JP7477487B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines, arrange ball machines, mahjong ball gaming machines, slots, and enclosed pachinko machines (controlled gaming machines) that circulate enclosed gaming balls internally, and more specifically, to gaming machines that can effectively increase the excitement of the game without placing a burden on the control side in situations where multiple types of previews, reaches, and other effects are executed in parallel.

Conventional gaming machines such as pachinko machines include those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. These gaming machines improve the effects of sounds and lamps through improved control and ingenious wiring, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

JP 2015-226719 A JP 2020-62235 A

The number of effects installed in gaming machines is steadily increasing, and with it, the number of sound and lamp effects is also steadily increasing. As a result, gaming machines like the ones mentioned above have limitations in terms of hardware functionality when multiple types of previews, reaches, and other effects are executed in parallel, and there is an issue that further ingenuity is needed in terms of control and specifications to realize these effects.

In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can effectively increase the entertainment value of a game without placing a burden on the control system in a situation where multiple types of previews, reaches, and other effects are executed in parallel.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. Note that the parentheses indicate reference symbols of the embodiments described below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, there is provided an image display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 2) for displaying a predetermined image;
A light guide plate (e.g., a light guide plate IPa shown in FIG. 30) arranged in front of the image display means (e.g., a liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 2);
A light-emitting means (e.g., a decorative lamp LA shown in FIG. 24) arranged around the image display means (e.g., the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 2);
A frame effect light emitting means (e.g., the first decorative lamp LA1 to the fourth decorative lamp LA4 shown in FIG. 29(a)) arranged at an angle on a front frame (e.g., the front frame 3 shown in FIG. 29(a)) arranged on the front of an outer frame (e.g., the outer frame 2 shown in FIG. 1) of a gaming machine (e.g., the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1);
The frame effect light emitting means has a lighting pattern including lighting from the side viewed by the player toward the rear side of the gaming machine, or from the rear side of the gaming machine toward the side viewed by the player (see, for example, paragraphs [0226] to [0227]);
The light guide plate (e.g., the light guide plate IPa shown in FIG. 30 ) is configured to display a predetermined display mode by light from a light guide plate light emitting means (e.g., the illumination unit IPb shown in FIG. 30 ) arranged on an end side of the light guide plate (e.g., the light guide plate IPa shown in FIG. 30 );
The light-emitting elements constituting the effect light-emitting means (e.g., the decorative lamp LA shown in FIG. 24), the frame effect light-emitting means, and the light-guiding plate light-emitting means (e.g., the illumination unit IPb shown in FIG. 30) are full-color LEDs;
The full-color LED is controlled to emit light based on RGB data for setting a color and brightness data for setting a brightness,
When the RGB data for lighting the full-color LED of the light guide plate light emitting means (for example, the illumination unit IPb shown in FIG. 30) is set to white, the luminance of the full-color LED is set to less than the maximum luminance of 100% to enable emission of light;
When the RGB data for lighting the full-color LED of the effect light-emitting means (for example, the decorative lamp LA shown in FIG. 24) or the frame effect light-emitting means is set to white, the luminance of the full-color LED is set to 100% or less to enable emission of light;
The lighting pattern is
A first lighting pattern (for example, see FIG. 27(b)) in which the luminance of the full-color LEDs of the effect light-emitting means and the frame effect light-emitting means is switched in a first cycle;
A second lighting pattern (e.g., see FIG. 27(d)) in which the luminance of the full-color LED of the effect light-emitting means and the frame effect light-emitting means is switched at a second cycle shorter than the first cycle,
When the first lighting pattern and the second lighting pattern are combined to produce a light-emitting effect, the light-emitting elements that constitute the effect light-emitting means and the frame effect light-emitting means are turned off when the lighting pattern is switched (see, for example, Figure 28).

According to the present invention, in a situation where multiple types of previews, reaches, and other effects are executed in parallel, it is possible to effectively increase the interest of the game without placing a burden on the control side.

1 is an oblique view showing the appearance of an amusement machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board according to the embodiment. 1A and 1B are side cross-sectional views of the special pattern 2 starting device according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conventional game, FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an advantageous game state according to the same embodiment, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of an allocation table used when a normal pattern lottery is won. (a) is an explanatory diagram explaining the special time-saving pattern related to the same embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram explaining what can and cannot be done when there are multiple advantageous game states related to the same embodiment. 13A to 13D are example screens for explaining the flow of displaying on a liquid crystal display device information indicating that a jackpot has been won through a change in special symbol 1. (a) to (l) are example screens that explain the flow when, after a jackpot game, the game transitions to a time-saving game state or a special game state, in which a game is played to see whether or not a normal symbol will be selected, and information indicating that the jackpot game state has been entered is displayed on an LCD display device. (a) to (d) are example screens illustrating the flow when a liquid crystal display device displays information indicating that the normal symbol was not won and the time-saving game has ended. (a) is a diagram showing an example of an allocation table used when a regular pattern is selected, (b) is a diagram showing an example of an allocation table used when a special pattern 1 is selected, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of an allocation table used when a special pattern 2 is selected. This is an explanatory diagram explaining whether or not the special time-saving pattern relating to the same embodiment is drawn depending on the game status. Pattern 1: A diagram showing an example used in a type 1/type 2 mixed type gaming machine, where (a) is a diagram showing an example of an allocation table used when the lottery for special pattern 1 is won, (b) is a diagram showing an example of an allocation table used when the lottery for special time-saving pattern is won, (c) is a diagram showing an example of an allocation table used when the lottery for special pattern 2 is won, (d) is an explanatory diagram explaining the allocation of random number values for special pattern 1 jackpot, and (e) is an explanatory diagram explaining the allocation of random number values for special pattern 2 jackpot. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the game state changes when a lottery is conducted using the device shown in FIG. 12 . Pattern 2: A diagram showing an example used in a gaming machine equipped with a general jackpot and a non-jackpot, where (a) is a diagram showing an example of an allocation table used when the lottery for special patterns 1 and 2 is won, (b) is a diagram showing an example of an allocation table used when the lottery for special time-saving patterns is won, and (c) is an explanatory diagram explaining the allocation of random number values for special pattern jackpots. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the game state changes when a lottery is conducted using the device shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for managing a game state in a conventional game, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for managing an advantageous game state according to the same embodiment. 13A to 13C are example screens showing the flow of an information preview performance, and 13D to 13F are example screens showing the flow of a chime sound preview performance. (a) to (c) are example screens showing the flow of preview performances. A figure showing a timing chart of background music, sound effects, and dialogue sounds produced in response to the preview performance shown in Figure 18. (a) to (e) are example screens showing a sequence of preview effects that have a high degree of reliability for a jackpot gaming state. A figure showing a timing chart of BGM1, BGM2, sound effects, and dialogue sounds that are produced in response to the preview performance shown in Figure 20. (a) to (e) are example screens showing the flow of presentation that develops from a normal reach presentation to an SP reach presentation. FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing BGM2, BGM3, sound effects, and dialogue sounds that are produced in accordance with the production shown in FIG. 22. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment and a method of flashing the decorative lamp according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 24(a-1) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is turned on, FIG. 24(b-1) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is turned off, FIG. 24(a-2) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is turned on, FIG. 24(b-2) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is turned off, FIG. 24(c-2) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is turned on in a color different from that in FIG. 24(a-2), and FIG. 24(d-2) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is turned off. (a-1) to (f-1) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of adjusting the brightness of a decorative lamp according to the same embodiment, and (a-2) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of adjusting the color of a decorative lamp according to the same embodiment. 11A to 11E are explanatory diagrams showing an example of gradational flashing (strobe flash) by adjusting the brightness of the decorative lamp according to the embodiment. (a) shows a "static" lamp pattern and is an explanatory diagram explaining the number of frames for turning the decorative lamp on and off, (b) shows a "static" lamp pattern and is an explanatory diagram explaining an example of slow gradation of the decorative lamp, (c) shows a "dynamic" lamp pattern and is an explanatory diagram explaining an example of high-speed blinking of the decorative lamp, and (d) shows a "dynamic" lamp pattern and is an explanatory diagram explaining an example of gradation blinking of the decorative lamp (strobe flash). FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a combination of a "static" ramp pattern and a "dynamic" ramp pattern. 1A is a schematic front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the right side. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which an illumination panel is about to be disposed in front of the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment. FIG. A front view of the game board according to the embodiment is shown, where (a) shows the state before the jackpot game state is started, in which the lamp presentation pattern in the guidance presentation is being executed, and (b) shows the state after the jackpot game state is started, in which the lamp presentation pattern in the round presentation is being executed. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a main process of a main control according to the embodiment. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the continuation of the main processing of the main control shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the setting switching process shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply abnormality check process. A flowchart explaining the prize ball winning number management process 1 shown in Figure 33. FIG. 37 is a flowchart for explaining the initial setting of the measurement RAM area shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the counting process shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the counting process shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process of main control according to the embodiment. A flowchart explaining the normal pattern processing shown in Figure 40. FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern processing shown in FIG. 40. A flowchart explaining the start port check process 1 (2) shown in Figure 42. A flowchart explaining the special pattern change start processing shown in Figure 42. A flowchart explaining the processing during the special pattern change shown in Figure 42. A flowchart explaining the processing during the special pattern confirmation time shown in Figure 42. FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating the out-of-use area process shown in FIG. 40. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing main processing of sub-control according to the embodiment. FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the data analysis process shown in FIG. 48. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a command reception process of sub-control according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process of the sub-control according to the embodiment. 13A is a flowchart illustrating an initial command list for moving images, FIG. 13B is a flowchart illustrating a regular command list for moving images, and FIG. 13C is a flowchart illustrating a command list for still images.

Below, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, using a pachinko gaming machine as an example. Note that in the following description, when directions such as up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to up, down, left, and right when viewed from the front of the illustration.

<Explanation of the external appearance of the pachinko machine>
First, the external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Explanation of the external appearance of the front of the pachinko machine>

As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine 1 is configured with a rectangular front frame 3 attached to the front of a wooden outer frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed, and a game board 4 mounted inside a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the underside of the front frame 3. The game board 4 is mounted with the game area 40 shown in Figure 2 facing the front, and a glass door frame 5 supporting transparent glass is provided in front of this game area 40 as shown in Figure 1. The game area 40 is an area surrounded by a ball guide rail 6 (see Figure 2) arranged on the surface of the game board 4.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine 1 has a front operation panel 7 disposed below the glass door frame 5, an upper tray unit 8 disposed on the front operation panel 7, and an upper tray 9 for storing ejected game balls formed integrally with the upper tray unit 8. The front operation panel 7 also has a ball loan button 11 and a prepaid card ejection button 12 (card return button 12). The upper tray surface of the upper tray 9 is provided with a push-button type performance button device 13 that can be pressed by the player to change the performance effect when a built-in lamp (not shown) is lit. The upper tray 9 also has a ball ejection button 14 for ejecting the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 downward, and a setting button 15 consisting of an approximately cross key. This setting button 15 can be operated by the player and is made up of a circular decision key 15a located in the center, a triangular up key 15b located above the decision key 15a in the figure, a triangular left key 15c located to the left of the decision key 15a in the figure, a triangular right key 15d located to the right of the decision key 15a in the figure, and a triangular down key 15e located below the decision key 15a in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 1, a launch handle 16 for operating the launch unit is provided on the right end of the front operation panel 7, and speakers 17 for emitting background music and sound effects are provided on both upper side surfaces of the front frame 3 and near the launch handle 16. In addition, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect through light decoration are arranged around the perimeter of the front frame 3.

<Explanation of the appearance of the game board>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a liquid crystal display device 41 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is arranged in the approximate center of the game area 40 of the game board 4. The liquid crystal display device 41 divides the display area into three areas, left, center, and right, and can independently display numbers, characters, letters (character conversations, lyrics telops, etc.) or patterns (special patterns and normal patterns). Around the liquid crystal display device 41, a top decoration 42a, a left decoration 42b, and a right decoration 42c for decoration are provided, and a movable role device 43 is arranged on the back side of the top decoration 42a, the left decoration 42b, and the right decoration 42c. In addition, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that produce a performance effect by light decoration are arranged on the top decoration 42a, the left decoration 42b, and the right decoration 42c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the movable part device 43 is composed of an upper movable part 43a, a left movable part 43b, a right movable part 43c, and an upper left movable part 43d, which perform predetermined performance operations as the game progresses, and a motor (not shown) such as a two-phase stepping motor that drives each of the upper, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d. In addition, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create performance effects through light decoration are arranged on these upper, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d.

On the other hand, the special symbol 1 start hole 44 is arranged directly below the liquid crystal display device 41, and inside it is provided a special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 4) that detects winning balls. The number of valid winning balls detected by this special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 4), that is, the number of first start reserved balls, is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as a predetermined number (for example, 4). Note that, when a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start hole 44 and is detected by the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 4), this number of first reserved balls is added by 1 (+1), and when the variable display of special symbols such as numbers, characters, or symbols (decorative symbols) begins, it is subtracted by 1 (-1). Note that decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect by light decoration are arranged around the special symbol 1 start hole 44.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, a special symbol 2 start device 45 is disposed on the lower right side of the liquid crystal display device 41. As shown in Fig. 3, this special symbol 2 start device 45 is composed of a special symbol 2 start port 45a, an opening/closing section 45b that can change the special symbol 2 start port 45a between an "open state" in which the game ball YK can enter and a "closed state" in which the game ball YK cannot enter, an entry ball guide section 45c that can change between a "guiding state" that guides the game ball YK toward the special symbol 2 start port 45a and a "non-guiding state" that does not guide the game ball YK, and a special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see Fig. 4) that detects the game ball YK that has entered the special symbol 2 start port 45a.

The special symbol 2 start hole 45a opens almost horizontally toward the right side of the front left-right direction in FIG. 2, and a special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4) that detects winning balls is provided inside the special symbol 2 start hole 45a. The number of valid winning balls detected by the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4), that is, the number of second start reserved balls, is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as a predetermined number (for example, 4). Note that when a game ball enters the special symbol 2 start hole 45a and is detected by the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4), the number of second start reserved balls is increased by 1 (+1), and when the variable display of special symbols such as numbers, characters, or patterns (decorative patterns) begins, the number of second start reserved balls is decreased by 1 (-1).

The opening/closing section 45b is equipped with an opening/closing member 45b1 that can move left and right relative to the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a, and a normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 4) that drives and controls the opening/closing member 45b1. When the opening/closing section 45b is in the closed state, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the opening/closing member 45b1 protrudes into the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a (moves to the left in the figure) to prevent the game ball YK from entering the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a, and when in the open state, as shown in FIG. 3(a), it retreats to the right in the figure to allow the game ball YK to enter the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a.

The ball entry guide section 45c is equipped with a guide member 45c1 that slopes downward from the right side to the left side as shown in FIG. 2 (sloping downward toward the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a). This guide member 45c1 is driven and controlled by the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the ball entry guide section 45c is in the guide state, the guide member 45c1 slides and protrudes to the front side of the play area 40 (the glass door frame 5 side shown in FIG. 1) and guides the game ball YK placed on the upper side to the special pattern 2 start hole 45a, and when in the non-guide state, the guide member 45c1 slides backward (to the rear side of the play area 40) and retreats, as shown in FIG. 3(b). As a result, even if the game ball YK is placed on the guide member 45c1 when it is in the guide state, if the guide member 45c1 changes to the non-guide state before the game ball YK enters the special pattern 2 start hole 45a and the guide member 45c1 slides backward, the game ball YK will flow downstream without entering the special pattern 2 start hole 45a. The guide member 45c1 and the opening and closing member 45b1 are designed to operate in conjunction with each other. That is, when the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state, the opening/closing member 45b1 retreats to the right side as shown in FIG. 3(a) to allow the game ball YK to enter the special pattern 2 starting hole 45a, and when the guide member 45c1 is in the non-guiding state, the opening/closing member 45b1 protrudes to the left side as shown in FIG. 3(b) to prevent the game ball YK from entering the special pattern 2 starting hole 45a.

In the following, the special symbol 2 starter 45 described above may be referred to as a normal electric device. In addition, the special symbol 2 starter 45 is equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect through light decoration.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a winning device 46 is arranged on the right side of the special symbol 1 starting hole 44. When the winning device 46 wins the lottery for the special symbol described below, that is, during a winning game state, the opening and closing door 46a is driven and controlled by a special electric device solenoid 46b (see FIG. 4) so that the large winning hole (not shown) closed by the opening and closing door 46a opens, allowing the game ball to enter the large winning hole (not shown). The game ball that enters the large winning hole (not shown) is detected as a winning ball by a large winning hole switch 46c (see FIG. 4) provided inside the large winning hole (not shown).

On the other hand, when the special symbol is not selected, i.e., when the game is not in a winning state, the special electric device solenoid 46b (see FIG. 4) drives and controls the opening and closing door 46a, and the large prize opening (not shown) is closed. This prevents the game ball from entering the large prize opening (not shown). In the following, the device combining the opening and closing door 46a and the special electric device solenoid 46b may be referred to as the special electric device. In addition, the winning device 46 is equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect through light decoration.

The prize-winning device 46 is provided with a distribution device 47, which is a conventionally known structure. As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution device 47 has a V-area 47a and an outlet 47b. When a game ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the game ball is distributed to either the V-area 47a or the outlet 47b. The distribution device 47 does not distribute a game ball that has entered the large prize opening (not shown) to the V-area 47a, but to the outlet 47b, unless a specified game state is reached.

The type 1/type 2 mixed gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1) in this embodiment refers to a machine that combines a type 1 model in which a special pattern is selected and a jackpot gaming state is reached, and a type 2 model in which a large prize opening (not shown) opens in a small prize gaming state, and a jackpot gaming state is reached when a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening (not shown) passes through the V area 47a.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, a normal symbol start port 48 consisting of a gate is arranged in the upper right part of the liquid crystal display device 41, and a normal symbol start port switch 48a (see Fig. 4) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the normal symbol start port. In addition, a general prize port 49 is arranged on the right side of the winning device 46 and on the left side of the special symbol 1 start port 44. This general prize port 49 is composed of an upper right general prize port 49a arranged on the right side of the winning device 46, an upper left general prize port 49b arranged on the left side of the special symbol 1 start port 44, a middle left general prize port 49c, and a lower left general prize port 49d. Inside the upper right general winning opening 49a is an upper right general winning opening switch 49a1 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of the game ball, inside the upper left general winning opening 49b is an upper left general winning opening switch 49b1 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of the game ball, inside the middle left general winning opening 49c is a middle left general winning opening switch 49c1 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of the game ball, and inside the lower left general winning opening 49d is a lower left general winning opening switch 49d1 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of the game ball. In addition, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect by decorating with light are arranged in the general winning openings 49.

Directly below the special symbol 1 starting hole 44, on the other hand, is an outlet 50 into which game balls (out balls) that flow down to the lowest part of the game area 40 without winning are placed. Game balls that enter this outlet 50 are detected as non-winning balls by an outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 4) provided inside, and the winning balls mentioned above also flow down to the lowest part of the game area 4 through the back side of the game board 4, and are therefore detected by the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 4) detects the total number of outs that have been discharged, that is, the same number of game balls as the game balls that have been launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16.

On the other hand, three seven-segment displays are arranged in the lower right periphery of the play area 40 of the game board 4, two of which are special symbol display devices 51, and the remaining seven-segment display device 53a displays special symbol 1, special symbol 2, the number of balls reserved for the start of normal symbols, and the game status (for example, favorable game status, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, this special symbol display device 51 is composed of a special symbol 1 display device 51a and a special symbol 2 display device 51b, and to the left of the special symbol 1 display device 51a is provided a normal symbol display device 52 consisting of one LED, and furthermore, a round lamp 53b that notifies the number of rounds of the jackpot game, and a right hit notification lamp 53c that notifies the right hit are provided.

In addition, an identification lamp device 51A that displays identification information corresponding to special pattern 1 and special pattern 2 is provided on the upper end side of the left ornament 43b.

This identification lamp device 51A has first and second identification lamps 51Aa and 51Ab for informing the player that special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 is changing, or that special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 has won or lost. This first identification lamp 51Aa corresponds to special symbol 1, and the second identification lamp 51Ab corresponds to special symbol 2. When special symbol 1 is changing, the first identification lamp 51Aa flashes, when special symbol 1 is a win, the first identification lamp 51Aa is lit, and when special symbol 1 is a loss, the first identification lamp 51Aa is turned off. Furthermore, when special symbol 2 is changing, the second identification lamp 51Ab flashes, when special symbol 2 is a win, the second identification lamp 51Ab is lit, and when special symbol 2 is a loss, the second identification lamp 51Ab is turned off.

In addition, although not shown, multiple game pegs are arranged in the play area 40 of the game board 4, and a windmill 54 is arranged as a member for changing the falling direction of the game ball.

<Description of the control device>
Next, the control device that performs electronic control according to the progress of the game and is provided in the pachinko game machine 1 having the above-mentioned external configuration will be explained using Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, this control device is mainly composed of a main control board 60 that controls the overall game operation, a payout/launch control board 70 that pays out game balls based on control commands from the main control board 60, and a sub-control board 80 that controls images, lights, and sounds.

<Description of the main control board>
The main control board 60 is mainly equipped with a one-chip microcomputer 600 consisting of a main control CPU 600a, a main control ROM 600b which stores a game program describing a series of game control procedures, and a main control RAM 600c which functions as a working area, buffer memory, etc., a measurement/setting display device 610 consisting of 7 segments which displays (performance display) information related to the ratio of the number of winning balls when the probability of winning is low (when the probability of winning is in the normal low probability state), and also displays the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player, a RAM clear switch 620, and a setting key switch 630.

The main control board 60 configured in this manner is connected to a payout/launch control board 70 which controls the payout motor M to pay out game balls. In addition, there are connected a special pattern 1 start port switch 44a which detects winning at the special pattern 1 start port 44, a special pattern 2 start port switch 45a1 which detects winning at the special pattern 2 start port 45a, a normal pattern start port switch 48a which detects passage through the normal pattern start port 48, an upper right general prize port switch 49a1, an upper left general prize port switch 49b1, a middle left general prize port switch 49c1, and a lower left general prize port switch 49d1 which detect winning at the general prize ports 49 (upper right general prize port 49a, upper left general prize port 49b, middle left general prize port 49c, and lower left general prize port 49d), a large prize port switch 46c which detects winning at a large prize port (not shown) which is opened or closed by the opening and closing door 46a, and an outlet switch 50a which can detect the same number of game balls as the game balls launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16. In addition, a normal electric role solenoid 45b2 that drives and controls the opening/closing member 45b1 and the guide member 45c1, a special electric role solenoid 46b that controls the operation of the opening/closing door 46a, a distribution device 47, a special symbol 1 display device 51a, a special symbol 2 display device 51b, a normal symbol display device 52, a 7-segment display device 53a, a round lamp 53b, and a right-hit notification lamp 53c are connected.

When the main control board 60 configured in this way receives a signal from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1, or the normal symbol start port switch 47a at the main control CPU 600a, it conducts a lottery and determines the special symbol variation pattern and the display content of the stop symbol or normal symbol according to the winning/losing information that is the lottery result, and transmits the determined information to the special symbol 1 display device 51a, the special symbol 2 display device 51b, or the normal symbol display device 52. As a result, the lottery result is displayed on the special symbol 1 display device 51a, the special symbol 2 display device 51b, or the normal symbol display device 52. Furthermore, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, generates a performance control command DI_CMD including the determined information and transmits it to the sub-control board 80. In addition, when the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, receives signals from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a, the upper right general prize port switch 49a1, the upper left general prize port switch 49b1, the middle left general prize port switch 49c1, the lower left general prize port switch 49d1, and the large prize port switch 46c, it determines how many game balls to pay out to the player, and sends a payout control command PAY_CMD containing this determined information to the payout/launch control board 70, which then pays out the game balls to the player.

In addition, if the result of the lottery is that a normal symbol is selected, the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 is controlled to keep the opening/closing member 45b1 in the open state and the guide member 45c1 in the guide state for a specified time, and if the result is that a special symbol is selected, the special electric role solenoid 46b is controlled to open the big prize opening (not shown).

In a type 1/type 2 mixed gaming machine, when a small win game state is reached, the opening and closing door 46a is controlled to repeatedly open and close the large prize opening (not shown), and when a gaming ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the distribution device 47 is controlled so that the gaming ball is distributed to the V area 47a.

On the other hand, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, measures the number of winning balls each time it receives a signal from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a, the upper right general winning port switch 49a1, the upper left general winning port switch 49b1, the middle left general winning port switch 49c1, the lower left general winning port switch 49d1, and the large winning port switch 46c, and measures the total number of game balls discharged each time it receives a signal from the outlet switch 50a. Then, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, outputs to the measurement/setting display device 610 the content (performance display) regarding the ratio of how many winning balls were generated during low probability, etc., based on the measured number of winning balls and the total number of game balls discharged. As a result, the content (performance display) regarding the ratio of how many winning balls were generated during low probability, etc., is displayed on the measurement/setting display device 610.

Furthermore, the measurement and setting display device 610 can display the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player in six levels, for example, from "1" to "6". When changing such setting contents, a dedicated key is inserted into the setting key switch 630 and turned ON, and the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player can be changed in six levels, for example, from "1" to "6" by the RAM clear switch 620 (for example, the setting "6" has the highest probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player, and the setting "1" has the lowest probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player). The setting change contents are then displayed on the measurement and setting display device 610, and when the setting change contents are confirmed, the dot on the lower right side of the 7-segment lights up to indicate that the setting contents have been confirmed.

On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 620 is pressed except when a dedicated key is inserted into the setting key switch 630 and turned ON, the entire memory area of the main control RAM 600c is not cleared, but only a portion of the memory area is cleared.

<Explanation about the payout/launch control board>
The payout/launch control board 70 receives a payout control command PAY_CMD from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) and generates a payout motor signal based on the received payout control command PAY_CMD. The payout motor signal thus generated controls the payout motor M to pay out game balls to the player. Furthermore, the payout/launch control board 70 performs processing to start or stop the operation of firing game balls in response to the player's operation based on a prize ball count signal indicating the payout operation of game balls and a status signal related to an abnormality in the payout operation.

Meanwhile, a touch sensor is provided on the periphery of the launch handle 16 shown in FIG. 1, and when the player's hand touches the touch sensor of the launch handle 16, the touch sensor outputs a detection signal to the payout/launch control board 70, as shown in FIG. 4. In response to this, the payout/launch control board 70 transmits the detection signal to the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a). The main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) then transmits the detection signal to the sub-control board 80 as a presentation control command DI_CMD. This makes it possible to transmit information as to whether or not the player has touched the handle 16 to play to the sub-control board 80.

<Explanation about the sub-control board>
The sub-control board 80 is equipped with a sub-one-chip microcomputer 800 which is made up of a sub-control CPU 800a which receives performance control commands DI_CMD from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) and controls the execution and image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, a sub-control ROM 800b which stores control programs describing performance control procedures, and a sub-control RAM 800c which functions as a working area, buffer memory, etc.

Furthermore, the sub-control board 80 is equipped with a sound LSI 801 that generates desired background music and sound effects, a sound RAM 802 that functions as a working area or buffer memory, a VDP 803 that generates image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 based on instructions from the sub one-chip microcomputer 800, a DDR2 SDRAM 804 that is composed of a working area for expanding compressed video data and a frame buffer area for temporarily storing image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and a game ROM 805 that stores in advance CG data of compressed still image data and compressed video data, and sound data such as background music and sound effects. Note that a still image is a so-called sprite image, which represents a single image such as text data such as characters, a background image, or a special pattern. Also, a moving image means a collection of multiple still images (multiple frames) that change continuously, and smooth operation is reproduced by drawing multiple still images continuously on the liquid crystal display device 41.

The sub-control board 80 thus configured is connected to a decorative lamp board 90 equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that produce lamp effects, and is further connected to a push button type effect button device 13 that the player can press to change the effect when the built-in lamp (not shown) is lit, and a speaker 17 that emits background music and sound effects. The sub-control board 80 is further connected to a movable role device 43 that performs a predetermined effect operation as the game progresses, an identification lamp device 51A that notifies the player when the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 is changing, or when the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 has won or lost, a setting button 15 that allows various settings, and a liquid crystal display device 41.

The sub-control board 80 thus configured receives a presentation control command DI_CMD sent from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) at the sub-control CPU 800a, which includes basic information required for the special symbol variation pattern based on the lottery result, the current game state, the number of balls on hold for starting, the decorative symbols to be stopped based on the lottery result, etc. Then, the sub-control CPU 800a determines by lottery the presentation pattern corresponding to the received presentation control command DI_CMD from among a large number of presentation patterns previously stored in the sub-control ROM 800b, and temporarily stores a control signal instructing the execution of the determined presentation pattern in the sub-control RAM 800c.

The sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the sound LSI 801 a control signal related to sound, among the control signals that instruct the execution of the presentation pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 reads out sound data corresponding to the control signal from the game ROM 805 or sound RAM 802, and outputs it to the speaker 17. This causes the speaker 17 to produce background music and sound effects corresponding to the presentation pattern determined above.

The sub-control CPU 800a also transmits to the decorative lamp board 90 a light-related control signal among the control signals that instruct the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. This causes the decorative lamp board 90 to control the turning on and off of decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that produce the lamp performance effect, thereby executing a lamp performance corresponding to the performance pattern determined above.

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the VDP 803 a command list relating to images among the control signals for instructing the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image data to the liquid crystal display device 41, so that an image corresponding to the determined performance pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Note that the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 is updated every frame, but the VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted from the VDP 803 to the sub-control CPU 800a as an interrupt signal so that the sub one-chip microcomputer 800 (sub-control CPU 800a) can know that the display operation of this one frame has ended. This allows the sub-control CPU 800a to know that one frame's worth of image data has been displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Note that this VSYNC interrupt signal is generated, for example, every 33 ms.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the movable role device 43 a control signal related to a movable role among the control signals that instruct the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. As a result, the movable role device 43 moves in accordance with the determined performance pattern.

<Power supply board explanation>
Incidentally, power is supplied to each of the boards described above from a power supply board 130 shown in Fig. 4. This power supply board 130 is configured to include a voltage generation unit 1300, a voltage monitoring unit 1310, and a system reset generation unit 1320. This voltage generation unit 1300 receives an AC voltage of 24V, which is an external power source supplied from a transformer (not shown) installed in the game arcade, and generates multiple types of DC voltages, and the generated DC voltages are supplied to each board (not shown).

The voltage monitoring unit 1310 monitors the AC 24V voltage, and outputs a voltage abnormality signal ALARM to the main control board 60 if a voltage abnormality is detected due to a cutoff of this voltage or the occurrence of a power outage. The voltage abnormality signal ALARM outputs an "L" level signal when a voltage abnormality occurs, and outputs an "H" level signal when the voltage is normal.

On the other hand, the system reset generation unit 1320 generates a system reset signal RST when the power is turned on, and the generated system reset signal RST is output to each board.

<Explanation of advantageous play>
Next, advantageous play will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG.

<Explanation of conventional games>
In conventional games, the types of games are classified as shown in FIG. 5(a). That is, in the normal game state, the probability of winning a lottery is low and there is no electric support. In the potential game state, the probability of winning a lottery is high and there is no electric support. In the time-saving game state, the probability of winning a lottery is low and there is electric support. And in the probability game state, the probability of winning a lottery is high and there is electric support. The electric support indicates the electric chute support. In the electric chute (normal electric device) support state, the time during which the opening and closing member 45b1 is in the open state and the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is extended, thereby increasing the winning rate in the special pattern 2 starting hole 45a and increasing the winning frequency per unit time. This results in a game state that is more advantageous to the player than when there is no electric chute support state.

Here, the details of the control in the time-saving game state and the probability-changing game state will be explained. As shown in FIG. 5(b), in the time-saving game state and the probability-changing game state, the probability of winning the lottery for the normal symbol is high, the normal symbol variation time is shortened, and the time during which the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is extended. In addition, the probability of winning the lottery for the normal symbol is 250/251 in the high probability state, and 1/251 in the low probability state. In addition, the variation time of the normal symbol is 20 seconds in the non-shortened state and 2 seconds in the shortened state. Furthermore, the time during which the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is 80 ms in the non-extended state and 4000 ms in the extended state. In addition, in the case of 80 ms in the non-extended state, even if the opening and closing member 45b1 is in the open state and the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state, the opening and closing member 45b1 will be in the closed state and the guide member 45c1 will be in the non-guiding state before the game ball enters the special pattern 2 start hole 45a, so it is impossible for the game ball to enter the special pattern 2 start hole 45a. Therefore, unless it is 4000 ms in the extended state, the game ball cannot enter the special pattern 2 start hole 45a.

In the normal game mode, the probability of winning the lottery for the normal symbol is low, the time for which the normal symbol changes is not shortened, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is not extended.

<Explanation of control in advantageous gaming state>
Therefore, in this embodiment, a more advantageous state than the normal gaming state is created by combining three factors: the probability of winning the lottery for the normal symbol, the time during which the normal symbol changes, the time during which the opening/closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5(b), in advantageous gaming state 1, the probability of winning the lottery for the normal symbol is low, the time for which the normal symbol changes is shortened, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time for which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is not extended. Therefore, although it appears the same as the normal gaming state, the time for which the normal symbol changes is shortened, making it a more advantageous gaming state than the normal gaming state.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(b), in advantageous gaming state 2, the probability of winning the lottery for the normal symbol is low, the time for which the normal symbol changes is shortened, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time for which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended. This results in a so-called electric support state. This results in a more advantageous gaming state than the normal gaming state.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(b), in advantageous gaming state 3, the probability of winning the lottery for the normal symbol is high, the time for which the normal symbol changes is shortened, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time for which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended. This results in a so-called electric support state. This results in a more advantageous gaming state than the normal gaming state.

The advantageous game states 1 to 3 described above can also be further divided. That is, the advantageous game states 1 to 3 described above can also be further divided depending on whether the time during which the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the guiding member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended. To explain in more detail, with special symbols, there can be multiple types of jackpots, such as a 2R jackpot, a 4R jackpot, or a jackpot that shortens time, depending on the type of special symbol that is won. And, like special symbols, there can also be multiple types of jackpots with normal symbols.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the advantageous game states 1 to 3 described above are further divided into whether the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is extended depending on the combination of the type of winning normal symbol and which advantageous game state. To explain using a specific example, as shown in FIG. 5(c), if the lottery for the normal symbol is won, the main control CPU 600a selects the normal symbol 1 with a probability of 30/100 and the normal symbol 2 with a probability of 70/100. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5(c), in the normal game state, in both the cases of the winning normal symbol 1 and 2, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is not extended. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(c), in the advantageous game state 2A obtained by further dividing the advantageous game state 2, in the case of a normal hit 1, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is extended, and in the case of a normal hit 2, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is not extended. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(c), in the advantageous game state 2B obtained by further dividing the advantageous game state 2, in both the case of a normal hit 1 and 2, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is extended. By the way, in the advantageous game state 1, in both the case of a normal hit 1 and 2, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is not extended.

Thus, the advantageous game states 1 to 3 described above can be further divided into substates by whether or not the time during which the opening/closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended.

<Explanation of special time-saving patterns>
By the way, it is known that a special time-saving pattern can be drawn separately from the special pattern. When the special time-saving pattern is drawn, the game state is changed to the time-saving game state. When the special time-saving pattern is drawn, the game state can have multiple winning types, as with the special pattern. By using this, the game state can be shifted to the advantageous game state 1 to 3 described above. To explain using a specific example, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when the special time-saving pattern 1 is drawn, the game state is shifted to the advantageous game state 1, and 10,000 times are given as the number of time-saving times. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when the special time-saving pattern 2 is drawn, the game state is shifted to the advantageous game state 2A, and 50 times are given as the number of time-saving times. And further, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when the special time-saving pattern 3 is drawn, the game state is shifted to the advantageous game state 2B, and 100 times are given as the number of time-saving times.

In this way, depending on the type of winning special time-saving symbol, the game state can be transitioned to the advantageous game state 1 to 3 described above. Note that there is only one type of transition to the advantageous game state 1 to 3 for one special time-saving symbol.

The selection of the special time-saving symbols can be set to be performed or not performed during the game state. For example, the selection of the special time-saving symbols can be performed during the normal game state without electric support and the potential probability game state shown in FIG. 5(a), and the selection of the special time-saving symbols can be set not to be performed during the time-saving game state with electric support and the potential probability game state shown in FIG. 5(a).

<Explanation of what you can/cannot do when there are multiple advantageous game states>
Incidentally, when there are multiple advantageous game states as described above, the advantageous game state to which a transition can be made is only one predetermined advantageous game state for one symbol (including special symbols, normal symbols, etc.). To explain this point using the specific example of Fig. 6(b), when a jackpot symbol 1 is won, the game state at the time of the jackpot transitions to advantageous game state 1 regardless of whether the game state is a normal game state/latent game state, advantageous game state 1/advantageous game state 2. In other words, in this case, only one predetermined advantageous game state transitions for one symbol, so such a transition is possible.

In addition, if jackpot pattern 2 is hit, the game state at the time of the jackpot will transition to advantageous game state 2A regardless of whether the game state is normal game state/latent game state, advantageous game state 1, or advantageous game state 2. In other words, in this case, only the predetermined advantageous game state 1 is transitioned for pattern 1, so this type of transition is possible.

Furthermore, if jackpot pattern 3 is hit, the game state at the time of the jackpot will transition to advantageous game state 2B regardless of whether the game state at the time of the jackpot is the normal game state/latent game state, or advantageous game state 1/advantageous game state 2. However, if the game state at the time of the jackpot is the normal game state/latent game state, the number of times that advantageous game state 2B will continue is 50 spins, and if the game state at the time of the jackpot is advantageous game state 1/advantageous game state 2, the number of times that advantageous game state 2B will continue is 100 spins. In this case, although the number of times that advantageous game state 2B will continue is different, since only the predetermined advantageous game state 1 is transitioned to for pattern 1, such a transition is possible.

On the other hand, if jackpot symbol 4 is hit, and the game state at the time of the jackpot is the normal game state/potential game state, it will transition to advantageous game state 1, and if it is advantageous game state 1/advantageous game state 2, it will transition to advantageous game state 2A. However, in this case, since multiple advantageous game states have been transitioned to for symbol 1, such a transition is not possible.

Thus, when there are multiple advantageous game states, the advantageous game state to which a player can transition is limited to only one predetermined advantageous game state for one symbol (including special symbols, normal symbols, etc.).

<Explanation of gameplay using multiple advantageous game states (part 1)>
Based on the above explanation, we will now explain the specifications that have different gameplay characteristics from conventional ones.

In conventional games, in a type 1/type 2 mixed type gaming machine, in the normal game state (when the player hits with the left hand), after the player wins a jackpot due to a change in special symbol 1, the player is placed in a favorable game state (when the player hits with the right hand), causing the game ball to enter the special symbol 2 start hole 45a. When the game ball enters the special symbol 2 start hole 45a, the special symbol 2 changes, and when the special symbol 2 is selected to win a small jackpot, the large prize hole (not shown) opens, and when the game ball that entered the large prize hole (not shown) passes through the V area 47a, the jackpot game state is entered. At this time, the time during which the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is always extended, so whether or not the small jackpot is won in the special symbol 2 lottery is the specification of conventional games.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the specifications of the conventional game are derived to make it almost certain that the small prize will be won by the drawing of the special symbol 2, while the specifications of whether the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) will be in the open state and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state will be extended using the above-mentioned multiple advantageous game states. In other words, unlike conventional games, in this embodiment, the gameplay is not whether the small prize will be won by the drawing of the special symbol 2, but rather, when a normal prize is won, the gameplay is whether the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) will be in the open state and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state will be extended depending on the type of normal symbol and the advantageous game state. This point will be explained in detail using a specific example.

As shown in FIG. 7, first, the player uses the launch handle 16 to hit the game ball to the left side of the game area 40 of the game board 4, and the game is played to see if the special symbol 1 is won. To explain in more detail, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the stopped decorative symbols are displayed (see image P1), the stopped resident symbols (see image P2), and the first start reserved ball count (see image P3) are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Specifically, as shown in image P1 of the liquid crystal display device 41, the decorative symbols are displayed large in the center of the screen and are composed of a left decorative symbol (see image P1a), a middle decorative symbol (see image P1b), and a right decorative symbol (see image P1c). In the figure, the left decorative symbol (see image P1a) is stopped at "7", the middle decorative symbol (see image P1b) is stopped at "6", and the right decorative symbol (see image P1c) is stopped at "7", resulting in a missed reach.

The resident pattern is displayed small on the top left corner of the screen as shown in image P2 of the liquid crystal display device 41 in FIG. 7(a). This resident pattern is a reduced version of the number shown in the variably displayed decorative pattern, and is displayed variably in sync with the decorative pattern in principle. Specifically, the resident pattern is composed of a left resident pattern (see image P2a), a center resident pattern (see image P2b), and a right resident pattern (see image P2c). This left resident pattern (see image P2a) corresponds to the left decorative pattern (see image P1a), and in the figure, it is stopped at "7". And the center resident pattern (see image P2b) corresponds to the center decorative pattern (see image P1b), and in the figure, it is stopped at "6". And further, the right resident pattern (see image P2c) corresponds to the right decorative pattern (see image P1c), and in the figure, it is stopped at "7".

The first start reserved ball count is the number of valid winning balls detected by the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see FIG. 4), and is displayed small at the bottom of the screen, slightly toward the center, as shown in image P3 of the liquid crystal display device 41 in FIG. 7(a). Specifically, FIG. 7(a) shows that two first start reserved balls are displayed.

Thus, when the display shown in FIG. 7(a) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and one of the two reserved first start reserved ball numbers (see image P3a shown in FIG. 7(b)) is subtracted (in the illustration, it is displayed larger than the other first start reserved balls as a changing display indicating that the special pattern 1 corresponding to the subtracted first start reserved ball is changing), the decorative pattern changes at high speed (see image P1) and further the resident pattern changes at high speed (see image P2) as shown in FIG. 7(b) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

At this time, if special symbol 1 is selected, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the decorative symbol stops (see image P1, shown as "777"), and the resident symbol stops (see image P2, shown as "777") and is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41, entering the jackpot gaming state. When the jackpot gaming state is entered, the words "Jackpot!" (see image P4) are displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display 41, and the words "Right Hit" (see image P5) are displayed in small letters at the top right corner of the screen, encouraging the player to hit to the right (the player uses the launch handle 16 to hit the gaming ball to the right side of the gaming area 40 of the gaming board 4).

Next, after the big win, the game moves to a time-saving game state or a probability-change game state, and when the game enters a so-called RUSH state, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the words "RUSH ENTERED!" (see image P6) are displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41, and small words "Right hit" (see image P5) are displayed in the upper right corner of the screen to encourage the player to hit to the right. Then, the game begins, where the open/close member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time that the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended, and a game is played to see if the player wins the normal pattern.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the LCD display 41 displays the stopped decorative symbols (see image P7) and the stopped permanent symbols (see image P8) while displaying the small text "Right Hit" (see image P5) in the upper right corner of the screen to encourage the player to hit right. Specifically, this decorative symbol corresponds to a normal symbol, and is displayed large in the center of the screen as shown in image P7 of the LCD display 41, and is composed of a left decorative symbol (see image P7a), a middle decorative symbol (see image P7b), and a right decorative symbol (see image P7c). In the figure, the left decorative symbol (image P7a) stops at "7", the middle decorative symbol (see image P7b) stops at "6", and the right decorative symbol (image P7c) stops at "7", resulting in a missed reach. This is because the "777" shown in FIG. 7(c) is a decorative symbol for special symbol 1, and is no longer displayed after the game transitions to the RUSH state following a big win. For this reason, in FIG. 8(b), the decorative symbol for the normal symbol that stopped in a reach miss state is displayed. Note that in this embodiment, the reach miss state is shown as an example of the decorative symbol for the normal symbol that is displayed, but this is not limiting, and it is also possible for the symbols to be scattered or for all symbols to be the same. This is because there are cases in which the display will depend on the lottery results for the normal symbol that stopped last time.

The resident pattern is displayed small on the bottom right corner of the screen as shown in image P8 of the liquid crystal display device 41 in FIG. 8(b). This resident pattern is a reduced number shown in the decorative pattern corresponding to the variable normal pattern, and is displayed in a synchronous manner with the decorative pattern in principle. Specifically, the resident pattern is composed of a left resident pattern (see image P8a), a center resident pattern (see image P8b), and a right resident pattern (see image P8c). This left resident pattern (see image P8a) corresponds to the left decorative pattern (see image P7a), and in the figure, it is stopped at "7". And the center resident pattern (see image P78b) corresponds to the center decorative pattern (see image P7b), and in the figure, it is stopped at "6". And further, the right resident pattern (see image P8c) corresponds to the right decorative pattern (see image 7c), and in the figure, it is stopped at "7".

Thus, when the display shown in FIG. 8(b) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41 and the normal symbol start switch 48a (see FIG. 4) detects the passage of a game ball, the decorative symbol changes at high speed (see image P7) and the resident symbol changes at high speed (see image P8) as shown in FIG. 8(c) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, one of the two first start reserved ball numbers is subtracted and consumed, but the remaining one first start reserved ball number remains. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the resident symbol (see image P2) corresponding to the special symbol 1 is also changed. At this time, since the decorative symbol corresponding to the normal symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41 as shown in FIG. 8(c), the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol 1 is not displayed, and only the change of the resident symbol (see image P2) corresponding to the special symbol 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41. As shown in FIG. 8(c), the LCD display device 41 continues to display the small text "Hit Right" (see image P5) in the upper right corner of the screen, encouraging the player to hit to the right.

Next, when the variation of the resident symbol corresponding to the special symbol 1 (see image P2) stops, as shown in FIG. 8(d), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the resident symbol corresponding to the stopped special symbol 1 (see image P2, "543" in the figure). At this time, the variation of the special symbol 1 is a short-time variation, and it stops without performing a game performance. Also, at this time, even if the resident symbol corresponding to the special symbol 1 stops, it does not affect the variation of the normal symbol, and the variation will continue. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8(d), the liquid crystal display device 41 continues to display the small word "Right hit" (see image P5) in the upper right corner of the screen to encourage the player to hit to the right. In addition, if the first start reserved ball number is not reserved, as shown in FIG. 8(e), the resident symbol corresponding to the special symbol 1 will be hidden or displayed to the extent that the player cannot recognize it. This is because if it were displayed as is, or displayed to the extent that the player could see it, the special symbol, which is a resident symbol but is stationary, would be displayed even though the decorative symbol of the normal symbol is changing. This would result in a mixture of changing and stationary symbols being displayed, which could give the player the mistaken impression that there is no change, which could lead to a decrease in interest in the game.

Next, if the currently changing normal symbol is not a winning symbol, as shown in FIG. 8(e), the decorative symbol stops (see image P7, "767" in the figure), and the resident symbol stops (see image P8, "767" in the figure) and is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41 as a losing symbol. As shown in FIG. 8(e), the liquid crystal display 41 continues to display the small word "Right Hit" (see image P5) in the upper right corner of the screen to encourage the player to hit to the right. Although not shown, the normal symbol can also store the number of effective winning balls detected by the normal symbol start switch 48a (see FIG. 4), that is, the number of normal symbol start reserved balls, up to a predetermined number (for example, 4 balls) as an upper limit, for the normal symbol, so the number of normal symbol start reserved balls may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 41.

Next, when the normal symbol start switch 48a (see FIG. 4) again detects the passage of the game ball, as shown in FIG. 8(f), the decorative symbol changes at high speed (see image P7), and further, the resident symbol changes at high speed (see image P8) and is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8(f), the liquid crystal display 41 continues to display the small word "Right Hit" (see image P5) in the upper right corner of the screen, encouraging the player to hit to the right.

At this time, if a normal symbol is won that causes the opening/closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) to be in the open state and the time that the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state to be extended, as shown in FIG. 8(g), the decorative symbol stops (see image P7, shown as "777"), and further, the resident symbol stops (see image P8, shown as "777") and is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8(g), the liquid crystal display 41 will continue to display the small words "Right Hit" (see image P5) in the upper right corner of the screen to encourage the player to hit to the right.

Thus, when the screen shown in FIG. 8(g) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41, the word "Right Hit" (see image P5) is displayed, urging the player to hit to the right, and the liquid crystal display 41 displays a display (see image P9) urging the player to enter the game ball into the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a to change the special symbol 2, as shown in FIG. 8(h). As a result, when the player uses the launch handle 16 to enter the game ball into the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a, as shown in FIG. 8(i), the liquid crystal display 41 displays a small image at the right edge of the screen that changes at high speed, while the image P9 is still displayed. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8(i), the liquid crystal display 41 displays a small image at the top right edge of the screen that urges the player to hit to the right, urging the player to hit to the right, "Right Hit" (see image P5).

In this embodiment, since the special symbol 2 is almost always drawn to win a small prize, no preview effects or other effects during the change are performed, and when the change time ends, as shown in FIG. 8(j), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a stationary pattern (see image P10) corresponding to the changing special symbol 2 (see image P10, "333" in the figure). As shown in FIG. 8(j), the liquid crystal display device 41 still displays image P9 and the small text "Hit right" (see image P5) in the upper right corner of the screen encouraging the player to hit right.

Next, if the player wins a small win in the lottery for special pattern 2, the liquid crystal display 41 displays a message (see image P11) urging the player to hit the ball into the big prize opening (not shown) and make it win in the V area 47a, as shown in FIG. 8(k), while the message "Hit Right" (see image P5) is still displayed, encouraging the player to hit the ball to the right. As a result, when the player uses the launch handle 16 to make the ball enter the big prize opening (not shown) and make it win in the V area 47a, the liquid crystal display 41 displays the message "V Hit!" (see image P12) in the center of the screen, as shown in FIG. 8(l), and the big win game state is reached. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8(l), the liquid crystal display 41 displays the message "Hit Right" (see image P5) in small letters at the top right corner of the screen, encouraging the player to hit the ball to the right.

On the other hand, if the player does not win a normal symbol that extends the time that the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state, and the final spin of the time-saving game is reached, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays "0 remaining" (see image P20) in small letters at the top left corner of the screen, indicating that the final spin of the time-saving game is reached. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a decorative symbol corresponding to the normal symbol that is rapidly changing (see image P7), and further displays a resident symbol corresponding to the normal symbol that is rapidly changing (see image P8). At this time, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the word "Right hit" (see image P5) is also displayed in small letters at the top right corner of the screen to encourage the player to hit right.

Next, if the normal symbol is not selected, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the decorative symbol stops (see image P7, shown as "767"), and the resident symbol stops (see image P8, shown as "767"), which is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41 and is displayed as a loss. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the liquid crystal display 41 displays "0 remaining" (see image P20) in small letters at the top left corner of the screen, indicating that this is the final spin of the time-saving game, and the words "Hit right" (see image P5) are displayed in small letters at the top right corner of the screen, encouraging the player to hit right.

Next, when the final spin of the time-saving game is completed, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the words "RUSH END" (see image P21) in the center of the screen. Then, as shown in FIG. 9(d), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the words "Hit Left" (see image P22) in the center of the screen, urging the player to hit left, so as to hide the words "RUSH END" (see image P21).

At this time, if a start reserved ball of a normal pattern is reserved, the reserved start reserved ball of the normal pattern will change to the normal pattern in the same way as during time-saving play, so as shown in Figures 9(c) and (d), only the resident pattern corresponding to the normal pattern will be displayed (see image P8). At this time, the game state is the normal game state, that is, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is not extended, so even if a normal pattern is won, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) will not be in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state will not be extended. Therefore, without performing the normal pattern change performance, only the resident pattern corresponding to the normal pattern will be displayed (see image P8) as shown in Figures 9(c) and (d). In addition, if the number of balls reserved for starting normal symbols is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 during time-saving play, it will be hidden when the text display "RUSH END" is displayed.

Thus, in this way, the game is played based on whether the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and whether the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended.

To realize such a game, an allocation table as shown in FIG. 10 can be used. In the allocation table shown in FIG. 10(a), when the winning probability of the normal symbol is 1/60, the main control CPU 600a selects the normal symbol 1 with a probability of 30/100 and the normal symbol 2 with a probability of 70/100, as shown in FIG. 10(a). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10(a), in the normal game state, in either the normal symbol 1 or 2, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is in the non-extended state. Therefore, the probability that the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended is "0".

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(a), in favorable game state 2A, when a normal symbol is hit 1, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended, and when a normal symbol is hit 2, the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is not extended. Therefore, the probability that the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended is 1/60 (the probability of hitting a normal symbol) x 30/100 (the probability of selecting 1 for a normal symbol) = 1/200.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(a), in favorable game state 2B, whether 1 or 2 normal symbols are hit, the opening/closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended. Therefore, the probability that the opening/closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended, is 1/60 (as it is sufficient to win the normal symbol).

As explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9, in this embodiment, the specifications are such that the special symbol 2 is almost always selected to win a small prize, so if the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended, it is almost certain that a big prize will be won. Therefore, the probability of selecting a normal winning symbol that causes the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) to be in the open state and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state to be extended is the actual probability of a big prize.

The allocation table shown in FIG. 10(b) is such that, in the case of a jackpot win in the lottery for special pattern 1, which has a jackpot probability of 1/199 and no small jackpot, the main control CPU 600a selects jackpot 1 with a probability of 50/100 and jackpot 2 with a probability of 50/100, as shown in FIG. 10(b). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10(b), in the case of jackpot 1, a 3R jackpot is obtained, and 50 time reductions are granted as the number of times the normal patterns change. Furthermore, in this case, in the normal game state, the game state transitions to favorable game state 2A, and in the favorable game state 2A or favorable game state 2B, the game state transitions to favorable game state 2A.

As explained with reference to FIG. 10(a), in favorable game state 2A, the probability that a normal winning symbol will be selected, which will cause the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) to be in the open state and the time that the guiding member 45c1 is in the guiding state to be extended, is 1/200, and since this probability is also the probability of an actual jackpot, in the case of jackpot 1, the state will be roughly the same as the low-probability time-saving game state.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(b), in the case of jackpot 2, it becomes a 3R jackpot, and 100 times of time reduction are granted as the number of times the normal symbols change. Furthermore, at this time, in the normal game state, it transitions to advantageous game state 2B, and in advantageous game state 2A or advantageous game state 2B, it transitions to advantageous game state 2B.

As explained with reference to FIG. 10(a), in favorable game state 2B, the probability that a normal winning symbol will be selected, which will cause the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) to be in the open state and the time that the guiding member 45c1 is in the guiding state to be extended, is 1/60, which is also the probability of a de facto jackpot, so in the case of jackpot 2, the state is roughly the same as the high probability time-saving game state.

The allocation table shown in FIG. 10(c) shows that in the lottery for special pattern 2, which has a big win probability of 1/199 and a small win probability of 198/199, if a big win is won, the main control CPU 600a selects big win 1 with a probability of 100/100 as shown in FIG. 10(c). If a small win is won, the main control CPU 600a selects small win 1 with a probability of 50/100 and small win 2 with a probability of 50/100 as shown in FIG. 10(c). As a result, in this embodiment, a small win is almost always won in the lottery for special pattern 2.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(c), in the case of jackpot 1, a 10R jackpot occurs, and 100 times are awarded as the number of time-saving times during which advantageous game state 2B is maintained. At this time, in the normal game state, the game state transitions to advantageous game state 2B, and in advantageous game state 2A or advantageous game state 2B, the game state transitions to advantageous game state 2B.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(c), in the case of one small win, a 10R small win is obtained, and 100 times are awarded as the number of time-saving times during which advantageous game state 2B is maintained. At this time, in the normal game state, the game state transitions to advantageous game state 2B, and in advantageous game state 2A or advantageous game state 2B, the game state transitions to advantageous game state 2B.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(c), in the case of small win 2, it becomes a 3R small win, and 100 times are awarded as the number of time-saving times during which advantageous game state 2B is maintained. At this time, in the normal game state, the game state transitions to advantageous game state 2B, and in advantageous game state 2A or advantageous game state 2B, the game state transitions to advantageous game state 2B.

As explained with reference to FIG. 10(a), in favorable gaming state 2B, the probability that the opening/closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) will be in the open state and the time that the guiding member 45c1 is in the guiding state will be extended is 1/60, which is also the probability of a de facto jackpot. Therefore, regardless of whether there is one jackpot or one or two small jackpots, the game will enter a so-called probability-varying gaming state with 100 time-saving cycles.

Thus, by using an allocation table such as that shown in FIG. 10, the game described with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 can be realized.

In addition, by using such an allocation table, even in a type 1/type 2 gaming machine that cannot set a probability-varying gaming state for special and normal symbols, it is possible to create a low probability gaming state and a high probability gaming state in terms of the probability of winning a jackpot.

<Explanation of gameplay using multiple advantageous game states (part 2)>
Next, a description will be given of a specification that has a gameplay that may enable a transition from a normal game state to an advantageous game state 2 by utilizing the special time-saving symbols described above.

First, as shown in FIG. 11, in the normal game state where the player hits from the left, that is, in the state where the probability of winning the jackpot is low and there is no electric support, the special time-saving symbol is set to be drawn. In this case, the normal symbol variation time is set to 5 seconds, and the time during which the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is set to 80 ms, which is the non-extended state.

Also, as shown in FIG. 11, in favorable game state 1 where the player hits from the left, that is, in a state where the probability of winning a jackpot is low and there is no electric support, the system is set so that the special time-saving symbol is not drawn. In this case, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 4.9 seconds, a time-saving state in which the time is shortened to a time that the player cannot distinguish, and the time during which the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is set to 80 ms, which is a non-extended state.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, in favorable game state 2 where the player hits the right hand, that is, in a state where the probability of winning a jackpot is low and electric support is available, the system is set so that the special time-saving symbol is not drawn. In this case, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 4.9 seconds, a time-saving state in which the time is shortened to a time that the player cannot distinguish, and the time during which the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is set to an extended state of 4000 ms.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, in favorable game state 3 where the player hits the right hand, that is, in a state where the probability of winning a jackpot is high and electric support is available, the system is set so that the special time-saving symbol is not drawn. In this case, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 4.9 seconds, a time-saving state in which the time is shortened to a time that the player cannot distinguish, and the time during which the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is set to an extended state of 4000 ms.

Thus, with this setup in place, we will explain below, in two patterns, Pattern 1 and Pattern 2, specific examples of gameplay that can potentially transition from the normal game state to Advantageous Game State 2 using the special time-saving symbols.

<Pattern 1: Type 1/Type 2 mixed type gaming machine>
As shown in Fig. 12(d), in this embodiment, in the range of 0 to 65535 as the random number value for the special symbol 1 big win, the random number value in the range of 0 to 10000 is set to miss, the random number value in the range of 10001 to 10329 is set to big win, the random number value in the range of 10330 to 20000 is set to miss, the random number value in the range of 20001 to 22184 is set to special time-saving symbol win, and the random number value in the range of 22185 to 65535 is set to miss. Therefore, the probability of a big win for special symbol 1 is 1/199, and the probability of winning the special time-saving symbol is 1/30.

Also, as shown in FIG. 12(d), in this embodiment, the random number value for the special pattern 2 jackpot is in the range of 0 to 65535, and when the random number value is in the range of 0 to 10000, it is set to a miss, when it is in the range of 10001 to 10329, it is set to a jackpot, when it is in the range of 10330 to 20000, it is set to a miss, when it is in the range of 20001 to 22184, it is set to a special time-saving pattern win, when it is in the range of 22185 to 30000, it is set to a miss, when it is in the range of 30001 to 62767, it is set to a small win, and when it is in the range of 62768 to 65535, it is set to a miss. Therefore, the probability of a jackpot for the special pattern 2 is 1/199, the probability of a win for the special time-saving pattern is 1/30, and the probability of a small win for the special pattern 2 is 1/2. In addition, since the special symbol 2 basically only changes in the advantageous game state 2, and the special time-saving symbol is not selected in the advantageous game state 2, there is no need to set a range of random numbers from 20001 to 22184 for the special time-saving symbol.

Thus, as a result of the lottery using such random numbers, when a jackpot with special symbol 1 is won, the main control CPU 600a selects jackpot 1 (4R) with a probability of 50/100, jackpot 2 (4R) with a probability of 5/100, and jackpot 3 (4R) with a probability of 45/100, as shown in the distribution table shown in FIG. 12(a). At this time, as shown in FIG. 12(a), when jackpot 1 (4R) is selected, the game moves to favorable game state 2, and 100 time reductions are granted as the number of times the special symbol changes. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12(a), when jackpot 2 (4R) is selected, the game moves to favorable game state 1, and 50 time reductions are granted as the number of times the special symbol changes. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12(a), when jackpot 3 (4R) is selected, the game moves to favorable game state 1, and 10,000 time reductions are granted as the number of times the special symbol changes.

On the other hand, when the special time-saving symbol is selected as a result of the lottery using the random number values as described above, the main control CPU 600a selects special time-saving symbol 1 with a probability of 10/100, and selects special time-saving symbol 2 with a probability of 90/100, as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 12(b). In this case, as shown in FIG. 12(b), when special time-saving symbol 1 is selected, the game transitions to favorable game state 2, and 10,000 times are awarded as the number of time-saving times during which favorable game state 2 play is maintained. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12(b), when special time-saving symbol 2 is selected, the game transitions to favorable game state 1, and 10,000 times are awarded as the number of time-saving times during which favorable game state 1 play is maintained.

On the other hand, when a lottery using the random number values as described above results in a jackpot for special symbol 2, the main control CPU 600a selects jackpot 1 (9R) with a probability of 100/100, as shown in the allocation table in Figure 12(c). In this case, as shown in Figure 12(c), when jackpot 1 (9R) is selected, the game transitions to advantageous game state 2, and 100 time-saving rounds are awarded to maintain the game in advantageous game state 2. On the other hand, when the small prize of the special pattern 2 is won, the main control CPU 600a selects the small prize 1 (9R jackpot by V passing (winning in the V area 47a)) with a probability of 10/100, selects the small prize 2 (2R jackpot by V passing (winning in the V area 47a)) with a probability of 80/100, selects the small prize 3 (2R jackpot by V passing (winning in the V area 47a)) with a probability of 1/100, and selects the small prize 4 (2R jackpot by V passing (winning in the V area 47a)) with a probability of 9/100, as shown in the distribution table shown in FIG. 12(c). At this time, as shown in FIG. 12(c), when the small prize 1 is selected, the game moves to the advantageous game state 2, and 100 times are given as the number of time reduction times during which the advantageous game state 2 is maintained. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12(c), when small win 2 is selected, the game transitions to favorable game state 2, and 100 times are awarded as the number of time-saving times during which favorable game state 2 play is maintained. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12(c), when small win 3 is selected, the game transitions to favorable game state 1, and 50 times are awarded as the number of time-saving times during which favorable game state 1 play is maintained. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12(c), when small win 4 is selected, the game transitions to favorable game state 1, and 10,000 times are awarded as the number of time-saving times during which favorable game state 1 play is maintained.

Here, the transition of the game state described above will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, when the game state is the normal game state (no low-probability electric support state) YG1, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for the special symbol 1 using the random number value for the special symbol 1 jackpot shown in FIG. 12(d). At this time, in the normal game state (no low-probability electric support state) YG1, a lottery for the special time-saving symbol is also executed. As a result, when the special time-saving symbol is won and the special time-saving symbol 1 is selected with a probability of 10/100 as shown in the distribution table shown in FIG. 12(b), the game state will transition to the game state YG3 of the advantageous game state 2 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO1). On the other hand, when the special time-saving symbol 2 is selected with a probability of 90/100, the game state will transition to the game state YG2 of the advantageous game state 1 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO2). In this case, since the jackpot has not been won, the jackpot slot (not shown) will not open.

On the other hand, if special symbol 1 is won and jackpot 1 is selected with a probability of 50/100 as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 12(a), the game state will transition to game state YG3 of advantageous game state 2 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO3). Furthermore, if jackpot 2 is selected with a probability of 5/100, the game state will transition to game state YG2 of advantageous game state 1 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO4). Furthermore, if jackpot 3 is selected with a probability of 45/100, the game state will transition to game state YG2 of advantageous game state 1 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO5).

When the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1, the RAM clear switch 620 is turned on, and the main control RAM 600c is cleared, the normal game state (low probability state without electric support) YG1 described above is entered. In this normal game state (low probability state without electric support) YG1, a lottery for a special time-saving pattern is executed, so when a player starts playing first thing in the morning, there is a possibility that the game can transition to advantageous game state 2 in which the player hits the right hand, that is, a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low and there is electric support. Therefore, in this way, in addition to the gameplay of whether or not the special pattern 1 will be a jackpot, the gameplay of whether or not it is possible to transition to a game with electric support is added, so that the interest of the game in the low probability state can be improved, and the game center can selectively provide services to the player.

In game state YG3 of advantageous game state 2, the main control CPU 600a draws the special symbol 2 using the random number value for the special symbol 2 jackpot shown in FIG. 12(e). At this time, as explained above, the special time-saving symbol is not drawn.

Thus, if a jackpot with special pattern 2 is won, and jackpot 1 is selected with a probability of 100/100 as shown in the allocation table in Figure 12(c), the game state will remain in advantageous game state 2, game state YG3, as shown in Figure 13 (see RO6).

On the other hand, if a small prize of special pattern 2 is won, and small prize 1 is selected with a probability of 10/100 and small prize 2 is selected with a probability of 80/100 as shown in the distribution table in FIG. 12(c), the game state will remain in advantageous game state 2 game state YG3 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO6).

On the other hand, if the player wins the small prize of special symbol 2 and small prize 3 is selected with a probability of 1/100 as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 12(c), the game state will transition to game state YG2 of advantageous game state 1 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO7). Also, if small prize 4 is selected with a probability of 9/100 as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 12(c), the game state will transition to game state YG2 of advantageous game state 1 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO8).

In game state YG2 of advantageous game state 1, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special symbol 1 using the random number value for the special symbol 1 jackpot shown in FIG. 12(d). At this time, as explained above, a lottery for the special time-saving symbol is not executed.

Thus, if a jackpot with special pattern 1 is won, and jackpot 1 is selected with a probability of 50/100 as shown in the allocation table in Figure 12(a), the game state will transition to game state YG3, favorable game state 2, as shown in Figure 13 (see RO9).

On the other hand, if a jackpot with special symbol 1 is won and jackpot 2 is selected with a probability of 5/100 as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 12(a), the game state will remain in game state YG2 of advantageous game state 1 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO10). Also, if jackpot 3 is selected with a probability of 45/100 as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 12(a), the game state will remain in game state YG2 of advantageous game state 1 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO11).

On the other hand, when the game state YG2 of the advantageous game state 1 is shifted to, if 10,000 times are given as the number of time-saving times, the player cannot shift to the normal game state unless the special pattern is changed 10,000 times unless the player wins a jackpot. In other words, the advantageous game state 1 is essentially the game state in which the player mainly stays. However, if 50 times are given as the number of time-saving times, if the special pattern is changed 50 times even if the player does not win a jackpot, the game state will shift to the normal game state (state without low probability electric support) YG1 as shown in FIG. 13 (see RO13). Therefore, if the game state is shifted to the normal game state (state without low probability electric support) YG1 after the number of time-saving times is over, a lottery for the special time-saving pattern will be executed, so even in a game in a low probability state, in addition to the playability of whether or not the special pattern 1 will be a jackpot, the game state of whether or not it can shift to a state with electric support can be enjoyed. This can increase the interest of playing in a low probability state. When the granted number of time-saving times of 10,000 times is over, the game state will transition to the normal game state (no low probability electric support state) YG1, as shown in Figure 13 (see RO12).

As explained above, the game state YG2 in advantageous game state 1 appears to be the same as the low probability state, and this game state is primarily the "normal" game state in which the player stays, enjoying the conventional gameplay of whether or not they will hit a jackpot. Also, when the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1 and the backup recovery process is performed, it is highly likely that the game state before the power outage was almost advantageous game state 1, so it is almost in game state YG2 of advantageous game state 1.

<Pattern 2: A gaming machine with a general probability hit and a non-probability hit>
As shown in FIG. 14(d), in this embodiment, in the range of 0 to 65535 as the random number value for the special pattern jackpot, the random number value in the range of 0 to 10000 is set to miss, the random number value in the range of 10001 to 10205 is set to jackpot in both the low probability game state and the high probability game state, the random number value in the range of 10206 to 12048 is set to jackpot only in the high probability game state, the random number value in the range of 12049 to 20000 is set to miss, the random number value in the range of 20001 to 22184 is set to hit the special time-saving pattern, and the random number value in the range of 22185 to 65535 is set to miss. Therefore, the jackpot probability of the special patterns 1 and 2 in the low probability game state is 1/319, the jackpot probability of the special patterns 1 and 2 in the high probability game state is 1/32, and the probability of hitting the special time-saving pattern is 1/30.

Thus, as a result of the lottery using such random numbers, if a jackpot with special symbols 1 or 2 is won, the main control CPU 600a will select jackpot 1 (10R guaranteed) with a probability of 60/100, and jackpot 2 (10R time-saving) with a probability of 40/100, as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 14(a). At this time, as shown in FIG. 14(a), if jackpot 1 is selected, the game moves to favorable game state 3, and 10,000 time-saving times are granted as the number of times the special symbols can change. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14(a), if jackpot 2 is selected, the game moves to favorable game state 2, and 100 time-saving times are granted as the number of times the special symbols can change.

On the other hand, when the special time-saving symbol is selected as a result of the lottery using the random number values as described above, the main control CPU 600a selects special time-saving symbol 1 with a probability of 10/100, and selects special time-saving symbol 2 with a probability of 90/100, as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 14(b). In this case, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when special time-saving symbol 1 is selected, the game transitions to favorable game state 2, and 10,000 times are awarded as the number of time-saving times during which favorable game state 2 play is maintained. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when special time-saving symbol 2 is selected, the game transitions to favorable game state 1, and 10,000 times are awarded as the number of time-saving times during which favorable game state 1 play is maintained.

Here, the transition of the game state described above will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, when the game state is the normal game state (no low-probability electric support state) YG10, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for the special symbol 1 using the special symbol jackpot random number value shown in FIG. 14(c). At this time, in the normal game state (no low-probability electric support state) YG10, a lottery for the special time-saving symbol is also executed. As a result, when the special time-saving symbol is won and the special time-saving symbol 1 is selected with a probability of 10/100 as shown in the distribution table shown in FIG. 14(b), the game state will transition to the game state YG12 of the advantageous game state 2 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO20). On the other hand, when the special time-saving symbol 2 is selected with a probability of 90/100, the game state will transition to the game state YG11 of the advantageous game state 1 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO21). In this case, since the jackpot has not been won, the jackpot slot (not shown) will not open.

On the other hand, if special symbol 1 is won and jackpot 1 is selected with a probability of 60/100 as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 14(a), the game state will transition to game state YG13 of advantageous game state 3 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO22). Also, if jackpot 2 is selected with a probability of 40/100, the game state will transition to game state YG12 of advantageous game state 2 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO23).

Incidentally, even in such a pachinko game machine, when the power is turned on, the RAM clear switch 620 is turned on, and the main control RAM 600c is cleared, the normal game state (low probability state without electric support) YG10 described above is entered. In this normal game state (low probability state without electric support) YG10, a lottery for a special time-saving pattern is executed, so when a player starts playing first thing in the morning, there is a possibility that the game can transition to advantageous game state 2 in which the player hits the right, that is, a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low and there is electric support. Therefore, in this way, in addition to the gameplay of whether or not the special pattern 1 will be a jackpot, the gameplay of whether or not it is possible to transition to a game with electric support is added, so that the interest of playing in a low probability state can be improved.

In game state YG12 of advantageous game state 2, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special symbol 2 using the random number value for the special symbol jackpot shown in FIG. 14(c). At this time, as explained above, a lottery for the special time-saving symbol is not executed.

Thus, if a jackpot with special symbol 2 is won, and jackpot 1 is selected with a probability of 60/100 as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 14(a), the game state will transition to game state YG13 in favorable game state 3 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO24). Also, if jackpot 2 is selected with a probability of 40/100, the game state will remain in game state YG12 in favorable game state 2 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO25).

On the other hand, when the game state transitions to advantageous game state 2 YG12, once the 100 time-saving times granted have ended, the game state transitions to normal game state (state without low probability electric support) YG10 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO26). If the game state transitions to normal game state (state without low probability electric support) YG10 after the time-saving times have ended, a lottery for special time-saving symbols will be executed, so even in a game in a low probability state, in addition to the playability of whether or not special symbol 1 will be a jackpot, the gameplay of whether or not it is possible to transition to a game with electric support can be enjoyed. This can increase the interest of the game in a low probability state.

In game state YG13 of advantageous game state 3, the main control CPU 600a draws the special symbol 2 using the special jackpot random number value shown in FIG. 14(c). At this time, as explained above, the special time-saving symbol is not drawn.

Thus, if a jackpot with special symbol 2 is won, and jackpot 1 is selected with a probability of 60/100 as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 14(a), the game state will remain in game state YG13 of advantageous game state 3 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO27). Also, if jackpot 2 is selected with a probability of 40/100, the game state will transition to game state YG12 of advantageous game state 2 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO28).

In game state YG11 of advantageous game state 1, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special symbol 1 using the random number value for the special symbol jackpot shown in FIG. 14(c). At this time, as explained above, a lottery for the special time-saving symbol is not executed.

Thus, if a jackpot with special symbol 1 is won, and jackpot 1 is selected with a probability of 60/100 as shown in the allocation table in FIG. 14(a), the game state will transition to game state YG13 of advantageous game state 3 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO29). Also, if jackpot 2 is selected with a probability of 40/100, the game state will transition to game state YG12 of advantageous game state 2 as shown in FIG. 15 (see RO30).

As explained above, the game state YG11 in advantageous game state 1 appears to be the same as the low probability state, and this game state is generally the "normal" state. Also, when the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1 and the backup recovery process is performed, the game state is almost the game state YG11 in advantageous game state 1.

Thus, as explained in patterns 1 and 2 above, by using the special time-saving symbols, it is possible to create a game that has the potential to transition from the normal game state to advantageous game state 2.

As explained above, by using multiple advantageous game states and special time-saving symbols, new gameplay characteristics can be created, thereby increasing the interest of players in low probability game states.

However, when multiple advantageous game states are provided, conventional processing can lead to complicated management. That is, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 16(a), in the normal game state, the probability of winning a jackpot is low and there is no electric support, so the special chart probability flag is OFF (00H) and the electric support flag is OFF (00H). Also, in the potential probability game state, the probability of winning a jackpot is high and there is no electric support, so the special chart probability flag is ON (5AH) and the electric support flag is OFF (00H). Furthermore, in the time-saving game state, the probability of winning a jackpot is low and there is electric support, so the special chart probability flag is OFF (00H) and the electric support flag is ON (5AH). Furthermore, in the probability of winning the jackpot in the probability game mode, the probability of winning the jackpot is high and the electric support is enabled, so the special probability game flag is ON (5AH) and the electric support flag is ON (5AH). In addition to these, there are various other flags that indicate the game mode, such as the normal probability game flag.

Thus, in the past, various game states were managed using flags in this way.

However, if the multiple advantageous game states are managed simply by turning flags ON/OFF, as in the past, the more advantageous game states are added, the more complicated the management may become.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the advantageous game state flag and advantageous game state pattern are used for management. That is, in the normal game state, the advantageous game state flag is set to OFF (00H) and the advantageous game state pattern is set to 00H. Then, in advantageous game state 1, the advantageous game state flag is set to ON (5AH) and the advantageous game state pattern is set to 01H. Furthermore, in advantageous game state 2, the advantageous game state flag is set to ON (5AH) and the advantageous game state pattern is set to 02H. And further, in advantageous game state 3, the advantageous game state flag is set to ON (5AH) and the advantageous game state pattern is set to 03H.

By doing this, even if multiple advantageous game states are added, it is only necessary to increase the numerical value of the advantageous game state pattern accordingly, and since there is no need to increase the number of flags, it is possible to reduce the situation where management becomes complicated. Needless to say, it is also possible to provide conventional flags such as special probability flags, electric support flags, and regular probability flags.

On the other hand, when notifying the player of multiple advantageous game states, the main control CPU 600a outputs an advantageous game state LED signal to the 7-segment display device 53a based on the advantageous game state flag and/or advantageous game state pattern. This allows the 7-segment display device 53a to display whether or not the game state is an advantageous game state. However, in the case of advantageous game state 1, no notification is made. In other words, the 7-segment display device 53a is not made to display advantageous game state 1. This is because if the game state is notified that it is advantageous game state 1, the player will realize that he is in a game state in which the lottery for the special time-saving pattern is not being held, which may reduce the player's interest in the game and cause the player to stop playing. For this reason, in advantageous game state 1, no notification is made.

<Explanation of sound and lamp effects>
Next, the sound and lamp effects will be specifically described with reference to Figs.

<Explanation of the sounds in the preview>
First, the sound in the notice performance will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The notice performance shown in Fig. 17(a) to (c) is an example of the information notice performance. To be more specific, as shown in Fig. 17(a), a decorative pattern that is changing at high speed (see image P30) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and a resident pattern that is changing at high speed (see image P31) is displayed, and at this time, the word "Ganbatte" is displayed in a balloon (see image P32) in the lower left corner of the screen. And, if the word "Ganbatte" is, for example, a black character that indicates a low expectation of a big win game state, the sound effect SE1 of "Pop" is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Fig. 1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the words "Feels good!" are displayed in a speech bubble in the lower left corner of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see image P33), and if the words "Feels good!" are in red, for example, which increases the expectation of a jackpot game state, a "ping-pong" sound effect SE2 will be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17(c), when the LCD display device 41 displays in a speech bubble in the lower left corner of the screen the word "Super Hot!" sandwiched between the word "DANGER", a so-called danger pattern indicating high expectations for a jackpot game state (see image P34), the sound effect SE3 of "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!" is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1.

On the other hand, the preview effects shown in Figures 17(d) to (f) are examples of chime sound preview effects. To explain more specifically, as shown in Figure 17(d), a rapidly changing decorative pattern (see image P30) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and a rapidly changing resident pattern (see image P31) is displayed, and at this time, the word "ping pong" is displayed slightly above the center of the screen (see image P40). If the word "ping pong" is, for example, a white character indicating a low expectation of a jackpot game state, the sound effect SE4 "ping pong" will be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17(e), the words "Ping Pong! Ping Pong!" are displayed slightly above the center of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see image P41), and if the words "Ping Pong! Ping Pong!" are in red, for example, which increases the expectation of a jackpot game state, the sound effect SE5 "Ping Pong! Ping Pong!" will be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17(f), when the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the words "DANGER DANGER DANGER" (see image P42), a so-called danger pattern indicating high expectations for a jackpot game state, slightly above and in the center of the screen, the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 emits a sound effect SE6 of "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!" In other words, the same sound effect as the information preview performance is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1.

Thus, even with such different preview effects, in the so-called danger pattern where the expectation of a big win game state is high, a common sound effect is emitted from speaker 17, allowing the player to recognize that the expectation of a big win game state is high regardless of the preview effect. In this way, in a situation where multiple types of previews and effects such as reaches are executed in parallel, it is possible to effectively increase the interest in the game without placing a burden on the control side.

In addition, in this case, the sound effects in the information preview performance shown in Fig. 17(a)-(b) are different from the sound effects in the chime preview performance shown in Fig. 17(d)-(e). Therefore, the information preview performance shown in Fig. 17(a)-(b) may be executed during the chime preview performance shown in Fig. 17(d)-(e). In other words, the execution timing of the chime preview performance shown in Fig. 17(d)-(e) and the execution timing of the information preview performance shown in Fig. 17(a)-(b) may overlap in part or in whole. However, the execution timing of the information preview performance shown in Fig. 17(c) and the execution timing of the chime preview performance shown in Fig. 17(f) should not overlap. If they overlap, the common sound effects will be emitted from the speaker 17 in an overlapping manner, which may cause the player to feel uncomfortable and reduce his interest in the game.

In this embodiment, in the so-called danger pattern where there is high expectation of a jackpot game state, the speaker 17 emits a "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!" sound effect, but the time for which this sound effect is played may be different between the information preview performance and the chime sound preview performance. In other words, the common sound effect does not have to be the same, as long as it is of the same type.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the word "Feels good!" in the information preview is, for example, in red letters that increase the expectation of a jackpot game state, the sound effect SE2 "beep" is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. However, even if the red letters increase the expectation of a jackpot and other words (for example, "It's hot!") are used, the same sound effect SE2 "beep" may be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. In this way, even if the letters are different, if they are the same color, the same sound effect SE2 "beep" will be emitted, so the player can recognize that the same color (for example, red letters) increases the expectation of a jackpot.

The preview performance in this embodiment is merely an example and can be applied to any preview performance.

<Explanation of sound classification in production>
Next, the classification of sounds in the effects will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 21. BGM, sound effects, and dialogue sounds are known as classifications of sounds in the effects. These may be played simultaneously in a series of effects, but if they are all played at the same volume, there is a risk that the player will not recognize the BGM, sound effects, and dialogue sounds, respectively, which may reduce the interest of the game.

In this embodiment, therefore, in the case of a performance in which BGM, sound effects, and dialogue occur simultaneously, the volume settings for these sound data are set so that the relationship of dialogue > sound effects > BGM is established, so that the maximum volumes of the BGM, sound effects, and dialogue do not overlap. Note that the volume setting for the sound data here does not refer to the volume that the player can set using the setting button 15, or the volume that the gaming parlor (hall) can set using a setting means (not shown) such as a dial on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, but rather the volume that is set by the sound LSI 801 during playback. This point will be specifically explained with reference to Figures 18 and 19.

Figure 18 shows a preview performance. First, as shown in Figure 18 (a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a stopped decorative pattern (see image P50, "767" in the figure), and then a stopped resident pattern (see image P51, "767" in the figure). At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays the BGM shown in Figure 19 at a volume one step lower than the maximum volume (see timing T1), and the BGM is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 at a volume one step lower than the maximum volume. Note that the maximum volume shown here is the volume set by the sound LSI 801 or the sound function in the VDP 803 when the volume that can be set by the player using the setting button 15 or the volume that can be set by the game hall (hall) using a setting means such as a dial (not shown) on the back side of the pachinko game machine 1 is maximum.

Next, the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 18(b) displays a decorative pattern that changes at high speed (see image P50), and further displays a resident pattern that changes at high speed (see image P51). At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays the background music shown in FIG. 19 at a constant volume.

Next, when a preview performance that increases the expectation of a big win game state is executed and sound effects are generated, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to lower the volume of the BGM. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 plays the BGM at the lowest volume at timing T2, as shown in FIG. 19. This causes the BGM to be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 at the lowest volume. Note that this lowest volume is a volume that the player can recognize even if the player further lowers the volume using the setting button 15 to the minimum volume value that the player can lower. In addition, the volume that the player can lower using the setting button 15 is not limited to BGM, but can also be lowered for sound effects and dialogue. In addition, in the figure, the volume is instantly switched to the lowest volume, but of course the volume can be gradually lowered to the lowest volume.

Next, a notice performance that increases the expectation of a big win game state is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 18(c), the screen shown on the liquid crystal display device 41 goes dark, and the word "CHANCE" (see image P52) is displayed in the center of the screen. When the word "CHANCE" (see image P52) is displayed, the sound effect shown in FIG. 19 is reproduced by the sound LSI 801 at a volume one step lower than the maximum volume (see timing T3), and the sound effect SE10 of "bang" shown in FIG. 18(c) is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 at a volume one step lower than the maximum volume. At this time, the background music is emitted from the speaker 17 at the lowest volume, but since the volume of the sound effect SE10 is louder than the volume of the background music, the player can easily hear the sound effect SE10. Note that the volume of this sound effect SE10 gradually decreases as shown in FIG. 19.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18(d), the screen shown on the liquid crystal display device 41 goes dark, and the word "CHANCE" (see image P52) continues to be displayed in the center of the screen. At timing T4 shown in FIG. 19, when the playback of the sound effect SE10 is almost completed, the sound LSI 801 plays the dialogue sound shown in FIG. 19 at maximum volume, and the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 emits the dialogue sound VC1 "Chance" shown in FIG. 18(d) at maximum volume. At this time, the speaker 17 emits the BGM and sound effect SE10 at the lowest volume, but since the volume of the dialogue sound VC1 is louder than the volume of the BGM and sound effect SE10, the player can easily hear the dialogue sound VC1. The volume of this dialogue sound VC1 gradually decreases as shown in FIG. 19.

Thus, after the word "CHANCE" (see image P52) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, a dialogue sound VC1 indicating the content of the word is emitted from the speaker 17, and by adding a time delay, it is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize the content of the presentation.

Next, when playback of the dialogue sound VC1 ends and a screen similar to that shown in FIG. 18(b) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in FIG. 18(e), that is, when the preview performance that increases the expectation of a big win game state ends, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to reset the volume of the BGM. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 will play the BGM at the original volume at timing T5 shown in FIG. 19.

In this way, in a preview performance in which sound effects and dialogue are generated, the volume of the background music is controlled to be lowered, making the sound effects and dialogue easier to hear. However, in this case, the sound LSI 801 ensures that the sound effects and dialogue do not start playing at the same time. If they were played at the same time, the sound effects and dialogue would mix together, which could reduce the effect of the performance for the player. For this reason, in this embodiment, the timing at which the sound effects and dialogue start playing are staggered to make each sound easier to hear.

By doing this, in a situation where multiple types of previews, reaches, and other effects are being executed in parallel, it is possible to effectively increase the excitement of the game without placing a burden on the control system.

This BGM is played in a loop. The BGM volume is set so that it is louder during jackpot play and electric support play (high probability play state/time-saving play state) than during normal play state (no low probability electric support). In other words, the relationship is set so that BGM (during jackpot play and electric support play) > BGM (normal play state (no low probability electric support)).

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the maximum starting volume of sound effect SE10 and the maximum starting volume of dialogue sound VC1 are set so as not to overlap, and dialogue sound VC1 is played just before the playback of sound effect SE10 ends, but this is not limiting, and dialogue sound VC1 may be played after the playback of sound effect SE10 ends. In other words, they may not overlap at all.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the volume of the BGM is set to the lowest volume when the effects that increase the expectation of a big win game state shown in Figures 18(c) to (d) are executed, but this is not limiting. The volume of the BGM may be muted (i.e., "0" or approximately "0"), or the sound LSI 801 may stop playing the BGM. This point will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 20 and 21.

Figure 20 shows a preview effect that has a high degree of reliability for the jackpot game state. First, as shown in Figure 20 (a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a stopped decorative pattern (see image P60, "767" in the figure), and then a stopped resident pattern (see image P61, "767" in the figure). At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays BGM1 shown in Figure 21 at a volume level one step lower than the maximum volume (see timing T10), and therefore BGM1 is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 at a volume level one step lower than the maximum volume. Note that this BGM1 is played in a loop.

Next, the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 20(b) displays a decorative pattern that changes at high speed (see image P60), and further displays a resident pattern that changes at high speed (see image P61). Furthermore, a character CH1 holding a sword is displayed on the left part of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41. At this time, the sound LSI 801 reproduces the dialogue sound shown in FIG. 21 at maximum volume (see timing T11), and the dialogue sound VC10 of "Yaa!" shown in FIG. 20(b) is emitted at maximum volume from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. At this time, since the dialogue sound VC10 is short, the volume of the BGM1 shown in FIG. 21 is not lowered. Therefore, the speaker 17 emits BGM1 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume, but since the volume of the dialogue sound VC10 is louder than the volume of BGM1, the player can easily hear the dialogue sound VC10. The volume of the dialogue sound VC10 gradually decreases, as shown in FIG. 21.

Next, an effect that increases the expectation of a big win game state is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 20(c), the screen shown on the liquid crystal display device 41 goes dark, the display of the decorative pattern is erased or becomes difficult to see, and the characters "DANGER DANGER DANGER" are displayed in the center of the screen, along with an explosion effect (see image P62). At this time, the sound effect shown in FIG. 21 is reproduced by the sound LSI 801 at a volume one step lower than the maximum volume (see timing T12), and the sound effect "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!" (not shown) is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 at a volume one step lower than the maximum volume. At this time, in order to highlight the so-called danger pattern sound effect, which indicates a high expectation of a big win game state, the sub-control CPU 800a mutes BGM1 (i.e., "0" or approximately "0") or transmits a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to stop the reproduction of BGM1. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 mutes BGM1 (i.e., "0" or approximately "0") or stops the playback of BGM1. Note that the volume of this sound effect gradually decreases, as shown in FIG. 21.

Next, at timing T13 shown in FIG. 21, when the playback of the sound effect is almost finished, the screen shown on the liquid crystal display device 41 goes from dark to bright as shown in FIG. 20(d), and the character CH2 is displayed on the left side of the screen. At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays the dialogue sound shown in FIG. 21 at maximum volume (see timing T13), and the dialogue sound VC11 shown in FIG. 20(d) "It's so hot!" is emitted at maximum volume from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. At this time, the speaker 17 emits the sound effect at an intermediate volume that is gradually decreasing, but since the volume of the dialogue sound VC11 is greater than the volume of the sound effect, the player can easily hear the dialogue sound VC11. The volume of this dialogue sound VC11 gradually decreases as shown in FIG. 21.

Next, at timing T14 shown in FIG. 21, the playback of the dialogue sound VC11 ends, and as shown in FIG. 20(e), the decorative symbol for the reach state is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see image P60), and the word "REACH" (see image P63) is displayed so as to overlap the decorative symbol for the reach state. At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play BGM2, which is different from BGM1. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 plays BGM2, which is different from BGM1, at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume (see timing T14). As a result, BGM2 is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume. If the sound LSI 801 continues to play BGM1 at muted volume (i.e., "0" or approximately "0"), at timing T14 shown in FIG. 21, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to stop the playback of BGM1. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 stops the playback of BGM1. Note that this BGM2 is not played in a loop.

In this way, in a preview performance in which sound effects and dialogue are generated, the volume of BGM1 can be muted or stopped to make the sound effects and dialogue easier to hear. However, in this case, the sound LSI 801 ensures that the sound effects and dialogue do not start playing at the same time. If they were played at the same time, the sound effects and dialogue would mix, which could reduce the effect of the performance for the player. For this reason, in this embodiment, the timing at which the sound effects and dialogue start playing are staggered to make each sound easier to hear.

However, even in this way, in situations where multiple types of previews, reaches, and other effects are executed in parallel, it is possible to effectively increase the interest of the game without placing a burden on the control side.

In this embodiment, the maximum volume at the start of the sound effect and the maximum volume at the start of the dialogue sound VC11 are set so as not to overlap, and the dialogue sound VC11 is played just before the playback of the sound effect ends, but this is not limiting, and the dialogue sound VC11 may be played after the playback of the sound effect ends. In other words, they may not overlap at all.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the performance in which the dialogue sound VC10 "Yaa!" shown in FIG. 20(b) is uttered is executed, the volume of BGM1 is not lowered, but it may be lowered as shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19.

In addition, in this embodiment, the volume of BGM1 is muted or stopped, but as shown in FIG. 19, the volume of BGM1 may be set to the lowest volume.

<Explanation of an example where only sound is played in a production>
In the above, an example was shown in which the volume of the BGM is lowered by controlling the occurrence of a preview performance when a preview performance occurs. This is because, if the occurrence of a preview performance is decided by lottery, the volume of the BGM is lowered, but if the lottery is not won and the preview performance does not occur, the volume of the BGM continues to be played at the same volume without being lowered. Therefore, the volume is lowered by controlling the occurrence of the preview performance.

However, for example, in a reach performance, a preview performance is always generated in which sound effects or dialogue indicating that it is an SP reach is played. Therefore, rather than lowering the volume by control until such a preview performance, it is also possible to have the sound LSI 801 play background music data whose volume has been set to a lowered state in advance to coincide with the timing when such a preview performance occurs, in order to avoid placing a burden on the control side. This point will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 22 and 23.

Figure 22 shows the progression from a normal reach effect to a SP reach effect. First, as shown in Figure 22(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the decorative symbol in the reach state (see image P70), the word "REACH" (see image P71) is displayed so as to overlap the decorative symbol in the reach state, and the resident symbol that is changing at high speed is displayed (see image P72). At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play BGM2. In response, the sound LSI 801 plays BGM2 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume, as shown in Figure 23 (see timing T20). This causes BGM2 to be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume.

Next, on the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 22(b), the left decorative pattern moves to the upper left corner of the screen, the right decorative pattern moves to the upper right corner of the screen, and the center decorative pattern is displayed with a rapidly changing decorative pattern (see image P70), and further, a resident pattern with a rapidly changing pattern is displayed (see image P72). At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays BGM2 shown in FIG. 23 at a constant volume.

Next, when the playback of BGM2 ends, a preview performance is executed on the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 22(c), where the words "SP Reach" (see image P73) are displayed in the center of the screen instead of the rapidly changing central decorative pattern. At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play BGM3 and the dialogue sound. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 plays BGM3 and the dialogue sound at timing T21 shown in FIG. 23. At this time, the volume of the beginning of BGM3 is muted in advance (i.e., "0" or approximately "0"), so although it is being played, BGM3 is not emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. Note that this BGM3 is not played in a loop.

Meanwhile, the sound LSI 801 reproduces the dialogue sound shown in FIG. 23 at maximum volume (see timing T21), and the dialogue sound VC20 "SP Reach!" shown in FIG. 22(c) is emitted at maximum volume from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. At this time, since only the dialogue sound VC20 is emitted from the speaker 17, the player can easily hear the dialogue sound VC10. Note that the volume of this dialogue sound VC20 gradually decreases as shown in FIG. 23.

Next, the color of the text changes according to the reliability of the jackpot game state, and a sound effect according to the reliability of the jackpot game state is played. That is, on the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 22(d), the color of the "SP Reach" text displayed in the center of the screen changes to, for example, red (see image P73) and is displayed. At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play the sound effect. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 plays the sound effect at timing T22 shown in FIG. 23. As a result, the sound is played at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume (see timing T22), and the sound effect SE20 of "Dadaan!" shown in FIG. 22(d) is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume. At this time, if BGM3, which is set in advance to go from mute (i.e., "0" or approximately "0") to the lowest volume, is being played by the sound LSI 801, it will automatically switch from mute (i.e., "0" or approximately "0") to the lowest volume at timing T22 shown in FIG. 23. That is, the sound LSI 801 is only playing BGM3, and is not controlling the volume. Thus, the speaker 17 emits sound effect SE20 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume, and BGM3 is emitted at the lowest volume, but since the volume of sound effect SE20 is louder than the volume of BGM3, the player can easily hear sound effect SE20. Note that the volume of this sound effect SE20 gradually decreases as shown in FIG. 23.

By the way, if the "SP Reach" text displayed in the center of the screen is black, a sound effect of "Dang!" is played, and if it is a danger pattern, a sound effect of "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!" is played. Therefore, the preview performance based on the title text color as exemplified in Figure 22(d) is not a matter of whether it will be performed or not, but rather a lottery as to which color it will be performed in. Therefore, no matter which color is selected, the sound effect will always be played.

Next, at timing T23 shown in FIG. 23, the volume of BGM3 switches from the lowest volume to one volume lower than the maximum volume after a preset period of time, starting the SP Reach performance. That is, instead of the words "SP Reach" (see image P73), the character CH10 holding a sword is displayed in the center of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 22(e). At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play a dialogue sound. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 plays the dialogue sound shown in FIG. 24 at maximum volume (see timing T24). As a result, the dialogue sound VC21 "Let's go!" shown in FIG. 22(e) is emitted at maximum volume from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. At this time, BGM3 is emitted from the speaker 17 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume, but because the volume of the dialogue sound VC21 is louder than the volume of BGM3, the player can easily hear the dialogue sound VC21. Note that the volume of this dialogue sound VC21 gradually decreases as shown in FIG. 23.

By preparing background music with the volume turned down in advance like this, you can effectively increase the interest of the game without putting a strain on the control system.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which BGM3 is set to go from muted to the lowest volume from timing T21 to timing T23 as shown in FIG. 23, but the present invention is not limited to this. The volume may remain muted from timing T21 to timing T23, or may remain at the lowest volume from timing T21 to timing T23.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which, in "SP Reach", dialogue sound VC20 is played and then sound effect SE20 is played, but this is not limiting, and dialogue sound VC20 may be played after sound effect SE20 is played.

<Explanation of the lamp effects>
Next, the lamp effects will be described.

<Explanation of lamp pattern types>
First, the case of the blinking of the lamp pattern will be described. The decorative lamps such as the full-color LED lamps mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 described above can blink as a lamp pattern that produces a lamp performance effect. To be more specific, the method shown in FIG. 24(a-1) and FIG. 24(b-1) can be used for blinking. That is, as shown in FIG. 24(a-1), the decorative lamps LA such as the full-color LED lamps mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 are turned on (for example, white), and then, after a predetermined period, are turned off as shown in FIG. 24(b-1). Then, again, after a predetermined period, the decorative lamps LA shown in FIG. 24(a-1) are turned on (for example, white), and this cycle is repeated alternately to cause blinking. Note that the time when the decorative lamp LA is turned on and the time when it is turned off are not limited to the same time, and different times may be set and repeated alternately periodically. In addition, the cycle is set so that the cycle is not shorter than one frame (=33 ms), which is the drawing update cycle for drawing one screen's worth of image on the liquid crystal display device 41, in order to make the player aware that the lamps are blinking. This allows the decorative lamps LA and the LCD display to produce effects without giving the player a sense of incongruity, by synchronizing the cycle for drawing one screen's worth of image with the update cycle for the decorative lamps LA, or by synchronizing the blinking cycle with an integer multiple of the cycle for drawing one screen's worth of image.

On the other hand, the method shown in FIG. 24(a-2) to FIG. 24(d-2) can also be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 24(a-2), the decorative lamp LA such as a full-color LED lamp mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 is turned on (for example, white), and then, after a predetermined period, is turned off as shown in FIG. 24(b-2). Next, as shown in FIG. 24(c-2), the decorative lamp LA is turned on in a color (for example, yellow) different from the color shown in FIG. 24(a-2), and after a predetermined period, is turned off as shown in FIG. 24(d-2). Next, after a predetermined period, the decorative lamp LA shown in FIG. 24(a-2) is turned on (for example, white), and this cycle is repeated to cause it to blink. Thus, when performing an effect in which the white and yellow decorative lamps LA are turned on alternately as an effect for the player, the lamps are turned on via the off state as described above. This is because when changing from white to yellow, the white decorative lamp LA is turned off so that the player is not left with an afterimage of the lamp, and the lamp effect when switching between different colors can be viewed without feeling unnatural. The cycle is set to be no shorter than one frame (= 33 ms) so that the player can recognize that the lamp is flashing.

As shown in Figures 24(a-2) to 24(d-2), when flashing the decorative lamp LA using different colors, it is preferable not to use blue and red. This is because there is a risk of the player suffering from an accident such as photosensitive seizures.

Next, a lamp pattern that gradually changes the brightness and color of the decorative lamp will be described. The decorative lamps, such as the full-color LED lamps mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 described above, can gradually change the brightness and color as a lamp pattern that produces a lamp effect. To be more specific, the decorative lamps can be controlled to emit light based on brightness data for setting the brightness and RGB data for setting the color, so that the methods shown in Figures 25(a-1) to (f-1) can be used to adjust the brightness. That is, as shown in Figure 25(a-1), the decorative lamp LA is lit up at a brightness of 100%, for example, in white, and then, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to a brightness of 75% after a predetermined period of time, as shown in Figure 25(b-1), and lights up in a light gray color that changes from white. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to a brightness of 50% after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 25(c-1), and lights up, changing from light gray to dark gray. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to a brightness of 25% after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 25(d-1), and lights up, changing from dark gray to darker gray. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to a brightness of 50% after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 25(e-1), and lights up, changing from darker gray to dark gray. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to a brightness of 75% after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 25(f-1), and lights up, changing from dark gray to light gray. Next, based on the brightness data sent from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 100% brightness after a predetermined period of time, changes to white, and lights up, as shown in FIG. 25 (a-1).

Thus, the decorative lamp LA is not turned off but is kept on, and the brightness adjustment cycle shown in Figures 25(a-1) to (f-1) is repeated, so that the brightness of the decorative lamp can be changed in stages. The reason for not turning off the lamp is to prevent the player's interest in the game from decreasing. In other words, when performing brightness gradation that changes the brightness in stages, turning off the lamp gives the player the feeling that the brightness change has ended, which may cause the player to feel uncomfortable and decrease the player's interest in the game. The cycle is set to be no shorter than one frame (=33 ms) so that the player is aware that the brightness of the decorative lamp is changing.

On the other hand, when adjusting the color, the method shown in FIG. 25(a-2) can be used. That is, based on the RGB data for setting the color sent from the sub-control CPU 800a, as shown in FIG. 25(a-2), the decorative lamps LA, such as full-color LED lamps mounted on the decorative lamp board 90, are changed in color from yellow ⇒ green ⇒ blue ⇒ red (so-called rainbow colors) from the bottom to the top of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Note that even when performing such color gradation, turning off the light gives the player the feeling that the color change has ended, which may cause the player to feel uncomfortable and reduce the player's interest in the game. To prevent this, the light is not turned off, and the color is changed in stages while the light is on.

Next, a lamp pattern for causing the decorative lamp to flash in gradations (strobe flash) will be described. The decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 described above can be made to flash in gradations (strobe flash) as a lamp pattern that produces a lamp performance effect. To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 26(a), the decorative lamp LA is lit, for example, in white at 100% brightness, and then, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 75% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 26(b), and changes from white to light gray and lights up. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 50% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 26(c), and lights up, changing from light gray to dark gray. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 25% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 26(d), and changes from dark gray to a darker gray and lights up. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 0% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 26(e), and turns off. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 100% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 26(a), and turns on in white. By turning off the lamp in this way, a lamp pattern that flashes in gradations (strobe flash) is executed when it is desired to give the player a sense of incongruity due to the above-described turning off, which is more impressive than other effects. Therefore, it is set to appear less frequently than the brightness gradations and color gradations.

Thus, by gradually changing the brightness of the decorative lamp LA to 0% and then suddenly changing it to 100%, a strobe-like lamp pattern can be realized. Note that the cycles shown in Figures 26(a)-(e) are set to be no shorter than one frame (=33 ms) so that the player is aware that the brightness of the decorative lamp is changing.

In this way, various types of lamp patterns can be realized simply by turning the decorative lamps LA on and off and adjusting their brightness and color. This makes it possible to effectively increase the interest of the game without placing a burden on the control side in situations where multiple types of previews, reaches, and other effects are being executed in parallel.

<Explanation of "static" lamp patterns and "dynamic" lamp patterns>
By the way, by using the lamp patterns described above, it is possible to create a "static" lamp pattern and a "dynamic" lamp pattern. That is, the "static" lamp pattern is used when performing a lamp performance with no (small) movement, and for example, as shown in Fig. 27(a), the decorative lamp is turned on and off from 0 frame (0f) to 150 frame (150f) and turned off from 150 frame (150f) to 300 frame (300f).

As shown in FIG. 27(b), slow gradation can be achieved by using brightness adjustment of the decorative lamp. That is, the decorative lamp is turned on, for example, in white at 100% brightness from 0 frames (0f) to 15 frames (15f), and turned on from white to light gray at 75% brightness from 15 frames (15f) to 30 frames (30f). Then, the decorative lamp is turned on from light gray to slightly dark gray at 65% brightness from 30 frames (30f) to 45 frames (45f). Then, the decorative lamp is turned on from slightly dark gray to dark gray at 50% brightness from 45 frames (45f) to 60 frames (60f). Then, the decorative lamp is turned on from dark gray to darker gray at 25% brightness from 60 frames (60f) to 75 frames (75f). Next, the decorative lamps are illuminated from darker gray to dark gray at 50% brightness from 75 frames (75f) to 90 frames (90f). Next, the decorative lamps are illuminated from dark gray to medium-dark gray at 65% brightness from 90 frames (90f) to 105 frames (105f). Next, the decorative lamps are illuminated from medium-dark gray to light gray at 75% brightness from 105 frames (105f) to 120 frames (120f). Next, the decorative lamps are illuminated from light gray to white at 100% brightness from 120 frames (120f) to 135 frames (135f). This process is repeated up to 300 frames (300f).

Thus, by doing this, slow gradation can be achieved using brightness adjustment of the decorative lamp.

On the other hand, the "dynamic" lamp pattern is used when creating dynamic (intense) lamp effects, and for example, as shown in FIG. 27(c), the decorative lamps can be turned on and off at high speed to flash. That is, as shown in FIG. 27(c), the decorative lamps are turned on for 0 frames (0f) to 1 frame (1f), and then turned off for 1 frame (1f) to 2 frames (2f), and this is repeated alternately.

As shown in FIG. 27(d), the decorative lamp can be lit in gradations (strobe flash) by adjusting its brightness. That is, the decorative lamp is lit, for example, in white at 100% brightness for frame 0 (0f) to frame 1 (1f), and then lit from white to light gray at 75% brightness for frame 1 (1f) to frame 2 (2f). Next, the decorative lamp is lit from light gray to dark gray at 50% brightness for frame 2 (2f) to frame 3 (3f). Next, the decorative lamp is lit from dark gray to darker gray at 25% brightness for frame 3 (3f) to frame 4 (4f). Next, the decorative lamp is turned off at 0% brightness and dark gray to black for frame 4 (4f) to frame 5 (5f). The decorative lamps are then returned to 100% brightness and illuminated in white, flashing in gradations (strobe flash), and the process is repeated.

By combining such "static" lamp patterns with "dynamic" lamp patterns, a well-balanced lamp presentation can be achieved. For example, as shown in Figure 28, the decorative lamps are turned on at a slow gradation speed (see Figure 27(b)) from 0 frames (0f) to 60 frames (60f) (e.g., while the decorative patterns are changing). Next, the decorative lamps are turned on at a high speed (see Figure 27(c)) from 60 frames (60f) to 90 frames (90f) (e.g., when the Tenpai Aori begins). Next, the decorative lamps are turned off from 90 frames (90f) to 120 frames (120f). Next, the decorative lamp is turned on at a low gradation speed (see FIG. 27(b)) for 120 frames (120f) to 150 frames (150f) (e.g., during the tenpai aori aori), and is turned on at a high speed (see FIG. 27(c)) for 150 frames (150f) to 210 frames (210f) (e.g., during the tenpai aori aori). Next, the decorative lamp is turned off at a high speed (see FIG. 27(c)) for 210 frames (210f) to 270 frames (270f) (e.g., tenpai aori (tame)). Next, the decorative lamp is turned off at a high speed (see FIG. 27(c)) for 270 frames (270f) to 300 frames (300f) (e.g., tenpai). Next, the decorative lamp is turned off at a high speed (see FIG. 27(c)) for 300 frames (300f) to 330 frames (330f). Next, the decorative lamp is turned on at a slow gradation rate (see FIG. 27(b)) for 330 frames (330f) to 390 frames (390f) (e.g., while waiting for the decorative pattern).

Thus, when combining a "still" lamp pattern with a "moving" lamp pattern, a well-balanced lamp performance can be created by inserting a "lights out" at the point where the performance changes.

<Decorative lamp placement instructions>
Incidentally, the decorative lamps as described above can be arranged as shown in Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a pachinko game machine 1. As shown in the schematic front view of the pachinko game machine 1 shown in Fig. 29(a), a first decorative lamp LA1 consisting of a plurality of decorative lamps is arranged at an incline on the periphery of the front frame 3 at the upper right, a second decorative lamp LA2 consisting of a plurality of decorative lamps is arranged at an incline on the lower right, a third decorative lamp LA3 consisting of a plurality of decorative lamps is arranged at an incline on the upper left, and a fourth decorative lamp LA4 consisting of a plurality of decorative lamps is arranged at an incline on the lower left. As shown in Figure 29 (a), a fifth decorative lamp LA5 consisting of multiple decorative lamps is arranged in a straight line on the upper part of the liquid crystal display device 41 of the game board 4, a sixth decorative lamp LA6 consisting of multiple decorative lamps is arranged in a straight line on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 41 of the game board 4, and a seventh decorative lamp LA7 consisting of multiple decorative lamps is arranged in a straight line on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 41 of the game board 4.

Thus, of the decorative lamps arranged in this manner, as shown in the schematic right-side vertical cross-sectional view of Figure 29 (b), the first decorative lamp LA1 and the third decorative lamp LA3 are arranged at a downward incline from the front side (the side seen by the player) of the front frame 3 to the rear side (the rear side of the pachinko gaming machine 1), and the second decorative lamp LA2 and the fourth decorative lamp LA4 are arranged at an upward incline from the front side (the side seen by the player) of the front frame 3 to the rear side (the rear side of the pachinko gaming machine 1). Therefore, when lighting the first decorative lamp LA1 to the fourth decorative lamp LA4, if they are lit from the front side of the front frame 3 (the side seen by the player) to the rear side (the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1), or from the rear side of the front frame 3 (the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1) to the front side (the side seen by the player), a three-dimensional, flowing lighting pattern can be created, thereby creating a sense of dynamism in the lamp presentation.

As shown in FIG. 29(b), the sixth decorative lamp LA6 is composed of a front sixth decorative lamp LA6a and a rear sixth decorative lamp LA6b. As shown in FIG. 29(b), the front sixth decorative lamp LA6a is arranged on the front side of the game board 4 (the side seen by the player), and the rear sixth decorative lamp LA6b is arranged on the rear side of the game board 4 (the rear side of the pachinko game machine 1) offset from the front sixth decorative lamp LA6a so as to be located on the rear side of the front sixth decorative lamp LA6a. This results in the sixth decorative lamps LA6 being arranged in multiple layers, creating a three-dimensional effect and creating a sense of dynamism in the lamp performance.

<Explanation about Illumination Panel>
Next, the illumination panel will be described. As shown in FIG. 30, the illumination panel IP is arranged on the front side (the side viewed by the player) of the liquid crystal display device 41, and is composed of a transparent light guide plate IPa and an illumination section IPb in which a plurality of full-color LEDs are arranged along the end side (the upper end side in the figure) of the light guide plate IPa. A large number of minute recesses (not shown) that reflect the light irradiated by the illumination section IPb forward are formed on the surface of the light guide plate IPa. Thus, a predetermined display mode is displayed on the light guide plate IPa by a high-density collection of these minute recesses. For example, in FIG. 30, a display mode that imitates a movable role device 43 is displayed. When the movable role device 43 moves to the front of the liquid crystal display device 41, the illumination panel IP is illuminated with light, thereby improving the performance effect of the movable role device 43. The color of the plurality of full-color LEDs is set based on RGB data, and the brightness can be set based on brightness data.

In order to effectively express such an illumination panel, when the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb are made to emit white light based on the RGB data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, they are made to emit light at a brightness of less than 100% based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a. If they are made to emit light at 100% brightness, the specified display mode displayed on the light guide plate IPa will be very dazzling, which may cause discomfort to the player. This is because, as will be described later, in order to effectively express an illumination panel, it is necessary to arrange many full-color LEDs within a specified range, and when they are made to emit white light, the brightness is further increased by turning on all three RGB LEDs in the full-color LED. Therefore, when the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb are made to emit white light, it is preferable to make them emit light at a brightness of less than 100%. However, unlike the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination section IPb, the decorative lamp described above does not display anything, so even if it emits white light, it may emit light at 100% brightness, or of course at less than 100%.

Even if the decorative lamps, which have different uses, and the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb are made to emit the same white light, the optimal expression can be achieved simply by changing the brightness. Therefore, in a situation where multiple types of previews, reaches, and other effects are being executed in parallel, the entertainment value of the game can be effectively increased without placing a burden on the control side.

The brightness of both the decorative lamp and the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb can be adjusted by the player using the setting button 15. However, even if the brightness adjustment setting value adjusted by the player using the setting button 15 is the maximum value, the brightness of the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb is configured to be less than 100%, even if the multiple full-color LEDs are made to emit the same white light.

On the other hand, when the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 1, there is no player present, so if the RGB data of the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb is set to white and lit in white to check their operation, the brightness of the full-color LEDs may be set to 100% to emit light.

On the other hand, to effectively express the illumination panel, it is preferable to set the spacing between the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination section IPb to, for example, 10 mm or less, which is smaller than the spacing between decorative lamps. It is also preferable to increase the current value of the full-color LEDs to the allowable limit. Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination section IPb at a right angle (90 degrees) to the light guide plate IPa.

In addition, in order to effectively display the illumination panel, it is preferable to lower the brightness of the LCD screen of the LCD display device 41 to 50% to 100%. However, even if the brightness of the LCD screen is not lowered, a black semi-transparent image may be displayed in front of the LCD screen to darken the LCD screen. In addition, the background image may be a black image, and only necessary patterns, such as resident patterns, may be displayed.

<Explanation of specific lamp effects>
Next, a specific lamp effect will be described. For example, when a jackpot game is won and before the jackpot game state starts, as shown in FIG. 31(a), when a guidance effect is executed to guide the player to hit the game ball to the right side of the game area 40 of the game board 4 using the launch handle 16, for example, a display of "Hit to the right" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. At this time, the opening and closing door 46a of the winning device 46 is opened, and the game ball can enter the big winning hole (not shown), but depending on the player, there are cases where it is unclear where to aim and hit the game ball so that it flows down on the right side of the game board 4.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a lamp performance pattern that allows the player to know the target is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 31(a), the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the winning device 46 are flashed at high speed (see FIG. 27(c)), and the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the upper decoration 42a, right decoration 42c, etc. are sequentially turned on from left to right in the direction of the arrow Y1, so that the light appears to flow to the winning device 46. At this time, some of the other decorative lamps arranged on the game board 4 are turned off. FIG. 31(a) illustrates a state in which the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the left decoration 42b side, the special pattern 1 starting hole 44 side, or the general winning hole 49 side are turned off. Thus, by executing such a lamp performance pattern, the player can recognize where to aim and hit the game ball. This type of lamp effect pattern is the "dynamic" lamp pattern described above, and is executed when a guide effect occurs so that the player is not disadvantaged by a moving lamp pattern, and is not executed in other effects. This is because it emphasizes the change in the playing method from left hitting to right hitting, and if it were executed in other effects, the degree of this emphasis would be weakened.

On the other hand, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the state shown in FIG. 31(a) and the big win game state is started, a round performance is executed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 31(b), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays "ROUND1" in addition to the display "Right hit ⇒". At this time, a lamp performance pattern is executed, but unlike FIG. 31(a), as shown in FIG. 31(b), multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the winning device 46 are made to blink slowly (the blinking cycle is lengthened and they blink slowly). Or, they are made to light up in rainbow colors. Then, as shown in FIG. 31(b), multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the upper decoration 42a side, the left decoration 42b side, the right decoration 42c side, the special pattern 1 starting hole 44 side, or the general winning hole 49 side are made to light up in rainbow colors. Thus, by executing such a lamp performance pattern, the player can recognize that the big win game state has started. This lamp effect pattern is the "still" lamp pattern explained above, and is chosen as the "still" lamp pattern to inform the player, who already knows that they will be aiming for the big prize slot with a right hit, that the big win game will be executed without changing from the right hit state. Also, this kind of lamp effect pattern can be executed not only in the round effect, but also in other effects such as big win fluctuations.

In this way, simply by changing the lighting state of the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the winning device 46 according to the difference in the presentation, the player can be made aware of the difference in the presentation, and thus, in a situation where multiple types of presentations such as advance notices and reaches are executed in parallel, the interest in the game can be effectively increased without placing a burden on the control side.

In this embodiment, an example of the lighting state of the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the winning device 46 is shown, but it is not limited to this. After winning the big win, when the player hits the game ball using the launch handle 16 aiming at the electric chute (normal electric device), i.e., the special symbol 2 starting device 45, the multiple decorative lamps arranged on the special symbol 2 starting device 45 can be made to flash at high speed (see FIG. 27(c)) as in FIG. 31(a), and the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the upper decoration 42a, right decoration 42c, etc. can be made to light up sequentially from left to right in the direction of the arrow Y1, so that it appears as if light is flowing to the special symbol 2 starting device 45. However, if it is possible to see how the player is guided to the winning device 46 or the special symbol 2 starting device 45, the decorative lamps other than the winning device 46 and the special symbol 2 starting device 45 can be turned off.

In addition, it is preferable not to use the lamp lighting pattern of the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged in the winning device 46 shown in this embodiment when the opening and closing door 46a of the winning device 46 is opened and when decorative lamps other than the winning device 46 are to be made to flash. In other words, if such a lamp lighting pattern of high speed flashing is executed when the opening and closing door 46a of the winning device 46 is not opened, a player who sees it may mistakenly believe that the opening and closing door 46a of the winning device 46 is opening, which may cause trouble with the game center (hall). Therefore, when decorative lamps other than the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged in the winning device 46 are to be made to flash, it is preferable to make the period for switching on and off longer than the period of the lamp lighting pattern of high speed flashing.

<Main control: Program explanation>
Here, the processing method of the various contents described above will be explained in detail below. First, the outline of the program stored in the main control ROM 600b (see FIG. 4) processed by the main control board 60 will be explained in detail by referring to FIG. 32 to FIG. 47.

First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1, a power-on signal is sent to indicate that the DC voltage generated by the voltage generation unit 1300 of the power supply board 130 (see FIG. 4) has been applied to each control board. In response to this signal, the main control CPU 600a (see FIG. 4) reads out the program stored in the main control ROM 600b and performs the main control main processing shown in FIG. 32. At this time, the main control CPU 600a first sets itself to an interrupt-prohibited state (step S1).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a stack pointer setting process to set the value of the stack pointer inside the main control CPU 600a to correspond to the final address of the normal stack area (step S2).

Next, the main control CPU 600a clears a watchdog timer (WDT) (not shown) built into the main control CPU 600a (step S3), and clears the output port that outputs the launch control signal (step S4).

The main control CPU 600a then sets the startup waiting time for the sub-control board 80 (step S5), decrements (-1) the set waiting time (step S6), and clears the watchdog timer (WDT) (not shown) (step S7).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the set waiting time has become "0" (step S8), and if it is not "0" (step S8: ≠ 0), it returns to processing of step S7, and if it is "0" (step S8: = 0), it proceeds to processing of step S9.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (see FIG. 4) output from the power supply board 130 (voltage monitoring unit 1310) (see FIG. 4) twice, checks whether the levels of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM acquired twice match, stores it in an internal register of the main control CPU 600a (not shown), and checks the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (step S9). If the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is the "L" level (step S10: YES), the process returns to step S9, and if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is the "H" level (step S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S11. That is, the main control CPU 600a repeats the same process until the voltage abnormality signal ALARM changes to a normal level (i.e., the "H" level) (steps S9 to S10). In this way, by acquiring the voltage abnormality signal ALARM twice, an accurate signal can be read.

Next, the main control CPU 600a permits data writing to the main control RAM 600c (step S11) and initializes the work area of the main control RAM 600c (step S12). Specifically, it sets the power supply abnormality confirmation counter to 00H and sets the system operation status to 01H.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a processing command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 to cause the LCD display device 41 to display a standby screen (step S13).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears a watchdog timer (WDT) (not shown) (step S14) and checks whether a signal indicating that power has been applied (power-on signal) has been received from the dispensing control board 70 (step S15). If the power-on signal has not been received (step S15: OFF), the process returns to step S14, and if the power-on signal has been received (step S15: ON), the process proceeds to step S16.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the level data of the RAM clear switch 620 and the setting key switch 630, and saves them in the working area of the main control RAM 600c (step S16).

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires a door open signal indicating whether the glass door frame 5 shown in FIG. 1 is open, the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 that has been evacuated to the working area of the main control RAM 600c, and the signal of the setting key switch 630 (step S17), and checks whether all are ON (step S18). If all are ON (step S18: YES), the main control CPU 600a performs a setting switching process (step S19).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting switching processing>
Here, this setting switching process will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

First, the main control CPU 600a sends a setting switching start command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80, indicating that a setting change is being made (step S50).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the backup flag (step S51). Note that this backup flag is data that indicates whether or not backup processing has been performed when a voltage drop due to a power outage or the like is detected during the power supply abnormality check processing shown in FIG. 33. In addition, this backup flag is cleared in order to detect in step S21 shown in FIG. 33 described later, a case in which power was interrupted for some reason during the setting switching processing and the main control RAM 600c was not backed up normally.

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the system operation status to 02H (step S52), obtains the set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4), and sets it in the W register (step S53). To be more specific, if the set value is, for example, "1" to "6", the program will set the set values "1" to "6" in the W register in correspondence with values "00H" to "05H".

Next, the main control CPU 600a compares the value set in the W register with the maximum set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S54). If the value set in the W register is greater than the maximum set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S55: YES), the main control CPU 600a determines that the value is an abnormal value and sets 00H to the W register (step S56).

On the other hand, if the value set in the W register is smaller than the maximum probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S55: NO), it is determined to be a normal value and the process proceeds to step S57.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets to ON a security signal that is output to a hall computer (not shown) used to manage the game island of the amusement arcade via an external terminal (not shown), and outputs the security signal to the hall computer (not shown) via an external terminal (not shown) (step S57).

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the LED common port to 00H (step S58).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs the value set in the W register to the LED data port (step S59).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the LED common port that displays the setting value to ON (step S60).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a predetermined value in a register in the main control CPU 600a so that a 4 ms wait is applied, and performs a countdown process (step S61). This process is to check for changes in the level data of the RAM clear switch 620 (see FIG. 4) and the setting key switch 630 (see FIG. 4) by waiting at least 4 ms from the previous acquisition of the switch level, to ensure that the change in the level data is not due to an irregularity such as noise. Furthermore, when checking for changes in the voltage abnormality signal in the subsequent power abnormality check process and counting the power abnormality confirmation counter, a 4 ms time is also left to ensure that the "L" level of the voltage abnormality signal is not due to an irregularity such as noise.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S62). This power supply abnormality check process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 35.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of power supply abnormality check processing>
As shown in Fig. 35, the main control CPU 600a twice acquires the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (see Fig. 4) output from the power supply board 130 (voltage monitoring unit 1310) (see Fig. 4) (step S80), and checks whether the levels of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM acquired twice match (step S81). If they match (step S81: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (step S82), and if they do not match (step S81: NO), the process returns to step S80.

Next, if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is "H" level (step S82: OFF), the main control CPU 600a clears the power abnormality confirmation counter (step S83) and ends the power abnormality check process.

On the other hand, if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is at the "L" level (step S82: ON), the main control CPU 600a increments (+1) the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S84) and checks the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S85). If the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is not 2 or more (step S85: NO), the power supply abnormality check process ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is 2 or greater (step S85: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a power cut command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating that the power supply has been cut off (step S86).

Then, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the system operation status (step S87). If the value of the system operation status is 02H, it determines that the setting change process is in progress (step S87: YES), does not set the backup flag to ON, and proceeds to the processing of step S89. In this way, a case where power is interrupted for some reason during the setting change process and the main control RAM 600c is not backed up normally can be detected in step S21 shown in FIG. 33 described later.

On the other hand, if the value of the system operation status is not 02H, it is determined that the setting change process is not in progress (step S87: NO), and the backup flag is set to ON (step S88).

Next, the main control CPU 600a disables data writing to the main control RAM 600c (step S89) and clears the output data of all output ports (step S90). It then disables timer interrupts (step S91) and performs an infinite loop process to wait for the voltage to drop.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting switching processing>
Thus, after completing the power supply abnormality check process (step S62) through the above-mentioned processes, the main control CPU 600a creates switch edge data for the RAM clear switch 620 signal and switch edge data for the setting key switch 630 signal from the previous and current level data of the RAM clear switch 620 and the level data of the setting key switch 630 (step S63).The main control CPU 600a stores the created edge data in the main control RAM 600c.

Then, the main control CPU 600a checks the edge data stored in the main control RAM 600c, and if the setting key switch 630 is ON (step S64: NO), it proceeds to processing of step S65, and if the setting key switch 630 is OFF (step S64: YES), it proceeds to processing of step S67.

Next, if the RAM clear switch 620 is ON (step S65: NO), the main control CPU 600a increments (+1) the value of the W register (step S66) and returns to processing of step S54.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 620 is OFF (step S65: NO), the process returns to step S57.

Thus, the above process is repeated until the setting key switch 630 is turned OFF. When the setting key switch 630 is turned OFF, the main control CPU 600a overwrites the value of the W register with the setting value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, the setting value "00H" to "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6") stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) (step S67).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs a setting confirmation display to the LED data port (step S68).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a setting switching end command (performance control command DI_CMD) reflecting the setting value to the sub-control board 80 (step S69).

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
Thus, after going through the above-mentioned processing and completing the setting switching processing (step S19) shown in FIG. 32, the main control CPU 600a proceeds to processing of step S26 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 and the signal of the setting key switch 630 are all ON (step S18), and if they are not all ON (step S18: NO), the main control CPU 600a performs the process of step S20 shown in FIG. 33.

That is, the main control CPU 600a acquires the set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) (for example, a set value between "00H" and "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6"), and checks whether it is equal to or less than the set maximum value (for example, "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S20). If it is equal to or less than the set maximum value (step S20: YES), it checks whether the backup flag is set to ON (step S21).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of RAM error processing>
If the value is not below the set maximum value (step S20: NO) or the backup flag is not set to ON (step S21: NO), the main control CPU 600a sends a RAM error command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating that there is a RAM error (step S22).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs an error indication to the LED data port (step S23).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S24), returns to the process of step S23, and repeats the process. Note that this power supply abnormality check process is the same as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 35.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the backup flag is set to ON (step S21: YES), the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is confirmed (step S25).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of RAM clear processing>
When the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is ON (step S25: YES), or when the setting switching process (step S19) shown in Fig. 32 is performed, the main control CPU 600a does not clear the measurement RAM area and measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c, but clears the normal RAM area and normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S26). Note that since the normal RAM area and normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c are cleared, the game state becomes the normal game state.

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the RAM clear notification timer to 30 seconds (30s) (step S27), and sets the timer that outputs a security signal to a hall computer (not shown) used to manage the game island of the amusement arcade via an external terminal (not shown) to 30 seconds (30s) (step S28).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets initial values in part of the main control RAM 600c (step S29) and proceeds to processing in step S41.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is OFF (step S25: NO), the main control CPU 600a acquires a door open signal indicating whether the glass door frame 5 shown in Fig. 1 is open or not, and a signal of the setting key switch 630 (step S30), and checks whether all are ON or not (step S31). If all are not ON (step S31: NO), the process proceeds to step S40.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting confirmation processing>
On the other hand, if all are ON (step S31: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a setting value command (performance control command DI_CMD) reflecting the setting value to the sub-control board 80 (step S32).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a timer to 30 seconds (30s) to output a security signal to a hall computer (not shown) used to manage the game island of the amusement arcade via an external terminal (not shown) (step S33).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets to ON a security signal that is output to a hall computer (not shown) used to manage the game island of the amusement arcade via an external terminal (not shown), and outputs a security signal to the hall computer (not shown) via an external terminal (not shown) for the 30 seconds (30s) set by the timer (step S34).

Then, the main control CPU 600a outputs the setting value to the LED data port (step S35).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a predetermined value in a register within the main control CPU 600a so that a 4 ms wait is applied, and performs a countdown process (step S36).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S37). Note that this power supply abnormality check process is the same process as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 35.

Next, the main control CPU 600a creates switch edge data for the setting key switch 630 signal from the previous and current level data of the setting key switch 630 (step S38). The main control CPU 600a stores the created edge data in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the edge data stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) (step S39), and if the setting key switch 630 is ON (step S39: NO), the process returns to step S34.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the setting key switch 630 is OFF (step S39: YES), initial values for the backup flag, error detection timer, etc. are set in part of the main control RAM 600c (step S40).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating whether power will be restored by clearing the RAM or by a backup (step S41).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a game status notification information update process to update the game status notification information (step S42).

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the internal function register (step S43). Specifically, it sets the launch control signal to ON and sends it to the dispensing control board 70. This causes the dispensing control board 70 to control the launch control board 71 to start operating. It also sets the CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) that is provided inside the main control CPU 600a and has functions such as creating a pulse output at a constant period and measuring time. In other words, the main control CPU 600a sets the time constant register of the CTC so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 4 ms.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs a process for managing the number of winning balls (step S45) to calculate performance such as the total number of game balls shot into the game area 40, including the number of winning balls and the number of non-winning balls, while the main control CPU 600a is in a state where interrupts to itself are prohibited (step S44). The main control CPU 600a then performs an update process for various random number counters (step S46), and then returns to an interrupt permitted state (step S47), and returns to step S44, performing a loop process in which the processes from step S44 to step S47 are repeated.

<Main control: explanation of prize ball winning number management process 1>
Here, the winning ball number management process 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 36 to 39.

As shown in FIG. 36, the prize ball winning count management process 1 first executes a save process to save the contents of the register group in the main control CPU 600a to the measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S100).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs initial settings for the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S101).

<Main control: Explanation of initial settings of measurement RAM area>
This will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 37. In this initial setting, as shown in Fig. 37, first, the main control CPU 600a (see Fig. 4) checks the RAM error flag (step S110). If the RAM error flag is set to ON, it is determined that the flag does not indicate any of the values "1" to "6" (step S110: YES), and an abnormality has occurred in the main control RAM 600c (RAM error), and the processes of steps S111 and S112 are not performed, and the process proceeds to step S113.

On the other hand, if the RAM error flag is set to OFF, the main control CPU 600a determines that it indicates a value between "1" and "6" (step S110: NO) and acquires the value of the initialized flag (step S111). Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the acquired value of the initialized flag is 5AH (step S112). If it is not 5AH (step S112: NO), it sets the initialized flag to 5AH (step S113), initializes (clears) the measurement RAM area (step S114), and ends the initial setting process for the measurement RAM area. On the other hand, if it is 5AH (step S112: YES), it determines that the measurement RAM area has already been initialized, and ends the initial setting process for the measurement RAM area.

However, if the acquired setting value does not indicate any of the values "1" to "6" in this way, there is a possibility that the measurement (described below) according to the current setting value is not being performed correctly, so even if it has been initialized, the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c should be cleared.

<Main control: explanation of prize ball winning number management process 1>
Thus, as shown in FIG. 36, the main control CPU 600a performs initial setting of the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S101), and then executes count processing (step S102).

<Main control: Explanation of counting process>
This point will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 38. As shown in Figure 38, the main control CPU 600a obtains a setting value (e.g., a setting value of "1" to "6") of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player, which is stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4), and selects a counting counter table corresponding to the setting value using the current setting value as an offset (step S120).

By the way, this counting counter table stores the contents corresponding to the setting values 1 to 6.

That is, the counter table for set value 1 contains the following:
Total prize ball counter for setting value 1 1,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 1,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 1,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 1,
Set value 1 for the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 1,
Accumulative out counter 1 for set value 1,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 1,
is stored.

The counter table for setting value 2 includes the following:
Total prize ball counter for setting value 2 1,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2,
Set value 2 for the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2,
Accumulation out counter 1 for set value 2,
Accumulative out counter 2 for set value 2,
is stored.

The counter table for setting value 3 includes the following:
Total prize ball counter for setting value 3 1,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 3,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 3,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 3,
Set value 3 for the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1,
Set value 3 for the second role cumulative prize ball counter 2,
Accumulation out counter 1 for set value 3,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 3,
is stored.

The counter table for setting value 4 includes the following:
Total prize ball counter for setting value 4 1,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 4,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 4,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 4,
Set value 4 for the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 4,
Accumulation out counter 1 for set value 4,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 4,
is stored.

The counter table for setting value 5 includes the following:
Total prize ball counter for setting value 5 1,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 5,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 5,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 5,
Set value 5 for the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 5,
Accumulative out counter 1 for set value 5,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 5,
is stored.

The counter table for setting value 6 includes the following:
Total prize ball counter for setting value 6 1,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 6,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 6,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for set value 6,
Set value 6 for the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for set value 6,
Accumulative out counter 1 for set value 6,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 6,
is stored.

Therefore, for example, if the current setting value is "2", the count counter table for setting value 2 will be selected. The count counter table corresponding to the setting value described above is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

Next, in step S505 shown in FIG. 47 described later, the main control CPU 600a acquires the input flag of the upper right general winning port switch 49a1, the input flag of the upper left general winning port switch 49b1, the input flag of the middle left general winning port switch 49c1, the input flag of the lower left general winning port switch 49d1, and the input flag of the special pattern 1 start port switch 44a stored in the main control RAM 600c (step S121). Then, these input flags are checked (step S122), and if all the input flags are OFF (step S122: NO), the process proceeds to step S126, and if any one of the input flags is ON (step S122: YES), the value is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S123). Specifically, if the input flag of the upper right general prize opening switch 49a1 is ON, 5 balls are awarded, so +5 is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for set values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting is "2", then +5 is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for set values 1 to 6). If the input flags of the upper left general prize opening switch 49b1, the center left general prize opening switch 49c1, and the lower left general prize opening switch 49d1 are ON, 10 balls are awarded for each ON input flag, so +10 (x the number of ON input flags) is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for set values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting is "2", then +10 is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for set values 1 to 6). Furthermore, if the input flag of the special pattern 1 start switch 44a is in the ON state, 3 prize balls will be awarded, so +3 (x the number of input flags in the ON state) is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the game state is low probability (the winning lottery probability is in a normal low probability state) (step S124). If the game state is not in a low probability state (step S124: NO), the process proceeds to step S126.

On the other hand, if the game state is a low probability state (step S124: YES), the main control CPU 600a adds to the value of the cumulative prize ball counter (step S125). Specifically, if the input flag of the upper right general prize entrance switch 49a1 is ON, 5 prize balls are awarded, so +5 is added to the value of the cumulative prize ball counter. If the input flags of the upper left general prize entrance switch 49b1, the middle left general prize entrance switch 49c1, and the lower left general prize entrance switch 49d1 are ON, 10 prize balls are awarded for each input flag in the ON state, so +10 (x the number of input flags in the ON state) is added to the value of the cumulative prize ball counter. Furthermore, if the input flag of the special pattern 1 start gate switch 44a is ON, 3 prize balls are awarded, so +3 (x the number of input flags in the ON state) is added to the value of the cumulative prize ball counter. This cumulative prize ball counter is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the input flag of the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S505 shown in FIG. 47 described later (step S126). If this input flag is OFF (step S127: NO), proceed to the processing of step S132. If this input flag is ON (step S127: YES), add it to the value of the first role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 of the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", add it to the value of the first role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S128), and add it to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 of the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", add it to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S129). Specifically, if the input flag of the special symbol 2 start switch 45a1 is ON, 3 prize balls will be awarded, so +3 is added to the value of the first role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the first role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) and +3 is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the game state is low probability (the winning lottery probability is in a normal low probability state) (step S130). If the game state is not in a low probability state (step S130: NO), the process proceeds to step S132.

On the other hand, if the game state is a low probability state (step S130: YES), the main control CPU 600a adds to the value of the first gimmick cumulative prize ball counter (step S131). Specifically, if the input flag of the special pattern 2 start switch 45a1 is ON, three prize balls are awarded, so +3 is added to the value of the first gimmick cumulative prize ball counter. This first gimmick cumulative prize ball counter is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the input flag of the large prize opening switch 46c stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S505 shown in FIG. 47 described later (step S132). If this input flag is OFF (step S133: NO), proceed to the processing of step S138. If this input flag is ON (step S133: YES), add it to the value of the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 of the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", add it to the value of the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S134), and add it to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 of the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", add it to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S135). Specifically, if the input flag of the large prize opening switch 46c is in the ON state, 15 prize balls are awarded, so +15 is added to the value of the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) and +15 is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the game state is low probability (the winning lottery probability is in a normal low probability state) (step S136). If the game state is not in a low probability state (step S136: NO), the process proceeds to step S138.

On the other hand, if the game state is a low probability state (step S136: YES), the main control CPU 600a adds to the value of the second gimmick cumulative prize ball counter (step S137). Specifically, if the input flag of the big prize opening switch 46c is ON, 15 prize balls are awarded, so +15 is added to the value of the second gimmick cumulative prize ball counter. This second gimmick cumulative prize ball counter is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the input flag of the outlet switch 50a stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S505 shown in FIG. 47 described later (step S138). If this input flag is OFF (step S139: NO), the process proceeds to step S142. If this input flag is ON (step S139: YES), the value of the cumulative out counter is incremented (+1) (step S140), and the value of the cumulative out counter 1 for set values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for set values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current set value is "2", the cumulative out counter 1 for set value 2) is incremented (+1) (step S141). The cumulative out counter is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the cumulative out counter (step S142), and if the cumulative total number of outs has not reached the predetermined value (60,000 balls) (step S142: NO), it proceeds to processing of step S148. If the cumulative total number of outs has reached the predetermined value (60,000 balls) (step S142: YES), it sets the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) to "0" in step S148. The value of the first cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the first cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) of the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 is stored in the first cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the first cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) of the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (step S143). The value of the second device cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the second device cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) is stored in the second device cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the If there is, it is stored in the second gimmick cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2 (step S145), and the value of the cumulative out counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the cumulative out counter 1 for setting value 2) is stored in the cumulative out counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the cumulative out counter 2 for setting value 2) (step S146).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the values of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 of the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2 if the current setting value is "2"), the first cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 of the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, the first cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2 if the current setting value is "2"), the second cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 of the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, the second cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2 if the current setting value is "2"), and the cumulative out counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 of the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, the cumulative out counter 1 for setting value 2 if the current setting value is "2") (step S147).

The main control CPU 600a then checks whether the game state is low probability (the probability of winning is in the normal low probability state) (step S148). If the game state is not low probability (step S148: NO), the counting process ends, and if the game state is low probability (step S148: YES), the low probability cumulative out counter is incremented (+1) (step S149) and the counting process ends. The low probability cumulative out counter is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

<Main control: explanation of prize ball winning number management process 1>
Thus, as shown in FIG. 36, the main control CPU 600a executes a counting process (step S102) and then executes a counting process (step S103).

<Main control: Counting process explanation>
This will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 39. As shown in Fig. 39, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the low probability cumulative out counter (step S160). If the value of the low probability cumulative out counter is 0 (step S160: YES), the counting process ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the low probability cumulative out counter is not 0 (step S160: NO), the main control CPU 600a adds the values of the cumulative prize ball counter, the first role cumulative prize ball counter, and the second role cumulative prize ball counter, and divides the added value by the value of the low probability cumulative out counter to calculate a base value of how many prize balls were won during the low probability period, and stores this in the bL base monitor work area of the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S161).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the cumulative out counter (step S162). If the value of the cumulative out counter is 0 (step S162: YES), the counting process ends.

On the other hand, if the cumulative out counter is not 0 (step S162: NO), the main control CPU 600a adds the values of the cumulative prize ball counter, the first gimmick cumulative prize ball counter, and the second gimmick cumulative prize ball counter, and divides the added value by the value of the cumulative out counter to calculate a base value of how many prize balls have been won, and stores this in the b6 base monitor work area of the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S163).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the cumulative out counter 2 for set values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current set value is "2", then the cumulative out counter 2 for set value 2) in the counting counter table for set values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 (step S164).

If the value of the cumulative out counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the cumulative out counter 2 for setting value 2) has reached 60,000 (step S164: YES), the main control CPU 600a will select the first role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the first role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2) and the first role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. The value of the second gimmick cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 is added to the value of the second gimmick cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the second gimmick cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2) in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38, and the gimmick ratio is calculated by dividing the value by the value of the total prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2), and the gimmick ratio is stored in the y6 gimmick ratio work area of the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S165).

Then, the main control CPU 600a calculates the role ratio for the large prize opening by dividing the value of the second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2) in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 by the value of the total prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2) in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38, and stores the ratio in the yA role ratio work area in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S166), completing the counting process.

On the other hand, if the value of the cumulative out counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the cumulative out counter 2 for setting value 2) has not reached 60,000 (step S164: NO), the main control CPU 600a selects the first role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the first role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) and The value of the second gimmick cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the selected counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the second gimmick cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) is added, and the added value is divided by the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) to calculate the gimmick ratio, which is then stored in the y6 gimmick ratio work area of the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S167).

Then, the main control CPU 600a calculates the role ratio for the large prize opening by dividing the value of the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) by the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 38 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2), and stores the ratio in the yA role ratio work area in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S168), completing the counting process.

<Main control: explanation of prize ball winning number management process 1>
Thus, after completing the above-mentioned processing, the main control CPU 600a executes counting processing as shown in FIG. 36 (step S103), restores the contents of the register that had been saved in the measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S104), and completes the prize ball number management processing 1.

In this embodiment, in the counting process shown in FIG. 38, an example is shown in which the counter is incremented if the game state is a low probability state. However, when using advantageous games described with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 16, in order to prevent the counter from being incremented in advantageous game state 1, it is preferable to determine steps S124, S130, and S136 shown in FIG. 38 based on whether the advantageous game state flag shown in FIG. 16(b) is ON (5AH). On the other hand, when the counter is to be incremented including advantageous game state 1, it is preferable to determine whether the advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b) is equal to or less than 01H (advantageous game state pattern≦01H).

<Main control: Explanation of timer interrupt processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 40, a timer interrupt program which interrupts the above-mentioned main processing and is started every 4 ms will be described.

When this timer interrupt occurs, a save process is executed to save the contents of the registers in the main control CPU 600a to the normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S200), and then a voltage abnormality check process is executed (step S201). This voltage abnormality check process is the same process as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 37.

Next, the main control CPU 600a inputs the ON/OFF signals of various switches including the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see FIG. 4), the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4), the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 4), the upper right general prize port switch 49a1 (see FIG. 4), the upper left general prize port switch 49b1 (see FIG. 4), the center left general prize port switch 49c1 (see FIG. 4), the lower left general prize port switch 49d1 (see FIG. 4), the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 4), and the large prize port switch 46c (see FIG. 4), and stores the ON/OFF signal levels and their rising states in the working area of the main control RAM 600c (step S202).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs timer subtraction processing for various timers (normal symbol fluctuation timer, normal symbol gimmick timer, etc.) that manage the time of each game operation (step S203).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs random number management processing (step S204). Specifically, it performs processing to update the random numbers for the normal symbols, special symbols, etc., used in the winning/losing lottery.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs an error management process (step S205). The error management process is to determine whether there is an abnormality inside the device, such as a stop in the supply of game balls, a jam in the game balls, or a disconnection in the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see FIG. 4), the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4), the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 4), the upper right general winning port switch 49a1 (see FIG. 4), the upper left general winning port switch 49b1 (see FIG. 4), the middle left general winning port switch 49c1 (see FIG. 4), the lower left general winning port switch 49d1 (see FIG. 4), the out port switch 50a (see FIG. 4), or the large winning port switch 46c (see FIG. 4). When an error occurs, a command (performance control command DI_CMD) corresponding to the error is sent to the sub-control board 80.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes a prize ball management process (step S206). This prize ball management process outputs a payout control command PAY_CMD to the payout control board 70 (see FIG. 4) to perform a payout operation.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes normal symbol processing (step S207). This normal symbol processing executes a lottery to determine whether the normal symbol will be selected, and determines the normal symbol variation pattern and the normal symbol stop display state based on the lottery result. Details of this processing will be described later.

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes the normal electric role management process (step S208). This normal electric role management process generates a signal related to the control of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 4) required for the normal electric role release game to occur based on the lottery result of the normal symbol process (step S207).

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes special symbol processing (step S209). In this special symbol processing, a lottery is executed to determine whether the special symbol will be selected, and the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop display mode of the special symbol are determined based on the result of the lottery. The details of this processing will be described later.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes a special electric role management process (step S210). In this special electric role management process, when the jackpot lottery result is a "big win" or "small win", the necessary setting process is performed to execute and control the winning game corresponding to the win. At this time, a signal related to the control of the special electric role solenoid 46b (see FIG. 4) is also generated. Note that, when the jackpot lottery result is a "big win" or "small win", a command related to that (presentation control command DI_CMD) is sent to the sub-control board 80.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs right-hit notification information management processing (step S211). In this right-hit notification information management processing, a process is performed to make a "launch position guidance effect (right-hit notification effect)" that gives a right-hit instruction notification in a situation where right-hitting is advantageous, such as when the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric role) is in the open state and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is extended, or when the opening and closing door 46a is opened and the large prize opening (not shown) is opened. In addition, when a right-hit notification effect is performed, a command (effect control command DI_CMD) related to the right-hit notification effect is sent to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) in this right-hit notification information management processing. In response to this, the sub-control CPU 800a sends to the VDP 803 a command list related to an image (video) that displays the determined stop pattern (normal pattern stop pattern) on the liquid crystal display device 41. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, causing the liquid crystal display device 41 to display "Hit Right," as shown in Figures 7 to 9. When encouraging the player to hit left, a command for hitting left (presentation control command DI_CMD) is transmitted to the sub-control board 80. As a result, the liquid crystal display device 41 displays "Hit Left," as shown in Figure 9(d).

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes an LED management process (step S212). At this time, the main control CPU 600a outputs an advantageous game state LED signal to the seven-segment display device 53a based on the advantageous game state flag and/or advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b). This allows the seven-segment display device 53a to display whether or not the game state is an advantageous game state. However, in the case of advantageous game state 1, no notification is given. In other words, the seven-segment display device 53a is not made to display that the game state is advantageous game state 1.

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes an external terminal management process (step S213). In this external terminal management process, predetermined game information, such as the number of wins during a winning game, the number of times a special pattern changes, winning ball detection information at a winning slot, information during a time-saving game state, and security information, is output from an external terminal (not shown) to a hall computer (not shown) used for managing the game island in the game center.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs solenoid management processing (step S214). At this time, the main control CPU 600a checks the signal related to the control of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 4) generated in the normal electric role management processing (step S208), and checks the signal related to the control of the special electric role solenoid 46b (see FIG. 4) generated in the special electric role management processing (step S210). Then, based on this signal, the operation/stop of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 or the special electric role solenoid 46b is controlled, and the opening/closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric role) is opened, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guide state is extended/not extended, or the opening/closing door 46a (see FIG. 2) is operated so that the large prize opening (not shown) is opened or closed.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs out-of-use area processing (step S215). Details of this processing will be described later.

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears a watchdog timer (WDT) (not shown) (step S216), returns to an interrupt enabled state (step S217), and restores the contents of the registers that were saved in the normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c, ending the timer interrupt (step S218). This causes the process to return from the interrupt processing routine to the main processing (see FIG. 32).

<Main control: Explanation of normal pattern processing>
Next, the normal symbol processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 41, the normal symbol processing first checks whether the passage of a game ball has been detected at the normal symbol start port 48 (see FIG. 2) consisting of a gate, that is, checks the signal level of the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 4) of the normal symbol start port 48 (step S250). If the passage of a game ball is detected (step S250: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in which the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is stored to determine whether the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is, for example, 4 or more (step S251). At that time, if the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is less than 4 (step S251: ≠ MAX), the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is increased by 1 (step S252). After that, the main control CPU 600a stores the random number value for determining whether the normal symbol wins, which is used to select whether the normal symbol wins or loses, in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in which the number of balls reserved for the start of the normal symbol is stored (step S253), and then proceeds to the processing of step S254.

On the other hand, if the passing of a game ball is not detected in step S250 (step S250: NO), and if it is determined in step S251 that the number of balls reserved for the initial normal pattern is 4 or more (step S251: = MAX), the processing of steps S252 to S253 is not performed, and the processing proceeds to step S254.

When the main control CPU 600a proceeds to processing of step S254, it checks whether the normal symbol win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the normal symbol win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S254). If the normal symbol win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S254: ON), it determines that the normal symbol is winning, updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S263), and then ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol hit activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S254: OFF), the process state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is checked (step S255). Then, if the normal symbol operation status flag is 00H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the state is before the normal symbol starts to change, and proceeds to step S256, where it is checked whether the number of balls reserved for the start of the normal symbol is 0 (step S256).

The main control CPU 600a checks the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in which the number of reserved balls for starting normal symbols is stored, and if it determines that the number is 0 (step S256: = 0), it updates the display data for the normal symbols (step S263) and ends the normal symbol processing. On the other hand, if it determines that the number is not 0 (step S256: ≠ 0), it subtracts 1 from the number of reserved balls for starting normal symbols (step S257).

Then, the main control CPU 600a uses a normal symbol winning judgment table (not shown) to perform a winning judgment of the random number value corresponding to the number of balls reserved for the start of the normal symbol stored in the main control RAM 600c. At this time, if a winning is found, the normal symbol winning judgment flag is set to 5AH and turned ON. If a winning is not found, the normal symbol winning judgment flag is turned OFF.

On the other hand, when the opening and closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) as shown in FIG. 8 is in the open state and the time that the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended, if a normal symbol is won, the main control CPU 600a will select either 1 for the normal symbol or 2 for the normal symbol using a distribution table as shown in FIG. 10.

Then, the main control CPU 600a determines the stop pattern (normal pattern stop pattern) based on the lottery result determined by the random number lottery process (step S259). As a result, the main control CPU 600a sends the determined stop pattern (normal pattern stop pattern) to the sub-control CPU 800a as a performance control command DI_CMD. In response to this, the sub-control CPU 800a sends to the VDP 803 a command list for an image (video) that displays the determined stop pattern (normal pattern stop pattern) on the liquid crystal display device 41. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and sends the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, so that the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the images shown in Figures 8(b) to (g) and 9.

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the normal pattern time-saving flag, which shortens the normal pattern fluctuation time, is set to ON, and if it is set to ON, it sets the normal pattern fluctuation timer to a corresponding fluctuation time, and if it is set to OFF, it performs a process of setting the normal pattern fluctuation timer to the normal fluctuation time (step S260).

Next, the main control CPU 600a shifts the memory area of the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) in which the random number value used to select the winning or losing normal symbol corresponding to the initial reserved number of balls for the normal symbol is stored (step S261). In other words, if a maximum of four regular pattern start reserved balls can be reserved, the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of four is shifted to the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of three is stored, the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of three is shifted to the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of two is stored, and the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of two is shifted to the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of one is stored.

After this process, the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S255 above to 01H, and performs a process of setting the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) in which the random number value used to select the winning or losing lottery for the normal symbol corresponding to the initial reserved ball count of 4 for the normal symbol to be played is stored to 00H (step S262).

Then, after completing the processing of step S262, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal pattern (step S263) and ends the normal pattern processing.

On the other hand, if the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is 01H in step S255, the main control CPU 600a determines that the normal symbol is changing, proceeds to step S264, and checks whether the normal symbol change timer is 0 or not (step S264). If the normal symbol change timer is not 0 (step S164: ≠ 0), the display data of the normal symbol is updated (step S263), and the normal symbol processing is terminated. Then, if the normal symbol change timer is 0 (step S264: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S255 to 02H, and sets the normal symbol change timer to, for example, about 600 ms in order to maintain the result of the lottery for the normal symbol for a certain period of time (step S265).

After completing the processing of step S265, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S263) and ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is 02H in step S255, the main control CPU 600a determines that the normal symbol is in the confirmation time (the normal symbol has stopped changing after the change), and proceeds to step S266 to check whether the normal symbol change timer is 0 or not (step S266). If the normal symbol change timer is not 0 (step S266: ≠ 0), the display data of the normal symbol is updated (step S263), and the normal symbol processing is terminated. Then, if the normal symbol change timer is 0 (step S266: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S255 to 00H (step S267), and checks whether the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S268).

As a result, if the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to OFF (5AH is not set) (step S268: OFF), the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S263) and ends the normal symbol processing. Then, if the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S268: ON), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol hit activation flag used in step S254 to ON (5AH is set) (step S269), and then ends the normal symbol processing.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Next, the special symbol process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 42, the special symbol processing first checks whether or not a game ball (winning ball) has been detected at the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 4) of the special symbol 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2) (step S300), and then checks whether or not a game ball (winning ball) has been detected at the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4) of the special symbol 2 start hole 45a (see FIG. 2) (step S301).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of starting port check processing>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 43. The main control CPU 600a checks whether the game ball has entered (won) the special symbol 1 start hole 44 or the special symbol 2 start hole 45a, that is, checks the level of the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a of the special symbol 1 start hole 44 or the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 of the special symbol 2 start hole 45a (step S350). If the game ball has not entered (won) (step S350: NO), the special symbol process ends.

On the other hand, if a game ball is detected to have entered the game (winning) (step S350: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks whether a predetermined number of start reserved balls that will trigger a change in the special pattern is stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) (step S351). If the number of start reserved balls is less than 4 (step S351: ≠ MAX), the start reserved ball number is incremented by 1 (+1) (step S352).

Next, the main control CPU 600a stores the random number value used when the special symbol stops, the random number value for the variation pattern, and the random number value for determining a jackpot in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4), which stores the number of start-up reserved balls that trigger the variation of the special symbol (step 353).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the current game state (whether the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON, etc.) and determines whether or not pre-reading is prohibited (step S354). If pre-reading is not prohibited (step S354: NO), the main control CPU 600a obtains the random number value for jackpot determination used in the lottery to determine whether or not the special symbol will win, which was stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in step S353 (step S355), and further obtains a random number determination table for winning the starting hole (not shown) (step S356).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a jackpot lottery using the random number value for jackpot determination obtained in step S355 and the start-gate winning random number determination table (not shown) obtained in step S356, and further determines the type of jackpot (rank-up bonus win, normal jackpot, etc.) using the random number value for special symbols stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in step S353, determines the variation pattern using the random number value for variation pattern, and generates a corresponding special symbol start-gate winning command (step S357). At this time, in addition to the jackpot lottery, a small jackpot lottery and a special time-saving symbol lottery may also be performed, and the type of small jackpot or the type of special time-saving symbol may be determined using the random number value for special symbols described above, or a random number value different from the random number value for special symbols, and the variation pattern may be determined using the random number value for variation pattern, and a corresponding special symbol start-gate winning command may be generated.

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a lower byte start pending addition command corresponding to the special pattern start hole winning command generated above (step S358).

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a ends the processing of step S358, or if the number of start-up reserved balls of special pattern 1 or 2 is 4 or more in step S351 (step S351: = MAX), or if pre-reading is prohibited (step S354: YES), it generates a start-up reserved addition command in the upper byte according to the increased number of start-up reserved balls (step S359).

Next, the main control CPU 600a combines the lower byte start pending addition command generated in step S358 above with the upper byte start pending addition command generated in step S359 above, and transmits the combined command as a start pending addition command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 (step S360).

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Thus, when the processing of steps S300 and S301 shown in Fig. 42 is completed, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special symbol small win activation flag is set to ON, that is, whether the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S302). If the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S302: ON), it is determined that the special symbol is in a small win, and after updating the display data of the special symbol (step S308), the special symbol processing is completed.

On the other hand, if the special symbol small win activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S302: OFF), it is checked whether the special symbol big win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the special symbol big win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S303). If the special symbol big win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S303: ON), it is determined that the special symbol is in a big win, and after updating the display data for the special symbol (step S308), the special symbol processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the special symbol jackpot activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S303: OFF), the processing state indicating the behavior of the special symbol, i.e., the value of the special symbol operation status flag, is checked (step S304). To explain in more detail, if the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H or 01H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special symbol is waiting to change (indicating that the special symbol has not changed and is waiting for the next change), and performs special symbol change start processing (step S305).

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of special symbol variation start processing>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 44. The main control CPU 600a checks whether the start reserved ball count, which is the trigger for the special symbol to change, is 0 or not (step S400). That is, the main control CPU 600a checks whether it is stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Fig. 4), and if it determines that the start reserved ball count is 0 (step S400: = 0), it checks whether the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H or not (step S401). If the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H (step S401: YES), the special symbol change start process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the value of the special pattern operation status flag is not 00H (step S401: NO), the main control CPU 600a sends a customer waiting demo command to the sub-control board 80 (see Figure 4) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S402).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern operation status flag to 00H (step S403) and ends the special pattern change start process.

On the other hand, if the main control CPU 600a determines that the number of start-up pending balls is not 0 (step S400: ≠ 0), it subtracts 1 from the start-up pending ball count (-1) (step S404) and sends a start-up pending subtraction command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S305).

Next, the main control CPU 600a shifts the memory area in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in which the random number values used when the special symbol stops, the random number values for the variable pattern, and the random number values for determining a jackpot (see step S353 in FIG. 43) are stored (step S406), and sets 0 to the area in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in which the random number values used to determine whether the special symbol corresponding to start hold 4 has been selected (step S407).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a win/lose process (step S408). To be more specific, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for determining whether or not the special symbol 1 will win, and a lottery for whether or not the special symbol 2 will win. If the player wins a jackpot, the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to 5AH and turned ON, and if the player wins a small jackpot, the special symbol small jackpot determination flag is set to 5AH and turned ON. At this time, the main control CPU 600a uses a random number value for jackpot determination to determine whether or not the special symbol 1 will win, and when the player wins a jackpot with a jackpot probability of 1/199 as shown in FIG. 10(b), the main control CPU 600a uses a distribution table as shown in FIG. 10(b) to select jackpot 1 with a probability of 50/100, and select jackpot 2 with a probability of 50/100. At this time, values are set to the advantageous game state flag and advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b) according to the selected jackpot.

The main control CPU 600a also uses the random number value for determining a big win to draw the winning or losing of the special symbol 2, and when a big win with a big win probability of 1/199 as shown in FIG. 10(c) is won, the allocation table shown in FIG. 10(c) is used to select the big win 1 with a probability of 100/100. On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a uses the random number value for determining a big win to draw the winning or losing of the special symbol 2, and when a small win with a small win probability of 198/199 as shown in FIG. 10(c) is won, the allocation table shown in FIG. 10(c) is used to select the small win 1 with a probability of 50/100 and the small win 2 with a probability of 50/100. At this time, values are set in the advantageous game state flag and advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b) according to the selected big win and small win.

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a uses the random number value for the special symbol 1 jackpot shown in FIG. 12(d) explained above for the above <Pattern 1: Type 1/Type 2 Mixed Game Machine> to draw a lottery for the special symbol 1 jackpot. If the special symbol 1 jackpot is won, the main control CPU 600a uses the allocation table shown in FIG. 12(a) to select jackpot 1 (4R) with a probability of 50/100, jackpot 2 (4R) with a probability of 5/100, and jackpot 3 (4R) with a probability of 45/100. At this time, values are set in the advantageous game state flag and advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b) according to the jackpot selected.

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a uses the random number value for the special pattern 2 jackpot shown in Figure 12 (e) explained above for <Pattern 1: Type 1/Type 2 mixed type gaming machine> to draw lots to see whether the special pattern 2 will be a winner, and if the special pattern 2 jackpot is won, the main control CPU 600a will use the allocation table shown in Figure 12 (c) to select jackpot 1 (9R) with a probability of 100/100. On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a uses the random number value for the special pattern 2 jackpot shown in FIG. 12(e) to draw a lottery to see if the special pattern 2 jackpot is won. When the small jackpot of special pattern 2 is won, the main control CPU 600a uses the allocation table shown in FIG. 12(c) to select small jackpot 1 (a 9R jackpot with V passing (winning in the V area 47a)) with a probability of 10/100, selects small jackpot 2 (a 2R jackpot with V passing (winning in the V area 47a)) with a probability of 80/100, selects small jackpot 3 (a 2R jackpot with V passing (winning in the V area 47a)) with a probability of 1/100, and selects small jackpot 4 (a 2R jackpot with V passing (winning in the V area 47a)) with a probability of 9/100. At this time, values will be set to the advantageous game state flag and advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b) depending on the selected big win or small win.

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a uses the random number value for the special symbol jackpot shown in FIG. 14(c), which explains the above <Pattern 2: gaming machine with general jackpot and non-jackpot>, to draw a lottery to see if special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 will win. If a jackpot is won, the main control CPU 600a will use the allocation table shown in FIG. 14(a) to select jackpot 1 (10R jackpot) with a probability of 60/100, and jackpot 2 (10R time-saving) with a probability of 40/100. At this time, values will be set in the advantageous game state flag and advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b) according to the jackpot selected.

Next, after completing the hit determination process (step S408) as described above, the main control CPU 600a performs a hit determination process for the special time-saving symbol (step S409). More specifically, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery to determine whether the special time-saving symbol has been hit. If a hit has been made, the special time-saving hit determination flag is set to 5AH and turned ON. However, the main control CPU 600a checks the values set in the advantageous game state flag and advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b), and executes a lottery to determine whether the special time-saving symbol has been hit only in the set game state (in this embodiment, the normal game state).

The main control CPU 600a uses the random number value for the special symbol 1 big win shown in FIG. 12(d) explained above for <Pattern 1: Type 1/Type 2 mixed type gaming machine> to draw a lottery for the special time-saving symbol. If the special time-saving symbol is selected, the main control CPU 600a uses the allocation table shown in FIG. 12(b) to select special time-saving symbol 1 with a probability of 10/100 and special time-saving symbol 2 with a probability of 90/100. In the special symbol confirmation time process (step S307 shown in FIG. 42) described later, values are set in the advantageous game state flag and advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b) according to the special time-saving symbol selected.

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a uses the random number value for the special symbol jackpot shown in FIG. 14(c), which explains the above <Pattern 2: gaming machine with general probability jackpot and non-probability jackpot>, to draw a lottery for the special time-saving symbol. If the special time-saving symbol is selected, the main control CPU 600a uses the allocation table shown in FIG. 14(b) to select special time-saving symbol 1 with a probability of 10/100 and special time-saving symbol 2 with a probability of 90/100. In the special symbol confirmation time process (step S307 shown in FIG. 42), which will be described later, values are set in the advantageous game state flag and advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b) according to the special time-saving symbol selected.

Next, after completing the special time-saving symbol hit determination process (step S409) as described above, the main control CPU 600a generates a stopping symbol for the special symbol using the random number value used when the special symbol stops, which was stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) in step S353 of Figure 43 (step S410).

Next, the main control CPU 600a prepares to transition to a game state such as a normal state, a time-saving state, a latent high probability state, a high probability state, or an advantageous game state (step S411).

Then, the main control CPU 600a generates a special symbol variation pattern using the variation pattern random number value stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in step S353 of FIG. 43, and transmits the variation pattern command of the generated special symbol variation pattern as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) (step S412). In response to this, the sub-control CPU 800a executes the performance shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 (a), (h)-(l), FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 20, FIG. 22, and FIG. 31. In addition, in this step S412, the main control CPU 600a sets the variation time in the special symbol variation timer, sets the time reduction number in the special symbol time reduction number counter, and sets the probability change number in the special symbol probability change number counter.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern changing flag to 5AH and turns it ON (step S413).

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a pattern designation command that designates the special pattern to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (step 414), and performs processing to transmit the generated pattern designation command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S415).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern operation status flag to 02H (step S416) and ends the special pattern change start process.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 42, when the value of the special pattern operation status flag is 02H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special pattern is changing (indicating that the special pattern is currently changing) and performs special pattern changing processing (step S306).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of processing during special pattern fluctuation>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 45. First, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the time set in the special symbol fluctuation timer in step S412 in Fig. 44 has elapsed, i.e., whether it has reached 0 (step S420). If the special symbol fluctuation timer is not 0 (step S420: NO), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol fluctuation process.

On the other hand, if the special symbol fluctuation timer is 0 (step S420: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a symbol determination command as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) (step S421). In response, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a command list for determining the symbol to the VDP 803. In response, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and sends the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41. As a result, the liquid crystal display device 41 displays images such as those shown in Figures 7(a), (c), 18(a), and 20(a).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol operation status flag to 03H, and sets the special symbol changing flag to 00H. Furthermore, the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol changing timer to, for example, about 500 ms in order to maintain the result of the special symbol winning/losing lottery for a certain period of time (step S422). Thereafter, the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol changing process.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 42, if the value of the special pattern operation status flag is 03H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special pattern is being confirmed (indicating that the special pattern fluctuation has ended and is stopped), and performs processing during the special pattern confirmation time (step S307).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of processing during special pattern confirmation>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 46. First, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the time set in the special symbol fluctuation timer in step S412 in Fig. 44 has elapsed, i.e., whether it has reached 0 (step S450). If the special symbol fluctuation timer is not 0 (step S450: ≠ 0), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol confirmation time process.

On the other hand, if the special symbol fluctuation timer is 0 (step S450: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol operation status flag to 01H (step S451) and checks whether the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON (whether 5AH is set) (step S452). If the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON (if 5AH is set) (step S452: YES), the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to 00H, the special symbol jackpot operation flag is set to 5AH, the special symbol time-saving flag is set to 00H, the special symbol probability change flag is set to 00H, and the special symbol time-saving count counter and the special symbol probability change count counter described later are set to 00H (step S453). After that, the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol confirmation time processing.

On the other hand, if the special symbol jackpot determination flag is not set to ON (if 5AH is not set) (step S452: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special time-saving hit determination flag is set to ON (if 5AH is set) (step S454). If the special time-saving hit determination flag is set to ON (if 5AH is set) (step S454: YES), the special time-saving hit determination flag is set to 00H, and a process is performed to set values to the normal symbol probability change flag, normal symbol time-saving flag, extension state flag, advantageous game state flag, and advantageous game state pattern shown in FIG. 16(b) according to the selected special time-saving symbol (step S455). After that, the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol confirmation time process.

On the other hand, if the special time-saving hit determination flag is not set to ON (5AH is not set) (step S454: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special symbol small hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S456). If the special symbol small hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S456: YES), the special symbol small hit determination flag is set to 00H and the special symbol small hit activation flag is set to 5AH (step S457).

After completing the processing of step S457, or if the special pattern small win determination flag is not set to ON (if 5AH is not set) (step S456: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the special pattern time-saving counter is 0 (step S458).

If the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is not 0 (step S458: NO), the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is decremented by 1 (-1) (step S459), and the main control CPU 600a checks again whether the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is 0 (step S460). Then, if the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is 0 (step S460: YES), various settings are made when the special pattern time-saving count ends (step S461).

After completing the processing of step S461 above, or if the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is 0 (step S458: YES), or if the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is not 0 (step S460: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the special pattern probability change count counter is 0 (step S462). If the value of the special pattern probability change count counter is 0 (step S462: YES), the main control CPU 600a ends the processing during the special pattern confirmation time.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol probability change counter is not 0 (step S462: NO), the main control CPU 600a subtracts 1 (-1) from the value of the special symbol probability change counter (step S463) and checks again whether the value of the special symbol probability change counter is 0 (step S464). If the value of the special symbol probability change counter is not 0 (step S464: NO), the main control CPU 600a ends the processing during the special symbol confirmation time.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol probability change count counter is 0 (step S464: YES), the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol time-saving flag to 00H, performs processing to set the special symbol probability change flag to 00H (step S465), and ends processing during the special symbol confirmation time.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Thus, when the processing of any one of steps S305, S306, or S307 shown in FIG. 42 is completed, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data of the special symbol (step S308), and then ends the special symbol processing.

<Main control: Explanation of processing outside the area of use>
Next, the out-of-area processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The main control CPU 600a saves all registers to the measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S500), and saves the stack pointer during normal processing to the measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S501).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the stack pointer address for outside the area of use to the stack pointer inside the main control CPU 600a (step S502).

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs the prize ball winning number management process 2 (step S503). In this prize ball winning number management process 2, a process is performed to display the performance display value calculated in the prize ball winning number management process 1 in step S45 shown in FIG. 33 on the measurement and setting display device 610 (see FIG. 4).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs an outside-area LED update process (step S504).

Next, the main control CPU 600a stores input flags, which are detection information of switches outside the use area, such as the special pattern 1 start port switch 44a (see Figure 4), the special pattern 2 start port switch 45a1 (see Figure 4), the normal pattern start port switch 48a (see Figure 4), the upper right general prize port switch 49a1 (see Figure 4), the upper left general prize port switch 49b1 (see Figure 4), the middle left general prize port switch 49c1 (see Figure 4), the lower left general prize port switch 49d1 (see Figure 4), the out port switch 50a (see Figure 4), and the large prize port switch 46c (see Figure 4), in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S505).

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs a process to update the test firing signal used when outputting various signals related to the game to the test machine during the gaming machine certification test (test firing test) (step S506), restores the stack pointer from normal processing that was saved to the measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S507), and restores all registers (step S508).

<Processing contents of the sub-control board>
Next, the processing contents (program outline) of the sub-control board 80 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1, a power-on signal is sent from the power supply board 130 (see FIG. 4) to each control board to indicate that power has been turned on. Then, upon receiving this signal, the sub-control CPU 800a performs the main processing shown in FIG. 48.

<Sub-control: Main processing>
As shown in Fig. 48, first, the sub-control CPU 800a initializes the internal registers and sets the input/output direction of the input/output ports. Then, it sets the data to be transmitted from the output port set in the output direction so that it is transferred serially (step S1000).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a initializes the memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c that stores the performance control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 (see FIG. 4) (step S1001). The sub-control CPU 800a then performs interrupt permission setting processing for the input port that receives the interrupt signal from the main control board 60 (step S1002).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a initializes the memory areas in the sub-control RAM 800c used as a working area and stack area (step S1003), and issues an initialization command to the sound LSI 801 (see FIG. 4). This causes the sound LSI 801 to initialize the registers provided therein (step S1004).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a checks whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the motor (not shown) that operates the top, left, right, and top left movable parts 43a to 43d (see Figure 2), and checks the memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c in which the motor data that operates the motor (not shown) is stored. If abnormal data is stored, the sub-control CPU 800a issues a command to return the motor to its origin position. This causes the top, left, right, and top left movable parts 43a to 43d to return to their initial positions (step S1005).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a sets the CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) that is provided inside and has functions such as generating a pulse output at a constant period and measuring time. In other words, the sub-control CPU 800a sets the time constant register of the CTC so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically every 1 ms (step S1006).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a checksum calculation, which is an 8-bit addition calculation, on the working area of the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1007), and compares the checksum calculation value with the checksum calculation value calculated in the memory backup (see step S1015) described below and stored in the sub-control RAM 800c to confirm whether they match (step S1008). If they do not match (step S1008: NO), a process is performed to clear all areas in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1009).

On the other hand, if there is a match (step S1008: YES) or after completing the processing of step S1009, the sub-control CPU 800a disables the watchdog timer function (not shown) (step S1010) and refreshes the hardware of the sub-control CPU 800a, VDP 803, etc. (step S1011).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a reads the presentation control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 (see FIG. 4) stored in the memory area of the sub-control RAM 800c, and determines by lottery a presentation pattern corresponding to the content from among a large number of presentation patterns pre-stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (step S1012). At this time, if there is no customer waiting demo command and the game state transitions to a customer waiting demo state in response to a pattern determination command, when the pattern determination command is received, a timer is started and begins counting for a predetermined period of time.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a process to analyze the input contents of the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 obtained in the timer interrupt process described below (step S1013). Specifically, the sub-control CPU 800a analyzes whether the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 was pressed by the player at the moment it was released, or whether it was still pressed.

Then, based on the presentation pattern determined by lottery in step S1012, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the operation of the top, left, right, and top left movable parts 43a to 43d (see Figure 2), controls the turning on and off of decorative lamps such as LED lamps mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 (see Figure 4), controls the speaker 17, and controls the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (step S1014). The specific processing method will be described later.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a checksum calculation, which is an 8-bit addition operation on the working area of the sub-control RAM 800c, and performs memory backup processing to store the checksum calculation value in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1015).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a checks whether or not a VSYNC interrupt signal has been sent from the VDP 803 to the sub-control CPU 800a (step S1016). If a VSYNC interrupt signal has not been sent (step S1016: NO), the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the process of step S1016 until a VSYNC interrupt signal is sent, and when a VSYNC interrupt signal is sent (step S1016: YES), the process returns to step S1007 again and repeats the processes of steps S1007 to S1016.

<Sub-control: Data analysis processing>
Next, the data analysis process of step S1014 of the main process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 53. First, the sub-control CPU 800a generates a command list for generating image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 by the VDP 803 based on the performance pattern determined by lottery in step S1012 (step S1050).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a generates light-related control signals based on the determined performance pattern and stores them in the sub-control RAM 800c. At this time, light-related control signals for turning on and off the decorative lamps described with reference to Figures 24 to 31 and the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb are generated.

The sub-control CPU 800a also determines the operation content of the upper, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d based on the performance pattern determined above, and generates motor data for the motor (not shown) of the movable part device 43 according to the determined operation content.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a generates a control signal related to the sound based on the determined performance pattern (step S1051). At this time, the control signals related to the sound of the sound effects SE1 to SE6 described with reference to FIG. 17, the BGM, sound effect SE10, and dialogue sound VC1 described with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the BGM1, BGM2, sound effects, and dialogue sound VC10 to VC11 described with reference to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, and the BGM2, BGM3, sound effect SE20, and dialogue sound VC20 to VC21 described with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are generated. Then, the control signal related to the generated sound is transmitted by the sub-control CPU 800a to the sound LSI 801. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 reads out sound data corresponding to the transmitted control signal from the game ROM 805 or the sound RAM 802 and outputs it to the speaker 17. As a result, the speaker 17 emits the sound effects SE1 to SE6 described with reference to FIG. 17, the BGM, sound effect SE10, and dialogue VC1 described with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the BGM1, BGM2, sound effects, and dialogue VC10 to VC11 described with reference to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, and the BGM2, BGM3, sound effect SE20, and dialogue VC20 to VC21 described with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23.

Thus, the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the processing of steps S1050 and S1051 described above until all data based on the presentation pattern determined by lottery in step S1012 shown in FIG. 48 has been generated (step S1052: NO), and when all of the data has been generated (step S1052: YES), it proceeds to processing of step S1053.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs button-enabled processing based on the contents stored in the sub-control RAM 800c in step S1051 and the input contents of the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 processed in step S1013 shown in FIG. 48 (step S1053).

<Sub-control: command reception interrupt processing>
Next, referring to Figure 50, the processing when a performance control command DI_CMD and an interrupt signal are sent from the main control board 60 while such main processing is being executed will be described.

As shown in FIG. 50, when the sub-control CPU 800a receives the interrupt signal, it executes a save process to save the contents of each register to a stack area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1100). The sub-control CPU 800a then reads the register of the input port that received the performance control command DI_CMD (step S1101) and calculates a pointer indicating the address of the command transmission/reception memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1102).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a again reads the register of the input port that received the performance control command DI_CMD (step S1103) and checks whether the value read in step S1101 matches the value read in step S1103. If they do not match (step S1104: NO), the process proceeds to step S1107. If they match (step S1104: YES), the performance control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 is stored in the address corresponding to the calculated pointer (step S1105). This stored performance control command DI_CMD is read out by the sub-control CPU 800a when processing step S1012 shown in FIG. 48.

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a updates the pointer indicating the address of the command transmission/reception memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1106), and restores the registers saved in the processing of step S1100 (step S1107). This causes the process to return to the main processing shown in FIG. 48.

<Sub-control: Timer interrupt processing>
Next, referring to FIG. 51, a process to be performed when a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms, which is set in step S1006 (see FIG. 48) of the main process, will be described.

As shown in FIG. 51, when a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms, the sub-control CPU 800a executes a save process to save the contents of each register to the stack area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1150).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a twice acquires the data of the setting button 15, the data of the performance button device 13, the motor data of the movable role device 43, etc. (step S1151), and checks whether the data acquired twice matches (step S1152). If the data does not match (step S1152: NO), the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the processing of step S1151 until the data matches, and if the data matches (step S1152: YES), it stores the matching data in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1153).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a receives a signal from the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 (step S1154). This received signal is analyzed by the button analysis process of step S1013 shown in FIG. 48.

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits the light-related control signal stored in the sub-control RAM 800c in step S1051 shown in FIG. 49 to the decorative lamp board 90 (see FIG. 4), and also transmits it to the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination section IPb shown in FIG. 30, and also transmits the control signal required to turn on or off the identification lamp device 51A (see FIG. 2) (step S1155). As a result, the decorative lamp and the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination section IPb are turned on or off, thereby executing the lamp patterns and lamp effects described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 31.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a restores the registers that were saved in step S1150 (step S1156). This returns the process to the main process shown in FIG. 48.

<Sub-control: Command list>
The command list generated in step S1050 shown in FIG. 49 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.

This command list is a sequence of commands for the VDP803, but the contents and order of the commands differ slightly depending on whether you are instructing the drawing of a video or a still image.

When instructing VDP803 to draw a video, the initial command list in Figure 52(a) and the steady command list in Figure 52(b) are used.

As shown in FIG. 52(a), the sub-control CPU 800a first generates a command to set the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which the frame buffer area is set, and the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which video data is stored (step S1200).

Next, a command is generated to instruct the decoding of the video (step S1201). Specifically, this is an instruction as to which compressed video data to decode, and is given together with the address of the CG data storage area of the game ROM 805 shown in FIG. 4 where the relevant video is stored, the number of frames of the video, etc.

Next, the command for the termination process is entered to complete the generation of the initial command list (step S1202).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a generates the regular command list shown in FIG. 52(b).

As shown in FIG. 52(b), this steady command list is composed of video rendering instructions, and in the initial command list, a command is generated to determine which frame number of the decoded data is to be rendered at which coordinate position on the liquid crystal display device 41 for the decoded video data (step S1203). Next, a termination command is entered to complete the generation of the steady command list (step S1204).

On the other hand, when instructing the VDP 803 to draw a still image, as shown in FIG. 52(c), the sub-control CPU 800a first generates a command to set the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which the frame buffer area is set, as well as the memory area of the built-in VRAM (not shown) in which the still image data is stored (step S1210).

Next, a command is generated to instruct decoding of the still image (step S1211). Specifically, this is an instruction as to which still image compressed data to decode, and is instructed together with the address and data size of the CG data storage area of the game ROM 805 shown in FIG. 4 where the corresponding still image is stored.

Next, a command is generated to indicate at what coordinate position on the liquid crystal display device 41 the decoded still image data should be drawn, and in what manner (rotation angle, reduction/enlargement, etc.) (step S1212). Next, a termination command is entered to complete the generation of the command list for still images (step S1213).

Thus, such command lists for moving images and command lists for still images are sent to the VDP 803 (see Figure 4), processed appropriately, and then sent to the liquid crystal display device 41. As a result, the desired image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. To give specific examples, the images are displayed as shown in Figures 7 to 9, 17 to 18, 20, and 22.

According to the present embodiment described above, in a situation where multiple types of previews, reaches, and other effects are executed in parallel, it is possible to effectively increase the interest of the game without placing a burden on the control side.

On the other hand, this embodiment can increase the interest of playing in low probability situations.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the sound LSI 801 and the VDP 803 are configured separately, but they may also be integrated into one chip.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the sub-control CPU 800a is provided within the sub one-chip microcomputer 800, but this is not limiting, and the sub-control CPU 800a may be provided within the VDP 803.

1 Pachinko game machine 15 Setting button (operation means)
41 Liquid crystal display device (image display means)
IP illumination panel IPa light guide plate IPb illumination unit (light guide plate light emitting means)
LA Decorative lamp (lighting means for effect)

Claims (1)

an image display means for displaying a predetermined image;
a light guide plate disposed in front of the image display means;
A lighting means for effect is disposed around the image display means;
A frame effect light emitting means is disposed at an angle on a front frame that is disposed on the front side of an outer frame of the gaming machine ;
A lighting pattern including lighting from the side viewed by the player to the rear side of the gaming machine, or from the rear side of the gaming machine to the side viewed by the player, by the frame effect light-emitting means;
the light guide plate is configured to display a predetermined display mode by light from a light guide plate light emitting means disposed on an end side of the light guide plate;
The light-emitting elements constituting the effect light-emitting means, the frame effect light-emitting means, and the light-guiding plate light-emitting means are full-color LEDs,
The full-color LED is controlled to emit light based on RGB data for setting a color and brightness data for setting a brightness,
When the RGB data for lighting the full-color LED of the light guide plate light emitting means is set to white, the luminance of the full-color LED is set to less than the maximum luminance of 100% to enable emission of light;
When the RGB data for lighting the full-color LED of the effect light-emitting means or the frame effect light-emitting means is set to white, the luminance of the full-color LED is set to 100% or less of the maximum luminance so that the LED can emit light;
The lighting pattern is
a first lighting pattern for switching the luminance of the full-color LEDs of the effect light-emitting means and the frame effect light-emitting means in a first cycle;
A second lighting pattern for switching the luminance of the full-color LED of the effect light-emitting means and the frame effect light-emitting means at a second cycle shorter than the first cycle,
In the game machine, when the first lighting pattern and the second lighting pattern are combined to perform a light emission performance, the light emitting elements constituting the performance light emitting means and the frame performance light emitting means are turned off when the lighting pattern is switched.

Images