JP7485120B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, a gaming machine equipped with a variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of pictures is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When a gaming ball enters an actuation port (initial ball entry means), this gaming machine executes an internal lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. For example, when a big win lottery is won, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures and the like, and transitions the gaming state to a specific control state that is advantageous to the player. In this specific control state, the gaming machine pays out a large number of gaming balls, for example, by transitioning the variable winning device to a state in which a gaming ball can enter.
Incidentally, such a gaming machine stores reserved information in an information storage means in the order in which gaming balls enter the operating port, and displays a common image such as a reserved pattern associated with the reserved information on the basis of the reserved information stored in the information storage means. After starting the variable display of the patterns, the gaming machine also executes a number of types of effects that make the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

JP 2005-074175 A

However, because the multiple types of effects are executed in a chaotic manner to simplify the control of the gaming machine, they can affect the common image displayed on the variable display means, which can cause problems in that the player cannot enjoy playing the game comfortably.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that allows players to play comfortably.

The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a launching means for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board, a starting ball entry means into which a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and which serves as a trigger for executing a predetermined lottery based on the entry of the gaming ball, a variable display means for executing a variable display of a plurality of symbols based on the execution of the predetermined lottery, and an effect execution means for executing an effect including a reach display effect in which a variable display is executed in a state in which a predetermined number of symbols are displayed in a predetermined combination on the variable display means, and the starting ball entry means includes a first starting ball entry means and a second starting ball entry means different from the first starting ball entry means and capable of switching between an allowable state in which the entry of the gaming ball is allowed and a restrictive state in which the entry of the gaming ball is restricted. This gaming machine is equipped with a reserved display means for displaying a number of reserved images for performance corresponding to the reserved number of rights for variable display reserved up to a predetermined upper limit when a gaming ball enters the start ball entry means, and the variable display includes a first variable display which is executed in response to the entry of a gaming ball into the first start ball entry means, and a second variable display which is executed in response to the entry of a gaming ball into the second start ball entry means, and the performance execution means includes a suggestive information display means which is capable of displaying a predetermined suggestive information image at least in a plurality of first variable displays which are displayed consecutively, and a specific performance corresponding to the second variable display, overlapping with the predetermined suggestive information image, in a situation in which the predetermined suggestive information image is displayed with a predetermined display content on the variable display means based on the entry of a ball into the second start ball entry means. and a specific performance display means capable of displaying a specific image, the specific performance display means comprising a termination means for terminating the display of the specific performance image executed by the variable display means in a situation in which a specific suggestive information image is displayed with a specific display content by the variable display means, the specific suggestive information image being configured such that the display content of the specific suggestive information image can change before the display of the specific performance image is terminated, this gaming machine is capable of simultaneously viewing the specific suggestive information image and the specific performance image, and the specific suggestive information image displayed overlapping with the second variable display in which the specific performance image is displayed is configured such that the specific suggestive information image does not interfere with viewing of the specific variable display of the multiple patterns in the second variable display, and this gaming machine is The game device is provided with a special effect display means for displaying a special effect image following the specific effect image after the display of the specific effect image has ended when the conditions are met, and when the special effect image is displayed, it is of high value to the player, and the suggestive information display means is capable of displaying multiple types of suggestive information images as the display content of a specific suggestive information image, and when the specific suggestive information image is displayed overlapping with the specific effect image, the game device is provided with a means for maintaining the display content of the specific suggestive information image without changing it for a specified period of time, and a means for continuing to display the specific suggestive information image in the position that was displayed when the display of the specific effect image began, and the specific effect image can be displayed continuously over multiple game rounds based on the execution of the permissible state .

According to the present invention, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Front view of the game board FIG. 1 shows a display screen of a pattern display device. Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine A diagram showing the contents of each counter used in the internal lottery A diagram showing a winning/losing table that stores the random number values that will result in a big win. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an allocation table that stores random number values related to the allocation destination of the jackpot type. FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of timer interrupt processing. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the winning process for the operating port. FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of normal processing. FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of main processing. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a game play control process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a data setting process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation start process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a game state transition process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of opening and closing the big prize opening. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of opening the large prize opening; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a transition process when the open/close execution mode is ended. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the audio and light emission control device. A block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a display control device. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by the audio/light emission control device. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a reservation determination process; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for generating a reservation; A diagram showing the contents of the sub-side reservation information storage area A diagram showing a notice reserved pattern, a normal reserved pattern, and a special reserved pattern displayed on the display screen of a pattern display device. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a hold shift process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance pattern. A diagram showing the flow of pre-reading performance A diagram showing the relationship between game results and game states, etc. A diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when it is determined that advance reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. A diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when the first reservation shift process is performed after it is determined that advance reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. A diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when a second reservation shift process is performed after it is determined that advance reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. A diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when it is determined that advance reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area, a first reservation shift process is executed, and then it is determined that special reservation information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reservation area. A diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when a hold shift process is executed after it is determined that special hold information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side hold area. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for determining an effect pattern according to a second embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when a hold shift process is executed after it is determined that special hold information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side hold area. A diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when a second reservation shift process is performed after it is determined that special reservation information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a presentation pattern according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when it is determined that special hold information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side hold area, the performance for consuming the special hold is terminated, and the performance for consuming the advance hold is executed.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
The pachinko machine 10 is a type of gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine. As shown in Fig. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main body 12 that is rotatably attached to the front (front side) of the outer frame 11.

The gaming machine main body 12 includes an inner frame (not shown) supported by the outer frame 11 so as to be rotatable with one of the left and right sides as the support side, a front door frame 13 arranged in front of the inner frame and supported by the inner frame so as to be rotatable forward with one of the left and right sides as the support side, and a back pack unit (not shown) arranged behind the inner frame and supported by the inner frame so as to be rotatable backward with one of the left and right sides as the support side.

The gaming machine main body 12 is equipped with a locking device (not shown) provided at its rotating tip. This locking device has the function of locking the gaming machine main body 12 so that it cannot be opened relative to the outer frame 11, and also has the function of locking the front door frame 13 so that it cannot be opened relative to the inner frame. These locked states are released by using an unlocking key to perform an unlocking operation on the cylinder lock 14, which is exposed on the front of the pachinko machine 10.

The front door frame 13 has a generally elliptical window section 21 provided so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame, and a window panel 22 fitted into the window section 21. Note that in this embodiment, the window panel 22 is formed of glass to be colorless and transparent, but it may also be formed of synthetic resin or the like to be colorless and transparent.
In addition, the front door frame 13 is equipped with an indicator lamp section 23 provided above the window section 21 as part of the light-emitting means composed of various lamp sections etc. provided around the window section 21, speaker sections 24 provided on both the left and right sides of the indicator lamp section 23 and outputting sound effects etc. according to the game status, and an upper bulge section 25 and a lower bulge section 26 provided below the window section 21.

The upper bulging portion 25 and the lower bulging portion 26 are arranged side by side one above the other and are both provided to bulge forward.
The upper bulge 25 has an upper tray 25a provided inside so as to open upward. The upper tray 25a has a function of temporarily storing game balls dispensed by a dispenser 71 (see FIG. 4) provided in the back pack unit, and guiding the game balls to the game ball launching mechanism 81 (see FIG. 4) while aligning them in a row.
The lower bulge 26 has a lower tray 26a provided on the inside thereof so as to be similarly open upward. The lower tray 26a has a function of storing surplus game balls in the upper tray 25a.

The front door frame 13 further includes a launch handle 27 as a launching means provided to the right of the lower tray 26a. This launch handle 27 is operated by a player of the pachinko machine 10 to launch game balls from a game ball launching mechanism 81 provided below the inner frame toward a game area provided above the inner frame. The launch handle 27 changes the amount of rotation to change the launch strength of the game balls launched toward the game area, i.e., the momentum of the launch.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board.
2, the game board 31 has an inner rail portion 32 and an outer rail portion 33 attached to its surface, and is mounted on an inner frame. The above-mentioned game area is formed on the game board 31 so as to be partitioned by the inner rail portion 32 and the outer rail portion 33. Almost the entire game area can be viewed from the front through the window portion 21.
The inner rail portion 32 and the outer rail portion 33 form a guide rail 34 for game balls into the game area, and this guide rail 34 guides the game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism 81 when the player rotates the launch handle 27 to the top of the game area.

The guide rail 34 is formed so that its exit portion is located on one side of the play area and faces the upper center of the play area. Therefore, the arrival position of the game ball at the top of the play area shifts from the side where the exit portion of the guide rail 34 is formed to the opposite side as the amount of rotation of the launch handle 27 by the player increases. In this embodiment, the exit portion of the guide rail 34 is provided on the left side of the play area.

The game board 31 has a number of openings, large and small, formed in the game area by router processing so as to penetrate in the front-rear direction. The game board 31 also has a general winning opening 35, an upper operating opening (first starting ball entry section) 36, a lower operating opening (second starting ball entry section) 37, a variable winning device 38, and an outlet 39, which are provided at each opening. The game board 31 also has through gates 41 provided on the left and right sides of the center, a main display device 42 provided on the upper right side, a variable display unit 43 provided in the center, and the like. Furthermore, the game board 31 has a number of nails 44 planted in the game area to appropriately disperse or adjust the falling direction of the game balls, as well as various components (gimmicks) such as windmills.

Each of the various winning openings of the general winning opening 35, the upper operating opening 36, the lower operating opening 37, and the variable winning device 38 is equipped with a detection sensor 40a to 40d (see FIG. 4) that detects the entry of a game ball, and these detection sensors 40a to 40d are arranged on the back side of the game board 31. Specifically, the general winning opening 35 is equipped with a detection sensor 40a, the upper operating opening 36 is equipped with a detection sensor 40b, the lower operating opening 37 is equipped with a detection sensor 40c, and the variable winning device 38 is equipped with a detection sensor 40d. The pachinko machine 10 executes the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls based on the detection results of the detection sensors 40a to 40d. The detection sensors 40a to 40d may be any type that can individually detect the entry of a game ball, and for example, an electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor can be used.

Specifically, the pachinko machine 10 will pay out 10 prize balls if a ball enters the general winning port 35. The pachinko machine 10 will pay out 3 prize balls if a ball enters the upper operating port 36 and if a ball enters the lower operating port 37. The pachinko machine 10 will pay out 15 prize balls if a ball enters the variable winning device 38. The number of prize balls is arbitrary, and for example, the number of prize balls for each operating port 36, 37 may be different.

The outlet 39 is provided at the bottom of the game area of the game board 31. Game balls that do not enter the various winning holes are discharged from the game area through this outlet 39. The outlet 39 also has a detection sensor 40e (see FIG. 4) that detects the entry of game balls, and this detection sensor 40e is disposed on the rear side of the game board 31. Note that when a ball enters the outlet 39, the pachinko machine 10 does not pay out prize balls, unlike when a ball enters one of the various winning holes.

Each through gate 41 is equipped with a detection sensor 40f (see FIG. 4) that detects the entry of a game ball, and this detection sensor 40f is disposed on the rear side of the game board 31. Note that when a ball enters each through gate 41, the pachinko machine 10 does not pay out prize balls, unlike when a ball enters one of the various winning holes.

Here, "entering a ball" refers to a game ball passing through a specified opening, and includes not only the situation where the game ball passes through an opening and is discharged from the game area, but also the situation where the game ball continues to flow down the game area without being discharged from the game area after passing through an opening. However, in the following explanation, in order to clearly distinguish it from the game ball entering the outlet 39, the entry of the game ball into the various winning ports is also referred to as "winning". Also, the entry of a ball into the through gate 41 refers to the game ball continuing to flow down the game area without being discharged from the game area after passing through a gate provided in the game area. The entry of a ball into this through gate 41 is also referred to as "winning", just like the entry of a ball into the various winning ports.

The upper actuation port 36 and the lower actuation port 37 are unitized as an actuation port device and installed on the game board 31. Each actuation port 36, 37 opens upward so that game balls flowing down the game area can enter, and are arranged side by side in the vertical direction with the upper actuation port 36 positioned at the top and the lower actuation port 37 positioned at the bottom. The lower actuation port 37 has an electric device 37a as a guide piece (support piece) composed of a pair of left and right movable pieces.

The electric role 37a is connected to an electric role drive unit 37b mounted on the back side of the game board 31. This electric role 37a is set to either a closed state (unsupported state or unguided state) or an open state (supported state or guided state) by being driven by the electric role drive unit 37b. The closed state is a state in which the lower operating port 37 is closed by bringing the upper ends of the electric role 37a closer together in the left-right direction. The open state is a state in which the lower operating port 37 is opened by moving the upper ends of the electric role 37a apart in the left-right direction.

When the electric device 37a is set to the closed state, the distance between the top end of the electric device 37a and the upper operating port 36 is narrower than the width of one game ball. When the electric device 37a is set to the open state, the distance between the top end of the electric device 37a and the upper operating port 36 is wider than the width of one game ball. Therefore, when the electric device 37a is set to the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the lower operating port 37, but when it is set to the open state, the game ball can enter the lower operating port 37.

In addition, instead of the closed and open states described above, the electric device 37a may be configured to switch between a state in which it is difficult for game balls to enter the lower operating port 37 (a state in which game balls can enter, unlike the closed state) and a state in which it is easy for game balls to enter the lower operating port 37. Also, the lower operating port 37 may be configured to perform such switching by displacing the lower operating port 37, rather than by setting the electric device 37a, and in this case, the lower operating port 37 does not need to be equipped with the electric device 37a.

The variable winning device 38 is equipped with a large winning opening 38a that opens upward to allow game balls flowing down the game area to enter the game, an opening/closing door 38b for opening and closing the large winning opening 38a, and a variable winning drive unit 38c that drives the opening/closing door 38b.
Furthermore, the player can hit the launch handle 27 to the right with the maximum rotational amount, thereby shifting the arrival position of the game ball at the top of the game area from the side where the exit portion of the guide rail 34 is formed to the opposite side, thereby directing the game ball to the variable winning device 38, avoiding the variable display unit 43, etc.

Here, the game board 31 is provided with a cover 381 provided so as to cover the front side of the variable winning device 38. This cover 381 is provided with a transparent panel 381a formed transparent (or semi-transparent) so that the variable winning device 38 can be seen from the front side, and an opaque panel 381b provided around this transparent panel 381a and formed opaque.
Therefore, the player can see the variable winning device 38 from the front through the transparent panel 381a and the window portion 21.

The big prize opening 38a is provided in an opening formed in the game area so that it penetrates in the front-to-rear direction by applying router processing. As described above, this big prize opening 38a is equipped with a detection sensor 40d that detects the entry of game balls. The pachinko machine 10 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls based on the detection result.

The opening/closing door 38b is formed in a rectangular plate shape and is provided on the game board 31 so as to close the opening of the large prize opening 38a. The opening/closing door 38b has a closed state in which it advances toward the window panel 22 and protrudes from the game board 31 to close the opening of the large prize opening 38a, and an open state in which it retreats toward the inside of the game board 31 and sinks into the game board 31 to open the opening of the large prize opening 38a.
The variable winning drive unit 38c drives the opening/closing door 38b to set the opening/closing door 38b to either an open state or a closed state.

Specifically, the opening/closing door 38b is normally set to a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the opening/closing execution mode, but when a transition to the opening/closing execution mode is won in an internal lottery and the mode is transitioned to, the opening/closing door 38b is set to an open state in which the game ball can enter the opening/closing execution mode.
The opening and closing execution mode (specific control state) refers to a mode in which the opening and closing door 38b is set to an open state and game balls can enter the big prize opening 38a. In the opening and closing execution mode, the period from when the opening and closing door 38b is set to an open state until it is set to a closed state again is called one round of play.

The main display device 42 has a main display section 45 and a display section for reels 46, and is configured by arranging a plurality of display devices such as a segment display in which a plurality of segment light-emitting sections are arranged in a predetermined manner, and a dot display.
The main display device 42 is provided on the game board 31 so as to bulge toward the window panel 22 provided on the front side of the main display device 42. That is, the main display device 42 is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the window panel 22. The distance between the main display device 42 and the window panel 22 is narrower than the distance of one game ball. This allows the pachinko machine 10 to prevent the game ball from falling between the main display device 42 and the window panel 22. In other words, the pachinko machine 10 prevents the game ball from falling in front of the main display device 42.

The main display unit 45 includes a first result display unit 45a for displaying the results of an internal lottery based on winning the upper operating port 36, and a second result display unit 45b for displaying the results of an internal lottery based on winning the lower operating port 37 (see FIG. 4). The main display unit 45 may further include a round display unit for clearly indicating the number of rounds played in the opening/closing execution mode when the opening/closing execution mode is activated (or when the opening/closing execution mode is activated).

The first result display unit 45a executes the varying display of the pattern using the winning of the upper operation port 36 as a trigger, and displays the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning of the upper operation port 36 as the stopping result of the varying display. If the result of this internal lottery corresponds to the transition to the opening and closing execution mode, the first result display unit 45a displays the predetermined stopping result. After that, the pachinko machine 10 transitions to the opening and closing execution mode.
The second result display unit 45b executes the varying display of the image using the winning of the lower operation port 37 as a trigger, and displays the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning of the lower operation port 37 as the stopping result of the varying display. If the result of this internal lottery corresponds to the transition to the opening and closing execution mode, the second result display unit 45b displays the predetermined stopping result. After that, the pachinko machine 10 transitions to the opening and closing execution mode.

The device display unit 46 executes a changing display of the image when a winning entry is made at each through gate 41, and displays the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning entry at each through gate 41 as the result of stopping the changing display. If the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a transition to an electric role open state, the device display unit 46 displays a predetermined stop result. The pachinko machine 10 then transitions to an electric role open state. In this electric role open state, the electric device 37a provided at the lower operating port 37 is opened in a predetermined manner.

In this embodiment, the main display unit 45 and the gadget display unit 46 are configured with segment displays, but are not limited to this and may be configured with other types of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a CRT, a dot matrix, etc. In addition, the images displayed on the main display unit 45 and the gadget display unit 46 may be configured to display multiple types of letters, multiple types of symbols, multiple types of characters, or multiple colors that are switched between.

The variable display unit 43 is equipped with a pattern display device 47 that variably displays (variably displays or switches between) patterns, which are a type of picture. The variable display unit 43 also has a center frame 48 that is arranged to surround the pattern display device 47. The upper part of this center frame 48 is arranged to bulge toward the window panel 22 provided on the front side. This prevents game balls from falling in front of the display screen G of the pattern display device 47, and is configured to prevent inconvenience such as reduced visibility of the display screen G due to falling game balls.

The pattern display device 47 is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display. This pattern display device 47 starts displaying a variable pattern based on the winning of the upper operation port 36 or the lower operation port 37. That is, when the pattern display device 47 executes a variable display in the first result display section 45a of the main display section 45 and when the pattern display device 47 executes a variable display in the second result display section 45b of the main display section 45, the pattern display device 47 executes a variable display accordingly.
It should be noted that the pattern display device 47 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be another display device such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT.

The center frame 48 has a first hold lamp section 49a provided in the lower left area of the pattern display device 47, a second hold lamp section 49b provided in the lower right area of the pattern display device 47, and a third hold lamp section 49c provided in the upper area of the pattern display device 47.

The first reserved lamp section 49a is a section that displays the number of reserved game balls that have entered the upper operating port 36, and lights up according to the number of reserved balls. This first reserved lamp section 49a can reserve up to four game balls, and corresponds to the changing display of the first result display section 45a and the symbol display device 47.
The second reserved lamp section 49b is a section that displays the number of reserved game balls that have entered the lower operating port 37, and lights up according to the number of reserved balls. This second reserved lamp section 49b can reserve up to four game balls, and corresponds to the variable display of the second result display section 45b and the symbol display device 47.
The third reserved lamp section 49c is a section that displays the number of reserved game balls that have entered each through gate 41, and lights up according to the number of reserved balls. This third reserved lamp section 49c can reserve up to four game balls, and corresponds to the variable display of the device display section 46.
In addition, each of the reservation lamp sections 49a to 49c may have another configuration, such as being displayed as an image on a part of the pattern display device 47 described later.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen of the pattern display device.
The display screen G of the symbol display device 47 is divided into three display areas as shown in Fig. 3, and in each display area, a left symbol row Z1, a middle symbol row Z2, and a right symbol row Z3 are displayed in order from the left. Each symbol row Z1 to Z3 is configured by arranging eight types of symbols consisting of the numbers "1" to "8" in ascending order from bottom to top, with "1" following "8". In Fig. 3, the center line of each display area is indicated by a dashed line.

The symbol display device 47 starts a variable display of symbols by periodically scrolling the symbols of each symbol row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment) based on the winning of the upper operation port 36 or the lower operation port 37, thereby executing a performance for a game round on the display screen G. This performance for a game round switches from a variable display to a static display in the order of the left symbol row Z1 → the right symbol row Z3 → the center symbol row Z2, and finally ends with a predetermined symbol being statically displayed on the pay line L.
In other words, a game round refers to the period from when the main display unit 45 and the symbol display unit 47 start to display a varying display based on winning at each operating port 36, 37 until a predetermined stop result is displayed.

The manner in which the patterns are displayed in the pattern display device 47 is not limited to the above and can be any manner. For example, the number of pattern rows, the direction of scrolling of each pattern row, the number of patterns in each pattern row, etc. can be changed as appropriate. Also, instead of the pattern of only numbers, the pattern of each pattern row may be a combination of pictures and numbers, or may be a pattern of only pictures.

<Electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine.
As shown in Fig. 4, the pachinko machine 10 includes a main control device 60, a sound and light emission control device 90, and a display control device 100, which are mounted on the rear side of the inner frame. The pachinko machine 10 also includes a payout control device 70 that executes payout control to make the payout device 71 described above pay out game balls, and a power supply and launch control device 80 that executes launch control to make the game ball launch mechanism 81 described above launch game balls, which are mounted on the back pack unit.

The main control device 60 includes a main control board 61 that controls the main game (main control) and a power outage monitoring board 65 that monitors the power supply. The main control device 60 includes a board box that houses the main control board 61 and the like. This board box may be equipped with a trace means that leaves a trace when it is opened, or a trace structure that leaves a trace when it is opened. Specifically, the trace means may be a configuration in which a board box is formed by joining multiple case bodies, and a joining part (crimping part) that requires destruction of a predetermined part when each case body is separated is provided, or a configuration in which a sealing seal that leaves a trace of removal by leaving an adhesive layer on the adhesion target when peeled off is attached so as to straddle the boundaries between multiple case bodies. In addition, the trace structure may be a configuration in which an adhesive is applied to the boundaries between these case bodies.

The main control board 61 includes an MPU 62 mounted on the main control board 61, and a ROM 63 and a RAM 64 which constitute the MPU 62. The MPU 62 is an element which combines, on a chip, the ROM 63, the RAM 64, a CPU, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, and a counter circuit acting as a random number generator.
In this embodiment, the ROM 63 and the RAM 64 are integrated into a single chip for the MPU 62, but they may be integrated into separate chips. This also applies to the MPUs of the other control devices other than the main control device 60.

The ROM 63 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data, and is a non-volatile storage means that does not require an external power supply to hold the stored information. The ROM 63 has various areas such as a win/lose table storage area 63a, a distribution table storage area 63b, and a reach table storage area 63c. These areas will be described in detail later.
The RAM 64 is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 63 is executed, and is a volatile storage means that requires an external power supply to hold the stored information. The RAM 64 has various areas such as a counter area 64a, a reserved ball storage area 64b, and an electric role reserved area 64c. These areas will be described in detail later.

The MPU 62 has an input port and an output port. The input port of the MPU 62 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 65 provided in the main control unit 60 and to the multiple detection sensors 40a to 40f. The output port of the MPU 62 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 65, the payout control unit 70, and the sound and light emission control unit 90. The output port of the MPU 62 is also connected to the electric role drive unit 37b that opens and closes the electric role 37a of the lower operating port 37, the variable winning drive unit 38c that opens and closes the opening and closing door 38b of the variable winning device 38, the main display unit 45, and the role display unit 46.

The main control board 61 has a driver circuit. The MPU 62 controls the drive of various drive units through this driver circuit. Specifically, in the electric role open state, the MPU 62 controls the drive of the electric role drive unit 37b to open and close the electric role 37a. In the open/close execution mode, the MPU 62 controls the drive of the variable winning drive unit 38c to open and close the large winning opening 38a. In each game, the MPU 62 controls the display of the main display unit 45 to display the results of the internal lottery based on the winning of each operating opening 36, 37. Furthermore, the MPU 62 controls the display of the role display unit 46 to display the results of the internal lottery based on the winning of each through gate 41.

The power failure monitoring board 65 relays between the main control board 61 and the power supply and launch control device 80 having the function of supplying operating power, and monitors the stable 24 V DC voltage output from the power supply and launch control device 80. Therefore, the MPU 62 receives power via the power failure monitoring board 65.
The detection sensors 40a to 40f are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the various winning ports of the general winning port 35, the upper operating port 36, the lower operating port 37, and the variable winning device 38, the out port 39, and each through gate 41. Based on the detection results of the detection sensors 40a to 40f, the MPU 62 performs winning judgments (ball winning judgments) for the various winning ports, the out port 39, and each through gate 41. The MPU 62 executes an internal lottery based on the winning judgment for the upper operating port 36 or the lower operating port 37.

The payout control device 70 executes payout control to cause the payout device 71 to pay out prize balls and loan balls (game balls loaned to players when playing) based on commands (control instructions) sent from the main control device 60.

The power supply and firing control device 80 is connected to a commercial power source (external power source) in, for example, an amusement facility. The power supply and firing control device 80 generates the operating power required for the main control board 61, the payout control device 70, etc. based on the external power supplied from the commercial power source, and supplies the generated operating power. The power supply and firing control device 80 is equipped with a power supply unit for use during power outages, such as a backup capacitor. This power supply unit for use during power outages supplies power for memory retention to the RAM 64 of the main control device 60 even in the event of a power outage in which the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off.

The power supply/launch control device 80 also executes launch control to cause the game ball launch mechanism 81 to launch the game balls. Here, the game ball launch mechanism 81 includes a launch rail extending toward the guide rail 34 of the game board 31, a ball feed device that supplies the game balls stored in the upper tray 25a onto the launch rail, and a solenoid, which is an electric actuator that launches the game balls supplied onto the launch rail toward the guide rail 34. When predetermined launch conditions are met, the power supply/launch control device 80 supplies a drive signal (launch permission signal) to the solenoid to launch the game balls.

<Electrical configuration for executing internal lottery in MPU 62 of main control device 60>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of each counter used in the internal lottery.
As shown in FIG. 5, the MPU 62 executes an internal lottery by using the values (information) of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4. Specifically, the MPU 62 uses the jackpot random number counter C1 to draw the jackpot occurrence, the jackpot type counter C2 to draw the type of the jackpot when the jackpot occurs, and the reach random number counter C3 to draw whether or not to generate the reach display. The MPU 62 also uses the random number initial value counter CINI to set the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and uses the variable type counter CS to determine the display duration time in the main display unit 45 and the pattern display unit 47. Furthermore, the MPU 62 uses the electric role release counter C4 to draw whether or not to open the electric role of the electric role 37a of the lower operating port 37. The counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in the various counter areas 64a (see FIG. 4) of the RAM 64.

Each time the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are updated, 1 is added to the previous value, and the counters are loop counters that return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated periodically, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 64. Among the values stored in the lottery counter buffer, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b (see FIG. 4) provided in the RAM 64 as an acquired information storage means when a game ball enters the upper operating port 36 or the lower operating port 37. Among the values stored in the lottery counter buffer, the value of the electric role release counter C4 is stored in the electric role reserve area 64c (see FIG. 4) of the RAM 64 when a game ball enters each through gate 41.

The reserved ball storage area 64b includes a reserved area Ra for the first result display section, a reserved area Rb for the second result display section, and an execution area AE.

The first result display reserve area Ra provided as the first acquired information storage means has four storage areas, the first area Ra1 to the fourth area Ra4. Each area Ra1 to Ra4 is set to a storage capacity capable of storing a set of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3. The MPU 62 stores the sets of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 as reserved information in each area Ra1 to Ra4 in chronological order according to the entry of the game ball into the upper actuation port 36. Specifically, when the upper actuation port 36 is entered multiple times in succession, the MPU 62 stores the reserved information in chronological order in the order of the first area Ra1 → the second area Ra2 → the third area Ra3 → the fourth area Ra4.

In this way, the first result display section reserve area Ra has four memory areas, so that up to four winning game balls can be reserved in the upper operating port 36. The first result display section reserve area Ra also has a memory area for writing the number of reserved balls stored in each of the areas Ra1 to Ra4.
In addition, the number of reserved items related to the upper operating port 36 is not limited to four and is arbitrary, and may be other multiples such as two, three, or five or more, or may be single.

The second result display reserve area Rb provided as the second acquired information storage means has four storage areas, the first area Rb1 to the fourth area Rb4. Each area Rb1 to Rb4 is set to a storage capacity capable of storing a set of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3. The MPU 62 stores the sets of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 as reserved information in each area Rb1 to Rb4 in chronological order according to the entry of the game ball into the lower actuation port 37. Specifically, when the entry into the lower actuation port 37 occurs multiple times in succession, the MPU 62 stores the reserved information in chronological order in the first area Rb1 → second area Rb2 → third area Rb3 → fourth area Rb4.

In this way, the second result display section reserve area Rb has four memory areas, so that up to four winning game balls can be reserved in the lower operating port 37. The second result display section reserve area Rb also has a memory area for writing the reserved numbers stored in the areas Rb1 to Rb4.
In addition, the number of reserved items related to the lower operating port 37 is not limited to four and is arbitrary, and may be other multiples such as two, three, or five or more, or may be single.

The execution area AE is an area for moving the pending information stored in the memory area of the first result display unit pending area Ra or the second result display unit pending area Rb when starting the variable display of each result display unit 45a, 45b.

The electric winning reserve area 64c has four memory areas, similar to the first result display reserve area Ra and the second result display reserve area Rb. Therefore, up to four winning balls can be reserved in each through gate 41.
In addition, the number of reserved gates for each through gate 41 is not limited to four and is arbitrary, and may be other multiples such as two, three, or five or more, or may be singular.

<Detailed explanation of each counter>
Each counter will be described in detail below.
First, the electric role release counter C4 will be described. The electric role release counter C4 is a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 250 by, for example, adding 1 to the previous value each time it is updated and returning to 0 after reaching a maximum value of 250.
The electric role opening counter C4 is periodically updated, and the updated value is stored in the electric role holding area 64c of the RAM 64 via the lottery counter buffer at the timing when the game ball enters each through gate 41.
Then, the MPU 62 executes a lottery (electric role release lottery) to determine whether or not to put the electric role 37a of the lower operating port 37 into an electric role release state based on the value of the electric role release counter C4 stored in the electric role reservation area 64c.

Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a plurality of support modes that differ from each other in the frequency with which the electric device 37a is set to the open state to allow game balls to enter the lower operating port 37. Specifically, the pachinko machine 10 has a low-frequency support mode (low-frequency guide state) in which the electric device 37a is set to the open state relatively rarely, and a high-frequency support mode (high-frequency guide state) in which the electric device 37a is set to the open state relatively frequently.

In the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the electric role opening state in the electric role opening lottery is the same (for example, both are 4/5). However, in the high-frequency support mode, when the electric role opening state is won, the electric role 37a is set to the open state more times and the opening time of each time the electric role 37a is set to the open state is longer than in the low-frequency support mode. In addition, in the high-frequency support mode, the closing time for setting the electric role 37a to the closed state during each opening in one electric role opening state is shorter than the opening time of one time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum time secured as the waiting time between the end of the electric role opening lottery and the next electric role opening lottery (the duration of one variable display on the role display unit 46) is shorter than in the low-frequency support mode.

Therefore, in the high frequency support mode, the game ball is more likely to enter the lower actuation port 37 than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the player hits the launch handle 27 to the left with a medium rotation amount, and the game ball's arrival position in the upper part of the play area is shifted from the side where the exit part of the guide rail 34 is formed to the center, thereby increasing the probability of the game ball entering the upper actuation port 36 rather than the lower actuation port 37. In the high frequency support mode, the player hits the launch handle 27 to the right with a maximum rotation amount, and the game ball's arrival position in the upper part of the play area is shifted from the side where the exit part of the guide rail 34 is formed to the opposite side, thereby increasing the probability of the game ball entering the lower actuation port 37 rather than the upper actuation port 36.
When a winning ball is detected in the lower operating port 37, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out, so that in the high frequency support mode, the player can play without losing too many game balls.

In this way, in this embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a left-hand hitting route (first path) that makes it easier for game balls to enter the upper operating port 36 and harder for game balls to enter the lower operating port 37, and a right-hand hitting route (second path) that makes it easier for game balls to enter the lower operating port 37 and harder for game balls to enter the upper operating port 36.

The configurations of the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode are not limited to this. For example, the high-frequency support mode may be configured to increase the probability of winning the electric role open state in the electric role open lottery compared to the low-frequency support mode. Also, for example, multiple types of securing times may be prepared, and the high-frequency support mode may be configured to make it easier to select a short securing time compared to the low-frequency support mode, and may be configured to shorten the average of the selected securing time. Furthermore, by combining the conditions of the number of times the electric role 37a is set to the open state, the opening time, and the securing time, the high-frequency support mode may be configured to relatively increase the frequency of setting the electric role 37a to the open state compared to the low-frequency support mode.

Next, we will explain the jackpot random number counter C1. For example, each time the jackpot random number counter C1 is updated, 1 is added to the previous value, and after it reaches a maximum value of 599, it returns to 0, making it a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 599. Furthermore, each time the jackpot random number counter C1 goes through one loop, it reads the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that point in time as its initial value. Note that the random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 599, just like the jackpot random number counter C1.

The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and the updated value is stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b of the RAM 64 via the lottery counter buffer when a gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 36 or the lower actuation port 37. Specifically, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the reserved area Ra for the first result display section of the RAM 64 when a gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 36, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second result display section of the RAM 64 when a gaming ball enters the lower actuation port 37.
Then, the MPU 62 executes a lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a win/lose table that stores the random number values that will result in a big win.
Among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the random number value that will result in a jackpot is stored as a hit/miss table (hit/miss information group) in a hit/miss table memory area 63a (see Figure 4) of a ROM 63 provided as a hit/miss information group storage means, as shown in Figure 6.

Here, the pachinko machine 10 has two winning/losing lottery modes: a low probability mode (low probability state) in which it is difficult to win a jackpot, and a high probability mode (high probability state) in which it is easy to win a jackpot. The winning/losing table includes a winning/losing table for the low probability mode (low probability winning/losing information group) shown in Fig. 6(a) and a winning/losing table for the high probability mode (high probability winning/losing information group) shown in Fig. 6(b).
The MPU 62 compares these winning/losing tables with the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b to execute a lottery for determining whether a jackpot will occur.

These winning/losing tables have the results of the lottery (winning/losing results) for the occurrence of multiple jackpots, including a "jackpot win," a "special losing result," and a "normal losing result."
Specifically, in a gaming state in which the winning/losing table for the low probability mode is referenced when drawing the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, there are two random number values that result in a "jackpot win," as shown in Figure 6(a).
In contrast, in a gaming state in which the hit/miss table for the high probability mode is referenced when drawing the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, as shown in Fig. 6(b), the random number values for a "jackpot win" are 21. Here, the random number values for a "jackpot win" stored in the hit/miss table for the low probability mode are included in the random number values for a "jackpot win" stored in the hit/miss table for the high probability mode.

The values and numbers of random numbers stored in each hit/miss table are arbitrary, and the high probability mode only needs to have a higher probability of "winning the jackpot" compared to the low probability mode. The value of the random number that results in a "winning the jackpot" stored in the hit/miss table for the high probability mode does not need to include the value of the random number that results in a "winning the jackpot" stored in the hit/miss table for the low probability mode, and may include a portion of the value of the random number that results in a "winning the jackpot" stored in the hit/miss table for the low probability mode.

In addition, in each win/lose lottery mode, any random number value other than the "jackpot win" will not result in a jackpot and will result in a loss.
Here, as described above, the pachinko machine 10 has two types of failure results: a "special failure result (small win result)" and a "normal failure result." These failure results are common in that neither of them triggers a transition to the win/lose lottery mode or the support mode. However, they are different in that the "special failure result" triggers a transition to the opening/closing execution mode, whereas the "normal failure result" does not trigger a transition to the opening/closing execution mode.

Next, the big win type counter C2 will be described. The big win type counter C2 is a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 29 by, for example, adding 1 to the previous value each time it is updated and returning to 0 after reaching a maximum value of 29.
The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and the updated value is stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b of the RAM 64 via the lottery counter buffer when a gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 36 or the lower actuation port 37. Specifically, the value of the jackpot type counter C2 is stored in the first result display section reserved area Ra of the RAM 64 when a gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 36, and is stored in the second result display section reserved area Rb of the RAM 64 when a gaming ball enters the lower actuation port 37.
Then, when a jackpot occurs, the MPU 62 executes a lottery (allocation lottery) for the type of the jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an allocation table that stores random number values related to allocation destinations for each type of big win.
The random number values related to the allocation destination of the jackpot type are stored as an allocation table (allocation information group) in an allocation table storage area 63b (see FIG. 4) of a ROM 63 provided as an allocation information group storage means, as shown in FIG. 7. The allocation table includes a first allocation table (first allocation information group) shown in FIG. 7(a) and a second allocation table (second allocation information group) shown in FIG. 7(b).
The MPU 62 compares these distribution tables with the value of the big win type counter C2 stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b to execute a lottery for determining the type of big win.

The first allocation table is a table which is referenced when a lottery is conducted to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2 which has been shifted from the reserve area Ra for the first result display section to the execution area AE, i.e., the value of the jackpot type counter C2 which is based on an entry into the upper operating port 36.
As shown in Fig. 7(a), the first allocation table allocates a number of allocation results, including "low probability result (special allocation result corresponding to low probability)", "non-explicit few rounds high probability result (latent high probability result corresponding to few rounds)", "explicit few rounds high probability result (high probability result corresponding to few rounds)", and "most favorable result (special allocation result corresponding to high probability)". Specifically, in the first allocation table, of the value "0 to 29" of the jackpot type counter C2, "0 to 9" is allocated to "low probability result", "10 to 14" is allocated to "non-explicit few rounds high probability result", "15 to 19" is allocated to "explicit few rounds high probability result", and "20 to 29" is allocated to "most favorable result".

The second allocation table is a table which is referenced when a lottery is conducted to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2 which has been shifted from the reserve area Rb for the second result display section to the execution area AE, i.e., the value of the jackpot type counter C2 which is based on an entry into the lower operating port 37.
As shown in Fig. 7(b), the second allocation table allocates two allocation results, "low probability result" and "most favorable result". Specifically, in the second allocation table, of the value "0 to 29" of the jackpot type counter C2, "0 to 9" is allocated to the "low probability result" and "10 to 29" is allocated to the "most favorable result".

Each allocation result has a difference in at least one of the following conditions (1) to (3).
(1) A winning/losing lottery mode after the opening/closing execution mode is completed. (2) A support mode after the opening/closing execution mode is completed. (3) A state in which the variable winning device 38 is controlled to open or close in the opening/closing execution mode.

First, the differences in the winning/losing selection modes (1) will be explained.
The "low probability result" is a distribution result in which the winning/losing lottery mode is set to the low probability mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends, regardless of the winning/losing lottery mode before the opening/closing execution mode ends. This low probability mode continues at least until the winning/losing lottery results in a "jackpot win."
The "non-explicit few rounds high probability result", "explicit few rounds high probability result", and "best result" are distribution results in which the winning/losing lottery mode is set to the high probability mode after the open/close execution mode ends, regardless of the winning/losing lottery mode before the open/close execution mode ends. This high probability mode continues at least until the winning/losing lottery results in a "jackpot win".

Next, the difference in support mode (2) will be described.
The "low probability result" is a distribution result in which the support mode is set to the high frequency support mode after the end of the opening and closing execution mode regardless of the support mode before the end of the opening and closing execution mode. This high frequency support mode transitions to the low frequency support mode when the number of times of play reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times).

The "non-explicit few rounds high probability result" is an allocation result that maintains the support mode before the end of the opening and closing execution mode. Here, if the support mode before the end of the opening and closing execution mode was the high frequency support mode, the high frequency support mode will continue at least until the winning or losing lottery results in a "jackpot win".
The "high probability result with fewer rounds" and the "most favorable result" are allocation results in which the support mode is set to the high frequency support mode after the end of the open/close execution mode, regardless of the support mode before the end of the open/close execution mode. This high frequency support mode continues at least until the winning/losing lottery results in a "jackpot win."

The differences in the manner in which the variable winning device 38 is controlled to open and close in the opening and closing execution mode (3) will be explained in detail later.

Next, the reach random number counter C3 will be described. The reach random number counter C3 is a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 238 by, for example, adding 1 to the previous value each time it is updated and returning to 0 after reaching a maximum value of 238.
The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and the updated value is stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b of the RAM 64 via the lottery counter buffer when the gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 36 or the lower actuation port 37. Specifically, the value of the reach random number counter C3 is stored in the reserved area Ra for the first result display section of the RAM 64 when the gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 36, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second result display section of the RAM 64 when the gaming ball enters the lower actuation port 37.
Then, the MPU 62 executes a lottery (reach occurrence lottery) to determine whether or not to generate a reach display based on the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b.

The reach display is an expected effect that occurs when the winning/losing lottery results in a "normal miss result" rather than a "jackpot win."
Specifically, when the lottery results in a "normal miss" rather than a "jackpot win," the MPU 62 compares the reach table with the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b to execute a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a reach display, and generates the reach display if the lottery results in the reach display being generated. The reach table is a table that stores the value of the random number related to the generation of the reach display, and is stored in the reach table storage area 63c of the ROM 63 (see FIG. 4).

Here, if the winning/losing lottery results in a "jackpot win" and the allocation lottery results in a "most favorable result," the pattern display device 47 displays a combination of patterns having the same odd numbers or the same even numbers as a stop result on the valid line L. Also, if the winning/losing lottery results in a "jackpot win" and the allocation lottery results in a "low probability result," the pattern display device 47 displays a combination of patterns having the same even numbers as a stop result on the valid line L. Furthermore, if the winning/losing lottery results in a "jackpot win" and the allocation lottery results in a "non-disclosed low round high probability result" or "disclosed low round high probability result," or if the winning/losing lottery results in a "special loss result" without a "jackpot win," the pattern display device 47 displays a combination of special patterns having different numbers as a stop result on the valid line L, rather than a combination of patterns having the same numbers, which would not be selected in the case of a "normal loss result" in the winning/losing lottery.

The reach display occurs regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 when a combination of symbols with the same numbers is finally displayed (when the win/loss lottery results in a "jackpot win" and the allocation lottery results in a "most favorable result" or "low probability result") regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. Also, the reach display does not occur regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 when a special combination of symbols is finally displayed (when the win/loss lottery results in a "jackpot win" and the allocation lottery results in a "non-disclosed low round high probability result" or "disclosed low round high probability result" or the allocation lottery results in a "special loss result" without a "jackpot win" in the win/loss lottery).

The mode of the reach display is such that, among the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47, some of the pattern rows (e.g., pattern row Z1 and pattern row Z3) are displayed stopped on the activated line L to display a combination of the same patterns to suggest the stopped result, and in this state, the remaining pattern rows (e.g., pattern row Z2) are displayed in a variable manner.
Therefore, by generating a reach display, the pachinko machine 10 can make the player hope that after the varying display has started on the pattern display device 47 and before the specified stopping result is displayed, the winner has won the jackpot in the win/lose lottery and has been allocated a low probability result or a most favorable result in the allocation lottery.

The manner in which the reach display is displayed is not limited to this, and some of the symbol rows may be displayed stationary while the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner, with a predetermined character or the like being displayed as a moving image in the background, or each symbol row may be displayed in a reduced size or hidden, with a predetermined character or the like being displayed as a moving image over substantially the entire display screen G.

The pachinko machine 10 has an expectation effect as a type of variable display of the symbol display device 47. An expectation effect is an effect that makes the player expect that he or she will win the jackpot in the win/lose lottery after the variable display starts on the symbol display device 47 and before the specified stop result is displayed. Specifically, the pachinko machine 10 has two types of expectation effects: the reach display and the advance notice display mentioned above.

The advance notice is an expected effect that makes it easier to generate an effect when the winning/losing lottery results in a "jackpot win" or when the winning/losing lottery results in a "special miss" rather than a "jackpot win" than when the winning/losing lottery results in a "normal miss". Instead of making the effect easier to generate, the advance notice may make it easier to select an effect with a low occurrence rate, or they may be combined.
It should be noted that while the lottery as to whether or not to generate a reach display is executed by the main control device 60, the lottery as to whether or not to generate a preview display is executed by the audio and light emission control device 90.

The mode of the advance notice display is such that, among the multiple symbol rows Z1 to Z3 displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 47, all of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are displayed in a variable manner, a portion of the symbol rows (e.g., the symbol row Z1) is displayed stationary on the pay line L and then multiple symbol rows (e.g., the symbol rows Z2 and Z3) are displayed in a variable manner, or a reach display is generated, a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the display screen G. This advance notice display occurs in both cases where the reach display is generated and where the reach display is not generated, but is set to be more likely to occur when the reach display is generated than when the reach display is not generated.
It should be noted that the preview display is not limited to this, and for example, the background may be changed and the shape of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 may be changed.

Finally, the fluctuation type counter CS will be described. The fluctuation type counter CS is, for example, a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value each time it is updated, and loops within the range of 0 to 198 by returning to 0 after reaching a maximum value of 198.
The fluctuation type counter CS is updated at least once each time the normal processing described below is executed, and each time it is updated, it is stored in the lottery counter buffer.
Then, the MPU 62 determines the display duration of the pattern on the main display unit 45 and the display duration of the pattern on the pattern display device 47 based on the value of the variation type counter CS stored in the lottery counter buffer. These display durations will be described in detail later.

<Various processes executed by the main control device 60>
The MPU 62 of the main control device 60 executes timer interrupt processing and normal processing for progressing the game, as well as main processing that is started when the power is turned on. The timer interrupt processing, normal processing, and main processing will be described below in order.
In addition to timer interrupt processing, normal processing, and main processing, the MPU 62 also executes NMI interrupt processing which is activated by inputting a power outage signal to an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal), but a description of this processing will be omitted.

<Timer interrupt processing>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process.
In the timer interrupt process, the MPU 62 executes steps S101 to S105 periodically (for example, at 2 msec intervals) as shown in FIG.

In step S101, the MPU 62 executes a read process of the multiple detection sensors 40a to 40f. In this read process, the MPU 62 reads the states of the multiple detection sensors 40a to 40f, judges the states, and stores them in the RAM 64 as winning detection information. When the MPU 62 judges that the detection sensors 40a to 40d corresponding to the various winning ports have detected the winning of a game ball, it sets a prize ball command for issuing a payout instruction for the prize balls, and transmits the set command to the payout control device 70. For example, when the MPU 62 judges that the detection sensor 40d corresponding to the variable winning device 38 has detected the winning of a game ball, it transmits a prize ball command for instructing the payout control device 70 to pay out 15 prize balls, which is a specific unit number.
In addition, the payout control device 70 performs payout control to cause the payout device 71 to pay out prize balls based on a prize ball command sent from the MPU 62.

In step S102, the MPU 62 executes an update of the random number initial value counter CINI. Specifically, as described above, the MPU 62 updates the random number initial value counter CINI by adding 1 to the previous value, and stores the updated value in a lottery counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 64. Note that if the random number initial value counter CINI has reached the maximum value when the MPU 62 adds 1 to the previous value, it clears the random number initial value counter CINI by returning it to 0.

In step S103, the MPU 62 executes updates of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric role opening counter C4. Specifically, as described above, the MPU 62 updates the previous values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric role opening counter C4 by adding 1 to each of them, and stores the updated values in a lottery counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 64. Note that if the maximum value has been reached when the MPU 62 adds 1 to each of the previous values of the counters C1 to C4, it resets the value of each of the counters C1 to C4 to 0 and clears them.

In step S104, the MPU 62 executes a winning process for through play. In this winning process for through play, if the MPU 62 determines that the detection sensor 40f corresponding to each through gate 41 detects the winning of a game ball, the MPU 62 stores the value of the electric role opening counter C4 updated in step S103 in the electric role reservation area 64c. In addition, the MPU 62 sets a command for turning on the third reservation lamp section 49c, and transmits the set command to the sound and light emission control device 90.
The sound and light emission control device 90 lights up the third reserved lamp section 49c based on a command sent from the MPU 62. As described above, the number of reserved game balls that have entered each through gate 41 is a maximum of four, and the third reserved lamp section 49c lights up in a number corresponding to the number of reserved balls.

In step S105, the MPU 62 executes a winning process for the operation port.
The winning process for the operating port will be explained in detail below.

<Winning process for the operating port>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the winning process for an operating port.
In the winning process for the operating port, the MPU 62 executes steps S201 to S208 as shown in FIG.

In step S201, the MPU 62 determines whether a game ball has entered the upper actuation port 36 (initial entry) by determining whether the detection sensor 40b corresponding to the upper actuation port 36 has detected the entry of a game ball. If the MPU 62 determines in step S201 that a game ball has entered the upper actuation port 36, in step S202, the MPU 62 determines the number of reserved balls stored in the first result display section reserve area Ra, and sets the reserved number as the first start reserve memory number RaN in a specified memory area in the first result display section reserve area Ra. The MPU 62 then executes the processes from step S205 onwards.

In contrast, if the MPU 62 determines in step S201 that a game ball has not entered the upper operating port 36, then in step S203, it determines whether or not a game ball has entered the lower operating port 37 (initial entry) by determining whether or not the detection sensor 40c corresponding to the lower operating port 37 has detected the entry of a game ball.
If the MPU 62 determines in step S203 that a game ball has not entered the lower actuation port 37, it ends the winning process for the actuation port. If the MPU 62 determines in step S203 that a game ball has entered the lower actuation port 37, it determines in step S204 the number of reserved balls stored in the second result display portion reserve area Rb, and sets the number of reserved balls as the second start reserve memory number RbN in a predetermined memory area in the second result display portion reserve area Rb. Thereafter, the MPU 62 executes the processes from step S205 onward.

After executing the processing of step S202 or step S204, the MPU 62 determines in step S205 whether the start pending memory number N (RaN or RbN) set in step S202 or step S204 is less than an upper limit value (4 in this embodiment).
If the MPU 62 determines in step S205 that the start pending memory number N is not less than the upper limit, the MPU 62 ends the winning process for the operation port. If the MPU 62 determines in step S205 that the start pending memory number N is less than the upper limit, the MPU 62 adds 1 to the value of the start pending memory number N to update it in step S206.

In step S207, the MPU 62 stores the set of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S103 of the timer interrupt process as reserved information in the first free memory area in the result display section reserved area, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the start reserved memory number N updated in step S206.

For example, when the MPU 62 sets the first start pending memory number RaN in step S202, it stores the set of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S103 of the timer interrupt process as pending information in the first free memory area of the first result display section pending area Ra, that is, the memory area corresponding to the first start pending memory number RaN updated in step S206. For example, when the MPU 62 sets the first start pending memory number RaN to "3" in step S202, it stores the pending information in the fourth area Ra4, which is the memory area corresponding to the first start pending memory number RaN updated in step S206, which is "4".

For example, when the MPU 62 sets the second start pending memory number RbN in step S204, it stores the set of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S103 of the timer interrupt process as pending information in the first free memory area of the second result display unit pending area Rb, that is, the memory area corresponding to the second start pending memory number RbN updated in step S206. For example, when the MPU 62 sets the second start pending memory number RbN to "3" in step S204, it stores the pending information in the fourth area Rb4, which is the memory area corresponding to the second start pending memory number RbN updated in step S206, "4".

In step S208, when the first start pending memory number RaN is set in step S202, the MPU 62 sets a first pending generation command for recognizing that pending information has been stored in the memory area of the first result display unit pending area Ra, and transmits the set first pending generation command to the sound and light emission control device 90. After that, the MPU 62 ends the winning process for the operating port.
This first hold generation command includes information for making the sound and light emission control device 90 recognize that hold information has been stored in the memory area of the hold area Ra for the first result display unit based on the winning of a game ball into the upper operating port 36. The first hold generation command also includes information related to the current support mode.
In addition, the sound and light emission control device 90 performs a predetermined process in addition to turning on the first reserved lamp section 49a based on the first reserved occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 62. This process will be described in detail later. In addition, as described above, the number of reserved game balls that have entered the upper operating port 36 is a maximum of four, and the first reserved lamp section 49a lights up the number corresponding to this number of reserved balls.

Also, in step S208, when the second start pending memory number RbN is set in step S204, the MPU 62 sets a second pending generation command for recognizing that pending information has been stored in the memory area of the second result display unit pending area Rb, and transmits the set second pending generation command to the sound and light emission control device 90. After that, the MPU 62 ends the winning process for the operating port.
This second hold generation command includes information for making the sound and light emission control device 90 recognize that hold information has been stored in the memory area of the second result display section hold area Rb based on the winning of a game ball into the lower operation port 37. The second hold generation command also includes information related to the current support mode.
In addition, the sound and light emission control device 90 performs a predetermined process in addition to turning on the second reserved lamp section 49b based on the second reserved generation command transmitted from the MPU 62. This process will be described in detail later. In addition, as described above, the number of reserved game balls that have entered the lower operating port 37 is a maximum of four, and the second reserved lamp section 49b lights up the number corresponding to this number of reserved balls.

<Normal processing>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the normal process.
The MPU 62 executes a main process, which is started when the power is turned on and will be described later, and then executes a normal process, which is the main process for progressing the game. In this normal process, the MPU 62 executes steps S301 to S314 as shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, the MPU 62 periodically executes steps S301 to S309 at 4 msec intervals, repeatedly executes steps S308 to S311 when remaining time occurs, and executes steps S312 and onward according to the determination result of step S308.

In step S301, the MPU 62 executes an external output process to transmit the command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process to each control device on the sub side. In this external output process, for example, the MPU 62 determines whether or not a prize ball command is set, and if it is determined that a prize ball command is set, it transmits the prize ball command to the payout control device 70. Also, for example, the MPU 62 determines whether or not a command for presentation, such as a command corresponding to a presentation for a game round or a command corresponding to a presentation for an open/close execution mode, is set, and if it is determined that a command for presentation is set, it transmits the command for presentation to the sound and light emission control device 90.

In step S302, the MPU 62 executes an update of the fluctuation type counter CS. Specifically, as described above, the MPU 62 updates the previous value of the fluctuation type counter CS by adding 1, and stores the updated value in a lottery counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 64. Note that if the maximum value has been reached when the MPU 62 adds 1 to the previous value of the fluctuation type counter CS, it resets the value of the fluctuation type counter CS to 0 and clears it.

In step S303, the MPU 62 executes a game round control process for progressing a game round. In the game round control process, the MPU 62 executes a win/lose lottery and an allocation lottery, and also executes determination of information related to the patterns to be finally stopped and displayed on the pattern display device 47 and determination of information related to the patterns to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 45.
In step S304, the MPU 62 executes a game state transition process for transitioning the game state. In the game state transition process, the MPU 62 executes a transition process to each game state such as an open/close execution mode, a high probability mode, and a high frequency support mode.
The game number control process in step S303 and the game state transition process in step S304 will be described in detail later.

In step S305, the MPU 62 executes a demo display execution determination process. In this demo display execution determination process, the MPU 62 determines whether or not a predetermined start waiting period (e.g., 30 sec) for starting a demo has elapsed without starting a new game round after the end of a game round, and if it is determined that the start waiting period has elapsed, the MPU 62 transmits a demo command to start the demo display to the sound and light emission control device 90.
In addition, the audio and light emission control device 90 starts the demo display execution process based on a demo command sent from the MPU 62.

Here, the MPU 62 determines whether the start waiting period has elapsed by counting the number of times the process of step S305 is executed. For example, if the start waiting period is 30 seconds and the interval at which the process of step S305 is repeatedly executed is 4 msec, the MPU 62 counts the number of times the process of step S305 is executed and determines that the start waiting period has elapsed when it reaches 7,500 times. Note that the configuration for measuring the start waiting period is arbitrary, and for example, the start waiting period may be measured using a real-time clock. Furthermore, if the MPU 62 starts a new game round while counting the number of times the process of step S305 is executed, the MPU 62 resets the count value.

In step S306, the MPU 62 executes an electric role support process for controlling the drive of the electric role 37a provided in the lower operating port 37. In this electric role support process, the MPU 62 executes an electric role opening lottery based on the value of the electric role opening counter C4 stored in the electric role holding area 64c of the RAM 64, and executes opening and closing processing of the electric role 37a if the electric role opening lottery is won. The MPU 62 also executes display control of the role display unit 46 so as to display the result of the electric role opening lottery.

In step S307, the MPU 62 executes a game ball launch control process. In this game ball launch control process, the MPU 62 executes launch control to cause the power supply/launch control device 80 to launch a game ball based on the player's rotation of the launch handle 27. Specifically, the power supply/launch control device 80 causes the game ball launch mechanism 81 to launch a game ball by exciting the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 81 at a predetermined cycle (0.6 sec in this embodiment). The solenoid is excited to launch the game ball with a launch strength according to the amount of rotation of the launch handle 27. Furthermore, when predetermined launch conditions are met, the power supply/launch control device 80 supplies a drive signal to the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 81 to launch the game ball.

In step S308, the MPU 62 determines whether a power outage flag is set in the power outage flag storage area (not shown) of the RAM 64. This power outage flag is set in the RAM 64 when a power outage signal is input from the power outage monitoring board 65 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 62. The power outage monitoring board 65 outputs this power outage signal when it confirms the occurrence of a power outage. Note that this power outage flag is cleared the next time the main process is executed.

Here, the pachinko machine 10 sets various flags by assigning 1 to a predetermined area such as the RAM 64, and clears the various flags by assigning 0 to the flags. For example, the pachinko machine 10 sets a power outage flag by assigning 1 to a power outage flag storage area in the RAM 64, and clears the power outage flag by assigning 0 to the power outage flag storage area in the RAM 64.

If the MPU 62 determines in step S308 that the power outage flag is set, it executes power outage processing from step S312 onwards without executing the processing from step S309 onwards. Specifically, in step S312, the MPU 62 prohibits timer interrupt processing from occurring. In step S313, the MPU 62 calculates and stores a RAM judgment value (a checksum of RAM 64). In step S314, the MPU 62 prohibits access to RAM 64. Thereafter, the MPU 62 continues the infinite loop until the power is completely cut off and processing can no longer be executed.

On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S308 that the power outage flag is not set, it determines in step S309 whether or not the timing has come to execute the next normal processing, i.e., whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the current normal processing.
When the MPU 62 determines in step S309 that it is not time to execute the next normal process, that is, when remaining time occurs, it updates the random number initial value counter CINI in step S310, and updates the fluctuation type counter CS in step S311. Note that the MPU 62 repeatedly executes steps S308 to S311 until it determines in step S309 that it is time to execute the next normal process.

In contrast, if the MPU 62 determines in step S309 that it is time to execute the next normal processing, i.e., if there is no remaining time, it executes step S301 again to start the next normal processing.

<Main processing>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main process.
In the main processing, the MPU 62 executes steps S401 to S412 as shown in FIG.
In step S401, the MPU 62 executes a start-up process when the power is turned on. In this start-up process, the MPU 62 waits until a predetermined time (e.g., about 500 msec) has elapsed after the power is turned on in order to wait for the sub-side control board (such as the control board of the sound and light emission control device 90) to become operable.

In step S402, the MPU 62 determines whether or not the permission-prohibition period of 1 sec has elapsed. If the MPU 62 determines in step S402 that 1 sec has not elapsed, it repeats the process of step S402. If the MPU 62 determines in step S402 that 1 sec has elapsed, it executes the processes from step S403 onward.

Here, the MPU 62 determines whether or not 1 sec has elapsed by counting the number of times the process of step S402 is executed. For example, if the interval at which the process of step S402 is repeatedly executed is 0.1 msec, the MPU 62 counts the number of times the process of step S402 is executed and determines that 1 sec has elapsed when the number of times reaches 10,000. Note that the configuration for measuring the permission-prohibition period is arbitrary, and for example, the permission-prohibition period may be measured using a real-time clock.

In step S 403 , the MPU 62 permits access to the RAM 64 .
In step S404, the MPU 62 determines whether or not a RAM erase switch (not shown) provided in the power supply and launch control device 80 is turned on.
If the MPU 62 determines in step S404 that the RAM erase switch is on, it executes the processes in and after step S409.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S404 that the RAM erase switch is not on, then in step S405, the MPU 62 determines whether or not a power outage flag is set in the power outage flag storage area of the RAM 64.

If the MPU 62 determines in step S405 that the power outage flag is not set, it executes the processes in and after step S409.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S405 that the power failure flag is set, the MPU 62 calculates a RAM determination value in step S406.
In step S407, the MPU 62 determines whether the RAM determination value calculated in step S406 is normal or not, thereby confirming the validity of the data stored in the RAM 64. Specifically, the MPU 62 compares the RAM determination value calculated in step S406 with the RAM determination value saved in step S313 (processing during power interruption) of the normal processing, and if they match, determines that the RAM determination value is normal, and if they do not match, determines that the RAM determination value is abnormal.

If the MPU 62 determines in step S407 that the RAM determination value is not normal, it executes the processes in and after step S409.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S407 that the RAM determination value is normal, the MPU 62 clears the power failure flag stored in the power failure flag storage area of the RAM 64 in step S408.

The validity of the data stored in RAM 64 may be determined by a method other than the method of checking the consistency of the RAM determination value. For example, the validity of the data stored in RAM 64 may be checked by writing a keyword to a specified area of RAM 64 in the power outage processing and checking in the main processing whether or not the keyword was written correctly.

As described above, if the MPU 62 determines in step S404 that the RAM erase switch is on, if the MPU 62 determines in step S405 that the power outage flag is not set, or if the MPU 62 determines in step S407 that the RAM judgment value is not normal, it executes the processing from step S409 onwards.
Specifically, the MPU 62 clears the working area of the RAM 64 in step S409, and initializes the RAM 64 in step S410.

Therefore, for example, the manager of the gaming center can initialize the data stored in RAM 64 by turning on the power to the pachinko machine 10 while pressing the RAM erase switch when the gaming center opens for business. Also, if the power outage monitoring board 65 does not confirm the occurrence of a power outage or if the RAM judgment value is abnormal, the pachinko machine 10 initializes the data stored in RAM 64.

After executing the processing of step S408 or step S410, in step S411, the MPU 62 sends an initial command to the sub-side control board (such as the control board of the audio and light emission control device 90), and in step S412, allows the occurrence of timer interrupt processing and proceeds to the normal processing described above.
In addition, upon receiving the initial command sent in step S411, the sub-control board recognizes that communication with the main control board 61 is proceeding normally and performs its own initialization.

<Game Play Control Processing>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the game play control process.
In the game play control process, the MPU 62 executes steps S501 to S509 as shown in FIG.
In step S501, the MPU 62 judges whether or not the game is in the open/close execution mode. If the MPU 62 judges in step S501 that the game is in the open/close execution mode, the MPU 62 ends the game round control process without executing the processes in and after step S502. Therefore, if the MPU 62 judges that the game is in the open/close execution mode, the MPU 62 does not start the progress of the game round regardless of whether or not the entry of a game ball into each of the actuation ports 36, 37 is detected.
The MPU 62 determines whether or not the open/close execution mode is in progress by referring to the open/close execution mode flag stored in the RAM 64. The same applies to the following processes. The MPU 62 sets the open/close execution mode flag when switching to the open/close execution mode, and clears the open/close execution mode flag when the open/close execution mode is terminated.

On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S501 that the opening/closing execution mode is not in progress, it determines in step S502 whether or not the main display unit 45 is performing a variable display, i.e., whether or not a game round is in progress.
If the MPU 62 determines in step S502 that the main display section 45 is not performing a variable display, it executes processing for starting a game round in steps S503 to S505.
On the other hand, when the MPU 62 determines in step S502 that the main display section 45 is performing a variable display, it executes a game round progression process in steps S506 to S509.

First, the game start process of steps S503 to S505 will be described.
In step S503, the MPU 62 grasps the reserved number stored in the reserved area Ra for the first result display section and the reserved number stored in the reserved area Rb for the second result display section, and judges whether the total number CRN of these reserved numbers is "0" or less. If the MPU 62 judges in step S503 that the total number CRN is "0" or less, it ends the game number control process.

On the other hand, when the MPU 62 determines in step S503 that the total number CRN is not "0" or less, it executes a data setting process in step S504 to set the reserved information stored in the reserved area Ra for the first result display section or the reserved area Rb for the second result display section for consumption of a game round. After that, in step S505, the MPU 62 executes a change start process to start a change display on the main display section 45 and the symbol display device 47 to consume a game round, and ends the game round control process.
The data setting process in step S504 and the fluctuation start process in step S505 will be described in detail below.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the data setting process.
In the data setting process, the MPU 62 executes steps S601 to S611 as shown in FIG.
In step S601, the MPU 62 judges whether the second start pending memory number RbN of the reserve area Rb for the second result display section, which was set in step S204 of the winning process for the actuation port, is equal to or less than "0." If the MPU 62 judges in step S601 that the second start pending memory number RbN is equal to or less than "0," it executes data setting processing for the first result display section in steps S602 to S606, and if the MPU 62 judges in step S601 that the second start pending memory number RbN is not equal to or less than "0," it executes data setting processing for the second result display section in steps S607 to S611.

In this way, the data setting process includes a data setting process for the first result display unit, which sets the reserved information stored in the reserved area Ra for the first result display unit for consumption of a game round, and a data setting process for the second result display unit, which sets the reserved information stored in the reserved area Rb for the second result display unit for consumption of a game round.
Then, when the MPU 62 determines in step S601 that the second start reserved memory number RbN is not "0" or less, it executes the data setting process for the second result display unit without executing the data setting process for the first result display unit. In other words, when the MPU 62 determines that there is reserved information stored in the reserve area Rb for the second result display unit based on the winning of a game ball into the lower actuation port 37, it preferentially sets the reserved information stored in the reserve area Rb for the second result display unit for consumption of a game round, regardless of whether there is reserved information stored in the reserve area Ra for the first result display unit based on the winning of a game ball into the upper actuation port 36.

First, the data setting process for the first result display section in steps S602 to S606 will be described.
In step S602, the MPU 62 subtracts 1 from the value of the first start pending memory number RaN in the first result display section pending area Ra to update it.
In step S603, the MPU 62 moves the reserved information stored in the first area Ra1 of the first result display portion reserved area Ra to the execution area AE.
In step S604, the MPU 62 executes a data shift process to shift the reserved information stored in the storage area of the first result display section reserved area Ra. This data shift process is a process to sequentially shift the reserved information stored in each of the areas Ra1 to Ra4 toward the first area Ra1. Specifically, the MPU 62 shifts the reserved information in the second area Ra2 to the first area Ra1, the reserved information in the third area Ra3 to the second area Ra2, and the reserved information in the fourth area Ra4 to the third area Ra3.

In step S605, the MPU 62 clears the second result display unit flag stored in the RAM 64. This second result display unit flag is a flag for identifying which of the first result display unit 45a and the second result display unit 45b is to start a variable display when a game round is completed. In this step S605, the MPU 62 clears the second result display unit flag, which indicates that when a game round is completed, the first result display unit 45a is to start a variable display based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36.

In step S606, the MPU 62 sets a first shift command for recognizing that a shift of reserved information has been executed, transmits this set first shift command to the sound and light emission control device 90, and ends the data setting process. This first shift command includes information for recognizing that a shift of reserved information has been executed for the reserved information stored in the first result display unit reserved area Ra based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36.
The sound and light emission control device 90 changes the lighting state of the first reserved lamp section 49a and executes a predetermined process based on the first shift command sent from the MPU 62. This process will be described in detail later. Specifically, the sound and light emission control device 90 reduces the number of lit first reserved lamp sections 49a as the number of reserved game balls that have entered the upper operating port 36 decreases.

Next, the data setting process for the second result display section in steps S607 to S611 will be described.
In step S607, the MPU 62 subtracts 1 from the value of the second start pending memory number RbN in the pending area Rb for the second result display section to update it.
In step S608, the MPU 62 moves the reserved information stored in the second area Rb1 of the second result display section reserved area Rb to the execution area AE.
In step S609, the MPU 62 executes a data shift process to shift the reserved information stored in the memory area of the second result display section reserved area Rb. This data shift process is a process to sequentially shift the reserved information stored in each of the areas Rb1 to Rb4 toward the first area Rb1. Specifically, the MPU 62 shifts the reserved information in the second area Rb2 to the first area Rb1, the reserved information in the third area Rb3 to the second area Rb2, and the reserved information in the fourth area Rb4 to the third area Rb3.

In step S610, the MPU 62 sets the second result display unit flag in the RAM 64. In this step S610, the MPU 62 sets the second result display unit flag, which indicates that the second result display unit 45b will start to display a variable value based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 37 when a game round is played.

In step S611, the MPU 62 sets a second shift command for recognizing that a shift of reserved information has been executed, transmits this set second shift command to the sound and light emission control device 90, and ends the data setting process. This second shift command includes information for recognizing that a shift of reserved information has been executed for the reserved information stored in the second result display unit reserved area Rb based on the entry of a game ball into the lower actuation port 37.
The sound and light emission control device 90 changes the lighting state of the second reserved lamp section 49b and executes a predetermined process based on the second shift command sent from the MPU 62. This process will be described in detail later. Specifically, the sound and light emission control device 90 reduces the number of lit second reserved lamp sections 49b as the number of reserved game balls that have entered the lower operating port 37 decreases.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the fluctuation start process.
In the fluctuation start process, the MPU 62 executes steps S701 to S718 as shown in FIG.
In step S701, the MPU 62 determines whether the win/lose lottery mode is the high probability mode.
If the MPU 62 determines in step S701 that the win/loss lottery mode is not the high probability mode, then in step S702, it reads out the win/loss table for the low probability mode (see Figure 6(a)) from the win/loss table memory area 63a of ROM 63, and if the MPU 62 determines in step S701 that the win/loss lottery mode is the high probability mode, then in step S703, it reads out the win/loss table for the high probability mode (see Figure 6(b)) from the win/loss table memory area 63a of ROM 63.

After executing the process of step S702 or step S703, the MPU 62 executes a win/lose determination process in step S704. In this win/lose determination process, the MPU 62 determines the result of the win/lose lottery (win/lose result) by comparing the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE with the win/lose table read out in step S702 or step S703. As mentioned above, the win/lose result is either a "jackpot win," a "special loss result," or a "normal loss result," and this is the same whether the win/lose lottery mode is a low probability mode or a high probability mode.

In step S705, the MPU 62 determines whether the result determined in step S704 is a "jackpot win". If the MPU 62 determines in step S705 that the result is a "jackpot win", it executes the process from step S706 onwards, and if the MPU 62 determines in step S705 that the result is not a "jackpot win", it executes the process from step S712 onwards.

First, the process (the process from step S706 onward) when the MPU 62 determines in step S705 that the result is a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S706, the MPU 62 determines whether or not the second result display section flag is set in the RAM 64.

When the MPU 62 determines in step S706 that the second result display unit flag is not set in RAM 64, this indicates that the first result display unit 45a will start to display changes based on the entry of the game ball into the upper operating port 36, so in step S707, the first allocation table (see Figure 7 (a)) is read out from the allocation table memory area 63b of ROM 63.
On the other hand, when the MPU 62 determines in step S706 that the second result display unit flag is set in RAM 64, this indicates that the second result display unit 45b should start changing its display based on the entry of the game ball into the lower operating port 37, so in step S708, the second allocation table (see Figure 7 (b)) is read out from the allocation table memory area 63b of ROM 63.

After executing the process of step S707 or step S708, the MPU 62 executes an allocation determination process in step S709. In this allocation determination process, the MPU 62 determines the result of the allocation lottery (allocation result) by comparing the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE with the allocation table read in step S707 or step S708.

In step S710, the MPU 62 executes a stop result setting process for the jackpot result. In this stop result setting process for the jackpot result, the MPU 62 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the first result display section 45a or the second result display section 45b of the main display section 45 according to the allocation result determined in step S709, and stores the determined information in the RAM 64. Here, the MPU 62 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section 45 by comparing the allocation result determined in step S709 with a stop result table for the jackpot result stored in advance in the ROM 63. This stop result table for the jackpot result specifies the form of the pattern to be stopped and displayed on the main display section 45 differently for each allocation result.

In step S711, the MPU 62 sets a flag corresponding to the allocation result determined in step S709 in the RAM 64. Specifically, if the MPU 62 determines that the allocation result is a "low probability result", it sets a low probability result flag, if it determines that the allocation result is an "unexplicit low round high probability result", it sets a non-explicit low round high probability result flag, if it determines that the allocation result is an "explicit low round high probability result", it sets a explicit low round high probability result flag, and if it determines that the allocation result is a "most favorable result", it sets a most favorable result flag. After that, the MPU 62 executes the processes from step S716 onwards.
In each of the following processes, the MPU 62 refers to these flags to determine the allocation result.

Next, the process (the process after step S712) when the MPU 62 determines in step S705 that the result is not a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S712, the MPU 62 determines whether the winning/losing result determined in step S704 is a "special losing result."
If the MPU 62 determines in step S712 that the pass/fail result is a "special failure result," it executes the processing from step S713 onwards, and if it determines in step S712 that the pass/fail result is not a "special failure result," it executes the processing from step S715 onwards.

In step S713, the MPU 62 executes a stop result setting process for a special losing result. In this stop result setting process for a special losing result, the MPU 62 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the first result display section 45a or the second result display section 45b of the main display section 45, and stores the determined information in the RAM 64. Here, the MPU 62 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section 45 by referring to a stop result table for a special losing result stored in advance in the ROM 63. The form of the pattern set in this stop result table for a special losing result is different from the form of the pattern set in the stop result table for a big win result.
In step S 714 , the MPU 62 sets a special miss flag in the RAM 64 .
In each of the following processes, the MPU 62 refers to this special miss flag to determine whether the winning/losing result is a "special miss result."

In response to this, in step S715, the MPU 62 executes a stop result setting process for a normal failure result. In this stop result setting process for a normal failure result, the MPU 62 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the first result display section 45a or the second result display section 45b of the main display section 45, and stores the determined information in the RAM 64. Here, the MPU 62 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section 45 by referring to a stop result table for a normal failure result that is pre-stored in the ROM 63. The form of the pattern set in this stop result table for a normal failure result is different from the form of the pattern set in the stop result table for a jackpot result and the stop result table for a special failure result.

After executing any one of the processes in steps S711, S714, and S715, the MPU 62 executes a process of setting a display duration (display duration period) in step S716.
In the display duration setting process, the MPU 62 acquires the value of the fluctuation type counter CS stored in the fluctuation type counter buffer in the lottery counter buffer of the RAM 64 .

In addition, in the process of setting the display duration, the MPU 62 determines whether or not a reach display will occur on the symbol display device 47. Specifically, the MPU 62 determines that a reach display will occur if the allocation result determined in step S709 is a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result," and if the win/loss result determined in step S704 is a "normal loss result" and the reach occurrence lottery is won. As described above, the MPU 62 executes the reach occurrence lottery by comparing the reach table stored in advance in the reach table storage area 63c of the ROM 63 with the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b.

When the MPU 62 determines that a reach display will occur, it determines a display duration corresponding to the value of the fluctuation type counter CS obtained from the fluctuation type counter buffer by referring to the display duration table for reach occurrence stored in the reach table memory area 63c of the ROM 63, and sets the determined display duration in a display duration counter provided in the various counter areas 64a of the RAM 64.
In contrast, when the MPU 62 determines that a reach display will not occur, it determines a display duration corresponding to the value of the fluctuation type counter CS obtained from the fluctuation type counter buffer by referring to a display duration table for non-reach occurrence stored in the reach table memory area 63c of the ROM 63, and sets the determined display duration in a display duration counter provided in the various counter areas 64a of the RAM 64.

Specifically, the display duration table for non-reach occurrence is set so that the display duration is shorter as the number of reserved items increases. Therefore, the display duration when the reserved information related to the upper actuation port 36 is consumed is set so that the display duration is shorter as the number of reserved items related to the upper actuation port 36 increases. And, the display duration when the reserved information related to the lower actuation port 37 is consumed is set so that the display duration is shorter as the number of reserved items related to the lower actuation port 37 increases. Also, the display duration table for non-reach occurrence is set so that the display duration is shorter when the support mode is the high frequency support mode compared to when the support mode is the low frequency support mode. In other words, if the number of reserved items is the same, the display duration when the support mode is the high frequency support mode is shorter than when the support mode is the low frequency support mode.
Furthermore, the display duration determined by referring to the reach occurrence display duration table is different from the display duration determined by referring to the reach non-occurrence display duration table.

The non-reach display duration table may be set to the opposite relationship to that described above, such as the display duration becoming longer as the number of reserved items increases, or may be configured not to change depending on the number of reserved items or support mode. Also, separate display duration tables may be set for the win/lose result and the allocation result.

In step S717, the MPU 62 sets a variation command and a type command. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 62 transmits the variation command and the type command set in step S717 to the audio and light emission control device 90.
The audio and light emission control device 90 executes a predetermined process based on the variation command and the type command transmitted from the MPU 62. This process will be described in detail later.

The variation command includes information related to the display duration time, and does not include information on whether or not a reach display will occur.
As described above, the display duration determined by referring to the reach occurrence display duration table and the display duration determined by referring to the reach non-occurrence display duration table are different from each other.
Therefore, even if information on whether or not a reach display will occur is not included in the variation command, it is possible for the audio and light emission control device 90, which is the sub-control device, to determine whether or not a reach display will occur based on information related to the display duration. In this sense, it can be said that the variation command indirectly includes information on whether or not a reach display will occur. Note that the variation command may directly include information on whether or not a reach display will occur.

The type command includes information related to the win/loss result. In other words, the type command includes information related to the win/loss result, such as "jackpot win,""special loss result," and "normal loss result." The type command also includes information related to the allocation result. In other words, the type command includes information related to the allocation result, such as "low probability result,""non-explicit low round high probability result,""explicit low round high probability result," and "most favorable result."
In the following description, the winning/losing result and the allocation result are collectively referred to as the game result. In other words, the type command includes information related to the game result.

In step S718, the MPU 62 judges whether or not the second result display section flag is set in the RAM 64, and based on the result of the judgment, starts a variable display on the main display section 45. After that, the MPU 62 ends the variable start process.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines that the second result display unit flag is not set in the RAM 64, this indicates that the first result display unit 45a should start displaying changes based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36 when a game round is completed, and so the MPU 62 causes the first result display unit 45a to start displaying changes.
On the other hand, when the MPU 62 determines that the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 64, this indicates that the second result display unit 45b should start displaying changes based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 37 when a game round is completed, and so the MPU 62 causes the second result display unit 45b to start displaying changes.

Returning to the explanation of the game round control process, the game round progression process in steps S506 to S509 will be explained with reference to FIG.
In step S502, the MPU 62 determines whether or not the main display unit 45 is displaying a changing image, and if it determines that the main display unit 45 is displaying a changing image, executes processing for progressing through game turns in steps S506 to S509.

In step S506, the MPU 62 determines whether the display duration time set in step S716 of the variation start process has elapsed. Specifically, the MPU 62 determines whether the value set in the display duration time counter in the RAM 64 has become "0" or less. Note that the value of this display duration time counter is updated by subtracting 1 from the previous value each time the timer interrupt process is executed.

If the MPU 62 determines in step S506 that the display duration time has not elapsed, it executes a process for variable display in step S507. In this process for variable display, the MPU 62 updates the display of the main display unit 45 during the variable display. After that, the MPU 62 ends the game number control process.

In response to this, if the MPU 62 determines in step S506 that the display duration time has elapsed, it executes a variation end process in step S508. In this variation end process, the MPU 62 identifies information (information related to the image to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 45) stored in the RAM 64 in any of steps S710, S713, and S715 of the variation start process executed when starting the variable display on the main display unit 45. Then, when the game round ends, the MPU 62 executes display control of the main display unit 45 so that the image corresponding to this identified information is displayed on the main display unit 45 during the variable display.

Here, the picture that is finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 45 is different for each type of game result. Therefore, the manager of the game arcade or the like can check the game result by visually checking the main display unit 45 at the end of a game round. This allows the manager of the game arcade or the like to easily check whether or not fraudulent activity is occurring, for example, to make the pachinko machine 10 behave in the same way as if it had won a lottery for a jackpot.
Furthermore, the main display unit 45 has a smaller display area than the display screen G of the pattern display device 47, and the pictures displayed in a stopped state on the main display unit 45 are harder for the player to recognize than the pattern sequence Z1 to Z3 displayed in a stopped state on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. Therefore, when a round of play ends, the player will determine whether or not he or she has won a jackpot by checking the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 rather than the main display unit 45, which can increase the attention paid to the display screen G.

In step S509, the MPU 62 sets a fluctuation end command. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 62 transmits the fluctuation end command set in step S509 to the sound and light emission control device 90. After that, the MPU 62 ends the game number control process.
The sound and light emission control device 90 executes a process for ending the presentation of the game round based on the variation end command transmitted from the MPU 62. Here, the sound and light emission control device 90 may be configured to end the presentation of the game round by itself without the need to receive a variation end command.

<Game Status Transition Processing>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the game state transition process.
In the game state transition process, the MPU 62 executes steps S801 to S814 as shown in FIG.
In step S801, the MPU 62 determines whether or not the opening/closing execution mode is in progress.
If the MPU 62 determines in step S801 that the door is not in the opening/closing execution mode, it executes the processes in and after step S802.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S801 that the opening/closing execution mode is in progress, it executes the processes in and after step S811.

First, the process (the process after step S802) when it is determined in step S801 that the MPU 62 is not in the opening/closing execution mode will be described.
In step S802, the MPU 62 judges whether or not the variable display of the main display unit 45 has ended. If the MPU 62 judges in step S802 that the variable display of the main display unit 45 has not ended, the MPU 62 ends the game state transition process.
On the other hand, when the MPU 62 determines in step S802 that the variable display of the main display unit 45 has ended, it determines in step S803 whether the winning/losing result corresponds to a transition to the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, the MPU 62 determines whether the winning/losing result is a "jackpot win" or a "special losing result."

If the MPU 62 determines in step S803 that the pass/fail result corresponds to a transition to the opening/closing execution mode, it sets an opening/closing execution mode flag in the RAM 64 and then executes the processing from step S804 onwards.
In contrast, if the MPU 62 determines in step S803 that the win/loss result does not correspond to a transition to the opening/closing execution mode (if the MPU 62 determines that the win/loss result is a "normal miss result"), it terminates the game state transition processing.

In step S804, the MPU 62 determines whether the winning/losing result is a "special losing result."
If the MPU 62 determines in step S804 that the winning/losing result is a "special losing result," then in step S805, it sets "2" to an opening/closing counter SOC provided in the various counter area 64a of the RAM 64. This opening/closing counter SOC is a counter for the MPU 62 to specify the total number of times that the large winning opening 38a of the variable winning device 38 is opened and closed when transitioning to the opening/closing execution mode.

In contrast, if the MPU 62 determines in step S804 that the winning/losing result is not a "special losing result," i.e., that the winning/losing result is a "jackpot win," it determines in step S806 whether the allocation result is a low-round high-probability result (an "unspecified low-round high-probability result" or an "explicit low-round high-probability result").

If the MPU 62 determines in step S806 that the allocation result is a few rounds with high probability result, then in step S807 it sets the round counter RC provided in the various counter area 64a of the RAM 64 to "2". If the MPU 62 determines in step S806 that the allocation result is not a few rounds with high probability result, that is, if it determines that the allocation result is a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result", then in step S808 it sets the round counter RC to "15". This round counter RC is a counter that allows the MPU 62 to identify the number of rounds of play when transitioning to the open/close execution mode.

Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a plurality of opening/closing execution modes with different ending conditions. Specifically, the pachinko machine 10 has, as opening/closing execution modes, a round number-defined mode to which the machine enters when the winning/losing result is a "jackpot win" and an opening/closing number-defined mode to which the machine enters when the winning/losing result is a "special losing result."

The round number-defined mode ends when a predetermined number of rounds have been played, where the number of rounds corresponds to a value set in a round counter RC.
The opening/closing number-defined mode ends when the large prize opening 38a has been opened and closed a predetermined total number of times, or when a predetermined number of game balls have entered the large prize opening 38a. Here, the total number of times the large prize opening 38a has been opened and closed corresponds to the value set in the opening/closing counter SOC. This opening/closing number-defined mode does not end when the number of rounds has been played has been reached.

The pachinko machine 10 executes one opening and closing of the big prize opening 38a for one round of play. One round of play continues until one of the following two conditions is satisfied. In other words, after setting the opening and closing door 38b to an open state, the pachinko machine 10 sets the opening and closing door 38b to a closed state again by satisfying one of the following two conditions.
(1) A predetermined upper limit duration (upper limit duration) has elapsed. (2) The total number of winning balls in the big winning hole 38a has reached a predetermined upper limit.

After executing any one of the processes in steps S805, S807, and S808, in step S809, the MPU 62 sets the timer counter T provided in the various counter areas 64a of the RAM 64 to "1000" as the waiting time (waiting period) for opening. The value set in this timer counter T is updated by subtracting 1 from the previous value each time a timer interrupt process is executed. Therefore, the waiting time for opening is 2 seconds. Note that the waiting time for opening is not limited to this and can be any value.

In this way, when the MPU 62 determines in step S803 that the win/lose result corresponds to the transition to the open/close execution mode, it sets the waiting time for the opening in the timer counter T regardless of the type of game result. In other words, the waiting time for the opening is the same regardless of the type of game result.
The waiting time for the opening is not limited to this, and may be configured to be slightly different depending on the type of game result to the extent that the player recognizes it as the same. Also, for example, the waiting time for the opening may be configured to be significantly different depending on the type of game result, such as being significantly different between the game result of a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result" and the game result other than these.

In step S810, the MPU 62 sets an opening command. After that, the MPU 62 ends the game state transition process. This opening command includes information on the game result that triggered the transition to the open/close execution mode. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 62 transmits the opening command set in step S810 to the sound and light emission control device 90.
The audio and light emission control device 90 recognizes the transition to the opening/closing execution mode based on the opening command sent from the MPU 62, and executes a predetermined process. This process will be described in detail later.

Next, the process (the process after step S811) when it is determined in step S801 that the MPU 62 is in the opening/closing execution mode will be described.
In step S811, the MPU 62 executes the big prize opening opening and closing process.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of opening and closing the big prize opening.
In the special prize opening opening and closing process, the MPU 62 executes steps S901 to S924 as shown in FIG.
In step S901, the MPU 62 determines whether or not the special prize opening 38a is open.
If the MPU 62 determines in step S901 that the special prize opening 38a is not open, it executes the processes in and after step S902.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S901 that the special prize opening 38a is open, it executes the processes in and after step S906.

First, the process (the process after step S902) when the MPU 62 determines in step S901 that the special prize opening 38a is not open will be described.
In step S902, the MPU 62 determines whether the value of the opening/closing counter SOC is equal to or less than "0" and the value of the round counter RC is equal to or less than "0".
If the MPU 62 determines in step S902 that both the value of the opening/closing counter SOC and the value of the round counter RC are equal to or less than "0", it ends the big prize opening opening/closing process.

In contrast, if the MPU 62 determines in step S902 that at least one of the values of the opening/closing counter SOC and the round counter RC is not less than "0", then in step S903 it determines whether the value of the timer counter T is less than "0".
If the MPU 62 determines in step S903 that the value of the timer counter T is not equal to or less than "0", it terminates the large prize opening opening process.

On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S903 that the value of the timer counter T is equal to or less than "0", then in step S904 it executes a process for opening the large prize opening.
The large prize opening process in step S904 will now be described in detail.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the big prize opening process.
In the special prize opening process, the MPU 62 executes steps S1001 to S1007 as shown in FIG.
In step S1001, the MPU 62 determines whether the winning/losing result is a "special losing result."

If the MPU 62 determines in step S1001 that the winning or losing result is a "special losing result," it sets the winning counter PC in the various counter area 64a of the RAM 64 to "8" in step S1002, and sets the timer counter T to "85" in step S1003. As mentioned above, the timer counter T is updated by subtracting 1 from the previous value each time the timer interrupt process is executed. Therefore, the time set in the timer counter T is 0.17 sec.

In contrast, if the MPU 62 determines in step S1001 that the winning/losing result is not a "special losing result," it sets the winning counter PC to "8" in step S1004, and determines in step S1005 whether the allocation result is a low-round high-probability result (an "unspecified low-round high-probability result" or an "explicit low-round high-probability result").

If the MPU 62 determines in step S1005 that the allocation result is a high probability result in a few rounds, it sets the timer counter T to "85" in step S1003 described above.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S1005 that the allocation result is not a low-round high-probability result, it sets the timer counter T to "15000" in step S1006. As described above, the timer counter T is updated by subtracting 1 from the previous value each time the timer interrupt process is executed. Therefore, the time set in the timer counter T is 30 sec.

After executing the process of step S1003 or step S1006, the MPU 62 executes the opening execution process of the large prize opening 38a in step S1007. In this opening execution process, the MPU 62 sets the opening door 38b to an open state by executing the drive control of the variable prize drive unit 38c. The MPU 62 then ends the large prize opening opening process.

The value set in the winning counter PC in step S1002 or step S1004 defines the upper limit of the total number of game balls that can win into the big winning opening 38a.
The value set in the timer counter T in step S1003 or step S1006 specifies the upper limit duration from when the door 38b is set to the open state until it is set to the closed state again. Therefore, as described above, the MPU 62 sets two types of upper limit duration with different lengths by setting the timer counter T to "85" or "15000". Specifically, the MPU 62 sets a long-term mode (long-term mode) in which the upper limit duration is set to 30 sec, and a short-term mode (short-term mode) in which the upper limit duration is set to 0.17 sec, which is shorter than the long-term mode.

Here, as described above, the pachinko machine 10 excites the solenoid of the game ball launching mechanism 81 at a cycle of 0.6 sec, thereby causing the game ball launching mechanism 81 to launch game balls. Also, as described above, the MPU 62 sets the winning counter PC to "8", thereby setting the upper limit of the total number of game balls that can win the big winning hole 38a to 8.
Therefore, since the upper limit duration of the long-time mode is sufficiently longer than the product of the upper limit of the total number of game balls that can enter the large prize opening 38a and the game ball launch period, it is easy to get the upper limit of eight game balls to enter the large prize opening 38a.
In contrast, the upper limit duration of the short-time mode is shorter than the product of the upper limit of the total number of winning game balls into the large winning opening 38a and the firing cycle of the game balls (more specifically, shorter than the firing cycle of the game balls), so it is difficult to make a game ball win in the large winning opening 38a. However, depending on the timing, it is possible to make about one game ball win in the large winning opening 38a.

Returning to the explanation of the special prize opening/closing process, the process from step S905 onwards will be explained with reference to FIG.
After executing the large prize opening process in step S904, the MPU 62 sets an opening command in step S905. Also, in step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 62 transmits the opening command set in step S905 to the sound and light emission control device 90. After that, the MPU 62 ends the large prize opening opening and closing process.
In addition, the audio and light emission control device 90 recognizes that the opening and closing door 38b has been set to the open state based on the open command sent from the MPU 62, and executes a predetermined process.

Next, the process (the process after step S906) when the MPU 62 determines in step S901 that the special prize opening 38a is open will be described.
In step S906, the MPU 62 judges whether the value of the timer counter T is equal to or less than "0". In other words, the MPU 62 judges whether the upper limit duration set in the timer counter T in step S1003 or step S1006 of the special prize opening process has elapsed.

If the MPU 62 determines in step S906 that the value of the timer counter T is not equal to or less than "0", it executes the processes in steps S907 and after.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S906 that the value of the timer counter T is equal to or less than "0", it executes the processes in and after step S918.

First, the process (steps S907 and after) performed when the MPU 62 determines in step S906 that the value of the timer counter T is not equal to or less than "0" will be described.
In step S907, the MPU 62 determines whether or not a win has been made in the large prize opening 38a. The determination of whether or not a win has been made in the large prize opening 38a is made based on the detection result of the detection sensor 40d corresponding to the large prize opening 38a.

If the MPU 62 determines in step S907 that no win has been made in the special prize opening 38a, it ends the special prize opening opening opening process.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S907 that a win has occurred in the special win port 38a, then in step S908, it updates the value of the win counter PC by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S909, the MPU 62 determines whether the value of the prize counter PC is equal to or less than "0".
If the MPU 62 determines in step S909 that the value of the prize counter PC is not equal to or less than "0", it ends the large prize opening opening process.
On the other hand, when the MPU 62 determines in step S909 that the value of the winning counter PC is equal to or less than "0", it executes a closing execution process in step S910. In this closing execution process, the MPU 62 sets the opening and closing door 38b to a closed state by executing drive control of the variable winning drive unit 38c.

In step S911, the MPU 62 sets a close command. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 62 transmits the close command set in step S911 to the audio and light emission control device 90.
In addition, the audio and light emission control device 90 recognizes that the opening and closing door 38b has been set to the closed state based on the close command sent from the MPU 62, and executes a predetermined process.

In step S912, the MPU 62 determines whether the winning/losing result is a "special losing result."
If the MPU 62 determines in step S912 that the winning/losing result is a "special losing result," it executes the processing from step S923 onwards, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S912 that the winning/losing result is not a "special losing result," it executes the processing from step S913 onwards.
In step S913, the MPU 62 updates the value of the round counter RC by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S914, the MPU 62 determines whether the value of the round counter RC is equal to or less than "0".
If the MPU 62 determines in step S914 that the value of the round counter RC is not equal to or less than "0," then in step S915, the MPU 62 sets the value of the timer counter T to "500." After that, the MPU 62 ends the big prize opening opening and closing process.

The value set in the timer counter T in step S915 specifies the open waiting time from when the opening/closing door 38b is set to the open state, to when it is set to the closed state again, and then when it is set to the open state again. In this embodiment, the open waiting time is 1 sec. This open waiting time is the same regardless of the type of opening/closing execution mode or the progress status.

On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S914 that the value of the round counter RC is equal to or less than "0", it executes the processes in and after step S916.
In step S916, the MPU 62 sets the timer counter T to "2000" as the waiting time (waiting period) for the ending. As described above, the value set in this timer counter T is updated by subtracting 1 from the previous value each time the timer interrupt process is executed. Therefore, the waiting time for the ending is 4 sec. Note that the waiting time for the ending is not limited to this and can be any value.

The waiting time for the ending is the same regardless of the type of game result, like the waiting time for the opening, i.e., the waiting time for the ending is the same regardless of the type of opening/closing execution mode.
The waiting time for the ending is not limited to this, and may be configured to be slightly different depending on the type of game result to the extent that the player recognizes them as the same. Also, for example, the waiting time for the ending may be configured to be significantly different depending on the type of game result, such as being significantly different between the game result of a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result" and the game result other than these.

In step S917, the MPU 62 sets an ending command. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 62 transmits the ending command set in step S917 to the sound and light emission control device 90. After that, the MPU 62 ends the big prize opening opening and closing process.
In addition, the audio and light emission control device 90 recognizes the end of the opening and closing execution mode based on the ending command sent from the MPU 62, and executes a predetermined process.

Next, the process (steps S918 and after) performed when the MPU 62 determines in step S906 that the value of the timer counter T is equal to or less than "0" will be described.
In step S918, the MPU 62 executes the closing execution process in the same manner as in step S910 described above.
In step S919, the MPU 62 sets a close command in the same manner as in step S911 described above.

In step S920, the MPU 62 determines whether the winning/losing result is a "special losing result."
If the MPU 62 determines in step S920 that the result is not a "special miss result," i.e., that the result is a "jackpot win," it executes the processes from step S921 onward.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S920 that the winning/losing result is a "special losing result," it executes the processing from step S923 onwards.

First, the process (the process from step S921 onward) when the MPU 62 determines in step S920 that the winning/losing result is not a "special losing result" will be described.
In step S921, the MPU 62 updates the value of the round counter RC by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S922, the MPU 62 determines whether the value of the round counter RC is equal to or less than "0".
If the MPU 62 determines in step S922 that the value of the round counter RC is not equal to or less than "0", it executes the processes from step S915 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S922 that the value of the round counter RC is equal to or less than "0", it executes the above-mentioned processing from S916 onwards.

Next, the process (the process from step S923 onward) when the MPU 62 determines in step S912 or step S920 that the winning/losing result is a "special losing result" will be described.
In step S923, the MPU 62 subtracts 1 from the value of the opening/closing counter SOC to update it.

In step S924, the MPU 62 determines whether the value of the opening/closing counter SOC is equal to or less than "0".
If the MPU 62 determines in step S924 that the value of the opening/closing counter SOC is not equal to or less than "0", it executes the processes in and after step S915 described above.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S924 that the value of the opening/closing counter SOC is equal to or less than "0", it executes the above-mentioned processing from S916 onwards.

Returning to the explanation of the game state transition process, the process from step S812 onwards will be described with reference to FIG.
After executing the large prize opening opening/closing process of step S811, the MPU 62 determines in step S812 whether the value of the opening/closing counter SOC is equal to or less than "0" and the value of the round counter RC is equal to or less than "0".

If the MPU 62 determines in step S812 that at least one of the value of the opening/closing counter SOC and the value of the round counter RC is not equal to or less than "0", it terminates the game state transition process.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S812 that both the value of the opening/closing counter SOC and the value of the round counter RC are less than or equal to "0", then in step S813 it determines whether the value of the timer counter T is less than or equal to "0".

If the MPU 62 determines in step S813 that the value of the timer counter T is not equal to or less than "0", it terminates the game state transition process.
On the other hand, when the MPU 62 determines in step S813 that the value of the timer counter T is equal to or less than "0", the MPU 62 clears the open/close execution mode flag stored in the RAM 64 in step S814, and then executes a transition process for terminating the open/close execution mode. After that, the MPU 62 ends the game state transition process.
The transition process at the end of the opening/closing execution mode will be described in detail below.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the transition process when the opening and closing execution mode is ended.
In the transition process at the end of the opening/closing execution mode, the MPU 62 executes steps S1101 to S1112 as shown in FIG.
In step S1101, the MPU 62 determines whether the allocation result is the "most favorable result" or the "explicit few-round high-probability result."

When the MPU 62 determines in step S1101 that the allocation result is the "most favorable result" or the "explicit few-round high-probability result", it executes the processing from step S1102 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S1101 that the allocation result is not the "most favorable result" or the "explicit few-round high-probability result", it executes the processing from step S1105 onwards.

First, the process (the process from step S1102 onward) when the MPU 62 determines in step S1101 that the allocation result is the "most favorable result" or the "explicit few-round high-probability result" will be described.
In step S1102, the MPU 62 sets a high frequency support flag in the RAM 64. If the high frequency support flag has already been set in the RAM 64, the MPU 62 maintains it. As a result, the MPU 62 sets the support mode to the high frequency support mode.

In step S 1103 , the MPU 62 clears the number limit flag stored in the RAM 64 .
Here, if the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 64 and the number limit flag is not set, the high frequency support mode continues at least until a "jackpot win" is obtained in the win/lose lottery.

In step S1104, the MPU 62 sets the high probability mode flag in the RAM 64. If the high probability mode flag has already been set in the RAM 64, the MPU 62 maintains it. As a result, the MPU 62 sets the win/lose lottery mode to the high probability mode. This high probability mode continues at least until the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win." The MPU 62 then ends the transition process at the end of the open/close execution mode.

When the transition process at the end of the open/close execution mode is completed, the MPU 62 clears the flags (low probability result flag, non-explicit few rounds high probability result flag, explicit few rounds high probability result flag, and most favorable result flag) set in the RAM 64 according to the allocation result, and the special miss flag. Also, in step S701 of the fluctuation start process described above, the MPU 62 determines whether the win/lose lottery mode is the high probability mode by determining whether the high probability mode flag is set in the RAM 64.

Next, the process (the process from step S1105 onward) when the MPU 62 determines in step S1101 that the allocation result is not the "most favorable result" or the "explicit few-round high-probability result" will be described.
In step S1105, the MPU 62 determines whether the allocation result is an "unspecified few rounds high probability result."

If the MPU 62 determines in step S1105 that the allocation result is an "unspecified few rounds high probability result", it executes the processing in step S1106 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S1105 that the allocation result is not an "unspecified few rounds high probability result", it executes the processing from step S1108 onwards.

First, the process (the process from step S1106 onward) when the MPU 62 determines in step S1105 that the allocation result is an "unspecified few rounds high probability result" will be described.
In step S1106, the MPU 62 determines whether or not the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 64.

If the MPU 62 determines in step S1106 that the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 64, it executes the processes from step S1103 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S1106 that the high frequency support flag is not set in the RAM 64, then in step S1107 it sets a high probability mode flag in the RAM 64. If the high probability mode flag has already been set in the RAM 64, the MPU 62 maintains it. This causes the MPU 62 to set the win/lose lottery mode to the high probability mode. This high probability mode continues at least until the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win." After that, the MPU 62 ends the transition process at the end of the open/close execution mode.

Next, the process (the process from step S1108 onward) when the MPU 62 determines in step S1105 that the allocation result is not an "unspecified few rounds high probability result" will be described.
In step S1108, the MPU 62 determines whether the allocation result is a "low probability result."

If the MPU 62 determines in step S1108 that the allocation result is not a "low probability result" (if the win/loss result is determined to be a "special loss result"), it terminates the transition processing at the end of the opening/closing execution mode.
On the other hand, if the MPU 62 determines in step S1108 that the allocation result is a "low probability result", it executes the processes in steps S1109 and onward.

In step S1109, the MPU 62 clears the high probability mode flag. This causes the MPU 62 to set the win/lose lottery mode to the low probability mode. This low probability mode continues at least until the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win" and the allocation result becomes anything other than a "low probability result."

In step S1110, the MPU 62 sets a high frequency support flag in the RAM 64. If the high frequency support flag has already been set in the RAM 64, the MPU 62 maintains it. As a result, the MPU 62 sets the support mode to the high frequency support mode.
In step S1111, the MPU 62 sets the value of the number-of-games counter provided in the various counter area 64a of the RAM 64 to "100".
In step S1112, the MPU 62 sets the number of times limit flag in the RAM 64. If the number of times limit flag has already been set in the RAM 64, the MPU 62 maintains it. Thereafter, the MPU 62 ends the transition process at the end of the opening and closing execution mode.

Here, if the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 64 and the number limit flag is set, the high frequency support mode continues until 100 games, which is the end reference number set in the game number counter, are played. When 100 games are played, the MPU 62 clears the high frequency support flag and the number limit flag. This causes the MPU 62 to set the support mode to the low frequency support mode.
The MPU 62 executes these processes as electric support processes in step S306 of the normal process, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In this way, if the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win" and the allocation lottery results in a "most favorable result" or a "high probability result with an explicit few rounds," the game state will transition to high probability mode and high frequency support mode after the end of the open/close execution mode (i.e., round number setting mode) regardless of the current game state. The high probability mode and high frequency support mode will continue at least until the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win."

In addition, when the current support mode is the high-frequency support mode, if the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win" and the allocation lottery results in an "unspecified few rounds high probability result," the game state will transition to the high probability mode and high-frequency support mode after the open/close execution mode (i.e., the round number setting mode) ends. The high probability mode and high-frequency support mode will continue at least until the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win."

In contrast, if the current support mode is the low-frequency support mode and the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win," and the allocation lottery results in an "unspecified few rounds high probability result," the game state will transition to the high probability mode and low-frequency support mode after the open/close execution mode (i.e., the round number setting mode) ends. The high probability mode and low-frequency support mode will continue at least until the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win."

In addition, if the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win" and the allocation lottery results in a "low probability result," the game state will transition to low probability mode and high frequency support mode after the open/close execution mode (i.e., round number setting mode) ends regardless of the current game state. The low probability mode will continue at least until the win/lose lottery results in a "jackpot win," and the high frequency support mode will transition to low frequency support mode if 100 game rounds have been played without the win/lose lottery resulting in a "jackpot win."

In addition, if the result of the lottery is not a "jackpot win," i.e., if the result of the lottery is a "special miss" or a "normal miss," the game state will not change.

<Electrical configuration of the audio and light emission control device 90>
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the audio and light emission control device.
19, the audio and light emission control device 90 includes an audio and light emission control board 91, an MPU 92 mounted on the audio and light emission control board 91, and a ROM 93 and a RAM 94 constituting the MPU 92. The MPU 92 is an element in which, in addition to the ROM 93 and RAM 94, a CPU, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, and the like are integrated into a single chip.

The ROM 93 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data, and is a non-volatile storage means that does not require an external power supply to hold the stored information.
The RAM 94 is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 93 is executed, and is a volatile storage means that requires an external power supply to hold the stored information. The RAM 94 has various areas such as a command list storage area 94a, various counter areas 94b, and a sub-side hold information storage area 94c. These areas will be described in detail later.

The MPU 92 has an input port and an output port. As described above, the input port of the MPU 92 is connected to the main control device 60. The output port of the MPU 92 is connected to the various lamp units 23, 49a to 49c, the speaker unit 24, and the display control device 100.
The MPU 92 executes drive control of the various lamp units 23 , 49 a to 49 c and the speaker unit 24 based on commands sent from the main control device 60 .
Furthermore, the MPU 92 transmits commands resulting from the analysis of these commands to the display control device 100. The sound and light emission control device 90 is electrically connected to the display control device 100 via a connector unit (connection unit) having connectors on both ends of a signal line.

<Electrical configuration of the display control device 100>
FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display control device.
20, the display control device 100 comprises a display control board 101, an MPU 102, a program ROM 103 and a work RAM 104 constituting the MPU 102, a video display processor (VDP) 105, a character ROM 106, and a video RAM 107. The MPU 102 is an element formed by compounding the program ROM 103, the work RAM 104, a CPU, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, and the like on a chip. The MPU 102, the VDP 105, the character ROM 106, and the video RAM 107 are mounted on the display control board 101.

The MPU 102 analyzes the command sent from the audio/light emission control device 90 and performs a predetermined calculation process based on the command to control the VDP 105. Specifically, the MPU 102 controls the VDP 105 by generating a command for the VDP 105.

The program ROM 103 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data, and is a non-volatile storage means that does not require an external power supply to hold the stored information.
The work RAM 104 is a memory for temporarily storing various data, etc. when executing the control program stored in the program ROM 103, and is a volatile storage means that requires an external power supply to retain the stored information.

The VDP 105 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device that serves as a liquid crystal display driver built into the pattern display device 47. The VDP 105 is also called a "drawing chip" because it is made into an IC chip, and its actual form can be described as a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. Based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 102, the VDP 105 reads image data from the character ROM 106 and stores this image data in the video RAM 107.

The character ROM 106 functions as an image data library for storing character data such as designs to be displayed on the design display device 47. The character ROM 106 holds bitmap format image data of various designs, a color palette table to be referenced when determining the color to be displayed at each dot of the bitmap image, and the like.
The video RAM 107 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the pattern display device 47 , and the display contents of the pattern display device 47 can be changed by rewriting the contents of this video RAM 107 .

The video RAM 107 includes a development buffer 108 and a frame buffer 109 .
As described above, the VDP 105 reads image data from the character ROM 106 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 102, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 108. The VDP 105 also creates one frame of drawing data in the frame buffer 109 by using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 108. Note that one frame of drawing data refers to data necessary to display an image at one update timing in a configuration in which the image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 is updated at a predetermined update timing.

Here, the frame buffer 109 includes a plurality of frame areas 109a and 109b. Specifically, the frame buffer 109 includes a first frame area 109a and a second frame area 109b.
The first frame area 109a comprises a first layer 109a1, a second layer 109a2 having a lower priority than the first layer 109a1, and a third layer 109a3 having a lower priority than the second layer 109a2, and stores one frame's worth of drawing data by overlapping each of the layers 109a1 to 109a3 in order of priority.
The second frame area 109b comprises a first layer 109b1, a second layer 109b2 having a lower priority than the first layer 109b1, and a third layer 109b3 having a lower priority than the second layer 109b2, and stores one frame's worth of drawing data by overlapping each of the layers 109b1 to 109b3 in order of priority.
In the following description, the first layers 109a1 and 109b1 are also simply referred to as the first layer L1, the second layers 109a2 and 109b2 are also simply referred to as the second layer L2, and the third layers 109a3 and 109b3 are also simply referred to as the third layer L3.

Therefore, each layer L1 to L3 is set to a capacity capable of storing one frame's worth of drawing data. Specifically, each layer L1 to L3 includes a large number of unit areas that correspond to the dots (pixels) of the display screen G at a predetermined magnification. Each unit area has a memory capacity capable of storing data for specifying which color to display. More specifically, each unit area employs a full-color system, allowing the setting of 256 colors for each of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). In other words, each unit area has a memory capacity of 1 byte (8 bits) for each RGB color, and has a total memory capacity of at least 3 bytes.

When drawing data created in one frame area (e.g., first frame area 109a) is used to draw on the pattern display device 47, the VDP 105 creates drawing data to be used next for the other frame area (e.g., second frame area 109b). In other words, the frame buffer 109 employs a double buffer system.

The VDP 105 also generates an image signal corresponding to each dot on the display screen G based on the drawing data created in the first frame area 109a or the second frame area 109b, and outputs the image signal to the pattern display device 47. More specifically, the VDP 105 transfers the drawing data to the frame areas 109a and 109b to be output. The VDP 105 converts this drawing data into gradation data by adjusting the resolution using a scaler (not shown) so that the drawing data corresponds to the resolution of the pattern display device 47. The VDP 105 then generates an image signal corresponding to each dot on the display screen G based on the gradation data, and outputs the image signal to the pattern display device 47.

<Regarding timer interrupt processing executed by the audio and light emission control device 90>
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process executed by the audio and light emission control device.
The MPU 92 of the sound and light emission control device 90 executes a timer interrupt process to progress the game. In this timer interrupt process, the MPU 92 executes steps S2001 to S2006 periodically (for example, at 2 msec intervals) as shown in FIG.

In step S2001, the MPU 92 executes a command storage process. In this command storage process, when the MPU 92 receives a command from the MPU 62, the MPU 92 stores the command in the RAM 94. Specifically, the RAM 94 has a ring buffer for storing and reading commands sent from the MPU 62, and the MPU 92 stores the commands in the ring buffer in the order in which they were sent from the MPU 62. The MPU 92 reads the commands from the ring buffer in the order in which they were stored in the ring buffer.

In step S2002, the MPU 92 executes a reserved symbol determination process based on a command sent from the MPU 62. In the reserved symbol determination process, the MPU 92 determines the generation of a reserved symbol, the shift of a reserved symbol, etc. This reserved symbol determination process will be described in detail later.
In step S2003, the MPU 92 executes a presentation determination process based on the command sent from the MPU 62. In the presentation determination process, the MPU 92 determines presentations for game rounds, presentations for the open/close execution mode, etc. This presentation determination process will be described in detail later.
In step S2004, the MPU 92 executes a performance execution process based on the contents of the hold determination process in step S2002 and the performance determination process in step S2003. Specifically, in the performance execution process, the MPU 92 executes light emission control of the various lamp units 23, 49a to 49c, and executes audio control of the speaker unit 24.

In step S2005, the MPU 92 executes a demo display execution process based on the demo command sent from the MPU 62. In the demo display execution process, the MPU 92 executes a demo display when a predetermined start waiting period (e.g., 30 sec) for starting a demo has elapsed after a game round has ended without a new game round being started. Specifically, in the demo display execution process, the MPU 92 executes light emission control of the various lamp units 23 and audio control of the speaker unit 24.

In step S2006, a command transmission process is executed to transmit the commands set in the hold determination process in step S2002 and the performance determination process in step S2003 to the display control device 100. In this command transmission process, the MPU 92 determines whether or not it is time to transmit the various commands stored as a command list in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94 to the display control device 100, and if it is determined that it is time to transmit the various commands to the display control device 100, it transmits the commands to the display control device 100. The MPU 92 then ends the timer interrupt process.

<Regarding the hold determination process executed by the audio and light emission control device 90>
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the reservation determination process.
The MPU 92 of the sound and light emission control device 90 executes a reserved decision process to generate a reserved pattern, shift the reserved pattern, etc. In this reserved decision process, the MPU 92 executes steps S2101 to S2104 as shown in FIG.

In step S2101, the MPU 92 determines whether or not a hold occurrence command (first hold occurrence command or second hold occurrence command) transmitted from the MPU 62 has been received.
If the MPU 92 determines in step S2101 that it has not received a hold generation command, it executes the processes in and after step S2103.
On the other hand, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2101 that it has received a hold generation command, it executes a hold generation process in step S2102. In this hold generation process, the MPU 92 stores the sub-side hold information in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c based on the contents of the hold generation command. This hold generation process will be described in detail later.

After executing the process of step S2102, or if it is determined in step S2101 that the hold occurrence command has not been received, the MPU 92 executes the processes of steps S2103 and onward.
In step S2103, the MPU 92 determines whether or not a pending shift command (first shift command or second shift command) transmitted from the MPU 62 has been received.
If the MPU 92 determines in step S2103 that the hold shift command has not been received, it ends the hold determination process.
On the other hand, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2103 that it has received a hold shift command, it executes hold shift processing in step S2104. In this hold shift processing, the MPU 92 executes a shift of the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c based on the contents of the hold shift command. This hold shift processing will be described in detail later. Thereafter, the MPU 92 ends the hold occurrence processing.

<Pending occurrence processing>
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the reservation generation process.
In the hold generation process, the MPU 92 executes steps S2201 to S2212 as shown in Fig. 23. Specifically, the MPU 92 stores the sub-side hold information in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c based on the contents of the hold generation command.

Figure 24 shows the contents of the sub-side hold information storage area.
As shown in Figure 24, the sub-side reservation information storage area 94c has a first sub-side reservation area SRa, a second sub-side reservation area SRb, and an execution area SAE.

The first sub-side hold area SRa provided as the first sub-side acquired information storage means comprises four storage areas, the first area SRa1 to the fourth area SRa4. Each area SRa1 to SRa4 is set to a storage capacity capable of storing normal hold information for generating a normal hold and advance notice hold information for generating an advance notice hold. The normal hold information for generating a normal hold and the advance notice hold information for generating an advance notice hold will be described in detail later.

The MPU 92 stores the normal hold information or advance hold information as sub-side hold information in each of the areas SRa1 to SRa4 in chronological order in accordance with the reception of the first hold generation command. Specifically, when the MPU 92 receives the first hold generation command sent from the MPU 62, it stores the sub-side hold information in chronological order in the first area SRa1 → second area SRa2 → third area SRa3 → fourth area SRa4.

As described above, the first sub-side reserve area SRa has four memory areas, so up to four pieces of sub-side reserve information based on the first reserve occurrence command can be reserved. The first sub-side reserve area SRa also has a memory area for writing the number of reserved items stored in each of the areas SRa1 to SRa4.

The second sub-side hold area SRb provided as the second sub-side acquired information storage means comprises four storage areas, a first area SRb1 to a fourth area SRb4. Each of areas SRb1 to SRb4 is set to a storage capacity capable of storing normal hold information for generating normal holds, advance notice hold information for generating advance notice holds, and special hold information for generating special holds. The normal hold information for generating normal holds, advance notice hold information for generating advance notice holds, and special hold information for generating special holds will be described in detail later.

The MPU 92 stores normal hold information, advance hold information, or special hold information as sub-side hold information in each of the areas SRb1 to SRb4 in chronological order in response to reception of the second hold generation command. Specifically, when the MPU 92 receives the second hold generation command sent from the MPU 62, it stores the sub-side hold information in chronological order in the first area SRb1 → second area SRb2 → third area SRb3 → fourth area SRb4.

As described above, the second sub-side reserve area SRb has four memory areas, so up to four pieces of sub-side reserve information based on the second reserve occurrence command can be reserved. The second sub-side reserve area SRb also has a memory area for writing the number of reserved items stored in each of the areas SRb1 to SRb4.

The execution area SAE is an area for moving the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa or the second sub-side reserved area SRb when starting the changing display of the pattern display device 47.

Returning to the explanation of the reservation generation process, the process from step S2201 onwards will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S2201, the MPU 92 determines whether or not the first hold occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 62 has been received.
When the MPU 92 determines in step S2201 that it has received the first hold occurrence command, it determines the number of holds stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa in step S2202, and sets the number of holds as the first sub-side start hold memory number SRaN in a predetermined memory area in the first sub-side hold area SRa. After that, the MPU 92 executes the process from step S2204 onward.

In contrast, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2201 that it has not received the first hold generation command (if it determines that it has received the second hold generation command), then in step S2203, it determines the number of holds stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb, and sets that number of holds as the second sub-side start hold memory number SRbN in a specified memory area in the second sub-side hold area SRb. The MPU 92 then executes the processing from step S2204 onwards.

After executing the processing of step S2202 or step S2203, in step S2204, the MPU 92 updates the value of the sub-side start pending memory number SN (SRaN or SRbN) by adding 1.

In step S2205, the MPU 92 determines whether the current support mode is the low-frequency support mode based on the contents of the hold occurrence command.
If the MPU 92 determines in step S2205 that the current support mode is not the low-frequency support mode (if the MPU 92 determines that the current support mode is the high-frequency support mode), it executes the processes in and after step S2206.
On the other hand, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2205 that the current support mode is the low-frequency support mode, it executes the processes in and after step S2210.

First, the process (the process from step S2206 onward) performed when the MPU 92 determines in step S2205 that the current support mode is not the low-frequency support mode will be described.
In step S2206, the MPU 92 executes a lottery process for advance notice reservation. In the lottery process for advance notice reservation, the MPU 92 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to issue an advance notice reservation.
Specifically, the MPU 92 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a notice hold by using the value of a notice hold occurrence counter. The notice hold occurrence counter is provided in the various counter area 94b of the RAM 94.

Here, a notice hold is a hold that executes a notice display that changes the type of reserved image, etc., to inform the player of the expected degree of the hold, or a notice display that generates a look-ahead effect to inform the player of the expected degree of the hold by utilizing the effect of the game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold. Note that in this embodiment, a notice hold that executes a notice display that generates a look-ahead effect will be described, and a description of notice holds that execute other notice displays will be omitted.

The advance notice pending occurrence counter is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and after it reaches its maximum value, it returns to 0. The advance notice pending occurrence counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a advance notice pending occurrence counter buffer set in a specified area of RAM 94.
Then, the MPU 92 executes a lottery (notice hold occurrence lottery) to determine whether or not to generate a notice hold based on the value of the notice hold occurrence counter stored in the notice hold occurrence counter buffer. Specifically, the MPU 92 acquires the value of the notice hold occurrence counter stored in the notice hold occurrence counter buffer, and executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a notice hold by comparing this value with a notice hold occurrence table. The notice hold occurrence table is a table that stores random number values related to the occurrence of a notice hold, and is stored in the ROM 93.

In step S2207, the MPU 92 determines whether or not the advance notice reservation generating lottery in step S2206 was won (whether or not an advance notice reservation should be generated).
When the MPU 92 determines in step S2207 that a notice hold is to be generated, it executes a notice hold generation process in step S2208. In this notice hold generation process, the MPU 92 executes a process for generating a notice hold. In addition, the MPU 92 executes light emission control of the display lamp unit 23 and audio control of the speaker unit 24 in the performance execution process in step S2004 described above based on the contents of this notice hold generation process.

Specifically, the MPU 92 stores the advance notice hold information in the first free memory area in the sub-side hold area, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204.

For example, when the MPU 92 sets the first sub side start pending memory number SRaN in step S2202, it stores the advance notice pending information in the first free memory area of the first sub side reserve area SRa, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the first sub side start pending memory number SRaN updated in step S2204. For example, when the MPU 92 sets the first sub side start pending memory number SRaN to "3" in step S2202, it stores the advance notice pending information in the fourth area SRa4, which is the memory area corresponding to the first sub side start pending memory number SRaN updated to "4" in step S2204.

For example, when the MPU 92 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, the MPU 92 stores the advance notice pending information in the first free memory area of the second sub side reserve area SRb, that is, the memory area corresponding to the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN updated in step S2204. For example, when the MPU 92 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, the MPU 92 stores the advance notice pending information in the fourth area SRb4, which is the memory area corresponding to the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN "4" updated in step S2204.

In contrast, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2207 that a notice hold will not be generated, then in step S2209, it executes a normal hold generation process. In this normal hold generation process, the MPU 92 executes a process for generating a normal hold. Based on the contents of this normal hold generation process, the MPU 92 also executes light emission control of the display lamp unit 23 and audio control of the speaker unit 24 in the performance execution process of step S2004 described above.

Specifically, the MPU 92 stores the normal hold information in the first free memory area in the sub-side hold area, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204.

For example, when the MPU 92 sets the first sub side start pending memory number SRaN in step S2202, it stores the normal pending information in the first free memory area of the first sub side reserve area SRa, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the first sub side start pending memory number SRaN updated in step S2204. For example, when the MPU 92 sets the first sub side start pending memory number SRaN to "3" in step S2202, it stores the normal pending information in the fourth area SRa4, which is the memory area corresponding to the first sub side start pending memory number SRaN updated to "4" in step S2204.

For example, when the MPU 92 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, the MPU 92 stores the normal pending information in the first free memory area of the second sub side reserve area SRb, that is, the memory area corresponding to the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN updated in step S2204. For example, when the MPU 92 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, the MPU 92 stores the normal pending information in the fourth area SRb4, which is the memory area corresponding to the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN of "4" updated in step S2204.

Next, the process (step S2210 and subsequent steps) performed when the MPU 92 determines in step S2205 that the current support mode is the low-frequency support mode will be described.
In step S2210, the MPU 92 determines whether or not it has received a second hold generation command sent from the MPU 62 (whether or not the second sub-side start hold memory number SRbN was set in step S2203).

If the MPU 92 determines in step S2210 that the second hold occurrence command has not been received, it executes the processing from step S2206 onwards described above.
On the other hand, when the MPU 92 determines in step S2210 that the second hold generation command has been received, it executes a special hold generation process in step S2211. In this special hold generation process, the MPU 92 executes a process for generating a special hold. In addition, the MPU 92 executes the light emission control of the display lamp unit 23 and the sound control of the speaker unit 24 in the performance execution process of the above-mentioned step S2004 based on the contents of this special hold generation process.

Specifically, the MPU 92 stores the special hold information in the first free memory area in the sub-side hold area, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204.

Here, since the MPU 92 has set the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, it stores the special pending information in the first free memory area of the second sub side hold area SRb, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN updated in step S2204. For example, if the MPU 92 has set the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, it stores the special pending information in the fourth area SRb4, which is the memory area corresponding to the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN of "4" updated in step S2204.

After executing the advance hold generation process of step S2208, the normal hold generation process of step S2209, or the special hold generation process of step S2211, the MPU 92 sets a hold display generation command in step S2212. The MPU 92 then stores the hold display generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This hold display generation command is transmitted to the display control device 100 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 reads out a data table from the program ROM 103 for executing the occurrence of a notice hold, a normal hold, or a special hold on the pattern display device 47 based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 92. Then, the MPU 102 outputs a command to the VDP 105 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 105 reads out image data from the character ROM 106 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 102, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 108. In addition, the VDP 105 creates drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 108. As a result, the pattern display device 47 displays a notice hold pattern, a normal hold pattern, or a special hold pattern on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of a notice hold, a normal hold, or a special hold.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the pre-announced reserved pattern, the normal reserved pattern, and the special reserved pattern displayed on the display screen of the pattern display device.
As shown in FIG. 25, the MPU 102 displays on the display screen G pedestals B11 to B14 corresponding to the four memory areas, the first area SRa1 to the fourth area SRa4, of the first sub-side reservation area SRa, pedestals B21 to B24 corresponding to the four memory areas, the first area SRb1 to the fourth area SRb4, of the second sub-side reservation area SRb, and an execution pedestal AB provided between the pedestals B11 and B21 corresponding to the execution area SAE.

The first reservation lamp units 49a are provided from left to right to correspond to the four storage areas, the first area SRa1 to the fourth area SRa4, of the first sub-side reservation area SRa. On the other hand, the bases B11 to B14 are provided from right to left to correspond to the four storage areas, the first area SRa1 to the fourth area SRa4, of the first sub-side reservation area SRa.
The second reserve lamp unit 49b is provided from left to right to correspond to the four storage areas, the first area SRb1 to the fourth area SRb4 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb. Similarly, the bases B21 to B24 are provided from left to right to correspond to the four storage areas, the first area SRb1 to the fourth area SRb4 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb.

The bases B11 to B14, the bases B21 to B24, and the execution base AB notify the player of the occurrence of a notice hold, a normal hold, or a special hold by placing a notice hold pattern, a normal hold pattern, and a special hold pattern thereon.
Specifically, when the MPU 102 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 92, that normal hold information is stored in the memory area of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places a white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, on the pedestals B11 to B14.
When the MPU 102 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 92, that advance notice hold information is stored in the memory area of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places a flashing white sphere image, which is an advance notice hold image, on the pedestals B11 to B14.

In addition, when the MPU 102 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 92, that normal hold information is stored in the memory area of the second sub-side hold area SRb, it places a white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, on the pedestals B21 to B24.
When the MPU 102 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 92, that advance notice hold information is stored in the memory area of the second sub-side hold area SRb, it places a flashing white sphere image, which is an advance notice hold image, on the pedestals B21 to B24.
When the MPU 102 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 92, that special hold information is stored in the memory area of the second sub-side hold area SRb, it places a black sphere image, which is a special hold image, on the pedestals B21 to B24.

Furthermore, when the MPU 102 determines that normal hold information is stored in the execution area SAE, it places a white sphere image, which is a normal hold image, on the execution base AB.
When the MPU 102 determines that advance notice pending information is stored in the execution area SAE, it places a flashing white sphere image, which is an advance notice pending image, on the execution base AB.
When the MPU 102 determines that special reservation information is stored in the execution area SAE, it places a black sphere image, which is a special reservation image, on the execution base AB.
The MPU 102 specifies the information stored in the execution area SAE based on the contents of the hold display shift command sent from the MPU 92. This hold display shift command will be described in detail later.

Here, in the example of Fig. 25, the MPU 102 places the normal reserved pattern on the bases B11 and B12, places the advance reservation pattern on the base B13, and places the normal reserved pattern on the execution base AB. Also, in this example, the MPU 102 places the special reserved pattern on the base B21. In other words, in this example, the support mode is the low frequency support mode. Also, in this example, the MPU 102 does not place any pattern on the bases B14, B22 to B24.
In this embodiment, the pictures of the normal reserve, the notice reserve, and the special reserve are different from each other, but any two of the pictures may be the same, or all of the pictures may be the same. In addition, in this embodiment, the MPU 102 displays the bases B11 to B14, the bases B21 to B24, and the execution base AB on the display screen G, but it is not necessary to display each base on the display screen G.

<Hold shift processing>
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the reservation shift process.
As described above, the MPU 92 of the audio and light emission control device 90 executes the hold shift process in step S2104 of the hold determination process. In this hold shift process, the MPU 92 executes steps S2301 to S2308 as shown in Fig. 26. Specifically, the MPU 92 shifts the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold area based on the contents of the hold shift command.

In step S2301, the MPU 92 determines whether or not the first shift command transmitted from the MPU 62 has been received.
If the MPU 92 determines in step S2301 that a first shift command has been received, it executes data setting processing for the first sub-side reserve area SRa in steps S2302 to S2304, and if it determines in step S2301 that a first shift command has not been received (if it determines that a second shift command has been received), it executes data setting processing for the second sub-side reserve area SRb in steps S2305 to S2307.

First, the data setting process for the first sub-side reservation area SRa in steps S2302 to S2304 will be described.
In step S2302, the MPU 92 subtracts 1 from the value of the first sub-side start pending memory count SRaN in the first sub-side pending area SRa to update it.
In step S2303, the MPU 92 moves the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa to the execution area SAE.
In step S2304, the MPU 92 executes a data shift process to shift the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. This data shift process is a process to sequentially shift the sub-side reserved information stored in each of the areas SRa1 to SRa4 to the first area SRa1. Specifically, the MPU 92 shifts the sub-side reserved information in the second area SRa2 to the first area SRa1, shifts the sub-side reserved information in the third area SRa3 to the second area SRa2, and shifts the sub-side reserved information in the fourth area SRa4 to the third area SRa3.

Next, the data setting process for the second sub-side reserve area SRb in steps S2305 to S2307 will be described.
In step S2305, the MPU 92 subtracts 1 from the value of the second sub-side start pending memory number SRbN in the second sub-side pending area SRb to update it.
In step S2306, the MPU 92 moves the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb to the execution area SAE.
In step S2307, the MPU 92 executes a data shift process to shift the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side reserved area SRb. This data shift process is a process to sequentially shift the sub-side reserved information stored in each of the areas SRb1 to SRb4 to the first area SRb1. Specifically, the MPU 92 shifts the sub-side reserved information in the second area SRb2 to the first area SRb1, shifts the sub-side reserved information in the third area SRb3 to the second area SRb2, and shifts the sub-side reserved information in the fourth area SRb4 to the third area SRb3.

After executing the processing of step S2304 or step S2307, the MPU 92 sets a hold display shift command in step S2308. Then, the MPU 92 stores the hold display shift command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. Here, the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c is included in the hold display shift command stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This hold display shift command is transmitted to the display control device 100 in the command transmission processing of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 reads out a data table from the program ROM 103 for executing the normal hold, notice hold, and special hold shifts on the pattern display device 47 based on the hold display shift command sent from the MPU 92. Then, the MPU 102 outputs a command to the VDP 105 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 105 reads out image data from the character ROM 106 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 102, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 108. The VDP 105 also creates drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 108. As a result, the pattern display device 47 displays and executes the normal hold, notice hold, and special hold shifts on the display screen G.

<Regarding the performance determination process executed by the audio and light emission control device 90>
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect determination process.
The MPU 92 of the sound and light emission control device 90 executes a presentation determination process to execute presentations for game times, presentations for the open/close execution mode, etc. In this presentation determination process, the MPU 92 executes steps S2401 to S2413 as shown in FIG.

In step S2401, the MPU 92 determines whether or not the variation command and the type command transmitted from the MPU 62 have been received.
If the MPU 92 determines in step S2401 that it has not received any command, it executes the processes in and after step S2409.
In contrast, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2401 that it has received each command, in step S2402, it determines whether the game result is a "most advantageous result" or a "low probability result" based on the content of the type command.

If the MPU 92 determines in step S2402 that the game result is the "most favorable result" or the "low probability result," it executes a pattern determination process corresponding to the type of game result in step S2403. In this pattern determination process, if the MPU 92 determines that the game result is the "most favorable result," it determines information related to a combination of patterns having the same odd numbers or the same even numbers as the stop result to be finally stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and if the MPU 92 determines that the game result is a "low probability result," it determines information related to a combination of patterns having the same even numbers as the stop result to be finally stopped and displayed on the pay line L. The odd and even numbers are determined randomly by lottery or the like.

In contrast, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2402 that the game result is not the "most advantageous result" or the "low probability result," then in step S2404, it determines whether the game result is a "normal loss result" or not based on the content of the type command.
When the MPU 92 determines in step S2404 that the game result is not a "normal losing result", that is, when the game result is any of a "special losing result", an "unspecified few rounds high probability result", and an "explicit few rounds high probability result", it executes a common symbol determination process in step S2405. In this common symbol determination process, the MPU 92 determines information related to a special symbol combination as a stop result to be finally displayed on the pay line L. Specifically, the MPU 92 determines a special symbol combination (e.g., "3, 4, 1") having different numbers that will not be selected in the case of a "normal losing result" in the winning/losing lottery, rather than a combination of symbols having the same numbers. Note that this special symbol combination is the same regardless of the type of game result.

In contrast, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2404 that the game result is a "normal miss result," it executes a pattern determination process for a normal miss in step S2406. In this pattern determination process for a normal miss, the MPU 92 determines whether or not a reach display will occur based on the content of the variation command.

When the MPU 92 determines that a reach display will occur, it determines information related to the combination of symbols in the reach display as a stop result to be finally displayed on the pay line L. The combination of symbols in the reach display is determined randomly by a lottery or the like.
On the other hand, when the MPU 92 determines that the reach display will not occur, it determines information relating to a combination of symbols different from the combinations of symbols described above as a final stop result to be displayed on the pay line L. Specifically, the MPU 92 randomly determines, by drawing lots or the like, a combination of symbols different from any of a combination of symbols having the same number, a combination of special symbols, and a combination of symbols in the reach display.

After executing any one of the processes of step S2403, step S2405, and step S2406, the MPU 92 executes a process of determining a presentation pattern in step S2407. In this process of determining a presentation pattern, the MPU 92 selects a presentation pattern corresponding to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table previously stored in the ROM 93. Specifically, the MPU 92 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. Note that in step S2407, the MPU 92 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display. This process of determining a presentation pattern will be described in detail later.

In addition, the MPU 92 performs light emission control of the display lamp unit 23 and audio control of the speaker unit 24 in the performance execution process of step S2004 described above based on the selected performance pattern.

In step S2408, the MPU 92 sets a fluctuation start command and a stop result command including information related to the stop result determined in any one of the processes in steps S2403, S2405, and S2406. The MPU 92 then stores the fluctuation start command and the stop result command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. These fluctuation start command and the stop result command are transmitted to the display control device 100 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 reads out a data table from the program ROM 103 for starting the variable display and displaying the stop result on the pattern display device 47 based on the variable display start command and the stop result command sent from the MPU 92. Then, the MPU 102 outputs a command to the VDP 105 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 105 reads out image data from the character ROM 106 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 102, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 108. The VDP 105 also creates drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 108. As a result, the pattern display device 47 starts the variable display and then finally stops and displays the stop result determined by the MPU 92 on the effective line L.

After executing the process of step S2408, or if it is determined in step S2401 that the variation command and type command have not been received, the MPU 92 executes the processes from step S2409 onwards.
In step S2409, the MPU 92 determines whether or not an opening command has been received.

If the MPU 92 determines in step S2409 that the opening command has not been received, it executes the processes in and after step S2413.
On the other hand, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2409 that an opening command has been received, then in step S2410, the MPU 92 determines the type of game result based on the contents of the opening command.

In step S2411, the MPU 92 executes a process of determining an effect for the open/close execution mode corresponding to the type of game result determined in step S2410. In the process of determining an effect for the open/close execution mode, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2410 that the game result is a "special miss result" or an "unspecified few rounds high probability result", it selects effect A as the effect for the open/close execution mode. If the MPU 92 determines that the game result is an "unspecified few rounds high probability result", it selects effect B as the effect for the open/close execution mode. If the MPU 92 determines that the game result is a "most favorable result", it selects effect C or effect D as the effect for the open/close execution mode. If the MPU 92 determines that the game result is a "low probability result", it selects effect D as the effect for the open/close execution mode.
The duration of effects A and B corresponds to the time required for the large prize opening 38a to be opened and closed twice in a short time in the opening and closing execution mode. The duration of effects C and D corresponds to the time required for the large prize opening 38a to be opened and closed 15 times in a long time in the opening and closing execution mode.

In addition, based on the selection result of effects A to D, the MPU 92 performs the illumination control of the display lamp unit 23 and performs audio control of the speaker unit 24 in the effect execution process of step S2004 described above.

In step S2412, the MPU 92 sets a command for the opening and closing execution mode including information related to the performance for the opening and closing execution mode selected in step S2411. The MPU 92 then stores the command for the opening and closing execution mode in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This command for the opening and closing execution mode is transmitted to the display control device 100 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 reads out a data table from the program ROM 103 for executing the performance for the open/close execution mode on the pattern display device 47 based on the command for the open/close execution mode sent from the MPU 92. Then, the MPU 102 outputs a command to the VDP 105 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 105 reads out image data from the character ROM 106 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 102, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 108. The VDP 105 also creates drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 108. As a result, the pattern display device 47 executes the performance for the open/close execution mode selected by the MPU 92 of the sound and light emission control device 90.

After executing the process of step S2412, or if it is determined in step S2409 that the opening command has not been received, the MPU 92 executes the processes of steps S2413 and onward.
In step S2413, the MPU 92 executes other processes. In the other processes, the MPU 92 executes processes for progressing the performance for the open/close execution mode, for example, based on the open command, close command, and ending command transmitted from the MPU 62. Thereafter, the MPU 92 ends the performance determination process.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect pattern determination process.
The MPU 92 of the sound and light emission control device 90 executes a process for determining a performance pattern to select a performance duration (performance duration period) and a content of the performance as a performance pattern. In this process for determining a performance pattern, the MPU 92 executes steps S2501 to S2511 as shown in FIG.

In step S2501, it is determined whether the sub-side hold information shifted to the execution area SAE by the hold shift process is special hold information.

If the MPU 92 determines in step S2501 that the information is special hold information, it executes a special hold presentation decision process in step S2502. In this special hold presentation decision process, the MPU 92 decides on a presentation for consuming the special hold. Based on the contents of this special hold presentation decision process, the MPU 92 also executes illumination control of the display lamp unit 23 and audio control of the speaker unit 24 in the presentation execution process of the aforementioned step S2004.

In step S2503, the MPU 92 sets a special hold effect command. The MPU 92 then stores the special hold effect command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. Here, the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c is included in the special hold effect command stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This special hold effect command is transmitted to the display control device 100 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 reads out a data table from the program ROM 103 for executing the effect for consuming the special hold on the pattern display device 47 based on the special hold effect command sent from the MPU 92. Then, the MPU 102 outputs a command to the VDP 105 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 105 reads out image data from the character ROM 106 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 102, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 108. The VDP 105 also creates drawing data in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 108. As a result, the pattern display device 47 displays and executes the effect for consuming the special hold on the display screen G.

In contrast, if the MPU 92 determines that the sub-side reserved information shifted to the execution area SAE in step S2501 is not special reserved information, it sets a special reserved performance end command in step S2504. Then, the MPU 92 stores the special reserved performance end command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. Here, the sub-side reserved information stored in the sub-side reserved information storage area 94c is included in the special reserved performance end command stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This special reserved performance end command is sent to the display control device 100 in the command sending process in step S2006 described above.

Based on the special hold effect end command sent from MPU 92, MPU 102 of the display control device 100 clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the effect for consuming the special hold) that was created in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109.
In this embodiment, when the MPU 92 determines that the sub-side reserved information shifted to the execution area SAE in step S2501 is not special reserved information, in step S2504, the MPU 102 always sets a special reserved effect end command, and the MPU 102 clears the drawing data created in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 based on the special reserved effect end command sent from the MPU 92. In contrast, the MPU 92 may set the special reserved effect end command only when drawing data has been created in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109.

In step S2505, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side reserved information shifted to the memory area of the sub-side reserved area by the reservation shift processing is advance reservation information.
If the MPU 92 determines in step S2505 that the information is notice pending information, it executes notice pending performance determination processing in step S2506. In this notice pending performance determination processing, the MPU 92 determines a performance (pre-reading performance) for consuming the notice pending. In addition, the MPU 92 executes light emission control of the display lamp unit 23 and audio control of the speaker unit 24 in the performance execution processing in the above-mentioned step S2004 based on the contents of this notice pending performance determination processing.

In step S2507, the MPU 92 sets a notice-on-hold performance command. The MPU 92 then stores the notice-on-hold performance command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. Here, the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c is included in the notice-on-hold performance command stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This notice-on-hold performance command is transmitted to the display control device 100 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 reads out a data table from the program ROM 103 for executing the performance for consuming the notice reservation on the pattern display device 47 based on the notice reservation performance command sent from the MPU 92. Then, the MPU 102 outputs a command to the VDP 105 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 105 reads out image data from the character ROM 106 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 102, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 108. The VDP 105 also creates drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 108. As a result, the pattern display device 47 displays and executes the performance for consuming the notice reservation on the display screen G.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the flow of the pre-reading performance.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 29, the MPU 102 causes the pattern display device 47 to display an angel character holding a signboard displaying the word "mystery" so that it flies around the entire display screen G, thereby executing a look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-announced reserved number, which notifies the player of the expected degree of the reserved number by utilizing the effect of the number of game rounds based on the reserved number that will be consumed before the reserved number. Here, the VDP 105 displays the look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.

The look-ahead performance starts by flying the angel character from the top right position of the display screen G toward the center position (see FIG. 29(A)), and then flies the angel character from that position toward the top left position (see FIG. 29(B)). The look-ahead performance then flies the angel character from the top left position (position in FIG. 29(B)) of the display screen G toward the top right position (see FIG. 29(C)), returning the angel character to the start position. Then, as shown in FIGS. 29(A) to (C), the look-ahead performance starts by flying the angel character again, causing the angel character to fly in an infinite loop. Here, in this embodiment, the time required for one loop of the look-ahead performance is 10 seconds.

Returning to the explanation of the effect pattern determination process, the process from step S2508 onwards will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S2508, the MPU 92 executes a process of accumulating the display duration. In this process of accumulating the display duration, the MPU 92 calculates the accumulated time of the display duration based on the content of the variable command each time the MPU 92 executes the process of determining the advance notice hold effect in step S2506, and stores the accumulated time in the RAM 94. In other words, the accumulated time of the display duration indicates the time taken from the start to the end of the pre-reading effect. Here, the advance notice hold effect command described above includes information related to the accumulated time of the display duration. Therefore, the MPU 102 is able to grasp the starting point when flying the angel character and the movement thereafter by receiving information related to the accumulated time of the display duration from the MPU 92. Note that the initial value of the accumulated time of the display duration is "0", and the starting point of the angel character at this time is the flight start position.

In contrast, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2505 that the information is not advance notice pending information, it sets an advance notice pending performance end command in step S2509. Then, the MPU 92 stores the advance notice pending performance end command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. Here, the sub-side pending information stored in the sub-side pending information storage area 94c is included in the advance notice pending performance end command stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This advance notice pending performance end command is sent to the display control device 100 in the command sending process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the performance for consuming the advance notice hold) that was created in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 based on the advance notice hold performance end command sent from the MPU 92.

In step S2510, the MPU 92 executes a cumulative reset process for the display duration. In this cumulative reset process for the display duration, the MPU 92 resets the cumulative display duration stored in the RAM 94 by substituting "0".

After executing the process of step S2503, after executing the process of step S2508, or after executing the process of step S2510, the MPU 92 executes other processes in step S2511. Then, the MPU 92 ends the process of determining the presentation pattern. In other processes, the MPU 92 selects a presentation pattern corresponding to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table pre-stored in the ROM 93. Specifically, the MPU 92 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. Note that in step S2511, the MPU 92 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display other than the pre-reading presentation.

<Relationship between game results and game status, etc.>
The relationship between the game result and the game state based on the execution of various processes will be described below.
Fig. 30 is a diagram showing the relationship between game results and game states, etc. Specifically, Fig. 30 is a diagram showing the relationship between game results excluding "normal miss results" and game states, etc., in which game results are arranged in columns and game states, etc. are arranged in rows.
As shown in Figure 30, the pachinko machine 10 has, as game results excluding a "normal miss result," results of whether or not a "jackpot win" and a "special miss result" have been obtained, and allocation results of an "unspecified low-round high-probability result," an "explicit low-round high-probability result," a "most favorable result," and a "low-probability result."

Here, the "special losing result" is the game result that is selected when the winning/losing lottery does not result in a "jackpot win" (symbol × in the figure), as shown in the second column of the table in Figure 30. Also, the allocation result is the game result that is selected when the winning/losing lottery results in a "jackpot win" (symbol O in the figure).
The following describes the relationship between the game result, excluding the "normal miss result," and the game state, etc. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 sets the relationship between the game result and the game state, etc. as follows, but the combination of the game result and the game state, the content of the game result, and the content of the game state, etc. are arbitrary.

In the "special losing result", the opening and closing execution mode is changed to the opening and closing number specified mode instead of the round number specified mode, and the opening and closing of the big prize opening 38a is executed twice in a short time mode. Also, in the "special losing result", the winning or losing lottery mode is not changed.
In the "non-disclosed few rounds high probability result", the opening and closing execution mode is switched to a round number regulation mode in which rounds are played with an upper limit of two times, and the opening and closing of the large prize opening 38a is executed twice in a short time mode. Also, in the "non-disclosed few rounds high probability result", the winning/losing lottery mode is switched to a high probability mode.
In this way, although the "special losing result" and the "non-disclosed short-round high probability result" have different types of opening and closing execution modes, they have in common that the opening and closing of the large prize opening 38a is executed twice in a short period of time.

In addition, in the case of a "special miss result" and an "undisclosed few rounds high probability result", the stopping result will be a special combination of symbols, and the presentation for the open/close execution mode will be presentation A. Furthermore, in the case of a "special miss result" and an "undisclosed few rounds high probability result", the support mode will not be switched. In addition, in the game round after the open/close execution mode ends, the symbol display device 47 will not display an image on the display screen G indicating that it is a high probability mode.

Therefore, by checking the stop result or the performance for the open/close execution mode, the player cannot know whether the game result is a "special miss result" or a "non-disclosed few rounds high probability result". In other words, even if the allocation lottery results in a "non-disclosed few rounds high probability result" and the game moves to the high probability mode, the symbol display device 47 performs a disguise as if the game did not move to the win/lose lottery mode in the game round after the open/close execution mode ends.
Therefore, the player can enjoy predicting whether the win/lose lottery mode has shifted to the high probability mode while playing the game.

In the "expressed few rounds high probability result", the opening/closing execution mode transitions to a round number specified mode in which round play is performed with a maximum number of times set to two, and the opening and closing of the large prize opening 38a is performed twice in a short period of time. In the "expressed few rounds high probability result", the win/lose lottery mode transitions to a high probability mode. In the "expressed few rounds high probability result", the stopping result is a special combination of symbols, and the presentation for the opening/closing execution mode is presentation B. In the "expressed few rounds high probability result", the support mode transitions to a high frequency support mode. Furthermore, in the game round after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the symbol display device 47 displays an image on the display screen G indicating that the mode is the high probability mode.
Therefore, by checking the stop result and the presentation for the opening and closing execution mode, the player can understand that the game result is an "explicit few-round high-probability result."

In the case of the "most favorable result" and the "low probability result", the opening/closing execution mode transitions to a round number specified mode in which rounds of play are played with a maximum of 15 times, and the opening and closing of the large prize opening 38a is executed 15 times in a long-term manner.
Here, in the "most favorable result", the stopping result is a combination of symbols having the same odd numbers or the same even numbers, the winning/losing selection mode transitions to the high probability mode, and the presentation for the opening/closing execution mode becomes presentation C or presentation D. Specifically, if the stopping result is a combination of symbols having the same odd numbers, the presentation for the opening/closing execution mode becomes presentation C, and if the stopping result is a combination of symbols having the same even numbers, the presentation for the opening/closing execution mode becomes presentation D.
In addition, in the case of a "low probability result", the stopping result is a combination of symbols having the same even numbers, the winning/losing selection mode is shifted to a low probability mode, and the presentation for the opening/closing execution mode is presentation D. Furthermore, in the case of a "most favorable result" and a "low probability result", the support mode is shifted to a high frequency support mode.

Therefore, if the stopping result is a combination of symbols with the same odd numbers and the presentation for the open/close execution mode is presentation C, the player can know that the game result is the "most advantageous result." However, if the stopping result is a combination of symbols with the same even numbers, the player cannot know whether the game result is the "most advantageous result" or the "low probability result" by checking the stopping result or the presentation for the open/close execution mode.

Then, in the game round after the end of the opening and closing execution mode, if the final effect for the opening and closing execution mode is effect D, the symbol display device 47 does not display an image on the display screen G indicating that it is the high probability mode.

Specifically, the pattern display device 47 does not display an image on the display screen G that clearly indicates that it is the high probability mode, but displays an image on the display screen G that notifies the user that the high frequency support mode will transition to the low frequency support mode when the number of play times reaches a reference number for ending (specifically, 100 times). In other words, even if the allocation lottery results in a "most favorable result," in the play times after the end of the open/close execution mode, if the final effect for the open/close execution mode is effect D, the pattern display device 47 will disguise the game result as if it was a "low probability result."

If the allocation result is the "most favorable result," the symbol display device 47 displays an image on the display screen G indicating that the game result is a "high probability mode" after 100 play times have been played without resulting in a "jackpot win" in the win/lose lottery. In other words, the symbol display device 47 cancels the disguise that was applied so that the game result was a "low probability result."

<About the occurrence of pre-reading performances and the subsequent flow>
Fig. 31 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when it is determined that advance notice reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. Specifically, Fig. 31(A) is a diagram showing the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. Also, Fig. 31(B) is a diagram showing the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, Fig. 31(C) is a diagram showing the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, and Fig. 31(D) is a diagram showing the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.
In this example, the MPU 92 determines that normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and determines that normal pending information is stored in the execution area SAE.

As shown in FIG. 31(A), the MPU 102 transitions to a high-speed fluctuation period by starting the fluctuation display of multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 based on a fluctuation start command sent from the MPU 92. In this high-speed fluctuation period, the MPU 102 starts the fluctuation display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment). In the example of FIG. 31, the MPU 102 starts the fluctuation display based on a fluctuation start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Thereafter, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 92, MPU 102 notifies the result of the win/lose lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).
In this embodiment, the VDP 105 displays multiple pattern columns Z1 to Z3 on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 31 (B).

Furthermore, when the MPU 92 determines in step S2207 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2208, it executes a notice hold generation process and stores the notice hold information in the first free storage area of the sub-side reserve area, i.e., the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. In the example of Fig. 31, the MPU 92 stores the notice hold information in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 102 determines that the notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa based on the contents of the pending display generation command transmitted from the MPU 92, it places a blinking white sphere pattern, which is the notice pending pattern, on the base B13. Here, the VDP 105 displays the notice pending pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in FIG. 31 (B).

In the example of FIG. 31, the MPU 102 is not executing the performance for the consumption of the special hold, so the VDP 105 is not creating drawing data in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in FIG. 31 (C). In the example of FIG. 31, the MPU 102 is not executing the performance for the consumption of the advance hold, so the VDP 105 is not creating drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in FIG. 31 (D).

Figure 32 shows the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when the first hold shift process is executed after it is determined that advance hold information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side hold area. Specifically, Figure 32(A) shows the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. Also, Figure 32(B) shows the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, Figure 32(C) shows the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, and Figure 32(D) shows the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.

Based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from MPU 92, MPU 102 executes the shifts of normal hold, notice hold, and special hold by displaying them on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 32(A), the MPU 102 shifts the white sphere pattern, which is the normal reserved pattern, placed on the base B11 onto the execution base AB based on the reserved display shift command sent from the MPU 92, shifts the white sphere pattern, which is the normal reserved pattern, placed on the base B12 onto the base B11, and shifts the blinking white sphere pattern, which is the notice reserved pattern, placed on the base B13 onto the base B12, based on the reserved display shift command sent from the MPU 92. Here, the VDP 105 displays the normal reserved pattern and the notice reserved pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109 as shown in Fig. 32(B).

As shown in FIG. 32(A), the MPU 102 transitions to a high-speed changing period by starting the changing display of multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 92. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 102 starts the changing display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment). In the example of FIG. 32, the MPU 102 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Thereafter, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 92, MPU 102 notifies the result of the win/lose lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).
In this embodiment, the VDP 105 displays multiple pattern columns Z1 to Z3 on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 32 (B).

In addition, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side hold information shifted to the memory area of the sub-side hold area in step S2505 is notice hold information, and if it determines in step S2505 that it is notice hold information, in step S2506, executes a notice hold performance determination process, and in step S2507, sets a notice hold performance command.
Then, based on the notice-on-hold performance command transmitted from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 executes the performance for consuming the notice-on-hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, the MPU 102 executes the look-ahead effect by displaying an angel character holding a signboard with the word "mystery" on the pattern display device 47 so that the angel character flies around the entire display screen G, as shown in Fig. 32 (A). This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a notice reserved game, which notifies the player of the expectation of the reserved game (the reserved game related to the notice reserved game pattern placed on the base B12 in the example of Fig. 32) by utilizing the effect of the game round based on the reserved game that will be consumed before the reserved game (the reserved game related to the normal reserved game pattern placed on the execution base AB and the base B11 in the example of Fig. 32). Here, the VDP 105 displays the look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 as shown in Fig. 32 (D).

In the example of FIG. 32, the MPU 102 receives the first notice-on-hold performance command after determining that notice-on-hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and the cumulative display duration time included in this notice-on-hold performance command is "0." Therefore, the MPU 102 will fly the angel character from the top right position of the display screen G as the flight start position, as shown in FIG. 32 (A) and (D).

In the example of Figure 32, since the MPU 102 is not executing the performance for consuming the special hold, the VDP 105 does not create drawing data in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 32 (C).

<About the flow when consuming normal reserve after the occurrence of pre-reading performance>
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when the second reservation shift process is executed after it is determined that the advance reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. Specifically, FIG. 33(A) is a diagram showing the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. Also, FIG. 33(B) is a diagram showing the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, FIG. 33(C) is a diagram showing the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, and FIG. 33(D) is a diagram showing the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.

Based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from MPU 92, MPU 102 executes the shifts of normal hold, notice hold, and special hold by displaying them on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 33(A), the MPU 102 shifts the white sphere pattern, which is the normal reserved pattern placed on the base B11, onto the execution base AB based on the reserved display shift command sent from the MPU 92, and shifts the blinking white sphere pattern, which is the advance reserved pattern placed on the base B12, onto the base B11. Here, the VDP 105 displays the normal reserved pattern and the advance reserved pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Fig. 33(B).

As shown in FIG. 33(A), the MPU 102 transitions to a high-speed fluctuation period by starting the fluctuation display of multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 based on the fluctuation start command sent from the MPU 92. In this high-speed fluctuation period, the MPU 102 starts the fluctuation display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment). In the example of FIG. 33, the MPU 102 starts the fluctuation display based on the fluctuation start command related to the normal pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Thereafter, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 92, MPU 102 notifies the result of the win/lose lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).
In this embodiment, the VDP 105 displays multiple pattern columns Z1 to Z3 on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 33 (B).

In addition, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side hold information shifted to the memory area of the sub-side hold area in step S2505 is notice hold information, and if it determines in step S2505 that it is notice hold information, in step S2506, executes a notice hold performance determination process, and in step S2507, sets a notice hold performance command.
Then, based on the notice-on-hold performance command transmitted from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 executes the performance for consuming the notice-on-hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, the MPU 102 executes the look-ahead effect by displaying an angel character holding a signboard with the word "mystery" on the pattern display device 47 so that the angel character flies around the entire display screen G, as shown in Fig. 33(A). This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification reserve, which notifies the player of the expectation of the reserve (the reserve related to the pre-notification reserve pattern placed on the base B11 in the example of Fig. 33) by utilizing the effect of the game round based on the reserve that will be consumed before the reserve (the reserve related to the normal reserve pattern placed on the execution base AB in the example of Fig. 33). Here, the VDP 105 displays the look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Fig. 33(D).

In the example of FIG. 33, the MPU 102 receives a second notice-on-hold performance command after determining that notice-on-hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and the cumulative display duration included in this notice-on-hold performance command is the same as the display duration of the previous game. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 33(A) and (D), the MPU 102 causes the angel character to fly starting from the position of the angel at the end of the previous look-ahead performance.

Here, the MPU 102 of the display control device 100 clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the presentation for consuming the notice pending) that was created in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 based on the notice pending presentation end command sent from the MPU 92. In other words, in the example of FIG. 33, the MPU 102 will receive the notice pending presentation end command from the MPU 92 in the next game round, and therefore clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the presentation for consuming the notice pending) that was created in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 based on this notice pending presentation end command.

In the example of Figure 33, since the MPU 102 is not executing the performance for consuming the special hold, the VDP 105 does not create drawing data in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 33 (C).

<About the flow when consuming special reserve after the occurrence of pre-reading performance>
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when it is specified that the advance reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area, the first reservation shift process is executed, and then it is specified that the special reservation information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reservation area. In other words, FIG. 34 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when it is specified that the special reservation information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reservation area after the state shown in FIG. 32 is reached. Specifically, FIG. 34(A) is a diagram showing the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. Also, FIG. 34(B) is a diagram showing the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, FIG. 34(C) is a diagram showing the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, and FIG. 34(D) is a diagram showing the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.

Based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from MPU 92, MPU 102 executes the shifts of normal hold, notice hold, and special hold by displaying them on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 34(A), the MPU 102 shifts the white sphere pattern, which is the normal reserved pattern, placed on the base B11, onto the execution base AB based on the reserved display shift command sent from the MPU 92, shifts the white sphere pattern, which is the normal reserved pattern, placed on the base B12, onto the base B11, and shifts the blinking white sphere pattern, which is the notice reserved pattern, placed on the base B13, onto the base B12, based on the reserved display shift command sent from the MPU 92. Here, the VDP 105 displays the normal reserved pattern and the notice reserved pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Fig. 34(B).

As shown in FIG. 34(A), the MPU 102 transitions to a high-speed changing period by starting the changing display of multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 92. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 102 starts the changing display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment). In the example of FIG. 34, the MPU 102 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Thereafter, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 92, MPU 102 notifies the result of the win/lose lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).
In this embodiment, the VDP 105 displays multiple pattern columns Z1 to Z3 on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 34 (B).

In addition, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side hold information shifted to the memory area of the sub-side hold area in step S2505 is notice hold information, and if it determines in step S2505 that it is notice hold information, in step S2506, executes a notice hold performance determination process, and in step S2507, sets a notice hold performance command.
Then, based on the notice-on-hold performance command transmitted from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 executes the performance for consuming the notice-on-hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, the MPU 102 executes the look-ahead performance by displaying an angel character holding a signboard with the word "mystery" on the pattern display device 47 so as to fly around the entire display screen G on the pattern display device 47 as shown in Fig. 34 (A). This look-ahead performance is a performance for consuming the advance notice reserve, which notifies the player of the expectation of the reserve (the reserve related to the advance notice reserve pattern placed on the base B12 in the example of Fig. 34) by utilizing the performance of the game round based on the reserve that will be consumed before the reserve (the reserve related to the normal reserve pattern placed on the execution base AB and the base B11 in the example of Fig. 34). Here, the VDP 105 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 as shown in Fig. 34 (D).

In the example of FIG. 34, the MPU 102 receives the first notice-on-hold performance command after determining that notice-on-hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and the cumulative display duration included in this notice-on-hold performance command is "0." Therefore, the MPU 102 will fly the angel character from the top right position of the display screen G as the flight start position, as shown in FIG. 34 (A) and (D).

Also, when the MPU 92 determines in step S2210 that it has received the second hold generation command, it executes a special hold generation process in step S2211 and stores the special hold information in the first storage area among the free storage areas of the sub-side hold area, that is, the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. In the example of FIG. 34, the MPU 92 stores the special hold information in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb.
Based on the hold display occurrence command sent from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 displays a special hold pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 to notify the player of the occurrence of a special hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 102 determines that special reserved information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb based on the contents of the reserved display generation command sent from the MPU 92, it places a black sphere pattern, which is a special reserved pattern, on the base B21. Here, the VDP 105 displays the special reserved pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in FIG. 34 (B).

In the example of Figure 34, since the MPU 102 is not executing the performance for consuming the special hold, the VDP 105 does not create drawing data in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 34 (C).

Figure 35 shows the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when a hold shift process is executed after it is determined that special hold information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side hold area. Specifically, Figure 35 (A) shows the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. Also, Figure 35 (B) shows the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, Figure 35 (C) shows the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, and Figure 35 (D) shows the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.

Based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from MPU 92, MPU 102 executes the shifts of normal hold, notice hold, and special hold by displaying them on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 35(A), the MPU 102 shifts the black sphere image, which is the special reserved image, placed on the base B21, onto the execution base AB based on the reserved display shift command sent from the MPU 92. Here, as shown in Fig. 35(B), the VDP 105 displays the normal reserved image, the advance reservation image, and the special reserved image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109.

As shown in FIG. 35(A), the MPU 102 transitions to a high-speed fluctuation period by starting the fluctuation display of multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 based on the fluctuation start command sent from the MPU 92. In this high-speed fluctuation period, the MPU 102 starts the fluctuation display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment). In the example of FIG. 35, the MPU 102 starts the fluctuation display based on the fluctuation start command related to the special reserved information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the reserved shift process.

Thereafter, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 92, MPU 102 notifies the result of the win/lose lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).
In this embodiment, the VDP 105 displays multiple pattern columns Z1 to Z3 on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 35 (B).

In addition, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side hold information shifted to the execution area SAE in step S2501 is special hold information, and if it determines in step S2501 that it is special hold information, it executes a special hold presentation determination process in step S2502, and sets a special hold presentation command in step S2503.
Then, based on the special hold effect command transmitted from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 executes the effect for consuming the special hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 35(A), the MPU 102 causes the symbol display device 47 to display the words "If it's a reach, it's your chance!" at the top of the display screen G, and also displays a treasure chest and an angel character about to open the treasure chest in the center of the display screen G, thereby displaying and executing the performance for consuming the special reserve on the display screen G of the symbol display device 47. Here, as shown in Fig. 35(C), the VDP 105 creates drawing data in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, thereby displaying the performance for consuming the special reserve on the display screen G of the symbol display device 47.

In addition, the VDP 105 stores data related to the presentation for consuming special reserves in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 so as to overwrite the data related to the look-ahead presentation stored in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109. Specifically, the VDP 105 stores data related to the presentation for consuming special reserves in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 so as to make the data related to the look-ahead presentation stored in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 invisible to the player by darkening the background of the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109.

In the example of Figure 35, the MPU 102 is not executing the performance for consuming the advance notice hold, so the VDP 105 does not create drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 35 (D) (the angel character is stationary and not flying around). In other words, the angel is stationary at the position of the angel at the end of the previous look-ahead performance.

Then, based on the hold display shift command sent from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 executes the shift of normal holds, advance notice holds, and special holds by displaying them on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. The subsequent flow is the same as the flow when normal holds are consumed after the occurrence of the pre-reading performance (see FIG. 33).

Here, the MPU 102 of the display control device 100 clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the effect for consuming the special hold) created in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 based on the special hold effect end command sent from the MPU 92. As a result, each layer L1 to L3 of the frame buffer 109 becomes the same state as that shown in FIG.
As mentioned above, the angel's position remains stationary at the position it was at at the end of the previous look-ahead performance, so the MPU 102 can resume the look-ahead performance without causing the player to feel uncomfortable by clearing the drawing data (drawing data related to the performance for consuming special holds) that had been created in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 based on the special hold performance end command sent from the MPU 92.

In this way, in this embodiment, the pattern display device 47 functions as a variable display means that executes a variable display based on the entry of a game ball into the upper actuation port 36 or the lower actuation port 37. Also, in this embodiment, the sound and light emission control device 90 and the display control device 100 function as a performance execution means that causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a performance.

In addition, in this embodiment, the advance notice hold performance determination process of step S2506 functions as a first performance means that causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a pre-reading performance (first performance) for a predetermined period (cumulative display duration time) based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36 (the establishment of the first trigger).
In addition, in this embodiment, the special hold effect determination process of step S2502 functions as a second effect means that causes the pattern display device 47 to execute an effect (second effect) for consuming the special hold that overlaps with the pre-reading effect and is different from the pre-reading effect during a specified period of time based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 37 (the occurrence of a second trigger different from the first trigger).
In this embodiment, the process of determining the advance notice hold effect continues to execute the pre-reading effect after the effect for consuming the special hold is completed.
In this embodiment, continuing to execute the first performance does not necessarily mean a state in which the first performance is operating after the second performance has ended, but also includes a state in which it is not operating (a stationary state) as long as it is displayed on the pattern display device 47.

With this, the pachinko machine 10 can execute a special reserved consumption performance even when the symbol display device 47 is executing a pre-reading performance for a predetermined period of time based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36, and can continue to execute the pre-reading performance after the special reserved consumption performance ends. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 allows the player to play comfortably.

In addition, in this embodiment, the advance notice hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to suspend the look-ahead performance when the special hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a performance for consuming the special hold (the angel character is stationary and not flying around), and causes the pattern display device 47 to resume the look-ahead performance when the special hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to end the performance for consuming the special hold.

According to this, the advance notice hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to suspend the look-ahead performance when the special hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a performance for consuming the special hold, and causes the pattern display device 47 to resume the look-ahead performance when the special hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to end the performance for consuming the special hold. Therefore, even when a look-ahead performance is being executed, the look-ahead performance can be suspended to execute a performance for consuming the special hold, and the look-ahead performance can be resumed after the performance for consuming the special hold ends. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 can reliably allow players to enjoy the look-ahead performance.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the special hold presentation determination process of step S2502 causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a pre-reading presentation (first presentation) by storing data related to the pre-reading presentation in the third layer L3 (layer for first presentation) of the frame buffer 109, and the special hold presentation determination process of step S2502 causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a presentation for consuming the special hold (second presentation) by storing data related to the presentation for consuming the special hold in the second layer L2 (layer for second presentation) of the frame buffer 109, which has a higher priority than the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.
In addition, in this embodiment, the frame buffer 109 functions as an image synthesis means for displaying an image on the pattern display device 47 by overlaying multiple layers (each of the layers L1 to L3) including the second layer L2 and the third layer L3 in order of priority.
Then, the special hold effect determination process in step S2502 stores data related to the effect for consuming the special hold in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 so as to overwrite the data related to the look-ahead effect stored in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.

According to this, the frame buffer 109 displays an image on the pattern display device 47 by overlaying multiple layers including the second layer L2 and the third layer L3 in order of priority, so that an image can be displayed on the pattern display device 47 by overlaying the second layer L2, which has stored data relating to a special hold consumption performance based on a game ball entering the lower operating port 37 in the special hold performance determination process, on top of the third layer L3, which has stored data relating to a pre-reading performance based on a game ball entering the upper operating port 36 in the advance hold performance determination process. The special hold performance determination process stores data related to the performance for consuming the special hold in the second layer L2 so as to overwrite the data related to the look-ahead performance stored in the third layer L3. Therefore, even if a look-ahead performance based on the game ball entering the upper operating port 36 is being executed, the performance for consuming the special hold based on the game ball entering the lower operating port 37 can be overwritten and executed, and after the performance for consuming the special hold ends, the data related to the performance for consuming the special hold stored in the second layer L2 is erased, so that the advance notice hold performance determination process in step S2506 can continue to execute the look-ahead performance.

In addition, in this embodiment, the sub-side hold information storage area 94c functions as an information storage means for storing multiple hold information (sub-side hold information) based on the entry of a game ball into the upper actuation port 36 or the lower actuation port 37.
The sub-side pending information storage area 94c includes an execution area SAE (execution area) that stores pending information while the variable display is being executed on the pattern display device 47, and a first sub-side pending area SRa and a second sub-side pending area SRb (multiple pending areas) that store pending information in the pending state before the variable display is executed on the pattern display device 47.

In addition, the hold determination process of step S2002 functions as an information storage means for storing hold information (sub-side hold information) in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c in the order in which the game balls enter the upper actuation port 36 or the lower actuation port 37.
Furthermore, the hold determination process of step S2002 includes a process of step S2202 (first hold storage means) for storing hold information in a first sub-side hold area SRa (first hold region) based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36, a process of step S2203 (second hold storage means) for storing hold information in a second sub-side hold area SRb (second hold region) different from the first sub-side hold area SRa based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 37, and a hold shift process (hold shift means) of step S2104 for shifting the hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa and the second sub-side hold area SRb toward the execution area SAE.
Then, the hold shift process in step S2104 shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb preferentially toward the execution area SAE.

According to this, the hold shift process preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb towards the execution area SAE, so even if a pre-reading effect based on the hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa is being executed based on the game ball entering the upper operating port 36, a special hold consumption effect based on the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb can be executed based on the game ball entering the lower operating port 37.

In this embodiment, the reserved information shift process in step S2104 preferentially shifts the reserved information stored in the second sub-side reserved area SRb toward the execution area SAE, but the reserved information stored in the second sub-side reserved area SRb does not have to be preferentially shifted toward the execution area SAE. For example, the reserved information stored in the first sub-side reserved area SRa and the second sub-side reserved area SRb may be shifted toward the execution area SAE in the order of ball entry.

In addition, since the first performance is a look-ahead performance, if a performance for consuming a special reserve based on the reserved information stored in the second sub-side reserve area SRb is executed based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 37 in a state where a look-ahead performance based on the reserved information stored in the first sub-side reserve area SRa is executed based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36, the continuity of the look-ahead performance will be lost. According to this embodiment, even in a state where the pattern display device 47 is executing a look-ahead performance for a predetermined period based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36, the pachinko machine 10 can execute a performance for consuming a special reserve, and after the performance for consuming a special reserve is completed, the look-ahead performance can be continued, so that the player can play comfortably without losing the continuity of the look-ahead performance.

In this embodiment, the first effect was a look-ahead effect, but it may also be another effect, such as a preview display that changes the type of reserved image to inform the player of the expected degree of the reserved jackpot.
In addition, in this embodiment, the second performance is a performance for consuming the special reserve, but it may be, for example, a performance that encourages the player to press a push button, or a performance that gradually enlarges the image displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. In addition, the second performance is not limited to a performance that displays an image on the pattern display device 47, but may be, for example, a performance that drives a role. In short, the first performance and the second performance may be any performance, and the second performance may be a performance that is executed overlapping with the first performance. Here, in this embodiment, overlapping refers to a state in which the first performance cannot be seen by executing the second performance.

In addition, in this embodiment, the hold occurrence processing of step S2102 functions as an information notification means for displaying a hold pattern associated with the hold information on the pattern display device 47 based on the hold information (sub-side hold information) stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c.
The reserved pattern generation process in step S2102 causes the reserved pattern to be displayed on the pattern display device 47 by storing data relating to the reserved pattern in the first layer L1 (layer for reserved patterns), which has a higher priority than the second layer L2.

According to this, the reserved pattern generation process displays the reserved pattern on the pattern display device 47 by storing data related to the reserved pattern in the first layer L1, which has a higher priority than the second layer L2. Therefore, when executing a pre-reading effect or an effect for consuming a special reserved pattern, the reserved pattern displayed on the pattern display device 47 can be reliably displayed on the pattern display device 47 without overwriting the reserved pattern.

In this embodiment, the reserved pattern generation process displays the reserved pattern on the pattern display device 47 by storing data related to the reserved pattern in the first layer L1, which has a higher priority than the second layer L2.
In response to this, the information notification means may cause the variable display means to display the reserved picture by storing data relating to the reserved picture in both the first performance layer and the second performance layer.
According to this, the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved picture by storing data relating to the reserved picture in both the first performance layer and the second performance layer, so that when the first performance and the second performance are executed, the reserved picture displayed on the variable display means can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the reserved picture. Also, the information notification means can reliably display the reserved picture on the variable display means without using a new layer.

In addition, in this embodiment, the second presentation means sets a special hold presentation end command in step S2504, thereby causing the pattern display device 47 to immediately end all presentations for consuming special holds at once.
According to this, the second presentation means immediately terminates all presentations for consuming special holds on the pattern display device 47 at once, so that the presentation for consuming special holds can be quickly terminated.

In this embodiment, the advance notice hold effect determination process in step S2506 functions as a first effect means for causing the pattern display device 47 to execute a pre-reading effect by storing data related to the pre-reading effect (first effect) in the third layer L3 (first effect layer) of the frame buffer 109 based on the entry of the game ball into the upper operating port 36, and the special hold effect determination process in step S2502 functions as a second effect means for causing the pattern display device 47 to execute a special hold effect by storing data related to a special hold effect (second effect) different from the pre-reading effect in the second layer L2 (second effect layer) of the frame buffer 109, which has a higher priority than the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109, based on the entry of the game ball into the lower operating port 37.

In contrast to this, the advance notice hold performance determination process of step S2506 and the special hold performance determination process of step S2502 may cause the pattern display device 47 to execute a pre-reading performance and a performance for consuming the special hold by storing data relating to the pre-reading performance (first performance) and data relating to the performance for consuming the special hold (second performance) in the same layer.
In addition, the advance notice hold effect determination process in step S2506 and the special hold effect determination process in step S2502 may cause the pattern display device 47 to execute a pre-reading effect and an effect for consuming the special hold based on the entry of a game ball into the same start ball entry means.

In this way, the first presentation means and the second presentation means only need to function as a specific presentation means that causes the variable display means to execute a specific presentation by storing data relating to a specific presentation in a layer for specific presentation based on the occurrence of a specific trigger.
In this embodiment, the hold generation process in step S2102 causes data relating to a common image (hold pattern and each pattern row Z1 to Z3) that is different from a specific effect to be stored in a common layer (first layer L1) that has a higher priority than the layers for specific effects (second layer L2 and third layer L3), thereby causing the common image to be displayed on the pattern display device 47.

Accordingly, the hold generation process in step S2102 displays a common image on the pattern display device 47 by storing data relating to a common image (hold pattern and each pattern row Z1 to Z3) that is different from the pre-reading performance and the performance for consuming special holds in a common layer (first layer L1) that has a higher priority than the specific performance layers (second layer L2 and third layer L3). Therefore, when the pre-reading performance and the performance for consuming special holds are executed, the common image can be reliably displayed on the pattern display device 47 without overwriting the common image displayed on the pattern display device 47.

In addition, in this embodiment, the second allocation table, which is referenced when a lottery is performed for the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2 based on the entry into the lower operating port 37, is easier to allocate to the "most favorable result" than the first allocation table, which is referenced when a lottery is performed for the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2 based on the entry into the upper operating port 36. In other words, the presentation for consuming special reserves based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 37 (second presentation) is more useful to players than the pre-reading presentation based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36 (first presentation).

Accordingly, the special reserved use effect is more useful to the player than the look-ahead effect, so the player will pay attention to whether or not the special reserved use effect will be executed during the specified period. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 can increase the player's attention to the game.

In this embodiment, the second presentation is more useful to the player than the first presentation by making it easier to allocate to the "most advantageous result," but it is sufficient that the second presentation is more useful to the player than the first presentation, and any type of presentation may be used for the first and second presentations.
For example, in a gaming machine configured to execute in parallel a first game round based on a ball entering a first starting entry section and a second game round based on a ball entering a second starting entry section, if the second game round is won or is likely to be won, a second effect may be executed in the second game round overlapping with the first effect being executed in the first game round, making the second effect more useful to the player than the first effect.
Also, for example, in a gaming machine configured to execute an electric role play round related to a lottery for opening an electric role device based on a ball entering a through gate during an opening/closing execution mode, when an electric role play round is won or is likely to be won, a second effect may be executed in the electric role play round overlapping with a first effect during the opening/closing execution mode, so that the second effect may be more useful to the player than the first effect.

In addition, in this embodiment, the MPU 102 executes the look-ahead performance by displaying on the pattern display device 47 an angel character holding a signboard displaying the character "Strange" so that the angel character flies around the entire display screen G. Then, when the MPU 102 continues to execute the look-ahead performance after the performance for consuming the special hold ends, the MPU 102 executes the look-ahead performance by displaying on the pattern display device 47 an angel character holding a signboard displaying the character "Strange" so that the angel character flies around the entire display screen G. In other words, the look-ahead performance was one type of performance.

In response to this, the first performance means may cause the variable display means to execute a first performance having multiple degrees of expectation over a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of the first opportunity. For example, the MPU 102 may execute a low-expectation look-ahead performance by causing the pattern display device 47 to display an angel character holding a signboard displaying the character "Strange" so that it flies around the entire display screen G, and execute a high-expectation look-ahead performance by causing the pattern display device 47 to display an angel character holding a signboard displaying the character "Hot" so that it flies around the entire display screen G.

When the variable display means is made to execute a first performance having multiple degrees of expectation over a predetermined period of time, the first performance means may change the degree of expectation of the first performance during an overlapping period in which the second performance means is made to execute the second performance. For example, the MPU 102 may execute a look-ahead performance by displaying on the pattern display device 47 an angel character holding a signboard displaying the character "Strange" so as to fly around the entire display screen G, and when the look-ahead performance is to be continued after the performance for consuming the special reserve is completed, the look-ahead performance may be executed by displaying on the pattern display device 47 an angel character holding a signboard displaying the character "Hot" so as to fly around the entire display screen G.

With this, the pachinko machine 10 can execute a special reserved consumption effect even when the symbol display device 47 is executing a pre-reading effect for a predetermined period based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36, and can change the expectation of the pre-reading effect during the overlapping period in which the special reserved consumption effect is being executed in the special reserved effect determination process. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 can increase the player's attention to the game.

According to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved.
(1) The pachinko machine 10 can execute a special reserved consumption performance even when the symbol display device 47 is executing a look-ahead performance for a predetermined period based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36, and can continue to execute the look-ahead performance after the special reserved consumption performance ends. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 allows the player to play comfortably.
(2) The advance notice reserved performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to suspend the look-ahead performance when the special reserved performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a performance for consuming the special reserved, and causes the pattern display device 47 to resume the look-ahead performance when the special reserved performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to end the performance for consuming the special reserved. Therefore, even when the look-ahead performance is being executed, the look-ahead performance can be suspended to execute the performance for consuming the special reserved, and the look-ahead performance can be resumed after the performance for consuming the special reserved is ended. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 can reliably allow the player to enjoy the look-ahead performance.

(3) The frame buffer 109 displays an image on the pattern display device 47 by overlaying multiple layers, including the second layer L2 and the third layer L3, in order of priority. Therefore, an image can be displayed on the pattern display device 47 by overlaying the second layer L2, which has stored data relating to a special hold consumption effect based on a game ball entering the lower actuation port 37 in the special hold effect determination process, on the third layer L3, which has stored data relating to a pre-reading effect based on a game ball entering the upper actuation port 36 in the advance hold effect determination process. The special hold performance determination process stores data related to the performance for consuming the special hold in the second layer L2 so as to overwrite the data related to the look-ahead performance stored in the third layer L3. Therefore, even if a look-ahead performance based on the game ball entering the upper operating port 36 is being executed, the performance for consuming the special hold based on the game ball entering the lower operating port 37 can be overwritten and executed, and after the performance for consuming the special hold ends, the data related to the performance for consuming the special hold stored in the second layer L2 is erased, so that the advance notice hold performance determination process in step S2506 can continue to execute the look-ahead performance.

(4) The hold shift process preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb toward the execution area SAE. Therefore, even if a pre-reading effect based on the hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa is being executed based on a game ball entering the upper operating port 36, an effect for consuming a special hold based on the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb can be executed based on a game ball entering the lower operating port 37.
(5) Even when the pachinko machine 10 is in a state where the pattern display device 47 is executing a look-ahead performance for a predetermined period of time based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 36, it can execute a performance for consuming special reserved balls, and can continue to execute the look-ahead performance after the performance for consuming special reserved balls has ended, allowing the player to play comfortably without compromising the continuity of the look-ahead performance.

(6) The reserved picture generation process causes the reserved picture to be displayed on the pattern display device 47 by storing data relating to the reserved picture in the first layer L1, which has a higher priority than the second layer L2. Therefore, when a pre-reading effect or an effect for consuming a special reserved picture is executed, the reserved picture displayed on the pattern display device 47 can be reliably displayed on the pattern display device 47 without overwriting the reserved picture.
(7) The second presentation means causes the pattern display device 47 to immediately terminate all presentations for consuming special holds, thereby enabling the presentation for consuming special holds to be terminated quickly.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, parts that have already been described will be given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.
In the first embodiment, the advance notice hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to suspend the look-ahead performance (the angel character remains stationary and does not fly around) when the special hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a performance for consuming a special hold, and causes the pattern display device 47 to resume the look-ahead performance when the special hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to end the performance for consuming a special hold.
In contrast, in this embodiment, the advance notice hold performance determination process differs from the first embodiment in that it causes the pattern display device 47 to continue to execute a pre-reading performance during the overlap period in which the special hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a performance for consuming the special hold.

In this embodiment, the audio and light emission control device 90 and the display control device 100 execute processes different from those in the first embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the process of determining the performance pattern differs from that in the first embodiment. The contents of the process of determining the performance pattern in this embodiment are described below.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect pattern determination process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The MPU 92 of the sound and light emission control device 90 executes a process for determining a performance pattern in order to select a performance duration (performance duration period) and a performance content as a performance pattern. In this process for determining a performance pattern, the MPU 92 executes steps S2501 to S2511 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 92 differs from the first embodiment in that, as shown in FIG. 36, after executing the process of step S2503, it executes the process of step S2512A.

In step S2512A, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side reserved information shifted to the storage area of the sub-side reserved area by the reservation shift process is advance reservation information.

If the MPU 92 determines in step S2512A that the information is advance notice pending information, it executes the processes from step S2506 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2512A that the information is not advance notice hold information, it executes the processes from step S2511 onwards.
In this manner, in this embodiment, when it is determined that advance notice hold information is stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area, the MPU 92 executes a performance for consuming the special hold in the special hold performance determination process, and also executes a pre-reading performance in the advance notice hold performance determination process.

<About the flow when consuming special reserve after the occurrence of pre-reading performance>
FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when the reserved shift process is executed after it is determined that the special reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area. In other words, FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a case where the performance for the consumption of the special reserved is executed after the state of FIG. 34 in the first embodiment is reached. Specifically, FIG. 37(A) is a diagram showing the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. Also, FIG. 37(B) is a diagram showing the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, FIG. 37(C) is a diagram showing the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, and FIG. 37(D) is a diagram showing the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.

Based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from MPU 92, MPU 102 executes the shifts of normal hold, notice hold, and special hold by displaying them on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 37(A), the MPU 102 shifts the black sphere image, which is the special reserved image, placed on the base B21, onto the execution base AB based on the reserved display shift command sent from the MPU 92. Here, as shown in Fig. 37(B), the VDP 105 displays the normal reserved image, the advance reservation image, and the special reserved image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109.

As shown in FIG. 37(A), the MPU 102 transitions to a high-speed fluctuation period by starting the fluctuation display of multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 based on the fluctuation start command sent from the MPU 92. In this high-speed fluctuation period, the MPU 102 starts the fluctuation display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment). In the example of FIG. 37, the MPU 102 starts the fluctuation display based on the fluctuation start command related to the special reserved information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the reserved shift process.

Thereafter, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 92, MPU 102 notifies the result of the win/lose lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).
In this embodiment, the VDP 105 displays multiple pattern columns Z1 to Z3 on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 37 (B).

In addition, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side hold information shifted to the execution area SAE in step S2501 is special hold information, and if it determines in step S2501 that it is special hold information, it executes a special hold presentation determination process in step S2502, and sets a special hold presentation command in step S2503.
Then, based on the special hold effect command transmitted from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 executes the effect for consuming the special hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 37(A), the MPU 102 causes the symbol display device 47 to display the words "If it's a reach, it's your chance!" at the top of the display screen G, and also displays a treasure chest and an angel character about to open the treasure chest in the center of the display screen G, thereby displaying and executing the performance for consuming the special reserve on the display screen G of the symbol display device 47. Here, as shown in Fig. 37(C), the VDP 105 creates drawing data in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, thereby displaying the performance for consuming the special reserve on the display screen G of the symbol display device 47.

In addition, the VDP 105 stores data related to the presentation for consuming special reserves in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 so as to overwrite the data related to the look-ahead presentation stored in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109. Specifically, the VDP 105 stores data related to the presentation for consuming special reserves in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 so as to make the data related to the look-ahead presentation stored in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 invisible to the player by darkening the background of the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109.

In addition, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side hold information shifted to the memory area of the sub-side hold area in step S2512A is notice hold information, and if it determines in step S2512A that it is notice hold information, in step S2506, executes a notice hold performance determination process, and in step S2507, sets a notice hold performance command.
Then, based on the notice-on-hold performance command transmitted from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 executes the performance for consuming the notice-on-hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, the MPU 102 executes the look-ahead effect by displaying an angel character holding a signboard with the word "mystery" on the pattern display device 47 so that the angel character flies around the entire display screen G, as shown in Fig. 37(D). This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming the advance notice reserve, which notifies the player of the expectation of the reserve (the reserve related to the advance notice reserve pattern placed on the base B12 in the example of Fig. 37) by utilizing the effect of the game round based on the reserve that will be consumed before the reserve (the reserve related to the normal reserve pattern placed on the execution base AB and the base B11 in the example of Fig. 37). Here, the VDP 105 displays the look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Fig. 37(D).

In the example of FIG. 37, the MPU 102 receives a second notice-on-hold performance command after it has determined that notice-on-hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and the cumulative display duration included in this notice-on-hold performance command is the same as the display duration of the previous game. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 37(D), the MPU 102 causes the angel character to fly starting from the position of the angel at the end of the previous look-ahead performance.

Figure 38 shows the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when the second hold shift process is executed after it is determined that special hold information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side hold area. Specifically, Figure 38 (A) shows the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. Also, Figure 38 (B) shows the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, Figure 38 (C) shows the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, and Figure 38 (D) shows the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.

Based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from MPU 92, MPU 102 executes the shifts of normal hold, notice hold, and special hold by displaying them on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 38(A), the MPU 102 shifts the white sphere pattern, which is the normal reserved pattern, placed on the base B11, onto the execution base AB based on the reserved display shift command sent from the MPU 92, and shifts the blinking white sphere pattern, which is the advance reserved pattern, placed on the base B12, onto the base B11. Here, the VDP 105 displays the normal reserved pattern and the advance reserved pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Fig. 38(B).

As shown in FIG. 38(A), the MPU 102 transitions to a high-speed changing period by starting the changing display of multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 92. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 102 starts the changing display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment). In the example of FIG. 38, the MPU 102 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Thereafter, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 92, MPU 102 notifies the result of the win/lose lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).
In this embodiment, the VDP 105 displays multiple pattern columns Z1 to Z3 on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 38 (B).

In addition, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side hold information shifted to the memory area of the sub-side hold area in step S2505 is notice hold information, and if it determines in step S2505 that it is notice hold information, in step S2506, executes a notice hold performance determination process, and in step S2507, sets a notice hold performance command.
Then, based on the notice-on-hold performance command transmitted from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 executes the performance for consuming the notice-on-hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, the MPU 102 executes the look-ahead effect by displaying an angel character holding a signboard with the word "mystery" on the pattern display device 47 so that the angel character flies around the entire display screen G, as shown in Fig. 38 (A). This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification reserve, which notifies the player of the expectation of the reserve (the reserve related to the pre-notification reserve pattern placed on the base B11 in the example of Fig. 38) by utilizing the effect of the game round based on the reserve that will be consumed before the reserve (the reserve related to the normal reserve pattern placed on the execution base AB in the example of Fig. 38). Here, the VDP 105 displays the look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Fig. 38 (D).

In the example of FIG. 38, the MPU 102 receives a third notice-on-hold performance command after determining that notice-on-hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and the cumulative display duration included in this notice-on-hold performance command is the same as the sum of the display durations of the previous and previous-previous play sessions. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 38(A) and (D), the MPU 102 causes the angel character to fly starting from the position of the angel at the end of the previous look-ahead performance.

Here, the MPU 102 of the display control device 100 clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the presentation for consuming the notice pending) that was created in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 based on the notice pending presentation end command sent from the MPU 92. In other words, in the example of FIG. 38, the MPU 102 will receive the notice pending presentation end command from the MPU 92 in the next game round, and therefore clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the presentation for consuming the notice pending) that was created in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 based on this notice pending presentation end command.

In the example of Figure 38, since the MPU 102 is not executing the performance for consuming the special hold, the VDP 105 does not create drawing data in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 38 (C).

In this way, in this embodiment, the advance notice hold performance determination process continues to execute the pre-reading performance during the overlap period in which the special hold performance determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a performance for consuming the special hold.

According to this, the advance notice hold effect determination process continues to execute the look-ahead effect during the overlap period in which the special hold effect determination process causes the pattern display device 47 to execute the effect for consuming the special hold, so the look-ahead effect can be executed continuously regardless of the effect for consuming the special hold. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 allows the player to enjoy the flow of the look-ahead effects.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the same functions and advantages as those (1), (3) to (7) in the first embodiment, the following functions and advantages can be achieved.
(8) The advance notice reserved performance determination process continues to execute the look-ahead performance during the overlap period in which the special reserved performance determination process causes the symbol display device 47 to execute the performance for consuming the special reserved, so the look-ahead performance can be executed continuously regardless of the performance for consuming the special reserved. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 allows the player to enjoy the flow of the look-ahead performance.

Third Embodiment
A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, parts that have already been described will be given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, when the MPU 92 determines that the sub-side hold information shifted to the execution area SAE in step S2501 is not special hold information, in step S2504, it sets a special hold presentation end command, and the MPU 102 of the display control device 100 clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the presentation for consuming the special hold) that had been created in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 based on the special hold presentation end command transmitted from the MPU 92.
In contrast, in this embodiment, even if the MPU 92 determines that the sub-side reserved information shifted to the execution area SAE in step S2501 is not special reserved information, if the sub-side reserved information shifted to the memory area of the sub-side reserved area is advance notice reserved information, the MPU 102 of the display control device 100 does not immediately clear the drawing data created in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, which differs from the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the audio and light emission control device 90 and the display control device 100 execute processes different from those in the first embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the process of determining the performance pattern differs from that in the first embodiment. The contents of the process of determining the performance pattern in this embodiment are described below.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect pattern determination process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
The MPU 92 of the sound and light emission control device 90 executes a process for determining a performance pattern to select a performance duration (performance duration period) and a content of the performance as a performance pattern. In this process for determining a performance pattern, the MPU 92 executes steps S2501 to S2511 as shown in FIG.

In step S2501, it is determined whether the sub-side hold information shifted to the execution area SAE by the hold shift process is special hold information.

If the MPU 92 determines in step S2501 that the information is special hold information, it executes a special hold presentation decision process in step S2502. In this special hold presentation decision process, the MPU 92 decides on a presentation for consuming the special hold. Based on the contents of this special hold presentation decision process, the MPU 92 also executes illumination control of the display lamp unit 23 and audio control of the speaker unit 24 in the presentation execution process of the aforementioned step S2004.

In step S2503, the MPU 92 sets a special hold effect command. The MPU 92 then stores the special hold effect command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. Here, the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c is included in the special hold effect command stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This special hold effect command is transmitted to the display control device 100 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 reads out a data table from the program ROM 103 for executing the effect for consuming the special hold on the pattern display device 47 based on the special hold effect command sent from the MPU 92. Then, the MPU 102 outputs a command to the VDP 105 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 105 reads out image data from the character ROM 106 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 102, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 108. The VDP 105 also creates drawing data in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 108. As a result, the pattern display device 47 displays and executes the effect for consuming the special hold on the display screen G.

In contrast, if the MPU 92 determines that the sub-side hold information shifted to the execution area SAE in step S2501 is not special hold information, it executes processing from step S2505 onwards.
In step S2505, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side reserved information shifted to the memory area of the sub-side reserved area by the reservation shift processing is advance notice reserved information.

If the MPU 92 determines in step S2505 that the information is advance notice hold information, it executes advance notice hold presentation determination processing in step S2506. In this advance notice hold presentation determination processing, the MPU 92 determines the presentation (pre-reading presentation) for consuming the advance notice hold. Furthermore, based on the contents of this advance notice hold presentation determination processing, the MPU 92 executes illumination control of the display lamp unit 23 and audio control of the speaker unit 24 in the presentation execution processing in the aforementioned step S2004.

In step S2507, the MPU 92 sets a notice-on-hold performance command. The MPU 92 then stores the notice-on-hold performance command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. Here, the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c is included in the notice-on-hold performance command stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This notice-on-hold performance command is transmitted to the display control device 100 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 reads out a data table from the program ROM 103 for executing the performance for consuming the notice hold on the pattern display device 47 based on the notice hold performance command sent from the MPU 92. Then, the MPU 102 outputs a command to the VDP 105 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 105 reads out image data from the character ROM 106 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 102, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 108. The VDP 105 also creates drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 108. As a result, the pattern display device 47 displays and executes the performance for consuming the notice hold on the display screen G.

In step S2508, the MPU 92 executes a process of accumulating the display duration. In this process, the MPU 92 calculates the accumulated display duration based on the content of the variable command each time it executes the process of determining the advance notice display in step S2506, and stores the accumulated time in the RAM 94. In other words, the accumulated display duration indicates the time taken from the start to the end of the pre-reading display. Here, the advance notice display command described above includes information related to the accumulated display duration. Therefore, by receiving information related to the accumulated display duration from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 is able to grasp the starting point when flying the angel character and the subsequent movement. The initial value of the accumulated display duration is "0", and the starting point of the angel character at this time is the flight start position.

In step S2513B, the MPU 92 sets a special hold effect fade-out command. Then, the MPU 92 stores the special hold effect fade-out command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. Here, the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c is included in the special hold effect fade-out command stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This special hold effect fade-out command is transmitted to the display control device 100 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

Based on the special hold effect fade-out command sent from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 of the display control device 100 clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the effect for consuming the special hold) created in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 so that it fades out from the center to the periphery of the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.

In contrast, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2505 that the information is not advance notice pending information, it sets an advance notice pending performance end command in step S2509. Then, the MPU 92 stores the advance notice pending performance end command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. Here, the sub-side pending information stored in the sub-side pending information storage area 94c is included in the advance notice pending performance end command stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This advance notice pending performance end command is sent to the display control device 100 in the command sending process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the performance for consuming the advance notice hold) that was created in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109 based on the advance notice hold performance end command sent from the MPU 92.

In step S2510, the MPU 92 executes a cumulative reset process for the display duration. In this cumulative reset process for the display duration, the MPU 92 resets the cumulative display duration stored in the RAM 94 by substituting "0".

In step S2504B, the MPU 92 sets a special hold effect end command. Then, the MPU 92 stores the special hold effect end command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. Here, the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 94c is included in the special hold effect end command stored in the command list storage area 94a of the RAM 94. This special hold effect end command is sent to the display control device 100 in the command sending process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 102 of the display control device 100 clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the performance for consuming the special hold) that was created in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 based on the special hold performance end command sent from the MPU 92.

After executing the process of step S2503, after executing the process of step S2513B, or after executing the process of step S2504B, the MPU 92 executes other processes in step S2511. Then, the MPU 92 ends the process of determining the presentation pattern. In other processes, the MPU 92 selects a presentation pattern corresponding to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table pre-stored in the ROM 93. Specifically, the MPU 92 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. Note that in step S2511, the MPU 92 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display other than the pre-reading presentation.

<About the flow when consuming special reserve after the occurrence of pre-reading performance>
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device and each layer of the frame buffer when it is determined that special reservation information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reservation area, and then the performance for consuming the special reservation is terminated and the performance for consuming the notice reservation is executed. In other words, FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a case where the performance for consuming the special reservation is terminated and the performance for consuming the notice reservation is executed after the state of FIG. 35 in the first embodiment is reached. Specifically, FIG. 40(A) is a diagram showing the display screen G of the pattern display device 47. Also, FIG. 40(B) is a diagram showing the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, FIG. 40(C) is a diagram showing the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109, and FIG. 40(D) is a diagram showing the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109.

Based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from MPU 92, MPU 102 executes the shifts of normal hold, notice hold, and special hold by displaying them on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 40(A), the MPU 102 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal reserved image placed on the base B11, onto the execution base AB based on the reserved display shift command sent from the MPU 92, and shifts the blinking white sphere image, which is the advance reserved image placed on the base B12, onto the base B11 based on the reserved display shift command sent from the MPU 92. Here, the VDP 105 displays the normal reserved image and the advance reserved image on the display screen G of the image display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Fig. 40(B).

As shown in FIG. 40(A), the MPU 102 transitions to a high-speed changing period by starting the changing display of multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 92. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 102 starts the changing display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment). In the example of FIG. 40, the MPU 102 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Thereafter, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 92, MPU 102 notifies the result of the win/lose lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).
In this embodiment, the VDP 105 displays multiple pattern columns Z1 to Z3 on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the first layer L1 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Figure 40 (B).

In addition, the MPU 92 determines whether the sub-side hold information shifted to the memory area of the sub-side hold area in step S2505 is notice hold information, and if it determines in step S2505 that it is notice hold information, in step S2506, executes a notice hold performance determination process, and in step S2507, sets a notice hold performance command.
Then, based on the notice-on-hold performance command transmitted from the MPU 92, the MPU 102 executes the performance for consuming the notice-on-hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47.
Specifically, the MPU 102 executes the look-ahead effect by displaying an angel character holding a signboard with the word "mystery" on the pattern display device 47 so that the angel character flies around the entire display screen G, as shown in Fig. 40 (A). This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification reserve, which notifies the player of the expectation of the reserve (the reserve related to the pre-notification reserve pattern placed on the base B11 in the example of Fig. 40) by utilizing the effect of the game round based on the reserve that will be consumed before the reserve (the reserve related to the normal reserve pattern placed on the execution base AB in the example of Fig. 40). Here, the VDP 105 displays the look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 47 by creating drawing data in the third layer L3 of the frame buffer 109, as shown in Fig. 40 (D).

Thereafter, if the MPU 92 determines in step S2505 that the information is advance notice hold information, in step S2513B, it sets a special hold effect fade-out command.
Then, based on the special hold effect fade-out command sent from MPU 92, MPU 102 clears the drawing data (drawing data related to the effect for consuming special holds) created in the second layer L2 of the frame buffer 109 so that it fades out from the center to the periphery of the display screen G of the pattern display device 47, as shown in Figure 40 (C).

Thus, in this embodiment, the processing of step S2513B functions as a second presentation means that causes the pattern display device 47 to end the presentation for consuming the special hold by fading out.
According to this, the processing of step S2513B causes the pattern display device 47 to end the presentation for consuming the special hold by fading out, so that the presentation for consuming the special hold can be ended without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

In addition, in this embodiment, the processing of step S2513B causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a pre-reading performance in the advance notice hold performance determination process, and then causes the pattern display device 47 to end the performance for consuming the special hold.
According to this, the processing of step S2513B causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a pre-reading performance in the advance notice hold performance determination process, and then causes the pattern display device 47 to end the performance for consuming the special hold, so that the images of the second layer L2 and the third layer L3 can be changed simultaneously without the player being able to see the angel character, which is in a stationary state, and the performance for consuming the special hold can be ended and the pre-reading performance can be executed without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the same functions and advantages as those (1) to (6) in the first embodiment, the following functions and advantages can be achieved.
(9) The processing of step S2513B causes the pattern display device 47 to end the presentation for consuming special holds by fading out, so that the presentation for consuming special holds can be ended without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.
(10) The processing of step S2513B causes the pattern display device 47 to execute a look-ahead performance in the advance notice hold performance determination process, and then causes the pattern display device 47 to end the performance for consuming the special hold. Therefore, the performance for consuming the special hold can be ended and the look-ahead performance can be executed without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

[Modifications of each embodiment]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope of the present invention that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.
(1) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 opens and closes the big prize opening 38a once per round of play. However, the pachinko machine 10 may open and close the big prize opening 38a multiple times per round of play.
(2) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 sets the door 38b to the open state again when a predetermined upper limit duration (upper limit duration) has elapsed or when the total number of winning game balls in the big prize opening 38a has reached a predetermined upper limit. In contrast, for example, the upper limit number may be varied according to the upper limit duration, and the condition for setting the door 38b to the closed state again is arbitrary.

(3) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 sets the opening/closing door 38b to an open state, and then sets the opening/closing door 38b to a closed state again when the total number of winning game balls entering the large winning opening 38a reaches a predetermined upper limit of eight balls. In contrast, for example, the pachinko machine 10 may set the upper limit to any number other than eight. Also, for example, the pachinko machine 10 may set the upper limit to be different depending on the allocation result. Furthermore, for example, the pachinko machine 10 may set the upper limit to be different for each round during one opening/closing execution mode.

(4) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 sets the opening/closing door 38b to an open state, and then sets the opening/closing door 38b to a closed state again when the total number of winning game balls in the big winning opening 38a reaches a predetermined upper limit. In contrast, for example, the pachinko machine 10 may be configured to have an end trigger opening that sets the opening/closing door 38b to a closed state when a game ball enters the opening, and to allow a ball to enter the end trigger opening when a predetermined time has passed.
(5) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 sets the door 38b to the open state, and then sets the door 38b to the closed state again when a predetermined upper limit duration (upper limit duration period) has elapsed. In contrast, for example, the pachinko machine 10 may set the door 38b to the open state, and then sets the door 38b to the closed state again when a predetermined time has elapsed since a prize was won in the special prize opening 38a.

(6) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 sets the door 38b to the open state and then sets the door 38b to the closed state again. In contrast, for example, the pachinko machine 10 may be configured to move to the next round of play without setting the door 38b to the closed state again after setting the door 38b to the open state.
(7) In each of the above embodiments, the upper limit duration of the short-time mode is set to be shorter than the launch cycle of the game ball. In contrast, for example, the upper limit duration of the short-time mode may be set to be longer than the launch cycle of the game ball and shorter than n times (n=1, 2, or 3) the launch cycle of the game ball.

(8) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 has two types of opening and closing execution modes. Specifically, the pachinko machine 10 has an opening and closing execution mode in which a round game is executed two times with a short-time upper limit duration, and an opening and closing execution mode in which a round game is executed 15 times with a long-time upper limit duration. In contrast, the pachinko machine 10 may have an opening and closing execution mode that differs from these in terms of the upper limit duration mode and the number of times round games are executed. In addition, instead of a configuration in which multiple types of opening and closing execution modes are set by varying the upper limit duration mode, the pachinko machine 10 may be configured to set multiple types of opening and closing execution modes by varying the degree of opening of the opening and closing door 38b, such as half open or fully open. Furthermore, the upper limit duration mode may be set so that the exact upper limit duration is different, even though it appears to be the same mode from the player.

(9) In each of the above embodiments, the game results and the effects for the opening and closing execution mode were preset to correspond one-to-one. In contrast, for example, the effects for the opening and closing execution mode may be set by randomly selecting from multiple types of effects without corresponding to the game results, or may be set by selecting from multiple types of effects by lottery or the like, with the selection rate being varied depending on the game results.

(10) In each of the above embodiments, when the game result is any of a "special losing result," "non-explicit few-round high-probability result," and "explicit few-round high-probability result," the MPU 92 determines information related to a special combination of symbols as the final stop result to be displayed on the pay line L, and this special combination of symbols is the same regardless of the type of game result. In contrast, the MPU 92 may randomly determine the information related to the stop result, making it difficult for the player to know which game result it is.

(11) In each of the above embodiments, the MPU 62 used the jackpot random number counter C1 to select the jackpot occurrence, and used the jackpot type counter C2 to select the type of jackpot when a jackpot occurs. In contrast, the MPU 62 may use the jackpot random number counter C1 to select the type of jackpot when a jackpot occurs. In this case, the jackpot type counter C2 does not need to be provided in the various counter area 64a of the RAM 64.

(12) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 has two types of losing results, a "special losing result" and a "normal losing result", and the MPU 62 executes the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot by comparing a winning/losing table that stores the value of the random number that will win the jackpot with the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area 64b. In other words, the MPU 62 executes the lottery for the "special losing result" by using the value of the jackpot random number counter C1. In contrast, the MPU 62 may execute the lottery for the "special losing result" by using a new counter different from the jackpot random number counter C1 provided in the various counter area 64a of the RAM 64 to execute the lottery for the "special losing result".

(13) In each of the above embodiments, in a game state in which the hit/miss table for the low probability mode is referenced when drawing the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, the value of the random number that results in a "special miss result" is two, and in a game state in which the hit/miss table for the high probability mode is referenced when drawing the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, the value of the random number that results in a "special miss result" is one. In other words, the probability of a "special miss result" is set to be higher in the low probability mode than in the high probability mode. In contrast, the probability of a "special miss result" may be set to be lower in the low probability mode than in the high probability mode, or may be set to be the same in the low probability mode and the high probability mode. In addition, the probability of a "special miss result" may be set to be 0 in at least one of the low probability mode and the high probability mode.

(14) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 creates advantageous and unfavorable game states for the player by setting the win/lose lottery mode and the support mode. However, it may create advantageous and unfavorable game states for the player by setting game states other than these. For example, the pachinko machine 10 may create advantageous and unfavorable game states for the player by varying the number of game times for which the high-frequency support mode continues after the opening/closing execution mode ends. Also, for example, the pachinko machine 10 may create advantageous and unfavorable game states for the player by whether or not to transition to the high-frequency support mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends. Furthermore, for example, the pachinko machine 10 may create advantageous and unfavorable game states for the player by varying the number of game times for which the high-probability mode continues after the opening/closing execution mode ends.

(15) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 stores the reserved information related to the upper actuation port 36 in the first result display unit reserved area Ra and stores the reserved information related to the lower actuation port 37 in the second result display unit reserved area Rb, thereby separately storing the reserved information related to the upper actuation port 36 and the reserved information related to the lower actuation port 37. In contrast, the pachinko machine 10 may store the reserved information related to the upper actuation port 36 and the reserved information related to the lower actuation port 37 together.
(16) In each of the above embodiments, the MPU 62 preferentially sets reserved information related to the lower actuation port 37 for use in playing an episode, regardless of whether there is reserved information related to the upper actuation port 36. In contrast, the MPU 62 may set reserved information related to the upper actuation port 36 and reserved information related to the lower actuation port 37 for use in playing an episode in the order in which the reserved information is won.

(17) In each of the above embodiments, the main control device 60 transmits a command to the audio and light emission control device 90, and the audio and light emission control device 90 transmits the command resulting from analyzing the command to the display control device 100, thereby controlling the display control device 100. In contrast, the main control device 60 may transmit a command to the display control device 100, and the display control device 100 may transmit the command resulting from analyzing the command to the audio and light emission control device 90, thereby controlling the audio and light emission control device 90. Note that the commands transmitted from the main control device 60 to the audio and light emission control device 90 and the commands transmitted from the audio and light emission control device 90 to the display control device 100 are not limited to the commands described in each of the above embodiments, and may be any commands.
(18) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 includes the main control device 60, the sound and light emission control device 90, and the display control device 100 as separate control devices. In contrast, for example, the sound and light emission control device 90 and the display control device 100 may be included as the same control device, or at least one of the sound and light emission control device 90 and the display control device 100 may be included as the same control device as the main control device 60.

(19) In each of the above embodiments, the symbol display device 47 executes a performance for a game round on the display screen G by periodically scrolling the symbols in each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction based on winning the upper actuation port 36 or the lower actuation port 37, thereby starting a variable display of the symbols. In contrast, the performance for a game round is not limited to the performance described in each of the above embodiments, and is optional. For example, the pachinko machine 10 may execute a performance for a game round by combining and operating a movable decorative member provided on the game board 31 with the symbol display device 47. Also, for example, the pachinko machine 10 may execute a performance for a game round by combining and operating a light-emitting means provided on the game board 31 with the symbol display device 47. Furthermore, for example, the pachinko machine 10 may execute a performance for a game round by combining and operating these decorative members and light-emitting means with the symbol display device 47.

(20) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 executes an internal lottery (win/lose lottery and allocation lottery) based on winning at the upper actuation port 36 or the lower actuation port 37, and then the main display unit 45 and the pattern display unit 47 execute a variable display and display the result of the internal lottery executed based on winning at the upper actuation port 36 or the lower actuation port 37 as a result of stopping the variable display. In contrast, for example, the main display unit 45 and the pattern display unit 47 may start the variable display before executing the internal lottery, and display the result of the internal lottery executed after starting the variable display as a result of stopping the variable display. In this case, after starting the variable display, the internal lottery is executed and the setting of the stop result, etc. is executed before stopping the variable display.

(21) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a main display unit 45, which executes the varying display of the images and displays the result of the internal lottery as the stopping result of the varying display. In contrast, for example, the main display unit 45 may display the same stopping result as the stopping result of the varying display regardless of the result of the internal lottery, or may display the stopping results randomly so that the result of the internal lottery cannot be identified. Also, for example, the pachinko machine 10 does not need to be equipped with a main display unit 45.

(22) In each of the above embodiments, the symbol display device 47 executes a presentation for a game round on the display screen G by periodically scrolling the symbols in each symbol row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction based on the winning of the upper actuation port 36 or the lower actuation port 37, thereby starting a changing display of the symbols. In contrast, the symbol display device 47 may execute a presentation for a game round on the display screen G by displaying a symbol (picture) that clearly indicates the result of an internal lottery.

For example, the pattern display device 47 may set a predetermined area in at least one of an area narrower than the area displaying the patterns of each of the pattern columns Z1 to Z3 and an area on the periphery of the area displaying the patterns of each of the pattern columns Z1 to Z3, and when the varying display of the patterns of each of the pattern columns Z1 to Z3 is stopped, a pattern indicating the result of the internal lottery may be displayed in this predetermined area. The pattern displayed in this predetermined area may be in the variable display state or may be hidden during the varying display of the patterns of each of the pattern columns Z1 to Z3.

The symbols displayed in the specified area may be characters, colors, or patterns that are difficult for players to distinguish, or a combination of these may be used. Also, even if the characters, colors, or patterns are not difficult for players to distinguish, similar symbols or combinations of these may be used to make them difficult for players to distinguish. In this way, the manager of the gaming facility, for example, can easily check whether or not fraudulent activity is occurring by visually checking the symbol display device 47 without visually checking the main display unit 45 at the end of a round of play, in order to make the pachinko machine 10 behave in the same way as if it had won a lottery to generate a jackpot.

(23) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 is configured to operate independently, but it may be configured to transmit and receive information by linking with an external device such as a mobile phone. For example, the gaming machine may be configured so that an optical code can be output by a player operating a button or the like provided on the gaming machine, and the information of this optical code can be captured and read by a camera provided on a mobile phone or the like, and the gaming machine can be configured so that information of the gaming machine can be transmitted to a web server by accessing a website. Also, the gaming machine may be configured so that information from the web server can be received by a player operating a button or the like provided on the gaming machine to input a password issued by accessing a website into the gaming machine.

(24) In each of the above embodiments, a pachinko machine 10 has been described as an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. However, the gaming machine of the present invention may be a type of pachinko machine different from the pachinko machine 10. For example, the gaming machine of the present invention may be a pachinko machine that opens an electric device a predetermined number of times when a gaming ball enters a specific area, or a pachinko machine that generates the right to a jackpot when a gaming ball enters a specific area. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention may be another type of gaming machine, such as an arrange ball machine or a mahjong ball machine.

[Inventions extracted from each embodiment]
The following describes the features of the invention group extracted from each of the above-mentioned embodiments. Note that, among the features of the invention group, the configurations corresponding to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are shown in parentheses, but the features of the invention group are not limited to each of the above-mentioned embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc., within the scope of achieving the purpose of the features of the invention group, and combinations of each feature are included in the features of the invention group.

<Features Group A>
Feature A1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 10) comprising: launching means (launching handle 27) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper actuation port 36 and lower actuation port 37) for causing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing an internal lottery when the gaming ball enters the gaming area; variable display means (pattern display device 47) for executing a variable display based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; and performance execution means (audio and light emission control device 90 and display control device 100) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
A first performance means (notice pending performance determination process) for causing the variable display means to execute a first performance (preview performance) for a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of a first opportunity;
A second performance means (special hold performance determination process) is provided for causing the variable display means to execute a second performance (performance for consuming special reserve) different from the first performance during the predetermined period in overlap with the first performance based on the establishment of a second opportunity different from the first opportunity,
The first effect means continues executing the first effect after the second effect is completed.

According to feature A1 of the present invention group, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute a second presentation different from the first presentation during a predetermined period based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger, and the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation after the second presentation ends. According to this, the gaming machine can execute the second presentation even when the variable display means is executing the first presentation for a predetermined period based on the establishment of the first trigger, and can continue to execute the first presentation after the second presentation ends. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature A2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature A1 of the present invention,
The first presentation means causes the variable display means to suspend the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, and causes the variable display means to resume the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation.

According to feature A2 of the present invention group, the first presentation means causes the variable display means to suspend the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, and causes the variable display means to resume the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation. Therefore, even when the first presentation is being executed, the first presentation can be suspended to execute the second presentation, and the first presentation can be resumed after the second presentation has ended. Therefore, the gaming machine can reliably allow the player to enjoy the first presentation.

Feature A3.
In the gaming machine described in the feature A1 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation during an overlapping period in which the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation.

According to feature A3 of the present invention, the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation during the overlapping period in which the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, so that the first presentation can be continued regardless of the second presentation. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to enjoy the flow of the first presentation.

Feature A4.
In the gaming machine according to any one of the features A1 to A3 of the present invention,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry portion (upper operating port 36);
A second starting ball entry portion (lower operating port 37) different from the first starting ball entry portion is provided,
The performance execution means includes:
The first performance means stores data related to the first performance in a first performance layer (third layer L3) when the game ball enters the first starting ball entry section as the first trigger, thereby causing the variable display means to execute the first performance;
a second performance means for causing the variable display means to execute the second performance by storing data relating to the second performance in a second performance layer (second layer L2) having a higher priority than the first performance layer, when the game ball enters the second starting ball entry section as the second trigger;
An image synthesis means (frame buffer 109) for displaying an image on the variable display means by superimposing a plurality of layers including the first performance layer and the second performance layer in order of priority;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second presentation means stores data relating to the second presentation in the second presentation layer so as to overwrite the data relating to the first presentation stored in the first presentation layer.

According to feature A4 of the present invention group, the image synthesis means displays an image on the variable display means by overlaying a plurality of layers including a first performance layer and a second performance layer in order of priority, so that an image can be displayed on the variable display means by overlaying a second performance layer in which data relating to a second performance based on the game ball entering the second start entry section is stored by the second performance means on a first performance layer in which data relating to a first performance based on the game ball entering the first start entry section is stored by the first performance means. The second presentation means stores data relating to the second presentation in the second presentation layer so as to overwrite the data relating to the first presentation stored in the first presentation layer, so that even when the first presentation based on the game ball entering the first starting ball entry section is being executed, the second presentation based on the game ball entering the second starting ball entry section can be overwritten and executed, and after the second presentation ends, the data relating to the second presentation stored in the second presentation layer can be erased, allowing the first presentation means to continue executing the first presentation.

Feature A5.
In the gaming machine described in the feature A4 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 94c) for storing a plurality of reserved information (sub-side reserved information) based on the entrance of the game ball into the starting ball entrance means;
An information storage means (reservation determination process) for storing reserved information in the information storage means in the order in which game balls enter the starting ball entry means;
The information storage means includes:
An execution area (execution area SAE) for storing pending information during execution of the variable display by the variable display means;
A plurality of reserved areas (a first sub-side reserved area SRa and a second sub-side reserved area SRb) for storing reserved information of a reserved state before the variable display is executed by the variable display means,
The information storage means includes:
A first reserve storage means (processing of step S2202) for storing reserve information in a first reserve area (first sub-side reserve area SRa) based on the entrance of a game ball into the first starting ball entrance portion;
A second reserve storage means (processing of step S2203) stores reserve information in a second reserve area (second sub-side reserve area SRb) different from the first reserve area based on the entrance of the game ball into the second start ball entrance part;
a reservation shift means (reservation shift process) for shifting the reservation information stored in the first reservation area and the second reservation area toward the execution area,
The hold shift means shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area with priority.

According to feature A5 of the present invention group, the hold shift means preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area, so that even if a first performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area is being executed based on the game ball entering the first start entry section, a second performance based on the hold information stored in the second hold area can be executed based on the game ball entering the second start entry section.

Feature A6.
In the gaming machine described in Feature A5 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first presentation is a pre-reading presentation that, when the first reserve storage means stores reserve information in the first reserve area, informs the player of the expected degree of the reserve information by utilizing a presentation based on the reserve information stored in the first reserve area that is consumed before the reserve information.

According to feature A6 of the present invention, since the first effect is a look-ahead effect, if the second effect based on the pending information stored in the second pending area is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second start entry area in a state in which the first effect based on the pending information stored in the first pending area is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second start entry area, the continuity of the first effect will be lost. According to the present invention, the gaming machine can execute the second effect even in a state in which the variable display means is executing the first effect for a predetermined period based on the establishment of the first trigger, and can continue to execute the first effect after the end of the second effect, allowing the player to play comfortably without losing the continuity of the first effect.

Feature A7.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information notification means (reservation occurrence processing) for displaying a reserved pattern associated with the reserved information on the variable display means based on the reserved information stored in the information storage means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved pattern by storing data relating to the reserved pattern in a reserved pattern layer (first layer L1) which has a higher priority than the second performance layer.

According to feature A7 of the present invention group, the information notification means causes the reserved image to be displayed on the variable display means by storing data relating to the reserved image in a reserved image layer having a higher priority than the second performance layer, so that when the first performance and the second performance are executed, the reserved image displayed on the variable display means can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the reserved image.

Feature A8.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information notification means (reservation occurrence processing) for displaying a reserved pattern associated with the reserved information on the variable display means based on the reserved information stored in the information storage means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved pattern by storing data relating to the reserved pattern in both the first performance layer and the second performance layer.

According to feature A8 of the present invention group, the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved image by storing data relating to the reserved image in both the first performance layer and the second performance layer, so that when the first performance and the second performance are executed, the reserved image can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the reserved image displayed on the variable display means. Also, the information notification means can reliably display the reserved image on the variable display means without using a new layer.

Feature A9.
In the gaming machine according to any one of the features A1 to A8 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation in a fade-out manner.

According to feature A9 of the present invention, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation by fading out, so that the second presentation can be ended without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Feature A10.
In the gaming machine according to the feature A9 of the present invention,
The second presentation means is characterized in that the first presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the first presentation and then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation.

According to feature A10 of the present invention group, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the first presentation by the first presentation means, and then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation, so that the second presentation can be ended and the first presentation can be executed without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Feature A11.
In the gaming machine according to any one of the features A1 to A8 of the present invention,
The second presentation means is configured to cause the variable display means to immediately end all of the second presentations at once.

According to feature A11 of the present invention, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to immediately end the second presentation all at once, so that the second presentation can be ended quickly.

Feature A of the present invention allows players to play comfortably, and therefore solves the following problems:

Conventionally, a gaming machine equipped with a variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of pictures is known. When a gaming ball enters an actuation port (initial ball entry means), this gaming machine executes an internal lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. For example, when a big win lottery is won, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures and the like, and transitions the gaming state to a specific control state that is advantageous to the player. In this specific control state, the gaming machine pays out a large number of gaming balls, for example, by transitioning the variable winning device to a state in which a gaming ball can enter.
Incidentally, such gaming machines execute a number of different effects that make the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state after starting the varying display of the images.

However, the multiple types of effects are executed in a chaotic manner to simplify the control of the gaming machine, which can result in players being unable to enjoy the game comfortably.

<Characteristics Group B>
Feature B1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 10) comprising: launching means (launching handle 27) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper actuation port 36 and lower actuation port 37) for causing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing an internal lottery when the gaming ball enters the gaming area; variable display means (pattern display device 47) for executing a variable display based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; and performance execution means (audio and light emission control device 90 and display control device 100) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
A specific performance means (pre-notification hold performance decision process and special hold performance decision process) for causing the variable display means to execute the specific performance by storing data related to the specific performance (pre-reading performance and performance for consuming special reserve) in a specific performance layer (second layer L2 and third layer L3) based on the establishment of a specific opportunity;
An information notification means (hold occurrence processing) for displaying the common image on the variable display means by storing data relating to a common image different from the specific performance in a common layer (first layer L1) having a higher priority than the specific performance layer;
and an image synthesis means (frame buffer 109) for displaying an image on the variable display means by overlapping a plurality of layers including the specific performance layer in order of priority.

According to feature B1 of the present invention group, the information notification means displays the common image on the variable display means by storing data relating to a common image different from the specific performance in a common layer that has a higher priority than the specific performance layer, so that when a specific performance is executed, the common image can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the common image displayed on the variable display means.

Feature B2.
In the gaming machine according to the feature B1 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 94c) for storing a plurality of reserved information (sub-side reserved information) based on the entrance of the game ball into the starting ball entrance means;
An information storage means (reservation determination process) for storing reserved information in the information storage means in the order in which game balls enter the starting ball entry means;
A gaming machine characterized by having an information notification means that displays a reserved picture associated with the reserved information as the common image on the variable display means based on the reserved information stored in the information storage means.

According to feature B2 of the present invention group, the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved image by storing data relating to the reserved image in a common layer that has a higher priority than the specific performance layer, so that when a specific performance is executed, the reserved image can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the reserved image displayed on the variable display means.

Feature B3.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
The specific performance means is
A first performance means (notice pending performance determination process) for causing the variable display means to execute a first performance (pre-reading performance) as the specific performance for a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of a first opportunity as the specific opportunity;
A second performance means (special hold performance determination process) is provided for causing the variable display means to execute a second performance (performance for consuming special reserve) as the specific performance different from the first performance during the predetermined period based on the establishment of a second opportunity as the specific opportunity different from the first opportunity,
The first effect means continues executing the first effect after the second effect is completed.

According to feature B3 of the present invention group, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute a second presentation different from the first presentation in overlap with the first presentation during a predetermined period based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger, and the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation after the second presentation ends. According to this, the gaming machine can execute the second presentation even when the variable display means is executing the first presentation for a predetermined period based on the establishment of the first trigger, and can continue to execute the first presentation after the second presentation ends. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature B4.
In the gaming machine described in feature B3 of the present invention,
The first presentation means causes the variable display means to suspend the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, and causes the variable display means to resume the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation.

According to feature B4 of the present invention group, the first presentation means causes the variable display means to suspend the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, and causes the variable display means to resume the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation. Therefore, even when the first presentation is being executed, the first presentation can be suspended to execute the second presentation, and the first presentation can be resumed after the second presentation has ended. Therefore, the gaming machine can reliably allow the player to enjoy the first presentation.

Feature B5.
In the gaming machine described in feature B3 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation during an overlapping period in which the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation.

According to feature B5 of the present invention, the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation during the overlap period in which the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, so that the first presentation can be continued regardless of the second presentation. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to enjoy the flow of the first presentation.

Feature B6.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features B3 to B5 of the present invention,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry portion (upper operating port 36);
A second starting ball entry portion (lower operating port 37) different from the first starting ball entry portion is provided,
The specific performance means is
The first performance means stores data relating to the first performance in a first performance layer (third layer L3) as the specific performance layer when the game ball enters the first starting ball entry section as the first trigger, thereby causing the variable display means to execute the first performance;
a second performance means for causing the variable display means to execute the second performance by storing data relating to the second performance in a second performance layer (second layer L2) as the specific performance layer having a higher priority than the first performance layer, when the game ball enters the second start ball entry section as the second trigger;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second presentation means stores data relating to the second presentation in the second presentation layer so as to overwrite the data relating to the first presentation stored in the first presentation layer.

According to feature B6 of the present invention group, the image synthesis means displays an image on the variable display means by overlaying a plurality of layers including a first performance layer and a second performance layer in order of priority, so that an image can be displayed on the variable display means by overlaying a second performance layer in which data relating to a second performance based on the game ball entering the second start entry section is stored by the second performance means on a first performance layer in which data relating to a first performance based on the game ball entering the first start entry section is stored by the first performance means. The second presentation means stores data relating to the second presentation in the second presentation layer so as to overwrite the data relating to the first presentation stored in the first presentation layer, so that even when the first presentation based on the game ball entering the first starting ball entry section is being executed, the second presentation based on the game ball entering the second starting ball entry section can be overwritten and executed, and after the second presentation ends, the data relating to the second presentation stored in the second presentation layer can be erased, allowing the first presentation means to continue executing the first presentation.

Feature B7.
In the gaming machine described in feature B6 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 94c) for storing a plurality of reserved information (sub-side reserved information) based on the entrance of the game ball into the starting ball entrance means;
An information storage means (reservation determination process) for storing reserved information in the information storage means in the order in which game balls enter the starting ball entry means,
The information storage means includes:
An execution area (execution area SAE) for storing pending information during execution of the variable display by the variable display means;
A plurality of reserved areas (a first sub-side reserved area SRa and a second sub-side reserved area SRb) for storing reserved information of a reserved state before the variable display is executed by the variable display means,
The information storage means includes:
A first reserve storage means (processing of step S2202) for storing reserve information in a first reserve area (first sub-side reserve area SRa) based on the entrance of a game ball into the first starting ball entrance portion;
A second reserve storage means (processing of step S2203) stores reserve information in a second reserve area (second sub-side reserve area SRb) different from the first reserve area based on the entrance of the game ball into the second start ball entrance part;
a reservation shift means (reservation shift process) for shifting the reservation information stored in the first reservation area and the second reservation area toward the execution area,
The hold shift means shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area with priority.

According to feature B7 of the present invention group, the hold shift means preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area, so that even if a first performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area is being executed based on the game ball entering the first start entry section, a second performance based on the hold information stored in the second hold area can be executed based on the game ball entering the second start entry section.

Feature B8.
In the gaming machine described in feature B7 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first presentation is a pre-reading presentation that, when the first reserve storage means stores reserve information in the first reserve area, notifies the player of the expected degree of the reserve information by utilizing a presentation based on the reserve information stored in the first reserve area that is consumed before the reserve information.

According to feature B8 of the present invention, since the first effect is a look-ahead effect, if the second effect based on the pending information stored in the second pending area is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second start entry area in a state in which the first effect based on the pending information stored in the first pending area is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second start entry area, the continuity of the first effect will be lost. According to the present invention, the gaming machine can execute the second effect even in a state in which the variable display means is executing the first effect for a predetermined period based on the establishment of the first trigger, and can continue to execute the first effect after the end of the second effect, allowing the player to play comfortably without losing the continuity of the first effect.

Feature B9.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features B3 to B8 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation in a fade-out manner.

According to feature B9 of the present invention, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation by fading out, so that the second presentation can be ended without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Feature B10.
In the gaming machine according to the feature B9 of the present invention,
The second presentation means is characterized in that the first presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the first presentation and then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation.

According to feature B10 of the present invention group, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the first presentation in the first presentation means, and then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation, so that the second presentation can be ended and the first presentation can be executed without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Feature B11.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features B3 to B8 of the present invention,
The second presentation means is configured to cause the variable display means to immediately end all of the second presentations at once.

According to feature B11 of the present invention, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to immediately end the second presentation all at once, so that the second presentation can be ended quickly.

Feature B of the present invention allows players to play comfortably, and therefore solves the following problems:

Conventionally, a gaming machine equipped with a variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of pictures is known. When a gaming ball enters an actuation port (initial ball entry means), this gaming machine executes an internal lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. For example, when a big win lottery is won, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures and the like, and transitions the gaming state to a specific control state that is advantageous to the player. In this specific control state, the gaming machine pays out a large number of gaming balls, for example, by transitioning the variable winning device to a state in which a gaming ball can enter.
Incidentally, such a gaming machine stores reserved information in an information storage means in the order in which gaming balls enter the operating port, and displays a common image such as a reserved pattern associated with the reserved information on the basis of the reserved information stored in the information storage means on a variable display means. In addition, after starting the variable display of the patterns, the gaming machine executes a plurality of kinds of effects that make the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, because the multiple types of effects are executed in a disorderly manner to simplify the control of the gaming machine, they can affect the common image displayed on the variable display means, which can cause problems in that the player cannot enjoy playing the game comfortably.

<Characteristics Group C>
Feature C1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 10) comprising: launching means (launching handle 27) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper actuation port 36 and lower actuation port 37) for causing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing an internal lottery when the gaming ball enters the gaming area; variable display means (pattern display device 47) for executing a variable display based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; and performance execution means (audio and light emission control device 90 and display control device 100) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
A first performance means (notice pending performance determination process) for causing the variable display means to execute a first performance (preview performance) for a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of a first opportunity;
A second performance means (special hold performance determination process) is provided for causing the variable display means to execute a second performance (performance for consuming special reserve) different from the first performance during the predetermined period in overlap with the first performance based on the establishment of a second opportunity different from the first opportunity,
The gaming machine, wherein the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation in a fade-out manner.

According to feature C1 of the present invention group, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute a second presentation different from the first presentation, overlapping with the first presentation, during a predetermined period of time, based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger. The second presentation means then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation by fading it out, so that the second presentation can be ended without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Feature C2.
In the gaming machine according to the feature C1 of the present invention,
The second presentation means is characterized in that the first presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the first presentation and then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation.

According to feature C2 of the present invention, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the first presentation by the first presentation means, and then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation, so that the second presentation can be ended and the first presentation can be executed without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Feature C3.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 10) comprising: launching means (launching handle 27) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper actuation port 36 and lower actuation port 37) for causing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing an internal lottery when the gaming ball enters the gaming area; variable display means (pattern display device 47) for executing a variable display based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; and performance execution means (audio and light emission control device 90 and display control device 100) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
A first performance means (notice pending performance determination process) for causing the variable display means to execute a first performance (preview performance) for a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of a first opportunity;
A second performance means (special hold performance determination process) is provided for causing the variable display means to execute a second performance (performance for consuming special reserve) different from the first performance during the predetermined period in overlap with the first performance based on the establishment of a second opportunity different from the first opportunity,
The second presentation means is configured to cause the variable display means to immediately end all of the second presentations at once.

According to feature C3 of the present invention, the second performance means causes the variable display means to execute a second performance different from the first performance in a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger. The second performance means then causes the variable display means to immediately end the second performance all at once, so that the second performance can be ended quickly.

Feature C4.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C3 of the present invention,
The first effect means continues executing the first effect after the second effect is completed.

According to feature C4 of the present invention group, the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation after the second presentation ends. With this, the gaming machine can execute the second presentation even when the variable display means has been executing the first presentation for a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of the first trigger, and can continue to execute the first presentation after the second presentation ends. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature C5.
In the gaming machine described in feature C4 of the present invention,
The first presentation means causes the variable display means to suspend the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, and causes the variable display means to resume the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation.

According to feature C5 of the present invention group, the first presentation means causes the variable display means to suspend the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, and causes the variable display means to resume the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation. Therefore, even when the first presentation is being executed, the first presentation can be suspended to execute the second presentation, and the first presentation can be resumed after the second presentation has ended. Therefore, the gaming machine can reliably allow the player to enjoy the first presentation.

Feature C6.
In the gaming machine described in feature C4 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation during an overlapping period in which the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation.

According to feature C6 of the present invention, the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation during the overlapping period in which the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, so that the first presentation can be continued regardless of the second presentation. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to enjoy the flow of the first presentation.

Feature C7.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features C4 to C6 of the present invention,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry portion (upper operating port 36);
A second starting ball entry portion (lower operating port 37) different from the first starting ball entry portion is provided,
The performance execution means includes:
The first performance means stores data related to the first performance in a first performance layer (third layer L3) when the game ball enters the first starting ball entry section as the first trigger, thereby causing the variable display means to execute the first performance;
a second performance means for causing the variable display means to execute the second performance by storing data relating to the second performance in a second performance layer (second layer L2) having a higher priority than the first performance layer, when the game ball enters the second starting ball entry section as the second trigger;
An image synthesis means (frame buffer 109) for displaying an image on the variable display means by superimposing a plurality of layers including the first performance layer and the second performance layer in order of priority;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second presentation means stores data relating to the second presentation in the second presentation layer so as to overwrite the data relating to the first presentation stored in the first presentation layer.

According to feature C7 of the present invention group, the image synthesis means displays an image on the variable display means by overlaying a plurality of layers including a first performance layer and a second performance layer in order of priority, so that an image can be displayed on the variable display means by overlaying a second performance layer in which data relating to a second performance based on the game ball entering the second start entry section is stored by the second performance means on a first performance layer in which data relating to a first performance based on the game ball entering the first start entry section is stored by the first performance means. The second presentation means stores data relating to the second presentation in the second presentation layer so as to overwrite the data relating to the first presentation stored in the first presentation layer, so that even when the first presentation based on the game ball entering the first starting ball entry section is being executed, the second presentation based on the game ball entering the second starting ball entry section can be overwritten and executed, and after the second presentation ends, the data relating to the second presentation stored in the second presentation layer can be erased, allowing the first presentation means to continue executing the first presentation.

Feature C8.
In the gaming machine according to feature C7 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 94c) for storing a plurality of reserved information (sub-side reserved information) based on the entrance of the game ball into the starting ball entrance means;
an information storage means (reservation determination process) for storing reserved information in the information storage means in the order in which game balls enter the starting ball entry means;
The information storage means includes:
An execution area (execution area SAE) for storing pending information during execution of the variable display by the variable display means;
A plurality of reserved areas (a first sub-side reserved area SRa and a second sub-side reserved area SRb) for storing reserved information of a reserved state before the variable display is executed by the variable display means,
The information storage means includes:
A first reserve storage means (processing of step S2202) for storing reserve information in a first reserve area (first sub-side reserve area SRa) based on the entrance of a game ball into the first starting ball entrance portion;
A second reserve storage means (processing of step S2203) stores reserve information in a second reserve area (second sub-side reserve area SRb) different from the first reserve area based on the entrance of the game ball into the second start ball entrance part;
a reservation shift means (reservation shift process) for shifting the reservation information stored in the first reservation area and the second reservation area toward the execution area,
The hold shift means shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area with priority.

According to feature C8 of the present invention group, the hold shift means preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area, so that even if a first performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area is being executed based on the game ball entering the first start entry section, a second performance based on the hold information stored in the second hold area can be executed based on the game ball entering the second start entry section.

Feature C9.
In the gaming machine described in feature C8 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first presentation is a pre-reading presentation that, when the first reserve storage means stores reserve information in the first reserve area, notifies the player of the expected degree of the reserve information by utilizing a presentation based on the reserve information stored in the first reserve area that is consumed before the reserve information.

According to feature C9 of the present invention, since the first effect is a look-ahead effect, if the second effect based on the pending information stored in the second pending area is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second start entry area in a state in which the first effect based on the pending information stored in the first pending area is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second start entry area, the continuity of the first effect will be lost. According to the present invention, the gaming machine can execute the second effect even in a state in which the variable display means is executing the first effect for a predetermined period based on the establishment of the first trigger, and can continue to execute the first effect after the end of the second effect, allowing the player to play comfortably without losing the continuity of the first effect.

Feature C10.
In the gaming machine according to feature C8 or feature C9 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information notification means (reservation occurrence processing) for displaying a reserved pattern associated with the reserved information on the variable display means based on the reserved information stored in the information storage means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved pattern by storing data relating to the reserved pattern in a reserved pattern layer (first layer L1) which has a higher priority than the second performance layer.

According to feature C10 of the present invention group, the information notification means causes the reserved image to be displayed on the variable display means by storing data relating to the reserved image in a reserved image layer having a higher priority than the second performance layer, so that when the first performance and the second performance are executed, the reserved image can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the reserved image displayed on the variable display means.

Feature C11.
In the gaming machine according to feature C8 or feature C9 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information notification means (reservation occurrence processing) for displaying a reserved pattern associated with the reserved information on the variable display means based on the reserved information stored in the information storage means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved pattern by storing data relating to the reserved pattern in both the first performance layer and the second performance layer.

According to feature C11 of the present invention group, the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved image by storing data relating to the reserved image in both the first performance layer and the second performance layer, so that when the first performance and the second performance are executed, the reserved image displayed on the variable display means can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the reserved image. Also, the information notification means can reliably display the reserved image on the variable display means without using a new layer.

Feature C of the present invention allows players to play comfortably, and therefore solves the following problems:

Conventionally, a gaming machine equipped with a variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of pictures is known. When a gaming ball enters an actuation port (initial ball entry means), this gaming machine executes an internal lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. For example, when a big win lottery is won, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures and the like, and transitions the gaming state to a specific control state that is advantageous to the player. In this specific control state, the gaming machine pays out a large number of gaming balls, for example, by transitioning the variable winning device to a state in which a gaming ball can enter.
Incidentally, such gaming machines execute a number of different effects that make the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state after starting the varying display of the images.

However, the multiple types of effects are executed in a chaotic manner to simplify the control of the gaming machine, which can result in players being unable to enjoy the game comfortably.

<Feature D group>
Feature D1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 10) comprising: launching means (launching handle 27) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper actuation port 36 and lower actuation port 37) for causing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing an internal lottery when the gaming ball enters the gaming area; variable display means (pattern display device 47) for executing a variable display based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; and performance execution means (audio and light emission control device 90 and display control device 100) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
A first performance means (notice pending performance determination process) for causing the variable display means to execute a first performance (preview performance) for a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of a first opportunity;
A second performance means (special hold performance determination process) is provided for causing the variable display means to execute a second performance (performance for consuming special reserve) different from the first performance during the predetermined period in overlap with the first performance based on the establishment of a second opportunity different from the first opportunity,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second presentation is more useful to a player than the first presentation.

According to feature D1 of the present invention group, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute a second presentation different from the first presentation, overlapping with the first presentation, during a specified period of time, based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger. Since the second presentation is more useful to the player than the first presentation, the player will pay attention to whether or not the second presentation is executed during the specified period of time. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

Feature D2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature D1 of the present invention,
The first effect means continues executing the first effect after the second effect is completed.

According to feature D2 of the present invention group, the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation after the second presentation ends. This allows the gaming machine to execute the second presentation even when the variable display means has been executing the first presentation for a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of the first trigger, and can continue to execute the first presentation after the second presentation ends. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature D3.
In the gaming machine described in feature D2 of the present invention,
The first presentation means causes the variable display means to suspend the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, and causes the variable display means to resume the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation.

According to feature D3 of the present invention group, the first presentation means causes the variable display means to suspend the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, and causes the variable display means to resume the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation. Therefore, even when the first presentation is being executed, the first presentation can be suspended to execute the second presentation, and the first presentation can be resumed after the second presentation has ended. Therefore, the gaming machine can reliably allow the player to enjoy the first presentation.

Feature D4.
In the gaming machine described in feature D2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation during an overlapping period in which the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation.

According to feature D4 of the present invention, the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation during the overlapping period in which the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, so that the first presentation can be continued regardless of the second presentation. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to enjoy the flow of the first presentation.

Feature D5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of the features D2 to D4 of the present invention,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry portion (upper operating port 36);
A second starting ball entry portion (lower operating port 37) different from the first starting ball entry portion is provided,
The performance execution means includes:
The first performance means stores data related to the first performance in a first performance layer (third layer L3) when the game ball enters the first starting ball entry section as the first trigger, thereby causing the variable display means to execute the first performance;
a second performance means for causing the variable display means to execute the second performance by storing data relating to the second performance in a second performance layer (second layer L2) having a higher priority than the first performance layer, when the game ball enters the second starting ball entry section as the second trigger;
An image synthesis means (frame buffer 109) for displaying an image on the variable display means by superimposing a plurality of layers including the first performance layer and the second performance layer in order of priority;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second presentation means stores data relating to the second presentation in the second presentation layer so as to overwrite the data relating to the first presentation stored in the first presentation layer.

According to feature D5 of the present invention group, the image synthesis means displays an image on the variable display means by overlaying a plurality of layers including a first performance layer and a second performance layer in order of priority, so that an image can be displayed on the variable display means by overlaying a second performance layer in which data relating to a second performance based on the game ball entering the second start entry section is stored by the second performance means on a first performance layer in which data relating to a first performance based on the game ball entering the first start entry section is stored by the first performance means. The second presentation means stores data relating to the second presentation in the second presentation layer so as to overwrite the data relating to the first presentation stored in the first presentation layer, so that even when the first presentation based on the game ball entering the first starting ball entry section is being executed, the second presentation based on the game ball entering the second starting ball entry section can be overwritten and executed, and after the second presentation ends, the data relating to the second presentation stored in the second presentation layer can be erased, allowing the first presentation means to continue executing the first presentation.

Feature D6.
In the gaming machine described in feature D5 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 94c) for storing a plurality of reserved information (sub-side reserved information) based on the entrance of the game ball into the starting ball entrance means;
An information storage means (reservation determination process) for storing reserved information in the information storage means in the order in which game balls enter the starting ball entry means;
The information storage means includes:
An execution area (execution area SAE) for storing pending information during execution of the variable display by the variable display means;
A plurality of reserved areas (a first sub-side reserved area SRa and a second sub-side reserved area SRb) for storing reserved information of a reserved state before the variable display is executed by the variable display means,
The information storage means includes:
A first reserve storage means (processing of step S2202) for storing reserve information in a first reserve area (first sub-side reserve area SRa) based on the entrance of a game ball into the first starting ball entrance section;
A second reserve storage means (processing of step S2203) stores reserve information in a second reserve area (second sub-side reserve area SRb) different from the first reserve area based on the entrance of the game ball into the second start ball entrance part;
a reservation shift means (reservation shift process) for shifting the reservation information stored in the first reservation area and the second reservation area toward the execution area,
The hold shift means shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area with priority.

According to feature D6 of the present invention group, the hold shift means preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area, so that even if a first performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area is being executed based on the game ball entering the first start entry section, a second performance based on the hold information stored in the second hold area can be executed based on the game ball entering the second start entry section.

Feature D7.
In the gaming machine described in feature D6 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first presentation is a pre-reading presentation that, when the first reserve storage means stores reserve information in the first reserve area, notifies the player of the expected degree of the reserve information by utilizing a presentation based on the reserve information stored in the first reserve area that is consumed before the reserve information.

According to feature D7 of the present invention group, since the first effect is a look-ahead effect, if the second effect based on the pending information stored in the second pending area is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second start entry area in a state in which the first effect based on the pending information stored in the first pending area is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second start entry area, the continuity of the first effect will be lost. According to the present invention, even in a state in which the variable display means is executing the first effect for a predetermined period based on the establishment of the first trigger, the gaming machine can execute the second effect, and can continue to execute the first effect after the end of the second effect, allowing the player to play comfortably without losing the continuity of the first effect.

Feature D8.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information notification means (reservation occurrence processing) for displaying a reserved pattern associated with the reserved information on the variable display means based on the reserved information stored in the information storage means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved pattern by storing data relating to the reserved pattern in a reserved pattern layer (first layer L1) which has a higher priority than the second performance layer.

According to feature D8 of the present invention group, the information notification means causes the reserved image to be displayed on the variable display means by storing data relating to the reserved image in a reserved image layer having a higher priority than the second performance layer, so that when the first performance and the second performance are executed, the reserved image can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the reserved image displayed on the variable display means.

Feature D9.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information notification means (reservation occurrence processing) for displaying a reserved pattern associated with the reserved information on the variable display means based on the reserved information stored in the information storage means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved pattern by storing data relating to the reserved pattern in both the first performance layer and the second performance layer.

According to feature D9 of the present invention group, the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved image by storing data relating to the reserved image in both the first performance layer and the second performance layer, so that when the first performance and the second performance are executed, the reserved image can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the reserved image displayed on the variable display means. Also, the information notification means can reliably display the reserved image on the variable display means without using a new layer.

Feature D10.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features D2 to D9 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation in a fade-out manner.

According to feature D10 of the present invention, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation by fading out, so that the second presentation can be ended without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Feature D11.
In the gaming machine described in feature D10 of the present invention,
The second presentation means is characterized in that the first presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the first presentation and then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation.

According to feature D11 of the present invention group, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the first presentation by the first presentation means, and then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation, so that the second presentation can be ended and the first presentation can be executed without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Feature D12.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features D2 to D9 of the present invention,
The second presentation means is configured to cause the variable display means to immediately end all of the second presentations at once.

According to feature D12 of the present invention, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to immediately end the second presentation all at once, so that the second presentation can be ended quickly.

According to group D of features of the present invention, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game, thereby solving the following problems:

Conventionally, a gaming machine equipped with a variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of pictures is known. When a gaming ball enters an actuation port (initial ball entry means), this gaming machine executes an internal lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. For example, when a big win lottery is won, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures and the like, and transitions the gaming state to a specific control state that is advantageous to the player. In this specific control state, the gaming machine pays out a large number of gaming balls, for example, by transitioning the variable winning device to a state in which a gaming ball can enter.
Incidentally, such gaming machines, after starting the varying display of the images, execute a number of different effects that make the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, because multiple types of effects are executed in a chaotic manner to simplify the control of the gaming machine, there is a problem that players' attention to the game is reduced.

<Features Group E>
Feature E1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 10) comprising: launching means (launching handle 27) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper actuation port 36 and lower actuation port 37) for causing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing an internal lottery when the gaming ball enters the gaming area; variable display means (pattern display device 47) for executing a variable display based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; and performance execution means (audio and light emission control device 90 and display control device 100) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
A first performance means (notice pending performance determination process) is provided for causing the variable display means to execute a first performance (pre-reading performance) having a plurality of expectancies over a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of a first opportunity,
The gaming machine includes:
A second performance means (special hold performance determination process) is provided for executing a second performance (performance for consuming special reserve) different from the first performance in overlap with the first performance during the predetermined period based on the establishment of a second opportunity different from the first opportunity,
The first presentation means changes the expectation level of the first presentation during an overlapping period in which the second presentation means is executing the second presentation.

According to feature E1 of the present invention group, the second presentation means executes a second presentation different from the first presentation in an overlapping period with the first presentation based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger, and the first presentation means changes the expectation level of the first presentation during the overlapping period during which the second presentation means is executing the second presentation. According to this, the gaming machine can execute the second presentation even when the variable display means is executing the first presentation for a predetermined period based on the establishment of the first trigger, and can change the expectation level of the first presentation during the overlapping period during which the second presentation means is executing the second presentation. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

Feature E2.
In the gaming machine according to the feature E1 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
The second performance means (special hold performance determination process) is provided for causing the variable display means to execute a second performance (performance for consuming special reserve) different from the first performance during the predetermined period in overlap with the first performance based on the establishment of a second opportunity different from the first opportunity,
The first effect means continues executing the first effect after the second effect is completed.

According to feature E2 of the present invention group, the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation after the second presentation ends. With this, the gaming machine can execute the second presentation even when the variable display means has been executing the first presentation for a predetermined period of time based on the establishment of the first trigger, and can continue to execute the first presentation after the second presentation ends. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature E3.
In the gaming machine according to the feature E2 of the present invention,
The first presentation means causes the variable display means to suspend the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, and causes the variable display means to resume the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation.

According to feature E3 of the present invention group, the first presentation means causes the variable display means to suspend the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, and causes the variable display means to resume the first presentation when the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation. Therefore, even when the first presentation is being executed, the first presentation can be suspended to execute the second presentation, and the first presentation can be resumed after the second presentation has ended. Therefore, the gaming machine can reliably allow the player to enjoy the first presentation.

Feature E4.
In the gaming machine according to the feature E2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation during an overlapping period in which the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation.

According to feature E4 of the present invention, the first presentation means continues to execute the first presentation during the overlapping period in which the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the second presentation, so that the first presentation can be continued regardless of the second presentation. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to enjoy the flow of the first presentation.

Feature E5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features E2 to E4 of the present invention,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry portion (upper operating port 36);
A second starting ball entry portion (lower operating port 37) different from the first starting ball entry portion is provided,
The performance execution means includes:
The first performance means stores data related to the first performance in a first performance layer (third layer L3) when the game ball enters the first starting ball entry section as the first trigger, thereby causing the variable display means to execute the first performance;
a second performance means for causing the variable display means to execute the second performance by storing data relating to the second performance in a second performance layer (second layer L2) having a higher priority than the first performance layer, when the game ball enters the second starting ball entry section as the second trigger;
An image synthesis means (frame buffer 109) for displaying an image on the variable display means by superimposing a plurality of layers including the first performance layer and the second performance layer in order of priority;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second presentation means stores data relating to the second presentation in the second presentation layer so as to overwrite the data relating to the first presentation stored in the first presentation layer.

According to feature E5 of the present invention group, the image synthesis means displays an image on the variable display means by overlaying a plurality of layers including a first performance layer and a second performance layer in order of priority, so that an image can be displayed on the variable display means by overlaying a second performance layer in which data relating to a second performance based on the game ball entering the second start entry section is stored by the second performance means on a first performance layer in which data relating to a first performance based on the game ball entering the first start entry section is stored by the first performance means. The second presentation means stores data relating to the second presentation in the second presentation layer so as to overwrite the data relating to the first presentation stored in the first presentation layer, so that even when the first presentation based on the game ball entering the first starting ball entry section is being executed, the second presentation based on the game ball entering the second starting ball entry section can be overwritten and executed, and after the second presentation ends, the data relating to the second presentation stored in the second presentation layer can be erased, allowing the first presentation means to continue executing the first presentation.

Feature E6.
In the gaming machine according to the feature E5 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 94c) for storing a plurality of reserved information (sub-side reserved information) based on the entrance of the game ball into the starting ball entrance means;
An information storage means (reservation determination process) for storing reserved information in the information storage means in the order in which game balls enter the starting ball entry means;
The information storage means includes:
An execution area (execution area SAE) for storing pending information during execution of the variable display by the variable display means;
A plurality of reserved areas (a first sub-side reserved area SRa and a second sub-side reserved area SRb) for storing reserved information of a reserved state before the variable display is executed by the variable display means,
The information storage means includes:
A first reserve storage means (processing of step S2202) for storing reserve information in a first reserve area (first sub-side reserve area SRa) based on the entrance of a game ball into the first starting ball entrance portion;
A second reserve storage means (processing of step S2203) stores reserve information in a second reserve area (second sub-side reserve area SRb) different from the first reserve area based on the entrance of the game ball into the second start ball entrance part;
a reservation shift means (reservation shift process) for shifting the reservation information stored in the first reservation area and the second reservation area toward the execution area,
The hold shift means shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area with priority.

According to feature E6 of the present invention group, the hold shift means preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area, so that even if a first performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area is being executed based on the game ball entering the first start entry section, a second performance based on the hold information stored in the second hold area can be executed based on the game ball entering the second start entry section.

Feature E7.
In the gaming machine according to the feature E6 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first presentation is a pre-reading presentation that, when the first reserve storage means stores reserve information in the first reserve area, notifies the player of the expected degree of the reserve information by utilizing a presentation based on the reserve information stored in the first reserve area that is consumed before the reserve information.

According to feature E7 of the present invention, since the first effect is a look-ahead effect, if the second effect based on the pending information stored in the second pending area is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second start entry area in a state in which the first effect based on the pending information stored in the first pending area is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second start entry area, the continuity of the first effect will be lost. According to the present invention, even in a state in which the variable display means is executing the first effect for a predetermined period based on the establishment of the first trigger, the gaming machine can execute the second effect, and can continue to execute the first effect after the end of the second effect, allowing the player to play comfortably without losing the continuity of the first effect.

Feature E8.
In the gaming machine according to the feature E6 or E7 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information notification means (reservation occurrence processing) for displaying a reserved pattern associated with the reserved information on the variable display means based on the reserved information stored in the information storage means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved pattern by storing data relating to the reserved pattern in a reserved pattern layer (first layer L1) which has a higher priority than the second performance layer.

According to feature E8 of the present invention group, the information notification means causes the reserved image to be displayed on the variable display means by storing data relating to the reserved image in a reserved image layer having a higher priority than the second performance layer, so that when the first performance and the second performance are executed, the reserved image can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the reserved image displayed on the variable display means.

Feature E9.
In the gaming machine according to the feature E6 or E7 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information notification means (reservation occurrence processing) for displaying a reserved pattern associated with the reserved information on the variable display means based on the reserved information stored in the information storage means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved pattern by storing data relating to the reserved pattern in both the first performance layer and the second performance layer.

According to feature E9 of the present invention group, the information notification means causes the variable display means to display the reserved image by storing data relating to the reserved image in both the first performance layer and the second performance layer, so that when the first performance and the second performance are executed, the reserved image can be reliably displayed on the variable display means without overwriting the reserved image displayed on the variable display means. Also, the information notification means can reliably display the reserved image on the variable display means without using a new layer.

Feature E10.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features E2 to E9 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation in a fade-out manner.

According to feature E10 of the present invention, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to end the second presentation by fading out, so that the second presentation can be ended without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Feature E11.
In the gaming machine according to feature E10 of the present invention,
The second presentation means is characterized in that the first presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the first presentation and then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation.

According to feature E11 of the present invention group, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to execute the first presentation by the first presentation means, and then causes the variable display means to end the second presentation, so that the second presentation can be ended and the first presentation can be executed without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Feature E12.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features E2 to E9 of the present invention,
The second presentation means is configured to cause the variable display means to immediately end all of the second presentations at once.

According to feature E12 of the present invention group, the second presentation means causes the variable display means to immediately end the second presentation all at once, so that the second presentation can be ended quickly.

According to group E of features of the present invention, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game, thereby solving the following problems:

Conventionally, a gaming machine equipped with a variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of pictures is known. When a gaming ball enters an actuation port (initial ball entry means), this gaming machine executes an internal lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. For example, when a big win lottery is won, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures and the like, and transitions the gaming state to a specific control state that is advantageous to the player. In this specific control state, the gaming machine pays out a large number of gaming balls, for example, by transitioning the variable winning device to a state in which a gaming ball can enter.
Incidentally, such gaming machines, after starting the varying display of the images, execute a number of different effects that make the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, the multiple types of effects are executed in a chaotic manner to simplify the control of the gaming machine, which can result in players being unable to enjoy the game comfortably.

As described above, the present invention can be suitably used in gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

10... Pachinko machine, 35... General winning opening, 36... Upper operating opening, 37... Lower operating opening, 38... Variable winning device, 38a... Large winning opening, 38b... Opening and closing door, 38c... Variable winning drive unit, 39... Outlet, 47... Pattern display device, 60... Main control device, 62... MPU, 90... Sound and light emission control device, 92... MPU, 100... Display control device, 102... MPU.

Claims (1)

A launching means for launching a game ball toward a game area formed in front of the game board;
A starting ball entry means into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and which triggers a predetermined lottery to be executed based on the game ball entering the game area;
A variable display means for performing a variable display of a plurality of symbols based on the execution of the predetermined lottery;
A game machine including: a performance execution means for executing a performance including a reach display performance in which the variable display is executed in a state in which a predetermined number of the symbols are displayed in a predetermined combination on the variable display means;
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry means;
A second starting ball entry means, different from the first starting ball entry means, is capable of switching between an allowable state in which the entry of the game ball is allowed and a restricted state in which the entry of the game ball is restricted;
This gaming machine is
A reserved display means is provided for displaying a number of reserved images for performance corresponding to the reserved number of the variable display rights reserved up to a predetermined upper limit number when a game ball enters the starting ball entry means,
The variable display is
A first variable display that is executed in response to a game ball entering the first start ball entry means;
A second variable display that is executed in response to the entry of a game ball into the second start entry means,
The performance execution means includes:
A suggestion information display means for displaying a predetermined suggestion information image at least in a plurality of first variation displays that are displayed consecutively;
a specific effect display means for displaying a specific effect image corresponding to the second variable display, overlapping with the specific suggestive information image, in a situation where the specific suggestive information image is displayed with a specific display content on the variable display means based on a shot into the second starting shot means;
The specific effect display means includes a termination means for terminating the display of the specific effect image executed by the variable display means in a situation where the specific suggestive information image is displayed with the specific display content by the variable display means;
The predetermined suggestive information image is configured so that the display content of the predetermined suggestive information image can be changed until the display of the specific performance image is terminated,
This gaming machine is
The predetermined suggestive information image and the specific performance image are simultaneously visible,
The predetermined suggestion information image displayed overlapping the second variation display in which the specific performance image is displayed is configured to be displayed so that the predetermined suggestion information image does not interfere with the visibility of the predetermined variation display of the plurality of patterns in the second variation display;
This gaming machine is
a special effect display means for displaying a special effect image following the specific effect image after the display of the specific effect image is completed when a specific condition is satisfied;
When the special effect image is displayed, it is of high value to the player,
The suggestion information display means includes:
A plurality of types of suggestion information images can be displayed as the display contents of the predetermined suggestion information image,
a means for maintaining the display content of the predetermined suggestive information image without changing it for a predetermined period of time when the predetermined suggestive information image is displayed overlapping with the specific performance image;
a means for continuously displaying the predetermined suggestive information image at a position where the specific effect image was displayed at the start of display;
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific presentation image can be displayed continuously over multiple game rounds based on the execution of the permissible state .

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