JP7481384B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

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

In addition, when the game start operation is performed after the number of bets for one game is set using the game value, the display of the varying identification information begins, and when the stop operation is performed after the display has started, the display of the varying identification information stops, and a win can occur based on the display result derived at this time, and a gaming machine (e.g., a slot machine) is known in which the gaming state can be changed depending on the type of win.

Among such gaming machines, there are known ones that restore the image before the power was cut (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-212735 A

However, if the image is restored to the state before the power failure based on a single piece of information, depending on the game situation, the restoration of the image may be delayed, which may cause problems in the progress of the game.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that allows the progress of the game to be smooth.

(Means 1) In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a gaming machine equipped with a game control means for controlling a game and an image display control means capable of displaying an image based on information received from the game control means, the game includes a variable game in which the result of the game is shown by a pattern that is stopped and displayed after a variable display, the game control means is capable of setting the game state to a time-saving game state that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game state, and when the variable game in the time-saving game state is a specific variable game that satisfies a predetermined condition, the waiting time until the next variable game is started is longer than in a variable game that does not satisfy the predetermined condition, and if a power interruption occurs during the waiting time , the image display control means is capable of displaying an image before the power interruption occurs when first information relating to the waiting time is received from the game control means after the power is turned on, and if a power interruption occurs during the variable display , the image display control means is capable of displaying an image before the power interruption occurs when second information relating to the variable display is received from the game control means after the power is turned on.
This makes it possible to restore the image depending on the game situation, which allows the game to proceed smoothly.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board unit alone. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the game board unit. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart (1/2) illustrating an example of a procedure for a reset start process. 13 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an example of a procedure of a reset start process. 11 is a flowchart specifically illustrating an example of a procedure for a power interruption occurrence check process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for an interrupt management process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for switch input event processing. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a first special symbol memory update process. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a second special pattern memory update process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of a special symbol game process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for special pattern change pre-processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for special symbol memory area shifting processing. A diagram showing the columns of the special pattern stop pattern selection table when a jackpot is hit. A figure showing an example of a selection table for symbols to stop when a small win occurs. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a configuration of a number-of-times counter value management process; 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing during a special symbol stop display. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a configuration of a display output management process. A flowchart showing an example of the configuration of a variable prize-winning device management process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting a large prize opening pattern. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting the large prize opening pattern when a jackpot occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting the large prize opening pattern when a small win occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize opening. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize opening when a small win occurs. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing when passing through a specific area. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize entry port when a jackpot is hit. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the closing of the large prize opening. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a termination process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of a normal symbol game process. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the change in the performance pattern. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the change in the performance pattern. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a reset start process (sub). 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for performance control processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for image restoration processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for operating memory performance management processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing performance pattern management. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for pre-processing of the performance pattern change. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for effect selection processing. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the selection probability of effect patterns. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a movable body and the display positions of a volume control image and a light intensity control image. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a movable body and the display positions of a volume control image and a light intensity control image. FIG. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the display mode of a right-hit suggestion image. An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the display positions of the right-hit suggestion image, the volume adjustment image, and the light intensity adjustment image. An explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the display mode of the right-hit suggestion image. An explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the display mode of the right-hit suggestion image. An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the display positions of the right-hit suggestion image, the volume adjustment image, and the light intensity adjustment image. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of background effects. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a presentation in the time-saving state. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a presentation in the time-saving state. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a presentation in the time-saving state. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a presentation in the time-saving state. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of image construction after power is restored;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, a volume control button 13a and a light control button 13b are provided on the side of the rental operation unit 14. Both the volume control button 13a and the light control button 13b are formed in a vertically elongated rectangular shape, and are configured so that their upper and lower ends can be pressed. When the upper end of the volume control button 13a is pressed, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 54a to 54c can be increased, and when the lower end of the volume control button 13a is pressed, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 54a to 54c can be decreased. Similarly, when the upper end of the light control button 13b is pressed, the light intensity of the frame lamps 46, 50 and the panel lamp 53 (see FIG. 3) can be increased, and when the lower end of the light control button 13b is pressed, the light intensity of the frame lamps 46, 50 and the panel lamp 53 can be decreased.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the top of the play area, a guide passage 18 is formed to guide game balls shot toward the top of the play area 9a to the right-hand hitting area.

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

Of these, the normal winning hole 22 is located on the left side of the play area 9a. The first start winning hole 26 is located in the center of the lower part of the play area 9a. The start gate 20, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are located on the right side of the play area 9a.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here, a count switch 84 is provided within the variable winning device 30 to detect game balls that have entered the variable winning device 30 (i.e., the large winning port 30b), and downstream of the count switch 84, a specific area (V winning port) switch 85a and a non-specific area (non-V winning port) switch 85b are provided side by side. The specific area switch 85a and the non-specific area switch 85b are composed of sensors through which the game ball can pass. The passing area of the game ball in the specific area switch 85a is the specific area 30d, and the passing area of the game ball in the non-specific area switch 85b is the non-specific area 30e.

The game balls that enter (win) inside the variable winning device 30 are sorted into either the specific area 30d or the non-specific area 30e. The game balls that pass through the specific area 30d or the non-specific area 30e are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 through the through hole further downstream.

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

A liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed on the game board unit 8, and various effect images, including effect patterns corresponding to special patterns, are displayed on this liquid crystal display 42. Specifically, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, for example, in synchronization with the variable display of the first special pattern and the variable display of the second special pattern, a plurality of types of effect patterns (such as patterns showing numbers, etc.) different from the special patterns are displayed in a variable manner. Here, in synchronization with (in other words in parallel with) the variable display of the first special pattern, the variable display of the second special pattern, and the variable display of the normal pattern, the effect patterns are displayed in a variable manner (for example, scrolled up and down or updated) in each of the effect pattern display areas 42L, 42C, and 42R of the "left," "center," and "right." In this embodiment, the performance pattern that is displayed in a variable manner in the performance pattern display area 42L may be referred to as the left pattern, the performance pattern that is displayed in a variable manner in the performance pattern display area 42C may be referred to as the middle pattern, and the performance pattern that is displayed in a variable manner in the performance pattern display area 42R may be referred to as the right pattern.

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

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

When the volume adjustment button 13a is operated, a volume adjustment image 51 indicating the currently set volume is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and when the light adjustment button 13b is operated, a light adjustment image 52 indicating the currently set light intensity is displayed. The volume adjustment image 51 is composed of a volume icon 51a indicating that it is a volume adjustment image, and a volume meter 51b indicating the set volume. The light adjustment image 52 is composed of a light intensity icon 52a indicating that it is a light intensity adjustment image, and a light intensity meter 52b indicating the set light intensity. The volume adjustment image 51 and the light intensity adjustment image 52 are displayed in different positions in the left-right direction. Specifically, the volume adjustment image 51 is displayed on the right side, and the light intensity adjustment image 52 is displayed on the left side.

In addition, a movable body 40 for the performance is provided in front of the liquid crystal display 42. The movable body 40 can move in the vertical direction. In the pachinko machine 1, various performances can be executed in the process of changing the display of the performance pattern. The performances that can be executed in the pachinko machine 1 include a performance in which the movable body 40 is activated. The movable body 40 operates in conjunction with the performance image on the liquid crystal display 42, and indicates a big win or a small win. Note that although there are cases where the movable body 40 operates and results in a miss, the selection ratio of the performance pattern by the movable body 40 is set so that the activation of the movable body 40 increases the possibility of a big win or a small win.

The movable body 40 can be moved downward from the initial position (position shown in FIG. 3) to the movable position (position shown in FIG. 42). The movable body 40 is visible even in the initial position, but becomes entirely visible when moved to the movable position. When the movable body 40 is moved to the movable position, a portion of the liquid crystal display 42 is covered.

Moveable body 40 also includes a front movable body 40a and a rear movable body 40b arranged at the rear (behind) of front movable body 41 (see Figures 42 and 43). When a specific performance pattern is selected, rear movable body 40b moves when movable body 40 is moved to a movable position, and rear movable body 40b appears from behind front movable body 40a. Rear movable body 40b has a larger area covering liquid crystal display 42 than front movable body 40a. As a result, when rear movable body 40b appears, the entire liquid crystal display 42 is covered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If a big win symbol is displayed as a stop in the changing display of the first special symbol, it is a "big win", and if a small win symbol different from the big win symbol is displayed as a stop, it is a "small win". Also, if a losing symbol is displayed as a stop, it is a "miss". In this embodiment, a small win is not set for the first special symbol.

After the display result of the first special symbol changing display becomes "jackpot", the game is controlled to a jackpot game state, which is an advantageous state for the player. In the jackpot game state, the player rotates the handle unit 16 of the pachinko machine 1 to perform a right-hit operation.

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

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

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

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

In this variable display of normal symbols, if a normal winning symbol is displayed stationary, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the normal winning symbol (a normal losing symbol) is displayed stationary, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal losing". When it becomes "normal winning", an opening control is performed to keep the variable start winning device 28 in an open state for a predetermined period of time (the second start winning port 28b is opened).

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

When a long opening is performed, multiple game balls can enter the second start winning hole 28b, making it easier for a reserved memory of a special symbol (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "special symbol reserved"). Also, in the time-saving state, the change time of the special symbol is shorter than in the normal state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, a long opening makes it easier for a game ball to enter the second start winning hole 28b than in the normal state, and since the change time of the special symbol is shorter than in the normal state, the special symbol is more likely to change and be displayed than in the normal state.

The time-saving state continues until a specified end condition is met, such as a specified number of times of special symbol changes. When the specified number of times of special symbol changes become an end condition, this is also called a "time-cut" (time-cut special bonus, etc.).

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

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

After the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "big win", the game state is controlled to a big win game state, which is advantageous for the player. Also, after the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "small win", the game state is controlled to a small win game state.

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

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

On the other hand, when the game ball that entered the large prize opening 30b passes through the non-specific area 30e, the small win game state ends without progressing to a large win game state. After the small win game state ends without being controlled to a large win game state, no change in game state is made, and the game state is continued and controlled to the game state before the display result of the special pattern change display becomes "small win".

In this embodiment, the jackpot for the first special symbol is only a two-round jackpot with the number of rounds "2". Also, the jackpot for the second special symbol is only a two-round jackpot with the number of rounds "2". Also, if the second special symbol develops from a small jackpot to a jackpot, it develops into a 10-round jackpot with the number of rounds "10" (hereinafter, a small jackpot may be referred to as a 10-round small jackpot). And, while a two-round jackpot for the first special symbol and a 10-round small jackpot for the second special symbol can earn you prize balls, a two-round jackpot for the second special symbol opens the large prize opening 30b momentarily, and it is rare for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 30b.

Then, after the two-round jackpot of the first special symbol ends, the time-saving state is entered, and the time-saving state ends when the total number of times Special Symbol 1 changes and Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 108, or when the total number of times Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 100.

In addition, if the time-saving state is entered after the end of a two-round jackpot of the second special symbol, the time-saving state will end when the total number of times Special Symbol 1 changes and Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 10,008, or when the total number of times Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 10,000.

In addition, if the time-saving state is entered after the end of the 10-round small win of the second special symbol, the time-saving state will end when the total number of times that Special Symbol 1 changes and Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 108 times, or when the total number of times that Special Symbol 2 changes reaches 100 times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this embodiment, in the normal state and the time-saving state, the display of the effect pattern corresponding to the special pattern is performed, but in the time-saving state, the display of the effect pattern corresponding to the second special pattern is performed, and the display of the effect pattern corresponding to the first special pattern is not performed. In addition, when the display of the first special pattern is performed in the time-saving state, the reserved display is not performed, and the display of the remaining number of changes in the time-saving state is not updated until the display of the eighth first special pattern is performed. Therefore, in other words, in the time-saving state, only the display of the effect pattern corresponding to the second special pattern is performed, and only the reserved display of the second special pattern is displayed. In addition, the display of the remaining number of changes in the time-saving state is not updated until the display of the eighth first special pattern is performed, and the display of the remaining number of changes is updated from the display of the ninth or later first special pattern.

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

Performances are also executed during a big win or small win game. During a big win or small win, effects are executed such as an effect to notify the number of rounds, a right-hit suggestion display to encourage a right hit, and a display showing the number of winning balls. In this embodiment, the volume adjustment button 13a and the light adjustment button 13b can be operated even during a big win or small win.

In addition, by executing a common presentation during a small hit game state and during a jackpot game state for some jackpot types (jackpot types for jackpot game states with the same features as a small hit game state, for example jackpot types for which the subsequent game state is a high probability state), it may be possible to prevent the player from knowing whether they are currently in a small hit game state or a jackpot game state. In such a case, by executing a common presentation after the end of a small hit game state and after the end of a jackpot game state, it may be possible to prevent the player from distinguishing whether they are in a high probability state or a low probability state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The lamp drive circuit 132 includes switching elements such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or MOSFET (not shown), and switches (or switches the duty) the drive voltage applied to various lamps including LEDs to manage their light emission, blinking, and other operations. In addition to the frame lamps 46 and 50, the various lamps also include a board lamp 53 for decoration and presentation that is installed on the game board unit 8. The board lamp 53 is an LED built into the movable body 40 or the game board 9.

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

In this embodiment, a glass frame illumination board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 are applied to the various frame lamps 46, 50, the panel lamp 53, and the speakers 54a to 54d via the glass frame illumination board 136. In addition, a performance button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when a player operates the performance button 45, the contact signal is input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. In addition, a jog dial 45a is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when a player rotates the jog dial 45a, the rotation signal is input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. In addition, when an operation performance that prompts the operation of the performance button 45 is executed, the performance control CPU 126 lights up the effective lamp of the performance button 45. Note that, although an example is given here in which the performance button 45 and jog dial 45a are connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, if a saucer illumination board is installed, the performance button 45 and jog dial 45a may be connected to the saucer illumination board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a performance control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits return commands (e.g., a machine type designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a performance command when the number of operation memories increases, a performance command when the number of operation memories decreases, a number of times remaining in the counter when the number of times is cut off, a special game state designation command, a symbol fluctuation display designation command, a symbol stop display designation command, a small win opening designation command, a large prize opening opening designation command when a small win occurs, etc.) to the performance control device 124. In response to this, the performance control device 124 can return to the performance state that was being executed at the time of the previous power outage (e.g., the internal probability state, the display mode of the performance symbol, the performance display mode of the number of operation memories, the sound output contents, the light emission state of various lamps, etc.).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Jackpot Game]
For example, when the special symbol is displayed in a two-round jackpot mode, a trigger occurs to transition from the normal state to a jackpot game state (a special game state advantageous to the player). During a jackpot game, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning port solenoid 89 is excited for a certain period of time (for example, 29 seconds or until 10 winnings are counted) for a preset number of consecutive operations (for example, twice), and the variable winning device 30 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric device). During this time, by concentrating game balls on the variable winning device 30, the player is given the opportunity to win many prize balls at once (special game execution means). In addition, this opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 30 when a jackpot is hit is referred to as a "round", and if there are a total of two consecutive operations, these may be collectively referred to as "2 rounds", if there is a total of one consecutive operation, these may be collectively referred to as "1 round", and if there are a total of 10 consecutive operation, these may be collectively referred to as "10 rounds".

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

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

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

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

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

[Multiple winning types]
In this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned "2-round big win", "10-round small win" is provided as a plurality of winning types. These big wins are started when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a big win mode, and may also be started when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a small win mode and the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during the small win. If the big win is started when the game ball passes through the specific area 30d during the small win, the small win is counted as the first round and the number of rounds is counted.

The above-mentioned "2-round jackpot" corresponds to the type of first or second special symbol that is stopped and displayed when a jackpot is won. For this reason, hereafter, "winning type" will be referred to as "winning symbol" as appropriate.

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

[2 round jackpot pattern]
In the special symbol stop display process, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a "two-round symbol", an opportunity to transition from the normal state to a big win game state occurs (special game execution means). In this case, the big prize opening 30b is opened once in a short time (for example, 0.2 seconds of opening time) in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter. This winning game can give the player two rounds of balls (prize balls), but since the opening time of the big prize opening 30b is short, it is rare to get a prize ball. In addition, when a specified number of times (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) of winning occurs within two rounds, the big prize opening 30b is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, for example, by activating the "time-saving function" after the end of the big win game, the player is given a privilege to transition to the "time-saving state".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And if the result of this jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol, and the "2-round jackpot symbol" is selected as the winning symbol, the stopping symbol command at the time of winning will be written as "B1H01H". Also, in this embodiment, the number of judgment values is allocated so that the rate at which the "2-round jackpot symbol" is selected when a jackpot is won is 100%.

In addition, if the "2-round jackpot pattern" is selected, the condition for ending the time-saving state is when the total number of times Special Chart 1 changes and Special Chart 2 changes reaches 108, or when the number of times Special Chart 2 changes reaches 100.

As shown in FIG. 16(b), if the current jackpot result corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selectively determines the winning symbol shown in the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table. Similarly, the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table also specifies, for example, 2-byte command data as the stop symbol command when a win occurs, as shown in the third column from the left. Here again, the stop symbol command is written as a combination of the above MODE value-EVENT value, and the MODE value "B2H" in the upper byte indicates that the current winning symbol was selected when the second special symbol was jackpotted. Also, the EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte indicates the type of winning symbol corresponding to the selection table.

If the result of this jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol, the "2-round jackpot symbol" will be selected as the winning symbol, and the stopping symbol command will be written as "B2H01H."

In addition, if the "2-round jackpot pattern" is selected, the time-saving state C is selected as the time-saving state. Therefore, the condition for ending the time-saving state is when the total number of times that Special Chart 1 changes and Special Chart 2 changes reaches 10,008 times, or when the number of times that Special Chart 2 changes reaches 10,000 times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Winning design for small wins]
In this embodiment, the winning symbol that is selectively determined upon a small win is only the "second winning symbol."

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

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

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

And if the result of this small win is that the "10 round small win pattern" is selected as the winning pattern, the stopping pattern command will be written as "B2H02H".

In addition, if the "10-round small win pattern" is selected, the condition for ending the time-saving state is when the total number of times Special Chart 1 changes and Special Chart 2 changes reaches 108 times, or when the number of times Special Chart 2 changes reaches 100 times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Display output management process]
Next, Fig. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of the configuration of the display output management process (step S210 in Fig. 9) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a subroutine group of a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a status display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation count display setting process (step S1240).

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

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

The main control CPU 72 also controls the lighting of the jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b in the continuous operation count display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to one of the jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b based on the value of the continuous operation count status. At this time, the target for outputting the lighting signal is one of the display lamps 38a, 38b corresponding to the jackpot pattern specified by the value of the continuous operation count status. For example, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "2 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing "2 rounds (2R)". Furthermore, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "1 round", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing "1 round (1R)".

[Variable prize device management process]
Next, the details of the variable winning device management process will be described. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a subroutine group of a game process selection process (step S5100), a large winning hole opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a large winning hole opening and closing operation process (step S5300), a large winning hole closing process (step S5400), and an end process (step S5500).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step S5212: The main control CPU 72 sets the internal state flag for control to "Big role start (jackpot game in progress)". The main control CPU 72 also sets the value of the continuous operation count status according to the type of jackpot pattern. In this embodiment, a value representing "2 rounds" is set to the continuous operation count status according to the type of jackpot pattern. The main control CPU 72 also generates a state command representing a jackpot. The state command representing a jackpot is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5214.

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

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

Step S5218: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during the jackpot game based on the release pattern corresponding to the winning symbol. In this embodiment, the number of rounds to be executed is set to 2. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5220.

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

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

Step S5224: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation count command. The continuous operation count command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5218). Therefore, based on the number of execution rounds "2R" of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of a jackpot, a value representing "2 rounds" is generated as the continuous operation count command. The generated continuous operation count command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above.

When the above steps are completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the large prize opening pattern setting process (Figure 22).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the above steps are completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the large prize opening pattern setting process (Figure 22).

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

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

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

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

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable prize-winning device management process (Figure 21).

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

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

Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 executes an opening timer countdown process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the timer set in the previous process (step S5260, step S5264, and step S5266 of the process for setting the large prize opening pattern when a small win occurs (in FIG. 24)). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5313.

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

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

Step S5317a: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a game ball has entered the large prize opening 30b. Specifically, it checks whether a winning detection signal has been input from the count switch 84. If the result of this check is that a game ball has entered the large prize opening 30b (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5318. On the other hand, if a game ball has not entered the large prize opening 30b (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable prize opening management process. Then, when the variable prize opening management process is next executed, the jump destination is currently set to the large prize opening opening opening operation process (Figure 25), so the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the above steps S5310 to S5316.

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

Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current count is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number, as described above, determines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) permitted per opening (per small win). If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is next executed, the jump destination is currently set to the large winning port opening and closing operation process (Figure 25), so the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the above steps S5310 to S5320.

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

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

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

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

Step S5328: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening closing process and returns to the large prize opening opening opening operation process (Figure 25). Then, when the variable prize device management process is next executed, the main control CPU 72 next executes the large prize opening closing process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step S5362: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during a big win game based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol for the special symbol when a small win is hit. In this embodiment, the number of rounds to be executed for the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol for the special symbol when all small wins are hit is set to 2 rounds for the first special symbol and 2 rounds for the second special symbol. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5364.

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

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

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

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

When the above steps are completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the large prize opening opening and closing operation process when a small win occurs (Figures 26 and 21).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step S5394: The main control CPU 72 executes interval waiting processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes countdown of the interval timer set in the previous processing (step S5222 of the large prize opening pattern setting processing at the time of big win (in FIG. 23), or step S5366 of the processing at the time of passing a specific area (in FIG. 27)). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5314. Then, when the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5395. Although not specifically shown here, the main control CPU 72 returns to the end address of the variable prize device management processing (FIG. 21) that was called from step S5394 at each interruption until the interval time has elapsed (until the interval timer value becomes 0). Then, when the large prize opening and closing operation processing is executed at the next call, step S5394 is executed directly, not from the first step S5380.

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

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

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

Step S5398: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening closing process and returns to the large prize opening opening opening operation process (Figure 25). Then, when the variable prize device management process is next executed, the main control CPU 72 next executes the large prize opening closing process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable prize winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes the next jump destination, the large prize winning opening opening/closing operation process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 21). After the execution of the large prize winning opening opening/closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the large prize winning opening closing process again, and repeats the above steps S5402 to S5408. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the variable prize winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (15 or 16 times).

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

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

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

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

Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the opening count counter after increment has reached the set number of openings. The number of openings is the one set in the previous process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a small win (step S5258 in FIG. 24). If the value of the opening count counter has not yet reached the set number of openings (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

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

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes the large winning opening opening/closing operation process, which is the next jump destination, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 21). After executing the large winning opening opening/closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the large winning opening closing process again, and repeats steps S5401 to S5413 (No) above, and then steps S5416 and S5408. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of openings reaches the set number of openings. In this embodiment, since the number of openings is set to one, the opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is not repeatedly executed and ends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the time-saving function activation flag (01H) is set. This flag is also set in the jackpot and other setting process during the previous special symbol change pre-processing (step S2414 in FIG. 14) and in the specific area passing symbol-specific time-saving function setting process during the previous specific area passing processing (step S5370 in FIG. 27).

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Normal symbol game processing]
Next, the details of the normal symbol game process executed in the interruption management process (FIG. 9) will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the normal symbol game process. The normal symbol game process includes a subroutine (program module) group of execution selection process (step S1001), normal symbol pre-change process (step S2001), normal symbol change process (step S3001), normal symbol stop display process (step S4001), and variable start winning device management process (step S5001). Here, the basic flow of the normal symbol game process will be described along with each process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 32, the performance symbols 43 include three symbols, for example, a left performance symbol 43L, a middle performance symbol 43C, and a right performance symbol 43R, which are displayed in a line on the left, middle, and right sides of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Each performance symbol represents, for example, the numbers "1" to "9." Here, the left performance symbol 43L, the middle performance symbol 43C, and the right performance symbol 43R all form a pattern string in which the numbers are arranged in descending order from "9" to "1." Such pattern strings are displayed in a changing manner, flowing (scrolling) vertically in the left, middle, and right areas of the screen, respectively.

In this embodiment, the effect patterns include effect patterns that correspond to special patterns (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as special effect patterns).

In addition, FIG. 32 describes an example in which the variable display of the special pattern corresponding to the first special pattern is performed, but the variable display of the special pattern corresponding to the second special pattern and the variable display of the regular pattern are also performed in a similar manner. Furthermore, the display mode of the special pattern and the regular pattern do not have to be the same as long as they are difficult to distinguish. For example, they may have a slightly deformed shape, a slightly different color, a slightly different transparency, or a slightly different size.

32 and 33 are sequential diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to the variable display and stop display of the special symbol. Here, an example of the variable display effect and the stop display effect (result display effect) performed using the effect pattern for the variation of the special symbol when it is not a winning (miss) is shown. This variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed from the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but it may be the second special symbol.) to the stop display (including the fixed stop). In addition, the stop display effect is an effect that shows the stop display of the special symbol and the result of the internal lottery at that time as a combination of effect patterns. Here, first, before explaining the specific contents of the control process, the basic flow of the variable display effect and the stop display effect for each variation adopted in this embodiment will be explained. Note that background images are omitted in FIG. 32 and FIG. 33.

[Before change display]
In Fig. 32 (a): For example, before the first special symbol starts to change (when the demo effect is not in progress), three lines of effect symbols 43L, 43C, and 43R are displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. At this time, the effect symbols are also displayed in a stopped state in accordance with the stopped display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

In addition, the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 displays hold indicators (reference symbols M1 and M2 in the figure) that indicate the number of activation memories (also called the number of hold memories) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. These hold indicators M1 and M2 can be displayed when the special symbol performance symbol is subject to change, and the number displayed indicates the number of activation memories of the corresponding first special symbol and second special symbol (the number displayed by the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a), and the number displayed increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of activation memories during play. In addition, for the hold indicators M1 and M2, the hold indicator M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, for example, as a circle (○) shape, and the hold indicator M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed, for example, as a heart shape, in order to make it easier to visually distinguish them. In the example of FIG. 32(a), all four pending indicators M1 are lit to indicate that the number of activation memories for the first special symbol is four, and all pending indicators M2 are hidden (shown by dashed lines) to indicate that the number of activation memories for the second special symbol is zero (memory number display performance execution means).

The number of times the first special symbol has been activated is displayed in the special symbol 1 reserved display area Z1 at the top right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The number of times the second special symbol has been activated is displayed in the special symbol 2 reserved display area Z2. Furthermore, a mini symbol is displayed in the mini symbol display area Z3. This mini symbol is the "fourth performance symbol" following the left, center, and right performance symbols, and is displayed in a synchronized manner with the display of the changes in the special symbols.

In FIG. 32 (b): For example, in synchronization with the start of the first special pattern, three pattern rows scroll on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 to start the change display performance (performance execution means). That is, in synchronization with the start of the change of the first special pattern, the change display performance is started by vertically scrolling (flowing) the left performance pattern 43L, the middle performance pattern 43C, and the right performance pattern 43R within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Also, before the change starts, the pending displays M1 and M2 are displayed in the pre-change display area X1 in the band-shaped portion at the bottom of the liquid crystal display 42, but after the change starts, they move to the change display area X2 by the pedestal image displayed in the lower left part of the liquid crystal display 42, and continue to be displayed until the change of the special pattern (performance pattern) is stopped (the change memory display performance). In the figure, the change display of the performance pattern is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the changing display, each performance pattern is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), so that the image (background image) that is the background of the performance pattern is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state.

In addition, in synchronization with the start of the first special pattern change, the number of operation memories for the first special pattern in the special pattern 1 pending display area Z1 is decremented by "1", and the display of the mini pattern change in the mini pattern display area Z3 begins.

Figure 32 (c): For example, after a certain amount of time (about half the change time) has passed, the left performance pattern 43L will stop changing first. In this example, it shows that the performance pattern representing the number "8" has stopped at the left side of the screen. Note that the background image has been omitted from the illustration (this also applies hereafter). At this time, the mini pattern in the mini pattern display area Z3 also stops at the same pattern as the left performance pattern 8L.

As shown in FIG. 32(b) above, the number of operating memories for the first special symbol decreases by one as the change begins, and the number displayed in the pending display M1 is decreased by one in conjunction with this. For example, if there were four operating memories up to that point, the oldest (oldest) memory number display in the pending display M1 is moved by one to the changing display area X2, and a performance in which the memory is consumed by internal lottery is also performed. This makes it possible to inform the player through the performance that the number of operating memories for the first special symbol has been consumed.

In the example of Figure 32 (c), the reserved display M1, which was first in the memory order, moves to the changing display area X2, leaving only three displays remaining in the pre-change display area X1, and the three reserved displays M1 remaining on the screen are each shifted one position in one direction (here, to the left). This allows the context of the change in the number of active memories to be accurately expressed in the presentation, and also makes it easy for the player to intuitively understand that "the active memory has been consumed and one has been reduced" or "the active memory has been consumed and the special pattern is changing".

In FIG. 33 (d): Following the left performance pattern 43L, the right performance pattern 43R stops changing. In this example, it shows that the performance pattern representing the number "3" has stopped in the center position of the screen. At this point, it is already confirmed that the reach state will not occur, so it is almost clear from the outside that this change is a non-reach (normal) change. At this time, the mini pattern in the mini pattern display area Z3 also stops with the same pattern as the right performance pattern 8R. Note that this does not include reach changes due to slip patterns, etc. A "slip pattern" is, for example, a performance pattern representing the number "7" stops once, then the pattern row slides by one pattern and the performance pattern representing the number "8" stops, which develops into a reach. Alternatively, there is also a pattern in which a performance pattern representing the number "9" stops once, then the pattern row slides by one pattern in the opposite direction and the performance pattern representing the number "8" stops, which develops into a reach. In addition, there are other patterns where a symbol representing a completely different number, such as "5," stops for a moment, and then a character appears on the screen and moves the right-hand symbol row again, causing a symbol representing the number "8" to stop and develop into a reach.

Figure 33 (e): The last middle performance pattern 43C stops in synchronization with the display of the first special pattern. If the result of this internal lottery is a non-winning one and the first special pattern is displayed in a non-winning (missing) manner, the performance pattern will also be displayed in a non-winning (missing) manner. That is, in the example shown, the performance pattern representing the number "1" has stopped in the middle position of the screen, and in this case, since the combination of performance patterns is "8"-"1"-"3", which is a miss, the performance shows that this fluctuation corresponds to a normal "miss". At this time, the mini pattern in the mini pattern display area Z3 also stops with the same pattern as the middle performance pattern 8C, and the mini pattern is also displayed in a manner corresponding to a miss.

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

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

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

[Reset start process (sub)]
34 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the reset start process (sub). Below, the process performed by the performance control CPU 126 will be explained step by step.

Step S301: The performance control CPU 126 releases the CPU from reset. In order to ensure normal operation of the performance control device 124, the performance control CPU 126 resets the CPU after powering on the performance control device 124, and maintains the reset state until the output voltage rises normally to an operation guarantee level and the peripheral circuits stabilize. This makes it possible to prevent the program from running when the performance control device 124 is not stable. When the CPU is released from reset, this triggers the start of execution of the control program in the performance control device 124.

Step S302: The performance control CPU 126 executes a system initialization process. In the system initialization process, the initial settings related to the hardware and the operation settings of the system are performed as the initial settings required before the various interrupt processes corresponding to the actual performance control are started. In the system initialization process, for example, in addition to the settings related to the registers and I/O ports of the performance control CPU 126 and the access to the devices connected to the performance control CPU 126, the RAM 130 (main memory) and the command buffer are cleared.

Step S303: The performance control CPU 126 executes task pre-execution processing. Here, "task" refers to an individual process executed due to the occurrence of an interrupt. In the task pre-execution processing, advance preparations for executing a task are made. For example, the performance control device 124 is provided with multiple LED lamps (hereinafter referred to as "status LEDs") visible from the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and these LED lamps are used to notify the internal state of the performance control device 124 by multiple lighting patterns, and the initial state of this status LED is set in the task pre-execution processing. In addition, the frequency setting for the command input/output port required to receive the performance command transmitted from the main control device 70, the setup of the RTC 184, the permission of interrupts, etc. are performed. When the task pre-execution processing is completed, the status LED lights up in a manner indicating the completion of the initialization processing, and various performance commands can be received, and the state transitions to a state in which various interrupts can occur.

In addition, various different types of interrupts can occur in the performance control device 124, such as timer interrupts that occur at preset time intervals and event interrupts that occur as a result of a specific event occurring on the performance control device 124. In the following explanation, interrupts that occur periodically at fixed intervals (for example, timer interrupts and event interrupts that occur at fixed cycles) are referred to as "periodic interrupts." Priorities are preset for each interrupt, and when an interrupt occurs, the performance control CPU 126 will execute the corresponding interrupt process while controlling it according to the priority.

Step S304: The performance control CPU 126 sets the control state of the performance control device 124 to "Recovery in progress." Specifically, the recovery in progress flag is turned on.

Step S305: The performance control CPU 126 displays a recovery image on the LCD display 42, indicating that the performance control device 124 is recovering.

Step S306: The presentation control CPU 126 executes the presentation control main process. In the presentation control main process, among the controls executed as the game progresses, other processes that are not executed in the various tasks are executed.

The performance control main process is built into an infinite loop, and when the performance control CPU 126 finishes executing the performance control main process once, it waits a specified execution interval before starting the next performance control main process again. Therefore, as long as the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is maintained and the performance control device 124 is not restarted, the performance control CPU 126 will continue to repeatedly execute the performance control main process. In addition, while the performance control main process is being executed, various interrupts occur due to various factors, and the performance control CPU 126 executes processing according to each of the interrupts that have occurred. In these processes, display control of the liquid crystal display 42, sound output control to the speakers 54a to 54d, drive control of various lamps and movable body motors 57, etc. are performed, and each device connected to the performance control device 124 is controlled, thereby constructing the performance content and realizing the performance.

In this way, the infinite loop corresponds to the main loop in the performance control device 124, and the performance control main process is positioned as the main process executed in the performance control device 124.

In addition, during the main loop of the CPU initialization process in the performance control device 124, the performance control CPU 126 executes a voltage control monitoring process. In the voltage control monitoring process, the performance control CPU 126 performs monitoring process to release the cutoff of the 5V signal supplied to the external driver at a fixed time. If voltage is applied to lamps, movable objects, etc. at the same time, the lamps, movable objects, etc. may overheat due to inrush current, leading to malfunction or failure. Therefore, the timing of voltage application (timing of signal release) is shifted to disperse the inrush current and protect the lamps, movable objects, etc. from overheating.

The performance control CPU 126 also executes a watchdog clear process. For example, the performance control device 124 can be equipped with a watchdog timer connected to the performance control CPU 126, a watchdog timer using the built-in functions of the performance control CPU 126, or a watchdog timer implemented by a control program. In this case, the performance control device 124 operates three types of watchdog timers, and each watchdog timer can monitor whether a periodic interrupt is occurring normally (whether the periodic interrupt process executed in response to the occurrence of a periodic interrupt is being executed normally) using different monitoring times. In the watchdog clear process, the performance control CPU 126 executes the clearing of all watchdog timers when the periodic interrupt process is executed normally. Note that the number of watchdog timers may be less than three, or may be four or more.

After completing the above steps, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the main loop of the CPU initialization process and executes the performance control main process again. The performance control main process is executed at approximately regular intervals when the performance control device 124 is in a normal state. For example, during normal operation, the performance control main process is called every 33.3 ms (every time two frame interrupts occur, which occur at 16.6 ms intervals) triggered by a frame interrupt while returning from a separately executed interrupt process, and during that time, the processing of each step is completed. Therefore, if each step of the performance control main process is completed without delay, the performance control CPU 126 performs standby processing for the remaining time until the next performance control main process is called, and during that time, the start processing transitions to a standby (sleep) state. As the remaining time is consumed, the performance control CPU 126 ends the standby processing and returns to the main loop, and calls the next performance control main process.

[Performance control processing]
35 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the performance control process executed by the performance control CPU 126. This performance control process is executed in the timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) that occurs during the execution of the performance control main process of the reset start process (sub). Note that the performance control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several tens of μs to several ms) during the execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

The performance control process includes subroutines for command reception processing (step S400a), image restoration processing (step S400b), volume and light adjustment processing (step S400c), operating memory performance management processing (step S401), performance pattern management processing (step S402), display output processing (step S404), lamp drive processing (step S406), sound drive processing (step S408), performance random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). Below, the basic flow of the performance control process is explained along with each process.

Step S400a: In the command reception process, the performance control CPU 126 receives performance commands sent from the main control CPU 72. The performance control CPU 126 also analyzes the received commands and stores them by type in the command buffer area of the RAM 130.

In addition, the commands for the presentation sent from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a presentation command when the number of operation memories (special pattern, normal pattern) increases, a presentation command when the number of operation memories (special pattern, normal pattern) decreases, a start port winning sound control command indicating that a prize has been won at the start port, a demo presentation command indicating that the game has moved to a demo state, a lottery result command indicating the result of an internal lottery or a normal lottery, a change pattern command indicating a change pattern, a change start command indicating that a special pattern or normal pattern has started to change, a change display designation command indicating that a special pattern or normal pattern is being displayed in a changing state, a stop pattern command indicating a stop pattern for a special pattern or normal pattern, a pattern stop command indicating that a special pattern or normal pattern will stop after changing, a pattern stop display designation command indicating that a special pattern or normal pattern is being displayed in a stopped state, and a state designation command indicating a game state. command, a round number command indicating the number of rounds in a jackpot, a firing position designation command, an error notification command indicating the occurrence of an error and the type of error, a small jackpot opening designation command indicating that it is the opening period for a small jackpot, a small jackpot large prize opening designation command indicating that the large prize opening 30b is open in a small jackpot, a jackpot opening designation command indicating that it is the opening period for a jackpot, a jackpot large prize opening designation command indicating that the large prize opening 30b is open in a jackpot, a jackpot end performance command indicating that an ending period performance will be performed at the end of a jackpot, a number of times cut counter value command indicating the remaining number of time reductions, a fluctuation pattern destination determination command indicating the determination result of the fluctuation pattern of the reserved fluctuation display, a stop display time end command indicating that the stop display time at the end of the pattern fluctuation has ended, etc.

Step S400b: In the image restoration process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to restore the image before the power failure.

In step S400c: volume/light intensity adjustment processing, the performance control CPU 126 displays a volume adjustment image on the LCD display 42 in response to the operation of the volume adjustment button 13a, and sets the volume data of the sound output from the speakers 54a-54d. As a result, in the sound output processing of step S408, sound output control is performed at a volume based on the set volume data. Also, in response to the operation of the light intensity adjustment button 13b, the performance control CPU 126 displays a light intensity adjustment image on the LCD display 42, and sets the light intensity data of the frame lamps 46, 50 and the panel lamp 53. As a result, in the lamp drive processing of step S406, the lamp lighting control is performed at a light intensity based on the set light intensity data.

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

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

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

Step S406: In the lamp drive process, the performance control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp drive circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp drive circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes brightness gradation, etc.) the various frame lamps 46, 50 and the panel lamps 53, etc. based on the control signal.

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

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

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

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

[Image restoration process]
36 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for image restoration processing. The contents will be described below along with the example procedure.

Step S800: First, the performance control CPU 126 checks whether it has received a command indicating the state before the power failure from the main control CPU 72. The command indicating the state before the power failure is sent in step S111 of FIG. 6, and includes a variable display designation command indicating that the special or normal pattern is being displayed in a variable manner, a stationary pattern display designation command indicating that the special or normal pattern is being displayed in a stationary manner, a small win opening designation command indicating that it is the opening period for a small win, a small win large win opening opening designation command indicating that the large win opening 30b is being opened by a small win, a large win opening designation command indicating that it is the opening period for a large win, and a large win large win opening opening designation command indicating that the large win opening 30b is being opened by a large win.

If it is confirmed that a command indicating the state before the power outage was received (step S800: Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S802. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that a command indicating the state before the power outage was received (step S800: No), the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (Figure 35).

Step S802: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the control state of the performance control device 124 is recovering (i.e., checks whether the recovering flag was turned on in step S304 of FIG. 34). If it is confirmed that the control state of the performance control device 124 is recovering (step S802: Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S804. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the control state of the performance control device 124 is recovering (step S802: No), the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (FIG. 35).

Step S804: The performance control CPU 126 draws the image before the power failure based on the command confirmed in step S800. This switches from the image during recovery to the image before the power failure.

Step S806: The performance control CPU 126 updates the control state of the performance control device 124 to the state before the power failure. Specifically, the recovery flag is turned off, and the flag corresponding to the state before the power failure is turned on. Then, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (Figure 35).

If the command indicating the state before the power failure, which is sent based on the presentation control recovery process when the power is turned on (step S111 in FIG. 6), is a specific command (a command to specify that the pattern is stopped during display, a command to specify that a small win is opening, or a command to specify that a large prize opening is open on a small win), the presentation control CPU 126 will draw the image before the power failure upon receiving that command. However, if the command indicating the state before the power failure is other than a specific command, an image will be drawn from the recovery image in response to a command (a customer waiting command, a variable pattern specification command) sent based on the interrupt management process (timer interrupt process) shown in FIG. 9.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After completing the above steps, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (Figure 35).

[Performance design management processing]
Fig. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the performance symbol management process. The performance symbol management process includes a subroutine group of execution selection process (step S500), performance symbol change pre-processing (step S502), performance symbol change process (step S504), performance symbol stop display process (step S506), and variable winning device operation time process (step S508). Below, the basic flow of the performance symbol management process will be explained along with each process.

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

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

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

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

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

[Pre-processing for changing the performance pattern]
39 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for pre-processing of a performance symbol variation. The following describes the procedure.

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

Step S602: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 selects a demo presentation pattern. The demo presentation pattern specifies the content of the presentation that indicates that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. Note that if a command other than a specific command is received while a recovery image is being displayed after power is restored after a power outage, the reception of a demo presentation command may trigger a recovery from the recovery image (displaying a demo presentation).

When the above steps are completed, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the address at the end of the performance pattern management process. The performance control CPU 126 then returns to the performance control process, and controls the content of the demo performance based on the demo performance pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 35) and lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 35).

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

Step S604: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current change is a miss (non-win). Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the lottery result command for non-win is saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for non-win is saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S612. Conversely, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for non-win is not saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S606. It should be noted that the confirmation of whether the current change is a miss can also be performed based on the change pattern command or the stop pattern command in addition to the lottery result command. In other words, if the current change pattern command corresponds to a miss normal change or a miss reach change, it can be determined that the current change is a miss. Alternatively, if the current stop pattern command specifies a non-win pattern, it can be determined that the current change is a miss.

Step S606: If the lottery result command is not a non-win (miss) (Step S604: No), the performance control CPU 126 then checks whether the current change is a jackpot. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the lottery result command at the time of the jackpot is saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the jackpot is saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S610. Conversely, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the jackpot is not saved (No), only the lottery result command at the time of the small win remains, so in this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S608. It is also possible to check whether the current change is a jackpot based on the change pattern command or the stop pattern command. In other words, if the current change pattern command corresponds to a jackpot change, it can be determined that the current change is a jackpot. Also, if the current stop pattern command corresponds to a jackpot pattern, it can be determined that the current change is a jackpot.

Step S608: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a variable presentation pattern selection process for a small win. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 determines the presentation pattern number at that time based on the variable pattern command (e.g., "C0H00H" to "D0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The presentation pattern numbers are prepared in advance in correspondence with the variable pattern commands, and the presentation control CPU 126 can select the presentation pattern number that corresponds to the variable pattern command at that time by referring to a presentation pattern selection table (not shown). Note that the presentation pattern number may be prepared in pairs with the variable pattern command, or multiple numbers may be prepared for one variable pattern command.

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

As mentioned above, the presentation for a small win may be the same as that for a miss, or it may be a presentation specifically for a small win that clearly indicates that a small win has been won.

The above procedure applies when a "small win" occurs, but if a "big win" occurs, the presentation control CPU 126 confirms in step S606 that it is a "big win" (Yes). In this case, the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S610.

Step S610: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a variable presentation pattern at the time of a jackpot. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 determines the presentation pattern number at that time based on the variable pattern command (for example, "E0H00H" to "F0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. In the process for selecting a presentation pattern at the time of a jackpot, the process may be further branched according to the symbols that stop at the time of a jackpot. In addition, if the variable pattern is a variable pattern that corresponds to a pseudo-continuous preview presentation, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a presentation pattern that executes a pseudo-continuous preview presentation during the execution of the variable display presentation (the same applies when a miss occurs). In the pseudo-continuous preview presentation, if the presentation symbols are temporarily stopped and then changed again, the pseudo-consecutive pattern can be stopped on the center presentation symbol.

If the winner is not a winner, the following procedure is executed. That is, when the performance control CPU 126 confirms in step S604 that the winner is a loser (Yes), it executes step S612.

Step S612: The performance control CPU 126 executes a miss-time variable performance pattern selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the miss-time performance pattern number based on the variable pattern command (e.g., "A0H00H" to "A6H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The miss-time performance pattern numbers are classified into "miss normal variable", "time-saving miss variable", "miss reach variable", etc., and furthermore, a detailed reach variable pattern is defined for "miss reach variable". Note that which performance pattern number the performance control CPU 126 selects is determined by the variable pattern command sent from the main control CPU 72.

When the presentation pattern number for a miss is selected, the presentation control CPU 126 refers to a presentation table (not shown) and determines the presentation pattern change schedule (change time, whether or not a reach occurs, and if a reach occurs, the type of reach and the timing of the reach occurrence) and the mode of the stop display (for example, "7"-"2"-"4", etc.) corresponding to the presentation pattern change at that time.

After executing any of the above steps S608, S610, and S612, the performance control CPU 126 then executes step S614.

Step S614: The performance control CPU 126 executes a performance selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects by lottery the contents of the preview performance to be executed during the current variable display performance. The contents of the preview performance are determined, for example, based on the result of an internal lottery (win or no win) or the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time-shortened state). As described above, the preview performance notifies the player that a reach state may occur during the variable display performance, or that a jackpot may ultimately result. Therefore, the selection ratio of the preview performance is set low when no win occurs, but the selection ratio of the preview performance is set relatively high when a win occurs in order to heighten the player's sense of expectation.

In this way, if the performance control CPU 126 wins the lottery on whether or not to execute a preview performance (if the specified performance execution conditions are met), it executes a preview performance (related to the specified performance, indicating whether the specified performance will be successful) that suggests that the performance pattern will be displayed stationary in a winning manner during the execution of the variable display performance (specified performance).

In addition, when the performance control CPU 126 decides to execute a preview performance in this preview selection process, it executes a process to determine at what point during the variable display to start the preview performance. Note that preview performances include not only various preview performances executed during the variable display (step-up preview performances, conversation preview performances, cut-in preview performances, group preview performances, role-drop performances, next preview performances, title color change performances), but also pseudo-continuous preview performances, look-ahead preview performances, memory marker change preview performances, etc.

In addition, in this embodiment, a background switching effect can be executed as a preview effect, in which the background display being displayed is switched while the changing display of the patterns is taking place. Then, by switching the background display with the background switching effect, the expectation of a big hit or a small hit is indicated.

Step S616: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a mode presentation management process. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process to select a presentation according to the game state. For example, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process to select a presentation according to the normal state, the big win game state, the small win game state, or the time-saving state.

Therefore, for example, when the time-saving state is in effect, the performance control CPU 126 controls the performance state to the time-saving state. As a result, the background displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and the performance sounds output from the speakers 54a to 54d correspond to the time-saving state. In addition, the performance control CPU 126 displays a remaining number of fluctuations display on the liquid crystal display 42 that indicates the number of remaining fluctuations in the time-saving state, and this remaining number of fluctuations display is displayed as a subtraction when the fluctuation display of the second special pattern is performed.

Then, in the time-saving state, when the first special symbol is displayed, the effect control CPU 126 hides the effect symbols 43L to 43R and displays only the mini symbol. Also, the reserved displays M1 and M2 are hidden, and the subtraction of the remaining number of changes in the time-saving state is stopped until the eighth first special symbol is displayed. Therefore, in the time-saving state, only the change of the effect symbol corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed, and only the reserved display M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed in the display area X2 during change. The remaining number of changes is always subtracted when the second special symbol is displayed, but when the first special symbol is displayed, the subtraction is displayed when the ninth or later first special symbol is displayed, and is not subtracted until the eighth first special symbol is displayed.

For example, when in a small win game state or a big win game state, the background displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and the sound effects output from the speakers 54a to 54d correspond to the small win game state or the big win game state. In the small win game state or the big win game state, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect that displays a right-hit suggestion image that encourages the player to shoot the game ball into the big prize opening 30b.

After completing the above steps, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance pattern management process (last address). As a result, in the subsequent performance pattern changing process (step S504 in FIG. 38), the changing display performance and the stop display performance are executed based on the actually selected changing performance pattern, and the preview performance is executed based on various preview performance patterns.

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

When selecting the effect data for the normal effect screen, the jackpot preparation screen, or the time-saving effect screen, the effect to be displayed on each screen is also selected. Then, in the subsequent processing during the effect pattern change (step S504 in FIG. 38), the effect control CPU 126 displays the selected effect screen and executes the selected effect.

[Performance selection process]
40 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for effect selection processing. The contents will be described below along with the example procedure.

Step S850: First, the performance control CPU 126 executes a performance selection lottery to select the type of performance to be executed. Note that the performance selection lottery may determine that no performance will be executed.

The effects selected in the effect selection lottery include an effect in which the movable body 40 is moved. The effects in which the movable body 40 is moved include an effect in which the movable body 40 only moves to a movable position, and an effect in which the movable body 40 moves to a movable position and the rear movable body 40b appears. The lottery is conducted so that the probability of each effect being executed is higher when a big win or small win has been won than when a loss has occurred. Furthermore, the expectation of a big win or small win is higher in an effect in which the movable body 40 moves to a movable position and the rear movable body 40b appears than in an effect in which the movable body 40 only moves to a movable position.

Furthermore, the effects selected in the effect selection lottery include an operation effect that prompts the player to operate the effect button 45. When an operation effect is selected, the effect control CPU 126 turns on the active lamp of the effect button 45.

Step S852: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the performance selected in the performance selection lottery is a background switching performance. If it is confirmed that it is a background switching performance (step S852: Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S854. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that it is a background switching performance (step S852: No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S856.

Step S854: The performance control CPU 126 executes a performance pattern selection lottery to select a performance pattern for the background switching performance.

Step S856: The performance control CPU 126 sets the performance data of the performance selected in the performance selection lottery, and returns to the performance pattern change pre-processing (Figure 39). Then, based on the set performance data, the performance control CPU 126 performs processing to execute the performance in steps S404, S406, and S408 of Figure 35. Note that this processing is omitted when it is decided not to execute the performance.

[Background switching effect patterns]
41 is an explanatory diagram of the presentation pattern of the background switching presentation. In this embodiment, the background display displayed in the background presentation has two types of low expectation backgrounds A and B and one type of high expectation background. The high expectation background is a background display with a higher expectation of a big win or a small win than the low expectation backgrounds A and B.

As shown in FIG. 41, there are two background switching patterns: pattern A and pattern B. Either pattern A or pattern B is selected in step S854 of FIG. 40.

In presentation pattern A, the background changes from a low expectation background to a low expectation background via a background switching presentation. In other words, if the background was low expectation background A, it is switched to low expectation background B, and if the background was low expectation background B, it is switched to low expectation background A. In presentation pattern B, the background changes from a low expectation background to a high expectation background via a background switching presentation.

The number of judgment values is determined so that in the event of a big win or small win, the selection rate for presentation pattern A is 20% and the selection rate for presentation pattern B is 80%. In the event of a miss, the number of judgment values is determined so that the selection rate for presentation pattern A is 80% and the selection rate for presentation pattern B is 20%.

By setting the selection probability in this way, the expectation for a big or small win increases when the background switches to a high expectation background.

[Display position of volume control image and light control image]
Next, the display positions of the volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 will be described with reference to Fig. 42 and Fig. 43. The volume adjustment image 51 and the light amount adjustment image 52 are displayed by the performance control CPU 126 performing the processes of steps S400c and S404 in Fig. 35.

As shown in FIG. 42, even when the movable body 40 moves to the movable position, operation of the volume adjustment button 13a or light adjustment button 13b is enabled. Then, when the volume adjustment button 13a or light adjustment button 13b is operated and the volume adjustment image 51 or light adjustment image 52 is displayed, the volume adjustment image 51 or light adjustment image 52 is displayed in a position where the volume icon 51a and light amount icon 52a are not covered by the movable body 40. On the other hand, the volume meter 51b and light amount meter 52b are covered by the movable body 40.

In this way, when the movable body 40 is moved to the movable position, a part of the volume adjustment image 51 or the light intensity adjustment image 52 is displayed, so that it is possible to identify that the volume or light intensity can be adjusted. This improves convenience.

In addition, the volume icon 51a and light intensity icon 52a are displayed, so you can easily tell which one is adjustable, improving convenience.

When the volume adjustment image 51 is covered by the movable body 40, operating the volume adjustment button 13a changes the volume, so the volume can be adjusted while listening to the sound. Also, when the light intensity adjustment image 52 is covered by the movable body 40, operating the light intensity adjustment button 13b changes the light intensity, so the light intensity can be adjusted while watching it.

Also, as shown in FIG. 43, when the rear movable body 40b appears when the movable body 40 moves to the movable position, the volume adjustment image 51 and the light intensity adjustment image 52 are covered by the rear movable body 40b.

In this embodiment, the selection probability of the effect is set so that the effect in which the movable body 40 moves to the movable position and the rear movable body 40b appears has a higher expectation of a big win or a small win than the effect in which the movable body 40 only moves to the movable position. In other words, the effect in which the rear movable body 40b appears is an effect with a high expectation.

Therefore, when a highly anticipated effect is executed, the volume control image 51 and the light intensity control image 52 are configured to be covered by the rear movable body 40b, thereby drawing attention to the effect and increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[Image suggesting hitting the right during a small hit]
Next, the right hit suggestion image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 during a small win will be described with reference to Fig. 44. The right hit suggestion image is displayed by the performance control CPU 126 performing the processes of steps S402 (specifically, step S616 in Fig. 39) and S404 in Fig. 35.

As shown in FIG. 44(a), when a small win starts, a right-hit suggestion image 200 is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, encouraging the player to shoot the game ball toward the large winning opening 30b (i.e., encouraging a right hit). The right-hit suggestion image 200 is composed of an image in which the words "Aim to the right" and a right-pointing arrow are displayed in a rectangular window.

As shown in FIG. 44(b), when 25 seconds have passed since the right-hit suggestion image 200 started to be displayed, that is, when there are 4 seconds left until the opening time of the large prize opening 30b, it is switched to a right-hit suggestion image 201 which encourages the player to shoot the game ball toward the large prize opening 30b (i.e., encourages a right hit). In the right-hit suggestion image 201, the words "Aim to the right" and the right-facing arrow in the right-hit suggestion image 200 are enlarged and displayed in a larger area than the right-hit suggestion image 200. This places more emphasis on hitting to the right in the right-hit suggestion image 201 than in the right-hit suggestion image 200.

As shown in FIG. 45(a), if the lower tray 6c becomes full with game balls while the right-hit suggestion image 200 is displayed, causing the full-tank switch 161 to turn ON and causing a full-tank error, text 202 ("Please remove the balls") urging the player to remove the game balls from the lower tray 6c is displayed. At this time, the text 202 urging the player to remove the game balls from the lower tray 6c is displayed in a position that does not overlap the right-hit suggestion image 200.

Also, as shown in FIG. 45(b), when the right-hit suggestion image 200 is displayed and a volume adjustment image 51 or light intensity adjustment image 52 is displayed, the volume adjustment image 51 or light intensity adjustment image 52 is displayed at a position that does not overlap the right-hit suggestion image 200.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 45(c), when the right-hit suggestion image 201 is displayed and text 202 ("Please remove the balls") urging the player to remove the game balls from the lower tray 6c is displayed, the text 202 urging the player to remove the game balls from the lower tray 6c is displayed in a layer higher than the right-hit suggestion image 201, and the text 202 urging the player to remove the game balls from the lower tray 6c is displayed in a position superimposed on the right-hit suggestion image 201.

Also, as shown in FIG. 45(d), when the right-hit suggestion image 201 is displayed and the volume adjustment image 51 or light intensity adjustment image 52 is also displayed, the volume adjustment image 51 or light intensity adjustment image 52 is displayed in a layer above the right-hit suggestion image 201, and the volume adjustment image 51 or light intensity adjustment image 52 is displayed in a position superimposed on the right-hit suggestion image 201.

In this embodiment, if the game ball does not enter the specific area 30d during a small win, it cannot develop into a big win, so it is important to shoot the game ball toward the big win opening 30b by hitting the ball to the right during a small win. This prevents the right hit suggestion image 200, which is displayed from the start of a small win, from being obscured by the text 202 encouraging the player to eject the game ball from the lower tray 6c, the volume adjustment image 51, and the light intensity adjustment image 52, and ensures that the game ball is encouraged to enter the big win opening 30b.

On the other hand, since the right hit suggestion image 201 is displayed over the entire screen, even if the text 202 encouraging the player to eject the game balls from the lower tray 6c, the volume adjustment image 51, and the light intensity adjustment image 52 are displayed in a position superimposed on the right hit suggestion image 201, the player can recognize that he or she needs to make a right hit. Also, since the right hit suggestion image 201 is displayed larger than the right hit suggestion image 200, it can also encourage the player to make a right hit more reliably just before the end of a small win.

In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the characters 202, the volume adjustment image 51, and the light intensity adjustment image 52 that prompt the player to eject the game balls from the lower tray 6c are not superimposed on the right-hit suggestion image 200, but are superimposed on the right-hit suggestion image 201. However, the characters 202, the volume adjustment image 51, and the light intensity adjustment image 52 that prompt the player to eject the game balls from the lower tray 6c are not superimposed on the right-hit suggestion image 201, but are superimposed on the right-hit suggestion image 200.

[Modification of right-hit suggestion image]
Next, modified examples of the right-hit suggestion image will be described with reference to Figures 46 to 48.

As shown in Figures 46(a) to 46(c), when a small win starts, a right-hit suggestion image 210 encouraging the player to hit to the right is displayed in the bottom right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The right-hit suggestion image 210 is composed of an image in which the words "Aim to the right" and an arrow pointing to the right are displayed in a rectangular window, along with a meter 210a indicating the time the game ball can enter the large winning hole 30b. The meter 210a is full at the start of a small win, and decreases as time passes. Furthermore, no sound accompanying the decrease in the meter 210a is output from the speakers 54a to 54d.

As shown in Figures 47(d) to 47(f), when there are 5 seconds left to open the large prize opening 30b, the right hit suggestion image 210 is switched to the right hit suggestion image 211. The right hit suggestion image 211 is configured with an image in the center of the screen that displays the words "Aim to the right" and an arrow pointing to the right, and a countdown display 211a showing the remaining time for opening the large prize opening 30b. Then, as the countdown display 211a progresses, sound is output from the speakers 54a to 54d. As a result, the right hit suggestion image 211 emphasizes hitting to the right more than the right hit suggestion image 210.

As shown in FIG. 48(a), if the lower tray 6c becomes full with game balls while the right-hit suggestion image 210 is displayed, causing the full-tank switch 161 to turn ON and causing a full-tank error, text 202 ("Please remove the balls") is displayed to prompt the player to remove the game balls from the lower tray 6c. At this time, the text 202 is displayed in a position that does not overlap the right-hit suggestion image 210, including the meter 210a.

Also, as shown in FIG. 48(b), when the right-hit suggestion image 210 is displayed and a volume adjustment image 51 or light intensity adjustment image 52 is displayed, the volume adjustment image 51 or light intensity adjustment image 52 is displayed at a position that does not overlap the right-hit suggestion image 210 including the meter 210a.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 48(c), when the right-hit suggestion image 211 is displayed and text 202 ("Please remove the balls") urging the player to remove the game balls from the lower tray 6c is displayed, the text 202 urging the player to remove the game balls from the lower tray 6c is displayed in a position superimposed on the right-hit suggestion image 211 including the countdown display 211a.

Also, as shown in FIG. 48(d), if a volume adjustment image 51 or a light intensity adjustment image 52 is displayed when a right-hit suggestion image 211 is displayed, the volume adjustment image 51 or the light intensity adjustment image 52 is displayed in a position superimposed on the right-hit suggestion image 211 including the countdown display 211a.

In this modified example, the display on the meter 210a allows the player to know the opening time of the large prize opening 30b, so that the player can be encouraged to more reliably insert the game ball into the large prize opening 30b.

In addition, when the countdown display 211a is performed, sound is also output, so that the player can recognize the time when the large prize opening 30b will be open, and this can encourage the player to more reliably insert the game ball into the large prize opening 30b.

[Examples of background switching effects]
Next, a specific example of background switching effects will be described with reference to Fig. 49. Fig. 49(a) shows effect pattern A in Fig. 41, and Fig. 49(b) shows effect pattern B in Fig. 41.

As shown in FIG. 49(a), a low expectancy background is normally displayed. When a background switching effect is executed in effect pattern A, the background switching effect is executed after the display of the changing effect patterns starts.

When a background switching performance is executed, the entire screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is covered with the background switching performance image 220. A portion of the background switching performance image 220 is transparent, and a portion of the performance pattern and a portion of the background image are displayed from this transparent portion. The background image after the switch can be seen from this transparent portion.

In performance pattern A, the low expectation background is switched to another low expectation background, so the low expectation background after the switch can be seen from the transparent portion of the background switching performance image. Specifically, if the low expectation background before the switch was A, the low expectation background B can be seen, and if the low expectation background before the switch was B, the low expectation background A can be seen. When the background switching performance ends, the performance pattern is displayed changing with the switched background displayed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 49(b), when a background switching effect is executed in effect pattern B, the background switching effect is executed after the display of the changing effect patterns starts, similar to effect pattern A.

When the background switching effect is executed, the entire screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is covered with the background switching effect image 220. In effect pattern A, the transparent portion of the background switching effect image 220 displays the low expectation background after the switch, but in effect pattern B, when the transparent portion of the background switching effect image 220 displays the high expectation background, the player notices that the background is being switched to a high expectation background at the time of the background switching effect.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the background switching performance image 220 of the background switching performance is displayed, a dummy low expectation background (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a dummy background) is displayed from the transparent portion of the background switching performance image 220.

If the dummy background before the switch was low expectation background A, low expectation background B is displayed, and if the dummy background before the switch was low expectation background B, low expectation background A is displayed. This prevents the player from guessing whether the switch is to presentation pattern A or presentation pattern B at the time of the background switching presentation. This prevents the development of the presentation from being predicted and the interest in the game from decreasing. Then, in the case of presentation pattern B, the high expectation background is displayed after the high expectation entry presentation is executed, which suggests that a high expectation background will be displayed after the background switching presentation ends.

In this embodiment, since two types of low expectation backgrounds are provided, an example is given in which if one low expectation background was displayed before switching, the other low expectation background is displayed as a dummy background. However, for example, if three or more types of low expectation backgrounds are provided, the method of determining the dummy background may be different from that of this embodiment, such as determining the dummy background by lottery from low expectation backgrounds other than the low expectation background before switching.

[About the effects during time-saving mode]
Next, the effects during the time-saving state will be described with reference to Figures 50 to 53. The effects in this example are performed by the effect control CPU 126 executing step S616 in Figure 39.

As shown in FIG. 50(a), first, assume that a jackpot occurs in the normal state, and the number of activation memories for the first special symbol is "4" at the time the jackpot occurs. Therefore, the number of activation memories for the first special symbol is "4" is displayed in the special symbol 1 reserved display area Z1. In addition, four reserved displays M1 are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 50(b), when an ending performance is executed during a jackpot game state, the jackpot game state ends. In the illustrated example, the number of game balls won during the jackpot game state is displayed during the ending performance.

As shown in FIG. 50(c), when the jackpot game state ends, the time-saving state starts, but since the number of activation memories for the first special symbol was "4" at the time the jackpot occurred, the first special symbol is displayed for the first to fourth special symbol changes during the time-saving state. Therefore, the performance symbols 43L to 43R are not displayed, and the reserved displays M1 and M2 are also not displayed. Then, the character 230 ("READY") indicating that the time-saving state is about to start is displayed in the center of the screen. During the time-saving state, the right-hit suggestion image 200 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 51(d), when the first change display of the first special symbol starts in the time-saving state, the number of operation memories of the first special symbol displayed in the special symbol 1 reserved display area Z1 is subtracted to "3", and the change display of the mini symbol starts in the mini symbol display area Z3. At this time, the character 230 ("READY") indicating that the time-saving state is starting remains displayed, and the performance symbols 43L to 43R and the reserved displays M1 and M2 remain hidden. Also, because the change display of the first special symbol has not been performed eight times, the subtraction display of the remaining number of changes in the time-saving state 232 ("100 times remaining") is not performed. Note that the right-hit suggestion image 200 remains displayed during the time-saving state.

As shown in FIG. 51(e), when the display of the first special symbol stops, the display of the mini symbol stops in the mini symbol display area Z3 (in the example shown, "8 1 3"). At this time, the character 230 ("READY") indicating that the time-saving state is about to begin remains displayed, and the performance symbols 43L-43R and the reserved displays M1 and M2 remain hidden.

As shown in FIG. 51(f), when the operation memory is consumed and the second first special symbol change display starts, the number of operation memories of the first special symbol displayed in the special symbol 1 reserved display area Z1 is subtracted to "2", and the mini symbol change display starts in the mini symbol display area Z3. At this time, the character 230 ("READY") indicating that the time-saving state is about to start remains displayed, and the performance symbols 43L-43R and the reserved displays M1 and M2 remain hidden. Also, because the first special symbol change display has not been performed eight times, the remaining number of changes in the time-saving state 232 ("100 times remaining") is not subtracted.

As shown in FIG. 52(g), when the fourth first special symbol activation memory is consumed and the variable display of the first special symbol stops, the variable display of the mini symbol stops in the mini symbol display area Z3 (in the example shown, "6 4 3"). At this time, the character 230 ("READY") indicating that the time-saving state is about to start remains displayed, and the performance symbols 43L-43R and the reserved displays M1 and M2 remain hidden.

As shown in FIG. 52(h), if a game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b while the operation memory of the first special symbol is being consumed, the display of the change of the second special symbol will start after the operation memory of the fourth first special symbol is consumed. At this time, the performance symbols 43L to 43R are displayed, but the combination of mini symbols that has been stopped last after the operation memory of the fourth first special symbol is consumed (i.e., the combination of mini symbols corresponding to the first special symbol) is displayed in the performance symbols 43L to 43R (in this example, "6 4 3"). In addition, the hold display M2 is displayed in the pre-change display area X1 and the change display area X2. Note that this example shows an example in which three operation memories of the second special symbol have occurred. In addition, the remaining number of changes display 232 in the time-saving state is displayed with a subtraction, subtracting from 100 times to 99 times. Furthermore, the number of operation memories of the second special symbol displayed in the special symbol 2 hold display area Z2 is subtracted to "2".

As shown in FIG. 52(i), when the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the display of the effect symbols 43L-43R corresponding to the second special symbol begins. Also, the display of the mini symbol begins to vary in the mini symbol display area Z3. Then, the effect symbols 43L-43R and the mini symbol that have been displayed in a variable manner are displayed as still. Note that in the example shown in the figure, the state in which the effect symbols 43L-43R and the mini symbol are displayed as still is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 53(j), the second special symbol is repeatedly changed during the time-saving state, and for example, the remaining number of changes indicator 232 indicates 70 changes and the second special symbol stops. At this time, a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26. The number of changes of the first special symbol during the time-saving state is 8 or less.

As shown in FIG. 53(k), when the first special symbol starts to change, the mini symbol display area Z3 starts to change. At this time, the performance symbols 43L-43R and the reserved symbols M1 and M2 are hidden, and the background display is displayed. Also, because the first special symbol has not changed eight times, the remaining number of changes display 232 ("70 times remaining") in the time-saving state is not decreased. Note that the right-hit suggestion image 200 remains displayed during the time-saving state.

As shown in FIG. 53(l), when the display of the first special symbol stops, the display of the mini symbol stops in the mini symbol display area Z3. At this time, the performance symbols 43L to 43R and the reserved symbols M1 and M2 also remain hidden. The background display continues to be displayed as is.

As shown in FIG. 53(m), if a game ball enters the second start winning hole 28b after the first special symbol has stopped changing or while the first special symbol is being changed, the second special symbol will start changing. At this time, the performance symbols 43L to 43R are displayed, and the combination of mini symbols corresponding to the first special symbol that stopped in the previous change is displayed in the performance symbols 43L to 43R (in this example, "3 8 1"). In addition, the pending display M2 is displayed in the changing display area X2. In addition, the remaining number of changes in the time-saving state 232 is displayed with a subtraction, subtracting from 70 times to 69 times. Then, the display of the performance symbols 43L to 43R corresponding to the second special symbol starts changing, and the mini symbol display area Z3 starts changing.

After that, when the first special symbol changes during the time-saving mode, the same display will be shown. Note that in the normal mode, whether the first or second special symbol changes, the display of the effect symbol changes or is on hold will be shown as normal.

In this embodiment, in the time-saving state, if the normal lottery is won, a long opening is executed, so that the game ball is more likely to enter the second start winning port 28b than in the normal state. And when the game ball enters the second start winning port 28b, a 10-round small win can occur, and if a 2-round big win is won, the state is controlled to a long-term time-saving state, while only a 2-round big win can occur in the first start winning port 26. Therefore, in the time-saving state, if the first special pattern is displayed in a variable manner, the player may feel a sense of loss. For this reason, in this embodiment, the display of the performance pattern corresponding to the first special pattern is not performed in the time-saving state, the display of the reserved pattern is not performed, and further, the remaining number of changes is not subtracted, so that the player is less likely to notice that the display of the first special pattern is being displayed in the time-saving state. This can increase the interest of the game in the time-saving state.

In this embodiment, when the first special pattern change display is performed in the time-saving state, the remaining change count display 232 is displayed without being subtracted. However, the display mode when the remaining change count is not updated in the time-saving state may be different from the above embodiment, for example, by superimposing a performance image that makes the number portion of the remaining change count display 232 invisible, or by hiding the remaining change count display 232.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is given in which the remaining number of changes in the time-saving state is updated by performing a subtraction display on the remaining number of changes display 232, but the display mode when updating the remaining number of changes in the time-saving state may be a display mode different from that of the above embodiment, for example, by adding the number of changes performed in the time-saving state, or by changing the color or character according to the number of changes in the time-saving state.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the working memory is consumed in the order of winning, but the configuration may be such that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is consumed preferentially over the other.

[Image creation when power is restored]
Next, the construction of an image on the liquid crystal display 42 when power is restored will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 54, when the power is turned on again after being cut off, the recovery image 240 is displayed first. The recovery image 240 displays "Screen display is recovering. Please continue playing." Therefore, the player can continue playing even when the recovery image 240 is displayed.

Then, when the recovery image 240 is displayed, if a command is received indicating the state before the power failure, the image before the power failure is drawn.

Specifically, for example, when a command to specify that a symbol is changing is sent from the main control CPU 72 to the performance control CPU 126, an image 242 of the performance symbol changing is drawn on the liquid crystal display 42. Also, when a command to specify that a symbol is stopped is sent from the main control CPU 72 to the performance control CPU 126, an image 244 of the performance symbol stopped is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. Also, when a command to specify that a small win is opening is sent from the main control CPU 72 to the performance control CPU 126, an image 246 of the small win is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. Also, when a command to specify that a large prize opening is opened when a small win is sent from the main control CPU 72 to the performance control CPU 126, an image 248 of the large prize opening is opened when a small win is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42.

In this embodiment, the display time of the pattern in the final variation in the time-saving state is longer than that in the normal variation (for example, 5 seconds). Therefore, if a power interruption recovery occurs during the display of the performance pattern, and the image is constructed after waiting until the pattern variation display starts or until the pattern variation display starts (so-called waiting for customers), the display time of the image during recovery 240 will be long. Also, if a power interruption recovery occurs during the opening performance of a small win, and the image is constructed after waiting until the start of the small win, the display time of the image during recovery 240 will be long. Furthermore, if a power interruption recovery occurs during the opening of the small win while the large win opening 30b is open during a small win, if the image is constructed after waiting until the large win opening 30b closes, the player may not immediately resume playing, which may cause a disadvantage.

Therefore, for example, the above-mentioned problems can be solved by drawing images when a command to specify that a symbol is stopped and displayed, a command to specify that a small win is opening, or a command to specify that a large prize opening is opened when a small win is hit is sent after power is restored.

In addition, in this embodiment, it is also possible to draw an image when a jackpot opening command or a jackpot opening command is sent after power is restored.

[Effects of the above embodiment]
(a1) In the above embodiment,
A gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) equipped with a movable body (in this example, a movable body 40),
The device includes an operation unit (in this example, a volume control button 13a, a light amount control button 13b, and a performance button 45) for performing an operation, and an image display unit (in this example, a liquid crystal display 42) for displaying an image,
The operation means includes specific operation means (in this example, a volume control button 13a and a light amount control button 13b),
Based on the operation of the specific operation means, it is possible to cause the image display means to display a predetermined image (in this example, a volume control image 51 and a light amount control image 52) (in this example, FIG. 3 );
When the movable body is moved, a part of the image display area of the image display means may be covered by the movable body (in this example, FIG. 42 ).
an operation of the specific operation means is enabled when a part of the image display area is covered by the movable body;
When the specific operating means is operated when part of the image display area is covered by the movable body, the specified image is displayed at a position where part of the specified image is not covered by the movable body (in this example, Figure 42).
Therefore, when the movable body is moved, it can be recognized that the operation of the specific operating means is enabled, thereby improving convenience.

(a2) In the above embodiment,
The operation means is a special operation means (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) different from the specific operation means,
An operation means (in this example, a performance button 45) is included,
The special operation means is equipped with a light-emitting means (in this example, an effective lamp shown in Figure 5) that can emit light when the operation is enabled, while the specific operation means does not have the light-emitting means, and operation of the special operation means is disabled when part of the image display area is covered by the movable body.
Therefore, unlike the special operation means, the specific operation means cannot determine whether or not the operation is valid based on the light emitted by the light-emitting means, so by preventing part of the specified image from being covered by the movable body, it is possible to recognize that the operation of the specific operation means is enabled, increasing convenience, while making it possible to cover most of the image display area with the movable body, thereby enhancing the presentation effect.

(a3) In the above embodiment,
The movable body includes a first movable body (in this example, a front movable body 40a) and a second movable body (in this example, a rear movable body 40b),
The first movable body has a smaller area covering the image display area than the second movable body (in this example, FIGS. 42 and 43 ),
It is more advantageous when the second movable body is moved than when the first movable body is moved,
A portion of the predetermined image is not covered by the first movable body, but is covered by the second movable body (in this example, Figures 42 and 43).
Therefore, when a moving body performance with a low degree of advantage is performed, visibility of the specified image is ensured by not covering part of the specified image, while when a moving body performance with a high degree of advantage is performed, part of the specified image is allowed to be hidden to prioritize the appearance of the moving body performance, thereby improving the presentation effect while increasing convenience.

(b1) In the above embodiment,
A gaming machine capable of displaying performance images (in this example, a pachinko machine 1),
The effect image includes a first effect image (in this example, a right hit suggestion image 200 shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45), a second effect image (in this example, a right hit suggestion image 201 shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45), and a third effect image (in this example, a volume adjustment image 51 and a light amount adjustment image 52 shown in FIG. 45),
The first performance image is an image that encourages the player to launch the game ball toward a predetermined area (in this example, the large winning hole 30b) (in this example, the right hit suggestion image 200 shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 ),
The second effect image is an image that encourages the player to launch the game ball toward a predetermined area in a display mode different from that of the first effect image (in this example, the right hit suggestion image 201 shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 ),
The third effect image is an image having a display mode different from that of the first effect image and the second effect image (in this example, a volume control image 51, a light amount control image 52, and a character 202 encouraging the player to eject the game balls from the lower tray 6c, as shown in FIG. 45 ).
The second effect image can be displayed when a predetermined time (in this example, 25 seconds) has elapsed since the first effect image was displayed (in this example, FIG. 44 );
The third performance image can be displayed when the first performance image is displayed, and can be displayed when the second performance image is displayed (in this example, FIG. 45 );
It can be displayed so as to be superimposed on either the first performance image or the second performance image, but not superimposed on the other (in this example, FIG. 45).
Therefore, visibility of at least the first presentation image or the second presentation image can be ensured, thereby increasing interest in the game.

(b2) In the above embodiment,
At least one of the first presentation image or the second presentation image further indicates the time during which the game ball can be entered into the specified area (in this example, meter 210a in Figure 46 and countdown display 211a in Figure 47).
This makes it possible to grasp the state of the game, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(b3) In the above embodiment,
The device is provided with audio output means (in this example, speakers 54a to 54d) capable of outputting audio,
The first effect image is an image in which a plurality of types of effect images are switched (in this example, the portion in which the meter 210a changes as shown in FIG. 46 ),
The second effect image is an image in which a plurality of types of effect images are switched (in this example, the countdown display 211a changes as shown in FIG. 47 ),
When the first or second performance image is displayed and the performance image is switched, no sound is output, and when the other performance image is displayed and the performance image is switched, sound can be output (in this example, Figures 46 and 47).
This makes it possible to grasp the state of the game, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(b4) In the above embodiment,
The display area of the second performance image is larger than that of the first performance image (in this example, FIGS. 46 and 47).
Therefore, even if the third performance image is superimposed on the second performance image, the second performance image can be made visible, and by enlarging the second performance image, it is possible to emphasize the launching of the game ball into a specified area, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

(c1) In the above embodiment,
In a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of executing a background effect capable of displaying a background image and capable of executing one of a plurality of types of background effects based on the progress of a game (in this example, Figs. 41 and 49),
The plurality of types of background effects include a first background effect (in this example, a low expectation background A) capable of displaying a first background image, a second background effect (in this example, a low expectation background B) capable of displaying a second background image, and a third background effect (in this example, a high expectation background) capable of displaying a third background image,
the third background effect is more advantageous than the first background effect and the second background effect,
The presentation patterns of the background presentation include a first presentation pattern (in this example, presentation pattern A shown in Figures 41 and 49(a)) in which a background transition presentation in which a part of the second background image is displayed while the first background presentation is being executed, and the second background presentation is executed, and a second presentation pattern (in this example, presentation pattern B shown in Figures 41 and 49(b)) in which a background transition presentation in which a part of the second background image is displayed while the first background presentation is being executed, and the third background presentation is executed.
Therefore, when a background transition effect is executed, it is impossible to predict whether the subsequent background effect will be the second background effect or the third background effect, which can increase the interest in the game.

(c2) In the above embodiment,
The background transition effect is an effect in which part of the background image is displayed transparently (in this example, FIG. 49).
This makes it possible to enhance the presentation effect and increase the enjoyment of the game.

(d) In the above embodiment,
In a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) equipped with a gaming control means (in this example, a main control CPU 72) that controls a game, and an image display control means (in this example, a performance control CPU 126) that can display an image based on information received from the gaming control means,
If a power outage occurs in a specific situation (in this example, while the performance pattern is stopped, during the opening performance of a small win, or while the large prize opening 30b is open upon a small win), the image display control means is capable of displaying the image before the power outage when it receives first information corresponding to the specific situation from the game control means after power is turned on (in this example, a command to specify that the pattern is stopped during display, a command to specify that the small win is opening, or a command to specify that the large prize opening is open upon a small win), and if a power outage occurs in a situation other than the specific situation (in this example, while the pattern is changing during display, or while waiting for the pattern changing display to start), it is capable of displaying the image before the power outage when it receives second information (in this example, a command to specify that the pattern is changing during display) from the game control means after power is turned on.
This makes it possible to restore the image depending on the game situation, which allows the game to progress smoothly.
In the above embodiment, the specific situation is described by taking as an example the stopped display of the performance pattern, the opening performance of the small win, and the opening of the large prize winning port 30b in the small win, but the specific situation may be a situation different from the above embodiment, such as the opening performance of the big win, or the opening of the large prize winning port 30b in the big win. The same applies to situations other than the specific situation. If the opening performance of the big win or the opening of the large prize winning port 30b in the big win is the specific situation, the first information may be the big win opening designation command or the big prize winning port opening designation command at the time of the big win.

(e1) In the above embodiment,
In a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of variable display of identification information (in this example, a special symbol),
A state control means (in this example, step S2300 in FIG. 14 and step S5512 in FIG. 30) is provided that can control the game machine to a favorable state (in this example, a big win game state) based on the result of the variable display of the identification information, and can control the game machine to a special state (in this example, a time-saving state) in which the variable display of the identification information is likely to be executed after the advantageous state ends,
The identification information includes first identification information (in this example, a first special symbol) and second identification information (in this example, a second special symbol),
The state control means is capable of ending the special state based on a variable number of times the second identification information is displayed in the special state (in this example, step S2428 of FIG. 18 );
The execution of the variable display of the second identification information is more likely to be advantageous than the execution of the variable display of the first identification information (in this example, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 ).
It is possible to execute variable display of the performance identification information (in this example, performance pattern, mini pattern) corresponding to the variable display of the identification information (in this example, FIG. 32 and FIG. 33),
The effect identification information includes a first effect identification information (in this example, an effect pattern) and a second effect identification information (in this example, a mini pattern) having a smaller display area than the first effect identification information (in this example, FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 ),
A variable display count display (in this example, a remaining variable count display 232) capable of specifying the variable display count of the second identification information in the special state can be displayed (in this example, FIG. 50 ),
The variable display count display can be updated when the variable display of the second identification information is performed (in this example, FIG. 52).
When the variable display of the first identification information is executed in the special state, the update display of the variable display count display is not performed, and the variable display of the second performance identification information is executed without executing the variable display of the first performance identification information (in this example, Figures 50 and 51).
Therefore, when the variable display of the first identification information is executed in a special state, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize that the variable display of the first identification information is being executed, so that the player can be prevented from feeling a loss and the interest of the game can be increased.

(e2) In the above embodiment,
In addition, when executing the variable display of the second identification information in the special state, the variable display of the first performance identification information and the second performance identification information is executed (in this example, FIG. 52 ),
When executing the variable display of the first identification information in the special state and then executing the variable display of the second identification information, the result of the variable display of the second performance identification information corresponding to the first identification information is displayed using the first performance identification information, and then the variable display of the first performance identification information and the second performance identification information is executed (in this example, Figure 52).
This allows the game to proceed smoothly, making the game more enjoyable.

(f) In the above embodiment,
In a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of variable display of identification information (in this example, a special symbol),
A state control means (in this example, step S2300 in FIG. 14 and step S5512 in FIG. 30) is provided that can control the game machine to a favorable state (in this example, a big win game state) based on the result of the variable display of the identification information, and can control the game machine to a special state (in this example, a time-saving state) in which the variable display of the identification information is likely to be executed after the advantageous state ends,
The identification information includes first identification information (in this example, a first special symbol) and second identification information (in this example, a second special symbol),
The state control means is capable of ending the special state based on a variable number of times the second identification information is displayed in the special state (in this example, step S2428 of FIG. 18 );
The execution of the variable display of the second identification information is more likely to be advantageous than the execution of the variable display of the first identification information (in this example, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 ).
It is possible to execute variable display of the performance identification information (in this example, performance pattern, mini pattern) corresponding to the variable display of the identification information (in this example, FIG. 32 and FIG. 33),
The effect identification information includes a first effect identification information (in this example, an effect pattern) and a second effect identification information (in this example, a mini pattern) having a smaller display area than the first effect identification information (in this example, FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 ),
When the variable display of the first identification information is executed in the special state, the variable display of the second performance identification information is executed without executing the variable display of the first performance identification information (in this example, FIG. 50 and FIG. 51 ).
When the variable display of the second identification information is executed in the special state, the variable display of the first effect identification information and the second effect identification information is executed (in this example, FIG. 52 ).
When executing the variable display of the first identification information in the special state and then executing the variable display of the second identification information, the result of the variable display of the second performance identification information corresponding to the first identification information is displayed using the first performance identification information, and then the variable display of the first performance identification information and the second performance identification information is executed (in this example, Figure 52).
Therefore, when the variable display of the first identification information is executed in a special state, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize that the variable display of the first identification information is being executed, so that the player can be prevented from feeling a loss and the interest of the game can be increased.

[Variations]

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

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

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the time-saving state was controlled after the end of a jackpot, but the machine may also be configured to be controlled to the time-saving state after the power is turned on to the pachinko machine, or after the end of a jackpot, if the next jackpot does not occur even after the variable display has ended a predetermined number of times (e.g., 500 times). The variable display being performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 500 times) after the occurrence of a jackpot is referred to as reaching the ceiling, and the time-saving state controlled by this is referred to as ceiling time-saving.

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

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

In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine 1 in which a small win develops into a big win when passing through a specific area 30d of the big win opening 30b has been used as an example. However, the invention may also be applied to a probability-varying type gaming machine in which the probability of winning a big win changes when passing through a specific area 30d of the big win opening 30b.

In the case of probability-varying type pachinko machines, the present invention may be applied to ST type gaming machines (types that set a practical upper limit on the number of times the chance of winning) and loop type gaming machines (types that do not set a practical upper limit on the number of times the chance of winning)

The present invention can also be applied to pachinko machines with settings, machines with a probability limiter, and pachinko machines equipped with a performance display monitor.

In the above embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko machine that uses game balls has been described, but the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine in which the amount of bet is set using medals and credits as gaming value, the reels are spun by operating a start lever, the spinning reels are stopped by operating a stop button, and a prize can be awarded depending on the type of pattern or combination of patterns when the reels stop.

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

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

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

Claims (1)

A gaming machine including a game control means for controlling a game and an image display control means for displaying an image based on information received from the game control means,
The game includes a variable game in which the result of the game is shown by a symbol that is stopped and displayed after being changed;
The game control means is capable of setting a time-saving game state which is more advantageous to a player than a normal game state,
When the variable game in the time-saving game state is a specific variable game that satisfies a predetermined condition, a waiting time until the next variable game is started is longer than that of a variable game that does not satisfy the predetermined condition,
The image display control means
When a power outage occurs during the standby time , an image before the power outage can be displayed when first information relating to the standby time is received from the game control means after the power is turned on,
This gaming machine is characterized in that if a power outage occurs during the varying display , the image before the power outage can be displayed when second information related to the varying display is received from the gaming control means after the power is turned on.