed in the pre-change display area X1 in the band-shaped portion at the bottom of the liquid crystal display 42 before the change starts, but after the change starts, they move to the change display area X2 by the pedestal image displayed in the lower left part of the liquid crystal display 42, and continue to be displayed until the change of the special pattern (performance pattern) is stopped (the change memory display performance). In the figure, the change display of the performance pattern is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the changing display, each performance pattern is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), so that the image (background image) that is the background of the performance pattern is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state.

In addition, the mini pattern and the fourth pattern are displayed in a variable manner in the sub-display area Z at the bottom right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

Figure 41 (c): For example, after a certain amount of time (about half the fluctuation time) has passed, the left performance pattern 43L will be the first to stop fluctuating. In this example, it shows that the performance pattern representing the number "8" has stopped at the left side of the screen. Note that the background image has been omitted from the illustration here (the same applies hereafter).

As shown in FIG. 41 (b) above, the number of operating memories for the first special symbol decreases by one as the change begins, and the number displayed in the pending display M1 is decreased by one in conjunction with this. For example, if there were four operating memories up to that point, the oldest (oldest) memory number display in the pending display M1 is moved by one to the changing display area X2, and a performance in which the memory is consumed by internal lottery is also performed. This makes it possible to inform the player through the performance that the number of operating memories for the first special symbol has been consumed.

In the example of Figure 41 (c), the reserved display M1, which was first in the memory order, moves to the changing display area X2, leaving only three displays remaining in the pre-change display area X1, and the three reserved displays M1 remaining on the screen are shifted in one direction (to the left in this case) by one unit each. This allows the context of the change in the number of active memories to be accurately expressed in the presentation, and also makes it easy for the player to intuitively understand that "the active memory has been consumed and one has been reduced" or "the active memory has been consumed and the special pattern is changing".

In FIG. 41 (d): Following the left performance pattern 43L, the right performance pattern 43R stops changing. In this example, it shows that the performance pattern representing the number "3" has stopped in the center of the screen. At this point, it is already confirmed that the reach state will not occur, so it is almost clear from the outside that this change is a non-reach (normal) change. Note that reach changes due to slip patterns, etc. are excluded here. A "slip pattern" is, for example, a performance pattern representing the number "7" stops once, then the pattern row slides one pattern and the performance pattern representing the number "8" stops, which develops into a reach. Alternatively, there is also a pattern in which a performance pattern representing the number "9" stops once, then the pattern row slides one pattern in the opposite direction and the performance pattern representing the number "8" stops, which develops into a reach. In addition, there are other patterns where a symbol representing a completely different number, such as "5," stops for a moment, and then a character appears on the screen and moves the right-hand symbol row again, causing a symbol representing the number "8" to stop and develop into a reach.

Figure 41 (e): The last middle performance symbol 43C stops in synchronization with the display of the first special symbol. If the result of this internal lottery is a non-winning symbol and the first special symbol is displayed in a non-winning (missing) manner, the performance symbols are also displayed in a non-winning (missing) manner. That is, in the example shown, the performance symbol representing the number "1" has stopped in the middle position of the screen, and in this case, since the combination of performance symbols is "8"-"1"-"3", which is a miss, the performance shows that this fluctuation corresponds to a normal "miss". At this time, the fourth symbol and the mini symbol are displayed in a manner corresponding to a miss.

In addition, when the stop display effect is performed, the pending display M1, which had moved to the changing display area X2 and continued to be displayed, is also hidden. This makes it possible to intuitively and clearly inform the player that "the change in the special pattern has ended."

The above is an example of the variable display effect and the stop display effect (when no winning is made) that are performed using the performance symbols for each variation. Through such effects, players can feel hope for a win, and ultimately the results of the internal lottery can be clearly indicated through the effects.

In addition, while the above example is for when there is no winning, in the event of a big win (winning), after the reach effect is executed during the variable display effect, the effect symbols are displayed in a big win mode (for example, a mode in which the same numbers line up, such as "7"-"7"-"7") in the stopped display effect. At this time, the stopped display mode of the effect symbols is basically selected to correspond to the winning pattern (the stopped display mode of the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. In addition, in the event of a small win (winning), the effect symbols are displayed in a small win mode (for example, a mode that suggests a small win according to a certain rule, such as "1"-"3"-"5") in the stopped display effect.

In this embodiment, during the time-saving state, the normal display pattern is used to display the variation, and during consecutive big wins, the special display pattern is used to display the variation. Therefore, when the long opening is selected during the time-saving state and four game balls enter the second start winning hole 28b, the normal display pattern displays that the long opening has been won. After that, the right-hand hit display is performed, and after the start of the big win, the state transitions to the big win game state. Then, in the first variation after the end of the big win game (one variation during the consecutive big wins), the big win pattern is displayed as a stop by the special display pattern. Therefore, when the big win is consecutive, the stop display of the big win pattern by the special display pattern is not performed at the start of the first big win game, but the stop display of the big win pattern by the special display pattern is performed during one variation during the consecutive wins.

[Examples of mini and 4th designs]
Next, the mini symbol and the fourth symbol displayed in the sub-display area Z within the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in FIG. 41 will be explained with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 42(a), the mini patterns include a special mini pattern 300 corresponding to the special pattern (including both the first special pattern and the second special pattern) and a regular mini pattern 302 corresponding to the regular pattern. The special mini pattern 300 and the regular mini pattern 302 are arranged vertically. Specifically, the special mini pattern 300 is arranged in the upper row, and the regular mini pattern 302 is arranged in the lower row. The special mini pattern 300 and the regular mini pattern 302 are smaller than the performance pattern 43.

The special mini pattern 300 includes three: a left mini pattern 300L, a middle mini pattern 300C, and a right mini pattern 300R, which are displayed in a left, middle, and right order on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each mini pattern represents, for example, the numbers "1" to "9." Here, the left mini pattern 300L, the middle mini pattern 300C, and the right mini pattern 300R all form a pattern row in which the numbers are arranged in descending order from "9" to "1." Such pattern rows are displayed in a variable manner so that they flow (scroll) vertically in the left, middle, and right areas of the screen. The special mini pattern 300 and the normal mini pattern 302 may be arranged on the left and right, or may be displayed separately in the four corners of the liquid crystal screen (lower left → special mini pattern, lower right → normal mini pattern).

Similarly, the regular mini-pattern 302 includes three mini-patterns: left mini-pattern 302L, middle mini-pattern 302C, and right mini-pattern 302R, which are displayed in a line on the left, middle, and right sides of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each mini-pattern represents, for example, the numbers "1" to "9." Here, the left mini-pattern 302L, middle mini-pattern 302C, and right mini-pattern 302R all form a pattern string in which the numbers are arranged in descending order from "9" to "1." Such pattern strings are displayed in a changing manner, flowing (scrolling) vertically in the left, middle, and right areas of the screen, respectively.

The special mini-pattern 300 is displayed on a white background with the left mini-pattern 300L in green, the middle mini-pattern 300C in blue, and the right mini-pattern 300R in red. The regular mini-pattern 302 is displayed on a blue background with the left mini-pattern 302L in light blue, the middle mini-pattern 302C in purple, and the right mini-pattern 302R in yellow. That is, the mini-patterns and the background colors are different from each other. This makes it easy to identify which special or regular pattern corresponds to which mini-pattern change display. As long as the special mini-pattern 300 and the regular mini-pattern 302 are distinguishable, the background images may be the same.

In this embodiment, the mini special pattern 300 is displayed in synchronization with the display of the special pattern, and the mini regular pattern 302 is displayed in synchronization with the display of the regular pattern. The mini special pattern 300 is displayed so that the same numbers as the special pattern stop, and the mini regular pattern 302 is displayed so that the same numbers as the regular pattern stop. Note that the patterns (numbers) displayed do not have to be the same as long as the winning or losing pattern can be identified.

The mini pattern corresponding to the pattern for which the change display of the performance pattern is performed is surrounded by a red change target notification frame 304. This suggests whether the change display of the performance pattern corresponding to the special pattern or the normal pattern is being performed. In other words, when the special mini pattern 300 is surrounded by the change target notification frame 304, it suggests that the change display of the special performance pattern is being performed. On the other hand, when the normal mini pattern 302 is surrounded by the change target notification frame 304, it suggests that the change display of the normal performance pattern is being performed. This makes it possible to clearly display whether the change display of the special performance pattern or the normal performance pattern is being performed. Note that, as long as it can be displayed whether the change display of the special performance pattern or the normal performance pattern is being performed, it is also possible to simply highlight the target pattern (by changing the brightness, changing the size, changing the transparency, etc.) instead of using a change target notification frame.

In addition, a fourth pattern 306 corresponding to the first special pattern ("Special pattern 1" in the figure) and a fourth pattern 308 corresponding to the second special pattern ("Special pattern 2" in the figure) are arranged side by side at the top of the sub-display area Z of the liquid crystal display 42.

The fourth symbols 306, 308 perform a variable display by alternately displaying "O" and "X". Then, when the variable time ends, the stopped symbol of the fourth symbol is fixed and displayed at the start of the symbol fixing period. In this case, if a big win occurs, a "O" is displayed as a stopped symbol for the big win. Also, if a small win occurs, a "△" is displayed as a stopped symbol for the small win. Also, if a miss occurs, an "X" is displayed as a stopped symbol.

In addition, a fourth pattern 310 corresponding to a normal pattern ("Normal" in the figure) is arranged at the bottom of the liquid crystal display 42. This fourth pattern 310 is the "fourth performance pattern" following the left, center, and right performance patterns described above. The fourth pattern 310 executes the variable display by alternately displaying "O" and "X". Then, when the variable time ends, the stopped pattern of the fourth pattern is displayed as a fixed pattern at the start of the pattern determination period. In this case, in the case of a long opening, a "O" is displayed as a stopped pattern as a jackpot pattern. In addition, in the case of a short opening, an "X" is displayed as a stopped pattern as a losing pattern. Note that a variable pattern such as "- (bar)" that is not displayed as a stopped display result during the variable may be displayed.

The fourth pattern 306 is displayed with a white mark on a dark blue background in synchronization with the display of the first special pattern. The fourth pattern 308 is displayed with a white mark on a red background in synchronization with the display of the second special pattern. The fourth pattern 310 is displayed with a white mark on a green background in synchronization with the display of the normal pattern. In other words, the display colors of each fourth pattern are different from each other. This makes it easy to distinguish whether the fourth pattern corresponding to special pattern 1, special pattern 2, or the normal pattern is being displayed.

[Display of changes in special mini-patterns]
As shown in FIG. 42(b), for example, when the change display of the special pattern is performed (in this example, the first special pattern), the change target notification frame 304 moves to a position surrounding the special pattern mini pattern 300. Then, in synchronization with the start of the change of the special pattern (in other words, in synchronization with the start of the change of the special pattern), the three pattern rows of the special pattern mini pattern 300 scroll and change on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, thereby starting the change display performance (pattern performance execution means). That is, in synchronization with the start of the change of the special pattern, the left mini pattern 300L, the middle mini pattern 300C, and the right mini pattern 300R are scrolled (flowed) vertically within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the change display performance is started. Note that in the figure, the change display of the performance pattern is simply indicated by a downward arrow.

In addition, while the special mini-pattern 300 is being displayed, the fourth pattern 306 is being displayed in a changing manner at the top of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth pattern 306 expresses the changing display by alternating between a "circle" and an "x."

Then, first, the left mini pattern 300L stops in synchronization with the stop of the left performance pattern 43L. At this time, the same number pattern as the left performance pattern 43L stops. Next, following the left mini pattern 300L, the right mini pattern 300R stops fluctuating in synchronization with the stop of the right performance pattern 43R. Then, following the right mini pattern 300R, the middle mini pattern 300C stops fluctuating in synchronization with the stop of the middle performance pattern 43C. If the result of this internal lottery is a non-win and the special pattern is stopped and displayed in a non-win (miss) mode, the mini pattern is also stopped and displayed in a non-win (miss) mode. On the other hand, when a big win (win) or small win is won, a reach performance is executed during the variable display performance, and then the mini pattern is stopped and displayed in a big win or small win mode in the stop display performance. At this time, the stop display mode of the performance pattern is basically selected to correspond to the winning pattern (the stop display mode of the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. Note that the same change display is performed when the second special pattern is changed.

[Display of changes in miniature patterns for regular maps]
As shown in FIG. 42(c), for example, when the variable display of the normal pattern is performed, the variable target notification frame 304 moves to a position surrounding the normal mini pattern 302. Then, in synchronization with the start of the normal pattern (in other words, in synchronization with the start of the normal pattern), the three pattern rows of the normal mini pattern 302 scroll and change on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, starting the variable display performance (pattern performance execution means). That is, in synchronization with the start of the normal pattern, the left mini pattern 302L, the middle mini pattern 302C, and the right mini pattern 302R scroll (flow) vertically on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 to start the variable display performance. In addition, in the figure, the variable display of the performance pattern is simply indicated by a downward arrow.

In addition, while the regular mini pattern 302 is being displayed in a changing state, the fourth pattern 306 is being displayed in a changing state at the top of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth pattern 310 expresses the changing state by alternating between a "circle" and an "x".

Then, first, the left mini pattern 302L stops in synchronization with the stop of the left performance pattern 43L. At this time, the same number pattern as the left performance pattern 43L stops. Next, following the left mini pattern 302L, the right mini pattern 302R stops fluctuating in synchronization with the stop of the right performance pattern 43R. Then, following the right mini pattern 302R, the middle mini pattern 302C stops fluctuating in synchronization with the stop of the middle performance pattern 43C. If the result of this internal lottery is a non-win and the normal pattern is stopped and displayed in a short opening mode, the mini pattern is also stopped and displayed in a losing mode. On the other hand, when the long opening is won, after the reach performance is executed during the variable display performance, the mini pattern is stopped and displayed in a winning mode in the stop display performance. At this time, the stop display mode of the performance pattern is basically selected in correspondence with the winning pattern (the stop display mode of the normal pattern display device 33) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. In addition, the stopped display of mini symbols may vary all symbols until the symbol is determined, and then all symbols may stop at the same time when the symbol is determined.

[Performance control processing]
43 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the performance control process executed by the performance control CPU 126. This performance control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separate from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The performance control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, several tens of μs to several ms) during the execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

The performance control process includes subroutines for command reception processing (step S400), operating memory performance management processing (step S401), performance pattern management processing (step S402), display output processing (step S404), lamp drive processing (step S406), sound drive processing (step S408), performance random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). Below, the basic flow of the performance control process will be explained along with each process.

Step S400: In the command reception process, the performance control CPU 126 receives performance commands sent from the main control CPU 72. The performance control CPU 126 also analyzes the received commands and stores them by type in the command buffer area of the RAM 130.

In addition, the commands for the presentation sent from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a presentation command when the number of operating memories (special pattern, normal pattern) increases, a presentation command when the number of operating memories (special pattern, normal pattern) decreases, a start port winning sound control command indicating that a prize has been won at the start port, a demo presentation command indicating that a demo state has been entered, a lottery result command indicating the result of an internal lottery or normal pattern lottery, a change pattern command indicating a change pattern, a change start command indicating that a special pattern or normal pattern has started to change, a stop pattern command indicating the stop pattern of a special pattern or normal pattern, a special pattern or normal pattern command indicating that a special pattern or normal pattern has started to change, a stop ... These include a pattern stop command, which indicates that the pattern will stop after changing, a state designation command, which indicates the game state, a round number command, which indicates the number of rounds in the jackpot, a firing position designation command, an error notification command, which indicates the occurrence of an error and the type of error, a jackpot end presentation command, which indicates that an ending period will be presented at the end of the jackpot, a number cut counter value command, which indicates the number of remaining time-saving times, a change pattern destination determination command, which indicates the result of determining the change pattern of the reserved change display, and a stop display time end command, which indicates that the stop display time at the end of the pattern change has ended.

Step S401: In the operating memory performance management process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the execution of the memory number display performance described above and the pre-reading preview performance using the hold displays M1 and M2. The contents of the operating memory performance management process will be described further below with reference to another drawing.

Step S402: In the performance symbol management process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the content of the variable display performance and the stop display performance using the performance symbols, and controls the performance content during the opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 30. Also, in this process, the performance control CPU 126 initially sets the display mode of the performance symbols (material setting means), and changes the initial setting (material setting change means). Also, in this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance pattern of various advance notice performances (advance notice performance before the reach occurs, advance notice performance after the reach occurs, etc.). The content of the performance symbol management process will be described further below with reference to another drawing.

Step S404: In the display output process, the performance control CPU 126 instructs the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) on basic control information for the performance content (e.g., the number of activation memories for each of the first and second special patterns, activation memory performance pattern number, pre-reading preview performance pattern number, variable performance pattern number, variable time preview performance number, background pattern number, etc.). As a result, the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and VDP 152) controls the display operation by the LCD display 42 based on the instructed performance content (performance execution means).

Step S405: In the chance lamp-related processing, the performance control CPU 126 determines whether or not to light the chance lamp 53b depending on the game situation, and if the chance lamp 53b is to be lighted, sets lighting data based on the lighting pattern (in other words, the light emission pattern) in the RAM 130. In addition, sound data when the chance lamp 53b is to be lighted is also set in the RAM 130.

Step S406: In the lamp drive process, the performance control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp drive circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp drive circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes brightness gradation, etc.) the various frame lamps 46, 50 and the panel lamp 53a, etc. based on the control signal. Note that if the performance control CPU 126 set the lighting data in step S405, in this process, it controls the lighting of the chance lamp 53b, etc. according to the lighting data.

Step S408: In the next sound drive process, the performance control CPU 126 instructs the sound drive circuit 134 on the performance content (for example, background music and audio data during a variable display performance, reach performance, mode transition performance, or jackpot performance) to the sound drive circuit 134. This causes sounds corresponding to the performance content to be output from the speakers 54a to 54d. Note that if audio data was set in step S405, the performance control CPU 126 controls the output of audio corresponding to the audio data in this process.

Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random numbers include, for example, random numbers used for advance selection and random numbers used for normal background change lottery (effect lottery).

Step S412: In other processes, for example, the performance control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the movable body for the performance. The movable body for the performance operates using the corresponding solenoid as a driving source, and performs a performance either in synchronization with the display of an image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

When the performance control CPU 126 receives a state designation command (see step S5514 in FIG. 33) indicating the time-saving state, it controls the performance state to the time-saving state. As a result, the background displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and the performance sounds output from the speakers 54a to 54d correspond to the time-saving state. The performance control CPU 126 also has a time-saving count counter that counts the number of times the normal pattern changes and the number of times the special pattern changes in the time-saving state, and sets the number of times the normal pattern changes and the number of times the special pattern changes in the time-saving state identified from the state designation command in the time-saving count counter.

Then, in the process of displaying the effect symbol stopped (S506) in FIG. 45, the value of the time-saving count counter is subtracted when control is performed to stop the effect symbol. At this time, if the value of the time-saving count counter is not 0, it is determined that the time-saving state is continuing and the process returns to the effect symbol management process in FIG. 45, but if the value of the time-saving count counter is 0, it is determined that the time-saving state has ended and the time-saving flag is cleared. This causes the effect state to transition from the time-saving state to the normal state.

As mentioned above, in step S2416 of FIG. 14 and step S2618 of FIG. 35, at the final change of the time-saving state, the main control CPU 72 ends the time-saving state before the special and normal patterns start to change, and transitions the gaming state from the time-saving state to the normal state. On the other hand, the presentation control CPU 126 ends the time-saving state after the presentation pattern stops in the processing during the display of the stopped presentation pattern in step S506 of FIG. 45, and transitions the presentation state from the time-saving state to the normal state. In this way, the timing at which the gaming state transitions from the time-saving state to the normal state is different from the timing at which the presentation state transitions from the time-saving state to the normal state.

Through the above-mentioned performance control process, the performance control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the performance content in the pachinko machine 1. Next, we will explain the content of the performance pattern management process executed in the performance control process.

[Working memory performance management processing]
44 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for the working memory performance management process. The contents will be described below along with the procedure example.

Step S700: First, the performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not it has received the performance command when the number of operating memories increases, which is sent from the main control CPU 72 when the game ball enters the first start winning port 26, the start gate 20, or the second start winning port 28b. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not the performance command when the number of operating memories increases is saved. If it is confirmed that the performance command when the number of operating memories increases is saved (Step S700: Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes Steps S702 and S703. Note that if it is not confirmed that the performance command when the number of operating memories increases is saved (Step S700: No), the performance control CPU 126 does not execute Steps S702 and S703.

Step S702: The performance control CPU 126 executes a performance selection process when the number of activation memories increases. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects a performance that displays the hold displays M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol, normal symbol, and second special symbol.

Step S703: When the performance control CPU 126 is to display the hold indications M1 and M2, it executes a look-ahead performance management process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to determine by lottery whether or not to execute a look-ahead performance, and when it is determined that a look-ahead performance is to be executed, it executes a process to determine the content of the look-ahead performance to be executed.

The lottery probability is set so that the probability of the pre-reading effect being executed is high when a special pattern results in a big win or small win, and when a normal pattern results in a long opening. Then, when it is decided to execute the pre-reading effect, the effect control CPU 126 executes the pre-reading effect in steps S404 to S408 in FIG. 47.

As mentioned above, when a stop pattern corresponding to a long opening is selected in the normal pattern, it becomes easier to win the second start winning hole 28b when a long opening is performed. The probability of a small win in the second start winning hole 28b is about 1/1, and if a small win occurs, there is a possibility that it will develop into a big win, and even if it does not become a small win, it will become a big win. Therefore, by suggesting that a stop pattern that will result in a long opening has been selected by the pre-reading performance, the expectation of a big win is suggested.

The pre-reading performance can take a variety of forms, such as changing the mode of the reserved display, cutting in a performance image, changing the mode of the background display on the liquid crystal display 42, or making a character corresponding to the pre-reading performance appear. When the mode of the reserved display changes, the color of the reserved display changes each time a reserved memory stored before the reserved display that is the subject of the pre-reading is consumed, suggesting the likelihood of a jackpot, or the shape of the reserved display changes to a different shape to suggest the likelihood of a jackpot.

Step S704: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not it has received a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced is saved. If it is confirmed that a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced is saved (step S704: Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S706. Note that if it is not confirmed that a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced is saved (step S704: No), the performance control CPU 126 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The performance control CPU 126 executes a performance selection process when the number of active memories decreases. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a performance in which the reserved displays M1, M2 corresponding to the first special pattern and the second special pattern slide. The performance control CPU 126 also selects a performance in which the reserved display corresponding to the lottery element consumed by the internal lottery is moved from the pre-change display area X1 to the changing display area X2. The memory reserved display moved to the changing display area X2 is erased when the change ends.

When the above steps are completed, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (Figure 43).

[Performance design management processing]
Fig. 45 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the performance symbol management process. The performance symbol management process includes a subroutine group of execution selection process (step S500), performance symbol pre-change process (step S502), performance symbol change process (step S504), performance symbol stop display process (step S506), and variable winning device operation time process (step S508). Below, the basic flow of the performance symbol management process will be explained along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the performance control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the performance pattern management process as the return address in the "jump table". Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the variable display performance has not yet started, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance pattern change pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the performance pattern change pre-processing has already been completed, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance pattern change processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the performance pattern change processing has been completed, the performance pattern stop display processing (step S506) as the next jump destination. Additionally, the variable prize-winning device operation process (step S508) is selected as the jump destination when the variable prize-winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 13) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the pre-processing of the effect pattern variation, the effect control CPU 126 prepares the conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect pattern. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, type of winning, variation pattern, etc.), and selects the effect pattern for the advance notice effect (a pre-reach advance notice pattern other than the pre-reading advance notice effect pattern, a post-reach advance notice pattern, etc.). In addition, the effect control CPU 126 also controls the demo effect when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific process content will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S504: In the processing during the change in the performance pattern, the performance control CPU 126 generates control information to instruct the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when performing a performance using the performance button 45 while a changing display performance using the performance pattern is being performed, the performance control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the performance button, and instructs the display control CPU 146 on control information for the performance content (button performance) according to the result. Also, in the processing during the change in the performance pattern, the performance control CPU 126 also executes processing to execute pseudo-changes (pseudo-continuous announcements).

Step S506: In the process of displaying the effect symbols, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the stop display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) actually ends the variable display effect that has been executed up until that point on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. As a result, the stop display effect is executed in approximately synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be instructed to the player in a performance manner (disclosure, announcement, notification, etc.) (performance execution means). In addition, in the case of a small win, the stop display effect can be executed in the same or similar manner as in the case of a loss.

Step S508: In the processing when the variable winning device is activated, the presentation control CPU 126 controls the presentation content during a small win or a big win (special game presentation execution means). In this processing, the presentation control CPU 126 selects the content of the big win presentation according to various conditions (e.g., the type of win). For example, in the case of a 10-round big win, the presentation control CPU 126 selects a 10-round big win presentation pattern as the presentation content to be displayed on the LCD display 42, and instructs this to the presentation display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). As a result, an image of the big win presentation is displayed on the display screen of the LCD display 42, and the presentation content changes as the round progresses.

[Pre-processing for changing the performance pattern]
46 to 48 are flowcharts showing an example of a procedure for pre-processing of effect symbol variation. The following describes the procedure.

Step S600: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not it has received a demo performance command from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a demo performance command has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a demo performance command has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S602.

Step S602: The performance control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects a demo performance pattern. The demo performance pattern specifies the content of the performance that indicates that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

When the above steps are completed, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the address at the end of the performance pattern management process. The performance control CPU 126 then returns to the performance control process, and controls the content of the demo performance based on the demo performance pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 43) and lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 43).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S600 that no demo performance commands have been saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 then executes step S604.

Step S604: The presentation control CPU 126 checks whether the game state is normal (non-time-saving state). Specifically, the presentation control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether a state designation command indicating the normal state is saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a state designation command indicating the normal state is saved (Yes), the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S606. Conversely, if it is confirmed that a state designation command indicating the normal state is not saved (No), the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S630.

Step S606: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not a regular map performance start command has been received. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a regular map performance start command has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a regular map performance start command has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S608.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the normal display start command has not been saved (No), the display control CPU 126 executes step S610.

Step S608: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process to select a change pattern for the change display of the mini pattern for regular figures and the fourth pattern for regular figures based on the change pattern of the regular figures. As a result, in the normal state, the change display of the regular performance figures is restricted, and the change display of the regular performance figures is not performed, but the change display of the mini pattern for regular figures and the fourth pattern for regular figures is performed. When this process is completed, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the address at the end of the performance pattern management process, and then returns to the performance control process.

Step S610: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not a special chart performance start command has been received. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a special chart performance start command has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a special chart performance start command has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S612.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the special symbol effect start command has not been saved (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the address at the end of the effect symbol management process.

Step S612: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the regular performance pattern is being displayed. Note that in the final change of the time-saving state, the time-saving state transitions to the normal state before the normal pattern starts to change (see step S2618 in FIG. 32 and FIG. 18). Therefore, when the regular performance pattern is being displayed in the final change of the time-saving state, the game state has transitioned to the normal state. Also, since the target of change in the normal state is the special performance pattern, even if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 in the normal state and the regular pattern is displayed, the regular performance pattern will not be displayed. Therefore, the display of the regular performance pattern in the normal state is the final change of the time-saving state.

Then, if it is confirmed that the regular display pattern for the final change in the time-saving state is changing (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S614. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the regular display pattern is not changing (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S620.

Step S614: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current change in the special pattern is a big win or a small win. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether a lottery result command for a big win or a small win has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a lottery result command for a big win or a small win has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S616.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for a big win or a small win has not been saved, that is, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for a miss (non-win) has been saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S618.

The second start winning port 28b is opened when the display result of the normal pattern change is displayed, so if a special pattern performance start command is received while the normal pattern performance is changing, it can be said that the game ball has entered the first start winning port 26 and the first special pattern is changing. Therefore, in this step, it can be said that it is being confirmed whether the change in the first special pattern is a big win or a small win.

Step S616: The performance control CPU 126 executes the first specific performance selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the performance pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, "C0H00H" to "D0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The performance pattern number is prepared in advance in response to the variation pattern command, and the performance control CPU 126 can select the performance pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time by referring to a performance pattern selection table not shown. This switches the display from the variation display of the normal performance pattern to the variation display of the special performance pattern. The performance control CPU 126 also sets the execution data of the first specific performance. The performance control CPU 126 ends the first specific performance when it receives a state designation command indicating a big win or a small win. The first specific performance will be described in detail in Figures 59 and 61. Also, in this step, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to select a change pattern (specifically, a change pattern number) for the change display of the mini symbol for the special symbol and the fourth symbol of the special symbol based on the change pattern of the special symbol. Furthermore, in this step, the performance control CPU 126 simultaneously selects a performance pattern in which the change target notification frame surrounds the mini symbol for the special symbol.

The above procedure applies when a "big hit or small hit" occurs. However, if a "big hit or small hit" does not occur, the presentation control CPU 126 confirms in step S614 that the "big hit or small hit is not occurring" (No). In this case, the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S618.

Step S618: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process to select a change pattern (specifically, a change pattern number) for the change display of the special mini pattern and the special fourth pattern based on the change pattern of the special pattern. Then, the performance control CPU 126 continues the change display of the regular performance pattern without switching to the special performance pattern during the change display of the regular pattern. Therefore, the performance control CPU 126 keeps the change target notification frame surrounding the regular mini pattern. Note that in this step, the performance control CPU 126 sets data for executing the second specific performance when switching to the special performance pattern after the change display of the regular performance pattern.

Step S620: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current change in the special pattern is a miss (non-win). Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether a lottery result command for a non-win has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a lottery result command for a non-win has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S628. Conversely, if it is confirmed that a lottery result command for a non-win has not been saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S622.

Step S622: If the lottery result command is not a non-win (miss) (Step S608: No), then the performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current change in the special pattern is a jackpot. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the lottery result command for a jackpot has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for a jackpot has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S626. Conversely, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for a jackpot has not been saved (No), all that remains is the lottery result command for a small jackpot, and in this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S624.

Step S624: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a variable performance pattern at the time of a small win corresponding to the special pattern. That is, the variable pattern at the time of a small win in the performance pattern for the special pattern is selected. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the performance pattern number at that time based on the variable pattern command (for example, "C0H00H" to "D0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The performance pattern number is prepared in advance in response to the variable pattern command, and the performance control CPU 126 can select the performance pattern number corresponding to the variable pattern command at that time by referring to a performance pattern selection table not shown. The performance pattern number may be prepared in pairs with the variable pattern command, or multiple numbers may be prepared for one variable pattern command. In addition, in this step, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a variable pattern (specifically, a variable pattern number) of the variable display of the mini pattern for the normal pattern and the fourth pattern for the normal pattern based on the variable pattern of the normal pattern. Furthermore, in this step, the performance control CPU 126 simultaneously selects a performance pattern in which the variable target notification frame surrounds the special mini pattern.

When a performance pattern number is selected, the performance control CPU 126 refers to a performance table (not shown) and determines the schedule for changing the performance pattern corresponding to the changing performance pattern number at that time (the content of the changing display performance and the stop display performance), the mode of the stop display, etc. Note that the types of performance patterns determined here all correspond to "combinations of patterns at the time of a small win."

The above procedure applies when a "small win" occurs, but if a "big win" occurs, the presentation control CPU 126 confirms in step S622 that it is a "big win" (Yes). In this case, the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S626.

Step S626: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a variation presentation pattern at the time of a jackpot corresponding to the special symbol. That is, the variation pattern at the time of a jackpot in the special symbol presentation pattern is selected. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 determines the presentation pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (e.g., "E0H00H" to "F0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. In the selection process for the presentation pattern at the time of a jackpot, the process may be further branched according to the symbol that stops at the time of a jackpot. Also, in this step, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting the variation pattern (specifically, the variation pattern number) of the mini symbol for the normal symbol and the fourth symbol for the normal symbol based on the variation pattern of the normal symbol. Furthermore, in this step, the presentation control CPU 126 simultaneously selects a presentation pattern in which the variation target notification frame surrounds the mini symbol for the special symbol.

If the winner is not a winner, the following procedure is executed. That is, when the performance control CPU 126 confirms in step S620 that the winner is a loser (Yes), it executes step S628.

Step S628: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a variation performance pattern at the time of failure corresponding to the special symbol. That is, the variation pattern at the time of failure in the performance pattern for the special symbol is selected. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the performance pattern number at the time of failure based on the variation pattern command (for example, "A0H00H" to "A6H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The performance pattern number at the time of failure is classified into "normal variation at the time of failure" and "reach variation at the time of failure", and a detailed reach variation pattern is further specified for "reach variation at the time of failure". Note that which performance pattern number the performance control CPU 126 selects is determined by the variation pattern command sent from the main control CPU 72. In addition, in this step, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting the variation pattern (specifically, the variation pattern number) of the mini symbol for the normal symbol and the fourth symbol for the normal symbol based on the variation pattern of the normal symbol. Furthermore, in this step, the performance control CPU 126 simultaneously selects a performance pattern in which the variable target notification frame surrounds the special mini pattern.

When the effect pattern number for a miss is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown) and determines the schedule for changing the effect pattern corresponding to the changing effect pattern number at that time and the mode of the stopped display (for example, "7"-"2"-"4", etc.).

The above procedure applies when the game state is normal, but if the game state is in the time-saving state, the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S630.

Step S630: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not a special chart performance start command has been received. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a special chart performance start command has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a special chart performance start command has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S640.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the special chart performance start command has not been saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S632.

Step S632: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not a regular performance start command has been received. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a regular performance start command has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a regular performance start command has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S634. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that a regular performance start command has not been saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 returns to the address at the end of the performance pattern management process.

Step S634: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current change in the normal pattern corresponds to a short opening. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether a lottery result command for a short opening has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a lottery result command for a short opening has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S636. Conversely, if it is confirmed that a lottery result command for a short opening has not been saved (No), all that remains is the lottery result command for a long opening, and in this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S638.

Step S636: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a variable presentation pattern at the time of short opening corresponding to the normal pattern. That is, a variable presentation pattern at the time of short opening in the normal presentation pattern is selected. When a short opening is executed, the game ball does not enter the second start winning hole 28b, so a variable presentation pattern at the time of short opening is selected as a variable presentation pattern that results in a miss. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 determines the presentation pattern number at that time based on the variable pattern command (for example, "C0H00H" to "D0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The presentation pattern number is prepared in advance in correspondence with the variable pattern command, and the presentation control CPU 126 can select the presentation pattern number corresponding to the variable pattern command at that time by referring to a presentation pattern selection table not shown. The presentation pattern number may be prepared in pairs with the variable pattern command, or multiple ones may be prepared for one variable pattern command. Also, in this step, the performance control CPU 126 selects the mini symbol for the normal symbol and the change pattern of the fourth symbol (specifically, the change pattern number) based on the change pattern of the normal symbol.

The above procedure applies when the condition is a "short opening." However, if the condition is a long opening, the performance control CPU 126 confirms in step S634 that the condition is a "long opening" (No). In this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S638.

Step S638: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a long-opening variable presentation pattern corresponding to the normal symbol. In other words, it selects a long-opening variable presentation pattern for the normal symbol. When a long-opening is executed, it is possible for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 28b, so a variable presentation pattern that will result in a winning combination is selected for the long-opening variable presentation pattern. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 determines the presentation pattern number at that time based on the variable pattern command (e.g., "C0H00H" to "D0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. Also, in this step, the presentation control CPU 126 selects a normal mini symbol and a variable pattern (specifically, a variable pattern number) for the fourth symbol based on the variable pattern of the normal symbol.

When an effect pattern number is selected in step S636 or step S638, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown) and determines the effect pattern change schedule (the contents of the change display effect and the stop display effect) and the stop display mode, etc., of the effect pattern corresponding to the change display pattern number at that time. Note that the type of effect pattern determined here corresponds to the "combination of patterns when a miss occurs" in the case of a short opening, and the "combination of patterns when a win occurs" in the case of a long opening.

The above procedure applies when the "special chart performance start command has not been received." However, if the special chart performance start command has been received, the performance control CPU 126 confirms in step S630 that the "special chart performance start command has been received" (Yes). In this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S640.

Step S640: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the change in the current special pattern (in this step, the first special pattern) is a big win or a small win. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether a lottery result command for a big win or a small win has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a lottery result command for a big win or a small win has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S642.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for a big win or a small win has not been saved, that is, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for a miss (non-win) has been saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S644.

Step S642: The performance control CPU 126 executes the second specific performance selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the performance pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, "C0H00H" to "D0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The performance pattern number is prepared in advance in response to the variation pattern command, and the performance control CPU 126 can select the performance pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time by referring to a performance pattern selection table not shown. This switches the display from the variation display of the normal performance pattern to the variation display of the special performance pattern. Then, the execution data of the second specific performance is set. Note that in the time-saving state, the variation time of the special pattern is a fixed time, so the performance control CPU 126 sets the execution data of the second specific performance that ends in a fixed time. The second specific performance will be described in detail in Figures 59 and 60. Also, in this step, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to select a change pattern (specifically, a change pattern number) for the change display of the mini symbol for the special symbol and the fourth symbol of the special symbol based on the change pattern of the special symbol. Furthermore, in this step, the performance control CPU 126 simultaneously selects a performance pattern in which the change target notification frame surrounds the mini symbol for the special symbol.

In the time-saving state, the display result of the normal symbol variation display is displayed, and if the second start winning hole 28b is opened and a game ball enters, the second special symbol will always be a big win or a small win. Therefore, when a special symbol performance start command for the second special symbol is received, the performance control CPU 126 only performs the process of selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol mini symbol and the special symbol fourth symbol without going through step S640. As a result, after the display result of the normal symbol performance pattern variation display is displayed, the special symbol mini symbol and the special symbol fourth symbol stop, and the time-saving state transitions to a big win game state or a small win game state.

The above procedure applies when the first special symbol corresponds to a "big hit or small hit." However, if the first special symbol does not correspond to a "big hit or small hit," the performance control CPU 126 confirms in step S640 that the first special symbol is "not a big hit or small hit" (No). In this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S644.

Step S644: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process to select a change pattern (specifically, a change pattern number) for the change display of the special mini pattern and the special fourth pattern based on the change pattern of the special pattern. In addition, the performance control CPU 126 continues the change display of the regular pattern without switching to the special pattern during the change display of the regular pattern. Therefore, the performance control CPU 126 keeps the change target notification frame surrounding the regular mini pattern.

Although not shown in the figure, during a jackpot game, the variation pattern of the effect symbols corresponding to the normal symbols is selected. At this time, the effect symbols corresponding to the special symbols are hidden.

After completing the above steps, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance pattern management process (last address). As a result, in the subsequent performance pattern change process (step S504 in FIG. 36), the variable display performance and the stop display performance, the first specific performance, and the second specific performance are executed based on the actually selected variable performance pattern and the execution data of the first specific performance and the second specific performance (performance execution means), and the preview performance is executed based on various preview performance patterns.

When the effect control CPU 126 selects the variation pattern of the special effect pattern corresponding to the first special pattern, the normal state is reached, and therefore the effect data of the normal effect screen is selected. When the effect control CPU 126 selects the variation pattern of the special effect pattern corresponding to the second special pattern, the state is reached where a jackpot is confirmed, and therefore the effect data of the jackpot preparation screen is selected. When the effect control CPU 126 selects the variation pattern of the normal effect pattern corresponding to the normal pattern, the time-saving state is reached, and therefore the effect data of the time-saving effect screen is selected.

When selecting the effect data for the normal effect screen, the jackpot preparation screen, or the time-saving effect screen, the effect to be displayed on each screen is also selected. Then, in the subsequent processing during the effect pattern change (step S504 in FIG. 36), the effect control CPU 126 displays the selected effect screen and executes the selected effect.

[Suggestions for the design of the variable effect]
Next, a specific example of the case where the effect pattern to be changed is suggested according to the game state will be described. In this embodiment, the mini symbol to be changed is displayed as shown in FIG. 49 by selecting the change pattern of the mini symbol and the fourth symbol as shown in FIG. 46 to FIG. 48.

As shown in FIG. 49(a), when the game state is normal, the effect pattern to be changed becomes the special effect pattern. Therefore, the change target notification frame 304 moves to a position surrounding the special mini pattern 300.

As shown in FIG. 49(b), when the game state is in the time-saving state, the effect pattern to be changed becomes the effect pattern for normal symbols. Therefore, the change target notification frame 304 moves to a position surrounding the mini-pattern for normal symbols 302.

As shown in FIG. 49(c), when the game state is in a jackpot streak (one change between jackpot game states), the effect pattern to be changed becomes the special effect pattern. Therefore, the change target notification frame 304 moves to a position surrounding the special mini pattern 300.

As shown in FIG. 49(d), when the game state is a jackpot game state, the target effect pattern becomes a normal effect pattern. Therefore, the target effect notification frame 304 moves to a position surrounding the normal mini pattern 302. Also, when the game state is a jackpot game state, the special pattern change display is not performed, so the special mini pattern 303 is not displayed (only the fourth patterns 306 and 308 are continuously displayed). At this time, it is not displayed when the effect pattern is confirmed. And, in a jackpot game state, a long opening is performed with the same probability as in time-saving state C, so the normal mini pattern 302 changes and stops depending on whether the result of the normal lottery is a long opening or a short opening.

In this way, even if the display of the special or ordinary performance pattern is configured to be changed using the same performance pattern 43 depending on the game status, it is possible to clearly display whether the special or ordinary performance pattern is being changed by surrounding the special mini pattern 300 or ordinary mini pattern 302 with the change target notification frame 304. This makes it easier to understand the content of the game, and increases the interest in the game.

In this embodiment, the special mini pattern 300, the regular mini pattern 302, and the fourth patterns 306, 308, and 310 are positioned so that their visibility is not reduced by the movable body when the movable body for the performance moves, and are displayed in the highest layer with respect to the display of images on the liquid crystal display 42. This makes it possible to clearly see the content of the game regardless of the situation.

In addition, in this embodiment, the special and normal symbols may change simultaneously, for example, when the game ball passes through the start gate 20 while entering the first start winning port 26 or the second start winning port 28b, or when there is a reserved memory of a special symbol and a reserved memory of a normal symbol.

In this case, for symbols that do not correspond to the game state (i.e. symbols that do not display a change in the performance symbol), when the change in the symbol is being displayed, it is possible to configure the display to not display a change in the performance symbol, but to display a change in the mini symbol and the fourth symbol. It is also possible to configure the display to display a demo screen when a demo performance command is received.

In addition, even if a symbol that does not correspond to the game state (i.e., a symbol that does not display a changing effect symbol) results in a specific lottery result (big win, small win, long opening, regular win), if a demo screen is being displayed, it is possible to configure it so that the demo screen continues to be displayed.

In the case of applying the present invention, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are simultaneously displayed, and the effect symbol corresponding to the first special symbol or the effect symbol corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed according to the game state. Furthermore, it is possible to configure the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 controlled by the main control CPU 72 to indicate which effect symbol is being displayed. In this case, it is possible to configure it in a similar manner. With regard to a symbol that does not correspond to the game state (i.e., a symbol that does not display the effect symbol), when the effect symbol is being displayed, the effect symbol is not displayed, but the mini symbol and the fourth symbol are displayed. And, it is possible to configure it to display a demo screen when a demo effect command is received. Also, even if a symbol that does not correspond to the game state (i.e., a symbol that does not display the effect symbol) becomes a specific lottery result (big win, small win), it is possible to configure it to continue displaying the demo screen when the demo screen is being displayed.

[Timing of screen changes]
Next, a description will be given of the timing of switching the effect screen when the time-saving state is changed to the normal state in this embodiment. In this example, an example of changing from the time-saving state A to the normal state will be described.

As shown in FIG. 50, in the time-saving state A, the time-saving performance screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. The time-saving performance screen is a performance screen capable of displaying the variation of the performance pattern for the normal pattern. Then, when the number of variations of the first special pattern in the time-saving state reaches five times and the time-saving end condition is satisfied, the time-saving state A ends. Then, when the variation of the first special pattern ends for the fifth time and the pattern determination time after the variation of the first special pattern ends for the fifth time has elapsed, the game state is changed from the time-saving state A to the normal state. When controlled to the normal state, the liquid crystal display 42 switches from the time-saving performance screen to the normal performance screen. At this time, the screen is switched to the normal performance screen regardless of whether the variation of the performance pattern for the normal pattern is being displayed. Therefore, the screen is switched to the normal performance screen even during the variation of the performance pattern for the normal pattern. The normal performance screen is a performance screen capable of displaying the variation of the performance pattern for the special pattern.

In this case, the display of normal patterns (display of changes by the normal pattern display device 33 in FIG. 4) begins before the first special pattern stops, and the display of changes continues even after control is returned to the normal state. This display of changes in normal patterns is based on the game ball passing through the start gate 20 during the time-saving state, and a normal pattern lottery is performed. In this embodiment, only a short opening is selected in the normal pattern lottery in the normal state, but a long opening may be selected in the normal pattern lottery in the time-saving state. Therefore, a long opening may occur even after control is returned to the normal state.

Then, suppose that the long opening was won in the normal drawing, and when the variable display of the normal pattern that continued even after control was put into the normal state stopped, the pattern corresponding to the long opening (normal pattern 2 shown in FIG. 36(b)) stopped. In this case, a right-hit promotion screen is displayed in a part of the screen display area (hereinafter also referred to as a small window) of the liquid crystal display 42, which is the normal performance screen, to encourage the player to shoot the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28 (i.e., to encourage a right-hit operation). As a result, by switching to a right-hit operation when a player is performing a left-hit operation in the normal state, the game ball can be made to win the long-opened variable start winning device 28 (i.e., the second start winning port 28b). In other words, the right-hit promotion screen (second start port winning suggestion image) is displayed in parallel with the variable display of the special performance pattern on the normal performance screen.

After this, when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b, the display of the second special symbol starts to change based on the winning. In this example, four game balls have entered (winning N1 to N4), and the display of the second special symbol starts to change based on the first winning N1. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b, it always results in a small win or a big win, and even if it is a small win, it can develop into a big win. Therefore, when the second special symbol starts to change, the liquid crystal display 42 switches from the normal performance screen to a big win preparation screen. The big win preparation screen is displayed in the entire image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. In the big win preparation screen, an image announcing the start of a big win and an image encouraging the player to hit to the right are displayed.

That is, even during the display of the changing special effect pattern corresponding to the first special pattern, the screen can be switched to the jackpot preparation screen (the effect image related to the second special pattern). Note that the image encouraging right-hitting on the jackpot preparation screen may display the same image as the image that was displayed in parallel during the display of the changing special effect pattern corresponding to the first special pattern, or it may display a different image.

In addition, if a short release is won in the normal pattern lottery during the time-saving state, and the pattern corresponding to the short release stops when the variable display of the normal patterns that has continued since control was put into the normal state stops, the game ball will not enter the second start winning hole 28b, and as a result, a jackpot will not occur, so the normal performance screen will continue to be displayed on the LCD display 42.

[Examples of screen switching]
Next, the switching of the performance screen performed by the liquid crystal display 42 described in Fig. 50 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 51 and Fig. 52. When an internal lottery for a special symbol is performed in the pachinko machine 1, a variation pattern (in other words, a variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and a variation display using the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed.

[Before change display]
51 (a): For example, the time-saving performance screen 500 is displayed in the time-saving state A. In the time-saving performance screen, regardless of whether the special symbol is being displayed (the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 shown in FIG. 4 are being displayed), the normal symbol performance pattern (the performance pattern 43 in the figure) is displayed as stopped (in this example, "467") when the normal symbol is not being displayed (in this embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33 in FIG. 4 is displaying the normal symbol).

Figure 51 (b): Then, in synchronization with the start of the normal pattern change, the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 changes to show the normal pattern change (arrow in the figure). At this time, the sub-display area Z at the bottom right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 changes and shows the normal mini pattern 302 and the fourth pattern 310 corresponding to the normal pattern. Also, at this time, it is assumed that the first special pattern change is being shown. In this case, the special pattern change is not shown, but the special mini pattern 300 and the fourth pattern 306 corresponding to the special pattern are shown.

Figure 51 (c): During the changing display of the normal performance symbols, a reach notice performance may be performed. In this example, "Defeat the enemy!" is displayed, and a notice is given that a reach will occur and that the associated reach performance will be executed.

Figure 51 (d): Next, when the special mini pattern 300 and the fourth pattern 306 corresponding to the special pattern stop at a losing pattern ("156" in the figure), and the number of times the first special pattern has changed is reached five times, control is switched from time-saving state A to normal state. At this time, even if the change in the regular pattern is being displayed, the time-saving display screen 500 is switched to the regular display screen 502. For this reason, the display result due to the change in the regular pattern display is not derived, and the change in the regular pattern display is forcibly ended.

At this time, the display of the regular symbols ends, but the display of the regular symbols continues. Then, a left-hit prompting screen 504 is displayed on the screen of the LCD display 42, encouraging the player to hit to the left. This causes the player to switch from right-hitting to left-hitting during the time-saving state. In this case, even if the screen is switched to the regular display screen, the display of the regular mini symbols 302 and the fourth symbol 310 continues. In other words, the display of the regular symbols ends, but the display of the regular symbols and the display of the regular mini symbols 302 and the fourth symbol 310 continue to be displayed even in the regular state.

Figure 51 (e): When a predetermined time has elapsed since the left-hit promotion screen 504 began to be displayed, the special effect pattern (effect pattern 43 in the figure) will switch to a frozen display state (in this example, "156").

In Figure 52 (f): After switching to the normal performance screen 502, the display of the normal symbols that had been continuously displayed from the time-saving state stops, and the symbol corresponding to the long opening (normal symbol 2 shown in Figure 36 (b)) stops. At this time, the variable start winning device 28 is long opened.

In this case, a small window 506 is displayed in a part of the image display area of the liquid crystal display 42. That is, when the normal pattern corresponding to the long opening is stopped and displayed, a right-hit prompting screen that can be executed in the time-saving state is superimposed on the normal performance screen corresponding to the normal state. Then, in the small window 506, a right-hit prompting screen 508 (special hit suggestion display) that prompts the player to shoot the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28 is displayed. Note that the image displayed in the small window 506 is a special image that is executed only when a condition other than the time-saving end condition due to the normal pattern change is met when transitioning from the time-saving state to the normal state. Specifically, "Right hit READY" is displayed. As a result, a player who is performing a left-hit operation in the normal state can switch to a right-hit operation to cause the game ball to win the long-opened variable start winning device 28 (i.e., the second start winning port 28b).

In this example, even in the area outside the small window 506, a text image ("Please hit to the right" in the figure: a normal hit suggestion display) that always appears when transitioning to a right-hit state (time-saving state/winning state) is displayed to encourage the player to hit to the right. The variable display of the regular mini-pattern 302 and fourth pattern 310 stops in synchronization with the stopping of the regular pattern. Then, the pattern corresponding to the long opening stops.

Figure 52 (g): Next, after a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed, the appearance of the right-hit prompting screen 508 changes. Specifically, it displays "Right-hit FIRE."

(h) in Figure 52: Then, after a predetermined time (for example, one second) has passed, the appearance of the right-hit prompting screen 508 changes further. Specifically, it displays "Aim for right-hit!" In this way, the display appearance of the right-hit prompting screen 508 changes in stages. This allows the player to more clearly recognize that they are performing a right-hit operation. Also, by making the image that directly instructs the player ("Aim for right-hit!") longer than other right-hit prompting screens, the right-hit operation can be clearly communicated to the player.

In FIG. 52 (i): Next, when the game ball enters the long-open variable start winning device 28 and the variable display of the second special symbol begins, the display of the right-hit promotion screen 508 in the small window 42c ends. Then, when the display of the right-hit promotion screen 508 ends, the normal presentation screen is switched to a jackpot preparation screen 510 using the entire screen display area (full screen). The jackpot preparation screen includes characters 510a ("CHARGE" in the figure) encouraging a right hit, characters 510b ("Preparing to start 1 round" in the figure) announcing that a jackpot will begin, and a meter 510c showing the number of wins in the variable start winning device 28.

When switching to the jackpot preparation screen 510, the jackpot preparation screen 510 may be displayed in a layer higher than the normal presentation screen 502, or the normal presentation screen 502 may be erased and the jackpot preparation screen 510 may be displayed. In addition, when a game ball enters the long-open variable start winning device 28, the display of the right hit promotion screen 508 may be switched to a different type of right hit promotion screen, such as by further enlarging the display area or by changing the right hit promotion screen 508 ("Aim for right hit") to text 510a ("CHARGE") encouraging right hit.

As described above, in the time-saving state, the normal pattern corresponding to the normal pattern is displayed as the display pattern. Therefore, the normal pattern is the main pattern in the time-saving state. When the time-saving state ends based on the display of the special pattern that is not the main pattern in the time-saving state, the time-saving display screen is switched to the normal display screen even if the normal pattern is still changing. Also, even if the normal pattern wins the long opening while the normal display screen is displayed, the big win preparation screen is displayed when the variable start winning device 28 wins. In this way, even if the time-saving state ends due to the display of the special pattern that is not the main pattern, the display screen transitions smoothly according to the situation (the timing of the long opening win, the timing when the second special pattern starts to change). Therefore, the player does not feel uncomfortable, and the interest of the game can be increased.

In this example, the probability of winning the normal drawing is set to 1 in 1, and either a long or short opening is determined. However, it may be determined whether or not to open the variable start winning device 28 depending on the result of the normal drawing. Even in this configuration, it is possible to display a right-hit promotion screen in a small window when the normal pattern that has been continuously displayed from the time-saving state stops at a winning pattern after switching from the time-saving display screen to the normal display screen and the variable start winning device 28 is opened.

[Chance lamp related processing]
Next, the chance lamp-related processing executed in step S405 of FIG. 43 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Step S700: The presentation control CPU 126 checks whether the game state is normal or time-saving based on the command received from the main control CPU 72. As a result, if it is confirmed that the game state is normal or time-saving (Yes), the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S702. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the game state is not normal or time-saving (No), the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S716.

Step S702: Based on the command received from the main control CPU 72, the performance control CPU 126 checks whether a game ball has entered the first start winning port 26, the start gate 20, or the second start winning port 28b and a hold has occurred. In other words, the performance control CPU 126 checks whether an operating memory (in other words, a hold memory) has occurred based on whether a command has been received when the number of operating memories has increased. If a hold has occurred (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S704. If a hold has not occurred (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S710.

Step S704: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not the pre-reading performance lottery executed in step S703 of FIG. 44 has been won. If the pre-reading performance lottery has been won (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S706. If the pre-reading performance lottery has not been won (No), the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process of FIG. 43.

Step S706: The performance control CPU 126 sets lighting data indicating the lighting pattern of the chance lamp 53b in the RAM 130. Next, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S708.

Step S708: The performance control CPU 126 sets the sound data corresponding to the lighting pattern of the chance lamp 53b in step S706 in the RAM 130. The performance control CPU 126 then returns to the performance control process of FIG. 43.

Step S710: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not the time-saving state is in place based on the command received from the main control CPU 72. If the time-saving state is in place (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S712. If the time-saving state is not in place (i.e., if the normal state is in place) (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S714.

Step S712: If there is a pending display to be read ahead, the performance control CPU 126 checks whether it is time to expire the pending display. This pending display includes both pending displays that will be expired before the pending display to be read ahead, and pending displays to be read ahead. If it is time to expire the pending display (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes steps S706 and S708 as described above, and returns to the performance control processing of FIG. 43. If it is not time to expire the pending display (No), the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control processing of FIG. 43.

Step S714: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether it is the start timing of pseudo-fluctuation 4 of a full rotation reach pattern based on the command received from the main control CPU 72. If it is the start timing of pseudo-fluctuation 4 of a full rotation reach pattern (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes steps S706 and S708 as described above and returns to the performance control process of FIG. 43. If it is not the start timing of pseudo-fluctuation 4 of a full rotation reach pattern (No), the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process of FIG. 43.

Step S716: The presentation control CPU 126 checks whether or not the game is in a jackpot game state based on the command received from the main control CPU 72. If the game is in a jackpot game state (Yes), the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S718. If the game is not in a jackpot game state (No), the presentation control CPU 126 returns to the presentation control process of FIG. 43.

Step S718: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether an over-winning has occurred based on the winning command sent from the main control CPU 72. Incidentally, whether an over-winning has occurred is detected, for example, by whether the 10th game ball, which is the upper limit number, is detected within a predetermined time after it is detected. Game balls detected within a predetermined time after the detection of the 10th game ball are allowed to win as over-winning game balls, and winnings after the predetermined time has elapsed are subject to error determination. Also, winnings that exceed the number allowed as over-winnings are subject to error determination as excessive winnings. Incidentally, the method of detecting over-winnings is not limited to the example in this embodiment, and other methods may be used.

If an over-winning has occurred (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes steps S706 and S708 as described above and returns to the performance control process of FIG. 43. If an over-winning has not occurred (No), the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process of FIG. 43.

After completing the above steps, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process, and in the subsequent lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 43) and sound output process (step S408 in FIG. 43), it controls the illumination of the chance lamp 53b and the sound output of the speakers 54a to 54d based on the data set in the RAM 130.

When the frame lamps 46, 50, board lamp 53a, and attack lamp 53c are lit in accordance with the chance lamp 53b, the lighting data is also set in the RAM 130.

[About the lighting state of the chance lamp]
Next, the lighting state of the chance lamp 53b will be described with reference to Figures 54 and 55.

As shown in FIG. 54(a), in the normal state, for example, if a game ball enters the first start winning slot 26 and an operating memory is generated ("Pending" in the figure), and the pre-reading performance lottery is won, a performance sound effect is output from the speakers 54a-54d, and the chance lamp 53b flashes in a single color (for example, red). When the chance lamp 53b lights up or flashes, the decorative part 61 emits light. The same applies below.

At this time, the board lamp 53a and the frame lamps 46, 50 also flash in a single color (e.g., red) in sync with the flashing of the chance lamp 53b. Also, the pre-reading effect starts to be executed on the LCD display 42. The pre-reading effect on the LCD display 42 continues until the working memory of the pre-reading target is consumed.

Then, the panel lamp 53a goes out when the output of the performance sound effect ends, but the chance lamp 53b and the frame lamps 46, 50 continue to flash. The chance lamp 53b and the frame lamps 46, 50 continue to flash until the activation memory of the pre-read target is consumed ("Pending consumption of pre-read target" in the figure) and three seconds have passed since the display of the changing performance pattern began, and then they go out.

In this embodiment, when the reserved memory to be read ahead is consumed, a fluctuation pattern of 3 seconds or more is selected.

As shown in FIG. 54(b), in the normal state, for example, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26 ("Start winning occurs" in the figure) and a full rotation reach pattern is selected by lottery, the chance lamp 53b, board lamp 53a, and frame lamps 46 and 50 are turned off for pseudo fluctuations 1 to 3.

When the display of the pseudo-variation 4 fluctuation starts, the chance lamp 53b lights up in multiple colors (e.g., rainbow colors). At this time, the board lamp 53a and frame lamps 46, 50 also light up in multiple colors (e.g., rainbow colors) in sync with the blinking of the chance lamp 53b. This causes the performance unit 40, the role object 60, and the decoration part 61 to emit light.

Then, when the display of the changing performance symbols ends, the chance lamp 53b, the board lamp 53a, and the frame lamps 46 and 50 go out. It is also possible to configure it so that when the speed at which the performance symbols change slows down in pseudo-change 4, the chance lamp 53b, the board lamp 53a, and the frame lamps 46 and 50 go out once, and the chance lamp 53b goes on again.

As shown in FIG. 55(c), in the time-saving state, for example, if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 and an operating memory is generated ("Pending" in the figure), and the pre-reading performance lottery is won, a line by a character related to the model of pachinko machine 1, "Maybe there's a chance," is output from speakers 54a-54d, and only chance lamp 53b flashes in a single color (e.g., red) for the same time as the line is output. Then, when the same time as the line is output has elapsed, chance lamp 53b goes out. Also, the pre-reading performance begins to be executed on liquid crystal display 42. The pre-reading performance on liquid crystal display 42 continues until the operating memory for the pre-reading target is consumed.

If there is an operating memory stored before the operating memory to be read ahead, when this operating memory is consumed (in the figure, "pending consumption before the target to be read ahead"), the character will output a line saying "Maybe your chance will come" from speakers 54a-54d, and only chance lamp 53b will flash in a single color (e.g., red) for the same time as the output of the line. Then, when the same time as the output of the line has elapsed, chance lamp 53b will go out.

After that, the working memory of the pre-read target is consumed ("Pending consumption of pre-read target" in the figure), and the display of the changing performance patterns begins. A line by the character saying "Your chance has come" is output from speakers 54a to 54d, and only chance lamp 53b flashes in a single color (e.g., red) for the same time as the line is output. Then, when the time equivalent to the line output has elapsed, the chance lamp goes out.

As shown in FIG. 55(d), in the jackpot game state, the chance lamp 53b is turned off during a round of play. Then, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter the large prize opening 30b of the variable prize-winning device 30 and the round of play ends, and the variable prize-winning device 30 is closed, an over-winning occurs when another game ball enters the large prize opening 30b.

When an over win occurs, during the interval between rounds of play, the character will say "Amazing!" from the speakers 54a-54d, and the chance lamp 53b will flash in multiple colors (e.g., rainbow colors) for the same period of time as the line is being output.

At this time, the attacca lamp 53c also lights up in multiple colors (for example, rainbow colors) in sync with the blinking of the chance lamp 53b. Then, when the same time as the line output time has elapsed, the chance lamp 53b and the attacca lamp 53c go out.

In addition, during a jackpot game state, the frame lamps 46, 50 and the panel lamp 53a light up in time with the music that is output during the jackpot game, so they will not light up in response to an over win.

[About the relationship between the flashing of the chance lamp and the sound output timing]
Next, the correspondence between the timing of lighting the chance lamp and the timing of outputting sound will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 56, an example will be described in which "Subarashii" is output from speakers 54a to 54d. In this case, when "su" is output from speakers 54a to 54d, chance lamp 53b lights up, and when the output of "su" is finished, chance lamp 53b goes out.

Similarly, when "ba" is output from speakers 54a to 54d, the chance lamp 53b lights up, and when the output of "ba" ends, the chance lamp 53b goes out. Similarly, when "ra" is output from speakers 54a to 54d, the chance lamp 53b lights up, and when the output of "ra" ends, the chance lamp 53b goes out. Similarly, when "shi" is output from speakers 54a to 54d, the chance lamp 53b lights up, and when the output of "shi" ends, the chance lamp 53b goes out. Similarly, when "i" is output from speakers 54a to 54d, the chance lamp 53b lights up, and when the output of "i" ends, the chance lamp 53b goes out.

In this way, the chance lamp 53b lights up in response to the output timing of the lines output from the speakers 54a to 54d, so that the chance lamp 53b flashes for the same period of time as the lines are output.

As shown in Figures 54 and 55, the number of characters in the dialogue output varies depending on the game situation, so the flashing duration and number of flashes of the chance lamp 53b, i.e., the light emission pattern of the light emitted from the chance lamp 53b, changes depending on the game situation. This makes it easier to understand the game situation.

[Examples of when the chance lamp lights up]
Next, a specific example when the chance lamp 53b is turned on will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, we will explain a specific example of the time-saving state using Figure 57.

As shown in FIG. 57(a), in the time-saving state, for example, when there is one normal reserved display M1 and the display pattern is changing (the arrow in the figure indicates that the display is changing), a start winning occurs and the pre-reading performance lottery is won. At this time, a second reserved display M1 that is the pre-reading target is newly displayed in the pre-reading display area X1. The display mode of the reserved display M1 that is the pre-reading target is displayed in a different mode from normal. In this example, the reserved display M1 that is not the pre-reading target is displayed in a circle, while the reserved display M1 that is the pre-reading target is displayed in a star shape. Then, when the star-shaped reserved display M1 is displayed and the pre-reading performance starts, the speaker 54a-54d outputs the line "You might have a chance" and the chance lamp 53b flashes red.

Next, as shown in FIG. 57(b), the display of the changing performance pattern ends, and as shown in FIG. 57(c), the pending display M1 that was displayed before the pending display M1 to be read ahead moves from the pre-change display area X1 to the changing display area X2, and the display of the changing performance pattern begins.

At this time, the line "Maybe your chance will come" is output again from the speakers 54a to 54d, and the chance lamp 53b flashes red.

Next, as shown in FIG. 57(d), the display of the changing performance patterns ends, and as shown in FIG. 57(e), the pending display M1 to be read ahead moves from the pre-change display area X1 to the changing display area X2, and the display of the changing performance patterns begins.

At this time, the speaker 54a to 54d will output the phrase "Your chance has come," and the chance lamp 53b will flash red.

In this way, when the look-ahead performance is executed, a look-ahead notice is given every time the operating memory is consumed until the variable display related to the pending display M1 that is the look-ahead target is started.

Next, a specific example of a jackpot game state will be explained using Figure 58.

As shown in FIG. 58(a), assume that the first round of play is being played in a jackpot game state. In the example shown in FIG. 58(a), six game balls have entered the jackpot winning hole 30b, and the LCD display 42 shows that 80 game balls have been paid out as prize balls.

As shown in FIG. 58(b), in the jackpot game state, 10 game balls enter the jackpot winning hole 30b, and the conditions for ending the round of play are met. At this time, the LCD display 42 displays that 150 game balls have been paid out as prize balls.

As shown in FIG. 58(c), assume that a game ball enters the large prize opening 30b when it is closed, causing an over prize. When an over prize occurs, the prize balls for the over prize are paid out, but the number of prize balls displayed on the LCD display 42 remains at 150. In other words, the number of prize balls for the over prize is not displayed. Also, at this time, the LCD display 42 indicates that the first round has ended.

On the other hand, when an over win occurs, the speaker 54a-54d will output the phrase "Amazing!" and the chance lamp 53b will flash in rainbow colors.

In conventional gaming machines, various notifications regarding advantageous states (for example, pre-reading effects at the start of winning, winning hints at the start of fluctuations, winning confirmation notifications, promotion notifications during rounds, over-winning notifications) were made by illuminating lamps in various locations such as the game board 9 and the integrated door unit 4. However, from the player's perspective, various notifications were made in multiple scattered locations, making it complicated and difficult to understand.

However, in this embodiment, notifications suggesting that the pre-reading performance lottery has been won, notifications suggesting that an over-winning has occurred, and notifications that a full rotation reach pattern has been selected and a jackpot has been confirmed are all sent out through the illumination of the chance lamp 53b. In other words, only the chance lamp 53b is configured to emit light in all situations.

When the pre-reading performance is performed, the expectation of a big win increases. In other words, the expectation of winning a prize ball by making the game ball enter the large prize opening 30b of the variable prize-winning device 30 in a big win increases. Also, when a full rotation reach pattern is selected, the expectation of a big win increases. In this case too, the expectation of winning a prize ball by making the game ball enter the large prize opening 30b of the variable prize-winning device 30 in a big win increases. Also, in the case of an over-winning, an over-winning occurs in the large prize opening 30b of the variable prize-winning device 30, and a feeling of satisfaction is obtained from winning a prize ball.

In this way, regardless of the circumstances under which the chance lamp 53b is lit, the player's interest in the game is heightened by winning a prize ball in the large prize opening 30b of the variable prize device 30. Therefore, by providing the chance lamp 53b near the variable prize device 30 and concentrating each notification on the illumination of the chance lamp 53b, the player can be intuitively and clearly informed that a favorable game result that is likely to produce a prize ball can be obtained.

And because each notification is concentrated in the light emitted by the chance lamp 53b, it can be done effectively with a small number of parts, which reduces the manufacturing costs of the pachinko machine 1.

In addition, the lighting pattern of the chance lamp 53b changes depending on the game situation. This makes it easier to understand the game situation.

[About the effects when the special symbols change during the time-saving mode]
Next, the timing of the performance executed when the first special symbol becomes a big hit or a small hit during the time-saving state will be described with reference to Figure 59. In this example, the time-saving state A will be used as an example for explanation, but the same applies to the time-saving state B and the time-saving state C (see Figure 38).

As shown in FIG. 59, when the game state transitions to time-saving state A, the presentation state also transitions to time-saving state A. In time-saving state A, right-hand shots are usually performed. Each time the game ball passes through the start gate 20 and a normal pattern is displayed, a normal pattern display is also displayed. The normal pattern display is displayed in synchronization with the normal pattern, so the number of times the normal pattern changes and the number of times the normal pattern changes are the same.

In time-saving state A, even when the normal symbol variation display is being performed, a game ball can be made to enter first start winning hole 26 by hitting from the left. Therefore, in time-saving state A, it is possible that a game ball will enter first start winning hole 26 while the normal symbol variation display is being performed, causing the first special symbol variation display to be performed. Note that second start winning hole 28b is opened after the normal symbol variation display result is displayed, so the second special symbol variation display will not be performed while the normal symbol variation display is being performed.

And when the normal pattern change display is a change display other than the final change, that is, when the normal pattern change count is 1st to 9999th (in other words, less than 10,000 times), if a big win or small win occurs with the first special pattern during the normal pattern change display, the display pattern for the normal pattern is switched to the display pattern for the special pattern, and the second specific display is executed. Also, the display of the mini pattern for the special pattern and the fourth pattern of the special pattern is performed.

On the other hand, when the normal pattern change display is the final change display, that is, when the normal pattern change count is 10,000, if a big win or small win occurs with the first special pattern during the normal pattern change display, the display pattern for the normal pattern is switched to the display pattern for the special pattern, and the first special display is executed. Also, the display of the mini pattern for the special pattern and the fourth pattern of the special pattern is performed.

In addition, in the time-saving state A, if the first special symbol starts to change during the normal symbol change, but the first special symbol is a miss, the first or second specific effect is not executed, and the normal symbol continues to be displayed without switching to the special symbol. Then, only the special mini symbol and the special symbol 4th symbol are displayed.

In this embodiment, a shutter effect is executed as the first and second specific effects, which makes the special effect pattern switched from the normal effect pattern invisible. The shutter effect includes a first effect part in which the shutter changes from an open state to a closed state, and a second effect part in which the shutter is maintained in a closed state. The first and second specific effects have the same execution time for the first effect part, but different execution times for the second effect part. In this embodiment, since the execution time for the second effect part of the first specific effect is longer than that of the second specific effect, the first specific effect is referred to as a shutter effect (long) and the second specific effect is referred to as a shutter effect (short).

In the case of fluctuations other than the final fluctuation of the time-saving state, when a big hit or small hit occurs, a fluctuation pattern dedicated to time-saving is selected from the fluctuation pattern selection table B, and this fluctuation pattern ends in a fixed time, so that the execution time of the second performance part becomes fixed and the shutter performance (short) ends in a fixed time. Therefore, in the case of fluctuations other than the final fluctuation of the time-saving state, when a fluctuation pattern dedicated to time-saving is selected from the fluctuation pattern selection table B, execution data for the shutter performance (short) that ends in a fixed time is set, and when the shutter performance (short) ends, an announcement performance that announces that a big hit or small hit has occurred is executed at a fixed timing.

On the other hand, in the final change of the time-saving state, when a big win or a small win occurs, a normal state change pattern is selected from the change pattern selection table D, and the change time of the change pattern changes according to the change pattern. Since the processing becomes complicated if the execution time of the shutter effect (long) is managed according to the change pattern, the effect control CPU 126 is configured to end the shutter effect (long) when it receives a state designation command indicating a big win or a small win from the main control CPU 72 after the special pattern change display. Accordingly, the execution time of the second effect part changes according to the change time of the change pattern, and the shutter effect (long) has an end timing that changes according to the change pattern, so the shutter effect (long) cannot execute the notification effect at a fixed timing. In addition, if the execution time of the shutter effect (long) is managed and the notification effect is performed in accordance with the end timing of the shutter effect (long), the processing becomes complicated and the amount of data increases. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the shutter effect (long) ends, the notification effect is not executed and the screen moves directly to the start screen of the big win or small win (for example, the screen of the first round).

In addition, in any shutter performance, the confirmed performance pattern will not be displayed when the special performance pattern stops, but the special mini pattern and fourth pattern will stop.

In this embodiment, when the first special symbol is displayed in the time-saving state A, the variation pattern selection table B is referenced (see FIG. 19). Therefore, the performance control CPU 126 executes the second specific performance for the time-saving state when it receives a variation pattern command for the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection table B from the main control CPU 72.

However, if the normal symbol variation display is the final variation in time-saving state A, the game state transitions from time-saving state A to the normal state before the normal symbol variation display starts (see step S2618 in FIG. 32 and FIG. 18). Therefore, when it is the final variation in time-saving state A, the game state transitions to the normal state while the normal symbol variation display is in progress. For this reason, if the first special symbol variation display starts during the normal symbol variation display in the final variation in time-saving state A, variation pattern selection table B referenced during time-saving is not referenced, and variation pattern selection table D referenced during the normal state is referenced (see FIG. 19).

On the other hand, in the final change of the time-saving state A, the presentation state is in the time-saving state until the display of the change of the regular presentation pattern ends (see step S506 in FIG. 45). However, when the change pattern selection table D referenced during the normal state is referenced and a change pattern command is sent from the main control CPU 72, the presentation control CPU 126 starts displaying the change of the special presentation pattern according to the change pattern selected from the change pattern selection table D, even though the change of the regular presentation pattern is being displayed, and executes the presentation at the time of the change display. As a result, even though the presentation state is in the time-saving state, the presentation in the normal state is executed, resulting in an inconsistency in the presentation.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when a fluctuation pattern command for a fluctuation pattern selected from the fluctuation pattern selection table D in the final fluctuation of the time-saving state A is received from the main control CPU 72, the performance control CPU 126 switches from the normal performance pattern to the special performance pattern and executes a shutter performance (long) as the first specific performance. In addition, since the fluctuation pattern selected from the fluctuation pattern selection table D has a different fluctuation time depending on the fluctuation pattern, the performance control CPU 126 changes the execution time of the second performance part of the shutter performance (long) by the time depending on the fluctuation pattern.

As a result, when the first special symbol starts to change during the final change in time-saving state A, the special symbol effect symbol can be made invisible until a big win or small win starts, so the effect associated with the change display of the special symbol effect symbol in the normal state will not be executed, preventing the occurrence of discomfort.

The fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern selected in fluctuation pattern selection table B is shorter than the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern selected in fluctuation pattern selection table D. Also, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern selected in fluctuation pattern selection table B is a fixed time. Therefore, when a fluctuation pattern command is received from the main control CPU 72 during a fluctuation other than the final fluctuation in the time-saving state A, the performance control CPU 126 makes the execution time of the second performance part of the shutter performance (short) constant. In this case, even if the performance pattern for the normal pattern is switched to the performance pattern for the special pattern, the performance pattern for the special pattern becomes invisible, preventing the occurrence of discomfort.

In addition, in the final change of the time-saving state A, if the display of the first special pattern starts while the display of the normal pattern is changing, but the first special pattern is a miss, the performance control CPU 126 executes the second specific performance, i.e., a shutter performance (short), after the change of the normal performance pattern has ended, and switches to the special performance pattern.

In this embodiment, the shutter effect (long) is ended when a state designation command indicating a big win or small win is received after the special pattern is displayed in a changing state. However, the shutter effect (long) may be ended by time management according to the changing time.

[Specific examples of the first specific performance and the second specific performance]
Next, specific examples of the first and second specific effects will be described with reference to Figures 60 and 61. Figure 60 shows a specific example of the second specific effect, and Figure 61 shows a specific example of the first specific effect.

[Specific example of the second specific performance]
As shown in FIG. 60(a), it is assumed that the normal symbol variation display is started in any of the time-saving states A to C (hereinafter collectively referred to as the time-saving state). At this time, it is assumed that the variation display is a variation other than the final variation in the time-saving state.

As shown in FIG. 60(b), if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26 during the variable display of the normal symbol, resulting in a jackpot, and the variable display of the first special symbol begins, a shutter effect (short) is executed, and the first effect part in which the shutter changes from an open state to a closed state is executed on the liquid crystal display 42. At this time, the normal effect symbol is switched to the special effect symbol, but the special effect symbol becomes invisible due to the shutter effect. Also, the variable display of the special mini symbol and the fourth special symbol begins.

Next, as shown in FIG. 60(c), the second performance part, which maintains the shutter closed, is executed on the liquid crystal display 42. When the display of the first special symbol changes ends, the display of the mini symbol for the special symbol and the fourth symbol for the special symbol stops, indicating a jackpot. Note that for changes other than the final change in the time-saving state, the change time of the first special symbol is constant, and therefore the execution time of the second performance part is constant.

Next, as shown in FIG. 60(d), the shutter opens on the liquid crystal display 42, ending the shutter effect, and a notification effect is executed to notify the player of a jackpot.

[Specific example of the first specific performance]
As shown in FIG. 61(a), it is assumed that the variable display of the normal pattern is started in any of the time-saving states A to C (hereinafter collectively referred to as the time-saving state). At this time, it is assumed that the variable display is the final variable in the time-saving state.

As shown in FIG. 61(b), if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26 during the variable display of the normal symbol, resulting in a jackpot and the variable display of the first special symbol begins, a shutter effect (long) is executed, and the first effect part in which the shutter changes from an open state to a closed state is executed on the liquid crystal display 42. At this time, the normal effect pattern is switched to the special effect pattern, but the special effect pattern becomes invisible due to the shutter effect. Also, the variable display of the special mini pattern and the fourth special pattern begins.

Next, as shown in FIG. 61(c), the second performance part, which maintains the shutter closed, is executed on the liquid crystal display 42. When the display of the first special symbol finishes, the display of the mini symbol for the special symbol and the fourth symbol for the special symbol stops, indicating a jackpot. Note that, as the time for the first special symbol to change during the final time-saving state differs depending on the change pattern, the execution time of the second performance part changes depending on the change pattern.

Next, as shown in FIG. 61(d), the shutter opens on the liquid crystal display 42, ending the shutter effect, and the start screen for the first round of the jackpot is displayed.

In the examples of Figures 60 and 61, the execution time of the first performance part is the same for the shutter performance (long) and the shutter performance (short), but the execution time of the second performance part is different for the shutter performance (long) and the shutter performance (short), with the shutter performance (long) being longer than the shutter performance (short).

[Effects of the above embodiment]
In the above embodiment,
A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of variable display of identification information (first special symbol, second special symbol, normal symbol),
A state control means (in this example, FIG. 33) capable of controlling to a plurality of types of game states including a specific game state (in this example, a time-shortened state);
A performance execution means (in this example, FIG. 42) capable of executing a performance;
The performance execution means is capable of executing a variable display performance (in this example, a variable display of a performance pattern) corresponding to the variable display of the identification information (in this example, FIG. 46 to FIG. 48),
The variable display performance includes a first variable display performance (in this example, a special performance pattern) and a second variable display performance (in this example, a normal performance pattern),
The state control means can end the specific game state when the variable display of the identification information is executed a predetermined number of times (in this example, FIG. 38) in the specific game state (in this example, step S2416 in FIG. 14, step S2618 in FIG. 35, FIG. 18),
The performance execution means includes:
When the switching condition of the variable display performance is satisfied in the specific game state (in this example, when the first special pattern becomes a big hit or a small hit), the first variable display performance can be switched to the second variable display performance (in this example, FIG. 46 to FIG. 48),
When the switching condition is satisfied while the variable display of the identification information is being performed for the predetermined number of times in the specific game state, a first specific performance (in this example, a shutter performance (long)) can be executed (in this example, (in this example, steps S614 and S616 of FIG. 46, FIG. 59), FIG. 59, FIG. 61),
When the switching condition is satisfied while the variable display of the identification information is being performed less than the predetermined number of times in the specific game state, a second specific performance (in this example, a shutter performance (short)) can be executed (in this example, steps S640 and S642 in FIG. 46, FIG. 59, FIG. 60),
The first specific performance and the second specific performance include a first performance part (in this example, a part in which the shutter changes from an open state to a closed state) and a second performance part (in this example, a part in which the shutter is maintained in a closed state) executed after the first performance part (in this example, Figures 59, 60, and 61),
The execution time of the second performance part is different between the first specific performance and the second specific performance (in this example, FIG. 59).
Therefore, by executing the first specific presentation and the second specific presentation according to the game situation when the variable display presentation is switched, it is possible to eliminate the sense of incongruity when the variable display presentation is switched, thereby increasing the interest in the game.
The above embodiment also includes the following invention and provides the following effects.
A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of variable display of identification information (first special symbol, second special symbol, normal symbol),
A state control means (in this example, FIG. 33) capable of controlling to a plurality of types of game states including a specific game state (in this example, a time-shortened state);
A performance execution means (in this example, FIG. 42) capable of executing a performance;
The performance execution means is capable of executing a variable display performance (in this example, a variable display of a performance pattern) corresponding to the variable display of the identification information (in this example, FIG. 46 to FIG. 48),
The variable display performance includes a first variable display performance (in this example, a special performance pattern) and a second variable display performance (in this example, a normal performance pattern),
The state control means can end the specific game state when the variable display of the identification information is executed a predetermined number of times (in this example, FIG. 38) in the specific game state (in this example, step S2416 in FIG. 14, step S2618 in FIG. 35, FIG. 18),
The performance execution means includes:
The first variable display presentation or the second variable display presentation can be executed depending on the game state (in this example, FIG. 46 to FIG. 48 ),
The first variable display presentation is executed in the specific game state, and when a switching condition for the variable display presentation is satisfied (in this example, when the first special symbol becomes a big hit or a small hit), the first variable display presentation is switched to the second variable display presentation to execute the second variable display presentation (in this example, FIG. 46 to FIG. 48 );
When the switching condition is satisfied while the variable display of the identification information is being performed the predetermined number of times in the specific game state, a first specific effect (in this example, a shutter effect (long)) can be executed (in this example, (in this example, steps S614 and S616 of FIG. 46, FIG. 59), FIG. 59, FIG. 61),
When the switching condition is satisfied while the variable display of the identification information is being performed less than the predetermined number of times in the specific game state, a second specific performance (in this example, a shutter performance (short)) can be executed (in this example, steps S640 and S642 in FIG. 46, FIG. 59, FIG. 60),
The first specific performance and the second specific performance include a first performance part (in this example, a part in which the shutter changes from an open state to a closed state) and a second performance part (in this example, a part in which the shutter is maintained in a closed state) executed after the first performance part (in this example, Figures 59, 60, and 61),
The first specific performance and the second specific performance have different execution times for the second performance part,
The first specific performance can change the execution time of the second performance part according to the variable display time of the identification information (in this example, FIG. 59).
Therefore, by executing the first specific presentation and the second specific presentation according to the game situation when the variable display presentation is switched, it is possible to eliminate the sense of incongruity when the variable display presentation is switched, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

In the above embodiment,
The identification information includes first identification information (in this example, a normal pattern) and second identification information (in this example, a first special pattern),
The first identification information and the second identification information can be independently and variably displayed at the same time (as shown in FIG. 9, the processes of FIG. 14 and FIG. 35 are performed separately and can be executed at the same time),
The first identification information corresponds to the first variable display effect (in this example, a normal display effect pattern),
The second identification information corresponds to the second variable display effect (in this example, a special effect pattern),
The switching condition is that the variable display result of the second identification information in the specific game state becomes a specific display result (in this example, a big win or a small win) (in this example, steps S614 and S616 in Figure 46, Figure 59).
This makes it possible to switch the variable display presentation depending on the result of the variable display of the identification information, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

If the switching condition is not satisfied in the specific game state (if the variable display result of the second identification information is a display result other than the specific display result), the effect execution means can continue to execute the first variable display effect without switching to the second variable display effect (in this example, step S644 in Figure 46 and Figure 59).
This makes it possible to switch the variable display presentation depending on the result of the variable display of the identification information, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

The effect execution means is capable of executing a second specific effect when the identification information is being variable displayed in the specific game state and the number of times the identification information has been variable displayed reaches the specified number of times and the switching condition is not satisfied (when the variable display result of the second identification information is a display result other than a specific display result) (in this example, step S618 in Figure 46 and Figure 59).
Therefore, by executing the second specific presentation when the specific game state ends and the variable display presentation is switched, it is possible to eliminate the sense of incongruity felt when the variable display presentation is switched, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

[Variations]

In the above embodiment, the time-saving state is used as an example of a specific game state, but a game state other than the time-saving state, such as a small win rush or a probability fluctuation state, may also be used as the specific game state.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the specific game state ends when the number of times the normal symbol changes in the specific game state is a predetermined number, but for example, a configuration in which the specific game state ends when the number of times the second special symbol changes is a predetermined number may also be used. In this case, when the number of times the second special symbol changes is a predetermined number and the display of the first special symbol or normal symbol changes starts, it is possible to switch the performance symbol and execute the first specific performance, and when the number of times the second special symbol changes is less than the predetermined number and the display of the first special symbol or normal symbol changes starts, it is possible to switch the performance symbol and execute the second specific performance.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of a predetermined lottery based on the game ball entering the starting area being the pre-reading performance lottery, but the predetermined lottery may be a lottery of a different type from the above embodiment, such as a jackpot lottery that determines whether or not there will be a jackpot or a small jackpot (jackpot determination process of step S2604 in FIG. 14), a regular lottery that determines whether or not there will be a regular jackpot (hit determination process of step S2604 in FIG. 35), a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a performance different from the pre-reading performance, or a promotion performance lottery during a round.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a normal effect image is displayed when the first end condition is satisfied while controlled to a special state, but even if the first end condition is satisfied while controlled to a special state, a configuration may be used in which a normal effect image is not displayed when controlled from a special state to a predetermined state.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a normal performance image is displayed when the first end condition is met while controlled to a special state, and a launch promotion image is displayed when the display result of the variable display of the second identification information becomes a specific display result after the normal performance image is displayed. However, a configuration may also be used in which a normal performance image is displayed when the first end condition is met while controlled to a special state, and a special launch promotion image different from the normal launch promotion image is displayed when the display result of the second identification information becomes a specific display result while the normal performance image is being displayed.

In the above embodiment, when the first end condition is met while controlled to the special state, the normal effect image is displayed without suggesting that the normal effect image will be displayed, but the configuration may also be such that an effect suggesting a transition to the normal effect image (an effect suggesting that the first end condition has been met) is executed before the normal effect image is displayed.

The end suggestion effect may be configured to be different in the case where the first end condition is satisfied while controlled to the special state and the case where the second end condition is satisfied while controlled to the special state, and an end suggestion effect that suggests the end of the special state is executed. For example, it is possible to make the execution time and content of the end suggestion effect different. Specifically, it is possible to make the execution time of the end suggestion effect shorter when the first end condition is satisfied than when the second end condition is satisfied.

In the above embodiment, an example of restricting the execution of the performance identification information is given in which the special and normal performance patterns are not displayed in a variable manner, but the manner of restriction may be different from that of the above embodiment, for example, the transparency of the performance pattern that is the subject of the restriction may be reduced to display the variable manner, or the performance pattern that is the subject of the restriction may be displayed smaller than the other performance patterns to display the variable manner.

In the time-saving state, while the special symbols are being displayed, the special symbols are not displayed, and only the special mini symbols and the fourth symbol are displayed. However, if the special symbols are displayed as a big win or a small win, the LCD display 42 may forcibly display a shutter on the regular symbols even while the regular symbols are changing, to hide the regular symbols and suggest a big win or a small win. In this case, the LCD display 42 may be configured to execute a suggestion of a big win or a small win using a performance image other than the performance symbol.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which time-saving states A to C with different ending conditions were provided as time-saving states, but it would also be possible to provide a different type of time-saving state from the above embodiment, such as a time-saving state that ends when a small win occurs a specified number of times (e.g., three times).

In the above embodiment, the termination conditions for time-saving state A to time-saving state C are given as examples of cases where the number of times the normal pattern changes is 10,000, 200, and 100 times, but the termination conditions for time-saving state A to time-saving state C may be different from those in the above embodiment, such as terminating the time-saving state when the number of times the variable start winning device 28 is opened reaches a predetermined number, or terminating the time-saving state when a predetermined number of small wins (e.g., 3 times) are reached.

In the above embodiment, both the special mini pattern and the regular mini pattern are displayed, and the variable target notification frame is moved according to the game status to suggest the target performance pattern, but the variable target notification frame may be moved depending on whether the special pattern or the regular pattern is changing. Also, the special mini pattern and the regular mini pattern may be displayed in different ways, and only one of them may be displayed, and the display way of the displayed mini pattern may suggest whether the special pattern or the regular pattern is changing.

In the above embodiment, an example in which there is one variable winning device has been described, but multiple variable winning devices may be provided, such as a variable winning device for small wins and a variable winning device for big wins.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first special symbol was used to win a small jackpot, but the first special symbol may not be used to win a small jackpot. Also, the second special symbol may not be used to win a big jackpot.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the time-saving state was controlled after the end of a jackpot, but the machine may also be configured to be controlled to the time-saving state after the power is turned on to the pachinko machine, or when the variable display has finished a predetermined number of times (e.g., 500 times) after a jackpot occurs but no next jackpot occurs. The variable display being performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 500 times) after a jackpot occurs is referred to as reaching the ceiling, and the time-saving state controlled by this is referred to as ceiling time-saving.

In addition, it is preferable to specify the number of fluctuations n until the ceiling time reduction is reached and the number of time reductions N at the ceiling time reduction as follows.
2.5P≦n≦3.0P
0.4P≦N≦3.8P
(P = denominator of the jackpot probability ML, n = number of operations, N = number of time-saving times)
Specifically, for example, when the probability of a jackpot is 1/300, the number of fluctuations n is 750 to 900, and the number of time-saving periods N is 120 to 1140.

For example, when controlled to the ceiling time-saving mode, it may be configured to control to time-saving mode A or time-saving mode B of the above embodiment.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be implemented in various modified forms. The presentation modes described in the embodiment are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the presentation modes described above.

The images given as examples of other effects are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate. In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine 1, the board configuration, specific numerical values, etc., including those shown in the drawings, are preferred examples and can, of course, be modified as appropriate.

1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Play area 20 Start gate 28 Variable start winning device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 First special symbol display device 35 Second special symbol display device 34a First special symbol operation memory lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game status display device 42 Liquid crystal display 45 Performance button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of variably displaying special identification information corresponding to a lottery result related to a special game and normal identification information corresponding to a lottery result related to whether or not a movable member provided in a variable start winning device is opened ,
A state control means capable of controlling the game state to a plurality of game states including a specific game state;
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance,
The effect execution means is capable of executing a variable display effect corresponding to a variable display of either the special identification information or the normal identification information in a predetermined display area ,
The variable display effects include a first variable display effect corresponding to the normal identification information and a second variable display effect corresponding to the special identification information ,
the state control means is capable of terminating the specific game state when , in the specific game state, the variable display of the special identification information reaches a first number of times, or when the variable display of the normal identification information or the opening operation of the movable member reaches a second number of times;
The performance execution means includes:
when a first variable display performance relating to the variable display of the normal identification information is being executed in the specific game state, if the variable display of the special identification information is started and a switching condition for the variable display performance is established, the first variable display performance being executed in the specified display area can be switched to the second variable display performance,
When the switching condition is satisfied while the variable display of the normal identification information is being performed for the second number of times in the specific game state, a first specific performance can be executed;
When the variable display of the normal identification information is being performed less than the second number of times in the specific game state, if the switching condition is established, a second specific performance can be executed;
The first specific performance and the second specific performance include a first performance part and a second performance part executed after the first performance part,
The execution time of the second performance part is different between the first specific performance and the second specific performance.
A gaming machine characterized by: