JP7497718B2 - 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 a predetermined 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 are equipped with, for example, a transparent or translucent plate portion and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the back side of the plate portion, making the LED visible through the plate portion, and by changing the light emission state or color of the LED, etc., it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

JP 2005-074175 A

However, simply changing the lighting state or color of the LEDs can be monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the player's interest in the game.

The gaming machine of the present invention comprises a gaming board having a game area on the front side, special information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition, and special information judgment means for judging whether or not the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition , and when the special information judgment means judges that the special information satisfies the predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to a specific control state advantageous to the player, the gaming machine comprises predetermined decorative means visible when viewed from the front of the gaming board, and first rotating means configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the gaming board , the first rotating means being configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis whose axial direction is a direction intersecting with the face of the gaming board , and comprising a rotating plate portion that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state, the rotating plate portion being provided with a visual recognition portion that is on the back side of the rotating plate portion and that allows at least a part of the predetermined decorative means arranged corresponding to the gaming board to be visually recognized , and the gaming machine is configured to be able to switch from the predetermined stopped state to the predetermined rotating state when a predetermined condition is satisfied based on a predetermined game by a player. In this game machine , when the game board is viewed from the front, the second rotating means, which is movable along the surface of the game board and rotatable in a predetermined manner, is configured to be movable between a first position where it is visible at least without passing through the visible portion of the rotating plate portion, and a second position where it is visible through the visible portion of the rotating plate portion , and in a predetermined game execution state, the first state is where at least a part of a predetermined decorative means at a specific position is visible through the visible portion of the rotating plate portion which is in a predetermined rotation state, and the second rotating means moves to the second position, where the second rotating means moves to the second position, and the second rotating means moves to the first position. The gaming machine is configured to be able to enter a second state in which a predetermined area of the stage is visible through the visible portion of the rotating plate portion, and an area of at least a portion of the predetermined decorative means that is blocked by this second rotating means is not visible, and the gaming machine is characterized in that the multiple second rotating means are configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, and when the gaming board is viewed from the front, one second rotating means of the multiple second rotating means is configured to be able to move between the first position and the second position so as not to block the movement of the other second rotating means .

According to the present invention, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

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. 13 is a diagram showing 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 allocation destinations of types of jackpots. 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 diagram showing the contents of the sub-side reservation information storage area 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; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a hold shift process. 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 process for determining a performance. A diagram showing the relationship between game results and game states, etc. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a winning process for an operating port according to the reference embodiment M of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for generating a reservation; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a hold shift process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a pre-reading effect occurs. 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. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not a performance is to be pre-read; FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area before the occurrence of the pre-reading performance after advance reservation information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reservation area, and then normal reservation information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reservation area after a pre-reading performance occurs. A diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device when normal reserved information is stored in the second sub-side reserved area when no pre-reading performance is occurring. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a pre-reading effect occurs according to the reference form N of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance pattern. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not a performance is to be pre-read; FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reservation area, and then normal reservation information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reservation area after a pre-reading performance occurs. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance pattern according to a reference embodiment O of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not a performance is to be pre-read; FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance notice reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area, and then normal reservation information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reservation area after a pre-reading performance occurs. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a winning process for an operating port according to the reference embodiment P of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for generating a reservation; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a hold shift process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a pre-reading effect occurs. 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. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not a performance is to be pre-read; FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area during the occurrence of a pre-reading performance after advance reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area, and a reach display occurs before the advance notice reservation information is executed. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a reservation shift process according to the reference form Q of the present invention. 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. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance for ending a game round. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a pre-reading effect occurs. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not a performance is to be pre-read; FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device when advance reservation information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area during the occurrence of a pre-reading performance after advance reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area, and a reach display occurs before the advance notice reservation information is executed. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a reservation generation process according to the reference embodiment R of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a hold shift process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a pre-reading effect occurs at the start of a game. 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. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a game is started or not; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance for ending a game round. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a pre-reading effect occurs at the end of a game. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a game is finished. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance notice reservation information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area, and then advance notice reservation information relating to the end-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the symbol display device when advance notice reservation information relating to the end-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area, and then advance notice reservation information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reservation area. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by the audio/light emitting control device according to the reference form S of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance. A diagram showing the operation notice part of the notice display A diagram showing the preview result notification part of the preview display. A diagram showing the timing for generating a notice display FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance pattern. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a performance execution process; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a symbol display device after a reach display occurs and a timing chart of a notice display. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation advance notice part of the advance notice display according to the reference embodiment T of the present invention. A diagram showing the preview result notification part of the preview display. A diagram showing the timing for generating a notice display FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance pattern. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a performance execution process; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a symbol display device after a reach display occurs and a timing chart of a notice display. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a performance execution process according to a reference embodiment U of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a symbol display device after a reach display occurs and a timing chart of a notice display. Front view of a game board according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Front view and cross-section of the upper rotating device Exploded view of the upper rotating device A front view and a cross-sectional view of the upper rotating device showing the inner and outer rings extended to the front side. Front and side views of the right-bottom rotating device Front and side views of the left bottom rotating device A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the audio and light emission 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 process for determining a performance. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance pattern. A diagram showing the state in which the upper role performance is being performed A diagram showing a flowchart of a process for determining a lower role performance. A front view showing the state in which the lower role performance is being performed Right side view showing the state in which the lower role performance is being performed A figure showing a state in which the word "BIG" in black letters is notified to the player as a result of the lower part of the role presentation. A figure showing a state in which the word "small" in black is notified to the player as a result of the lower role presentation. A diagram showing the state in which the rainbow-colored character "BIG" is notified to the player as a result of the lower part of the role presentation. FIG. 13 shows the state in which the rainbow-colored character "small" is notified to the player as a result of the lower role presentation. Front view of a game board according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Front view and cross-section of the upper rotating device Front and side views of the right-bottom rotating device Front and side views of the left bottom rotating device A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the audio and light emission control device. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a performance pattern. A diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining the upper side role performance. A diagram showing the state in which the upper role performance is being performed A diagram showing the state in which the upper role-playing performance is being performed with special lighting A diagram showing a flowchart of a process for determining a lower role performance. A front view showing the state in which the lower role performance is being performed A diagram showing the state when the upper rotating part has stopped rotating. A figure showing a state in which the word "BIG" in black letters is notified to the player as a result of the lower part of the role presentation. A figure showing a state in which the word "small" in black is notified to the player as a result of the lower role presentation. A diagram showing the state in which the rainbow-colored character "BIG" is notified to the player as a result of the lower part of the role presentation. FIG. 13 shows the state in which the rainbow-colored character "small" is notified to the player as a result of the lower role presentation. A diagram showing the state in which the lower role performance is being performed using a special route A diagram showing the state in which the lower role performance is further executed via a special route.

[Main reference form]
Hereinafter, the main 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 1 is a type of gaming machine. As shown in Fig. 1, the pachinko machine 1 includes an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 1, 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 121 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 121 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 13, which is exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1.

The front door frame 121 has a generally elliptical window portion 122 provided so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame, and a window panel 123 fitted into the window portion 122. Note that in this embodiment, the window panel 123 is formed of glass and is colorless and transparent, but it may be formed of synthetic resin or the like and is colorless and transparent.
The front door frame 121 also has an indicator lamp section 124 provided above the window section 122, speaker sections 125 provided on both the left and right sides of the indicator lamp section 124 and which output sound effects according to the game status, and an upper bulge section 14 and a lower bulge section 15 provided below the window section 122.

The upper bulging portion 14 and the lower bulging portion 15 are arranged side by side one above the other and are both provided to bulge forward.
The upper bulge 14 has an upper tray 141 provided inside so as to open upward, and a push button 142 that accepts information input by being operated by a player. The upper tray 141 has a function of temporarily storing game balls dispensed by a dispensing device 48 (see FIG. 4) provided in the back pack unit, and guiding the game balls to the game ball launching mechanism 49 (see FIG. 4) while lining them up in a row. The push button 142 functions as an operating means capable of executing a predetermined operation performance, such as an expectation performance that makes the player expect that the game state will be shifted to a specific control state advantageous to the player, based on the player's operation.
The lower bulge 15 also has a lower tray 151 provided on the inside so as to open upward. The lower tray 151 has a function of storing surplus game balls in the upper tray 141.

The front door frame 121 further includes a launch handle 16 serving as a launching means provided to the right of the lower tray 151. This launch handle 16 is operated by a player of the pachinko machine 1 to launch game balls from a game ball launching mechanism 49 provided below the inner frame toward a game area provided above the inner frame. The launch handle 16 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 2 has an inner rail portion 21 and an outer rail portion 22 attached to its surface, and is mounted on an inner frame. The above-mentioned play area is formed on the game board 2 so as to be partitioned by the inner rail portion 21 and the outer rail portion 22. Almost the entire play area can be viewed from the front through the window portion 122.
The inner rail portion 21 and the outer rail portion 22 form a guide rail 23 for game balls into the game area, and this guide rail 23 guides the game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism 49 when the player rotates the launch handle 16 to the top of the game area.

The guide rail 23 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 23 is formed to the opposite side as the amount of rotation of the launch handle 16 by the player increases. In this reference form, the exit portion of the guide rail 23 is provided on the left side of the play area.

The game board 2 has a number of large and small openings in the game area that are formed by router processing so as to penetrate in the front-rear direction. The game board 2 also has a general winning opening 24, an upper operating opening (first starting ball entry means) 25, a lower operating opening (second starting ball entry means) 26, a variable winning device 27, and an outlet 28 provided at each opening. The game board 2 also has through gates 31 provided on the left and right sides of the center, a main display device 32 provided on the upper right side, a variable display unit 33 provided in the center, and the like. Furthermore, the game board 2 has various components (gimmicks) such as numerous nails NL and windmills WM planted in the game area to appropriately disperse or adjust the falling direction of the game balls.

Each of the various winning openings of the general winning opening 24, the upper operating opening 25, the lower operating opening 26, and the variable winning device 27 is equipped with a detection sensor 301-304 (see FIG. 4) that detects the entry of a game ball, and these detection sensors 301-304 are arranged on the back side of the game board 2. Specifically, the general winning opening 24 is equipped with a detection sensor 301, the upper operating opening 25 is equipped with a detection sensor 302, the lower operating opening 26 is equipped with a detection sensor 303, and the variable winning device 27 is equipped with a detection sensor 304. The pachinko machine 1 executes the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls based on the detection results of the detection sensors 301-304. The detection sensors 301-304 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 1 will pay out 10 prize balls if a ball enters the general winning port 24. The pachinko machine 1 will pay out 3 prize balls if a ball enters the upper operating port 25 and if a ball enters the lower operating port 26. The pachinko machine 1 will pay out 15 prize balls if a ball enters the variable winning device 27. The number of prize balls is arbitrary, and for example, the number of prize balls in each operating port 25, 26 may be different.

The outlet 28 is provided at the bottom of the game area of the game board 2. Game balls that do not enter the various winning holes are discharged from the game area through the outlet 28. The outlet 28 also has a detection sensor 305 (see FIG. 4) that detects game balls entering the game area, and this detection sensor 305 is disposed on the rear side of the game board 2. Note that when a ball enters the outlet 28, the pachinko machine 1 does not pay out prize balls, unlike when a ball enters one of the various winning holes.

Each through gate 31 is equipped with a detection sensor 306 (see FIG. 4) that detects the entry of a game ball, and this detection sensor 306 is disposed on the rear side of the game board 2. Note that when a ball enters each through gate 31, the pachinko machine 1 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 case where the game ball passes through an opening and is discharged from the game area, but also the case 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 28, the entry of the game ball into the various winning ports is also referred to as "winning". Also, the entry of the ball into the through gate 31 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 the ball into this through gate 31 is also referred to as "winning", just like the entry of the ball into the various winning ports.

The upper actuation port 25 and the lower actuation port 26 are unitized as an actuation port device and installed on the game board 2. Each actuation port 25, 26 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 25 located at the top and the lower actuation port 26 located at the bottom. The lower actuation port 26 has an electric device 261 as a guide piece (support piece) composed of a pair of left and right movable pieces.

The electric role 261 is connected to an electric role drive unit 262 mounted on the back side of the game board 2. This electric role 261 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 262. The closed state is a state in which the lower operating port 26 is closed by bringing the upper ends of the electric role 261 closer to each other in the left-right direction. The open state is a state in which the lower operating port 26 is opened by moving the upper ends of the electric role 261 away from each other in the left-right direction.

Here, when the electric role 261 is set to the closed state, the distance between the top end of the electric role 261 and the upper operating port 25 is narrower than the width of one game ball. Also, when the electric role 261 is set to the open state, the distance between the top end of the electric role 261 and the upper operating port 25 is wider than the width of one game ball. Therefore, when the electric role 261 is set to the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the lower operating port 26, but when it is set to the open state, the game ball can enter the lower operating port 26.

In addition, instead of the closed state and open state described above, the electric device 261 may be configured to switch between a state in which it is difficult for game balls to enter the lower operating port 26 (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 26. Also, the lower operating port 26 may be configured to perform such switching by displacement of the lower operating port 26, rather than by setting the electric device 261, and in this case, the lower operating port 26 does not need to be equipped with the electric device 261.

The variable winning device 27 is equipped with a large winning opening 271 that opens upward to allow game balls flowing down the game area to enter the game, an opening/closing door 272 for opening and closing the large winning opening 271, and a variable winning drive unit 273 that drives the opening/closing door 272.
Furthermore, the player can hit the game ball to the right by rotating the launch handle 16 to the maximum extent, 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 23 is formed to the opposite side, thereby avoiding the variable display unit 33 and the like and guiding the game ball to the variable winning device 27.

Here, the game board 2 is provided with a cover 29 provided so as to cover the front side of the variable winning device 27. This cover 29 is provided with a transparent panel 291 formed to be transparent (or semi-transparent) so that the variable winning device 27 can be seen from the front side, and an opaque panel 292 provided around this transparent panel 291 and formed to be opaque.
Therefore, the player can see the variable winning device 27 from the front through the transparent panel 291 and the window portion 122.

The big prize opening 271 is provided in an opening formed in the game area by router processing so as to penetrate in the front-to-rear direction. As described above, this big prize opening 271 is equipped with a detection sensor 304 that detects the entry of game balls. The pachinko machine 1 executes the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls based on the detection result.

The opening/closing door 272 is formed in a rectangular plate shape and is provided on the game board 2 so as to close the opening of the big prize opening 271. This opening/closing door 272 has a closed state in which it advances toward the window panel 123 and protrudes from the game board 2 to close the opening of the big prize opening 271, and an open state in which it retreats toward the inside of the game board 2 and sinks into the game board 2 to open the opening of the big prize opening 271.
The variable winning drive unit 273 drives the opening/closing door 272 to set the opening/closing door 272 to either an open state or a closed state.

Specifically, the opening/closing door 272 is normally set to a closed state in which game balls 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 272 is set to an open state in which game balls 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 272 is set to an open state and game balls can enter the large prize opening 271. In the opening and closing execution mode, the period from when the opening and closing door 272 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 32 has a main display section 34 and a display section for gadgets 35, 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 32 is provided on the game board 2 so as to bulge toward the window panel 123 provided on the front side of the main display device 32. That is, the main display device 32 can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 1 through the window panel 123. Also, the distance between the main display device 32 and the window panel 123 is narrower than the width of one game ball. This prevents the pachinko machine 1 from causing the game ball to fall between the main display device 32 and the window panel 123. In other words, the pachinko machine 1 prevents the game ball from falling in front of the main display device 32.

The main display unit 34 includes a first result display unit 341 for displaying the results of an internal lottery based on winning the upper operating port 25, and a second result display unit 342 for displaying the results of an internal lottery based on winning the lower operating port 26 (see FIG. 4). The main display unit 34 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 341 executes the varying display of the pattern using the winning of the upper operating port 25 as a trigger, and displays the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning of the upper operating port 25 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 341 displays the predetermined stopping result. After that, the pachinko machine 1 transitions to the opening and closing execution mode.
The second result display unit 342 executes the varying display of the pattern using the winning of the lower operation port 26 as a trigger, and displays the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning of the lower operation port 26 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 342 displays the predetermined stopping result. After that, the pachinko machine 1 transitions to the opening and closing execution mode.

The device display unit 35 executes a changing display of the image when a winning entry is made at each through gate 31, and displays the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning entry at each through gate 31 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 35 displays a predetermined stop result. The pachinko machine 1 then transitions to an electric role open state. In this electric role open state, the electric device 261 provided at the lower operating port 26 is opened in a predetermined manner.

In this embodiment, the main display unit 34 and the gadget display unit 35 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 34 and the gadget display unit 35 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 33 is equipped with a pattern display device 36 that variably displays (variably displays or switches between) patterns, which are a type of picture. The variable display unit 33 also has a center frame 37 arranged to surround the pattern display device 36. The upper part of this center frame 37 is arranged to bulge towards the window panel 123 provided on the front side. This prevents game balls from falling in front of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and is configured to prevent inconvenience such as reduced visibility of the display screen G due to falling game balls.

The pattern display device 36 is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display. This pattern display device 36 starts displaying a variable pattern based on the winning of the upper operation port 25 or the lower operation port 26. That is, when the pattern display device 36 executes a variable display in the first result display section 341 of the main display section 34 and when the pattern display device 36 executes a variable display in the second result display section 342 of the main display section 34, the pattern display device 36 executes a variable display accordingly.
It should be noted that the pattern display device 36 is not limited to being 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 37 includes a first hold lamp section 371 provided in the lower left area of the pattern display device 36, a second hold lamp section 372 provided in the lower right area of the pattern display device 36, and a third hold lamp section 373 provided in the upper area of the pattern display device 36.

The first reserved lamp section 371 is a section that displays the number of reserved game balls that have entered the upper operating port 25, and lights up according to the number of reserved balls. This first reserved lamp section 371 can reserve up to four game balls, and corresponds to the changing display of the first result display section 341 and the symbol display device 36.
The second reserved lamp section 372 is a section that displays the number of reserved game balls that have entered the lower operating port 26, and lights up according to the number of reserved balls. This second reserved lamp section 372 can reserve up to four game balls, and corresponds to the variable display of the second result display section 342 and the symbol display device 36.
The third reserved lamp section 373 is a section that displays the number of reserved game balls that have entered each through gate 31, and lights up according to the number of reserved balls. This third reserved lamp section 373 can reserve up to four game balls, and corresponds to the variable display of the gadget display section 35.
In addition, each of the hold lamp sections 371 to 373 may have other configurations, such as being displayed as an image on part of the pattern display device 36 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 36 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 36 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 25 or the lower operation port 26, 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 34 and the symbol display unit 36 start to display a varying value based on winnings at the respective operating ports 25, 26 until a predetermined stop result is displayed.

The manner in which the patterns are displayed in the pattern display device 36 is not limited to this 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 a pachinko machine>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine.
As shown in Fig. 4, the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a main control device 4, a sound and light emission control device 5, and a display control device 6, which are mounted on the rear side of the inner frame. The pachinko machine 1 is also equipped with a payout control device 46 and a power supply and launch control device 47, which are mounted on the back pack unit. The payout control device 46 executes payout control to make the payout device 48 described above pay out game balls. The power supply and launch control device 47 executes launch control to make the game ball launch mechanism 49 described above launch game balls.

The main control device 4 includes a main control board 41 that controls the main control of the game (main control) and a power outage monitoring board 45 that monitors the power supply. The main control device 4 includes a board box that houses the main control board 41 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 41 includes an MPU 42 mounted on the main control board 41, and a ROM 43 and a RAM 44 which constitute the MPU 42. The MPU 42 is an element which combines, on a chip, the ROM 43, the RAM 44, 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 43 and the RAM 44 are integrated into a single chip for the MPU 42, 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 4.

The ROM 43 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 43 has various areas such as a win/lose table storage area 431, an allocation table storage area 432, and a reach table storage area 433. These areas will be described in detail later.
The RAM 44 is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 43 is executed, and is a volatile storage means that requires an external power supply to hold the stored information. The RAM 44 has various areas such as a counter area 441, a reserved ball storage area 442, and an electric role reserved area 443. These areas will be described in detail later.

The MPU 42 has an input port and an output port. The input port of the MPU 42 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 45 provided in the main control unit 4 and to the multiple detection sensors 301 to 306. The output port of the MPU 42 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 45, the payout control unit 46, and the sound and light emission control unit 5. The output port of the MPU 42 is also connected to the electric role drive unit 262 that opens and closes the electric role 261 of the lower operating port 26, the variable winning drive unit 273 that opens and closes the opening and closing door 272 of the variable winning device 27, the main display unit 34, and the role display unit 35.

The main control board 41 has a driver circuit. The MPU 42 controls the drive of various drive units through this driver circuit. Specifically, in the electric role open state, the MPU 42 controls the drive of the electric role drive unit 262 to open and close the electric role 261. In the open/close execution mode, the MPU 42 controls the drive of the variable prize drive unit 273 to open and close the large prize opening 271. In each game, the MPU 42 controls the display of the main display unit 34 to display the results of the internal lottery based on the winning of each operation port 25, 26. Furthermore, the MPU 42 controls the display of the role display unit 35 to display the results of the internal lottery based on the winning of each through gate 31.

The power failure monitoring board 45 relays between the main control board 41 and a power supply/launch control device 47 having a function of supplying operating power, and monitors the stable 24 V DC voltage output from the power supply/launch control device 47. Therefore, the MPU 42 receives power via the power failure monitoring board 45.
The detection sensors 301-306 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the general winning opening 24, the upper operating opening 25, the lower operating opening 26, and the various winning openings of the variable winning device 27, the out opening 28, and each through gate 31. The MPU 42 performs winning judgments (ball winning judgments) for the various winning openings, the out opening 28, and each through gate 31 based on the detection results of the detection sensors 301-306. The MPU 42 executes an internal lottery based on the winning judgment for the upper operating opening 25 or the lower operating opening 26.

The payout control device 46 executes payout control to cause the payout device 48 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 4.

The power supply and firing control device 47 is connected to a commercial power supply (external power supply) in, for example, an amusement facility. The power supply and firing control device 47 generates the operating power required for the main control board 41, the payout control device 46, etc. based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, and supplies the generated operating power. The power supply and firing control device 47 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 44 of the main control device 4 even in the event of a power outage in which the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is cut off.

The power supply/launch control device 47 also executes launch control to cause the game ball launch mechanism 49 to launch the game balls. Here, the game ball launch mechanism 49 includes a launch rail extending toward the guide rail 23 of the game board 2, a ball feed device that supplies the game balls stored in the upper tray 141 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 23. When predetermined launch conditions are met, the power supply/launch control device 47 supplies a drive signal (launch permission signal) to this solenoid to launch the game balls.

<Electrical configuration for executing internal lottery in the MPU of the main control device>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of each counter used in the internal lottery.
As shown in Fig. 5, the MPU 42 executes an internal lottery by using the values (information) of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4. Specifically, the MPU 42 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 a reach display. The MPU 42 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 34 and the pattern display unit 36. Furthermore, the MPU 42 uses the electric role release counter C4 to draw whether or not to open the electric role 261 of the lower operating port 26. The counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in the various counter areas 441 (see Fig. 4) of the RAM 44.

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 RAM 44. 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 442 (see FIG. 4) provided as an acquired information storage means in RAM 44 when a game ball enters the upper operation port 25 or the lower operation port 26. Among the values stored in the lottery counter buffer, the value of the electric role release counter C4 is stored in the electric role reserved area 443 (see FIG. 4) of RAM 44 when a game ball enters each through gate 31.

The reserved ball storage area 442 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 42 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 25. Specifically, when the upper actuation port 25 is entered multiple times in succession, the MPU 42 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 25. 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 25 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 of the areas Rb1 to Rb4 has a storage capacity that can store 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 42 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 of the areas Rb1 to Rb4 in chronological order according to the entry of the game ball into the lower actuation port 26. Specifically, when the entry into the lower actuation port 26 occurs multiple times in succession, the MPU 42 stores the reserved information in chronological order in the order of the first area Rb1 → the second area Rb2 → the third area Rb3 → the 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 26. 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 26 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 changing display of each result display unit 341, 342.

The electric winning reserve area 443 has four memory areas, similar to the reserve area Ra for the first result display section and the reserve area Rb for the second result display section. Therefore, up to four winning game balls can be reserved in each through gate 31.
In addition, the number of reserved gates for each through gate 31 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 443 of the RAM 44 via a lottery counter buffer at the timing when a gaming ball enters each through gate 31.
Then, the MPU 42 executes a lottery (electric role release lottery) to determine whether or not to put the electric role 261 of the lower operating port 26 into an electric role release state based on the value of the electric role release counter C4 stored in the electric role reservation area 443.

Here, the pachinko machine 1 has a plurality of support modes that differ from each other in the frequency with which the electric role 261 is set to the open state to allow game balls to enter the lower operating port 26. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 has a low-frequency support mode (low-frequency guide state) in which the electric role 261 is set to the open state relatively rarely, and a high-frequency support mode (high-frequency guide state) in which the electric role 261 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 261 is set to the open state more times and the opening time of each time the electric role 261 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 261 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 35) 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 26 than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the player hits the ball to the left with a medium rotation amount of the launch handle 16, and the 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 23 is formed to the center, thereby increasing the probability of the ball entering the upper actuation port 25 rather than the lower actuation port 26. In the high frequency support mode, the player hits the ball to the right with a maximum rotation amount of the launch handle 16, and the 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 23 is formed to the opposite side, thereby increasing the probability of the ball entering the lower actuation port 26 rather than the upper actuation port 25.
When a winning ball is detected in the lower operating port 26, 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 manner, in this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a left-hand hitting route (first path) that makes it easier for game balls to enter the upper actuation port 25 and harder for game balls to enter the lower actuation port 26, and a right-hand hitting route (second path) that makes it easier for game balls to enter the lower actuation port 26 and harder for game balls to enter the upper actuation port 25.

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 261 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 261 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 442 of the RAM 44 via the lottery counter buffer when a gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 25 or the lower actuation port 26. 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 44 when a gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 25, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second result display section of the RAM 44 when a gaming ball enters the lower actuation port 26.
Then, the MPU 42 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 442.

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 431 (see Figure 4) of a ROM 43 provided as a hit/miss information group storage means, as shown in Figure 6.

Here, the pachinko machine 1 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 42 compares these winning/losing tables with the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area 442 to execute a lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot.

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 value for a "jackpot win" is 21. Here, the random number value for a "jackpot win" stored in the hit/miss table for the low probability mode is included in the random number value 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 1 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 442 of the RAM 44 via the lottery counter buffer when a gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 25 or the lower actuation port 26. Specifically, the value of the jackpot type counter C2 is stored in the first result display section reserved area Ra of the RAM 44 when a gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 25, and is stored in the second result display section reserved area Rb of the RAM 44 when a gaming ball enters the lower actuation port 26.
Then, when a jackpot occurs, the MPU 42 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 442.

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 432 (see FIG. 4) of a ROM 43 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 42 compares these allocation tables with the value of the big win type counter C2 stored in the reserved ball storage area 442 to execute a lottery for 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 reserved 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 winning at the upper operating port 25.
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 26.
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 of opening/closing control of the variable winning device 27 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 27 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 442 of the RAM 44 via the lottery counter buffer when the gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 25 or the lower actuation port 26. 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 44 when the gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 25, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second result display section of the RAM 44 when the gaming ball enters the lower actuation port 26.
Then, the MPU 42 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 442.

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 42 compares the reach table with the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the reserved ball storage area 442 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 a random number related to the generation of the reach display, and is stored in the reach table storage area 433 of the ROM 43 (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 36 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 36 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-expressed low round high probability result" or "expressed 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 36 displays a combination of special patterns (e.g., "3, 4, 1") having different numbers that would not be selected in the case of a "normal loss result" in the winning/losing lottery, instead of a combination of patterns having the same numbers, as a stop result on the valid line L.

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 reach display mode is such that, among the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, some of the pattern rows (e.g., pattern row Z1 and pattern row Z3) are displayed as stopped on the activated line L, thereby displaying 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 1 can make the player hope that after the variable display has started on the pattern display device 36 and before the specified stop result is displayed, a "jackpot win" has been won in the win/lose lottery and that the player 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.

Here, the pachinko machine 1 has an expectation effect as a type of variable display of the symbol display device 36. An expectation effect is an effect that makes the player expect that he or she will have won the jackpot in the win/lose lottery after the variable display has started on the symbol display device 36 and before the specified stop result is displayed. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 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 may be a combination of these.
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 4, the lottery as to whether or not to generate a preview display is executed by the audio and light emission control device 5.

Examples of the mode of the advance notice display include a mode in which all of the multiple symbol rows Z1 to Z3 displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 36 are displayed in a variable manner, a mode in which a part 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 mode in which a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the display screen G based on a predetermined timing in a situation in which a reach display is generated, or a mode in which a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the display screen G based on the player pressing the push button 142. This advance notice display occurs in both cases where a reach display is generated and where a reach display is not generated, but is set to be more likely to occur when a reach display is generated than when a 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 42 determines the display duration of the pattern on the main display unit 34 and the display duration of the pattern on the pattern display device 36 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>
The MPU 42 of the main control device 4 executes timer interrupt processing and normal processing for progressing the game, and 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 42 also executes NMI interrupt processing which is activated by inputting a power outage signal to an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal); however, 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 42 executes steps S101 to S105 periodically (for example, at 2 msec intervals) as shown in FIG.

In step S101, the MPU 42 executes a read process of the multiple detection sensors 301 to 306. In this read process, the MPU 42 reads the states of the multiple detection sensors 301 to 306, judges the states, and stores them in the RAM 44 as winning detection information. When the MPU 42 judges that the detection sensors 301 to 304 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 46. For example, when the MPU 42 judges that the detection sensor 304 corresponding to the variable winning device 27 has detected the winning of a game ball, it transmits a prize ball command for instructing the payout control device 46 to pay out 15 prize balls, which is a specific unit number.
In addition, the payout control device 46 performs payout control to cause the payout device 48 to pay out prize balls based on a prize ball command sent from the MPU 42.

In step S102, the MPU 42 executes an update of the random number initial value counter CINI. Specifically, as described above, the MPU 42 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 44. Note that if the random number initial value counter CINI has reached its maximum value when the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 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 44. Note that if the maximum value has been reached when the MPU 42 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 42 executes a winning process for through play. In this winning process for through play, if the MPU 42 determines that the detection sensor 306 corresponding to each through gate 31 detects the winning of a game ball, the MPU 42 stores the value of the electric role opening counter C4 updated in step S103 in the electric role reservation area 443. In addition, the MPU 42 sets a command for turning on the third reservation lamp unit 373, and transmits this set command to the sound and light emission control device 5.
The sound and light emission control device 5 lights up the third reserved lamp unit 373 based on a command sent from the MPU 42. As described above, the number of reserved game balls that have entered each through gate 31 is a maximum of four, and the third reserved lamp unit 373 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to this number of reserved balls.

In step S105, the MPU 42 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 42 executes steps S201 to S208 as shown in FIG.

In step S201, the MPU 42 determines whether a game ball has entered the upper actuation port 25 (initial entry) by determining whether the detection sensor 302 corresponding to the upper actuation port 25 has detected the entry of a game ball. If the MPU 42 determines in step S201 that a game ball has entered the upper actuation port 25, in step S202, the MPU 42 determines the number of reserved balls stored in the first result display unit reserve area Ra, and sets the number of reserved balls as the first start reserve memory number RaN in a specified memory area in the first result display unit reserve area Ra. The MPU 42 then executes the processes from step S205 onwards.

In contrast, if the MPU 42 determines in step S201 that a game ball has not entered the upper operating port 25, then in step S203, it determines whether or not a game ball has entered the lower operating port 26 (initial entry) by determining whether or not the detection sensor 303 corresponding to the lower operating port 26 has detected the entry of a game ball.
If the MPU 42 determines in step S203 that a game ball has not entered the lower actuation port 26, it ends the winning process for the actuation port. If the MPU 42 determines in step S203 that a game ball has entered the lower actuation port 26, it determines in step S204 the number of reserved balls stored in the second result display unit 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 unit reserve area Rb. After that, the MPU 42 executes the process from step S205 onwards.

After executing the processing of step S202 or step S204, the MPU 42 determines in step S205 whether the start pending memory number N (RaN or RbN) set in step S202 or step S204 is less than the upper limit value (4 in this reference embodiment).
If the MPU 42 determines in step S205 that the start pending memory number N is not less than the upper limit, the MPU 42 ends the winning process for the operation port. If the MPU 42 determines in step S205 that the start pending memory number N is less than the upper limit, the MPU 42 adds 1 to the value of the start pending memory number N to update it in step S206.

In step S207, the MPU 42 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 42 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 unit 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 42 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, "4".

For example, when the MPU 42 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 42 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 MPU 42 sets the first start hold memory number RaN in step S202, it sets a first hold generation command for recognizing that the hold information has been stored in the memory area of the hold area Ra for the first result display unit, and transmits this set first hold generation command to the sound and light emission control device 5. After that, the MPU 42 ends the winning process for the operation port.
This first hold generation command includes information for making the sound and light emission control device 5 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 25. The first hold generation command also includes information related to the current support mode.
The sound and light emission control device 5 lights up the first reserved lamp section 371 and executes a predetermined process based on the first reserved occurrence command sent from the MPU 42. This process will be described in detail later. As described above, the number of reserved game balls that have entered the upper operating port 25 is a maximum of four, and the first reserved lamp section 371 lights up the number corresponding to this number of reserved balls.

Furthermore, the first pending generation command includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).
Here, the MPU 42 executes a lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery) based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area 442 and the win/lose table stored in the win/lose table memory area 431 (see Figure 105) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the win/lose lottery (win/lose result).
In addition, the MPU 42 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 442 and the reach table stored in the reach table memory area 433 (see Figure 105) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the reach occurrence lottery.

Also, in step S208, when the MPU 42 sets the second start hold memory number RbN in step S204, it sets a second hold generation command for recognizing that the hold information has been stored in the memory area of the hold area Rb for the second result display section, and transmits this set second hold generation command to the sound and light emission control device 5. After that, the MPU 42 ends the winning process for the operation port.
This second hold generation command includes information for making the sound and light emission control device 5 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 26. The second hold generation command also includes information related to the current support mode.
The sound and light emission control device 5 lights up the second reserved lamp section 372 and executes a predetermined process based on the second reserved generation command sent from the MPU 42. This process will be described in detail later. As described above, the number of reserved game balls that have entered the lower operating port 26 is a maximum of four, and the second reserved lamp section 372 lights up the number of times corresponding to this number of reserved balls.

Furthermore, the second pending generation command includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach generation lottery).
Here, the MPU 42 executes a lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery) based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area 442 and the win/lose table stored in the win/lose table memory area 431 (see Figure 105) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the win/lose lottery (win/lose result).
In addition, the MPU 42 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 442 and the reach table stored in the reach table memory area 433 (see Figure 105) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the reach occurrence lottery.

<Normal processing>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the normal process.
The MPU 42 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 42 executes steps S301 to S314, as shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, the MPU 42 executes steps S301 to S309 periodically 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 42 executes timer interrupt processing, winning processing for the operating port, or external output processing for sending commands set in the previous normal processing to each control device on the sub side. In this external output processing, for example, the MPU 42 determines whether a prize ball command is set, and if it is determined that a prize ball command is set, it sends the prize ball command to the payout control device 46. Also, for example, the MPU 42 determines whether 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 sends the command for presentation to the sound and light emission control device 5.

In step S302, the MPU 42 executes an update of the fluctuation type counter CS. Specifically, as described above, the MPU 42 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 44. Note that if the maximum value has been reached when the MPU 42 adds 1 to the previous value of the fluctuation type counter CS, it clears the value of the fluctuation type counter CS by returning it to 0.

In step S303, the MPU 42 executes a game round control process for progressing a game round. In the game round control process, the MPU 42 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 36 and determination of information related to the patterns to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 34.
In step S304, the MPU 42 executes a game state transition process for transitioning the game state. In the game state transition process, the MPU 42 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 42 executes a demo display execution judgment process. In this demo display execution judgment process, the MPU 42 judges 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, it sets a demo command for starting a demo display. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 42 transmits the demo command set in step S305 to the sound and light emission control device 5.
In addition, the audio and light emission control device 5 starts the demo display execution process based on a demo command sent from the MPU 42.

Here, the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 starts a new game round while counting the number of times the process of step S305 is executed, the MPU 42 resets the count value.

In step S306, the MPU 42 executes an electric role support process for controlling the drive of the electric role 261 provided in the lower operating port 26. In this electric role support process, the MPU 42 executes an electric role opening lottery based on the value of the electric role opening counter C4 stored in the electric role reservation area 443 of the RAM 44, and executes opening and closing processing of the electric role 261 if the electric role opening lottery is won. The MPU 42 also executes display control of the role display unit 35 so as to display the result of the electric role opening lottery.

In step S307, the MPU 42 executes a game ball launch control process. In this game ball launch control process, the MPU 42 executes launch control to cause the power supply/launch control device 47 to launch the game ball based on the player's rotation of the launch handle 16. Specifically, the power supply/launch control device 47 causes the game ball launch mechanism 49 to launch the game ball by exciting the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 49 at a predetermined cycle (0.6 sec in this reference embodiment). The solenoid is excited to launch the game ball with a launch strength according to the amount of rotation of the launch handle 16. Furthermore, when predetermined launch conditions are met, the power supply/launch control device 47 supplies a drive signal to the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 49 to launch the game ball.

In step S308, the MPU 42 determines whether a power outage flag is set in the power outage flag storage area (not shown) of the RAM 44. This power outage flag is set in the RAM 44 when a power outage signal is input from the power outage monitoring board 45 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 42. The power outage monitoring board 45 outputs this power outage signal when it confirms the occurrence of a power outage. The power outage flag is cleared the next time the main process is executed.

Here, the pachinko machine 1 sets various flags by assigning 1 to a predetermined area such as the RAM 44, and clears the various flags by assigning 0 to the flags. For example, the pachinko machine 1 sets a power outage flag by assigning 1 to a power outage flag storage area of the RAM 44, and clears the power outage flag by assigning 0 to the power outage flag storage area of the RAM 44.

If the MPU 42 determines in step S308 that the power outage flag is set, it executes power outage processing from step S312 onwards without executing processing from step S309 onwards. Specifically, in step S312, the MPU 42 prohibits timer interrupt processing from occurring. In step S313, the MPU 42 calculates and stores a RAM judgment value (a checksum of RAM 44). In step S314, the MPU 42 prohibits access to RAM 44. Thereafter, the MPU 42 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 42 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 reference embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the current normal processing.
When the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 executes steps S401 to S412 as shown in FIG.
In step S401, the MPU 42 executes a start-up process when the power is turned on. In this start-up process, the MPU 42 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 5) to become operable.

In step S402, the MPU 42 determines whether or not the permission prohibition period of 1 sec has elapsed. If the MPU 42 determines in step S402 that 1 sec has not elapsed, it repeats the process of step S402. If the MPU 42 determines in step S402 that 1 sec has elapsed, it executes the processes from step S403 onward.

Here, the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 permits access to the RAM 44 .
In step S404, the MPU 42 determines whether or not a RAM erase switch (not shown) provided in the power supply and launch control device 47 is turned on.
If the MPU 42 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 42 determines in step S404 that the RAM erase switch is not on, then in step S405, the MPU 42 determines whether or not a power outage flag is set in the power outage flag storage area of the RAM 44.

If the MPU 42 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 42 determines in step S405 that the power failure flag is set, the MPU 42 calculates a RAM determination value in step S406.
In step S407, the MPU 42 determines whether the RAM judgment value calculated in step S406 is normal or not, thereby confirming the validity of the data stored in the RAM 44. Specifically, the MPU 42 compares the RAM judgment value calculated in step S406 with the RAM judgment value saved in step S313 (processing during power interruption) of the normal processing, and if they match, determines that the RAM judgment value is normal, and if they do not match, determines that the RAM judgment value is abnormal.

If the MPU 42 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 42 determines in step S407 that the RAM determination value is normal, the MPU 42 clears the power failure flag stored in the power failure flag storage area of the RAM 44 in step S408.

The validity of the data stored in RAM 44 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 44 may be checked by writing a keyword to a specified area of RAM 44 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 42 determines in step S404 that the RAM erase switch is on, if the MPU 42 determines in step S405 that the power outage flag is not set, or if the MPU 42 determines in step S407 that the RAM judgment value is not normal, it executes the processing from step S409 onwards.
Specifically, the MPU 42 clears the working area of the RAM 44 in step S409, and initializes the RAM 44 in step S410.

Therefore, for example, the manager of the amusement facility can initialize the data stored in RAM 44 by turning on the power to the pachinko machine 1 while pressing the RAM erase switch when the amusement facility opens for business. Also, if the power outage monitoring board 45 does not confirm the occurrence of a power outage or if the RAM judgment value is abnormal, the pachinko machine 1 initializes the data stored in RAM 44.

After executing the processing of step S408 or step S410, in step S411, the MPU 42 sends an initial command to the sub-control board (such as the control board of the audio and light emission control device 5), and in step S412, allows the occurrence of timer interrupt processing and transitions 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 41 is occurring 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 42 executes steps S501 to S509 as shown in FIG.
In step S501, the MPU 42 judges whether or not the game is in the open/close execution mode. If the MPU 42 judges in step S501 that the game is in the open/close execution mode, the MPU 42 ends the game round control process without executing the processes in and after step S502. Therefore, if the MPU 42 judges that the game is in the open/close execution mode, the MPU 42 does not start the progress of the game round regardless of whether or not the entry of a game ball into each of the operating ports 25, 26 is detected.
The MPU 42 determines whether or not the opening and closing execution mode is in progress by referring to the opening and closing execution mode flag stored in the RAM 44. The same applies to the following processes. The MPU 42 sets the opening and closing execution mode flag when switching to the opening and closing execution mode, and clears the opening and closing execution mode flag when the opening and closing execution mode is terminated.

On the other hand, if the MPU 42 determines in step S501 that the opening/closing execution mode is not in progress, it determines in step S502 whether the main display unit 34 is performing a variable display, i.e., whether a game round is in progress.
If the MPU 42 determines in step S502 that the main display unit 34 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 42 determines in step S502 that the main display unit 34 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 42 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 42 judges in step S503 that the total number CRN is "0" or less, it ends the game number control process.

On the other hand, if the MPU 42 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 first result display reserve area Ra or the second result display reserve area Rb for consumption of a game round. After that, in step S505, the MPU 42 executes a change start process to start a change display on the main display unit 34 and the symbol display device 36 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 42 executes steps S601 to S611 as shown in FIG.
In step S601, the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 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 26, 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 25.

First, the data setting process for the first result display section in steps S602 to S606 will be described.
In step S602, the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 clears the second result display unit flag stored in the RAM 44. This second result display unit flag is a flag for identifying which of the main display units 34, the first result display unit 341 or the second result display unit 342, is to start a variable display when a game round is completed. In this step S605, the MPU 42 clears the second result display unit flag, which indicates that when a game round is completed, the first result display unit 341 is to start a variable display based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 25.

In step S606, the MPU 42 sets a first shift command for recognizing that the pending information has been shifted. After that, the MPU 42 ends the data setting process. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 42 transmits the first shift command set in step S606 to the sound and light emission control device 5. This first shift command includes information for recognizing that the pending information stored in the first result display unit pending area Ra has been shifted based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 25.
The sound and light emission control device 5 changes the lighting state of the first reserved lamp section 371 and executes a predetermined process based on the first shift command sent from the MPU 42. This process will be described in detail later. Specifically, the sound and light emission control device 5 reduces the number of lit first reserved lamp sections 371 as the number of reserved game balls that have entered the upper operating port 25 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 42 subtracts 1 from the value of the second start pending memory number RbN in the second result display section pending area Rb to update it.
In step S608, the MPU 42 moves the reserved information stored in the second area Rb1 of the second result display portion reserved area Rb to the execution area AE.
In step S609, the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 sets the second result display unit flag in the RAM 44. In this step S610, the MPU 42 sets the second result display unit flag, which indicates that the second result display unit 342 will start to display a variable value based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 26 when a game round is played.

In step S611, the MPU 42 sets a second shift command for recognizing that the pending information has been shifted. After that, the MPU 42 ends the data setting process. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 42 transmits the second shift command set in step S611 to the sound and light emission control device 5. This second shift command includes information for recognizing that the pending information stored in the second result display unit pending area Rb has been shifted based on the winning of the game ball into the lower actuation port 26.
The sound and light emission control device 5 changes the lighting state of the second reserved lamp section 372 and executes a predetermined process based on the second shift command sent from the MPU 42. This process will be described in detail later. Specifically, the sound and light emission control device 5 reduces the number of lit second reserved lamp sections 372 as the number of reserved game balls that have entered the lower operating port 26 decreases.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the fluctuation start process.
In the fluctuation start process, the MPU 42 executes steps S701 to S718 as shown in FIG.
In step S701, the MPU 42 determines whether the win/lose lottery mode is the high probability mode.
If the MPU 42 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 431 of ROM 43, and if the MPU 42 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 431 of ROM 43.

After executing the process of step S702 or step S703, the MPU 42 executes a win/lose determination process in step S704. In this win/lose determination process, the MPU 42 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 42 determines whether the result determined in step S704 is a "jackpot win". If the MPU 42 determines in step S705 that the result is a "jackpot win", it executes the processes in steps S706 and onwards, and if the MPU 42 determines in step S705 that the result is not a "jackpot win", it executes the processes in steps S712 and onwards.

First, the process (the process from step S706 onward) when the MPU 42 determines in step S705 that the result is a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S706, the MPU 42 determines whether or not the second result display section flag is set in the RAM 44.

When the MPU 42 determines in step S706 that the second result display unit flag is not set in RAM 44, this indicates that the first result display unit 341 should start displaying a variable value based on the entry of the game ball into the upper operating port 25, and therefore in step S707, the first allocation table (see Figure 7 (a)) is read out from the allocation table memory area 432 of ROM 43.
On the other hand, when the MPU 42 determines in step S706 that the second result display unit flag is set in RAM 44, this indicates that the second result display unit 342 should start displaying a variable value based on the entry of the game ball into the lower operating port 26, and therefore in step S708, the second allocation table (see FIG. 7(b)) is read out from the allocation table memory area 432 of ROM 43.

After executing the process of step S707 or step S708, the MPU 42 executes an allocation determination process in step S709. In this allocation determination process, the MPU 42 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 42 executes a stop result setting process for the jackpot result. In this stop result setting process for the jackpot result, the MPU 42 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the first result display section 341 or the second result display section 342 of the main display section 34 according to the allocation result determined in step S709, and stores the determined information in the RAM 44. Here, the MPU 42 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section 34 by comparing the allocation result determined in step S709 with a stop result table for the jackpot result stored in advance in the ROM 43. This stop result table for the jackpot result specifies the form of the pattern to be stopped and displayed on the main display section 34 differently for each allocation result.

In step S711, the MPU 42 sets a flag corresponding to the allocation result determined in step S709 in the RAM 44. Specifically, if the MPU 42 determines that the allocation result is a "low probability result", it sets a low probability result flag; if the MPU 42 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 the MPU 42 determines that the allocation result is an "explicit low round high probability result", it sets a explicit low round high probability result flag; if the MPU 42 determines that the allocation result is a "most favorable result", it sets a most favorable result flag. After that, the MPU 42 executes the processing from step S716 onwards.
In each of the following processes, the MPU 42 executes the determination of the allocation result by referring to these flags.

Next, the process (the process after step S712) when the MPU 42 determines in step S705 that the result is not a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S712, the MPU 42 determines whether the winning/losing result determined in step S704 is a "special losing result."
If the MPU 42 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 42 executes a stop result setting process for a special losing result. In this stop result setting process for a special losing result, the MPU 42 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the first result display section 341 or the second result display section 342 of the main display section 34, and stores the determined information in the RAM 44. Here, the MPU 42 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section 34 by referring to a stop result table for a special losing result stored in advance in the ROM 43. 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 S714, the MPU 42 sets a special miss flag in the RAM 44.
In each of the following processes, the MPU 42 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 42 executes a stop result setting process for a normal failure result. In this stop result setting process for a normal failure result, the MPU 42 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the first result display section 341 or the second result display section 342 of the main display section 34, and stores the determined information in the RAM 44. Here, the MPU 42 determines information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section 34 by referring to a stop result table for a normal failure result that is pre-stored in the ROM 43. 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 42 executes a process of setting a display duration (display duration period) in step S716.
In the display duration setting process, the MPU 42 acquires the value of the fluctuation type counter CS stored in the fluctuation type counter buffer in the lottery counter buffer of the RAM 44.

In addition, in the process of setting the display duration, the MPU 42 determines whether or not a reach display will occur on the symbol display device 36. Specifically, the MPU 42 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 42 executes the reach occurrence lottery by comparing the reach table stored in advance in the reach table storage area 433 of the ROM 43 with the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the reserved ball storage area 442.

When the MPU 42 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 433 of the ROM 43, and sets the determined display duration in a display duration counter provided in the various counter area 441 of the RAM 44.
In contrast, when the MPU 42 determines that a reach display will not occur, it determines a display duration corresponding to the value of the variation type counter CS obtained from the variation type counter buffer by referring to a display duration table for non-reach occurrence stored in the reach table memory area 433 of the ROM 43, and sets the determined display duration in a display duration counter provided in the various counter areas 441 of the RAM 44.

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 25 is consumed is set so that the display duration is shorter as the number of reserved items related to the upper actuation port 25 increases. And, the display duration when the reserved information related to the lower actuation port 26 is consumed is set so that the display duration is shorter as the number of reserved items related to the lower actuation port 26 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 42 sets a variation command and a type command. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 42 transmits the variation command and the type command set in step S717 to the audio and light emission control device 5.
The audio and light emission control device 5 executes a predetermined process based on the variation command and the type command transmitted from the MPU 42. 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 5, 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 win/loss 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 42 judges whether or not the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 44, and based on the judgment result, starts a variable display on the main display unit 34. After that, the MPU 42 ends the variable start process.
Specifically, when the MPU 42 determines that the second result display unit flag is not set in the RAM 44, this indicates that the first result display unit 341 should start displaying changes based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 25 when a game round is completed, and so the MPU 42 causes the first result display unit 341 to start displaying changes.
On the other hand, when the MPU 42 determines that the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 44, this indicates that the second result display unit 342 should start displaying changes based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 26 when a game round is completed, and so the MPU 42 causes the second result display unit 342 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 42 determines whether or not the main display unit 34 is displaying a changing image, and if it determines that the main display unit 34 is displaying a changing image, executes processing for progressing the game round in steps S506 to S509.

In step S506, the MPU 42 determines whether the display duration time set in step S716 of the variation start process has elapsed. Specifically, the MPU 42 determines whether the value set in the display duration time counter in the RAM 44 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 42 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 42 updates the display of the main display unit 34 during the variable display. After that, the MPU 42 ends the game play control process.

In response to this, if the MPU 42 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 42 identifies information (information related to the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 34) stored in the RAM 44 in any of steps S710, S713, and S715 of the variation start process executed when starting the variable display on the main display unit 34. Then, when the game round ends, the MPU 42 executes display control of the main display unit 34 so that the pattern corresponding to this identified information is displayed on the main display unit 34 during the variable display.

Here, the picture that is finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 34 is different for each type of game result. Therefore, the manager of the gaming facility or the like can check the game result by visually checking the main display unit 34 at the end of a game round. This allows the manager of the gaming facility or the like to easily check whether or not fraudulent activity is being carried out, for example, to make the pachinko machine 1 behave in the same way as if it had won a lottery for a jackpot.
Furthermore, the main display unit 34 has a smaller display area than the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and the pictures displayed in a stopped state on the main display unit 34 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 36. 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 36 rather than the main display unit 34, which can increase the attention paid to the display screen G.

In step S509, the MPU 42 sets a fluctuation end command. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 42 transmits the fluctuation end command set in step S509 to the sound and light emission control device 5. After that, the MPU 42 ends the game number control process.
The sound and light emission control device 5 executes a process for ending the presentation of the game round based on the variation end command transmitted from the MPU 42. Here, the sound and light emission control device 5 may be configured to end the presentation of the game round by itself without the need to receive the 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 42 executes steps S801 to S814 as shown in FIG.
In step S801, the MPU 42 determines whether or not it is in the opening/closing execution mode.
If the MPU 42 determines in step S801 that the opening/closing execution mode is not in progress, it executes the processes in and after step S802.
On the other hand, if the MPU 42 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 42 is not in the opening/closing execution mode will be described.
In step S802, the MPU 42 judges whether or not the variable display of the main display unit 34 has ended. If the MPU 42 judges in step S802 that the variable display of the main display unit 34 has not ended, the MPU 42 ends the game state transition process.
On the other hand, when the MPU 42 determines in step S802 that the variable display of the main display unit 34 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 42 determines whether the winning/losing result is a "jackpot win" or a "special losing result."

If the MPU 42 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 44 and then executes the processing from step S804 onwards.
In contrast, if the MPU 42 determines in step S803 that the win/loss result does not correspond to a transition to the opening/closing execution mode (if the MPU 42 determines that the win/loss result is a "normal miss result"), it terminates the game state transition processing.

In step S804, the MPU 42 determines whether the winning/losing result is a "special losing result."
If the MPU 42 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 441 of the RAM 44. This opening/closing counter SOC is a counter for the MPU 42 to specify the total number of times that the large winning opening 271 of the variable winning device 27 is opened and closed when transitioning to the opening/closing execution mode.

In contrast, if the MPU 42 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 42 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 441 of the RAM 44 to "2". If the MPU 42 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 42 to identify the number of rounds of play when transitioning to the open/close execution mode.

Here, the pachinko machine 1 has a plurality of opening/closing execution modes with different ending conditions. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 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 on the condition that the large prize opening 271 has been opened and closed a predetermined total number of times, or a predetermined number of game balls have entered the large prize opening 271. Here, the total number of times the large prize opening 271 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 on the condition that the number of rounds has been played.

The pachinko machine 1 executes one opening and closing of the big prize opening 271 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 272 to an open state, the pachinko machine 1 sets the opening and closing door 272 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 271 has reached a predetermined upper limit.

After executing any one of the processes in steps S805, S807, and S808, in step S809, the MPU 42 sets the timer counter T provided in the various counter area 441 of the RAM 44 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 42 determines in step S803 that the winning/losing result corresponds to the transition to the opening/closing 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 42 sets an opening command. After that, the MPU 42 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 42 transmits the opening command set in step S810 to the sound and light emission control device 5.
The audio and light emission control device 5 recognizes the transition to the opening/closing execution mode based on the opening command transmitted from the MPU 42, and executes a predetermined process, which will be described in detail later.

Next, the process (the process after step S811) when it is determined in step S801 that the MPU 42 is in the opening/closing execution mode will be described.
In step S811, the MPU 42 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 42 executes steps S901 to S924 as shown in FIG.
In step S901, the MPU 42 determines whether the special prize opening 271 is open or not.
If the MPU 42 determines in step S901 that the special prize opening 271 is not open, it executes the processes in and after step S902.
On the other hand, if the MPU 42 determines in step S901 that the special prize opening 271 is open, it executes the processes in and after step S906.

First, the process (the process after step S902) when the MPU 42 determines in step S901 that the special prize opening 271 is not open will be described.
In step S902, the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 determines in step S903 that the value of the timer counter T is equal to or less than "0", it executes a large prize opening process in step S904.
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 42 executes steps S1001 to S1007 as shown in FIG.
In step S1001, the MPU 42 determines whether the winning/losing result is a "special losing result."

If the MPU 42 determines in step S1001 that the winning/losing result is a "special losing result," then in step S1002 it sets the winning counter PC in the various counter area 441 of the RAM 44 to "8," and in step S1003 it sets the timer counter T to "85." 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 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 executes the opening execution process of the large prize opening 271 in step S1007. In this opening execution process, the MPU 42 sets the opening/closing door 272 to an open state by executing drive control of the variable prize driving unit 273. Thereafter, the MPU 42 ends the large prize opening opening process.

The value set in the winning counter PC in step S1002 or step S1004 specifies the upper limit of the total number of game balls that can win the large winning opening 271. In this reference embodiment, the MPU 42 sets the winning counter PC to the same value ("8" in this reference embodiment) when it determines in step S1001 that the winning result is a "special losing result" and when it determines that the winning result is not a "special losing result", but different values may also be set in the winning counter PC.

The value set in the timer counter T in step S1003 or step S1006 specifies the upper limit duration from when the opening/closing door 272 is set to the open state until it is set to the closed state again. Therefore, as described above, the MPU 42 sets two types of upper limit duration with different lengths by setting the timer counter T to "85" or "15000". Specifically, the MPU 42 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 1 causes the game ball launching mechanism 49 to launch game balls by exciting the solenoid of the game ball launching mechanism 49 at a cycle of 0.6 sec. In addition, as described above, the MPU 42 sets the winning counter PC to "8" to set the upper limit of the total number of game balls that can enter the large winning hole 271 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 271 and the game ball launch period, it is easy to get the upper limit of eight game balls to enter the large prize opening 271.
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 game balls that can enter the large prize opening 271 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 enter the large prize opening 271. However, depending on the timing, it is possible to make about one game ball enter the large prize opening 271.

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 42 sets an opening command in step S905. Also, in step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 42 transmits the opening command set in step S905 to the sound and light emission control device 5. After that, the MPU 42 ends the large prize opening opening and closing process.
In addition, based on the open command sent from the MPU 42, the audio and light emission control device 5 recognizes that the opening and closing door 272 has been set to the open state, and executes a predetermined process.

Next, the process (the process after step S906) when the MPU 42 determines in step S901 that the special prize opening 271 is open will be described.
In step S906, the MPU 42 judges whether the value of the timer counter T is equal to or less than "0". That is, the MPU 42 judges whether the upper limit duration set in the timer counter T in step S1003 or step S1006 of the big prize opening process has elapsed.

If the MPU 42 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 and after step S907.
On the other hand, if the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 determines whether or not a win has occurred in the large prize opening 271. The determination of whether or not a win has occurred in the large prize opening 271 is made based on the detection result of the detection sensor 304 corresponding to the large prize opening 271.

If the MPU 42 determines in step S907 that no win has occurred in the special prize opening 271, it ends the special prize opening opening opening process.
On the other hand, if the MPU 42 determines in step S907 that a win has occurred in the special win port 271, then in step S908, it updates the value of the win counter PC by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S909, the MPU 42 determines whether the value of the prize counter PC is equal to or less than "0".
If the MPU 42 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 42 determines in step S909 that the value of the winning counter PC is equal to or less than "0", the MPU 42 executes a closing execution process in step S910. In this closing execution process, the MPU 42 executes drive control of the variable winning drive unit 273 to set the opening and closing door 272 to a closed state.

In step S911, the MPU 42 sets a close command. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 42 transmits the close command set in step S911 to the audio and light emission control device 5.
In addition, based on the close command sent from the MPU 42, the audio and light emission control device 5 recognizes that the opening and closing door 272 has been set to the closed state, and executes a predetermined process.

In step S912, the MPU 42 determines whether the winning/losing result is a "special losing result."
If the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 updates the value of the round counter RC by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S914, the MPU 42 determines whether the value of the round counter RC is equal to or less than "0".
If the MPU 42 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 42 sets the value of the timer counter T to "500". After that, the MPU 42 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 272 is set to the open state, to when it is set to the closed state 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 of the mode.

On the other hand, if the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 sets an ending command. In step S301 of the normal process, the MPU 42 transmits the ending command set in step S917 to the sound and light emission control device 5. After that, the MPU 42 ends the big prize opening opening and closing process.
In addition, the audio and light emission control device 5 recognizes the end of the opening and closing execution mode based on the ending command sent from the MPU 42, and executes a predetermined process.

Next, a process (step S918 and subsequent steps) to be performed when the MPU 42 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 42 executes the closing execution process in the same manner as in step S910 described above.
In step S919, the MPU 42 sets a close command in the same manner as in step S911 described above.

In step S920, the MPU 42 determines whether the winning/losing result is a "special losing result."
If the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 determines in step S920 that the winning/losing result is not a "special losing result" will be described.
In step S921, the MPU 42 updates the value of the round counter RC by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S922, the MPU 42 determines whether the value of the round counter RC is equal to or less than "0".
If the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 subtracts 1 from the value of the opening/closing counter SOC to update it.

In step S924, the MPU 42 determines whether the value of the opening/closing counter SOC is equal to or less than "0".
If the MPU 42 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 42 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/closing process of step S811, the MPU 42 determines in step S812 whether the value of the opening/closing counter SOC is "0" or less and the value of the round counter RC is "0" or less.

If the MPU 42 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 less than "0", it terminates the game state transition process.
On the other hand, if the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 determines in step S813 that the value of the timer counter T is equal to or less than "0", the MPU 42 clears the open/close execution mode flag stored in the RAM 44 in step S814, and then executes a transition process at the end of the open/close execution mode. After that, the MPU 42 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 42 executes steps S1101 to S1112 as shown in FIG.
In step S1101, the MPU 42 determines whether the allocation result is the "most advantageous result" or the "explicit few-round high-probability result."

When the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 sets a high frequency support flag in the RAM 44. If the high frequency support flag has already been set in the RAM 44, the MPU 42 maintains it. As a result, the MPU 42 sets the support mode to the high frequency support mode.

In step S 1103 , the MPU 42 clears the number limit flag stored in the RAM 44 .
Here, if the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 44 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 42 sets the high probability mode flag in the RAM 44. If the high probability mode flag has already been set in the RAM 44, the MPU 42 maintains it. As a result, the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 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 44 according to the allocation result, and the special miss flag. Also, in step S701 of the aforementioned fluctuation start process, the MPU 42 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 44.

Next, the process (the process from step S1105 onward) when the MPU 42 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 42 determines whether the allocation result is an "unspecified few rounds high probability result".

When the MPU 42 determines in step S1105 that the allocation result is an "unspecified few rounds high probability result", it executes the processing from step S1106 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 42 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 42 determines in step S1105 that the allocation result is an "unspecified few rounds high probability result" will be described.
In step S1106, the MPU 42 determines whether or not the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 44.

If the MPU 42 determines in step S1106 that the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 44, it executes the processes from step S1103 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 42 determines in step S1106 that the high frequency support flag is not set in the RAM 44, it sets the high probability mode flag in the RAM 44 in step S1107. If the high probability mode flag has already been set in the RAM 44, the MPU 42 maintains it. As a result, the MPU 42 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." After that, the MPU 42 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 42 determines in step S1105 that the allocation result is not the "non-explicit few-round high-probability result" will be described.
In step S1108, the MPU 42 determines whether the allocation result is a "low probability result."

If the MPU 42 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 42 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 42 clears the high probability mode flag. This causes the MPU 42 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 42 sets a high frequency support flag in the RAM 44. If the high frequency support flag has already been set in the RAM 44, the MPU 42 maintains it. As a result, the MPU 42 sets the support mode to the high frequency support mode.
In step S1111, the MPU 42 sets the value of the number-of-games counter provided in the various counter area 441 of the RAM 44 to "100".
In step S1112, the MPU 42 sets the number limit flag in the RAM 44. If the number limit flag has already been set in the RAM 44, the MPU 42 maintains it. After that, the MPU 42 ends the transition process at the end of the opening/closing execution mode.

Here, if the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 44 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 42 clears the high frequency support flag and the number limit flag. This causes the MPU 42 to set the support mode to the low frequency support mode.
The MPU 42 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 winning/losing 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 winning/losing 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 winning/losing 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>
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 5 includes an audio and light emission control board 51, an MPU 52 mounted on the audio and light emission control board 51, and a ROM 53 and a RAM 54 constituting the MPU 52. The MPU 52 is an element in which, in addition to the ROM 53 and the RAM 54, a CPU, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, and the like are integrated into a single chip.

The ROM 53 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 54 is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 53 is executed, and is a volatile storage means that requires an external power supply to hold the stored information. The RAM 54 has various areas such as a command list storage area 541, various counter areas 542, and a sub-side hold information storage area 543. These areas will be described in detail later.

The MPU 52 has an input port and an output port. As described above, the input port of the MPU 52 is connected to the main control device 4. The input port of the MPU 52 is also connected to the push button 142. The output port of the MPU 52 is connected to the various lamp units 124, 371 to 373, the speaker unit 125, and the display control device 6.
The MPU 52 controls the driving of the various lamp sections 124, 371 to 373 and the speaker section 125 based on commands sent from the main control device 4 and information input from the push buttons 142 operated by the player.
Furthermore, the MPU 52 transmits commands resulting from the analysis of these commands to the display control device 6. The sound and light emission control device 5 is electrically connected to the display control device 6 via a connector unit (connection unit) having connectors on both ends of a signal line.

Figure 20 shows the contents of the sub-side hold information storage area.
As shown in Figure 20, the sub-side reservation information storage area 543 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 52 stores the normal hold information or advance notice 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 52 receives the first hold generation command sent from the MPU 42, 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 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 52 stores the normal hold information or advance notice hold information as sub-side hold information in each of the areas SRb1 to SRb4 in chronological order in accordance with the reception of the second hold generation command. Specifically, when the MPU 52 receives the second hold generation command sent from the MPU 42, 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 36.

<Electrical configuration of the display control device>
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display control device.
21, the display control device 6 includes a display control board 61, an MPU 62, a program ROM 63 and a work RAM 64 constituting the MPU 62, a video display processor (VDP) 65, a character ROM 66, and a video RAM 67. The MPU 62 is an element in which a CPU, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, and the like are integrated into a single chip in addition to the program ROM 63 and the work RAM 64. The MPU 62, the VDP 65, the character ROM 66, and the video RAM 67 are mounted on the display control board 61.

The MPU 62 analyzes the command sent from the audio/light emission control device 5 and performs a predetermined calculation process based on the command to control the VDP 65. Specifically, the MPU 62 controls the VDP 65 by generating a command for the VDP 65.

The program 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 work RAM 64 is a memory for temporarily storing various data, etc. when executing the control program stored in the program ROM 63, and is a volatile storage means that requires an external power supply to retain the stored information.

The VDP 65 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 36. The VDP 65 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 62, the VDP 65 reads image data from the character ROM 66 and stores this image data in the video RAM 67.

The character ROM 66 functions as an image data library for storing character data such as designs to be displayed on the design display device 36. The character ROM 66 stores 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 67 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the pattern display device 36 , and the display contents of the pattern display device 36 can be changed by rewriting the contents of this video RAM 67 .

The video RAM 67 includes a development buffer 68 and a frame buffer 69 .
As described above, the VDP 65 reads image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates one frame of drawing data in the frame buffer 69 by using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. Note that one frame of drawing data refers to data necessary for displaying an image at one update timing in a configuration in which the image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 is updated at a predetermined update timing.

Here, the frame buffer 69 has a plurality of frame areas 691 and 692. Specifically, the frame buffer 69 has a first frame area 691 and a second frame area 692.

Each frame area 691, 692 is set to a capacity capable of storing one frame's worth of drawing data. Specifically, each frame area 691, 692 includes a number of unit areas that correspond to the dots (pixels) of the display screen G at a predetermined magnification. Each unit area has a storage capacity capable of storing data for specifying which color is to be displayed. 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 storage capacity of 1 byte (8 bits) for each RGB color, and has a storage capacity of at least 3 bytes overall.

When drawing data created in one frame area (e.g., first frame area 691) is used to draw on the pattern display device 36, the VDP 65 creates drawing data to be used next for the other frame area (e.g., second frame area 692). In other words, the frame buffer 69 employs a double buffer system.

The VDP 65 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 691 or the second frame area 692, and outputs the image signal to the pattern display device 36. More specifically, the VDP 65 transfers the drawing data to the frame areas 691, 692 to be output. The VDP 65 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 36. The VDP 65 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 36.

<Timer interrupt processing executed by the audio/light emission control device>
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process executed by the audio and light emission control device.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a timer interrupt process to progress the game. In this timer interrupt process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2001 to S2006 periodically (for example, at 2 msec intervals) as shown in FIG.

In step S2001, the MPU 52 executes a command storage process. In this command storage process, when the MPU 52 receives a command from the MPU 42, the MPU 52 stores the command in the RAM 54. Specifically, the RAM 54 has a ring buffer for storing and reading commands sent from the MPU 42, and the MPU 52 stores the commands in the ring buffer in the order in which they were sent from the MPU 42. The MPU 52 reads the commands from the ring buffer in the order in which they were stored in the ring buffer.

In step S2002, the MPU 52 executes a reserved symbol determination process based on a command sent from the MPU 42. In the reserved symbol determination process, the MPU 52 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 52 executes a presentation determination process based on the command sent from the MPU 42. In the presentation determination process, the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 executes light emission control of the various lamp units 124, 371 to 373 and executes audio control of the speaker unit 125.

In step S2005, the MPU 52 executes a demo display execution process based on the demo command sent from the MPU 42. In the demo display execution process, the MPU 52 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 52 executes light emission control of the various lamp units 124 and executes audio control of the speaker unit 125.

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 6. In this command transmission process, the MPU 52 determines whether or not it is time to transmit the various commands stored as a command list in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54 to the display control device 6, and if it determines that it is time to transmit the various commands to the display control device 6, it transmits the commands to the display control device 6. The MPU 52 then ends the timer interrupt process.

<Regarding the hold determination process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the reservation determination process.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a reserved decision process to generate a reserved pattern, shift the reserved pattern, etc. In this reserved decision process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2101 to S2104 as shown in FIG.

In step S2101, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a hold occurrence command (first hold occurrence command or second hold occurrence command) transmitted from the MPU 42 has been received.
If the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 stores the sub-side hold information in the sub-side hold information storage area 543 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 52 executes the processes of steps S2103 and onward.
In step S2103, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a pending shift command (first shift command or second shift command) transmitted from the MPU 42 has been received.
If the MPU 52 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 52 determines in step S2103 that it has received the hold shift command, it executes hold shift processing in step S2104. In this hold shift processing, the MPU 52 shifts the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 543 based on the contents of the hold shift command. This hold shift processing will be described in detail later. Thereafter, the MPU 52 ends the hold occurrence processing.

<Pending occurrence processing>
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the reservation generation process.
In the hold generation process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2201 to S2209 as shown in Fig. 24. Specifically, the MPU 52 stores the sub-side hold information in the sub-side hold information storage area 543 based on the contents of the hold generation command.

In step S2201, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the first hold occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 42 has been received.
When the MPU 52 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 52 executes the process in step S2204 and thereafter.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 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 52 then executes the processing from step S2204 onwards.

After executing the processing of step S2202 or step S2203, in step S2204, the MPU 52 updates the value of the sub-side start pending memory number SN (SRaN or SRbN) by adding 1.

In step S2205, the MPU 52 executes a lottery process for advance notice reservation. In the lottery process for advance notice reservation, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to issue an advance notice reservation.
Specifically, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to issue a notice hold by using the value of the notice hold occurrence counter. The notice hold occurrence counter is provided in the various counter area 542 of the RAM 54.

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 that informs the player of the expected degree of the hold by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold.

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 54.
Then, the MPU 52 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 52 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 53.

In step S2206, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the advance notice reservation generating lottery in step S2205 was won (whether or not to generate an advance notice reservation).
When the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, it executes a notice hold generation process in step S2207. In this notice hold generation process, the MPU 52 executes a process for generating a notice hold. In addition, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the display lamp unit 124 and audio control of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process in step S2004 described above based on the contents of this notice hold generation process.

Specifically, the MPU 52 stores the advance notice pending information in the first free memory area in the sub-side pending area, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the sub-side start pending memory number SN updated in step S2204.
Here, the advance notice pending information includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery), and information regarding the result of the lottery to determine whether or not a reach display will occur (reach occurrence lottery).
In addition, based on the first hold generation command and the second hold generation command, the MPU 52 includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery) in the advance notice hold information.

For example, when the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 of "4" updated in step S2204.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold will not be generated, then in step S2208, it executes a normal hold generation process. In this normal hold generation process, the MPU 52 executes a process for generating a normal hold. Based on the contents of this normal hold generation process, the MPU 52 also executes light emission control of the display lamp unit 124 and audio control of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process of step S2004 described above.

Specifically, the MPU 52 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.
Here, the normal reserved information includes information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery). Therefore, the sub-side reserved information (notice reserved information and normal reserved information) includes information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).
In addition, based on the first hold generation command and the second hold generation command, the MPU 52 includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach generation lottery) in the normal hold information.

For example, when the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, the MPU 52 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.

After executing the advance hold generation process of step S2207 or the normal hold generation process of step S2208, the MPU 52 sets a hold display generation command in step S2209. The MPU 52 then stores the hold display generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This hold display generation command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the occurrence of a notice hold or a normal hold on the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display occurrence command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays a notice hold pattern or a normal hold pattern on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of a notice hold or a normal hold.

<Hold shift processing>
FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the reservation shift process.
As described above, the MPU 52 of the audio and light emission control device 5 executes the hold shift process in step S2104 of the hold determination process. In this hold shift process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2301 to S2308 as shown in Fig. 25. Specifically, the MPU 52 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 52 determines whether or not the first shift command transmitted from the MPU 42 has been received.
If the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 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 52 executes a data shift process to shift the sub-side reserved information stored in the storage 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 52 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 52 subtracts 1 from the value of the second sub-side start pending memory count SRbN in the second sub-side pending area SRb to update it.
In step S2306, the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 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 52 sets a hold display shift command in step S2308. Then, the MPU 52 stores the hold display shift command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. Here, the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 543 is included in the hold display shift command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This hold display shift command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission processing of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the normal hold and advance notice hold shifts on the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command sent from the MPU 52. The MPU 62 then outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (e.g., every 20 msec period) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays and executes the normal hold and advance notice hold shifts on the display screen G.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the preview reserved image and the normal reserved image displayed on the display screen of the image display device.
As shown in FIG. 26, the MPU 62 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 reserve 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 reserve area SRb, and an execution pedestal AB provided between the pedestals B11 and B21 corresponding to the execution area SAE.

The first reservation lamp unit 371 is 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 reservation lamp unit 372 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 reservation 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 reservation area SRb.

The pedestals B11 to B14, B21 to B24, and execution pedestal AB notify the player of the occurrence of a notice hold or a normal hold by placing a notice hold pattern or a normal hold pattern thereon.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command or the hold display shift time command sent from the MPU 52, 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 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command or the hold display shift time command sent from the MPU 52, that advance 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 hold image, on the pedestals B11 to B14.

In addition, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command or the hold display shift time command sent from the MPU 52, 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 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command or the hold display shift time command sent from the MPU 52, 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.

Furthermore, when the MPU 62 determines that normal hold information is stored in the execution area SAE based on the contents of the hold display shift command sent from the MPU 52, it places a white sphere image, which is a normal hold image, on the execution base AB.
When the MPU 62 determines that advance pending information is stored in the execution area SAE based on the contents of the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52, it places a blinking white sphere image, which is an advance pending image, on the execution base AB.

26, the MPU 62 places the regular reserved pattern on the bases B11 and B12, the advance reservation pattern on the base B13, and the regular reserved pattern on the execution base AB. Also, in this example, the MPU 62 places the regular reserved pattern on the base B21. Also, in this example, the MPU 62 does not place any pattern on the bases B14, B22 to B24.
In this embodiment, the pictures of the normal hold and the notice hold are different from each other, but they may be the same. In this embodiment, the MPU 62 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.

<Regarding the performance determination process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect determination process.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 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 52 executes steps S2401 to S2413 as shown in FIG.

In step S2401, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the variation command and the type command transmitted from the MPU 42 have been received.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S2401 that it has not received any command, it executes the processes in and after step S2409.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S2401 that it has received each command, then 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 52 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 52 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 52 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.

On the other hand, if the MPU 52 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 52 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", a "non-indicated few rounds high probability result", and a "indicated few rounds high probability result", it executes a common symbol determination process in step S2405. In this common symbol determination process, the MPU 52 determines information related to a special symbol combination as a stop result to be finally displayed on the pay line L. Specifically, the MPU 52 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 symbol combination having the same number. Note that this special symbol combination is the same regardless of the type of game result.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 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 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur based on the content of the variation command.

When the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 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 in step S2403, step S2405, or step S2406, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining an effect pattern in step S2407. In this process of determining an effect pattern, the MPU 52 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the variation command and the type command by referring to a table for effects previously stored in the ROM 53. Specifically, the MPU 52 selects the effect duration (effect duration period) and the content of the effect as the effect pattern. In step S2407, the MPU 52 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display, such as displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on the display screen G, based on the player pressing the push button 142, for example.

In addition, the MPU 52 performs light emission control of the display lamp unit 124 and audio control of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process of step S2004 described above based on the selected performance pattern.

In step S2408, the MPU 52 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 52 then stores the fluctuation start command and the stop result command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. These fluctuation start command and the stop result command are transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for starting the variable display and displaying the stop result on the pattern display device 36 based on the variable display start command and the stop result command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 starts the variable display and then finally stops and displays the stop result determined by the MPU 52 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 52 executes the processes of steps S2409 and onward.
In step S2409, the MPU 52 determines whether or not an opening command has been received.

If the MPU 52 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 52 determines in step S2409 that an opening command has been received, then in step S2410, it determines the type of game result based on the contents of the opening command.

In step S2411, the MPU 52 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 52 determines in step S2410 that the game result is a "special miss result" or a "non-expressed few rounds high probability result", it selects effect A as the effect for the open/close execution mode. If the MPU 52 determines that the game result is a "expressed few rounds high probability result", it selects effect B as the effect for the open/close execution mode. If the MPU 52 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 52 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 271 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 271 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 52 performs the illumination control of the display lamp unit 124 and performs audio control of the speaker unit 125 in the effect execution process of step S2004 described above.

In step S2412, the MPU 52 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 52 then stores the command for the opening and closing execution mode in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This command for the opening and closing execution mode is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the performance for the open/close execution mode on the pattern display device 36 based on the command for the open/close execution mode sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 executes the performance for the open/close execution mode selected by the MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5.

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 52 executes the processes of steps S2413 and onward.
In step S2413, the MPU 52 executes other processes. In the other processes, the MPU 52 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 42. Thereafter, the MPU 52 ends the performance determination process.

<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. 28 is a diagram showing the relationship between game results and game states, etc. Specifically, Fig. 28 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 FIG. 28, the pachinko machine 1 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 advantageous 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 28. Also, the allocation result is the game result that is selected when the winning/losing lottery results in a "jackpot win" (symbol ○ in the figure).
The following describes the relationship between game results, excluding "normal miss results," and game states, etc. In this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 sets the relationship between game results and game states, etc. as follows, but the combination of game results and game states, the content of the game results, and the content of the game states, etc. are arbitrary.

In the "special losing result", the opening/closing execution mode is changed to the opening/closing number specified mode instead of the round number specified mode, and the opening/closing of the big prize opening 271 is executed twice in a short time mode. Also, in the "special losing result", the winning/losing lottery mode is not changed.
In the "non-disclosed few rounds high probability result", the opening/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/closing of the large prize opening 271 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 271 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 end of the open/close execution mode, the symbol display device 36 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 36 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 271 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 36 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 271 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 36 does not display an image on the display screen G indicating that it is the high probability mode.

Specifically, the pattern display device 36 does not display an image on the display screen G indicating that the high probability mode is selected, but displays an image on the display screen G indicating 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 play times). In other words, even if the allocation lottery results in a "most favorable result," the pattern display device 36 will disguise the game result as if it were a "low probability 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.

If the allocation result is the "most favorable result," the symbol display device 36 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 36 cancels the disguise that was applied so that the game result was a "low probability result."

[Modifications of the main embodiment]
The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned main embodiment, but includes modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention.
(1) In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 opens and closes the big prize opening 271 once per round of play. In contrast, the pachinko machine 1 may open and close the big prize opening 271 multiple times per round of play.
(2) In this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 sets the opening/closing door 272 to an 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 271 has reached a predetermined upper limit number after setting the opening/closing door 272 to an open state. In contrast, for example, the upper limit number may be made to vary according to the upper limit duration, and the condition for setting the opening/closing door 272 to a closed state again is arbitrary.

(3) In this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 sets the opening/closing door 272 to an open state, and then sets the opening/closing door 272 to a closed state again when the total number of winning game balls entering the large winning opening 271 reaches a predetermined upper limit of eight balls. In contrast, for example, the pachinko machine 1 may set the upper limit to any number other than eight. Also, for example, the pachinko machine 1 may set the upper limit to be different depending on the allocation result. Furthermore, for example, the pachinko machine 1 may set the upper limit to be different for each round during one opening/closing execution mode.

(4) In this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 sets the opening/closing door 272 to an open state, and then sets the opening/closing door 272 to a closed state again when the total number of winning game balls in the big winning opening 271 reaches a predetermined upper limit. In contrast, for example, the pachinko machine 1 may be configured to have an end trigger opening that sets the opening/closing door 272 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 this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 sets the opening/closing door 272 to the open state, and then sets the opening/closing door 272 to the closed state again when a predetermined upper limit duration (upper limit duration) has elapsed. In contrast, for example, the pachinko machine 1 may set the opening/closing door 272 to the closed state again when a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of a win in the special winning opening 271, after setting the opening/closing door 272 to the open state.

(6) In this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 sets the opening/closing door 272 to the open state, and then sets the opening/closing door 272 to the closed state again. In contrast, for example, the pachinko machine 1 may be configured to move to the next round of play without setting the opening/closing door 272 to the closed state again, after setting the opening/closing door 272 to the open state.
(7) In the present embodiment, the upper limit duration of the short-time mode is set to be shorter than the ball launch cycle. In contrast, the upper limit duration of the short-time mode may be set to be longer than the ball launch cycle and shorter than n times the ball launch cycle (n=1, 2, or 3).

(8) In this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 had two types of opening and closing execution modes. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 had 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 fifteen times with a long-time upper limit duration. In contrast, the pachinko machine 1 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 1 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 272, 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 this reference embodiment, 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 this reference form, when the game result is any one of a "special losing result," "non-explicit few-round high-probability result," and "explicit few-round high-probability result," the MPU 52 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 52 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 this reference embodiment, the MPU 42 uses the jackpot random number counter C1 to select the jackpot occurrence, and uses the jackpot type counter C2 to select the type of jackpot when a jackpot occurs. In contrast, the MPU 42 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 441 of the RAM 44.

(12) In this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 has two types of losing results, a "special losing result" and a "normal losing result", and the MPU 42 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 442. In other words, the MPU 42 executes the lottery for the "special losing result" by using the value of the jackpot random number counter C1. In contrast, the MPU 42 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 441 of the RAM 44 to execute the lottery for the "special losing result".

(13) In this reference form, in a game state in which the winning/losing table for the low probability mode is referenced when drawing the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, the random number value that results in a "special losing result" is two, and in a game state in which the winning/losing table for the high probability mode is referenced when drawing the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, the random number value that results in a "special losing result" is one. In other words, the probability of a "special losing result" is set to be higher in the low probability mode than in the high probability mode. In contrast, the probability of a "special losing 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 losing result" may be set to be 0 in at least one of the low probability mode and the high probability mode.

(14) In this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 creates advantageous and unfavorable game states for the player by setting the win/lose lottery mode and the support mode. However, advantageous and unfavorable game states may be created by setting game states other than these. For example, the pachinko machine 1 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 1 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 1 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 this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 stores the reserved information related to the upper actuation port 25 in the first result display unit reserved area Ra and stores the reserved information related to the lower actuation port 26 in the second result display unit reserved area Rb, thereby separately storing the reserved information related to the upper actuation port 25 and the reserved information related to the lower actuation port 26. In contrast, the pachinko machine 1 may store the reserved information related to the upper actuation port 25 and the reserved information related to the lower actuation port 26 together.
(16) In this embodiment, the MPU 42 preferentially sets reserved information related to the lower actuation port 26 for use in playing an episode, regardless of whether there is reserved information related to the upper actuation port 25. In contrast, the MPU 42 may set reserved information related to the upper actuation port 25 and reserved information related to the lower actuation port 26 for use in playing an episode in the order in which the reserved information is won.

(17) In this embodiment, the main control device 4 transmits a command to the audio and light emission control device 5, which then transmits the result of analyzing the command to the display control device 6, thereby controlling the display control device 6. Alternatively, the main control device 4 may transmit a command to the display control device 6, which then transmits the result of analyzing the command to the audio and light emission control device 5, thereby controlling the audio and light emission control device 5. Note that the commands transmitted from the main control device 4 to the audio and light emission control device 5 and the commands transmitted from the audio and light emission control device 5 to the display control device 6 are not limited to the commands described in this embodiment and may be any commands.
(18) In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 includes the main control device 4, the sound and light emission control device 5, and the display control device 6 as separate control devices. However, for example, the sound and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 may be included as a single control device, or at least one of the sound and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 may be included as a single control device together with the main control device 4.

(19) In this embodiment, the symbol display device 36 executes a performance 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 winning the upper actuation port 25 or the lower actuation port 26, thereby starting a variable display of the symbols. In contrast, the performance for a game round is not limited to the performance described in this embodiment, and is optional. For example, the pachinko machine 1 may execute a performance for a game round by combining and operating a movable decorative member provided on the game board 2 with the symbol display device 36. Also, for example, the pachinko machine 1 may execute a performance for a game round by combining and operating a light-emitting member provided on the game board 2 with the symbol display device 36. Furthermore, for example, the pachinko machine 1 may execute a performance for a game round by combining and operating these decorative members and light-emitting members with the symbol display device 36.

(20) In this reference form, the pachinko machine 1 executes an internal lottery (win/lose lottery and allocation lottery) based on winning at the upper actuation port 25 or the lower actuation port 26, and then the main display unit 34 and the pattern display unit 36 execute a variable display and display the result of the internal lottery executed based on winning at the upper actuation port 25 or the lower actuation port 26 as a result of stopping the variable display. In contrast, for example, the main display unit 34 and the pattern display unit 36 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 and before stopping the variable display, the internal lottery is executed and the setting of the stop result, etc. is executed.

(21) In this reference embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a main display unit 34, 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 34 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 1 does not need to be equipped with a main display unit 34.

(22) In this reference embodiment, the symbol display device 36 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 25 or the lower actuation port 26, thereby starting a variable display of the symbols. In contrast, the symbol display device 36 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 36 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 36 without visually checking the main display unit 34 at the end of a round of play, in order to make the pachinko machine 1 behave in the same way as if it had won the lottery for a jackpot.

(23) In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 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. The gaming machine may also 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 this embodiment, the gaming machine of the present invention has been described by taking the pachinko machine 1 as an example. However, the gaming machine of the present invention may be a type of pachinko machine different from the pachinko machine 1. 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.

[Reference Form M]
Hereinafter, a reference embodiment M of the present invention will 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 this reference embodiment, the main control device 4 executes a process different from that of the main reference embodiment. Specifically, in this reference embodiment, the winning process for the operating port is different from that of the main reference embodiment. The contents of the winning process for the operating port in this reference embodiment are explained below.

<Winning process for the operating port>
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the winning process for an operating port relating to reference form M of the present invention.
In the winning process for the operating port, the MPU 42 executes steps S201 to S208M as shown in Fig. 29. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 42 differs from the main embodiment in that it executes the process of step S208M instead of the process of step S208.

In step S208M, when the MPU 42 sets the first start hold memory number RaN in step S202, it sets a first hold generation command for recognizing that the hold information has been stored in the memory area of the hold area Ra for the first result display section, and transmits this set first hold generation command to the sound and light emission control device 5. After that, the MPU 42 ends the winning process for the operation port.
This first hold generation command includes information for making the sound and light emission control device 5 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 25. The first hold generation command also includes information related to the current support mode.
The sound and light emission control device 5 performs predetermined processing in addition to turning on the first reserved lamp unit 371 based on the first reserved occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 42. As described above, the number of reserved game balls that have entered the upper operating port 25 is a maximum of four, and the first reserved lamp unit 371 lights up the number of times corresponding to this number of reserved balls.

Furthermore, the first pending generation command includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).
Here, the MPU 42 executes a lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery) based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area 442 and the win/lose table stored in the win/lose table memory area 431 (see Figure 4) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the win/lose lottery (win/lose result).
In addition, the MPU 42 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 442 and the reach table stored in the reach table memory area 433 (see Figure 4) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the reach occurrence lottery.

Also, in step S208M, when the MPU 42 sets the second start hold memory number RbN in step S204, it sets a second hold generation command for recognizing that the hold information has been stored in the memory area of the hold area Rb for the second result display section, and transmits this set second hold generation command to the sound and light emission control device 5. After that, the MPU 42 ends the winning process for the operation port.
This second hold generation command includes information for making the sound and light emission control device 5 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 26. The second hold generation command also includes information related to the current support mode.
The sound and light emission control device 5 performs predetermined processing in addition to turning on the second reserved lamp unit 372 based on the second reserved occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 42. As described above, the number of reserved game balls that have entered the lower operating port 26 is a maximum of four, and the second reserved lamp unit 372 lights up the number of times corresponding to this number of reserved balls.

Furthermore, the second pending generation command includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery), and information regarding the result of the lottery to determine whether or not to generate a reach display (reach generation lottery).
Here, the MPU 42 executes a lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery) based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area 442 and the win/lose table stored in the win/lose table memory area 431 (see Figure 4) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the win/lose lottery (win/lose result).
In addition, the MPU 42 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 442 and the reach table stored in the reach table memory area 433 (see Figure 4) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the reach occurrence lottery.

In this reference form, the audio and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 execute processes different from those in the main reference form. Specifically, in this reference form, the hold generation process, hold shift process, and performance decision process are different from those in the main reference form. The contents of the hold generation process, hold shift process, and performance decision process in this reference form are described below.

<Pending occurrence processing>
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the reservation generation process.
In the hold occurrence process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2201 to S2209 as shown in Fig. 30. Specifically, the MPU 52 stores the sub-side hold information in the sub-side hold information storage area 543 based on the contents of the hold occurrence command. Note that in this reference embodiment, after executing the process of step S2204, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S2210M before executing the process of step S2205, and differs from the main reference embodiment in that it executes the process of step S2207M instead of the process of step S2207.

In step S2201, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the first hold occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 42 has been received.
When the MPU 52 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 52 executes the process in step S2204 and thereafter.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 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 52 then executes the processing from step S2204 onwards.

After executing the processing of step S2202 or step S2203, in step S2204, the MPU 52 updates the value of the sub-side start pending memory number SN (SRaN or SRbN) by adding 1.

In step S2210M, the MPU 52 determines whether or not there is advance notice hold information in the sub-side hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S2210M that there is no advance notice reservation information, the MPU 52 executes a lottery process for advance notice reservation in step S2205. In the lottery process for advance notice reservation, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate an advance notice reservation.
Specifically, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to issue a notice hold by using the value of the notice hold occurrence counter. The notice hold occurrence counter is provided in the various counter area 542 of the RAM 54.

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 that informs the player of the expected degree of the hold by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold. Note that in this reference form, a notice hold that executes a notice display that generates a look-ahead effect will be explained, and an explanation 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 54.
Then, the MPU 52 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 52 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 53.

In step S2206, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the advance notice reservation generating lottery in step S2205 was won (whether or not to generate an advance notice reservation).
When the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, it executes a notice hold generation process in step S2207M. In this notice hold generation process, the MPU 52 executes a process for generating a notice hold. In addition, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the display lamp unit 124 and audio control of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process in step S2004 described above based on the contents of this notice hold generation process.

Specifically, the MPU 52 stores the advance notice pending information in the first free memory area in the sub-side pending area, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the sub-side start pending memory number SN updated in step S2204.
Here, the advance notice pending information includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery), and information regarding the result of the lottery to determine whether or not a reach display will occur (reach occurrence lottery).
In addition, based on the first hold generation command and the second hold generation command, the MPU 52 includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery) in the advance notice hold information.

For example, when the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 of "4" updated in step S2204.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that no notice hold will be generated, or if it determines in step S2210M that notice hold information exists, it executes normal hold generation processing in step S2208. In this normal hold generation processing, the MPU 52 executes processing for generating a normal hold. Furthermore, based on the contents of this normal hold generation processing, the MPU 52 executes illumination control of the display lamp unit 124 and audio control of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution processing of the aforementioned step S2004.

Specifically, the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, the MPU 52 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.

In this manner, in this reference form, the MPU 52 can generate only one preview hold in the sub-side hold area that executes a preview display that generates a pre-reading performance, and is not able to generate multiple preview holds in the sub-side hold area.
In this embodiment, the MPU 52 is not configured to allow multiple advance reservations to occur in the sub-side reservation area, but this may be possible.

After executing the advance hold generation process of step S2207M or the normal hold generation process of step S2208, the MPU 52 sets a hold display generation command in step S2209. The MPU 52 then stores the hold display generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This hold display generation command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the occurrence of a notice hold or a normal hold on the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display occurrence command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays a notice hold pattern or a normal hold pattern on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of a notice hold or a normal hold.

<Hold shift processing>
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the reservation shift process.
In the reservation shift process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2309M to S2308 as shown in Fig. 31. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S2309M before executing the process of step S2301, executes the process of step S2310M after executing the process of step S2304, and executes the process of step S2311M after executing the process of step S2307, which is different from the main embodiment.

In step S2309M, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred.
The process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur will be described in detail below.

<Pre-reading effect occurrence determination process>
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process for determining whether a pre-reading effect will occur.
In the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur, the MPU 52 executes steps S5001 to S5011 as shown in FIG.
In step S5001, the MPU 52 determines whether or not there is advance notice reservation information in the sub-side reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S5001 that there is no advance notice pending information, it terminates the process of determining whether a pre-reading performance has occurred without executing the processes in step S5002 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S5001 that there is advance notice pending information, it determines in step S5002 whether or not a look-ahead performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54. This look-ahead performance occurrence flag is a flag for identifying that a look-ahead performance has occurred. The MPU 52 sets the look-ahead performance occurrence flag when a look-ahead performance occurs, and clears the look-ahead performance occurrence flag when the look-ahead performance ends.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S5002 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54, this indicates that a pre-reading performance has already occurred, and therefore terminates the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S5003 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5002 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, in step S5003, it obtains the pre-reading pending number PN.

Here, the pre-read pending number PN is the total number of advance pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area and the number of sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area that will be executed before the advance pending information.
For example, if advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, so MPU 52 obtains "4" as the pre-read pending number PN.

In this case, even if normal pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, the normal pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side holding area SRa will be executed after the advance pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, so the MPU 52 acquires "4" as the pre-read pending number PN.

In step S5004, the MPU 52 acquires the advance notice reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area. Specifically, the MPU 52 acquires information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) included in the advance notice reserved information and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).
In step S5005, the MPU 52 judges whether the winning/losing result acquired in step S5004, i.e., the winning/losing result included in the advance reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area, is a "jackpot winning". If the MPU 52 judges in step S5005 that the winning/losing result is a "jackpot winning", it executes the processes in steps S5006 and onwards, and if the MPU 52 judges in step S5005 that the winning/losing result is not a "jackpot winning", it executes the processes in steps S5009 and onwards.

First, the process (the process from step S5006 onward) when the MPU 52 determines in step S5005 that the result is a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S5006, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S5003 is "4" or less.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S5006 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "4" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S5007 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5006 that the pre-read pending number PN is "4" or less, then in step S5007 it sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54.
In step S5008, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the pre-reading effect has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0". After that, the MPU 52 ends the pre-reading effect occurrence determination process.

Next, the process (the process after step S5009) when the MPU 52 determines in step S5005 that the result is not a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S5009, the MPU 52 judges whether the result of the reach occurrence lottery acquired in step S5004, i.e., the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area, is a "win." If the MPU 52 judges in step S5009 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win," it executes the processing from step S5010 onward, and if the MPU 52 judges in step S5009 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win," it executes the processing from step S5011 onward.

First, the process (the process after step S5010) when the MPU 52 determines in step S5009 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win" will be described.
In step S5010, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S5003 is "3" or less.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S5009 that the pre-read pending number PN is "3" or less, it executes the processes in and after step S5007 described above.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5009 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "3" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S5007 and subsequent steps.

Next, a process (processing after step S5011) to be performed when the MPU 52 determines in step S5009 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win" will be described.
In step S5011, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S5003 is "2" or less.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S5011 that the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "2", it executes the processes in and after step S5007 described above.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5011 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "2" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S5007 and subsequent steps.

Thus, in this reference form, when the pre-reading pending number PN is "4" or less, in step S5007, the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 and determines that a pre-reading performance will occur.
Specifically, the pre-reading effect occurs when the result of the pre-reading hold information is a "jackpot win" and the pre-reading hold number PN is "4" or less, when the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the pre-reading hold information is a "win", and when the pre-reading hold number PN is "3" or less, and when the result of the pre-reading hold information is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win", and when the pre-reading hold number PN is "2" or less.

In other words, if the pre-reading effect occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN, which is the sum of the number of advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area and the number of sub-side hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area that is executed before the advance notice hold information, is "4", then the win/loss result contained in the advance notice hold information is determined to be "jackpot win", and if the pre-reading effect occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN is "3", then the result of the reach occurrence lottery contained in the advance notice hold information is determined to be "win".
In this reference form, the pre-reading performance also occurs when advance notice hold information is executed, so if it occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN is "4", it will occur four times in a row, if it occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN is "3", it will occur three times in a row, and if it occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN is "2", it will occur two times in a row.

Returning to the explanation of the reservation shift process, the process from step S2301 onwards will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S2301, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the first shift command transmitted from the MPU 42 has been received.
If the MPU 52 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 S2310M, 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 S2311M.

First, the data setting process for the first sub-side reservation area SRa in steps S2302 to S2310M will be described.
In step S2302, the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 executes a data shift process to shift the sub-side reserved information stored in the storage 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 52 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.

In step S2310M, the MPU 52 clears the second reserved effect flag stored in the RAM 54. This second reserved effect flag is a flag for identifying that the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb has been moved to the execution area SAE. In this step S2310M, the MPU 52 clears the second reserved effect flag stored in the RAM 54, which indicates that the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa has been moved to the execution area SAE.

Next, the data setting process for the second sub-side reservation area SRb in steps S2305 to S2311M will be described.
In step S2305, the MPU 52 subtracts 1 from the value of the second sub-side start pending memory count SRbN in the second sub-side pending area SRb to update it.
In step S2306, the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 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.

In step S2311M, the MPU 52 sets a second reserved effect flag in the RAM 54. This second reserved effect flag is a flag for identifying that the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb has been moved to the execution area SAE. In this step S2311M, the MPU 52 sets the second reserved effect flag in the RAM 54, which indicates that the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb has been moved to the execution area SAE.

After executing the processing of step S2310M or step S2311M, the MPU 52 sets a hold display shift command in step S2308. Then, the MPU 52 stores the hold display shift command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. Here, the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 543 is included in the hold display shift command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This hold display shift command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission processing of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the normal hold and advance notice hold shifts on the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command sent from the MPU 52. The MPU 62 then outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (e.g., every 20 msec period) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays and executes the normal hold and advance notice hold shifts on the display screen G.

<Regarding the performance determination process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect determination process.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 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 52 executes steps S2401 to S2413 in substantially the same manner as in the main reference embodiment. Note that in this reference embodiment, the MPU 52 differs from the main reference embodiment in that, as shown in FIG. 33, instead of the process of step S2407, it executes the process of step S2407M.

In step S2407M, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining a presentation pattern. In this process, the MPU 52 selects a presentation pattern that corresponds to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table previously stored in the ROM 53. Specifically, the MPU 52 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. In step S2407M, the MPU 52 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display.

Furthermore, the MPU 52 controls the illumination of the display lamp unit 124 and controls the sound of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process of step S2004 described above, based on the selected performance pattern.
The process of determining the effect pattern will be described in detail below.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the process of determining an effect pattern.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a process of 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 of determining a performance pattern, the MPU 52 executes steps S5101 to S5108 as shown in FIG.

In step S5101, it is determined whether or not a pre-reading effect occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S5101 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54, it executes the processing from step S5102 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5101 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, it executes the processing from step S5106 onwards.

First, the process (the process from step S5102 onward) when it is determined in step S5101 that the MPU 52 has set a pre-reading effect occurrence flag in the RAM 54 will be described.
In step S5102, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining whether or not the pre-reading performance has been consumed.
The process of determining whether or not the advance reading performance will be completed is explained in detail below.

<Pre-reading performance consumption determination process>
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance has been consumed.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading effect, the MPU 52 executes steps S5201 to S5214 as shown in FIG.

In step S5201, MPU 52 obtains the execution time pre-read pending number APN.

Here, the execution time pre-read pending number APN is the total number of advance pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area at the time of execution of the current sub-side pending information, and the number of sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area that will be executed before the advance pending information.
For example, as described above, if advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, so MPU 52 obtains "4" as the pre-read pending number PN.

Thereafter, when executing the normal pending information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the execution-time read-ahead pending number APN.
In this case, if normal pending information is also stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "4" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN.

In step S5202, the MPU 52 determines whether the execution time pre-reading pending number APN acquired in step S5201 is less than the pre-reading pending number PN.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S5202 that the execution time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, it executes the processes in steps S5203 and onward.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5202 that the execution time pre-reading pending number APN is not less than the pre-reading pending number PN, it executes the processes in and after step S5210.

First, the process (the process from step S5203 onward) when the MPU 52 determines in step S5202 that the execution time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN will be described.
In step S5203, the number of times CN of the reserved synthesis notice stored in the RAM 54 is reset by substituting "0." The number of times CN of the reserved synthesis notice will be described in detail later.

In step S5204, the MPU 52 executes a process for generating a look-ahead effect. In this process, the MPU 52 determines whether a look-ahead effect will occur based on the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 52 determines whether a first look-ahead effect will occur; if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 52 determines whether a second look-ahead effect will occur; if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 52 determines whether a third look-ahead effect will occur; and if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 52 determines whether a fourth look-ahead effect will occur.

In step S5205, the MPU 52 sets a look-ahead performance generation command. The MPU 52 then stores the look-ahead performance generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. Here, the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 is included in the look-ahead performance generation command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This look-ahead performance generation command is sent to the display control device 6 in the command sending process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the generation of the pre-reading performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance generation command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance is consumed PRN included in the pre-reading performance generation command. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the pre-reading performance on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the first look-ahead performance has occurred; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the second look-ahead performance has occurred; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the third look-ahead performance has occurred; and if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the fourth look-ahead performance has occurred.

In step S5206, the MPU 52 updates the value of the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by adding 1 to the value.
In step S5207, the MPU 52 updates the value of the pre-read pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S5208, it is determined whether the value of the pre-read pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 is "0" or less.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S5208 that the value of the pre-reading pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", in step S5209, the MPU 52 clears the pre-reading performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. In this way, the MPU 52 ends the pre-reading performance.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5208 that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is not "0" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance consumption determination process without executing the processing of step S5209.

Next, the process (the process after step S5210) when the MPU 52 determines in step S5202 that the execution time pre-reading pending number APN is not less than the pre-reading pending number PN will be described.
In step S5210, the MPU 52 executes a reserved synthesis notice generation process. In this reserved synthesis notice generation process, the MPU 52 determines the generation of a reserved synthesis notice based on the number of reserved synthesis notices CN stored in the RAM 54.

Here, the reserved combination notice is a notice display that makes the player see it as one play by combining multiple play times. This reserved combination notice occurs only while the look-ahead performance is occurring, and the reserved is consumed without consuming the look-ahead performance. In this reference form, the reserved combination notice generates a pseudo consecutive performance in which a pseudo variable display that displays a predetermined stop result is executed over multiple play times after the variable display is started on the pattern display device 36, thereby pseudo-combining multiple play times and making it appear to the player as one play time.
In this embodiment, the reserved combination notice adopts a pseudo consecutive performance, but other notice displays may be adopted. In short, the reserved combination notice may be a notice display that pseudo-combines multiple play times and makes the player see it as one play time.

Specifically, in the hold synthesis notice generation process of step S5210, if the number of times the hold synthesis notice has been played is "0", MPU 52 determines that the first hold synthesis notice, i.e., the first pseudo consecutive performance, will occur; if the number of times the hold synthesis notice has been played is "1", MPU 52 determines that the second hold synthesis notice, i.e., the second pseudo consecutive performance, will occur; and if the number of times the hold synthesis notice has been played is "N", MPU 52 determines that the N+1th hold synthesis notice, i.e., the N+1th pseudo consecutive performance, will occur.

In step S5211, the MPU 52 sets a reserved composite notice occurrence command. The MPU 52 then stores the reserved composite notice occurrence command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. Here, the value of the number of times CN that the reserved composite notice has been consumed stored in the RAM 54 is included in the reserved composite notice occurrence command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This reserved composite notice occurrence command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the generation of the reserved composite notice on the pattern display device 36 based on the reserved composite notice generation command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the reserved composite notice is consumed CN included in the reserved composite notice generation command. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the reserved composite notice on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of the reserved composite notice. Specifically, if the number of times the reserved synthesis notice has been used, CN, is "0", the MPU 52 notifies the player of the first reserved synthesis notice, i.e., the first occurrence of a pseudo consecutive performance; if the number of times the reserved synthesis notice has been used, CN, is "1", the MPU 52 notifies the player of the second reserved synthesis notice, i.e., the second occurrence of a pseudo consecutive performance; and if the number of times the reserved synthesis notice has been used, CN, is "N", the MPU 52 notifies the player of the N+1th reserved synthesis notice, i.e., the N+1th occurrence of a pseudo consecutive performance.

In step S5212, the MPU 52 updates the value of the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been played, CN, stored in the RAM 54 by adding 1.
In step S5213, the MPU 52 determines whether the value of the number of times CN that the pending synthesis notice has been consumed, stored in the RAM 54, is "1" or less.

When the MPU 52 determines in step S5213 that the value of the number of times CN of the reserved combination notice is consumed is "1" or less (when the first reserved combination notice is generated), it executes the above-mentioned processing from step S5204 onwards. In other words, the MPU 52 executes the generation of the pre-reading effect and the first reserved combination notice, i.e., the generation of the first pseudo consecutive effect, during one game round.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5213 that the value of the number of times the reserved compositing notice has been issued CN is not "1" or less (if the second or subsequent reserved compositing notice has been issued), then in step S5214, the MPU 52 determines whether the value of the execution-time pre-read reserved number APN acquired in step S5201 is "0" or less.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S5214 that the value of the execution time pre-read pending number APN is "0" or less, it executes the processes from step S5208 onwards described above.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5214 that the value of the execution-time pre-read pending number APN is not "0" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance consumption determination process.
In this way, the MPU 52 is configured not to execute the occurrence of a pre-reading effect and the second or subsequent pending synthesis notice, i.e., the occurrence of the second or subsequent pseudo consecutive effects, during one game round.

Returning to the explanation of the effect pattern determination process, the process from step S5103 onwards will be described with reference to FIG.
After executing the pre-reading performance consumption determination process in step S5102, the MPU 52 executes the processes from step S5103 onwards described above.

In step S5103, it is determined whether the value of the number of times CN that the reserved synthesis notice has been played back stored in RAM 54 is "0" or less.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S5103 that the value of the consumption count CN of the reserved composite notice is "0" or less, it executes a process of determining a pseudo consecutive performance in step S5104. In the process of determining a pseudo consecutive performance, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a notice display that generates a normal pseudo consecutive performance in which the above-mentioned pseudo variable display is executed multiple times during one game.

After executing the process of step S5104, or when it is determined in step S5103 that the value of the consumption count CN of the reserved composite notice is not "0" or less, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining other presentation patterns in step S5015. In the process of determining other presentation patterns, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a notice display other than the pre-reading presentation and the pseudo consecutive presentation. After that, the MPU 52 ends the process of determining the presentation pattern.
In this way, the MPU 52 is configured not to generate the normal pseudo consecutive performance when a pending synthesis notice has occurred.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5101 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, it determines in step S5106 whether or not the second pending performance flag is set in the RAM 54.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S5106 that the second pending effect flag is not set in the RAM 54, it executes the processing from step S5104 onwards described above.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S5106 that the second reserved performance flag is set in the RAM 54, it executes a second reserved performance generation process in step S5107. In this second reserved performance generation process, the MPU 52 generates a second reserved performance that is executed only when the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb is moved to the execution area SAE in a state where no pre-reading performance is occurring. This second reserved performance will be described in detail later.

In step S5108, the MPU 52 sets a second hold effect generation command. The MPU 52 then stores the second hold effect generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This second hold effect generation command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the generation of the second reserved effect on the pattern display device 36 based on the second reserved effect generation command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the second reserved effect on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of the second reserved effect.

<About the occurrence of pre-reading performances and the subsequent flow>
FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a display screen of the pattern display device when advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Specifically, FIG. 36(A) is a diagram showing a state in which advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, FIG. 36(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, FIG. 36(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the second pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, FIG. 36(D) is a diagram showing a state in which the third pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, FIG. 36(E) is a diagram showing a state in which the fourth pre-reading performance related to the advance notice reservation information is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area.

As shown in FIG. 36(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 36(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207M, 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. 36, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B14.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 36 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11 and places it on top of the execution pedestal AB, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12 and places it on top of pedestal B11, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13 and places it on top of pedestal B12, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B14 and places it on top of pedestal B13.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 36 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309M.
In the example of Fig. 36 (A), the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "4" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S5003.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it will obtain "4" as the pre-read hold number PN, and therefore in step S5007, it will set a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 only if the win/loss result contained in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win."
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the second hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it obtains "3" as the pre-read hold number PN. Therefore, if the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", in step S5007, it sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the third hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN. Therefore, in any of the cases where the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", a pre-read performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54 in step S5007.

Then, in step S5007, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 36, a case will be described in which the winning/losing result included in the advance notice reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area is "jackpot winning."

In the example of Figure 36, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", so when the MPU 52 executes the first pending shift process after the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, in step S5003, it obtains "4" as the pre-read pending number PN, and in step S5007, sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S5007, in step S5102, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the example of Fig. 36 (B), the advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, the two sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "3" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 36(B), the MPU 62 places a gauge GB having eight scales at the left edge of the display screen G, and displays an angel character operating a pump connected to the gauge at the bottom right of the gauge GB on the pattern display device 36, thereby displaying and executing a look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on the pedestal B13 in the example of FIG. 36(B)) by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold (the hold related to the normal hold image placed on the execution pedestal AB and on the pedestals B11 and B12 in the example of FIG. 36(B)).

In the example of FIG. 36(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5008, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 36 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 36 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 36 (C), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "3".
In the example of Fig. 36 (C), the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, one sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "2" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, based on the look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the look-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 36(C), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 36 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 36 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 36 (D), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 has completed the second pre-reading performance, so in step S5207, it subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 and updates it to "2".
In the example of Fig. 36 (D), only the advance notice pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, other sub-side pending information will not be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "1" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, based on the look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the look-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 36(D), the MPU 62 executes a third look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2", and so the MPU 62 executes a third look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to 6 marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 36 (E), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 36 (E), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 36 (E), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 has completed the third pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".
Also, in the example of Figure 36 (E), since only advance notice pending information is stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 52 acquires "0" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S5208, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S5209, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 36(E), the MPU 62 executes the fourth look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "3", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the fourth look-ahead performance with the gauge GB scale reaching 8 based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

In this way, in the example of Figure 36, the pre-reading effect occurs four times in a row, so it is determined that the result of the prediction included in the pending notice information is a "jackpot win." Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has accumulated to a maximum of eight marks, so the player can use this as a guide to know that the result of the prediction included in the pending notice information is a "jackpot win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

Figure 37 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device when advance notice pending information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Specifically, Figure 37 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which advance notice pending information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 37 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice pending information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 37 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which the second pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice pending information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 37 (D) is a diagram showing a state in which the third pre-reading performance related to the advance notice pending information is consumed after advance notice pending information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area.

As shown in FIG. 37(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 37(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207M, 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., in the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. In the example of Fig. 37, the MPU 52 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 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B13.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 37 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309M.
In the example of Fig. 37 (A), the advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, the two sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "3" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S5003.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it will obtain "3" as the pre-read hold number PN, and if the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", in step S5007, it will set a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the second hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN. Therefore, in any of the cases where the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", a pre-read performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S5007.

Then, in step S5007, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 37, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of Figure 37, since the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it obtains "3" as the pre-read hold number PN, and in step S5007, sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S5007, in step S5102, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the example of Fig. 37B, the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, one sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 acquires "2" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, based on the look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the look-ahead performance.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37(B), the MPU 62 places a gauge GB having eight scales at the left edge of the display screen G, and displays an angel character operating a pump connected to the gauge at the bottom right of the gauge GB on the pattern display device 36, thereby displaying and executing a look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on the pedestal B12 in the example of FIG. 37(B)) by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold (the hold related to the normal hold image placed on the execution pedestal AB and on the pedestal B11 in the example of FIG. 37(B)).

In the example of FIG. 37(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5008, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37 (C), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 37 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 37 (C), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "2".
In the example of Fig. 37C, only the advance notice pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, other sub-side pending information will not be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "1" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, based on the look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the look-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 37(C), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37 (D), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 37 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 37 (D), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 has completed the second pre-reading performance, so in step S5207, it subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".
Also, in the example of Figure 37 (D), since only advance notice pending information is stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 52 acquires "0" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S5208, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S5209, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 37(D), the MPU 62 executes a third look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2", and so the MPU 62 executes a third look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to 6 marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

In this way, in the example of Figure 37, the pre-reading performance occurs three times in a row, so it is determined that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has reached six marks, so using this as a guide, the player can know that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information is a "win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

Figure 38 is a diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device when advance notice pending information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area. Specifically, Figure 38 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which advance notice pending information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 38 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first pre-reading performance has been completed after advance notice pending information has been stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 38 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which the second pre-reading performance related to advance notice pending information has been completed after advance notice pending information has been stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area.

As shown in FIG. 38(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 38(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207M, 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. 38, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B12.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 38 (B), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 38 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309M.
In the example of Fig. 38 (A), the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, one sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S5003.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S5003, and therefore in any of the following cases, a pre-read performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S5007: the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

Then, in step S5007, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 38, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win."

In the example of FIG. 38, the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", so when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it obtains "2" as the pre-read hold number PN, and in step S5007, sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S5007, in step S5102, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
Here, in the example of Fig. 38 (B), only the advance notice pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, other sub-side pending information will not be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so in step S5201, the MPU 52 acquires "1" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, based on the look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the look-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 38(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5008, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 38 (C), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 38 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 38 (C), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".
Also, in the example of Figure 38 (C), since only advance notice pending information is stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 52 acquires "0" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S5208, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S5209, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 38(C), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

In this way, in the example of Figure 38, the pre-reading effect occurs twice in a row, so it is not confirmed that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has accumulated to four marks, so using this as a guide, the player can understand that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" without waiting for the display of changing patterns to stop.

Figure 39 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device in the case where normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area before the occurrence of the look-ahead performance after advance notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Specifically, Figure 39 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which advance notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 39 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first look-ahead performance is consumed after advance notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 39 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which the second look-ahead performance is consumed after advance notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 39 (D) is a diagram showing a state in which the third look-ahead performance related to the advance notice reserved information is consumed after advance notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area.

As shown in FIG. 39(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 39(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207M, 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. 39, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B12.

The MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 39 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B21, and places it on the execution pedestal AB, places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, on pedestal B11 without shifting it, and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, on pedestal B12 without shifting it.
In this way, the hold shift process of step S2104 shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb preferentially toward the execution area SAE.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 39 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309M.
Here, in the example of Fig. 39 (A), the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa and the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side pending area SRb. In this case, the two sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "3" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S5003.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it will obtain "3" as the pre-read hold number PN, and if the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", in step S5007, it will set a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the second hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN. Therefore, in any of the cases where the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", a pre-read performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54 in step S5007.

Then, in step S5007, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 39, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 39, since the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it obtains "3" as the pre-read hold number PN, and in step S5007, sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S5007, in step S5102, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the example of Fig. 39 (B), the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, one sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 39(B), the MPU 62 places a gauge GB having eight scales at the left edge of the display screen G, and displays an angel character operating a pump connected to the gauge at the bottom right of the gauge GB on the pattern display device 36, thereby displaying and executing a look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on the pedestal B12 in the example of FIG. 39(B)) by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold (the hold related to the normal hold image placed on the execution pedestal AB and on the pedestal B11 in the example of FIG. 39(B)).

In the example of FIG. 39(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5008, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 39 (C), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 39 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 39 (C), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "2".
In the example of Fig. 39C, only the advance notice pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, other sub-side pending information will not be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "1" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, based on the look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the look-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 39(C), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 39 (D), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 39 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 39 (D), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the second pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".
Also, in the example of Figure 39 (D), since only advance notice pending information is stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 52 acquires "0" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S5208, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S5209, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 39(D), the MPU 62 executes the third look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the third look-ahead performance with the gauge GB scale reaching 6 based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

In this way, in the example of Figure 39, the pre-reading performance occurs three times in a row, so it is determined that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has reached six marks, so the player can use this as a guide to know that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information is a "win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

<About the flow when normal reserved information is stored in the second sub-side reserved area after the occurrence of the pre-reading performance>
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a display screen of a pattern display device in the case where normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area after the occurrence of a look-ahead performance after the notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Specifically, FIG. 40(A) is a diagram showing a state where notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 40(B) is a diagram showing a state where the first look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 40(C) is a diagram showing a state where normal reserved information is stored in the second sub-side reserved area when the first look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 40(D) is a diagram showing a state where the second look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 40(E) is a diagram showing a state where the first reserved composite notice is generated. Also, FIG. 40(F) is a diagram showing a state where the second reserved composite notice is generated.

As shown in FIG. 40(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 40(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207M, 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. 40, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B12.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 40 (B), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 40 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309M.
In the example of Fig. 40 (A), the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, one sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S5003.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S5003, and therefore in any of the following cases, a pre-read performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S5007: the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

Then, in step S5007, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 40, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win."

In the example of FIG. 40, the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", so when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it obtains "2" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S5003 and sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 in step S5007.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S5007, in step S5102, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
Here, in the example of Fig. 40 (B), only the advance notice pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, other sub-side pending information will not be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so in step S5201, the MPU 52 acquires "1" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, so in step S5203, it resets the number of times the pending synthesis notice has been consumed CN stored in RAM 54 by substituting "0", and then in step S5204, it executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, based on the look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the look-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 40(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5008, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Here, after the pre-reading performance occurs, if the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that normal hold information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb, it places the image of a white sphere, which is the normal hold image, on the base B21, as shown in Figure 40 (C).

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 40 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B21, onto the execution base AB, and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on base B11, onto base B11 without shifting it.
In this way, the hold shift process of step S2104 shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb preferentially toward the execution area SAE.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 40 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Here, in the example of Figure 40 (D), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".
40D, only the advance notice pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, other sub-side pending information will not be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "1" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution time pre-read pending number APN is not less than the pre-read pending number PN, and therefore in step S5210, executes a pending compositing notice generation process, and in step S5211, sets a pending compositing notice generation command.
Then, based on the hold composite notice occurrence command sent from MPU 52 and the number of times CN that the hold composite notice has been consumed that is included in this hold composite notice occurrence command, MPU 62 displays the hold composite notice on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the hold composite notice.

Specifically, in step S5203, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the reserved combination notice has been used, CN, stored in the RAM 54, by substituting "0". Therefore, based on the stop result command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays various combinations of symbols as stop results on the pay line L, and when announcing the result of the win/lose lottery, as shown in FIG. 40 (E), a devil character is displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 36, and this character says "One more time!" to notify the player of the occurrence of the first reserved combination notice, i.e., the first pseudo consecutive performance.

After that, since the first pseudo consecutive performance has been consumed, in step S5212, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times CN of the reserved composite notice stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1." Therefore, in step S5213, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the number of times CN of the reserved composite notice stored in the RAM 54 is "1" or less, so in step S5204, it executes a look-ahead performance generation process, and in step S5205, it sets a look-ahead performance generation command.
Then, based on the look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the look-ahead performance (see Figures 40 (D) and (E)).

In the examples of Figures 40(D) and (E), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 40 (F), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, and places it on top of execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 40 (F), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 40 (F), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 has completed the second pre-reading performance, so in step S5207, it subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 and updates it to "0".
Also, in the example of Figure 40 (F), since only advance notice pending information is stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 52 acquires "0" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution time pre-read pending number APN is not less than the pre-read pending number PN, and therefore in step S5210, executes a pending compositing notice generation process, and in step S5211, sets a pending compositing notice generation command.
Then, based on the hold composite notice generation command sent from MPU 52 and the number of times CN that the hold composite notice has been consumed that is included in this hold composite notice generation command, MPU 62 displays the hold composite notice on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the hold composite notice.

Specifically, since the first pseudo consecutive performance has been completed, in step S5212, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the reserved combination notice has been completed, CN, stored in the RAM 54, updating it to "1". Therefore, as shown in FIG. 40 (F), the MPU 62 displays "x2" in the upper right corner of the display screen G of the symbol display device 36 to notify the player of the second reserved combination notice, i.e., the occurrence of the second pseudo consecutive performance.

After that, since the second pseudo consecutive performance has been consumed, in step S5212, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the consumption count CN of the reserved synthesis notice stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2." Therefore, in step S5213, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the consumption count CN of the reserved synthesis notice stored in the RAM 54 is not "1" or less, and in step S5214 determines that the value of the execution time pre-read reserved number APN is "0" or less.
Thereafter, the MPU 52 determines in step S5208 that the value of the read-ahead pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore clears the read-ahead performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54 in step S5209 to end the read-ahead performance. As a result, the MPU 52 ends the read-ahead performance without executing the third read-ahead performance.

In this way, in the example of Figure 40, the pre-reading effect occurs twice in a row, so it is not confirmed that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has accumulated to four marks, so using this as a guide, the player can understand that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" without waiting for the display of changing patterns to stop.

<About the flow when normal reserved information is stored in the second sub-side reserved area when no pre-reading performance has occurred>
FIG. 41 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device when normal reserved information is stored in the second sub-side reserved area in a state where no pre-reading performance has occurred. Specifically, FIG. 41(A) is a diagram showing a state where normal reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area, and normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 41(B) is a diagram showing a state where the first reserved shift process is executed after normal reserved information is stored in each area. Also, FIG. 41(C) is a diagram showing a state where the second reserved shift process is executed after normal reserved information is stored in each area.

As shown in FIG. 41(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 41(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is not to be generated, in step S2208, it executes a normal hold generation process and stores the normal hold information in the first free storage area of the sub-side hold 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. 41, the MPU 52 stores the normal hold information in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, and stores the normal hold information in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the normal hold pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of a normal hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines that normal reserved information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa based on the contents of the reserved display generation command sent from the MPU 52, it places a white sphere pattern, which is a normal reserved pattern, on the base B12. Also, when the MPU 62 determines that normal 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 52, it places a white sphere pattern, which is a normal reserved pattern, on the base B21.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B21 and places it on the execution base AB, places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B11 onto base B11 without shifting it, and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B12 onto base B12 without shifting it.
In this way, the hold shift process of step S2104 shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb preferentially toward the execution area SAE.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 41 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309M.
Here, in the example of Figure 41 (A), normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 and second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after normal hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it determines in step S5001 that there is no advance notice hold information, and therefore does not set the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.
Then, if the MPU 52 does not set the pre-reading effect occurring flag in the RAM 54, in step S5106, it determines whether or not the second pending effect flag is set in the RAM 54.

Here, in the example of Figure 41 (B), the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb has been moved to the execution area SAE, so in step S2311M, a second reserved performance flag is set in RAM 54.
Therefore, in step S5106, the MPU 52 determines that the second hold effect flag is set in the RAM 54, and therefore in step S5107, executes a second hold effect generation process, and in step S5108, sets a second hold effect generation command.
Then, based on the second hold effect occurrence command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the second hold effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the second hold effect.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41(B), the MPU 62 displays 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 second pending performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41 (C), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11 and places it on top of the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12 and places it on top of pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 41 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 41 (C), the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa has been moved to the execution area SAE, so in step S2310M, the second reserved performance flag stored in RAM 54 is cleared.
Therefore, in step S5106, the MPU 52 determines that the second pending performance flag is not set in the RAM 54, and therefore in step S5104, executes a process for determining a pseudo consecutive performance, and in step S5105, executes a process for determining other performance patterns.

In this way, in the example of FIG. 41, when no pre-reading effect is occurring, normal reserved information is stored in the second sub-side reserved area SRb, so when the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb is moved to the execution area SAE, the MPU 52 generates the second reserved effect. Also, the second reserved effect is executed only when the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb is moved to the execution area SAE when no pre-reading effect is occurring, so the player can enjoy an effect that is different from the effect executed when a pre-reading effect is occurring or when the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa is moved to the execution area SAE.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the audio/light control device 5 and the display control device 6 function as a performance execution means for causing the pattern display device 36 to execute a performance.
The pre-reading performance consumption determination process of step S5102 functions as a period performance generating means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a pre-reading performance (period performance) for a predetermined period of time based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 25 (first starting ball entry means).
In addition, the process of determining the presentation pattern in step S2407M functions as a special presentation generating means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a second reserved presentation (special presentation) different from the pre-reading presentation based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 26 (second starting ball entry means), and executes the pre-reading presentation instead of the second reserved presentation based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 26 during a specified period.

In this embodiment, the first starting ball entry means employs the upper operating port 25, and the second starting ball entry means employs the lower operating port 26, but any configuration may be used. For example, the first starting ball entry means may employ the large prize entry port, the V prize entry port, the general prize entry port, each operating port, and a through gate, and the second starting ball entry means may employ the large prize entry port, the V prize entry port, the general prize entry port, each operating port, and a through gate. In addition, the first starting ball entry means and the second starting ball entry means may be located in any part of the gaming machine, and may be located, for example, inside the large prize entry port or inside the role.

According to this configuration, the process of determining the presentation pattern causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a second reserved presentation different from the look-ahead presentation based on the entry of a game ball into the lower actuation port 26, and causes the look-ahead presentation to be executed in place of the second reserved presentation based on the entry of a game ball into the lower actuation port 26 during a specified period. According to this, when the pachinko machine 1 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead presentation for a specified period based on the entry of a game ball into the upper actuation port 25, it can execute a look-ahead presentation in place of the second reserved presentation based on the entry of a game ball into the lower actuation port 26. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

In addition, in this reference form, the sub-side hold information storage area 543 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 25 or the lower actuation port 26.
The sub-side pending information storage area 543 includes an execution area SAE (execution area) that stores pending information while the variable display is being executed on the pattern display device 36, 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 36.

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 543 in the order in which the game balls enter the upper actuation port 25 or the lower actuation port 26.
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 25, 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 26, 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.

With this configuration, the hold shift process preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb toward the execution area SAE, so that even if the pachinko machine 1 is in a state where the pattern display device 36 is executing a pre-reading performance based on the hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa, the pachinko machine 1 can cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a pre-reading performance instead of the second hold performance based on the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb.

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, in this reference form, when reserved information is stored in the first sub-side reserved area SRa by the first reserved storage means, the period presentation is a look-ahead presentation that notifies the player of the expected value of the reserved information by a presentation based on the reserved information stored in the first sub-side reserved area SRa or the second sub-side reserved area SRb that is consumed before the reserved information.

Here, since the period performance is a look-ahead performance, if the pachinko machine 1 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance based on the hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa, and then causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a second hold performance based on the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb, the continuity of the look-ahead performance will be lost. With this configuration, the performance pattern determination process can execute a look-ahead performance instead of the second hold performance based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during a specified period, allowing the player to play comfortably without losing the continuity of the look-ahead performance.

In this embodiment, the period effect uses a look-ahead effect, but any effect can be used as long as it is executed by the pattern display device 36 for a specified period of time. For example, other effects such as a preview display that changes the type of reserved pattern to notify the player of the expected level of the reserved pattern may be used.

In addition, in this embodiment, the look-ahead performance notifies the player of the expectation of this look-ahead performance based on the length of a predetermined period.
Specifically, if the pre-reading effect occurred four times in a row, the result of the prediction held information was determined to be a "jackpot win," and if it occurred three times in a row, the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the pre-reading information was determined to be a "win."

With this configuration, the look-ahead performance notifies the player of the expectation level of this look-ahead performance based on the length of the specified period, so the player will pay attention to the length of the specified period.

In this embodiment, the player is notified of the expectation of the pre-reading effect based on the number of times it occurs consecutively, but it is sufficient if the expectation of the pre-reading effect can be notified to the player based on the length of a specified period of time. For example, the expectation of the pre-reading effect can be notified to the player based on the duration of the effect.

In addition, in this reference form, when the second reserve storage means stores priority reserve information that is to be preferentially consumed in the second sub-side reserve area SRb based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during a specified period, the pre-reading performance consumption determination process functions as a performance synthesis means that synthesizes a performance based on the priority reserve information (first reserve synthesis notice) with a performance based on reserve information stored in the first sub-side reserve area SRa or the second sub-side reserve area SRb that is to be consumed after the priority reserve information (second reserve synthesis notice), and presents the result to the player as one game round.

According to this configuration, when the second reserve storage means stores priority reserve information to be consumed preferentially in the second sub-side reserve area SRb based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during a specified period, the process of determining whether to read ahead and whether to consume the effect combines the effect based on this priority reserve information with the effect based on the reserve information stored in the first sub-side reserve area SRa or the second sub-side reserve area SRb that is consumed after the priority reserve information, and presents this to the player as one game round. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can cause the pattern display device 36 to execute the read ahead performance instead of the second reserve performance based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during a specified period without changing the length of the specified period.

In this reference form, the process of determining whether to read ahead and consume the performance combines a performance based on the priority reserve information with a performance based on the reserve information stored in the first sub-side reserve area SRa or the second sub-side reserve area SRb that is consumed after the priority reserve information, but it may also be possible to combine a performance based on the priority reserve information with a performance based on the reserve information stored in the first sub-side reserve area SRa or the second sub-side reserve area SRb that is consumed before the priority reserve information.

In addition, in this reference form, the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance stops the progress of the pre-reading performance based on priority hold information when a pseudo-consecutive performance (special performance) based on priority hold information is combined with a pseudo-consecutive performance based on hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa or the second sub-side hold area SRb that is consumed after the priority hold information.
The pseudo consecutive performance is a performance different from the look-ahead performance and the second reserved performance, and is a performance that can be executed in overlap with the look-ahead performance.

With this configuration, the pre-reading performance completion determination process stops the progress of the pre-reading performance based on the priority hold information when a pseudo consecutive performance based on the priority hold information is combined with a pseudo consecutive performance based on hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa or the second sub-side hold area SRb that is consumed after the priority hold information, so that the pachinko machine 1 can cause the pattern display device 36 to execute the pre-reading performance instead of the second hold performance based on the entry of the game ball into the lower operating port 26 during the specified period without changing the length of the specified period.

In this reference form, the special effect employs a pseudo consecutive effect, but it is different from the look-ahead effect and the second hold effect, and any effect that can be executed in overlap with the look-ahead effect may be used. For example, it may be an effect in which a specific character or the like is displayed as a video on the display screen G, an effect in which the background is changed, or an effect in which the shape of the pattern columns Z1 to Z3 is changed and displayed.

In addition, in this reference form, the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading effect in step S5102 functions as a development effect generating means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a pre-reading effect (development effect) that develops gradually over a predetermined number of game rounds based on the establishment of the first trigger (the game ball entering the upper operating port 25).
In addition, the reserve shift processing of step S2104 functions as a means for increasing the number of times the advancement performance is played based on the occurrence of a second trigger different from the first trigger (the game ball entering the lower operating port 26).
The pre-reading performance consumption determination process functions as a development performance count reduction means for reducing the number of times the pre-reading performance is played when the number of times the pre-reading performance is played is increased by the hold shift process.

According to this configuration, the audio light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are equipped with a hold shift process that increases the number of times the pre-reading performance is played based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger, and a hold shift process that determines whether the pre-reading performance is consumed and decreases the number of times the pre-reading performance is played if the hold shift process increases the number of times the pre-reading performance is played. Therefore, even if the number of times the pre-reading performance is increased to a predetermined number based on the establishment of the second trigger, the pre-reading performance can maintain the predetermined number of times. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

In this reference embodiment, the first trigger is triggered by a game ball entering the upper operating port 25, and the second trigger is triggered by a game ball entering the lower operating port 26, but any other element may be used. For example, the first trigger may be triggered by a game ball entering the large prize port, the V prize port, the general prize port, each operating port, and the through gate, and the second trigger may be triggered by a game ball entering the large prize port, the V prize port, the general prize port, each operating port, and the through gate. Furthermore, the first trigger and the second trigger may be triggered by an element other than a game ball entering the port.

Furthermore, with this configuration, the hold shift process preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb toward the execution area SAE, so even if the pachinko machine 1 is in a state where the pattern display device 36 is executing a pre-reading performance based on the hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa, the hold shift process can increase the number of times the pre-reading performance is played based on the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb.

In addition, according to this configuration, since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the pachinko machine 1 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a second reserved performance based on the reserved information stored in the second sub-side reserved area SRb while the pattern display device 36 is executing a look-ahead performance based on the reserved information stored in the first sub-side reserved area SRa, the continuity of the look-ahead performance will be lost. In this configuration, the sound and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are equipped with a look-ahead performance consumption determination process that reduces the number of times the look-ahead performance is played when the number of times the look-ahead performance is played is increased by the reserved shift process, so that the look-ahead performance can maintain the predetermined number of times even if the number of times the play is increased based on the establishment of the second trigger.

In addition, with this configuration, the look-ahead performance notifies the player of the expectation of this look-ahead performance based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played, so the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.

In addition, according to this configuration, when the second reserve storage means stores priority reserve information that is to be consumed preferentially in the second sub-side reserve area SRb based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during a predetermined number of play rounds, the process of determining whether to consume the look-ahead performance combines the performance based on this priority reserve information with the performance based on the reserve information stored in the first sub-side reserve area SRa or the second sub-side reserve area SRb that is consumed after the priority reserve information, and presents this to the player as one play round. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the number of play rounds of the look-ahead performance by the reserve shift process based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during a predetermined number of play rounds, without changing the number of play rounds.

In addition, with this configuration, the process of determining whether to complete the look-ahead performance stops the progress of the look-ahead performance based on the priority hold information when a pseudo consecutive performance based on the priority hold information is combined with a pseudo consecutive performance based on hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa or the second sub-side hold area SRb that is consumed after the priority hold information, so that the pachinko machine 1 can increase the number of times the look-ahead performance is played by the hold shift process based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during the specified number of play times, without changing the number of play times for the specified number of play times.

In addition, in this reference form, the process of determining whether the advance reading performance has been completed in step S5102 functions as a first game round performance generating means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a pseudo consecutive performance (game round performance) based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 25.
In addition, the process of determining whether or not the advance-reading performance has been completed also functions as a second game round performance generating means for causing the symbol display device 36 to execute a pseudo consecutive performance based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 26.
The process of determining whether or not the advance reading performance has been completed also functions as a game round performance synthesis means which synthesizes the pseudo consecutive performance of the first game round performance generating means and the pseudo consecutive performance of the second game round performance generating means, and presents the result to the player as a single game round performance.

According to this configuration, the first game round performance generating means causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a pseudo consecutive performance based on the game ball entering the upper operating port 25, and the second game round performance generating means causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a pseudo consecutive performance based on the game ball entering the lower operating port 26. The game round performance synthesis means then synthesizes the pseudo consecutive performance of the first game round performance generating means and the pseudo consecutive performance of the second game round performance generating means, and presents the result to the player as a single pseudo consecutive performance. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the player's attention to the game.

In this reference embodiment, the game round presentation employs a pseudo consecutive presentation, but any presentation that occurs over one game round may be used. For example, the presentation may display a specific character or the like as a moving image on the display screen G, may display a background by changing it, or may display a changed form of the pattern columns Z1 to Z3.

In addition, in this reference embodiment, the actuation ports 25, 26 are both open upward so that game balls flowing down the game area can enter the game, and are arranged vertically side by side with the upper actuation port 25 located at the top and the lower actuation port 26 located at the bottom. In contrast, the actuation ports 25, 26 may be arranged on both sides in the horizontal left and right directions, for example, and may have any positional relationship. In addition, the actuation ports 25, 26 are configured to allow game balls that have passed through separate flow paths to enter the game, but they may be configured, for example, to distribute game balls that have passed through a common flow path to one of the actuation ports 25, 26, and allow the distributed game balls to enter the game.

In addition, in this reference form, the process of determining the presentation pattern in step S2407M functions as a continuous presentation generating means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a series of pseudo consecutive presentations (continuous presentations) that successively repeat multiple presentations based on the establishment of a predetermined trigger (the game ball entering the upper actuation port 25 or the lower actuation port 26).
The pseudo consecutive performance includes a pending synthesis notice (synthetic consecutive performance) that executes a series of pseudo consecutive performances by synthesizing multiple play rounds, and a normal pseudo consecutive performance (normal consecutive performance) that executes a series of pseudo consecutive performances during one play round.

According to this configuration, the sound and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 have a step S2407M performance pattern determination process that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a series of pseudo consecutive performances that connect multiple performances based on the establishment of a predetermined trigger. The pseudo consecutive performances include a reserved combination notice that executes a series of pseudo consecutive performances by combining multiple play rounds, and a normal pseudo consecutive performance that executes a series of pseudo consecutive performances during one play round. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can diversify the types of pseudo consecutive performances.

In this reference embodiment, the continuous performance employs a pseudo-continuous performance, but any type of performance may be used as long as it is a performance in which multiple performances are consecutively performed. For example, it may be a performance in which a specific character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the display screen G, a performance in which the background is changed, or a performance in which the shape of the pattern columns Z1 to Z3 is changed and displayed.

In this embodiment, the occurrence of the predetermined trigger is determined by the game ball entering the upper actuation port 25 or the lower actuation port 26, but any other element may be used. For example, the occurrence of the predetermined trigger may be determined by the game ball entering the big prize port, the V prize port, the general prize port, each actuation port, or the through gate. Also, the occurrence of the predetermined trigger may be determined by an element other than the game ball entering the port.

According to the present embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved.
(1) The process of determining the presentation pattern causes the symbol display device 36 to execute a second reserved presentation different from the look-ahead presentation based on the entry of a game ball into the lower actuation port 26, and causes the look-ahead presentation to be executed instead of the second reserved presentation based on the entry of a game ball into the lower actuation port 26 during a predetermined period. According to this, when the symbol display device 36 executes a look-ahead presentation for a predetermined period based on the entry of a game ball into the upper actuation port 25, the pachinko machine 1 can execute a look-ahead presentation instead of the second reserved presentation based on the entry of a game ball into the lower actuation port 26. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

(2) 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 the pachinko machine 1 is in a state where the pattern display device 36 is executing a pre-reading performance based on the hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa, the pachinko machine 1 can cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a pre-reading performance instead of the second hold performance based on the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb.

(3) Since the period performance is a look-ahead performance, if the pachinko machine 1 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute the second reserved performance based on the reserved information stored in the second sub-side reserved area SRb in a state in which the look-ahead performance is executed based on the reserved information stored in the first sub-side reserved area SRa, the continuity of the look-ahead performance will be lost. According to this configuration, the determination process of the performance pattern can execute the look-ahead performance instead of the second reserved performance based on the entry of the game ball into the lower operating port 26 during a specified period, so that the player can play comfortably without losing the continuity of the look-ahead performance.
(4) The look-ahead effect notifies the player of the expectation of the look-ahead effect based on the length of the specified period, so that the player will pay attention to the length of the specified period.

(5) When the second reserve storage means stores priority reserve information for preferential consumption in the second sub-side reserve area SRb based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during a specified period, the process of determining whether to consume the look-ahead effect combines the effect based on this priority reserve information with the effect based on the reserve information stored in the first sub-side reserve area SRa or the second sub-side reserve area SRb that is consumed after the priority reserve information, and presents this to the player as one game round. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can cause the pattern display device 36 to execute the look-ahead effect instead of the second reserve effect based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during a specified period without changing the length of the specified period.

(6) The process of determining whether to complete the look-ahead performance stops the progress of the look-ahead performance based on the priority hold information when a pseudo consecutive performance based on the priority hold information is combined with a pseudo consecutive performance based on hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa or the second sub-side hold area SRb that is consumed after the priority hold information. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can cause the pattern display device 36 to execute the look-ahead performance instead of the second hold performance based on the entry of the game ball into the lower operating port 26 during the specified period without changing the length of the specified period.

(7) The sound and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are equipped with a hold shift process that increases the number of times the look-ahead performance is played based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger, and a look-ahead performance consumption determination process that decreases the number of times the look-ahead performance is played when the hold shift process has increased the number of times the look-ahead performance is played. Therefore, even if the number of times the look-ahead performance is played is increased to a predetermined number based on the establishment of the second trigger, the look-ahead performance can maintain the predetermined number of times. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

(8) 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 the pachinko machine 1 is in a state where the pattern display device 36 is executing a pre-reading performance based on the hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa, the hold shift process can increase the number of times the pre-reading performance is played based on the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb.

(9) Since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the pachinko machine 1 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute the second reserved performance based on the reserved information stored in the second sub-side reserved area SRb in a state in which the look-ahead performance is executed based on the reserved information stored in the first sub-side reserved area SRa, the continuity of the look-ahead performance will be lost. According to this configuration, the sound emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are provided with a look-ahead performance consumption determination process that reduces the number of times of play of the look-ahead performance when the number of times of play of the look-ahead performance is increased by the reserved shift process, so that the look-ahead performance can maintain the predetermined number of times of play even if the number of times of play is increased based on the establishment of the second opportunity.
(10) The look-ahead effect notifies the player of the expectation of the look-ahead effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.

(11) When the second reserve storage means stores priority reserve information for preferential consumption in the second sub-side reserve area SRb based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during a predetermined number of play rounds, the process of determining whether to consume the look-ahead effect combines the performance based on this priority reserve information with the performance based on reserve information stored in the first sub-side reserve area SRa or the second sub-side reserve area SRb that is consumed after the priority reserve information, and presents this to the player as one play round. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the number of play rounds of the look-ahead effect through reserve shift processing based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during a predetermined number of play rounds without changing the number of play rounds.

(12) The process of determining whether to complete the look-ahead performance stops the progress of the look-ahead performance based on the priority hold information when a pseudo consecutive performance based on the priority hold information is combined with a pseudo consecutive performance based on hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa or the second sub-side hold area SRb that is consumed after the priority hold information. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the number of times the look-ahead performance is played by the hold shift process based on the entry of game balls into the lower operating port 26 during the specified number of play times, without changing the number of play times.

(13) The first game round performance generating means causes the symbol display device 36 to execute a pseudo consecutive performance based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 25, and the second game round performance generating means causes the symbol display device 36 to execute a pseudo consecutive performance based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 26. The game round performance synthesizing means synthesizes the pseudo consecutive performance of the first game round performance generating means and the pseudo consecutive performance of the second game round performance generating means, and can present the result to the player as a single pseudo consecutive performance. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

(14) The sound and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are provided with a step S2407M process for determining a presentation pattern, which causes the symbol display device 36 to execute a series of pseudo consecutive presentations that consecutively perform multiple presentations based on the establishment of a predetermined trigger. The pseudo consecutive presentations include a reserved combination notice that executes a series of pseudo consecutive presentations by combining multiple play rounds, and a normal pseudo consecutive presentation that executes a series of pseudo consecutive presentations during one play round. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can make a series of multiple types of pseudo consecutive presentations appear to the player as the same series of pseudo consecutive presentations, so that the types of pseudo consecutive presentations can be diversified, allowing the player to play comfortably.

[Reference Form N]
Hereinafter, a reference embodiment N of the present invention will 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 reference form M, the pending combination notice generates a pseudo consecutive performance in which a pseudo-variable display showing a predetermined stop result is executed over multiple play rounds after the variable display has started on the pattern display device 36, thereby pseudo-combining multiple play rounds and presenting the player with the appearance of a single play round.
In contrast, in this reference form, the hold synthesis effect occurs only while the look-ahead effect is occurring, and one look-ahead effect is consumed by synthesizing multiple play times from the start to the end of the hold synthesis effect, which differs from reference form M.

In this reference form, the audio and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 execute processes different from those in the reference form M. Specifically, in this reference form, the process of determining whether a pre-reading performance has occurred and the process of determining the performance pattern are different from those in the reference form M. The contents of the process of determining whether a pre-reading performance has occurred and the process of determining the performance pattern in this reference form are described below.

<Pre-reading effect occurrence determination process>
FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the pre-reading effect occurrence determination process relating to reference form N of the present invention.
In the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur, the MPU 52 executes steps S5001 to S5012N as shown in Fig. 42. Note that, in this embodiment, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S5008, and then executes the process of step S5012N, which is different from the embodiment M.

In step S5012N, the MPU 52 clears and resets the pending composite effect occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. This pending composite effect occurrence flag will be described in detail later.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect pattern determination process.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a process of 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 of determining a performance pattern, the MPU 52 executes steps S5101 to S5108 as shown in Fig. 43. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S5102N instead of the process of step S5102, and differs from the embodiment M in that it does not execute the process of step S5103.

In step S5102N, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining whether or not the pre-reading performance has been consumed.
The process of determining whether or not the advance reading performance will be completed is explained in detail below.

<Pre-reading performance consumption determination process>
FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance has been consumed.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes steps S5201 to S5224N as shown in FIG.

In step S5201, MPU 52 obtains the execution time pre-read pending number APN.

Here, the execution time pre-read pending number APN is the total number of advance pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area at the time of execution of the current sub-side pending information, and the number of sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area that will be executed before the advance pending information.
For example, as described above, if advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, so MPU 52 obtains "4" as the pre-read pending number PN.

Thereafter, when executing the normal pending information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the execution-time read-ahead pending number APN.
In this case, if normal pending information is also stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "4" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN.

In step S5202, the MPU 52 determines whether the execution time pre-reading pending number APN acquired in step S5201 is less than the pre-reading pending number PN.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S5202 that the execution time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, it executes the process in and after step S5215N.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5202 that the execution time pre-reading pending number APN is not less than the pre-reading pending number PN, it executes the processes in and after step S5216N.

First, the process (the process after step S5215N) when the MPU 52 determines in step S5202 that the execution time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN will be described.
In step S5215N, it is determined whether or not a reserved compositing effect occurring flag is set in the RAM 54. This reserved compositing effect occurring flag is a flag for identifying that a reserved compositing effect has occurred. The MPU 52 sets the reserved compositing effect occurring flag when a reserved compositing effect occurs, and clears the reserved compositing effect occurring flag when the reserved compositing effect ends.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S5215N that the pending composite performance occurrence flag is not set in RAM 54, this indicates that a pending composite performance is not occurring, so that the MPU 52 executes the processing from step S5204 onwards, as in the above-mentioned reference form M, and generates a pre-reading performance.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S5215N that the reserved synthesis effect generation flag is set in the RAM 54, this indicates that the reserved synthesis effect is generated, so it executes the process from step S5222N onwards. The process from step S5222N onwards will be described in detail later.

Next, the process (the process after step S5216N) when the MPU 52 determines in step S5202 that the execution time pre-reading pending number APN is not less than the pre-reading pending number PN will be described.
In step S5216N, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the pending synthesis effect occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54, similarly to step S5215N.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S5216N that the pending composite performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, this indicates that a pending composite performance is not occurring, and therefore executes pending composite performance start processing in step S5217N. In this pending composite performance start processing, the MPU 52 determines the start of a pending composite performance based on the number of times the pre-read performance has been played PRN stored in the RAM 54.

Here, the reserved combination effect is a notice display that consumes one look-ahead effect by combining multiple play times. This reserved combination effect occurs only while the look-ahead effect is occurring, and consumes one look-ahead effect by combining multiple play times from the start to the end of the reserved combination effect.
Specifically, in the pending synthesis performance start processing of step S5217N, the MPU 52 determines the start of a pending synthesis performance that consumes half of one pre-reading performance based on the number of times PRN the pre-reading performance has been consumed stored in the RAM 54.

In step S5218N, the MPU 52 sets a pending composite performance start command. Here, the value of the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 is included in the pending composite performance start command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. The MPU 52 then stores the pending composite performance start command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This pending composite performance start command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the start of the reserved composite performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the reserved composite performance start command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance is consumed PRN included in the reserved composite performance start command. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the reserved composite performance on the display screen G to notify the player of the start of the reserved composite performance. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 62 notifies the player of the start of a reserved composite performance that consumes half of the first look-ahead performance, if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 62 notifies the player of the start of a reserved composite performance that consumes half of the second look-ahead performance, if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 62 notifies the player of the start of a reserved composite performance that consumes half of the third look-ahead performance, and if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 62 notifies the player of the start of a reserved composite performance that consumes half of the fourth look-ahead performance.

In step S5219N, the MPU 52 sets a pending composite effect occurrence flag in the RAM 54. The MPU 52 then ends the pre-reading effect consumption determination process.

On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S5216N that the reserved composite effect generation flag is set in the RAM 54, this indicates that the reserved composite effect is generated, so in step S5220N, the MPU 52 executes a reserved composite effect digestion process. In this reserved composite effect digestion process, the MPU 52 determines the digestion of the reserved composite effect.
Specifically, in the pending composite effect consumption process of step S5220N, the MPU 52 determines to consume the pending composite effect by extending and delaying one look-ahead performance without progressing the performance.

In step S5221N, the MPU 52 sets a pending composite effect consumption command. The MPU 52 then stores the pending composite effect consumption command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. The MPU 52 then ends the pre-reading effect consumption determination process. This pending composite effect consumption command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the consumption of the reserved composite performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the reserved composite performance consumption command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the reserved composite performance on the display screen G to notify the player of the consumption of the reserved composite performance. Specifically, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the consumption of the reserved composite performance that is extended by extending one look-ahead performance without progressing.

Next, the processing (processing after step S5222N) when the MPU 52 determines in step S5215N that the pending composite effect occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54 will be described.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S5215N that the reserved compositing effect occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54, this indicates that the reserved compositing effect is occurring, and therefore executes a reserved compositing effect end process in step S5222N. In this reserved compositing effect end process, the MPU 52 determines the end of the reserved compositing effect based on the number of times PRN the pre-reading effect has been played back, which is stored in the RAM 54.

Here, the reserved combination effect is a notice display that consumes one look-ahead effect by combining multiple play times. This reserved combination effect occurs only while the look-ahead effect is occurring, and consumes one look-ahead effect by combining multiple play times from the start to the end of the reserved combination effect.
Specifically, in the pending composite performance end process of step S5222N, the MPU 52 determines the end of the pending composite performance, which consumes half of one pre-reading performance, based on the number of times PRN the pre-reading performance has been consumed, stored in the RAM 54.

In step S5223N, the MPU 52 sets a pending composite performance end command. Here, the value of the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 is included in the pending composite performance end command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. The MPU 52 then stores the pending composite performance end command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This pending composite performance end command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the end of the reserved composite performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the reserved composite performance end command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance is consumed PRN included in the reserved composite performance end command. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the reserved composite performance on the display screen G to notify the player of the end of the reserved composite performance. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 62 notifies the player of the end of the reserved composite performance, which consumes half of the first look-ahead performance; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 62 notifies the player of the end of the reserved composite performance, which consumes half of the second look-ahead performance; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 62 notifies the player of the end of the reserved composite performance, which consumes half of the third look-ahead performance; and if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 62 notifies the player of the end of the reserved composite performance, which consumes half of the fourth look-ahead performance.

In step S5224N, the MPU 52 clears the pending composite effect occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. The MPU 52 then executes the processes from step S5206 onwards, as in the above-mentioned reference form M.

<About the flow when normal reserved information is stored in the second sub-side reserved area after the occurrence of the pre-reading performance>
FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a display screen of the pattern display device in the case where normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area after the occurrence of the look-ahead performance after the notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Specifically, FIG. 45(A) is a diagram showing a state where notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 45(B) is a diagram showing a state where the first look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 45(C) is a diagram showing a state where normal reserved information is stored in the second sub-side reserved area when the first look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 45(D) is a diagram showing a state where a reserved composite performance related to the second look-ahead performance is started after notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 45(E) is a diagram showing a state where a reserved composite performance related to the second look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reserved information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 45 (F) is a diagram showing the state in which the reserve synthesis performance relating to the second pre-reading performance has been ended after the advance notice reserve information has been stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area.

As shown in FIG. 45(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 45(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207M, 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., in the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. In the example of Fig. 45, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B12.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 45 (B), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 45 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309M.
In the example of Fig. 45 (A), the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, one sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S5003.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S5003, and therefore in any of the following cases, a pre-read performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S5007: the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

Then, in step S5007, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 45, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win."

In the example of FIG. 45, the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", so when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it obtains "2" as the pre-read hold number PN, and in step S5007, sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S5007, in step S5102, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
Here, in the example of Fig. 45 (B), only the advance notice pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, other sub-side pending information will not be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so in step S5201, the MPU 52 acquires "1" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution time pre-read pending number APN is less than the pre-read pending number PN, and therefore in step S5215N, determines whether or not the pending synthesis performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54.
Here, in step S5012N, the MPU 52 clears and resets the pending synthesis effect occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. In other words, when the MPU 52 generates a pre-reading effect, the MPU 52 clears and resets the pending synthesis effect occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54.

Therefore, if the pending composite performance has not started, the MPU 52 determines in step S5215N that the pending composite performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, and therefore executes a pre-reading performance occurrence process in step S5204, and sets a pre-reading performance occurrence command in step S5205.
Then, based on the look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the look-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 45(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5008, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Here, after the pre-reading performance occurs, if the MPU 62 determines based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52 that normal hold information is stored in the first area SRb1 and the second area SRb2 of the second sub-side hold area SRb, it places a white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, on the pedestals B21 and B22, as shown in FIG. 45 (C).

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 45 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B21, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B22, onto pedestal B21, and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto pedestal B11 without shifting it.
In this way, the hold shift process of step S2104 shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb preferentially toward the execution area SAE.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 45 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 45 (D), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".
In the example of Fig. 45 (D), the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reservation area SRa stores advance notice pending information, and the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reservation area SRb stores normal pending information. In this case, one sub-side reserved information stored in each area is executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reservation area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "2" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution time pre-read pending number APN is not less than the pre-read pending number PN, and therefore in step S5216N, determines whether or not the pending synthesis performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54.
If the reserved compositing performance has not started, the MPU 52 determines in step S5216N that the reserved compositing performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, so in step S5217N, it executes the reserved compositing performance start process, and in step S5218N, it sets the reserved compositing performance start command. After that, in step S5219N, the MPU 52 sets the reserved compositing performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54.
Then, based on the pending composite performance start command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been played PRN contained in this pending composite performance start command, the MPU 62 displays the pending composite performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the start of the pending composite performance.

Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54, updating it to "1", and the MPU 62 notifies the player of the start of a reserved composite performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated to three marks in order to perform half of the second look-ahead performance based on this number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 45 (E), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B21, onto the execution base AB, and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on base B11, onto base B11 without shifting it.
In this way, the hold shift process of step S2104 shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb preferentially toward the execution area SAE.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 45 (E), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 45 (E), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".
In the example of Fig. 45 (E), only the advance notice pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, other sub-side pending information will not be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "1" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution time pre-read pending number APN is not less than the pre-read pending number PN, and therefore in step S5216N, determines whether or not the pending synthesis performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54.
If the pending composite performance has started, the MPU 52 determines in step S5216N that the pending composite performance occurring flag is set in the RAM 54, and therefore in step S5220N, executes a pending composite performance digestion process, and in step S5221N, sets a pending composite performance digestion command.
Then, based on the reserved composite effect consumption command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the reserved composite effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player that the reserved composite effect has been consumed.

Specifically, the MPU 62 notifies the player that the reserved composite effect, which extends the second look-ahead effect without progressing, has been consumed. In other words, the MPU 62 keeps the gauge GB at three marks.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 45 (F), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 45 (F), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 45 (F), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".
Also, in the example of Figure 45 (F), since only advance notice pending information is stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 52 acquires "0" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution time pre-read pending number APN is less than the pre-read pending number PN, and therefore in step S5215N, determines whether or not the pending synthesis performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54.
When the reserved compositing effect has started, the MPU 52 determines in step S5215N that the reserved compositing effect occurring flag is set in the RAM 54, so in step S5222N, it executes a reserved compositing effect end process, and in step S5223N, it sets a reserved compositing effect end command. After that, in step S5224N, the MPU 52 clears the reserved compositing effect occurring flag stored in the RAM 54.
Then, based on the pending composite performance end command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been played PRN contained in this pending composite performance end command, the MPU 62 displays the pending composite performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the end of the pending composite performance.

Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54, updating it to "1", and the MPU 62 notifies the player of the end of the pending composite performance, which has accumulated up to four marks on the gauge GB to perform half of the second look-ahead performance, based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Then, in step S5207, the MPU 52 subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "0", and in step S5208 determines that the value of the pre-reading pending number PN is "0" or less, so in step S5209, the MPU 52 clears the pre-reading performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54 to end the pre-reading performance. As a result, the MPU 52 ends the pre-reading performance without executing a third pre-reading performance.

In this way, in the example of Figure 45, the pre-reading effect occurs twice in a row, so it is not confirmed that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has accumulated to four marks, so using this as a guide, the player can understand that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" without waiting for the display of changing patterns to stop.

In this way, in this reference form, the pre-reading performance generation process functions as a first development performance generation means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a pre-reading performance (development performance) that develops gradually over a predetermined period of time based on the entry of a game ball into the upper operating port 25.
In addition, the pending composite performance start process functions as a second development performance generating means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a pre-reading performance based on the entry of a game ball into the lower operating port 26.
The reserved synthesis performance consumption process and the reserved synthesis performance end process function as an advanced performance synthesis means that synthesizes the look-ahead performance of the look-ahead performance generation process and the look-ahead performance of the reserved synthesis performance start process to execute a series of look-ahead performances.

According to this configuration, the look-ahead performance generation process causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance that develops stepwise over a predetermined period of time based on the entry of a gaming ball into the upper operating port 25, and the reserved composite performance start process causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance based on the entry of a gaming ball into the lower operating port 26. The reserved composite performance consumption process and the reserved composite performance end process can execute a series of look-ahead performances by combining the look-ahead performance of the look-ahead performance generation process and the look-ahead performance of the reserved composite performance start process. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

In addition, in this reference embodiment, the actuation ports 25, 26 are both open upward so that game balls flowing down the game area can enter the game, and are arranged vertically side by side with the upper actuation port 25 located at the top and the lower actuation port 26 located at the bottom. In contrast, the actuation ports 25, 26 may be arranged on both sides in the horizontal left and right directions, for example, and may have any positional relationship. In addition, the actuation ports 25, 26 are configured to allow game balls that have passed through separate flow paths to enter the game, but they may be configured, for example, to distribute game balls that have passed through a common flow path to one of the actuation ports 25, 26, and allow the distributed game balls to enter the game.

Furthermore, with this configuration, the hold shift process preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb toward the execution area SAE, so that even if the pachinko machine 1 is in a state where the pattern display device 36 is executing a look-ahead performance in the look-ahead performance generation process based on the hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa, the pachinko machine 1 can cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance in the hold composite performance start process based on the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb. And the hold composite performance consumption process and the hold composite performance end process can execute a series of look-ahead performances by combining the look-ahead performance of the look-ahead performance generation process and the look-ahead performance of the hold composite performance start process.

Furthermore, with this configuration, since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the pachinko machine 1 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance based on the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb while the pachinko machine 1 is causing the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area, the continuity of the look-ahead performance will be lost. With this configuration, the hold composite performance consumption process and the hold composite performance end process execute a series of look-ahead performances by combining the look-ahead performance of the look-ahead performance generation process and the look-ahead performance of the hold composite performance start process, allowing the player to play comfortably without losing the continuity of the look-ahead performance.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the same functions and effects as those (1) to (11) in the embodiment M, the following functions and effects can be achieved.
(15) The look-ahead performance generation process causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance that develops stepwise over a predetermined period based on the entry of a gaming ball into the upper operating port 25, and the reserved composite performance start process causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance based on the entry of a gaming ball into the lower operating port 26. The reserved composite performance consumption process and the reserved composite performance end process can execute a series of look-ahead performances by combining the look-ahead performance of the look-ahead performance generation process and the look-ahead performance of the reserved composite performance start process. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

(16) The hold shift process preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb toward the execution area SAE, so that even if the pachinko machine 1 is in a state where the pattern display device 36 is executing a look-ahead performance in the look-ahead performance generation process based on the hold information stored in the first sub-side hold area SRa, the pachinko machine 1 can cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance in the hold composite performance start process based on the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb. And the hold composite performance consumption process and the hold composite performance end process can execute a series of look-ahead performances by combining the look-ahead performance of the look-ahead performance generation process and the look-ahead performance of the hold composite performance start process.

(17) Since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the pachinko machine 1 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance based on the reserved information stored in the second sub-side reserved area SRb while the pachinko machine 1 is causing the pattern display device 36 to execute a look-ahead performance based on the reserved information stored in the first reserved area, the continuity of the look-ahead performance will be lost. According to this configuration, the reserved composite performance consumption process and the reserved composite performance end process execute a series of look-ahead performances by combining the look-ahead performance of the look-ahead performance generation process and the look-ahead performance of the reserved composite performance start process, so that the player can play comfortably without losing the continuity of the look-ahead performance.

[Reference Form O]
Hereinafter, a reference embodiment O of the present invention will 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 above-mentioned reference form M, when the MPU 52 increases the number of times the pre-reading performance is played in the reserved shift process, the MPU 52 causes the symbol display device 36 to continue executing the pre-reading performance.
In contrast, in this reference form, the MPU 52 differs from the reference form M in that when the number of times the pre-reading performance is played is increased by the pending shift processing, the MPU 52 causes the pattern display device 36 to stop executing the pre-reading performance.

In this reference embodiment, the audio and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 execute processes different from those in the reference embodiment M. Specifically, in this reference embodiment, the process of determining the performance pattern differs from that in the reference embodiment M. The contents of the process of determining the performance pattern in this reference embodiment are described below.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process for determining a presentation pattern according to the reference embodiment O of the present invention.
The MPU 52 of the sound light emission control device 5 executes a process of determining a performance pattern in order to select a performance duration (performance duration period) and a content of the performance as a performance pattern. In this process of determining a performance pattern, the MPU 52 executes steps S5101 to S5108 as shown in Fig. 46. Note that in this reference embodiment, the MPU 52 executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process of step S5102O instead of the pre-reading performance completion determination process of step S5102, and differs from the reference embodiment M in that it does not execute the process of step S5103.
The process of determining whether or not the advance reading performance will be completed is explained in detail below.

<Pre-reading performance consumption determination process>
FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance has been consumed.
In the pre-reading performance consumption determination process, the MPU 52 executes steps S5201 to S5209 as shown in Fig. 47. Note that in this reference embodiment, the MPU 52 differs from the reference embodiment M in that it does not execute the process of step S5203 and the processes of steps S5210 to S5214.

In step S5201, MPU 52 obtains the execution time pre-read pending number APN.

Here, the execution time pre-read pending number APN is the total number of advance pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area at the time of execution of the current sub-side pending information, and the number of sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area that will be executed before the advance pending information.
For example, as described above, if advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, so MPU 52 obtains "4" as the pre-read pending number PN.

Thereafter, when executing the normal pending information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the execution-time read-ahead pending number APN.
In this case, if normal pending information is also stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "4" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN.

In step S5202, the MPU 52 determines whether the execution time pre-reading pending number APN acquired in step S5201 is less than the pre-reading pending number PN.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S5202 that the execution time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, it executes the processes in and after step S5204, as in the case of the above-mentioned reference form M.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S5202 that the execution time pre-reading pending number APN is not less than the pre-reading pending number PN, it executes the processes in and after step S5209.

<About the flow when normal reserved information is stored in the second sub-side reserved area after the occurrence of the pre-reading performance>
FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a display screen of the pattern display device in the case where normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area after the occurrence of the look-ahead performance after the notice reserved information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserved area. Specifically, FIG. 48(A) is a diagram showing a state where notice reserved information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 48(B) is a diagram showing a state where the first look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reserved information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 48(C) is a diagram showing a state where normal reserved information is stored in the second sub-side reserved area when the first look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reserved information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 48(D) is a diagram showing a state where the look-ahead performance is ended after notice reserved information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 48(E) is a diagram showing a state where the first variable display is started after the look-ahead performance is ended. Also, FIG. 48(F) is a diagram showing a state where the second variable display is started after the look-ahead performance is ended.

As shown in FIG. 48(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 48(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207M, 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. 48, the MPU 52 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 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B13.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 48 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 48 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309M.
Here, in the example of Fig. 48 (A), advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, the two sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "3" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S5003.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it will obtain "3" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S5003, and if the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", then in step S5007 it will set a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

Then, in step S5007, when the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54, the MPU 52 causes the pre-reading performance to occur continuously until the pre-reading performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54 is cleared.
In the example of Figure 48, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 48, since the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S5003, it obtains "3" as the pre-read hold number PN, and in step S5007, sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S5007, in step S5102, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the example of Fig. 48 (B), the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, one sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time pre-reading pending number APN is less than the pre-reading pending number PN, and therefore in step S5204, executes a pre-reading performance generation process, and in step S5205, sets a pre-reading performance generation command.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

In the example of FIG. 48(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5008, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Here, after the pre-reading performance occurs, if the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that normal hold information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb, it places the image of a white sphere, which is the normal hold image, on the base B21, as shown in Figure 48 (C).

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 48 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B21, and places it on the execution pedestal AB, places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, on pedestal B12 without shifting, and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, on pedestal B11 without shifting.
In this way, the hold shift process of step S2104 shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb preferentially toward the execution area SAE.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 48 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Here, in the example of Figure 48 (D), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S5207, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "2".
In the example of Fig. 48 (D), the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, one sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so that the MPU 52 acquires "2" as the execution time read-ahead pending number APN in step S5201.

Therefore, in step S5202, the MPU 52 determines that the execution-time read-ahead pending number APN is not less than the read-ahead pending number PN, and therefore in step S5209, clears the read-ahead performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. As a result, the MPU 52 ends the read-ahead performance without executing a second read-ahead performance.

In this way, in the example of Figure 48, the pre-reading effect occurs only once, so it is not confirmed that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has accumulated to two marks, so using this as a guide, the player can understand that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" without waiting for the display of changing patterns to stop.

In this reference form, when the pre-reading performance is ended, the MPU 52 is configured not to generate the second reserved performance even when the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb is moved to the execution area SAE, but the second reserved performance may be generated.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 48 (E), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 48 (E), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

If the look-ahead performance had continued without ending it, it would have occurred three times in a row, and the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the normal pending information would have been confirmed as a "win." Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has accumulated to six marks, so using this as a guide, the player would know that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance pending information was a "win" without waiting for the display of changing patterns to stop.

However, since the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in this normal pending information is predetermined as to whether or not it is a "win" regardless of the number of consecutive pre-reading effects, there may be a contradiction with the number of consecutive pre-reading effects.
In this embodiment, the MPU 52 ends the look-ahead performance without executing the look-ahead performance a second time, thereby making it possible to avoid such a contradiction.

In this reference form, the MPU 52 ends the look-ahead performance without executing a second look-ahead performance, but if there is no contradiction between whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in this normal pending information is a "win" and the number of consecutive look-ahead performances, in other words, if the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in this normal pending information is a "win," the look-ahead performance may be continued.
In addition, in this reference form, the MPU 52 ends the look-ahead performance without executing a second look-ahead performance, but if the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win," the look-ahead performance will always be executed four or more times, so the look-ahead performance may be continued.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 48 (F), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 48 (F), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

In the example of Figure 48, the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not "jackpot win", and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", so the MPU 62 will generate a reach display.

In addition, in this reference form, the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading effect in step S5102O functions as a development effect generating means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a pre-reading effect (development effect) that develops gradually over a predetermined number of game rounds based on the establishment of the first trigger (the game ball entering the upper operating port 25).
In addition, the reserve shift processing of step S2104 functions as a means for increasing the number of times the advancement performance is played based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger (the game ball entering the lower operating port 26).
The pre-reading performance consumption determination process functions as a development performance cancellation means for causing the pattern display device 36 to cancel the execution of the pre-reading performance when the number of times the pre-reading performance is played is increased by the hold shift process.

According to this configuration, the sound and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are equipped with a hold shift process that increases the number of times the pre-reading performance is played based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger, and a hold shift process that determines whether the pre-reading performance has been completed, which causes the pattern display device 36 to stop the execution of the pre-reading performance when the hold shift process has increased the number of times the pre-reading performance is played. Therefore, even if the number of times the pre-reading performance is increased to a predetermined number based on the establishment of the second trigger, the pre-reading performance can be prevented from exceeding the predetermined number of times. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

In this reference embodiment, the first trigger is triggered by a game ball entering the upper operating port 25, and the second trigger is triggered by a game ball entering the lower operating port 26, but any other element may be used. For example, the first trigger may be triggered by a game ball entering the large prize port, the V prize port, the general prize port, each operating port, and the through gate, and the second trigger may be triggered by a game ball entering the large prize port, the V prize port, the general prize port, each operating port, and the through gate. Furthermore, the first trigger and the second trigger may be triggered by an element other than a game ball entering the port.

In addition, according to this configuration, since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the pachinko machine 1 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute the second reserved performance based on the reserved information stored in the second sub-side reserved area SRb while the pattern display device 36 is executing the look-ahead performance based on the reserved information stored in the first sub-side reserved area SRa, the look-ahead performance will not be able to maintain the predetermined number of play times. According to this configuration, the sound emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are equipped with a look-ahead performance consumption determination process that causes the pattern display device 36 to stop executing the look-ahead performance when the number of play times of the look-ahead performance is increased by the reserved shift process, so that even if the predetermined number of play times is increased based on the establishment of the second trigger, the look-ahead performance can be prevented from exceeding the predetermined number of play times.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the same functions and effects as those of (4), (8), and (10) in the embodiment M, the following functions and effects can be achieved.
(18) The sound and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are provided with a hold shift process that increases the number of times the pre-reading performance is played based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger, and a hold shift process that causes the pattern display device 36 to stop the execution of the pre-reading performance when the number of times the pre-reading performance is played is increased by the hold shift process. Therefore, even if the number of times the pre-reading performance is increased to a predetermined number based on the establishment of the second trigger, the pre-reading performance can be prevented from exceeding the predetermined number of times. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

(19) Since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the pachinko machine 1 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute the look-ahead performance based on the reserved information stored in the first sub-side reserved area SRa and then causes the pattern display device 36 to execute the second reserved performance based on the reserved information stored in the second sub-side reserved area SRb, the look-ahead performance will not be able to maintain the predetermined number of play times. According to this configuration, the sound and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are equipped with a look-ahead performance consumption determination process that causes the pattern display device 36 to stop executing the look-ahead performance when the number of play times of the look-ahead performance is increased by the reserved shift process, so that even if the predetermined number of play times is increased based on the establishment of the second trigger, the look-ahead performance can be prevented from exceeding the predetermined number of play times.

[Reference Form P]
Hereinafter, a reference embodiment P of the present invention will 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 this reference embodiment, the main control device 4 executes a process different from that of the main reference embodiment. Specifically, in this reference embodiment, the winning process for the operating port is different from that of the main reference embodiment. The contents of the winning process for the operating port in this reference embodiment are explained below.

<Winning process for the operating port>
FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the winning process for an operating port relating to reference form P of the present invention.
In the winning process for the operating port, the MPU 42 executes steps S201 to S208P as shown in Fig. 49. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 42 differs from the main embodiment in that it executes the process of step S208P instead of the process of step S208.

In step S208P, when the MPU 42 sets the first start hold memory number RaN in step S202, it sets a first hold generation command for recognizing that the hold information has been stored in the memory area of the hold area Ra for the first result display section, and transmits this set first hold generation command to the sound and light emission control device 5. After that, the MPU 42 ends the winning process for the operation port.
This first hold generation command includes information for making the sound and light emission control device 5 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 25. The first hold generation command also includes information related to the current support mode.
The sound and light emission control device 5 performs predetermined processing in addition to turning on the first reserved lamp unit 371 based on the first reserved occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 42. As described above, the number of reserved game balls that have entered the upper operating port 25 is a maximum of four, and the first reserved lamp unit 371 lights up the number of times corresponding to this number of reserved balls.

Furthermore, the first pending generation command includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).
Here, the MPU 42 executes a lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery) based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area 442 and the win/lose table stored in the win/lose table memory area 431 (see Figure 4) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the win/lose lottery (win/lose result).
In addition, the MPU 42 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 442 and the reach table stored in the reach table memory area 433 (see Figure 4) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the reach occurrence lottery.

Also, in step S208P, when the MPU 42 sets the second start hold memory number RbN in step S204, it sets a second hold generation command for recognizing that the hold information has been stored in the memory area of the hold area Rb for the second result display section, and transmits this set second hold generation command to the sound and light emission control device 5. After that, the MPU 42 ends the winning process for the operation port.
This second hold generation command includes information for making the sound and light emission control device 5 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 26. The second hold generation command also includes information related to the current support mode.
The sound and light emission control device 5 performs predetermined processing in addition to turning on the second reserved lamp unit 372 based on the second reserved occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 42. As described above, the number of reserved game balls that have entered the lower operating port 26 is a maximum of four, and the second reserved lamp unit 372 lights up the number of times corresponding to this number of reserved balls.

Furthermore, the second pending generation command includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery), and information regarding the result of the lottery to determine whether or not to generate a reach display (reach generation lottery).
Here, the MPU 42 executes a lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery) based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area 442 and the win/lose table stored in the win/lose table memory area 431 (see Figure 4) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the win/lose lottery (win/lose result).
In addition, the MPU 42 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 442 and the reach table stored in the reach table memory area 433 (see Figure 4) of the ROM 43, and determines the result of the reach occurrence lottery.

In this reference form, the audio and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 execute processes different from those in the main reference form. Specifically, in this reference form, the hold generation process, hold shift process, and performance decision process are different from those in the main reference form. The contents of the hold generation process, hold shift process, and performance decision process in this reference form are described below.

<Pending occurrence processing>
FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the reservation generation process.
In the hold occurrence process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2201 to S2209 as shown in Fig. 50. Specifically, the MPU 52 stores the sub-side hold information in the sub-side hold information storage area 543 based on the contents of the hold occurrence command. Note that in this reference embodiment, after executing the process of step S2204, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S2210P before executing the process of step S2205, and differs from the main reference embodiment in that it executes the process of step S2207P instead of the process of step S2207.

In step S2201, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the first hold occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 42 has been received.
When the MPU 52 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 52 executes the process in step S2204 and thereafter.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 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 52 then executes the processing from step S2204 onwards.

After executing the processing of step S2202 or step S2203, in step S2204, the MPU 52 updates the value of the sub-side start pending memory number SN (SRaN or SRbN) by adding 1.

In step S2210P, the MPU 52 determines whether or not there is advance notice hold information in the sub-side hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S2210P that there is no advance notice reservation information, the MPU 52 executes a lottery process for advance notice reservation in step S2205. In this lottery process for advance notice reservation, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate an advance notice reservation.
Specifically, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to issue a notice hold by using the value of the notice hold occurrence counter. The notice hold occurrence counter is provided in the various counter area 542 of the RAM 54.

Here, the pre-notification hold is a hold that executes a pre-notification display that changes the type of reserved image to inform the player of the expected degree of the hold, or a pre-notification display that generates a look-ahead effect that informs the player of the expected degree of the hold by the effect of the number of play times based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold. Note that in this reference form, a pre-notification hold that executes a pre-notification display that generates a look-ahead effect will be described, and a description of pre-notification holds that execute other pre-notification displays will be omitted. When implementing a pre-notification hold that executes multiple pre-notification displays, the MPU 52, for example, prepares multiple flags for each type of pre-notification display, and sets one or multiple of these flags to execute various pre-notification displays.

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 54.
Then, the MPU 52 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 52 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 53.

In step S2206, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the advance notice reservation generating lottery in step S2205 was won (whether or not to generate an advance notice reservation).
When the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, it executes a notice hold generation process in step S2207P. In this notice hold generation process, the MPU 52 executes a process for generating a notice hold. In addition, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the display lamp unit 124 and audio control of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process in step S2004 described above based on the contents of this notice hold generation process.

Specifically, the MPU 52 stores the advance notice pending information in the first free memory area in the sub-side pending area, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the sub-side start pending memory number SN updated in step S2204.
Here, the advance notice information includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery), and information regarding the result of the lottery to determine whether or not a reach display will occur (reach occurrence lottery).
In addition, based on the first hold generation command and the second hold generation command, the MPU 52 includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery) in the advance notice hold information.

For example, when the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 of "4" updated in step S2204.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold will not be generated, or if it determines in step S2210P that there is notice hold information, it executes normal hold generation processing in step S2208. In this normal hold generation processing, the MPU 52 executes processing for generating a normal hold. Furthermore, based on the contents of this normal hold generation processing, the MPU 52 executes illumination control of the display lamp unit 124 and audio control of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution processing of the aforementioned step S2004.

Specifically, the MPU 52 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.
Here, the normal pending information includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery), and information regarding the result of the lottery to determine whether or not a reach display will occur (reach occurrence lottery).
In addition, based on the first hold generation command and the second hold generation command, the MPU 52 includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach generation lottery) in the normal hold information.

For example, when the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, the MPU 52 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.

In this manner, in this reference form, the MPU 52 can generate only one preview hold in the sub-side hold area that executes a preview display that generates a pre-reading performance, and is not able to generate multiple preview holds in the sub-side hold area.
In this embodiment, the MPU 52 is not configured to allow multiple advance reservations to occur in the sub-side reservation area, but this may be possible.

After executing the advance hold generation process of step S2207P or the normal hold generation process of step S2208, the MPU 52 sets a hold display generation command in step S2209. The MPU 52 then stores the hold display generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This hold display generation command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the occurrence of a notice hold or a normal hold on the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display occurrence command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays a notice hold pattern or a normal hold pattern on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of a notice hold or a normal hold.

<Hold shift processing>
FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing the reservation shift process.
In the reservation shift process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2309P to S2308 as shown in Fig. 51. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S2309P before executing the process of step S2301, executes the process of step S2310P after executing the process of step S2304, and executes the process of step S2311P after executing the process of step S2307, which is different from the main embodiment.

In step S2309P, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred.
The process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur will be described in detail below.

<Pre-reading effect occurrence determination process>
FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process for determining whether a pre-reading effect will occur.
In the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur, the MPU 52 executes steps S6001 to S6012 as shown in FIG.
In step S6001, the MPU 52 determines whether or not there is advance notice reservation information in the sub-side reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6001 that there is no advance notice pending information, it terminates the process of determining whether a pre-reading performance has occurred without executing the processes in step S6002 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S6001 that there is advance notice pending information, it determines in step S6002 whether or not a look-ahead performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54. This look-ahead performance occurrence flag is a flag for identifying that a look-ahead performance has occurred. The MPU 52 sets the look-ahead performance occurrence flag when a look-ahead performance occurs, and clears the look-ahead performance occurrence flag when the look-ahead performance ends.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6002 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54, this indicates that a pre-reading performance has already occurred, and therefore terminates the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6003 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6002 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, it determines in step S6003 whether or not a reach display will occur before the advance notice hold information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

For example, when advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserve area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not a reach display will occur (reach occurrence lottery).

For example, when advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRb1, the second area SRb2, and the fourth area SRb4 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side reserve area SRb (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRb1 and the second area SRb2 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRb1 and the second area SRb2 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb, and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information, it ends the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6004 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that the reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information, it acquires the pre-read hold number PN in step S6004.

Here, when it is determined in step S6001 that there is advance notice pending information in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the pre-read pending number PN is the total number of advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa and the number of sub-side pending information that will be executed before the advance notice pending information among the sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa.
For example, if advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side holding area SRa will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, so the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN.
In this case, even if pending information is stored in the memory area of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN.

In addition, when it is determined in step S6001 that there is advance notice pending information in the memory area of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the pre-read pending number PN is the total number of advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side holding area SRb and the number of sub-side pending information that will be executed before the advance notice pending information, among the sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side holding area SRb.
For example, if advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRb1, the second area SRb2, and the fourth area SRb4 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side holding area SRb will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, so the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN.
In this case, even if reserved information is stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read reserved number PN.

In step S6005, the MPU 52 acquires the advance notice reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area. Specifically, the MPU 52 acquires information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) included in the advance notice reserved information and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).
In step S6006, the MPU 52 judges whether the winning/losing result acquired in step S6005, i.e., the winning/losing result included in the advance reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area, is a "jackpot winning". If the MPU 52 judges in step S6006 that the winning/losing result is a "jackpot winning", it executes the processes in steps S6007 and onwards, and if it judges in step S6006 that the winning/losing result is not a "jackpot winning", it executes the processes in steps S6010 and onwards.

First, the process (the process from step S6007 onward) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6006 that the result is a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S6007, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6004 is "4" or less.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6007 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "4" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6008 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6007 that the pre-read pending number PN is "4" or less, then in step S6008 it sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54.
In step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the pre-reading effect has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0". After that, the MPU 52 ends the pre-reading effect occurrence determination process.

Next, the process (the process after step S6010) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6006 that the result is not a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S6010, the MPU 52 judges whether the result of the reach occurrence lottery acquired in step S6005, i.e., the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area, is a "win." If the MPU 52 judges in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win," it executes the processes in and after step S6011, and if the MPU 52 judges in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win," it executes the processes in and after step S6012.

First, the process (the process after step S6011) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win" will be described.
In step S6011, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6004 is "3" or less.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the pre-read pending number PN is "3" or less, it executes the processes in and after step S6008 described above.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "3" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6008 and subsequent steps.

Next, a process (the process after step S6012) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win" will be described.
In step S6012, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6004 is "2" or less.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6012 that the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "2", it executes the processes in and after step S6008 described above.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6012 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "2" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6008 and subsequent steps.

Thus, in this reference form, when the pre-reading pending number PN is "4" or less, in step S6008, the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 and determines that a pre-reading performance will occur.
Specifically, the pre-reading effect occurs when the result of the pre-reading hold information is a "jackpot win" and the pre-reading hold number PN is "4" or less, when the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the pre-reading hold information is a "win", and when the pre-reading hold number PN is "3" or less, and when the result of the pre-reading hold information is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win", and when the pre-reading hold number PN is "2" or less.

In other words, if the pre-reading effect occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN, which is the sum of the number of advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of each sub-side hold area and the number of sub-side hold information stored in the memory area of each sub-side hold area that is executed before the advance notice hold information, is "4", then the win/loss result contained in the advance notice hold information is determined to be "jackpot win", and if the pre-reading effect occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN is "3", then the result of the reach occurrence lottery contained in the advance notice hold information is determined to be "win".
In this reference form, the pre-reading performance also occurs when advance notice hold information is executed, so if it occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN is "4", it will occur four times in a row, if it occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN is "3", it will occur three times in a row, and if it occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN is "2", it will occur two times in a row.

Returning to the explanation of the reservation shift process, the process from step S2301 onwards will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S2301, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the first shift command transmitted from the MPU 42 has been received.
If the MPU 52 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 S2310P, 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 S2311P.

First, the data setting process for the first sub-side reservation area SRa in steps S2302 to S2310P will be described.
In step S2302, the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 executes a data shift process to shift the sub-side reserved information stored in the storage 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 52 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.

In step S2310P, the MPU 52 clears the second reserved effect flag stored in the RAM 54. This second reserved effect flag is a flag for identifying that the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb has been moved to the execution area SAE. In this step S2310P, the MPU 52 clears the second reserved effect flag stored in the RAM 54, which indicates that the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa has been moved to the execution area SAE.

Next, the data setting process for the second sub-side reservation area SRb in steps S2305 to S2311P will be described.
In step S2305, the MPU 52 subtracts 1 from the value of the second sub-side start pending memory count SRbN in the second sub-side pending area SRb to update it.
In step S2306, the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 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.

In step S2311P, the MPU 52 sets a second reserved effect flag in the RAM 54. This second reserved effect flag is a flag for identifying that the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb has been moved to the execution area SAE. In this step S2311P, the MPU 52 sets the second reserved effect flag in the RAM 54, which indicates that the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb has been moved to the execution area SAE.

After executing the processing of step S2310P or step S2311P, the MPU 52 sets a hold display shift command in step S2308. Then, the MPU 52 stores the hold display shift command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. Here, the sub-side hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 543 is included in the hold display shift command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This hold display shift command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission processing of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the normal hold and advance notice hold shifts on the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command sent from the MPU 52. The MPU 62 then outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (e.g., every 20 msec period) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays and executes the normal hold and advance notice hold shifts on the display screen G.

<Regarding the performance determination process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect determination process.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 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 52 executes steps S2401 to S2413 in substantially the same manner as in the main reference embodiment. Note that in this reference embodiment, the MPU 52 differs from the main reference embodiment in that, as shown in FIG. 53, instead of the process of step S2407, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S2407P.

In step S2407P, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining a presentation pattern. In this process, the MPU 52 selects a presentation pattern that corresponds to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table previously stored in the ROM 53. Specifically, the MPU 52 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration period) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. In addition, in step S2407P, the MPU 52 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display.

Furthermore, the MPU 52 controls the illumination of the display lamp unit 124 and controls the sound of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process of step S2004 described above, based on the selected performance pattern.
The process of determining the effect pattern will be described in detail below.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing the process of determining an effect pattern.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 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 52 executes steps S6101 to S6107 as shown in FIG.

In step S6101, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the second pending effect flag is set in the RAM 54.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6101 that the second pending effect flag is not set in the RAM 54, it executes processing from step S6102 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6101 that the second pending effect flag is set in the RAM 54, it executes processing from step S6105 onwards.

First, the processing (processing from step S6102 onward) when it is determined in step S6101 that the second pending effect flag is not set in the RAM 54 by the MPU 52 will be described.
In step S6102, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a pre-reading effect occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6102 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, it executes processing from step S6104 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6102 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54, in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
The process of determining whether or not the advance reading performance will be completed is explained in detail below.

<Pre-reading performance consumption determination process>
FIG. 55 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance has been completed.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading effect, the MPU 52 executes steps S6201 to S6206 as shown in FIG.

In step S6201, the MPU 52 executes a process for generating a look-ahead effect. In this process, the MPU 52 determines whether a look-ahead effect will occur based on the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 52 determines whether a first look-ahead effect will occur; if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 52 determines whether a second look-ahead effect will occur; if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 52 determines whether a third look-ahead effect will occur; and if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 52 determines whether a fourth look-ahead effect will occur.

In step S6202, the MPU 52 sets a look-ahead performance generation command. The MPU 52 then stores the look-ahead performance generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. Here, the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 is included in the look-ahead performance generation command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This look-ahead performance generation command is sent to the display control device 6 in the command sending process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the generation of the pre-reading performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance generation command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance is consumed PRN included in the pre-reading performance generation command. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the pre-reading performance on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the first look-ahead performance has occurred; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the second look-ahead performance has occurred; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the third look-ahead performance has occurred; and if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the fourth look-ahead performance has occurred.

In step S6203, the MPU 52 updates the value of the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by adding 1 to the value.
In step S6204, the MPU 52 updates the value of the pre-read pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S6205, it is determined whether the value of the pre-read pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 is "0" or less.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S6205 that the value of the pre-reading pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", in step S6206, the MPU 52 clears the pre-reading performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. In this way, the MPU 52 ends the pre-reading performance.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6205 that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is not "0" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance consumption determination process without executing the processing of step S6206.

Returning to the explanation of the effect pattern determination process, the process from step S6104 onwards will be described with reference to FIG.
After executing the pre-reading performance consumption determination process in step S6103, the MPU 52 executes the processes from step S6104 onwards.

In step S6104, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining other presentation patterns. In the process for determining other presentation patterns, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display other than the start-time pre-reading presentation. The MPU 52 then ends the process for determining presentation patterns.

In response to this, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6101 that the second hold effect flag is set in the RAM 54, it executes a second hold effect generation process in step S6105. In this second hold effect generation process, the MPU 52 generates a second hold effect that is executed only when the sub-side hold information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb is moved to the execution area SAE. This second hold effect will be described in detail later.

In step S6106, the MPU 52 sets a second hold effect generation command. The MPU 52 then stores the second hold effect generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This second hold effect generation command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the generation of the second reserved effect on the pattern display device 36 based on the second reserved effect generation command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the second reserved effect on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of the second reserved effect.

In step S6107, the MPU 52 clears the look-ahead performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. This causes the MPU 52 to end the look-ahead performance. The MPU 52 then ends the performance pattern determination process.

<About the occurrence of pre-reading performances and the subsequent flow>
FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a display screen of the pattern display device when advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Specifically, FIG. 56(A) is a diagram showing a state in which advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, FIG. 56(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, FIG. 56(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the second pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, FIG. 56(D) is a diagram showing a state in which the third pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, FIG. 56(E) is a diagram showing a state in which the fourth pre-reading performance related to the advance notice reservation information is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area.

As shown in FIG. 56(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on a change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 56(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on a change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207P, 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. 56, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B14.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 56 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11 and places it on top of the execution pedestal AB, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12 and places it on top of pedestal B11, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13 and places it on top of pedestal B12, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B14 and places it on top of pedestal B13.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 56 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309P.
56(A), the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the advance notice pending information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of Figure 56 (A), advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the three sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the advance notice information is executed by referring to information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1, second area SRa2, and third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "4" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S6004, it will obtain "4" as the pre-read hold number PN, and therefore in step S6008, it will set a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 only if the win/loss result contained in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win."
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the second hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S6004, it obtains "3" as the pre-read hold number PN. Therefore, if the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", in step S6008, it sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the third hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S6004, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN. Therefore, in any of the cases where the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", a pre-read performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54 in step S6008.

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading effect is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading effect is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 56, a case will be described in which the win/loss result included in the advance reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area is "jackpot win", the win/loss result included in the regular reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area is not "jackpot win", and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

In the example of FIG. 56, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", so when the first pending shift process is executed after the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information is executed, obtains "4" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004, and sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 56(B), the MPU 62 places a gauge GB having eight scales at the left edge of the display screen G, and displays an angel character operating a pump connected to the gauge at the bottom right of the gauge GB on the pattern display device 36, thereby displaying and executing a look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on the pedestal B13 in the example of FIG. 56(B)) by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold (the hold related to the normal hold image placed on the execution pedestal AB and on the pedestals B11 and B12 in the example of FIG. 56(B)).

In the example of FIG. 56(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 56 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 56 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

Here, in the example of FIG. 56 (C), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first look-ahead performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the look-ahead hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "3."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

In the example of FIG. 56(C), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 56 (D), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 56 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of FIG. 56 (D), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the second pre-reading performance is completed, so in step S6204, the MPU 52 subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "2".

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6103, it executes a process for determining whether or not the pre-reading performance has been completed.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, based on the look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the look-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 56(D), the MPU 62 executes a third look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2", and so the MPU 62 executes a third look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to 6 marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 56 (E), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 56 (E), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of FIG. 56 (E), after the advance notice hold information was stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the third pre-reading performance was completed, so in step S6204, the MPU 52 subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S6205, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6206, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 56(E), the MPU 62 executes the fourth look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "3", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the fourth look-ahead performance with the gauge GB scale reaching 8 based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

In this way, in the example of Figure 56, the pre-reading effect occurs four times in a row, so it is determined that the result of the prediction included in the pending notice information is a "jackpot win." Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has reached a maximum of eight marks, so the player can use this as a guide to know that the result of the prediction included in the pending notice information is a "jackpot win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

Figure 57 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device when advance notice pending information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Specifically, Figure 57 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which advance notice pending information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 57 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice pending information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 57 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which the second pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice pending information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 57 (D) is a diagram showing a state in which the third pre-reading performance related to the advance notice pending information is consumed after advance notice pending information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area.

As shown in FIG. 57(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 57(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207P, 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. 57, the MPU 52 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 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B13.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 57 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 57 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309P.
57A, the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores advance notice information, and the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores normal reserved information. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 57(A), the advance notice reserved information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, so the two sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa (the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice reserved information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 judges whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice reserved information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery (win/lose lottery) for the occurrence of a jackpot, which is included in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information on the result of the lottery (reach occurrence lottery) for whether or not to generate a reach display.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information, the two sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "3" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S6004, it will obtain "3" as the pre-read hold number PN, and if the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", in step S6008, it will set a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the second hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S6004, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN. Therefore, in any of the cases where the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", a pre-read performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S6008.

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading effect is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading effect is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 57, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 57, since the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", when the first reserve shift process is executed after the advance notice information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice information is executed, obtains "3" as the pre-reading reserve number PN in step S6004, and sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 57(B), the MPU 62 places a gauge GB having eight scales at the left edge of the display screen G, and displays an angel character operating a pump connected to the gauge at the bottom right of the gauge GB on the pattern display device 36, thereby displaying and executing a look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on the pedestal B12 in the example of FIG. 57(B)) by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold (the hold related to the normal hold image placed on the execution pedestal AB and on the pedestal B11 in the example of FIG. 57(B)).

In the example of FIG. 57(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 57 (C), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, and places it on top of the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B12, and places it on top of pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 57 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of FIG. 57(C), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first look-ahead performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the look-ahead hold number PN stored in RAM 54, updating it to "2."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

In the example of FIG. 57(C), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 57 (D), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 57 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of FIG. 57 (D), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the second pre-reading performance is completed, so in step S6204, the MPU 52 subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6103, it executes a process for determining whether or not the pre-reading performance has been completed.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S6205, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6206, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 57(D), the MPU 62 executes the third look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the third look-ahead performance with the gauge GB scale accumulated to 6 based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

In this way, in the example of Figure 57, the pre-reading performance occurs three times in a row, so it is determined that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has accumulated to six marks, so using this as a guide, the player can know that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information is a "win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

Figure 58 is a diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device when advance notice pending information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area. Specifically, Figure 58 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which advance notice pending information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 58 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first pre-reading performance has been completed after advance notice pending information has been stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 58 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which the second pre-reading performance related to advance notice pending information has been completed after advance notice pending information has been stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area.

As shown in FIG. 58(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 58(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207P, 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. 58, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B12.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 58 (B), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 58 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309P.
Here, in the example of Fig. 58 (A), the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, one sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S6004, and therefore in any of the following cases, a pre-read performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S6008: the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading effect is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading effect is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 58, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win."

In the example of FIG. 58, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", so when the first hold shift process is executed after the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information is executed, obtains "2" as the pre-reading pending number PN in step S6004, and sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

In the example of FIG. 58(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 58 (C), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 58 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of FIG. 58 (C), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S6205, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6206, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 58(C), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

In this way, in the example of Figure 58, the pre-reading effect occurs twice in a row, so it is not confirmed that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has accumulated to four marks, so using this as a guide, the player can understand that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" without waiting for the display of changing patterns to stop.

Figure 59 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device in the case where normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area during the occurrence of a look-ahead performance after advance notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Specifically, Figure 59 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which advance notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 59 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first look-ahead performance is consumed after advance notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 59 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which the first reserved shift process is executed after normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 59 (D) is a diagram showing a state in which the second reserved shift process is executed after normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 59 (E) is a diagram showing a state in which the third reserved shift process is executed after normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area.

As shown in FIG. 59(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 59(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207P, 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. 59, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B14.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 59 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11 and places it on top of the execution pedestal AB, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12 and places it on top of pedestal B11, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13 and places it on top of pedestal B12, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B14 and places it on top of pedestal B13.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 59 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309P.
59(A), the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice pending information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of Figure 59 (A), advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the three sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the advance notice information is executed by referring to information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1, second area SRa2, and third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "4" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S6004, it will obtain "4" as the pre-read hold number PN, and therefore in step S6008, it will set a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 only if the win/loss result contained in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win."
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the second hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S6004, it obtains "3" as the pre-read hold number PN. Therefore, if the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", in step S6008, it sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the third hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, in step S6004, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN. Therefore, in any of the cases where the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", a pre-read performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54 in step S6008.

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 59, a case will be described in which the win/loss result included in the advance reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area is "jackpot win", the win/loss result included in the regular reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area is not "jackpot win", and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

In the example of FIG. 59, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", so when the first pending shift process is executed after the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information is executed, obtains "4" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004, and sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 59(B), the MPU 62 places a gauge GB having eight scales at the left edge of the display screen G, and displays an angel character operating a pump connected to the gauge at the bottom right of the gauge GB on the pattern display device 36, thereby displaying and executing a look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on the pedestal B13 in the example of FIG. 59(B)) by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold (the hold related to the normal hold image placed on the execution pedestal AB and on the pedestals B11 and B12 in the example of FIG. 59(B)).

In the example of FIG. 59(B), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Here, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that the advance notice hold is not to be generated, in step S2208, it executes normal hold generation processing and stores the normal 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. 59 (B), the MPU 52 stores the normal hold information in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the normal hold pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of a normal hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that normal hold information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb, it places an image of a white sphere, which is the normal hold image, on the base B21.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 59 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B21 and places it on the execution pedestal AB, places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, on pedestal B11 without shifting it, places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, on pedestal B12 without shifting it, and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, on pedestal B13 without shifting it.
In this way, the hold shift process of step S2104 shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb preferentially toward the execution area SAE.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 59 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 59 (C), the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb has been moved to the execution area SAE, so in step S2311P, a second reserved performance flag is set in RAM 54.
Therefore, since the MPU 52 determines in step S6101 that the second reserved performance flag is set in the RAM 54, it executes the second reserved performance generation process in step S6105 without executing the pre-reading performance consumption determination process in step S6103, and sets the second reserved performance generation command in step S6106. Also, the MPU 52 clears the pre-reading performance generation flag stored in the RAM 54 in step S6107 to end the pre-reading performance.
Then, based on the second hold effect occurrence command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the second hold effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the second hold effect.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 59(C), the MPU 62 displays 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 second pending performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 59 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 59 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309P.
59(C), the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores advance notice information, and the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores normal reserved information. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 59(C), the advance notice reserved information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, so the two sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa (the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice reserved information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 judges whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice reserved information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery (win/lose lottery) for the occurrence of a jackpot, which is included in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information on the result of the lottery (reach occurrence lottery) for whether or not to generate a reach display.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information, the two sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "3" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the second hold shift process after the normal hold information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb, it will obtain "3" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S6004, and if the win/loss result included in the advance hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win" or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", it will again set the pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 in step S6008.

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.

In the example of FIG. 59, the win/loss result included in the advance pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", so when the second pending shift process is executed after normal pending information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance pending information is executed, obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004, and sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 59(D), the MPU 62 places a gauge GB having eight scales on the left edge of the display screen G, and displays an angel character operating a pump connected to the gauge on the pattern display device 36 so as to be positioned at the bottom right of the gauge GB, thereby displaying and executing a look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on the pedestal B12 in the example of FIG. 59(D)) by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold (the hold related to the normal hold image placed on the execution pedestal AB and on the pedestal B11 in the example of FIG. 59(D)).

In the example of FIG. 59(D), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 59 (E), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 59 (E), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 59 (E), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "2".

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

In the example of FIG. 59(E), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as in FIG. 57 (D), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, and places it on top of execution pedestal AB (not shown).

Also, as in FIG. 57(D), the MPU 62 executes a third look-ahead performance after determining that there is advance notice hold information in the sub-side hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2", and so the MPU 62 executes a third look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to 6 marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN (not shown).

In this way, in the example of Figure 59, the pre-reading performance occurs three times in a row, so it is determined that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has reached six marks, so the player can use this as a guide to know that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information is a "win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

In the example of Figure 59, a case was described in which after advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, normal hold information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb when the first pre-reading performance has been completed.
In contrast, if normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb after the third look-ahead performance has been consumed after the advance notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, a contradictory situation may occur in which the reach display does not occur even though the look-ahead performance has occurred three times in succession. In this case, the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserved information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa is determined to be "jackpot win".

Figure 60 is a diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device in the case where advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area, and a reach display occurs before the execution of this advance notice reservation information. Specifically, Figure 60 (A) is a diagram showing a state where advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 60 (B) is a diagram showing a state where the first reservation shift process is executed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 60 (C) is a diagram showing a state where the second reservation shift process is executed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 60 (D) is a diagram showing a state where the third reservation shift process is executed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 60 (E) is a diagram showing a state where the fourth reservation shift process is executed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area.

As shown in FIG. 60(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 60(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207P, 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. 60, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B14.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 60 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B11 and places it on top of the execution base AB, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B12 and places it on top of base B11, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B13 and places it on top of base B12, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on base B14 and places it on top of base B13.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 60 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309P.
60(A), the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores advance notice information, and the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores normal reserved information. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of Figure 60 (A), advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the three sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the advance notice information is executed by referring to information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1, second area SRa2, and third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

Then, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information, it terminates the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6004 onwards, and therefore the pre-reading performance will not occur.
In the example of Figure 60, the case will be described where the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserve information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is "jackpot win", and when the advance notice reserve information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the regular reserve information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa is "win".

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 60 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 60 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309P.
60B, the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores advance notice information, and the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores normal reserved information. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 60(B), the advance notice reserved information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, so the two sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa (the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice reserved information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 judges whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice reserved information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery (win/lose lottery) for the occurrence of a jackpot contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa and information on the result of the lottery (reach occurrence lottery) for whether or not to generate a reach display.

Then, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information, it terminates the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6004 onwards, and therefore the pre-reading performance will not occur.
In addition, in Figure 60 (C), when advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the result of the reach occurrence lottery contained in the normal pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa is "win", so the MPU 52 generates a reach display.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 60 (D), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 60 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal holds and notice holds, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309P.
Here, in the example of Fig. 60 (C), the advance notice reserved information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice reserved information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 60(C), since advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, one sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa (sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information, the MPU 52 will execute one sub-side pending information stored in each area prior to the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the third hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S6004, and therefore in any of the following cases, a pre-read performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S6008: if the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or if the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.

In the example of FIG. 60, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", so when the third hold shift process is executed after the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information is executed, obtains "2" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004, and sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 60(D), the MPU 62 places a gauge GB having eight scales on the left edge of the display screen G, and displays an angel character operating a pump connected to the gauge on the pattern display device 36 so as to be positioned at the bottom right of the gauge GB, thereby displaying and executing a look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (in the example of FIG. 60(D), the hold related to the pre-notification hold pattern placed on the pedestal B11) by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold (in the example of FIG. 60(D), the hold related to the normal hold pattern placed on the execution pedestal AB).

In the example of FIG. 60(D), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 60 (E), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 60 (E), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of FIG. 60(E), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6103, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S6205, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6206, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 60(E), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

In this way, in the example of Figure 60, the pre-reading effect occurs twice in a row, so it is not confirmed that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has accumulated to four marks, so using this as a guide, the player can understand that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" without waiting for the display of changing patterns to stop.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the audio/light control device 5 and the display control device 6 function as a performance execution means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a performance.
In addition, in this reference form, the sub-side reserve information storage area 543 functions as an information storage means for storing multiple reserve information (sub-side reserve information) based on the entry of the game ball into the starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26).
The sub-side pending information storage area 543 includes an execution area SAE (execution area) that stores pending information while the variable display is being executed on the pattern display device 36, 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 36.

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 543 in the order in which the game balls enter the start ball entry means.
Furthermore, the hold determination process of step S2002 includes a process (first hold storage means) of step S2202 for storing hold information in the first sub-side hold area SRa (first hold region) based on the entry of the game ball into the upper operating port 25 (first start ball entry means), a process (second hold storage means) of step S2203 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 the game ball into the lower operating port 26 (second start ball entry means), 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 for each play round.
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.

In addition, in this reference form, the advance notice hold generation processing of step S2207P functions as a continuation performance occurrence determination means capable of determining whether or not to set the continuation performance hold information (advance notice hold information) to generate a continuation performance (pre-reading performance) that will continue the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds.
In this reference form, the process of determining whether a pre-reading performance has occurred in step S2309P and the process of determining whether the pre-reading performance has been completed in step S6103 function as a continuation performance execution means for causing the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information after the pending information including the pre-performance is consumed, when the pre-performance based on the pending information stored in multiple pending areas that is consumed before the continuation performance pending information includes a pre-performance (reach display) different from the continuation performance.

According to this configuration, the pre-reading performance occurrence judgment process of step S2309P and the pre-reading performance completion decision process of step S6103 cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information after the pending information including the pre-reading performance is consumed, so that the occurrence of a pre-reading performance during the execution of a continuation performance can be avoided, and if it is determined in the advance pending generation process of step S2207P that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

In this embodiment, the starting ball entry means is the upper actuation port 25 and the lower actuation port 26, but any other configuration may be used. For example, the starting ball entry means may be a large prize entry port, a V prize entry port, a general prize entry port, each actuation port, or a through gate. The starting ball entry means may be located in any part of the gaming machine, for example, inside the large prize entry port or inside the role.
In this reference embodiment, the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance occurs in step S2309P and the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance is completed in step S6103 are configured to prevent the occurrence of a pre-reading performance during the execution of a continuation performance by having the pattern display device 36 execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information after the pending information including the pre-reading performance is consumed. In contrast, the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance occurs in step S2309P and the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance is completed in step S6103 may not be configured to prevent the occurrence of a pre-reading performance during the execution of a continuation performance when the win/loss result included in the continuation performance pending information is a "jackpot win", and the continuation performance may be configured to be able to occur five or more times in succession.

In addition, in this reference form, the continuation effect uses a look-ahead effect, but any effect can be used as long as it can be continued for a specified number of game rounds. For example, other effects such as a preview display that changes the type of reserved image to inform the player of the expected level of the reserved item may be used.

In addition, in this embodiment, the process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S2309P and the process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has been consumed in step S6103 determine whether a pre-reading effect is included in the pre-reading effect based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continued performance reserved information each time the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas is shifted for each play in the reserve shift process in step S2104.

According to this configuration, the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance will occur in step S2309P and the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance will be consumed in step S6103 determine whether or not a pre-reading performance is included in the pre-reading performance based on the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation performance hold information each time the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas is shifted for each play in the hold shift process in step S2104. Therefore, even if the number of hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation performance hold information increases after it is determined to be continuation performance hold information in the notice hold occurrence process in step S2207P, the occurrence of a pre-reading performance during the execution of the continuation performance can be avoided, and the continuation performance can be reliably executed without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

In this embodiment, the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process in step S2309P determines whether or not a pre-performance is included in the pre-performance based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continuing performance reserved information each time the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas is shifted for each game in the reserve shift process in step S2104, but the timing of this determination does not have to be each time the reserved information is shifted for each game. For example, the pre-performance determination means may be configured to perform a determination only once when the continuing performance occurrence determination means determines that the continuing performance is reserved information, or may be configured to perform a determination only once before the continuing performance is executed.

In addition, in this reference form, the advance performance is a reach display, so it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a reach display during the execution of a continuation performance, and if it is determined in the advance pending generation processing of step S2207P that the continuation performance is to be pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation performance without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

In this reference embodiment, the pre-effect is a reach display, but it may be something else. For example, the pre-effect may be an effect that encourages the player to press a push button, a pseudo consecutive effect, an effect that gradually enlarges the image displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, or an effect that changes the length of the display duration. Furthermore, the pre-effect is not limited to an effect that displays an image on the pattern display device 36, but may be an effect that activates a role. In short, the pre-effect may be any effect based on pending information stored in multiple pending areas that is consumed before the continuing effect pending information.

In addition, in this embodiment, the player is notified of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.
Specifically, if the pre-reading effect occurred four times in a row, the result of the prediction held information was determined to be a "jackpot win," and if it occurred three times in a row, the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the pre-reading information was determined to be a "win."
According to such a configuration, the continuation effect notifies the player of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.

In addition, in this reference embodiment, the number of game rounds at which the symbol display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information changes based on the result of the process for determining whether or not a pre-reading performance has occurred in step S2309P (the process for determining whether or not a pre-reading performance has been consumed in step S6103).

With this configuration, the game round at which the symbol display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information changes based on the result of the judgment in the pre-reading performance occurrence judgment process in step S2309P, so it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a pre-event performance during the execution of a continuation performance, and when it is judged in the advance notice pending generation process in step S2207P that the continuation performance is pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation performance without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

In this embodiment, if the pre-reading performance determination process in step S2309P determines that a pre-performance is included, the process for determining whether the pre-performance is included in step S6103 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information starting from the next game round after consuming the pending information including the pre-performance. However, the pattern display device 36 may execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information starting from the next game round, or may not execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information starting from another game round. In short, the game round in which the pattern display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information may be changed based on the result of the determination in the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process in step S2309P.

According to the present embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved.
(1) The process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur in step S2309P and the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will be consumed in step S6103 cause the symbol display device 36 to execute a continuation effect based on the continuation effect pending information after consuming the pending information including the pre-reading effect, so that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a pre-reading effect during the execution of a continuation effect, and when it is determined that the information is to be the pending information in the notice pending occurrence process in step S2207P, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation effect without canceling the execution of the continuation effect. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

(2) The process of determining whether a pre-reading effect will occur in step S2309P and the process of determining whether a pre-reading effect will be consumed in step S6103 determine whether a pre-reading effect is included in the pre-reading effect based on the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation hold information each time the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas is shifted for each game in the hold shift process in step S2104. Therefore, even if the number of hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation hold information increases after it is determined to be continuation hold information in the notice hold occurrence process in step S2207P, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a pre-reading effect during the execution of the continuation effect, and the continuation effect can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation effect.

(3) Since the pre-performance is a reach display, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a reach display during the execution of a continuing performance, and if it is determined in the advance pending generation processing of step S2207P that the information is to be the continuation performance pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the continuing performance without canceling the execution of the continuing performance.
(4) The continuation effect notifies the player of the expectation of this continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.

(5) The number of game rounds at which the symbol display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance hold information changes based on the result of the judgment made in the pre-reading performance occurrence judgment process in step S2309P, so that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a pre-event performance during the execution of a continuation performance, and when it is judged in the advance notice hold occurrence process in step S2207P that the continuation performance is to be held, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation performance without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

[Reference Form Q]
Hereinafter, a reference embodiment Q of the present invention will 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 reference form P, when the advance notice pending information is stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area, the pre-reading performance does not occur when the sub-side pending information stored in the execution area is executed, but occurs when the advance notice pending information is executed.
In contrast, in this reference form, the pre-reading effect does not occur when the advance notice pending information is executed, but occurs when the advance notice pending information is stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area and the sub-side pending information stored in the execution area is executed, which is different from reference form P.

In this reference form, the audio/light-emitting control device 5 and the display control device 6 execute processes different from those in the reference form P. Specifically, in this reference form, the hold shift process and the performance decision process are different from those in the reference form P. The contents of the hold shift process and the performance decision process in this reference form are described below.

<Hold shift processing>
FIG. 61 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the reservation shift processing according to the reference form Q of the present invention.
In the reservation shift process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2301 to S2308 as shown in Fig. 61. Note that this embodiment differs from the embodiment P in that the MPU 52 does not execute the process of step S2309P.

<Regarding the performance determination process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 62 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect determination process.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 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 52 executes steps S2401 to S2413 in substantially the same manner as in the reference form P. Note that in this reference form, as shown in FIG. 62, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S2407Q instead of the process of step S2407P, and differs from the reference form P in that it executes the processes of steps S2414Q to S2416Q before executing other processes in step S2413.

In step S2407Q, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining a presentation pattern. In this process, the MPU 52 selects a presentation pattern that corresponds to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table previously stored in the ROM 53. Specifically, the MPU 52 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. In addition, in step S2407Q, the MPU 52 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display.

Furthermore, the MPU 52 controls the illumination of the display lamp unit 124 and controls the sound of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process of step S2004 described above, based on the selected performance pattern.
The process of determining the effect pattern will be described in detail below.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing the process of determining an effect pattern.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a process for determining a performance pattern 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 52 executes steps S6101 to S6107 in a manner similar to that of the reference form P. Note that, in this reference form, the MPU 52 differs from the reference form P in that it does not execute the processes of steps S6102 to S6103, as shown in FIG.

Returning to the explanation of the performance determination process, the processing of steps S2414Q to S2416Q will be explained with reference to FIG.
In step S2414Q, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a fluctuation end command has been received.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S2414Q that it has not received a fluctuation end command, it executes the processing of step S2413 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2414Q that it has received the fluctuation end command, it executes a process of determining a performance for ending a game round in step S2415Q. In this process of determining a performance for ending a game round, the MPU 52 refers to a table for performances stored in the ROM 53 in advance to select a performance for ending a game round that corresponds to the fluctuation end command.

In step S2416Q, the MPU 52 sets a game round end command including information related to the game round end presentation selected in step S2415Q. The MPU 52 then stores the game round end command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This game round end command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the game round end performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the game round end command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 executes the game round end performance selected by the MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5.
The process of determining the performance at the end of a game round will be explained in detail below.

FIG. 64 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process for determining the presentation to be given at the end of a game round.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a process for determining the effect for ending a game round in order to select the effect for ending a game round corresponding to the variable end command as the effect for ending a game round. In this process for determining the effect for ending a game round, the MPU 52 executes steps S6301 to S6304 as shown in FIG.

In step S6301, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred.
The process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur will be described in detail below.

<Pre-reading effect occurrence determination process>
FIG. 65 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process for determining whether a pre-reading effect will occur.
In the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur, the MPU 52 executes steps S6001 to S6012 in a manner substantially similar to that of the reference form P. Note that, in this reference form, the MPU 52 differs from the reference form P in that, as shown in FIG. 64, instead of the process of step S6004, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S6004Q.

In step S6001, the MPU 52 determines whether or not there is advance notice reservation information in the sub-side reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6001 that there is no advance notice pending information, it terminates the process of determining whether a pre-reading performance has occurred without executing the processes in step S6002 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S6001 that there is advance notice pending information, it determines in step S6002 whether or not a look-ahead performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54. This look-ahead performance occurrence flag is a flag for identifying that a look-ahead performance has occurred. The MPU 52 sets the look-ahead performance occurrence flag when a look-ahead performance occurs, and clears the look-ahead performance occurrence flag when the look-ahead performance ends.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6002 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54, this indicates that a pre-reading performance has already occurred, and therefore terminates the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6003 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6002 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, it determines in step S6003 whether or not a reach display will occur before the advance notice hold information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

For example, when advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserve area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not a reach display will occur (reach occurrence lottery).

For example, when advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRb1, the second area SRb2, and the fourth area SRb4 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side reserve area SRb (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRb1 and the second area SRb2 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRb1 and the second area SRb2 of the second sub-side reserve area SRb, and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information, it ends the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6004Q and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that the reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information, it acquires the pre-read hold number PN in step S6004Q.

Here, when it is determined in step S6001 that there is advance notice pending information in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the pre-read pending number PN is the total number of sub-side pending information that will be executed before the advance notice pending information among the sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the number of sub-side pending information stored in the execution area SAE.
For example, if advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side holding area SRa will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, so the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN.
In this case, even if pending information is stored in the memory area of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN.

In addition, when it is determined in step S6001 that there is advance notice pending information in the memory area of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the pre-read pending number PN is the total number of sub-side pending information that will be executed before the advance notice pending information among the sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side pending area SRb and the number of sub-side pending information stored in the execution area SAE.
For example, if advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRb1, the second area SRb2, and the fourth area SRb4 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side holding area SRb will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, so the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN.
In this case, even if reserved information is stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read reserved number PN.

In step S6005, the MPU 52 acquires the advance notice reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area. Specifically, the MPU 52 acquires information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) included in the advance notice reserved information and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).
In step S6006, the MPU 52 judges whether the winning/losing result acquired in step S6005, i.e., the winning/losing result included in the advance reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area, is a "jackpot winning". If the MPU 52 judges in step S6006 that the winning/losing result is a "jackpot winning", it executes the processes in steps S6007 and onwards, and if it judges in step S6006 that the winning/losing result is not a "jackpot winning", it executes the processes in steps S6010 and onwards.

First, the process (the process from step S6007 onward) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6006 that the result is a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S6007, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6004 is "4" or less.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6007 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "4" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6008 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6007 that the pre-read pending number PN is "4" or less, then in step S6008 it sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54.
In step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the pre-reading effect has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0". After that, the MPU 52 ends the pre-reading effect occurrence determination process.

Next, the process (the process after step S6010) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6006 that the result is not a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S6010, the MPU 52 judges whether the result of the reach occurrence lottery acquired in step S6005, i.e., the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area, is a "win." If the MPU 52 judges in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win," it executes the processes in and after step S6011, and if the MPU 52 judges in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win," it executes the processes in and after step S6012.

First, the process (the process after step S6011) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win" will be described.
In step S6011, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6004 is "3" or less.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the pre-read pending number PN is "3" or less, it executes the processes in and after step S6008 described above.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "3" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6008 and subsequent steps.

Next, the process (the process after step S6012) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win" will be described.
In step S6012, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6004 is "2" or less.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6012 that the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "2", it executes the processes in and after step S6008 described above.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6012 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "2" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6008 and subsequent steps.

Thus, in this reference form, when the pre-reading pending number PN is "4" or less, in step S6008, the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 and determines that a pre-reading performance will occur.
Specifically, the pre-reading effect occurs when the result of the pre-reading hold information is a "jackpot win" and the pre-reading hold number PN is "4" or less, when the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the pre-reading hold information is a "win", and when the pre-reading hold number PN is "3" or less, and when the result of the pre-reading hold information is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win", and when the pre-reading hold number PN is "2" or less.

In other words, if the pre-reading effect occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN, which is the sum of the number of sub-side hold information that is executed before the advance notice hold information among the sub-side hold information stored in the memory area of each sub-side hold area and the number of sub-side hold information stored in the execution area, is "4", then the win/loss result contained in the advance notice hold information is determined to be "jackpot win", and if the pre-reading effect occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN is "3", then the result of the reach occurrence lottery contained in the advance notice hold information is determined to be "win".
In this reference form, the pre-reading performance also occurs when the sub-side pending information stored in the execution area is executed, so if it occurs when the pre-reading pending number PN is "4", it will occur four times in a row, if it occurs when the pre-reading pending number PN is "3", it will occur three times in a row, and if it occurs when the pre-reading pending number PN is "2", it will occur two times in a row.

Returning to the explanation of the process for determining the presentation for the end of a game round, the process from step S6302 onwards will be explained with reference to FIG.
In step S6302, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a pre-reading effect occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6302 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, it executes processing from step S6304 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6302 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54, in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
The process of determining whether or not the advance reading performance will be completed is explained in detail below.

<Pre-reading performance consumption determination process>
FIG. 66 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance has been completed.
In the pre-reading performance consumption determination process, the MPU 52 executes steps S6201Q to S6206 in substantially the same manner as in the reference form P. Note that in this reference form, the MPU 52 differs from the reference form P in that, as shown in FIG. 66, instead of the process of step S6201, the process of step S6201Q is executed.

In step S6201Q, the MPU 52 executes a process for generating a look-ahead effect. In this process, the MPU 52 determines whether a look-ahead effect will occur based on the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 52 determines whether a first look-ahead effect will occur; if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 52 determines whether a second look-ahead effect will occur; if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 52 determines whether a third look-ahead effect will occur; and if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 52 determines whether a fourth look-ahead effect will occur. Note that in this reference form, the content of the look-ahead effect differs from that of the reference form P. The content of this look-ahead effect will be described in detail later.

In step S6202, the MPU 52 sets a look-ahead performance generation command. The MPU 52 then stores the look-ahead performance generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. Here, the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 is included in the look-ahead performance generation command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This look-ahead performance generation command is sent to the display control device 6 in the command sending process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the generation of the pre-reading performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance generation command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance is consumed PRN included in the pre-reading performance generation command. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the pre-reading performance on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 62 notifies the player that a first look-ahead performance has occurred; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 62 notifies the player that a second look-ahead performance has occurred; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 62 notifies the player that a third look-ahead performance has occurred; and if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 62 notifies the player that a fourth look-ahead performance has occurred. Note that in this reference form, the content of the look-ahead performance is different from that of the reference form P. The content of this look-ahead performance will be explained in detail later.

In step S6203, the MPU 52 updates the value of the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by adding 1 to the value.
In step S6204, the MPU 52 updates the value of the pre-read pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S6205, it is determined whether the value of the pre-read pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 is "0" or less.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S6205 that the value of the pre-reading pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", in step S6206, the MPU 52 clears the pre-reading performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. In this way, the MPU 52 ends the pre-reading performance.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6205 that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is not "0" or less, it terminates the pre-read performance consumption determination process without executing the processing of step S6206.

Returning to the explanation of the process for determining the presentation for the end of a game round, the process from step S6304 onwards will be explained with reference to FIG.
After executing the process of determining whether the pre-reading performance has been completed in step S6303, or if it is determined in step S6302 that the pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, the MPU 52 executes the process from step S6304 onwards.

In step S6304, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining other effects for the end of a game round. In the process for determining other effects for the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining effects for the end of a game round to end the effects of the game round other than the pre-reading effects. The MPU 52 then ends the process for determining effects for the end of a game round.

<About the occurrence of pre-reading performances and the subsequent flow>
FIG. 67 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device when the notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Specifically, FIG. 67(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first pre-reading performance is consumed after the notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 67(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the second pre-reading performance is consumed after the notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 67(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the third pre-reading performance is consumed after the notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 67(D) is a diagram showing a state in which the fourth pre-reading performance is consumed after the notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, FIG. 67(E) is a diagram showing a state in which the game number related to the notice reserved information is consumed after the notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area.

The MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 67 (A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, as shown in FIG. 67(A), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207P, 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. 67, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B14.

In addition, when executing the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301.
67A, the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores advance notice information, and the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores normal reserved information. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of Figure 67 (A), advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the three sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the advance notice information is executed by referring to information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1, second area SRa2, and third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "4" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004Q.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the first game round after the advance notice reserve information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, in step S6004Q, it will obtain the advance notice reserve number PN of "4", and will set a advance notice performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 in step S6008 only if the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserve information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is "jackpot win".
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the second game round after the advance notice reserve information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, in step S6004Q, it obtains "3" as the pre-reading reserve number PN, and therefore, if the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserve information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", in step S6008, it sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the third game round after the advance notice reserve information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, in step S6004Q, it will obtain the pre-reading reserve number PN of "2". Therefore, in any of the cases where the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserve information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is a "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win", or the win/loss result is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win", a pre-reading performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S6008.

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 67, a case will be described in which the win/loss result included in the advance reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area is "jackpot win", the win/loss result included in the regular reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area is not "jackpot win", and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

In the example of FIG. 67, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", so when the first round of play is ended after the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information is executed, obtains "4" as the pre-read pending number PN, and sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 67(A), the MPU 62 places an angel character on the left edge of the display screen G, and has the character speak to suggest to the player that the look-ahead effect has been completed. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (in the example of Fig. 67(A), the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on pedestal B14) by the effect of a game turn based on the hold that will be completed before the hold (in the example of Fig. 67(A), the hold related to the normal hold image placed on execution pedestal AB and on pedestals B11-B13).

In the example of FIG. 67(A), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x1" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 executes the shift of normal hold and notice hold by displaying them on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 67 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B11 and places it on top of the execution base AB, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B12 and places it on top of base B11, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B13 and places it on top of base B12, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on base B14 and places it on top of base B13.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 67 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 67(B), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result.

Here, in the example of FIG. 67(B), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first look-ahead performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the look-ahead hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "3."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

In the example of FIG. 67(B), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x2" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 67 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 67 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 67(C), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, in the example of FIG. 67(C), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the second pre-reading performance is completed, so in step S6204, the MPU 52 subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "2."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

In the example of FIG. 67(C), the MPU 62 executes the third look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the third look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x3" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 67 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 67 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 67(D), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, in the example of FIG. 67 (D), after the advance notice hold information was stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the third pre-reading performance was consumed, so in step S6204, the MPU 52 subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S6205, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6206, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 67(D), the MPU 62 executes the fourth look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "3", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the fourth look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x4" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 67 (E), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 67 (E), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

In this way, in the example of Figure 67, the pre-reading effect occurs four times in a row, so it is confirmed that the result of the pre-reading effect included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the fourth pre-reading effect is executed with the angel character's line "x4", so using this as a guide, the player can know that the result of the pre-reading effect included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

Figure 68 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device when advance notice reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. Specifically, Figure 68 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 68 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the second pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 68 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which the third pre-reading performance is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 68 (D) is a diagram showing a state in which the game play related to the advance notice reservation information is consumed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reservation area.

The MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 68 (A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, as shown in FIG. 68(A), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207P, 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. 68, the MPU 52 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 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B13.

In addition, when executing the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301.
Here, in the example of Fig. 68 (A), advance notice reserved information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice reserved information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 68(A), the advance notice reserved information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, so the two sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa (the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice reserved information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 judges whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice reserved information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery (win/lose lottery) for the occurrence of a jackpot, which is included in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information on the result of the lottery (reach occurrence lottery) for whether or not to generate a reach display.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information, the two sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "3" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004Q.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the first game round after the advance notice reserve information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, it will obtain "3" as the pre-read reserve number PN in step S6004Q, and if the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserve information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", it will set a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 in step S6008.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the second game round after the advance notice reserve information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, in step S6004Q, it will obtain "2" as the pre-reading reserve number PN, so in step S6008, it will set a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 in any of the following cases: the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserve information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading effect is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading effect is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 68, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 68, since the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", when the end of the first game round is executed after the advance notice pending information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information is executed, obtains "3" as the pre-reading pending number PN in step S6004Q, and sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 68(A), the MPU 62 places an angel character on the left edge of the display screen G, and has the character speak to suggest to the player that the look-ahead effect has been completed. This look-ahead effect is an effect for completing a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expected probability of the hold (in the example of Fig. 68(A), the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on pedestal B13) by performing a game turn based on the hold that will be completed before the hold (in the example of Fig. 68(A), the hold related to the normal hold image placed on execution pedestal AB and on pedestals B11 and B12).

In the example of FIG. 68(A), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x1" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 68 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 68 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 68(B), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, in the example of FIG. 68 (B), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54, updating it to "2."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

In the example of FIG. 68(B), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x2" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 68 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 68 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 68(C), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result.

Here, in the example of FIG. 68 (C), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the second pre-reading performance is completed, so in step S6204, the MPU 52 subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S6205, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6206, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 68(C), the MPU 62 executes the third look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the third look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x3" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 68 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 68 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In this way, in the example of Figure 68, the pre-reading effect occurs three times in a row, so it is determined that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the pre-reading effect is executed for the third time with the angel character's line "x3", so using this as a guide, the player can know that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information is a "win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

Figure 69 is a diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device when advance notice pending information is stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area. Specifically, Figure 69 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first pre-reading performance has been completed after advance notice pending information has been stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 69 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the second pre-reading performance has been completed after advance notice pending information has been stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 69 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which the game play related to advance notice pending information has been completed after advance notice pending information has been stored in the second area of the first sub-side reserve area.

The MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 69 (A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, as shown in FIG. 69(A), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207P, 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. 69, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B12.

In addition, when executing the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301.
Here, in the example of Fig. 69 (A), the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. In this case, one sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004Q.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the first game round after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S6004Q, and therefore in any of the following cases, a pre-read performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S6008: the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading effect is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading effect is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 69, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win."

In the example of FIG. 69, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", so when the first round of play is ended after the advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information is executed, obtains "2" as the pre-reading pending number PN in step S6004Q, and sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

In the example of FIG. 69(A), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x1" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 69 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 69 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 69(B), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, in the example of FIG. 69(B), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S6205, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6206, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 69(B), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x2" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 69 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 69 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

In this way, in the example of Figure 69, the pre-reading effect occurs twice in a row, so it is not confirmed that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the second pre-reading effect is executed with the angel character's line "x2", so using this as a guide, the player can understand that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

Figure 70 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device in the case where normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area during the occurrence of a look-ahead performance after advance notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Specifically, Figure 70 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first look-ahead performance is consumed after advance notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 70 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the second look-ahead performance is consumed after advance notice reserved information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 70 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which the first reserved shift processing is executed after normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 70 (D) is a diagram showing a state in which the second reserved shift processing is executed after normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area. Also, Figure 70 (E) is a diagram showing a state in which the third reserved shift processing is executed after normal reserved information is stored in the first area of the second sub-side reserved area.

The MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 70 (A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, as shown in FIG. 70(A), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207P, 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. 70, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B14.

In addition, when executing the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301.
70(A), the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores advance notice information, and the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores normal reserved information. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of Figure 70 (A), advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the three sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the advance notice information is executed by referring to information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1, second area SRa2, and third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information, the three sub-side pending information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "4" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004Q.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the first game round after the advance notice reserve information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, in step S6004Q, it will obtain the advance notice reserve number PN of "4", and will set a advance notice performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 in step S6008 only if the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserve information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is "jackpot win".
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the second game round after the advance notice reserve information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, in step S6004Q, it obtains "3" as the pre-reading reserve number PN, and therefore, if the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserve information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", in step S6008, it sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the third game round after the advance notice reserve information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, in step S6004Q, it will obtain the pre-reading reserve number PN of "2". Therefore, in any of the cases where the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserve information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is a "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win", or the win/loss result is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win", a pre-reading performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S6008.

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading effect is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading effect is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 70, a case will be described in which the win/loss result included in the advance reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area is "jackpot win", the win/loss result included in the regular reservation information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area is not "jackpot win", and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

In the example of FIG. 70, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", so when the first round of play is ended after the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information is executed, obtains "4" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004Q, and sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 70(A), the MPU 62 places an angel character on the left edge of the display screen G, and has the character speak to suggest to the player that the look-ahead effect has been completed. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expected probability of the hold (in the example of Fig. 70(A), the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on pedestal B14) by the effect of a game turn based on the hold that will be completed before the hold (in the example of Fig. 70(A), the hold related to the normal hold image placed on execution pedestal AB and on pedestals B11-B13).

In the example of FIG. 70(A), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x1" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 70 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B11 and places it on top of the execution base AB, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B12 and places it on top of base B11, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B13 and places it on top of base B12, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on base B14 and places it on top of base B13.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 70 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 70(B), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, in the example of FIG. 70(B), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first pre-reading performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the pre-reading hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "3".

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

In the example of FIG. 70(B), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x2" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Here, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that the advance notice hold is not to be generated, in step S2208, it executes normal hold generation processing and stores the normal hold information in the first storage area among the free storage areas in 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. 70 (B), the MPU 52 stores the normal hold information in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the normal hold pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of a normal hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that normal hold information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb, it places an image of a white sphere, which is the normal hold image, on the base B21.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 70 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B21 and places it on the execution base AB, places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B11, on base B11 without shifting it, places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B12, on base B12 without shifting it, and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on base B13, on base B13 without shifting it.
In this way, the hold shift process of step S2104 shifts the hold information stored in the second sub-side hold area SRb preferentially toward the execution area SAE.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 70 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 70(C), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, in the example of Figure 70 (C), the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb has been moved to the execution area SAE, so in step S2311P, a second reserved performance flag is set in RAM 54.
Therefore, since the MPU 52 determines in step S6101 that the second reserved performance flag is set in the RAM 54, it executes the second reserved performance generation process in step S6105 without executing the pre-reading performance consumption determination process in step S6103, and sets the second reserved performance generation command in step S6106. Also, the MPU 52 clears the pre-reading performance generation flag stored in the RAM 54 in step S6107 to end the pre-reading performance.
Then, based on the second hold effect occurrence command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the second hold effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the second hold effect.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 70(C), the MPU 62 displays 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 second pending performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 70 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 70 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 70(D), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

In addition, when executing the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301.
Here, in the example of Fig. 70 (D), the advance notice reserved information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice reserved information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 70(D), since advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, one sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa (sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information, the MPU 52 will execute one sub-side pending information stored in each area prior to the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004Q.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the second hold shift process after the normal hold information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S6004Q, so in any of the following cases, the pre-read performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 again in step S6008: if the win/loss result included in the advance hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or if the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.

In the example of FIG. 70, the win/loss result included in the advance pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", so when the second pending shift process is executed after normal pending information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance pending information is executed, obtains "2" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004Q, and sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 70(D), the MPU 62 places an angel character on the left edge of the display screen G, and has the character speak to suggest to the player that the look-ahead effect has been completed. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expected probability of the hold (in the example of Fig. 70(D), the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on pedestal B12) by the effect of a game turn based on the hold that will be completed before the hold (in the example of Fig. 70(D), the hold related to the normal hold image placed on execution pedestal AB and on pedestal B11).

In the example of FIG. 70(D), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x1" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 70 (E), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 70 (E), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 70(E), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, in the example of Figure 70 (E), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first look-ahead performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the look-ahead hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S6205, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6206, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 70(E), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x2" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as in FIG. 68 (D), based on the hold display shift command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, and places it on top of execution pedestal AB (not shown).

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). Note that the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

In this way, in the example of Figure 70, the pre-reading effect occurs twice in a row, so it is not confirmed that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the second pre-reading effect is executed with the angel character's line "x2", so using this as a guide, the player can understand that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

In the example of Figure 70, a case was described in which after advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, normal hold information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side hold area SRb when the second pre-reading performance has been completed.
In contrast, if normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb after the third look-ahead performance has been consumed after the pre-notification reserved information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, a contradictory situation may occur in which the reach display does not occur even though the look-ahead performance has occurred three times in succession. In this case, the win/loss result included in the pre-notification reserved information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa is determined to be "jackpot win".

Figure 71 is a diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device in the case where advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area, and a reach display occurs before the advance notice reservation information is executed. Specifically, Figure 71 (A) is a diagram showing a state where advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 71 (B) is a diagram showing a state where the first reservation shift process is executed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 71 (C) is a diagram showing a state where the second reservation shift process is executed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 71 (D) is a diagram showing a state where the third reservation shift process is executed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area. Also, Figure 71 (E) is a diagram showing a state where the fourth reservation shift process is executed after advance notice reservation information is stored in the fourth area of the first sub-side reservation area.

The MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 71 (A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, as shown in FIG. 71(A), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207P, 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, that is, the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. In the example of Fig. 71, the MPU 52 stores the notice hold information in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places an image of a flashing white sphere, which is the advance hold image, on the pedestal B14.

In addition, when executing the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301.
71(A), the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores advance notice information, and the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa stores normal reserved information. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of Figure 71 (A), advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, so the three sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the advance notice information is executed by referring to information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1, second area SRa2, and third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

Then, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information, it terminates the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6004Q onwards, and therefore the pre-reading performance will not occur.
In the example of Figure 71, the case will be described where the win/loss result included in the advance notice reserve information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is "jackpot win", and when the advance notice reserve information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the regular reserve information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa is "win".

In the example of FIG. 71, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", and when the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the regular pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa is "win", so when the MPU 52 executes the end of the first game round after the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, it will not generate a pre-reading performance.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 71 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B11 and places it on top of the execution base AB, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B12 and places it on top of base B11, shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on base B13 and places it on top of base B12, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on base B14 and places it on top of base B13.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 71 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 71(B), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

In addition, when executing the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301.
Here, in the example of Fig. 71 (B), the advance notice reserved information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice reserved information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 71(B), the advance notice reserved information is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, so the two sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa (the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice reserved information stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 judges whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice reserved information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery (win/lose lottery) for the occurrence of a jackpot, which is included in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information on the result of the lottery (reach occurrence lottery) for whether or not to generate a reach display.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information, it ends the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6004Q and subsequent steps, and therefore the pre-reading performance will not occur.

In the example of FIG. 71, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", and when the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the regular pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa is "win", so when the MPU 52 executes the end of the second round of play after the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, it will not generate a pre-reading performance.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 71 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 71 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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, as shown in FIG. 71 (C), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the win/lose lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.
In addition, in Figure 71 (C), when advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the result of the reach occurrence lottery contained in the normal hold information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa is "win", so the MPU 52 generates a reach display.

In addition, when executing the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301.
In the example of Fig. 71 (C), the advance notice reserved information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. In this case, in step S6003, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the advance notice reserved information is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information by determining whether or not the win/loss result included in the sub-side hold information, which is executed before the advance notice hold information, is a "jackpot win" and whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 71(C), since advance notice pending information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, one sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area SRa (sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information by referring to information on the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and information on the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information, the MPU 52 will execute one sub-side pending information stored in each area prior to the advance notice pending information stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-read pending number PN in step S6004Q.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the second hold shift process after the advance notice hold information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it will obtain "2" as the pre-read hold number PN in step S6004Q, and therefore in any of the following cases, a pre-read performance occurrence flag will be set in RAM 54 in step S6008: if the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or if the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win".

Then, in step S6008, when the MPU 52 sets a flag indicating that a pre-reading performance is occurring in the RAM 54, the pre-reading performance is continuously generated until the advance notice hold information stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is consumed.

In the example of FIG. 71, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is "jackpot win", so when the second pending shift process is executed after the advance notice pending information is stored in the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information is executed, obtains "2" as the pre-read pending number PN, and sets a pre-read performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008.

When the MPU 52 sets the pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 71(C), the MPU 62 places an angel character on the left edge of the display screen G, and has the character speak to suggest to the player that the look-ahead effect has been completed. This look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (in the example of Fig. 71(C), the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on pedestal B12) by the effect of a game turn based on the hold that will be completed before the hold (in the example of Fig. 71(C), the hold related to the normal hold image placed on execution pedestal AB and on pedestal B11).

In the example of FIG. 71(C), the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and so the MPU 62 executes the first look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x1" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 71 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 71 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 71(D), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, in the example of FIG. 71 (D), after the advance notice hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first look-ahead performance, and therefore in step S6204, subtracts 1 from the value of the look-ahead hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008, then in step S6303, it executes a pre-reading performance completion determination process.
In the process of determining whether to consume the pre-reading performance, the MPU 52 executes a process of generating a pre-reading performance in step S6201Q, and sets a command for generating a pre-reading performance in step S6202.
Then, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance by displaying the pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this pre-reading performance occurrence command.
Thereafter, in step S6205, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6206, clears the pre-read performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the pre-read performance.

In the example of FIG. 71(D), the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information. Specifically, in step S5206, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and so the MPU 62 executes a second look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x2" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 71 (E), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, and places it on top of execution pedestal AB.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 71 (E), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance pending information newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

In this way, in the example of Figure 71, the pre-reading effect occurs twice in a row, so it is not confirmed that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win". Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the second pre-reading effect is executed with the angel character's line "x2", so using this as a guide, the player can understand that the win/loss result included in the advance notice information is a "jackpot win" and that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the audio/light control device 5 and the display control device 6 function as a performance execution means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a performance.
In addition, in this reference form, the sub-side reserve information storage area 543 functions as an information storage means for storing multiple reserve information (sub-side reserve information) based on the entry of the game ball into the starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26).
The sub-side pending information storage area 543 includes an execution area SAE (execution area) that stores pending information while the variable display is being executed on the pattern display device 36, 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 36.

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 543 in the order in which the game balls enter the start ball entry means.
Furthermore, the hold determination process of step S2002 includes a process (first hold storage means) of step S2202 for storing hold information in the first sub-side hold area SRa (first hold region) based on the entry of the game ball into the upper operating port 25 (first start ball entry means), a process (second hold storage means) of step S2203 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 the game ball into the lower operating port 26 (second start ball entry means), 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 for each play round.
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.

In addition, in this reference form, the advance notice hold generation processing of step S2207P functions as a continuation performance occurrence determination means capable of determining whether or not to set the continuation performance hold information (advance notice hold information) to generate a continuation performance (pre-reading performance) that will continue the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds.
In this reference form, the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance has occurred in step S6301 and the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance has been consumed in step S6303 function as a continuation performance execution means at the end of a game that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance hold information at the end of a game round as the performance of the game round related to the hold information including a pre-performance (reach display) different from the continuation performance, when the pre-performance based on the hold information stored in multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation performance hold information includes this pre-performance.

According to this configuration, the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur in step S6301 and the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will be consumed in step S6303 cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation effect based on the continuation effect pending information at the end of the game round as the effect for the game round related to the pending information including the advance effect. Therefore, when it is determined in the pre-notification pending occurrence process in step S2207P that the continuation effect is pending information, the continuation effect can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation effect, and the number of game rounds in which a continuation effect is executed can be increased compared to the case where the pattern display device 36 executes a continuation effect based on the continuation effect pending information as the effect for the game round to be consumed next to the game round related to the pending information including the advance effect. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

In this embodiment, the start ball entry means employs the upper actuation port 25 and the lower actuation port 26, but any configuration may be employed. For example, the start ball entry means may employ a large prize entry port, a V prize entry port, a general prize entry port, each actuation port, a through gate, etc. Also, the start ball entry means may be located in any part of the gaming machine, for example, inside the large prize entry port or inside the role.
In this reference embodiment, the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301 and the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect has been consumed in step S6303 are configured to prevent the occurrence of a pre-reading effect during the execution of a continuation effect by having the symbol display device 36 execute a continuation effect based on the continuation effect pending information at the end of the game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the pre-reading effect. In contrast, the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301 and the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect has been consumed in step S6303 may not be configured to prevent the occurrence of a pre-reading effect during the execution of a continuation effect when the win/loss result included in the continuation effect pending information is a "jackpot win," and the continuation effect may be configured to be able to occur five or more times in succession.

In addition, in this reference form, the continuation effect uses a look-ahead effect, but any effect can be used as long as it can be continued for a specified number of game rounds. For example, other effects such as a preview display that changes the type of reserved image to inform the player of the expected level of the reserved item may be used.

In addition, in this embodiment, the process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has occurred in step S6301 and the process of determining whether a pre-reading effect has been consumed in step S6303 determine whether a pre-reading effect is included in the pre-reading effect based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continued performance reserved information each time the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas is shifted for each play in the reserve shift process in step S2104.

According to this configuration, the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process of step S6301 and the pre-reading performance consumption decision process of step S6303 determine whether or not a pre-performance is included in the pre-performance based on the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation performance hold information each time the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas is shifted for each play in the hold shift process of step S2104. Therefore, even if the number of hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation performance hold information increases after it is determined to be continuation performance hold information in the notice hold occurrence process of step S2207P, the occurrence of a pre-performance during the execution of the continuation performance can be avoided, and the continuation performance can be reliably executed without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

In this embodiment, the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process in step S6301 determines whether or not a pre-performance is included in the pre-performance based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continuing performance reserved information each time the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas is shifted for each game in the reserve shift process in step S2104, but the timing of this determination does not have to be each time the reserved information is shifted for each game. For example, the pre-performance determination means may be configured to perform a determination only once when the continuing performance occurrence determination means determines that the continuing performance is reserved information, or may be configured to perform a determination only once before the continuing performance is executed.

In addition, in this reference form, the advance performance is a reach display, so it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a reach display during the execution of a continuation performance, and if it is determined in the advance pending generation processing of step S2207P that the continuation performance is to be pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation performance without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

In this reference embodiment, the pre-effect is a reach display, but it may be something else. For example, the pre-effect may be an effect that encourages the player to press a push button, a pseudo consecutive effect, an effect that gradually enlarges the image displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, or an effect that changes the length of the display duration. Furthermore, the pre-effect is not limited to an effect that displays an image on the pattern display device 36, but may be an effect that activates a role. In short, the pre-effect may be any effect based on pending information stored in multiple pending areas that is consumed before the continuing effect pending information.

In addition, in this embodiment, the player is notified of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.
Specifically, if the pre-reading effect occurred four times in a row, the result of the prediction held information was determined to be a "jackpot win," and if it occurred three times in a row, the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the pre-reading information was determined to be a "win."
According to such a configuration, the continuation effect notifies the player of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.

In addition, in this reference embodiment, the number of game rounds at which the symbol display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information changes based on the result of the determination process of the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process in step S6301 (pre-reading performance completion determination process in step S6303).

With this configuration, the game round at which the symbol display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information changes based on the result of the judgment in the pre-reading performance occurrence judgment process in step S6301, so it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a pre-event performance during the execution of a continuation performance, and when it is judged in the advance notice pending generation process in step S2207P that the continuation performance is pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation performance without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

In this reference embodiment, when it is determined in the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process of step S6301 that a pre-performance is included, the pre-reading performance completion determination process of step S6303 causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information, starting from the game round related to the pending information including this pre-performance. However, it is not necessary to cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information starting from this game round, and it is also possible to cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information starting from another game round. In short, the game round in which the pattern display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information may change based on the determination result of the pre-reading performance occurrence determination process of step S6301.

According to the present embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved.
(1) The process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect occurs in step S6301 and the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect has been consumed in step S6303 cause the symbol display device 36 to execute a continuation effect based on the continuation effect pending information at the end of a game round as the effect of the game round related to the pending information including the advance effect. Therefore, when it is determined in the pre-notification pending generation process in step S2207P that the continuation effect is pending information, the continuation effect can be executed without canceling the execution of the continuation effect. As compared with the case where the symbol display device 36 executes a continuation effect based on the continuation effect pending information as the effect of the game round to be consumed next to the game round related to the pending information including the advance effect, the number of game rounds in which the continuation effect is executed can be increased. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

(2) The process of determining whether a pre-reading effect will occur in step S6301 and the process of determining whether a pre-reading effect will be consumed in step S6303 determine whether a pre-reading effect is included in the pre-reading effect based on the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation hold information each time the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas is shifted for each game in the hold shift process in step S2104. Therefore, even if the number of hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation hold information increases after it is determined to be continuation hold information in the notice hold occurrence process in step S2207P, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a pre-reading effect during the execution of the continuation effect, and the continuation effect can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation effect.

(3) Since the pre-performance is a reach display, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a reach display during the execution of a continuing performance, and if it is determined in the advance notice hold generation processing of step S2207P that the continuing performance is to be held, it is possible to reliably execute the continuing performance without canceling the execution of the continuing performance.
(4) The continuation effect notifies the player of the expectation of this continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.

(5) The number of game rounds at which the symbol display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance hold information changes based on the result of the judgment made in the pre-reading performance occurrence judgment process in step S6301. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of a pre-event performance during the execution of a continuation performance. If it is judged in the advance notice hold occurrence process in step S2207P that the continuation performance is to be held, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

[Reference Form R]
Hereinafter, a reference embodiment R of the present invention will 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 reference form P, the sound and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are configured to avoid the occurrence of a reach display during the execution of a pre-reading performance.
In contrast, in this reference form, the audio and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 are configured not only to avoid the occurrence of a reach display during the execution of a pre-reading performance, but also to avoid the occurrence of different types of pre-reading performance during the execution of a pre-reading performance, which differs from reference form P.

In this reference form, the audio and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 execute processes different from those in the reference form P. Specifically, in this reference form, the hold generation process, hold shift process, and performance decision process are different from those in the reference form P. The contents of the hold generation process, hold shift process, and performance decision process in this reference form are described below.

<Pending occurrence processing>
FIG. 72 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the reservation generation processing according to the reference embodiment R of the present invention.
In the hold occurrence process, MPU 52 executes steps S2201 to S2209 as shown in Fig. 72. Specifically, MPU 52 stores sub-side hold information in sub-side hold information storage area 543 based on the contents of the hold occurrence command. Note that this embodiment differs from embodiment P in that MPU 52 executes the process of step S2210R instead of the process of step S2210P, and executes the process of step S2207R instead of the process of step S2207P.

In step S2201, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the first hold occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 42 has been received.
When the MPU 52 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 52 executes the process in step S2204 and thereafter.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 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 52 then executes the processing from step S2204 onwards.

After executing the processing of step S2202 or step S2203, in step S2204, the MPU 52 updates the value of the sub-side start pending memory number SN (SRaN or SRbN) by adding 1.

In step S2210R, the MPU 52 determines whether there are two or more pieces of advance notice pending information in the sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S2210R that there is not two or more pieces of advance notice pending information (if the MPU 52 determines that there is 0 or 1 piece of advance notice pending information in the sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area), the MPU 52 executes a lottery process for advance notice pending in step S2205. In this lottery process for advance notice pending, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate an advance notice pending.
Specifically, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to issue a notice hold by using the value of the notice hold occurrence counter. The notice hold occurrence counter is provided in the various counter area 542 of the RAM 54.

Here, the pre-notification hold is a hold that executes a pre-notification display that changes the type of reserved image to inform the player of the expected degree of the hold, or a pre-notification display that generates a look-ahead effect that informs the player of the expected degree of the hold by the effect of the number of play times based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold. Note that in this reference form, a pre-notification hold that executes a pre-notification display that generates a look-ahead effect will be described, and a description of pre-notification holds that execute other pre-notification displays will be omitted. When implementing a pre-notification hold that executes multiple pre-notification displays, the MPU 52, for example, prepares multiple flags for each type of pre-notification display, and sets one or multiple of these flags to execute various pre-notification displays.

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 54.
Then, the MPU 52 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 52 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 53.

In step S2206, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the advance notice reservation generating lottery in step S2205 was won (whether or not to generate an advance notice reservation).
When the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, it executes a notice hold generation process in step S2207R. In this notice hold generation process, the MPU 52 executes a process for generating a notice hold. In addition, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the display lamp unit 124 and audio control of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process in step S2004 described above based on the contents of this notice hold generation process.

Specifically, the MPU 52 stores the advance notice pending information in the first free memory area in the sub-side pending area, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the sub-side start pending memory number SN updated in step S2204.
Here, the advance notice pending information includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery), and information regarding the result of the lottery to determine whether or not a reach display will occur (reach occurrence lottery).
In addition, based on the first hold generation command and the second hold generation command, the MPU 52 includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery) in the advance notice hold information.

The advance notice pending information also includes information regarding the type of look-ahead performance. Specifically, the advance notice pending information includes a start-time look-ahead performance flag that specifies that a start-time look-ahead performance will be executed, and an end-time look-ahead performance flag that specifies that an end-time look-ahead performance will be executed. In this reference form, the start-time look-ahead performance is the same performance as the look-ahead performance in reference form P, and the end-time look-ahead performance is the same performance as the look-ahead performance in reference form Q.

If the MPU 52 determines in the notice hold generation processing of step S2207R that both the start time look-ahead performance flag and the end time look-ahead performance flag are not set in RAM 54, it randomly selects either the start time look-ahead performance flag or the end time look-ahead performance flag and sets it in RAM 54 in association with the notice hold information.
In addition, if the MPU 52 determines in the notice hold generation processing of step S2207R that either the start-time look-ahead performance flag or the end-time look-ahead performance flag has been set in RAM 54, it associates the other of the start-time look-ahead performance flag or the end-time look-ahead performance flag with the notice hold information and sets it in RAM 54.

For example, when the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 of "4" updated in step S2204.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold will not be generated, or if it determines in step S2210R that there are two or more notice hold information items, it executes normal hold generation processing in step S2208. In this normal hold generation processing, the MPU 52 executes processing for generating a normal hold. Furthermore, based on the contents of this normal hold generation processing, the MPU 52 executes illumination control of the display lamp unit 124 and audio control of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution processing of the above-mentioned step S2004.

Specifically, the MPU 52 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.
Here, the normal pending information includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery to determine whether a jackpot will occur (win/lose lottery), and information regarding the result of the lottery to determine whether or not a reach display will occur (reach occurrence lottery).
In addition, based on the first hold generation command and the second hold generation command, the MPU 52 includes information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach generation lottery) in the normal hold information.

For example, when the MPU 52 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 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN in step S2203, the MPU 52 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 52 sets the second sub side start pending memory number SRbN to "3" in step S2203, the MPU 52 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.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the MPU 52 is capable of generating up to two advance notice holds in the sub-side hold area that execute advance notice displays that generate pre-reading effects.
In this embodiment, the MPU 52 is not configured to allow three or more advance reservations to occur in the sub-side reservation area, but this may be possible.

After executing the advance hold generation process of step S2207R or the normal hold generation process of step S2208, the MPU 52 sets a hold display generation command in step S2209. The MPU 52 then stores the hold display generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This hold display generation command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the occurrence of a notice hold or a normal hold on the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display occurrence command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays a notice hold pattern or a normal hold pattern on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of a notice hold or a normal hold.

<Hold shift processing>
FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing the reservation shift process.
In the reservation shift process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2309R to S2308 as shown in Fig. 73. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 52 differs from the embodiment P in that it executes the process of step S2309R instead of the process of step S2309P.

In step S2309R, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining whether a pre-reading effect will occur at the start of the game.
The process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur at the start will be described in detail below.

<Start time pre-reading effect occurrence determination process>
FIG. 74 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process for determining whether a pre-reading effect will occur at the start of the game.
In the start-time pre-reading effect occurrence determination process, the MPU 52 executes steps S6001R to S6012 as shown in FIG.
In step S6001R, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information related to the start-time pre-read performance flag.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6001R that there is no pending notice information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag, it terminates the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6002R and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S6001R that there is pending notice information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag, it determines in step S6002R whether or not a start-time look-ahead performance occurring flag is set in the RAM 54. This start-time look-ahead performance occurring flag is a flag for specifying that a start-time look-ahead performance has occurred. The MPU 52 sets the look-ahead performance occurring flag when a start-time look-ahead performance occurs, and clears the start-time look-ahead performance occurring flag when the start-time look-ahead performance ends.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6002R that the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54, this indicates that the start-time pre-reading performance has already occurred, and therefore terminates the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6003R onwards.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6002R that the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in RAM 54, it determines in step S6003R whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag by determining whether the win/loss result included in the sub-side pending information executed before the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is a "jackpot win" or not, and whether the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" or not.

For example, if advance notice pending information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side holding area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether a reach display will occur before the advance notice information related to the start time look-ahead performance flag is executed by referring to information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

In addition, for example, if advance notice pending information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRb1, the second area SRb2, and the fourth area SRb4 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side holding area SRb (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRb1 and the second area SRb2 of the second sub-side holding area SRb) will be executed before the advance notice pending information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether a reach display will occur before the advance notice information related to the start time look-ahead performance flag is executed by referencing information related to the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 and the second area SRb2 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb, and information related to the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6003R that a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag, it terminates the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6013R onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6003R that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag, it determines in step S6013R whether or not an end-time look-ahead performance occurring flag is set in the RAM 54. This end-time look-ahead performance occurring flag is a flag for specifying that an end-time look-ahead performance has occurred. The MPU 52 sets the end-time look-ahead performance occurring flag when an end-time look-ahead performance occurs, and clears the end-time look-ahead performance occurring flag when the end-time look-ahead performance ends.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6013R that the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54, this indicates that the end-time pre-reading performance has already occurred, and therefore terminates the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6004 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6013R that the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, in step S6004, it obtains the pre-reading pending number PN.

Here, when it is determined in step S6001R that there is advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag in the memory area of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the pre-reading pending number PN is the sum of the number of advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserve area SRa and the number of sub-side reserved information that will be executed before the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag among the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
For example, if advance notice pending information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side holding area SRa will be executed before the advance notice pending information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and therefore MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-reading pending number PN.
In this case, even if pending information is stored in the memory area of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN.

In addition, when it is determined in step S6001R that there is advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag in the memory area of the second sub-side reserve area SRb, the pre-reading pending number PN is the sum of the number of advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the second sub-side reserve area SRb and the number of sub-side reserved information that will be executed before the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag among the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side reserve area SRb.
For example, if advance notice pending information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRb1, the second area SRb2, and the fourth area SRb4 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side holding area SRb will be executed before the advance notice pending information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, and therefore the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-reading pending number PN.
In this case, even if reserved information is stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read reserved number PN.

In step S6005R, the MPU 52 acquires advance notice reservation information related to the start time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reservation area. Specifically, the MPU 52 acquires information related to the result (win/lose result) of the lottery (win/lose lottery) for the big win occurrence included in the advance notice reservation information related to the start time pre-reading performance flag, and information related to the result of the lottery (win/lose lottery) for whether or not to generate a reach display.
In step S6006, the MPU 52 judges whether the winning/losing result acquired in step S6005R, i.e., the winning/losing result included in the advance notice reserved information related to the start time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area, is a "jackpot winning". If the MPU 52 judges in step S6006 that the winning/losing result is a "jackpot winning", it executes the processing from step S6007 onwards, and if the MPU 52 judges in step S6006 that the winning/losing result is not a "jackpot winning", it executes the processing from step S6010 onwards.

First, the process (the process from step S6007 onward) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6006 that the result is a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S6007, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6004 is "4" or less.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6007 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "4" or less, it terminates the start-time pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6008R and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6007 that the number of pending pre-reads PN is "4" or less, then in step S6008R, it sets a start-time pre-read performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54.
In step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the pre-reading effect has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0". After that, the MPU 52 ends the start-time pre-reading effect occurrence determination process.

Next, the process (the process after step S6010) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6006 that the result is not a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S6010, the MPU 52 judges whether the result of the reach occurrence lottery acquired in step S6005R, that is, the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice reserved information related to the start time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area, is a "win." If the MPU 52 judges in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win," it executes the processing from step S6011 onward, and if the MPU 52 judges in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win," it executes the processing from step S6012 onward.

First, the process (the process after step S6011) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win" will be described.
In step S6011, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6004R is "3" or less.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the pre-read pending number PN is "3" or less, it executes the processes in and after step S6008R described above.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "3" or less, it terminates the start-time pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6008R and subsequent steps.

Next, the process (the process after step S6012) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6010 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win" will be described.
In step S6012, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6004R is equal to or less than "2".
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6012 that the pre-read pending number PN is equal to or less than "2", it executes the processes in and after step S6008R described above.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6012 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "2" or less, it terminates the start-time pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6008R and subsequent steps.

Thus, in this reference form, in the process of determining whether a start-time pre-reading effect has occurred, when the number of pending pre-reads PN is "4" or less, in step S6008R, a start-time pre-reading effect occurrence flag is set in RAM 54 and it is determined that a start-time pre-reading effect will be generated.
Specifically, the start-time pre-reading effect occurs when the result of the pre-reading hold information related to the start-time pre-reading effect flag is a "jackpot win" and the pre-reading hold number PN is "4" or less, when the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the pre-reading hold information related to the start-time pre-reading effect flag is a "win", when the pre-reading hold number PN is "3" or less, and when the result of the pre-reading hold information related to the start-time pre-reading effect flag is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win", when the pre-reading hold number PN is "2" or less.

In other words, if the start-time pre-reading effect occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN, which is the sum of the number of advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading effect flag stored in the memory area of each sub-side reserve area and the number of sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of each sub-side reserve area that is executed before the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading effect flag, is "4", then the win/loss result contained in the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading effect flag is determined to be "jackpot win", and if the start-time pre-reading effect occurs when the pre-reading hold number PN is "3", then the result of the reach occurrence lottery contained in the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading effect flag is determined to be "win".
In this reference form, the start-time look-ahead performance also occurs when advance notice hold information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag is executed, so that if it occurs when the look-ahead hold number PN is "4", it will occur four times in a row, if it occurs when the look-ahead hold number PN is "3", it will occur three times in a row, and if it occurs when the look-ahead hold number PN is "2", it will occur two times in a row.

<Regarding the performance determination process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 75 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect determination process.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 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 52 executes steps S2401 to S2413 in substantially the same manner as in the reference form P. Note that in this reference form, as shown in FIG. 75, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S2407R instead of the process of step S2407P, and differs from the reference form P in that it executes the processes of steps S2414R to S2416R before executing other processes in step S2413.

In step S2407R, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining a presentation pattern. In this process, the MPU 52 selects a presentation pattern that corresponds to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table previously stored in the ROM 53. Specifically, the MPU 52 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. In step S2407R, the MPU 52 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display.

Furthermore, the MPU 52 controls the illumination of the display lamp unit 124 and controls the sound of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process of step S2004 described above, based on the selected performance pattern.
The process of determining the effect pattern will be described in detail below.

FIG. 76 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining an effect pattern.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a process for determining a performance pattern in order 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 52 executes steps S6101 to S6107R in a manner substantially similar to that of the reference embodiment P. Note that, in this reference embodiment, the MPU 52 executes steps S6102R and S6103R instead of steps S6102 and S6103, and executes step S6107R instead of step S6107, as shown in FIG. 76, which is different from the reference embodiment P.

In step S6101, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the second pending effect flag is set in the RAM 54.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6101 that the second pending effect flag is not set in the RAM 54, it executes processing from step S6102R onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6101 that the second pending effect flag is set in the RAM 54, it executes processing from step S6105 onwards.

First, the processing performed when it is determined in step S6101 that the second pending effect flag is not set in the RAM 54 by the MPU 52 (the processing performed in step S6102R and thereafter) will be described.
In step S6102R, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a start-time pre-reading effect occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6102R that the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, it executes the processing from step S6104 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6102R that the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54, in step S6103R, it executes a start-time pre-reading performance completion determination process.
The process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will be completed at the start of the game will be described in detail below.

<Start time pre-reading performance consumption determination process>
Figure 77 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance will be completed at the start of the game.
In the start-time pre-reading performance consumption determination process, the MPU 52 executes steps S6201R to S6206R in substantially the same manner as in the reference form P described above.

In step S6201R, the MPU 52 executes a start-time look-ahead performance generation process. In this start-time look-ahead performance generation process, the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of a start-time look-ahead performance based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of a first start-time look-ahead performance; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of a second start-time look-ahead performance; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of a third start-time look-ahead performance; and if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of a fourth start-time look-ahead performance.

In step S6202R, the MPU 52 sets a start-time pre-reading performance generation command. The MPU 52 then stores the start-time pre-reading performance generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. Here, the value of the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 is included in the start-time pre-reading performance generation command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This start-time pre-reading performance generation command is sent to the display control device 6 in the command sending process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the generation of the start-time pre-reading performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the start-time pre-reading performance generation command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance is consumed PRN included in this start-time pre-reading performance generation command. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the start-time pre-reading performance on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of the start-time pre-reading performance. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the first look-ahead effect has occurred at the start of the game; if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the second look-ahead effect has occurred at the start of the game; if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the third look-ahead effect has occurred at the start of the game; and if the number of times the look-ahead effect has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the fourth look-ahead effect has occurred at the start of the game.

In step S6203, the MPU 52 updates the value of the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by adding 1 to the value.
In step S6204, the MPU 52 updates the value of the pre-read pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S6205, it is determined whether the value of the pre-read pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 is "0" or less.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S6205 that the value of the pre-reading pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", in step S6206R, the MPU 52 clears the start-time pre-reading effect occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. In this way, the MPU 52 ends the start-time pre-reading effect.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6205 that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is not "0" or less, it terminates the start-time pre-read performance consumption determination process without executing the processing of step S6206R.

Returning to the explanation of the effect pattern determination process, the process from step S6104 onwards will be described with reference to FIG.
After executing the start-time pre-reading performance completion determination process of step S6103R, MPU 52 executes the processes of steps S6104 and onward.

In step S6104, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining other presentation patterns. In the process for determining other presentation patterns, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display other than the pre-reading presentation. The MPU 52 then ends the process for determining the presentation pattern.

In response to this, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6101 that the second reserved effect flag is set in the RAM 54, it executes a second reserved effect generation process in step S6105. In this second reserved effect generation process, the MPU 52 generates a second reserved effect that is executed only when the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb is moved to the execution area SAE.

In step S6106, the MPU 52 sets a second hold effect generation command. The MPU 52 then stores the second hold effect generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This second hold effect generation command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the generation of the second reserved effect on the pattern display device 36 based on the second reserved effect generation command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the second reserved effect on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of the second reserved effect.

In step S6107R, the MPU 52 clears the start-time look-ahead performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. This causes the MPU 52 to end the start-time look-ahead performance. The MPU 52 then ends the performance pattern determination process.

Returning to the explanation of the effect determination process, the processing of steps S2414R to S2416R will be explained with reference to FIG.
In step S2414R, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a fluctuation end command has been received.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S2414R that the fluctuation end command has not been received, it executes the processing from step S2413 onwards.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2414R that it has received the fluctuation end command, it executes a process of determining a game round end effect in step S2415R. In this process of determining a game round end effect, the MPU 52 refers to a table for effects stored in the ROM 53 in advance to select a game round end effect corresponding to the fluctuation end command.

In step S2416R, the MPU 52 sets a game round end command including information related to the game round end presentation selected in step S2415R. The MPU 52 then stores the game round end command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This game round end command is sent to the display control device 6 in the command sending process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the game round end performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the game round end command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 executes the game round end performance selected by the MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5.
The process for determining the performance at the end of a game round will be explained in detail below.

FIG. 78 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process for determining the presentation to be given at the end of a game round.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a process for determining the effect for ending a game round in order to select the effect for ending a game round corresponding to the variable end command as the effect for ending a game round. In this process for determining the effect for ending a game round, the MPU 52 executes steps S6301R to S6304 as shown in FIG.

In step S6301R, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining whether or not an end-time pre-reading effect will occur.
The process of determining whether or not a pre-reading effect will occur at the end will be described in detail below.

<End time look-ahead effect occurrence determination process>
FIG. 79 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the end-time pre-reading effect occurrence determination process.
In the end-time pre-reading effect occurrence determination process, the MPU 52 executes steps S6401 to S6412 as shown in FIG.

In step S6401, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6401 that there is no pending notice information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag, it terminates the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6402 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S6401 that there is pending notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag, it determines in step S6402 whether or not an end-time look-ahead performance occurring flag is set in the RAM 54. This end-time look-ahead performance occurring flag is a flag for specifying that an end-time look-ahead performance has occurred. The MPU 52 sets the end-time look-ahead performance occurring flag when an end-time look-ahead performance occurs, and clears the end-time look-ahead performance occurring flag when the end-time look-ahead performance ends.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6402 that the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54, this indicates that the end-time pre-reading performance has already occurred, and therefore terminates the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6403 onwards.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6402 that the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in RAM 54, it determines in step S6403 whether or not a reach display will occur before the execution of the notice pending information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag by determining whether the win/loss result included in the sub-side reserved information executed before the advance notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is a "jackpot win" or not, and whether the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" or not.

For example, if advance notice pending information relating to the end-time read-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, second area SRa2, and fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side holding area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 and second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information relating to the end-time read-ahead performance flag stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether a reach display will occur before the advance notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is executed by referring to information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

In addition, for example, if advance notice pending information relating to the end-time read-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRb1, the second area SRb2, and the fourth area SRb4 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side holding area SRb (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRb1 and the second area SRb2 of the second sub-side holding area SRb) will be executed before the advance notice pending information relating to the end-time read-ahead performance flag stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether a reach display will occur before the advance notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is executed by referencing information related to the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRb1 and the second area SRb2 of the second sub-side reserved area SRb, and information related to the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6403 that a reach display will occur before the execution of the notice pending information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag, it terminates the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6413 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6403 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice hold information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag, then in step S6413, it determines whether or not a start-time look-ahead performance occurring flag is set in the RAM 54. This start-time look-ahead performance occurring flag is a flag for specifying that a start-time look-ahead performance has occurred. The MPU 52 sets the start-time look-ahead performance occurring flag when a start-time look-ahead performance occurs, and clears the start-time look-ahead performance occurring flag when the start-time look-ahead performance ends.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6413 that the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54, this indicates that the start-time pre-reading performance has already occurred, and therefore terminates the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process without executing the processing from step S6404 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6413 that the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, in step S6404, it obtains the pre-reading pending number PN.

Here, when it is determined in step S6401 that there is advance notice pending information related to the end-time read-ahead performance flag in the memory area of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the number of pre-read ahead pending information PN is the total number of sub-side pending information that will be executed before the advance notice pending information related to the end-time read-ahead performance flag among the sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and the number of sub-side pending information stored in the execution area SAE.
For example, if advance notice pending information relating to the end-time read-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1, the second area SRa2, and the fourth area SRa4 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserve area SRa will be executed before the advance notice pending information relating to the end-time read-ahead performance flag stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN.
In this case, even if pending information is stored in the memory area of the second sub-side pending area SRb, the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN.

In addition, when it is determined in step S6401 that there is advance notice pending information related to the end-time read-ahead performance flag in the memory area of the second sub-side reserve area SRb, the number of pre-read ahead pending information PN is the total number of sub-side pending information that will be executed before the advance notice pending information related to the end-time read-ahead performance flag among the sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side reserve area SRb, and the number of sub-side pending information stored in the execution area SAE.
For example, if advance notice pending information relating to the end-time read-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRb1, the second area SRb2, and the fourth area SRb4 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the second sub-side holding area SRb will be executed before the advance notice pending information relating to the end-time read-ahead performance flag stored in the third area SRb3 of the second sub-side holding area SRb, so the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read pending number PN.
In this case, even if reserved information is stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, the MPU 52 obtains "3" as the pre-read reserved number PN.

In step S6405, the MPU 52 acquires the advance notice reserved information related to the end time look-ahead performance flag stored in the storage area of the sub-side reserved area. Specifically, the MPU 52 acquires information related to the result (win/lose result) of the lottery (win/lose lottery) for the big win occurrence, which is included in the advance notice reserved information related to the end time look-ahead performance flag, and information related to the result of the lottery (reach occurrence lottery) for whether or not to generate a reach display.
In step S6406, the MPU 52 judges whether the winning/losing result acquired in step S6405, i.e., the winning/losing result included in the advance notice reserved information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the storage area of the sub-side reserved area, is a "jackpot winning". If the MPU 52 judges in step S6406 that the winning/losing result is a "jackpot winning", it executes the processes in steps S6407 and after, and if the MPU 52 judges in step S6406 that the winning/losing result is not a "jackpot winning", it executes the processes in steps S6410 and after.

First, the process (the process from step S6407 onward) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6406 that the result is a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S6407, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6404 is "4" or less.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S6407 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "4" or less, it terminates the end-time pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6408 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6407 that the number of pending pre-reads PN is "4" or less, then in step S6408 it sets a flag indicating that the pre-read-at-end performance is occurring in the RAM 54.
In step S6409, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the pre-reading effect has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0". After that, the MPU 52 ends the end-time pre-reading effect occurrence determination process.

Next, the process (the process from step S6410 onward) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6406 that the result is not a "jackpot win" will be described.
In step S6410, the MPU 52 judges whether or not the result of the reach occurrence lottery acquired in step S6405, i.e., the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice reserved information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area, is a "win." If the MPU 52 judges in step S6410 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win," it executes the processing from step S6411 onward, and if the MPU 52 judges in step S6410 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win," it executes the processing from step S6412 onward.

First, the process (the process after step S6411) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6410 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" will be described.
In step S6411, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6404 is "3" or less.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6410 that the pre-read pending number PN is "3" or less, it executes the processes in and after step S6408 described above.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6410 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "3" or less, it terminates the end-time pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6408 and subsequent steps.

Next, the process (the process after step S6412) when the MPU 52 determines in step S6410 that the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win" will be described.
In step S6412, the MPU 52 determines whether the pre-read pending number PN acquired in step S6404 is "2" or less.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6412 that the pre-read pending number PN is "2" or less, it executes the processes in and after step S6408 described above.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6412 that the pre-read pending number PN is not "2" or less, it terminates the end-time pre-read performance occurrence determination process without executing the processes in step S6408 and thereafter.

Thus, in this reference form, in the process of determining whether or not an end-time look-ahead performance will occur, when the number of pending look-aheads PN is "4" or less, in step S6408, a flag indicating that an end-time look-ahead performance is occurring is set in RAM 54, and it is determined that an end-time look-ahead performance will occur.
Specifically, the end-time pre-reading effect occurs when the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information related to the end-time pre-reading effect flag is a "jackpot win" and the pre-reading pending number PN is "4" or less, when the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information related to the end-time pre-reading effect flag is a "win", when the pre-reading pending number PN is "3" or less, and when the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information related to the end-time pre-reading effect flag is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win", when the pre-reading pending number PN is "2" or less.

In other words, if the end-time read-ahead performance occurs when the read-ahead hold number PN, which is the sum of the number of sub-side reserved information that is executed before the advance notice reserved information related to the end-time read-ahead performance flag among the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of each sub-side reserved area and the number of sub-side reserved information stored in the execution area, is "4", then the win/loss result contained in the advance notice reserved information related to the end-time read-ahead performance flag is determined to be "jackpot win", and if the read-ahead hold number PN is "3", then the result of the reach occurrence lottery contained in the advance notice reserved information related to the end-time read-ahead performance flag is determined to be "win".
In addition, in this reference form, the end-time read-ahead performance also occurs when the sub-side pending information stored in the execution area is executed, so if it occurs when the read-ahead pending number PN is "4", it will occur four times in a row, if it occurs when the read-ahead pending number PN is "3", it will occur three times in a row, and if it occurs when the read-ahead pending number PN is "2", it will occur two times in a row.

Returning to the explanation of the process for determining the presentation for the end of a game round, the process from step S6302R onwards will be explained with reference to FIG.
In step S6302R, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the end-time pre-reading effect occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S6302R that the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in the RAM 54, it executes the processing from step S6304 onwards.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6302R that the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54, then in step S6303R, it executes a process for determining whether the end-time pre-reading performance has been completed.
The process of determining the completion of the end-time pre-reading performance will be explained in detail below.

<End time pre-reading performance consumption determination process>
FIG. 80 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining whether or not a pre-reading performance will be completed at the end.
In the process of determining whether or not to consume the pre-reading effect, the MPU 52 executes steps S6501 to S6506 as shown in FIG.

In step S6501, the MPU 52 executes end-time look-ahead performance generation processing. In this end-time look-ahead performance generation processing, the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of an end-time look-ahead performance based on the number of times PRN the look-ahead performance has been performed stored in the RAM 54. Specifically, if the number of times PRN the look-ahead performance has been performed is "0", the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of a first end-time look-ahead performance; if the number of times PRN the look-ahead performance has been performed is "1", the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of a second end-time look-ahead performance; if the number of times PRN the look-ahead performance has been performed is "2", the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of a third end-time look-ahead performance; and if the number of times PRN the look-ahead performance has been performed is "3", the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of a fourth end-time look-ahead performance.

In step S6502, the MPU 52 sets an end-time look-ahead performance generation command. The MPU 52 then stores the end-time look-ahead performance generation command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. Here, the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 is included in the end-time look-ahead performance generation command stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This end-time look-ahead performance generation command is sent to the display control device 6 in the command sending process in the above-mentioned step S2006.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the generation of the end-time look-ahead performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the end-time look-ahead performance generation command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance is consumed PRN included in this end-time look-ahead performance generation command. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the end-time look-ahead performance on the display screen G to notify the player of the occurrence of the end-time look-ahead performance. Specifically, if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "0", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the first end-time look-ahead performance has occurred; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "1", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the second end-time look-ahead performance has occurred; if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "2", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the third end-time look-ahead performance has occurred; and if the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN is "3", the MPU 62 notifies the player that the fourth end-time look-ahead performance has occurred.

In step S6503, the MPU 52 updates the value of the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by adding 1 to the value.
In step S6504, the MPU 52 updates the value of the pre-read pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 by subtracting 1 from the value.

In step S6505, it is determined whether the value of the pre-read pending number PN stored in the RAM 54 is "0" or less.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S6505 that the value of the pre-reading pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", in step S6506, the MPU 52 clears the end-time pre-reading effect occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54. In this way, the MPU 52 ends the end-time pre-reading effect.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6505 that the value of the pre-read pending number PN is not "0" or less, it terminates the end-time pre-read performance consumption determination process without executing the processing of step S6506.

Returning to the explanation of the process for determining the presentation for the end of a game round, the process from step S6304 onwards will be explained with reference to FIG.
After executing the end-time pre-reading performance completion determination process of step S6303R, or if it determines in step S6302R that the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is not set in RAM 54, MPU 52 executes the process from step S6304 onwards.

In step S6304, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining other effects for the end of a game round. In the process for determining other effects for the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining effects for the end of a game round to end the effects of the game round other than the end-time pre-reading effect. The MPU 52 then ends the process for determining effects for the end of a game round.

<About the occurrence of pre-reading performances and the subsequent flow>
FIG. 81 is a diagram showing a display screen of the pattern display device in the case where notice reservation information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area, and notice reservation information relating to the end-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the storage area of the first sub-side reserve area. Specifically, FIG. 81(A) is a diagram showing a state in which notice reservation information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, FIG. 81(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first start-time pre-reading performance is consumed after notice reservation information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, FIG. 81(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the second start-time pre-reading performance is consumed after notice reservation information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, FIG. 81(D) is a diagram showing a state in which notice reservation information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area, and the third start-time pre-reading performance related to this notice reservation information is consumed. In addition, Figure 81 (E) is a diagram showing the state in which the first end-time look-ahead performance has been completed based on the advance notice hold information relating to the end-time look-ahead performance flag stored in the memory area of the first sub-side hold area.

As shown in FIG. 81(A), the MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 81(A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

Also, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207R, it executes a notice hold generation process and stores the notice hold information in the first storage area among the free storage areas of the sub-side hold area, that is, in the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. In the example of Fig. 81, the MPU 52 stores notice hold information related to the start time look-ahead performance flag in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance notice hold information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places a flashing white sphere image, which is the advance notice hold image, on the pedestal B13.

After announcing the result of the winning/losing lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, the MPU 62 executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 81 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 81 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal hold and notice hold, the MPU 52 executes a start-time pre-reading effect occurrence determination process of step S2309R.
Here, in the example of Fig. 81 (A), the notice reserved information related to the start time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. In this case, in step S6003R, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the notice reserved information related to the start time look-ahead performance flag is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag by determining whether the win/loss result included in the sub-side pending information executed before the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is a "jackpot win" or not, and whether the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" or not.

In the example of Figure 81 (A), advance notice pending information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, so that the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side holding area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information relating to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether a reach display will occur before the advance notice information related to the start time look-ahead performance flag is executed by referencing information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

Then, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6003R that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag, and determines in step S6013R that the end-time look-ahead performance occurring flag is not set in the RAM 54, then the two sub-side reserved information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "3" as the advance notice pending number PN in step S6004.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 obtains the pre-reading hold number PN of "3" in step S6004, and if the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", then in step S6008R, the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the second hold shift process after the advance notice hold information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-reading hold number PN in step S6004, so in any of the cases where the win/loss result included in the advance notice hold information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", a start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54 in step S6008R.

Then, in step S6008R, when the MPU 52 sets a start-time look-ahead performance occurrence flag in RAM 54, it causes the start-time look-ahead performance to occur continuously until the advance notice pending information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 81, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win," but the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 81, since the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", when the first hold shift process is executed after the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, in step S6003R, the MPU 52 determines that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is executed, in step S6004, it obtains "3" as the pre-reading pending number PN, and in step S6008R, sets the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

When the MPU 52 sets the start-time pre-reading effect occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008R, in step S6103R, it executes a process for determining whether the start-time pre-reading effect has been consumed.
In the start-time pre-reading effect consumption determination process, in step S6201R, the MPU 52 executes start-time pre-reading effect generation process, and in step S6202R, sets a start-time pre-reading effect generation command.
Then, based on the start-time pre-reading effect generation command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading effect has been played PRN contained in this start-time pre-reading effect generation command, the MPU 62 displays the start-time pre-reading effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the start-time pre-reading effect.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 81(B), the MPU 62 places a gauge GB having eight scales at the left edge of the display screen G, and displays an angel character operating a pump connected to the gauge at the bottom right of the gauge GB on the pattern display device 36, thereby displaying and executing a start-time look-ahead effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. This start-time look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a notice hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (the hold related to the notice hold image placed on the pedestal B12 in the example of FIG. 81(B)) by the effect of a game round based on the hold that will be consumed before the hold (the hold related to the normal hold image placed on the execution pedestal AB and on the pedestal B11 in the example of FIG. 81(B)).

In the example of FIG. 81(B), the MPU 62 executes the first start-time look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the first start-time look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 81 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 81 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 81 (C), after the advance notice hold information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 has completed the first start-time look-ahead performance, so in step S6204, it subtracts 1 from the value of the look-ahead hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "2".

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a start-time pre-reading effect occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008R, it executes a start-time pre-reading effect completion determination process in step S6103R.
In the start-time pre-reading effect consumption determination process, in step S6201R, the MPU 52 executes start-time pre-reading effect generation process, and in step S6202R, sets a start-time pre-reading effect generation command.
Then, based on the start-time pre-reading effect generation command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading effect has been performed PRN contained in this start-time pre-reading effect generation command, the MPU 62 displays the start-time pre-reading effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the start-time pre-reading effect.

In the example of FIG. 81(C), the MPU 62 executes a second start-time look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "1", and therefore the MPU 62 executes a second start-time look-ahead performance in which the gauge GB has accumulated up to four marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Also, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, it executes a notice hold generation process in step S2207R, and stores the notice hold information in the first storage area among the free storage areas of the sub-side reserve area, that is, in the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is not to be generated, or when it determines in step S2210R that there are two or more notice hold information, it executes a normal hold generation process in step S2208, and stores the normal hold information in the first storage area among the free storage areas of the sub-side reserve area, that is, in the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. In the example of FIG. 81(C), the MPU 52 stores normal hold information in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and stores notice hold information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display occurrence command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the normal hold pattern and the notice hold pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the normal hold and the notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command transmitted from the MPU 52, that normal hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places a white sphere image, which is a normal hold image, on the pedestal B12, and when the MPU 62 determines that advance notice hold information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places a flashing white sphere image, which is a advance notice hold image, on the pedestal B13.

In addition, since the MPU 52 determines in step S6413 that the start-time look-ahead performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54, when executing the end of the game round, the MPU 52 does not execute the processing from step S6404 onwards in the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination processing of step S6301R, and does not generate the end-time look-ahead performance.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 81 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 81 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance notice pending information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result (not shown).

Here, in the example of Figure 81 (D), after the advance notice hold information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 has consumed the second start-time look-ahead performance, so in step S6204, it subtracts 1 from the value of the look-ahead hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets a start-time pre-reading effect occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008R, it executes a start-time pre-reading effect completion determination process in step S6103R.
In the start-time pre-reading performance consumption determination process, the MPU 52 executes the pre-reading performance generation process in step S6201R, and sets a start-time pre-reading performance generation command in step S6202R.
Then, based on the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading performance has been performed PRN contained in this start-time pre-reading performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the start-time pre-reading performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the pre-reading performance.
Thereafter, in step S6205, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the pre-reading pending number PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6206R, clears the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the start-time pre-reading performance.

In the example of FIG. 81(D), the MPU 62 executes the third start-time look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag. Specifically, in step S6203, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the third start-time look-ahead performance with the gauge GB scale accumulated to 6 based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

In this way, in the example of Figure 81, the start-time pre-reading performance has occurred three times in a row, so it is determined that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is a "win." Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the gauge GB has reached six marks, so the player can use this as a guide to know that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is a "win" without waiting for the display of changing patterns to stop.

In addition, in step S6206R, the start-time pre-reading effect occurrence flag stored in RAM 54 is cleared to end the start-time pre-reading effect, so that when the MPU 52 executes the end of a game round, it executes the processing from step S6404 onwards in the end-time pre-reading effect occurrence determination processing of step S6301R.
Here, in the example of Fig. 81 (D), the notice pending information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa. In this case, one sub-side reserved information stored in each area will be executed before the notice pending information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-reading pending number PN in step S6404.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the first game round after the advance notice information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, it will obtain "2" as the number of advance notice holds PN in step S6404, and therefore in any of the following cases, the advance notice information related to the end-time advance notice performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area indicates a "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win", or the result is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win", the end-time advance notice performance is occurring flag is set in RAM 54 in step S6408.

Then, in step S6408, when the MPU 52 sets an end-time look-ahead performance occurrence flag in RAM 54, it causes the end-time look-ahead performance to occur continuously until the advance notice pending information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 81, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win."

In the example of FIG. 81, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", so when the end of the first game round is executed after the advance notice pending information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side pending area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6403 that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is executed, and in step S6404, it obtains "2" as the number of look-ahead pendings PN, and in step S6408 sets the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

When the MPU 52 sets the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6408, in step S6303R, it executes a process for determining whether the end-time pre-reading performance has been completed.
In the end-time pre-reading performance consumption determination process, the MPU 52 executes end-time pre-reading performance generation process in step S6501, and sets an end-time pre-reading performance generation command in step S6502.
Then, based on the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this end-time look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the end-time look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the end-time look-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 81(E), the MPU 62 executes the first end-time look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag. Specifically, in step S6409, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the first end-time look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x1" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Figure 82 is a diagram showing the display screen of the pattern display device in the case where notice reservation information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area, and notice reservation information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the memory area of the first sub-side reserve area after notice reservation information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Specifically, Figure 82 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first end-time look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reservation information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 82 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the second end-time look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reservation information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 82 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which the third end-time look-ahead performance is consumed after notice reservation information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area. Also, Figure 82 (D) is a diagram showing a state in which notice reservation information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area of the first sub-side reserve area, and the game number related to this notice reservation information is consumed. FIG. 82(E) shows the state in which the first start-time look-ahead performance has been completed based on the advance notice pending information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag stored in the memory area of the first sub-side pending area.

The MPU 62 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 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52. In this high-speed changing period, the MPU 62 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 reference form). In FIG. 82 (A), the MPU 62 starts the changing display based on the change start command related to the normal pending information stored in the execution area SAE.

Then, as shown in FIG. 82(A), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result.

Here, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, in step S2207R, it executes a notice hold generation process and stores the notice hold information in the first free storage area of the sub-side hold area, that is, in the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. In the example of Fig. 82, the MPU 52 stores notice hold information related to the end time look-ahead performance flag in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa.
Based on the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the advance notice hold image on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the advance notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command sent from the MPU 52, that advance notice hold information relating to the end-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places a flashing white sphere image, which is the advance notice hold image, on the pedestal B13.

In addition, when executing the end of a game round, the MPU 52 executes the end-time pre-reading effect occurrence determination process of step S6301R.
Here, in the example of Fig. 82 (A), the notice reserved information related to the end time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and the normal reserved information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa. In this case, in step S6403, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display occurs before the notice reserved information related to the end time look-ahead performance flag is executed.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether a reach display will occur before the execution of the advance notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag by determining whether the win/loss result included in the sub-side reserved information executed before the advance notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is a "jackpot win" or not, and whether the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win" or not.

In the example of Figure 82 (A), advance notice pending information relating to the end-time read-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, and normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, so that the two sub-side pending information stored in the memory area of the first sub-side holding area SRa (the sub-side pending information stored in the first area SRa1 and the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa) will be executed before the advance notice pending information relating to the end-time read-ahead performance flag stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side holding area SRa. Therefore, the MPU 52 determines whether a reach display will occur before the advance notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is executed by referencing information regarding the result (win/lose result) of the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot (win/lose lottery) contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the first area SRa1 and second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and information regarding the result of the lottery for whether or not to generate a reach display (reach occurrence lottery).

Then, if the MPU 52 determines in step S6403 that a reach display will not occur before the execution of the advance notice pending information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag, and determines in step S6413 that the start-time look-ahead performance occurring flag is not set in the RAM 54, then the two sub-side reserved information stored in each area will be executed before the advance notice pending information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserved area SRa, and therefore the MPU 52 will obtain "3" as the look-ahead reserved number PN in step S6404.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the first game round after the advance notice pending information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the MPU 52 will obtain the pre-reading pending number PN of "3" in step S6404, and if the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is "jackpot win", or if the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", then in step S6408, the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54.
In addition, when the MPU 52 executes the end of the second game round after the advance notice pending information related to the end-time read-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the MPU 52 will obtain the pre-read-ahead pending number PN of "2" in step S6404, so in any of the cases where the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information related to the end-time read-ahead performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", or the win/loss result is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win", the end-time read-ahead performance occurring flag is set in RAM 54 in step S6408.

Then, in step S6408, when the MPU 52 sets an end-time look-ahead performance occurrence flag in RAM 54, it causes the end-time look-ahead performance to occur continuously until the advance notice pending information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 82, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win," but the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a "win."

In the example of FIG. 82, since the result of the pending notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is "win", when the end of the first game round is executed after the pending notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6403 that a reach display will not occur before the pending notice information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is executed, and in step S6404, it obtains "3" as the number of pending pre-reads PN, and in step S6408 sets the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

When the MPU 52 sets the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6408, in step S6303R, it executes a process for determining whether the end-time pre-reading performance has been completed.
In the end-time pre-reading performance consumption determination process, the MPU 52 executes end-time pre-reading performance generation process in step S6501, and sets an end-time pre-reading performance generation command in step S6502.
Then, based on the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the end-time look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the end-time look-ahead performance.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 82(A), the MPU 62 places an angel character on the left edge of the display screen G, and has the character speak to suggest to the player that the look-ahead effect has been completed. This end-time look-ahead effect is an effect for consuming a pre-notification hold, which notifies the player of the expectation of the hold (in the example of FIG. 82(A), the hold related to the pre-notification hold image placed on pedestal B13) by the effect of a game turn based on the hold that will be completed before the hold (in the example of FIG. 82(A), the hold related to the normal hold image placed on execution pedestal AB and on pedestals B11 and B12).

In the example of FIG. 82(A), the MPU 62 executes the first end-time look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag. Specifically, in step S6409, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the first end-time look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x1" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 82 (B), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 82 (B), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 82(B), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result.

Here, in the example of FIG. 82(B), after the advance notice hold information relating to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 completes the first end-time look-ahead performance, and therefore in step S6504, subtracts 1 from the value of the look-ahead hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "2."

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6408, then in step S6303R, it executes a process for determining whether the end-time pre-reading performance has been completed.
In the end-time pre-reading performance consumption determination process, the MPU 52 executes end-time pre-reading performance generation process in step S6501, and sets an end-time pre-reading performance generation command in step S6502.
Then, based on the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the end-time look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the end-time look-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 82(B), the MPU 62 executes a second end-time look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag. Specifically, in step S6503, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1", and therefore the MPU 62 executes a second end-time look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x2" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 82 (C), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 82 (C), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, as shown in FIG. 82(C), based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stop result.

Here, in the example of Figure 82 (C), after the advance notice hold information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, the MPU 52 has consumed the second end-time look-ahead performance, so in step S6504, it subtracts 1 from the value of the look-ahead hold number PN stored in RAM 54 to update it to "1".

In addition, if the MPU 52 sets the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6408, then in step S6303R, it executes a process for determining whether the end-time pre-reading performance has been completed.
In the end-time pre-reading performance consumption determination process, the MPU 52 executes end-time pre-reading performance generation process in step S6501, and sets an end-time pre-reading performance generation command in step S6502.
Then, based on the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence command sent from the MPU 52 and the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN contained in this end-time look-ahead performance occurrence command, the MPU 62 displays the end-time look-ahead performance on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the end-time look-ahead performance.
Thereafter, in step S6505, the MPU 52 determines that the value of the number of pending read-aheads PN is equal to or less than "0", and therefore in step S6506, clears the end-time read-ahead performance occurrence flag stored in the RAM 54, thereby ending the end-time read-ahead performance.

In the example of FIG. 82(C), the MPU 62 executes the third end-time look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag. Specifically, in step S6503, the MPU 52 adds 1 to the value of the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 to update it to "2", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the third end-time look-ahead performance with the angel character's line "x3" based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

Also, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is to be generated, it executes a notice hold generation process in step S2207R, and stores the notice hold information in the first storage area among the free storage areas of the sub-side reserve area, that is, in the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. Furthermore, when the MPU 52 determines in step S2206 that a notice hold is not to be generated, or when it determines in step S2210R that there are two or more notice hold information, it executes a normal hold generation process in step S2208, and stores the normal hold information in the first storage area among the free storage areas of the sub-side reserve area, that is, in the storage area corresponding to the sub-side start hold memory number SN updated in step S2204. In the example of FIG. 82(C), the MPU 52 stores normal hold information in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and stores notice hold information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa.
Based on the hold display occurrence command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 displays the normal hold pattern and the notice hold pattern on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the normal hold and the notice hold.
Specifically, when the MPU 62 determines, based on the contents of the hold display generation command transmitted from the MPU 52, that normal hold information is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places a white sphere image, which is a normal hold image, on the pedestal B12, and when the MPU 62 determines that advance notice hold information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the third area SRa3 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it places a flashing white sphere image, which is a advance notice hold image, on the pedestal B13.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery for the regular hold information stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes the shift of the regular hold and the notice hold by displaying it on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command transmitted from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 82 (D), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, shifts and places the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11, and shifts and places the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image that was placed on pedestal B13, onto pedestal B12.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 82 (D), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns based on the change start command related to the advance notice pending information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag newly stored in the execution area SAE by executing the pending shift process.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

In this way, in the example of Figure 82, the end-time look-ahead performance occurs three times in a row, so it is determined that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is a "win." Also, in this case, as mentioned above, the third look-ahead performance is executed with the angel character's line "x3," so using this as a guide, the player can know that the result of the reach occurrence lottery included in the advance notice pending information related to the end-time look-ahead performance flag is a "win" without waiting for the changing display of the patterns to stop.

In addition, since the MPU 52 determines in step S6013R that the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence flag is set in the RAM 54, when executing the end of the game round, the MPU 52 does not execute the processing from step S6004 onwards in the start-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination processing of step S2309R, and does not generate the start-time look-ahead performance.

Next, the MPU 62 announces the result of the win/lose lottery related to the advance notice hold information related to the end-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the execution area SAE, and then executes it by displaying the shift of the normal hold and the advance notice hold on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the hold display shift time command sent from the MPU 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 82 (E), based on the hold display shift command transmitted from MPU 52, MPU 62 shifts the white sphere image, which is the normal hold image, that was placed on pedestal B11, onto the execution pedestal AB, and shifts the flashing white sphere image, which is the advance hold image, that was placed on pedestal B12, onto pedestal B11.

Then, the MPU 62 starts the display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the change start command sent from the MPU 52, thereby transitioning to a high-speed change period. In this high-speed change period, the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each pattern row Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this reference form). In FIG. 82 (E), the MPU 62 starts the display of the changing patterns 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.

Then, based on the stop result command sent from MPU 52, MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping result (not shown).

In addition, when executing a shift of normal hold and notice hold, the MPU 52 executes a start-time pre-reading effect occurrence determination process of step S2309R.
Here, in the example of Fig. 82 (E), the notice pending information related to the start time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, and the normal pending information is stored in the first area SRa1 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa. In this case, one sub-side reserved information stored in each area will be executed before the notice pending information related to the start time pre-reading performance flag stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side reserve area SRa, so the MPU 52 will obtain "2" as the pre-reading pending number PN in step S6004.

Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the first hold shift process after the advance notice hold information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side hold area SRa, it will obtain "2" as the look-ahead hold number PN in step S6004, so in any of the following cases, the advance notice hold information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side hold area indicates a win/loss result "jackpot win", the result of the reach occurrence lottery is a win, or the result is not a win/loss result and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a win, the start-time look-ahead performance occurrence flag is set in RAM 54 in step S6008R.

Then, in step S6008R, when the MPU 52 sets a start-time look-ahead performance occurrence flag in RAM 54, it causes the start-time look-ahead performance to occur continuously until the advance notice pending information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is consumed.
In the example of Figure 82, we will explain the case where the win/loss result included in the advance notice information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserve area is not a "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not a "win."

In the example of FIG. 82, the win/loss result included in the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag stored in the memory area of the sub-side pending area is not "jackpot win" and the result of the reach occurrence lottery is not "win". Therefore, when the first hold shift process is executed after the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is stored in the second area SRa2 of the first sub-side holding area SRa, the MPU 52 determines in step S6003R that a reach display will not occur before the advance notice pending information related to the start-time pre-reading performance flag is executed, and in step S6004, it obtains "2" as the pre-reading pending number PN and in step S6008R sets the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence flag in RAM 54.

When the MPU 52 sets the start-time pre-reading effect occurrence flag in the RAM 54 in step S6008R, in step S6103R, it executes a process for determining whether the start-time pre-reading effect has been consumed.
In the start-time pre-reading effect consumption determination process, in step S6201R, the MPU 52 executes start-time pre-reading effect generation process, and in step S6202R, sets a start-time pre-reading effect generation command.
Then, based on the start-time pre-reading effect generation command transmitted from the MPU 52 and the number of times the pre-reading effect has been played PRN contained in this start-time pre-reading effect generation command, the MPU 62 displays the start-time pre-reading effect on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 to notify the player of the occurrence of the start-time pre-reading effect.

In the example of FIG. 82(E), the MPU 62 executes the first start-time look-ahead performance after determining that the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area contains advance notice reserved information related to the start-time look-ahead performance flag. Specifically, in step S6009, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0", and therefore the MPU 62 executes the first start-time look-ahead performance with the gauge GB filled up to two marks based on the number of times the look-ahead performance has been performed PRN.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the audio/light control device 5 and the display control device 6 function as a performance execution means that causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a performance.
In addition, in this reference form, the sub-side reserve information storage area 543 functions as an information storage means for storing multiple reserve information (sub-side reserve information) based on the entry of the game ball into the starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26).
The sub-side pending information storage area 543 includes an execution area SAE (execution area) that stores pending information while the variable display is being executed on the pattern display device 36, 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 36.

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 543 in the order in which the game balls enter the start ball entry means.
Furthermore, the hold determination process of step S2002 includes a process (first hold storage means) of step S2202 for storing hold information in the first sub-side hold area SRa (first hold region) based on the entry of the game ball into the upper operating port 25 (first start ball entry means), a process (second hold storage means) of step S2203 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 the game ball into the lower operating port 26 (second start ball entry means), 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 for each play round.
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.

In addition, in this reference form, the advance notice hold generation processing of step S2207R functions as a continuation performance occurrence determination means capable of determining whether or not to set the continuation performance hold information (advance notice hold information) to generate a continuation performance (start-time pre-reading performance) that will continue the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds.
In this reference form, the start-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination process of step S2309R and the start-time look-ahead performance completion decision process of step S6103R function as a continuation performance execution means which, when a pre-performance based on pending information stored in multiple pending areas which is consumed before the continuation performance pending information includes a pre-performance (reach display and end-time look-ahead performance) different from the continuation performance, causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information after the pending information including this pre-performance is consumed.

According to this configuration, the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process of step S2309R and the start-time pre-reading performance completion decision process of step S6103R cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information after the pending information including the pre-performance is consumed, so that the occurrence of a pre-performance during the execution of a continuation performance can be avoided, and if it is determined in the advance notice pending generation process of step S2207R that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

In addition, in this reference form, the advance notice hold generation processing of step S2207R functions as a continuation performance occurrence determination means capable of determining whether or not to set the continuation performance hold information (advance notice hold information) to generate a continuation performance (end-time pre-reading performance) that will continue the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds.
In this reference form, the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination process of step S6301R and the end-time look-ahead performance completion determination process of step S6303R function as end-time continuation performance execution means which, when a pre-performance based on pending information stored in multiple pending areas which is consumed before the continuation performance pending information includes a pre-performance (reach display and start-time look-ahead performance) different from the continuation performance, causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of a game round as the performance for the game round related to the pending information including this pre-performance.

According to this configuration, the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination process of step S6301R and the end-time look-ahead performance completion determination process of step S6303R cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of the game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the advance performance. Therefore, when it is determined in the advance pending generation process of step S2207R that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance, and the number of game rounds in which a continuation performance is executed can be increased compared to the case where the pattern display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information as the performance of the game round to be completed next to the game round related to the pending information including the advance performance. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

In this embodiment, the starting ball entry means is the upper actuation port 25 and the lower actuation port 26, but any other configuration may be used. For example, the starting ball entry means may be a large prize entry port, a V prize entry port, a general prize entry port, each actuation port, or a through gate. The starting ball entry means may be located in any part of the gaming machine, for example, inside the large prize entry port or inside the role.
In addition, in this reference embodiment, the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process of step S2309R (end-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process of step S6301R) and the start-time pre-reading performance completion determination process of step S6103R (end-time pre-reading performance completion determination process of step S6303R) are configured to avoid the occurrence of a pre-performance during the execution of a continuation performance by having the pattern display device 36 execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information after consuming the pending information including the pre-performance. In contrast, the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process of step S2309R (end-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process of step S6301R) and the start-time pre-reading performance completion determination process of step S6103R (end-time pre-reading performance completion determination process of step S6303R) may not be configured to avoid the occurrence of a pre-performance during the execution of a continuation performance if the win/loss result included in the continuation performance pending information is a "jackpot win", and the continuation performance may be configured to be able to occur five or more times in succession.

In addition, in this reference form, the continuation effects use start-time look-ahead effects and end-time look-ahead effects, but any effect can be used as long as it can be continued over a specified number of game rounds. For example, other effects such as a preview display that changes the type of reserved image to notify the player of the expected level of the reserved item may be used.

In addition, in this reference form, the process of determining whether a pre-reading effect will occur at the start of step S2309R, the process of determining whether a pre-reading effect will be consumed at the start of step S6103R, the process of determining whether a pre-reading effect will occur at the end of step S6301R, and the process of determining whether a pre-reading effect will be consumed at the end of step S6303R determine whether a pre-reading effect is included in the pre-reading effect based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the reserved information for the continued effect each time the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas is shifted for each play in the reserved information shift process in step S2104.

According to this configuration, the start-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination process of step S2309R, the start-time look-ahead performance completion determination process of step S6103R, the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination process of step S6301R, and the end-time look-ahead performance completion determination process of step S6303R determine whether or not a pre-performance is included in the pre-performance based on the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation performance hold information each time the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas is shifted for each play in the hold shift process of step S2104. Therefore, even if the number of hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the continuation performance hold information increases after it is determined to be the continuation performance hold information in the notice hold occurrence process of step S2207R, the occurrence of a pre-performance during the execution of the continuation performance can be avoided, and the continuation performance can be reliably executed without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

In this reference embodiment, the start-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination process of step S2309R, the start-time look-ahead performance completion determination process of step S6103R, the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination process of step S6301R, and the end-time look-ahead performance completion determination process of step S6303R determine whether or not a pre-performance is included in the pre-performance based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continuation performance reserved information each time the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas is shifted for each game in the reserve shift process of step S2104, but the timing of the determination does not have to be each time the reserved information is shifted for each game. For example, the pre-performance determination means may be configured to perform the determination only once when the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the information is reserved for continuation performance, or may be configured to perform the determination only once before the continuation performance is executed.

In addition, in this reference form, the advance performance is a reach display, so it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a reach display during the execution of a continuation performance, and if it is determined in the advance notice hold generation process of step S2207R that the continuation performance is to be held, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

In addition, in this reference form, the pre-performance is a different type of continuation performance (start-time look-ahead performance or end-time look-ahead performance) from the continuation performance (start-time look-ahead performance or end-time look-ahead performance), so the simultaneous occurrence of a continuation performance and a different type of continuation performance can be avoided, and if it is determined in the advance pending generation processing of step S2207R that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

In this reference embodiment, the pre-effect is a reach display and a look-ahead effect, but it may be other effects. For example, the pre-effect may be an effect that encourages the player to press a push button, a pseudo consecutive effect, an effect that gradually enlarges the image displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, or an effect that changes the length of the display duration. Furthermore, the pre-effect is not limited to an effect that displays an image on the pattern display device 36, but may be an effect that activates a role-playing device, for example. In short, the pre-effect may be any effect based on reserved information stored in multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continued performance reserved information.

In addition, in this embodiment, the player is notified of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.
Specifically, if the start-time pre-reading effect and the end-time pre-reading effect occurred four times in a row, the win/loss result contained in the advance notice information was confirmed to be a "jackpot win," and if they occurred three times in a row, the result of the reach occurrence lottery contained in the advance notice information was confirmed to be a "win."
According to such a configuration, the continuation effect notifies the player of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.

In addition, in this reference form, the number of game rounds in which the symbol display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information changes based on the result of the determination process of the start-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination process of step S2309R or the result of the determination process of the end-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination process of step S6301R (the start-time look-ahead performance completion determination process of step S6103R or the end-time look-ahead performance completion determination process of step S6303R).

With this configuration, the game round in which the symbol display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information changes based on the result of the judgment made in the start-time pre-reading performance occurrence judgment process of step S2309R, so it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a pre-event performance during the execution of a continuation performance, and if it is judged in the advance notice pending generation process of step S2207R that the continuation performance is pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation performance without canceling its execution.

In addition, with this configuration, the game round in which the symbol display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information changes based on the result of the judgment in the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence judgment process in step S6301R, so it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a pre-event performance during the execution of a continuation performance, and if it is judged in the advance notice pending generation process in step S2207R that the continuation performance is pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation performance without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

In this embodiment, if the start-time pre-reading performance determination process of step S2309R determines that a pre-performance is included, the pending information including the pre-performance is consumed, and then the pattern display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the pending performance information starting from the next game round. However, the pattern display device 36 may execute a continuation performance based on the pending performance information starting from the next game round, or may not execute a continuation performance based on the pending performance information starting from another game round. In short, the game round in which the pattern display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the pending performance information may be changed based on the result of the start-time pre-reading performance determination process of step S2309R.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the end-time pre-reading performance determination process of step S6301R determines that a pre-performance is included, the end-time pre-reading performance determination process of step S6303R causes the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information, starting from the game round related to the pending information including this pre-performance, but it is not necessary to cause the pattern display device 36 to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information starting from this game round, and the pattern display device 36 may execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information starting from another game round. In short, the game round in which the pattern display device 36 executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information may change based on the determination result of the end-time pre-reading performance occurrence determination process of step S6301R.

In addition, in this reference form, the notice hold generation processing of step S2207R also functions as a first continuation performance occurrence determination means capable of determining whether or not to generate first continuation performance hold information (notice hold information relating to a start-time look-ahead performance or notice hold information relating to an end-time look-ahead performance) that will generate a first continuation performance (start-time look-ahead performance or end-time look-ahead performance) that will continue the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds.
Furthermore, in this reference form, the notice hold generation processing of step S2207R also functions as a second continuation performance occurrence determination means capable of determining whether or not to generate second continuation performance hold information (notice hold information relating to an end-time look-ahead performance or notice hold information relating to a start-time look-ahead performance) that will generate a second continuation performance (end-time look-ahead performance or start-time look-ahead performance) that will continue the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds.
The advance hold generation processing of step S2207R determines that the first continuation performance hold information is to be generated when a second continuation performance is included in a prior performance based on the hold information stored in multiple hold areas that is consumed before the hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 543 based on the entry of the game ball into the upper operating port 25 and the lower operating port 26.

According to this configuration, the advance pending generation process of step S2207R determines that the first continuation pending information is to be generated when the second continuation pending information is included in the advance performance based on the pending information stored in the multiple pending areas that is consumed before the pending information stored in the sub-side pending information storage area 543 based on the entry of the game ball into the upper actuation port 25 and the lower actuation port 26, so that the pachinko machine 1 can generate different types of continuation performances in parallel, and can prevent confusion of the continuation performances compared to when the same type of continuation performances are generated in parallel. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

In addition, in this reference form, the first continuation effect and the second continuation effect have different execution times in a game round (the start and end of the game round), so the pachinko machine 1 can generate different types of continuation effects in parallel, which can prevent confusion between continuation effects compared to when the same type of continuation effects are generated in parallel. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

In this reference embodiment, the first and second continuation effects are executed at different times during a game round by setting the timing for executing the effects at the start and end of the game round. In contrast, the first and second continuation effects may be executed at different times during a game round, by setting the timing for executing the effects at different times.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the functions and effects of the embodiments P and Q, the following functions and effects can be achieved.
(1) The advance notice hold generation process of step S2207R determines that the first continuation effect hold information is to be used when the second continuation effect is included in the advance effect based on the hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the hold information stored in the sub-side hold information storage area 543 based on the entry of game balls into the upper actuation port 25 and the lower actuation port 26, so that the pachinko machine 1 can generate different types of continuation effects in parallel, and can prevent confusion of the continuation effects compared to the case where the same type of continuation effects are generated in parallel. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

(2) Because the first and second continuation effects have different execution times in a game round, the pachinko machine 1 can generate different types of continuation effects in parallel, which can prevent confusion between the continuation effects compared to when the same type of continuation effects are generated in parallel. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.

[Reference Form S]
Hereinafter, a reference embodiment S of the present invention will 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 this embodiment, the audio/light emitting control device 5 executes a process different from that of the main embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the timer interrupt process is different from that of the main embodiment. The contents of the timer interrupt process in this embodiment are described below.

<Timer interrupt processing executed by the audio/light emission control device>
FIG. 83 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a timer interrupt process executed in the audio and light emission control device according to the reference form S of the present invention.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a timer interrupt process to progress the game. In this timer interrupt process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2001 to S2006 periodically (for example, every 2 msec) as shown in Fig. 83. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 52 differs from the main embodiment in that it executes steps S2003S and S2004S instead of steps S2003 and S2004.

In step S2003S, the MPU 52 executes a presentation determination process based on the command transmitted from the MPU 42. In the presentation determination process, the MPU 52 determines presentations for game times, presentations for the open/close execution mode, etc. This presentation determination process will be described in detail later.
In step S2004S, the MPU 52 executes a performance execution process based on the contents of the hold determination process in step S2002 and the performance determination process in step S2003S. Specifically, in the performance execution process, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the various lamp units 124, 371 to 373 and executes audio control of the speaker unit 125.

<Regarding the performance determination process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 84 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect determination process.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 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 52 executes steps S2401 to S2413 as shown in Fig. 84. Note that in this reference embodiment, the MPU 52 differs from the main reference embodiment in that it executes the process of step S2407S instead of the process of step S2407.

After executing any one of the processes of step S2403, step S2405, and step S2406, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining a presentation pattern in step S2407S. In this process of determining a presentation pattern, the MPU 52 selects a presentation pattern corresponding to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table previously stored in the ROM 53. Specifically, the MPU 52 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. In step S2407S, the MPU 52 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display, such as displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on the display screen G, based on the player pressing the push button 142.

In this embodiment, only the preview display related to the push button 142 among the preview displays that execute the lottery in the process of determining the presentation pattern will be described, and the description of the other preview displays will be omitted.
In this reference form, the MPU 52 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display related to the push button 142, and a lottery to determine whether or not to generate other preview displays, but it may also be possible to execute only a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display related to the push button 142.

Here, the preview display related to the push button 142 is composed of two parts: an operation preview part which suggests to the player the operation mode of the push button 142, and a preview result notification part which notifies the player of the result of the preview display when the push button 142 is operated in accordance with the operation mode of the push button 142 suggested in the operation preview part.
In this embodiment, the content of the preview display related to push button 142 is one type, but it may be two or more types, and if there are two or more types, the degree of expectation may be different for each type of preview display.

Fig. 85 is a diagram showing an operation preview part of the preview display. Fig. 86 is a diagram showing a preview result notification part of the preview display. Specifically, Fig. 86(A) is a diagram showing a successful presentation of the preview display related to the push button 142, and Fig. 86(B) is a diagram showing a failed presentation of the preview display related to the push button 142.
The advance notice display related to the push button 142 suggests to the player to press the push button 142 in the operation advance notice part, and notifies the player of the result of the advance notice display in the advance notice result notification part.

Specifically, the advance notice display related to the push button 142 suggests to the player that he should press the push button 142 in the operation advance notice part, so the MPU 52 displays an image GB1 showing the push button 142 and a timer gauge GB2 showing the duration of the operation advance notice part on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, as shown in FIG. 85, and displays the word "PUSH" superimposed on this image GB1. The MPU 52 also displays an angel character GB3 in the lower right position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and suggests to the player that he should press the push button 142 by having this character say, "If you press the button and fireworks go off, it'll be super exciting!"

Then, when the push button 142 is pressed, the preview display associated with the push button 142 transitions to the preview result notification part, in which the MPU 52 notifies the player of a successful preview display by launching fireworks as shown in FIG. 86(A). Also, the MPU 52 notifies the player of a failed preview display by not launching fireworks as shown in FIG. 86(B).

Here, in the preview result notification part, the MPU 52 executes a lottery with a predetermined probability that if the result of the win/loss lottery is a "jackpot win," it will be easier to select a successful presentation and harder to select a failed presentation, and if the result of the win/loss lottery is a "normal miss result," it will be harder to select a successful presentation and harder to select a failed presentation. If the MPU 52 wins this lottery, it notifies the player of a successful presentation, and if the MPU 52 does not win this lottery, it notifies the player of a failed presentation. In other words, if the result of the win/loss lottery is a "jackpot win," the MPU 52 is more likely to select a successful presentation and harder to select a failed presentation if the result of the win/loss lottery is a "normal miss result."

In this reference embodiment, the MPU 52 is more likely to select a success presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win," and is more likely to select a failure presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "normal loss result," but the opposite relationship may also be true.
In addition, in this embodiment, the MPU 52 is likely to select a success presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win" and is likely to select a failure presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "normal loss result," but the MPU 52 may select a success presentation and a failure presentation without executing a lottery for selecting a success presentation and a failure presentation. Specifically, for example, the MPU 52 may select a success presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win" and may select a failure presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "normal loss result."

FIG. 87 shows the timing at which a preview display is generated.
The advance notice display related to the push button 142 occurs at a predetermined timing after the period PD2 from the occurrence of the reach display to the stop of the reach display starts, after the period PD1 from the start of the variable display of the patterns to the occurrence of the reach display has elapsed, as shown in Fig. 87. In other words, the advance notice display related to the push button 142 occurs at a predetermined timing after the occurrence of the reach display, as shown by the character "push" in a circle in Fig. 87.
The advance notice display associated with the push button 142 ends before the display of the varying symbols stops. Specifically, the advance notice display associated with the push button 142 occurs during a predetermined period PD3 that is shorter than the period PD2.

In this reference form, the preview display related to push button 142 occurs at a predetermined timing after the occurrence of a reach display, but it may also occur at a predetermined timing after the start of the display of changing patterns, a predetermined timing after the occurrence of a super reach that can develop after the occurrence of a reach display, or a predetermined timing before the display of changing patterns stops.
Also, in this embodiment, the advance notice display associated with the push button 142 occurs only once, but it may occur multiple times at predetermined times from the start to the end of a game round.

FIG. 88 is a flowchart showing the process of determining an effect pattern.
In the effect pattern determination process of step S2407S, the MPU 52 executes the processes of steps S7001 to S7004 as shown in FIG.
In step S7001, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur based on the content of the variation command.

If the MPU 52 determines that the reach display will not occur, it executes the processes in steps S7004 and after without executing the processes in steps S7002 and after.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines that a reach display will occur, in step S7002, it executes a setting process for a notice display related to the push button 142. In this setting process for the notice display, the MPU 52 sets the result of the notice display related to the push button 142, the timing for generating the notice display related to the push button 142, and a period PD3 for generating the notice display related to the push button 142.

As described above, the MPU 52 executes a lottery with a predetermined probability that if the result of the lottery is a "jackpot win," it will be easier to select a successful presentation and harder to select a failed presentation, and if the result of the lottery is a "normal miss," it will be harder to select a successful presentation and harder to select a failed presentation. If the lottery is won, the MPU 52 sets the result of the preview display to notify the player of a successful presentation, and if the lottery is not won, it sets the result of the preview display to notify the player of a failed presentation.

As described above, the MPU 52 sets the timing for generating the warning display so that it occurs at a predetermined timing after the period PD1 from the start of the display of changing patterns to the generation of the reach display has elapsed and after the start of the period PD2 from the generation of the reach display to the stop of the display of changing patterns.
In this embodiment, the MPU 52 sets the timing for generating the warning display immediately after the start of the period PD2, but the timing for generating the warning display may be set to occur at a different time.
Also, in this reference form, when the MPU 52 determines that a reach display will occur, it executes a setting process for the preview display and generates a preview display related to the push button 142, but it may also be configured to execute a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display, and generate the preview display based on the result of this lottery.

Here, the MPU 52 obtains the time from the start of the variable display of the pattern to the end of the variable display of the pattern (display duration) based on the content of the variable command, and sets the periods PD1 and PD2 based on this display duration. For example, when the MPU 52 obtains a display duration of 20 seconds based on the content of the variable command, it sets the period PD1 to 5 seconds and the period PD2 to 15 seconds. In this case, the MPU 52 sets the period PD3 to 10 seconds, for example.
In addition, the period PD3 does not have to be a fixed period, and the selection rate of the successful effect and the unsuccessful effect may be changed depending on the length of the period PD3. In addition, the period PD3 may be set to be long when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win" and to be short when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "normal loss result," or may be set to have the opposite relationship. In short, the period PD3 may be set to be shorter than the period PD2.

After executing the process for setting the preview display in step S7002, the MPU 52 executes the process for setting the elapsed time in step S7003. In this process for setting the elapsed time, the MPU 52 suggests to the player to press the push button 142 in the operation preview part, and after detecting that the player has pressed the push button 142, moves to the preview result notification part, where it sets the elapsed time until the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display.

Specifically, the MPU 52 sets the elapsed time to be shorter than the difference between periods PD2 and PD3 (the maximum elapsed time). For example, as described above, if period PD2 is set to 15 sec and period PD3 is set to 10 sec, the elapsed time is set to be shorter than the difference between periods PD2 and PD3, which is 5 sec. In this embodiment, the MPU 52 randomly sets the elapsed time between 0 and the maximum elapsed time (for example, 5 sec). In other words, the MPU 52 sets the elapsed time so that the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display before the changing display of the patterns stops.

In this reference form, the elapsed time is set so as to inform the player of the success or failure of the preview display before the changing display of the patterns stops, but it may also be set so as to inform the player of the success or failure of the preview display after the changing display of the patterns stops or after the changing display of the patterns begins in the next play round.
In addition, in this embodiment, the elapsed time is set randomly, but it may be set to a predetermined elapsed time without being set randomly. The elapsed time may be set to be long when the result of the lottery is a "jackpot win" and to be short when the result of the lottery is a "normal loss result," or may be set to have the opposite relationship. In short, the MPU 52 may set the elapsed time between 0 and the maximum elapsed time.

After executing the process of step S7003, or if it is determined in step S7001 that a reach display will not occur, the MPU 52 executes a process of setting other presentation patterns in step S7004. In the process of setting other presentation patterns, the MPU 52 selects a presentation pattern corresponding to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table pre-stored in the ROM 53. Specifically, the MPU 52 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration period) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. The MPU 52 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display other than the preview display associated with the push button 142.

<Regarding the performance execution process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 89 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the performance execution process.
The MPU 52 executes the processes of steps S7101 to S7119 as shown in FIG. 89, based on the contents of the hold determination process of step S2002 and the presentation determination process of step S2003S.

In step S7101, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the timing for issuing a notice display related to the push button 142 has arrived.
If the MPU 52 determines that the timing for the advance notice display has not yet arrived, it skips steps S7102 to S7105 and executes the processes in and after step S7106.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines that the timing for the preview display to occur has arrived, in other words, if it determines that period PD1 has elapsed and period PD2 has begun, then in step S7102, it executes the operation preview part.
In the process of executing the operation notice part, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the display lamp section 124 and executes sound control of the speaker section 125 in order to execute the operation notice part.

After executing the operation preview part execution process, the MPU 52 sets an operation preview part execution command in step S7103. The MPU 52 then stores the operation preview part execution command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This operation preview part execution command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the operation notice part on the pattern display device 36 based on the operation notice part execution command sent from the MPU 52. The MPU 62 then outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (e.g., every 20 msec period) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. This causes the pattern display device 36 to execute the operation notice part.

Specifically, as described above, the MPU 62 displays an image GB1 indicating the push button 142 and a timer gauge GB2 indicating the duration of the operation preview part on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and displays the word "PUSH" superimposed on this image GB1. The MPU 62 also displays an angel character GB3 in the lower right position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and suggests to the player to press the push button 142 by having this character say "If you press the button and fireworks go off, it'll be super exciting!" (see FIG. 85). Note that the timer gauge GB2 decreases over time, and the period until the timer gauge GB2 reaches 0 corresponds to the period PD3 during which the preview display is generated.

After setting the operation preview part execution command in step S7103, the MPU 52 in step S7104 sets the period PD3 for generating the preview display related to the push button 142 set in the preview display setting process in step S7002 in the timer counter ST provided in the various counter area 542 of the RAM 54. The value set in this timer counter ST is updated by subtracting 1 from the previous value each time the timer interrupt process is executed. Therefore, for example, if the timer counter ST is set to "5000", the period PD3 will be 10 seconds.

After executing the processing of step S7104, in step S7105, the MPU 52 sets an operation notice flag in the RAM 54. This operation notice flag is a flag for identifying that the operation notice part is being executed.

After executing the processing of step S7105, or if it is determined in step S7101 that the timing for the preview display has not yet arrived, the MPU 52 determines in step S7106 whether an operation preview flag has been set in the RAM 54.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S7106 that the operation notice flag has not been set in the RAM 54, it skips steps S7107 to S7113 and executes the processes in and after step S7114.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S7106 that the operation notice flag has been set in the RAM 54, then in step S7107 it determines whether the value of the timer counter ST is equal to or less than "0".

If the MPU 52 determines in step S7107 that the value of the timer counter ST is equal to or less than "0" (if the MPU 52 determines that the period PD3 for generating the preview display related to the push button 142, which was set in the preview display setting process in step S7002, has elapsed), the MPU 52 executes the processing from step S7111 onwards without executing the processing from steps S7108 to S7110.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S7107 that the value of the timer counter ST is not less than "0" (if it determines that the period PD3 for generating the preview display related to the push button 142 set in the preview display setting process in step S7002 has not elapsed), then in step S7108 it determines whether or not it has detected the player pressing the push button 142.

If the MPU 52 determines that it has not detected the player pressing the push button 142, it executes the processes in and after step S7114 without executing the processes in steps S7109 to S7113.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines that it has detected the pressing of the push button 142 by the player, then in step S7109, it sets a button press flag in the RAM 54. This button press flag is a flag for specifying that the pressing of the push button 142 has been detected.

After setting the button press flag in RAM 54 in step S7109, MPU 52 in step S7110 sets the elapsed time set in the elapsed time setting process in step S7003 in timer counter ST provided in various counter area 542 of RAM 54. The value set in this timer counter ST is updated by subtracting 1 from the previous value each time timer interrupt processing is executed. Therefore, for example, if timer counter ST is set to "1000", the elapsed time will be 2 seconds.

After executing the process of step S7110, or if it is determined in step S7107 that the value of the timer counter ST is equal to or less than "0", the MPU 52 executes an end process of the operation notice part in step S7111.
In the process of ending the operation notice part, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the display lamp section 124 and executes audio control of the speaker section 125 in order to end the operation notice part.

After executing the end process of the operation preview part, the MPU 52 sets an operation preview part end command in step S7112. Then, the MPU 52 stores the operation preview part end command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This operation preview part end command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for ending the operation notice part on the pattern display device 36 based on the operation notice part end command sent from the MPU 52. The MPU 62 then outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (e.g., every 20 msec period) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. This causes the pattern display device 36 to end the operation notice part.

Specifically, the MPU 62 erases the image GB1, the timer gauge GB2, and the angel character GB3 displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36.

After setting the operation notice part end command in step S7112, the MPU 52 clears the operation notice flag stored in the RAM 54 in step S7113.

After clearing the operation notice flag stored in RAM 54 in step S7113, if it is determined in step S7106 that the operation notice flag is not set in RAM 54, or if it is determined in step S7108 that the player's press of push button 142 has not been detected, the MPU 52 determines in step S7114 whether or not a button press flag is set in RAM 54.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S7114 that the button press flag has not been set in the RAM 54, it skips steps S7115 to S7118 and executes the processes in and after step S7119.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S7114 that the button press flag is set in the RAM 54, then in step S7115 it determines whether the value of the timer counter ST is equal to or less than "0".

If the MPU 52 determines in step S7115 that the value of the timer counter ST is not equal to or less than "0" (if it determines that the elapsed time set in the elapsed time setting process of step S7003 has not elapsed), it executes the processing from step S7119 onwards without executing the processing of steps S7116 to S7118.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S7115 that the value of the timer counter ST is equal to or less than "0" (if it determines that the elapsed time set in the elapsed time setting process in step S7003 has elapsed), it executes the result notification part execution process in step S7116.
In the process of executing the result notification part, the MPU 52 controls the light emission of the display lamp unit 124 and controls the sound of the speaker unit 125 in order to execute the result notification part.

After executing the execution process of the result notification part, the MPU 52 sets a result notification part execution command in step S7117. The MPU 52 then stores the result notification part execution command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This result notification part execution command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the result notification part on the pattern display device 36 based on the result notification part execution command sent from the MPU 52. The MPU 62 then outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (e.g., every 20 msec period) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. This causes the pattern display device 36 to execute the result notification part.

Specifically, the MPU 62 notifies the player of a successful preview display by launching fireworks based on the result of the preview display associated with the push button 142 set in the preview display setting process of step S7002 (see FIG. 86 (A)). The MPU 62 also notifies the player of a failed preview display by not launching fireworks based on the result of the preview display associated with the push button 142 set in the preview display setting process of step S7002 (see FIG. 86 (B)).

After setting the result notification part execution command in step S7117, the MPU 52 clears the button press flag stored in the RAM 54 in step S7118.

After clearing the button press flag stored in RAM 54 in step S7118, if it is determined in step S7114 that the button press flag is not set in RAM 54, or if it is determined in step S7115 that the value of the timer counter ST is not "0" or less, MPU 52 executes processing to execute other effects in step S7119.
In the process of executing other effects, the MPU 52 executes other effects different from the preview display related to the push button 142 based on the contents of the hold determination process of step S2002 and the effect determination process of step S2003S.
Thereafter, the MPU 52 ends the performance execution process.

<About the occurrence of the reach display and the subsequent flow>
FIG. 90 is a diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device after the occurrence of the reach display and a timing chart of the advance notice display. Specifically, FIG. 90(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the operation advance notice part of the advance notice display related to the push button 142 is executed after the occurrence of the reach display, FIG. 90(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the pressing of the push button 142 by the player is detected within the period PD3, and FIG. 90(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the pressing of the push button 142 by the player is not detected within the period PD3. Also, FIG. 90(D) is a diagram showing a state in which the result notification part of the advance notice display notifies the player of a successful performance, and FIG. 90(E) is a diagram showing a state in which the result notification part of the advance notice display notifies the player of a failed performance. In FIG. 90(A) to (E), the display screen G of the symbol display device 36 is arranged in the upper row, and the timing chart is arranged in the lower row.

The MPU 62 transitions to a high-speed variation period by starting the variation display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the variation start command transmitted from the MPU 52. In this high-speed variation period, the MPU 62 starts the variation display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each of the pattern rows Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment).
Thereafter, the MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping results based on the stopping result command sent from the MPU 52.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur based on the content of the variation command, and if it determines that a reach display will occur, determines information regarding the combination of symbols in the reach display as the final stopping result to be displayed on the activated line L.
Then, as shown in FIG. 90(A), after the period PD1 from the start of the variable display of the patterns to the occurrence of the reach display has elapsed, the MPU 62 causes the reach display to occur.
In FIG. 90, the timing at which the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 arranged in the upper row is in a certain state is indicated by a black circle in the timing chart arranged in the lower row.

In addition, the MPU 52 determines whether or not it is time for a preview display related to the push button 142 to occur, and if it determines that it is time for the preview display to occur, in other words, if it determines that period PD1 has elapsed and period PD2 has started, then in step S7102, it executes the execution process for the operation preview part.
In the process of executing this operation notice part, the MPU 62 displays an image GB1 showing the push button 142 and a timer gauge GB2 showing the duration of the operation notice part on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and displays the word "PUSH" superimposed on this image GB1. The MPU 62 also displays an angel character GB3 at the lower right position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and suggests to the player to press the push button 142 by having this character say, "If you press the button and fireworks go off, it'll be super exciting!". The timer gauge GB2 decreases over time, and the period until the timer gauge GB2 reaches 0 corresponds to the period PD3 during which the notice display is generated.

During the period PD3 during which the advance notice display is generated, the MPU 52 determines whether or not it has detected the player pressing the push button 142.
When the MPU 52 determines that it has detected the player pressing the push button 142, it sets a button press flag in the RAM 54 in step S7109, and sets the elapsed time set in the elapsed time setting process in step S7003 in a timer counter ST provided in the various counter area 542 of the RAM 54 in step S7110. Thereafter, the MPU 52 executes an end process of the operation notice part in step S7111.
In the process of ending this operation notice part, the MPU 62 erases the image GB1, timer gauge GB2, and angel character GB3 displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 36, as shown in FIG. 90(B).
In FIG. 90, the timing at which the player's press of the push button 142 is detected is indicated by a white circle in the timing chart arranged at the bottom.

In addition, if the MPU 52 determines that it has detected the player pressing the push button 142, it determines in step S7115 whether the value of the timer counter ST is equal to or less than "0".

If the MPU 52 determines in step S7115 that the value of the timer counter ST is equal to or less than "0" (if it determines that the elapsed time set in the elapsed time setting process in step S7003 has elapsed), it executes the result notification part execution process in step S7116.

In the execution process of this result notification part, the MPU 52 notifies the player of a successful presentation or a failed presentation based on the result of the preview display set in the preview display setting process of step S7002.
Specifically, when a successful presentation is set as a result of the preview display in the preview display setting process in step S7002, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the successful presentation of the preview display by launching fireworks as shown in Fig. 90(C). Note that in Fig. 90(C), the elapsed time DE set in the elapsed time setting process in step S7003 is shown in the timing chart arranged in the lower part. The MPU 52 randomly sets the elapsed time DE so as to notify the player of the successful presentation or failed presentation of the preview display before the variable display of the symbols stops.

In addition, if a failure display is set as a result of the preview display in the preview display setting process of step S7002, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the failure of the preview display by not launching fireworks, as shown in Figure 90 (D).
In this embodiment, the failure effect is such that the fireworks are not set off, so that the pachinko machine 1 notifies the player of the failure effect of the advance notice display after the elapse of the elapsed time DE, but the player is not able to recognize the failure effect of the advance notice display.

On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines that the period PD3 for generating a preview display related to the push button 142 has elapsed without detecting the player pressing the push button 142, it executes the end processing of the operation preview part in step S7111 without setting a button press flag in RAM 54 and without setting the elapsed time in the timer counter ST provided in the various counter areas 542 of RAM 54.
In the process of ending this operation notice part, the MPU 62 erases the image GB1, timer gauge GB2, and angel character GB3 displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 36, as shown in FIG. 90(E).

In this embodiment, when the MPU 52 determines that the period PD3 for generating a notice display related to the push button 142 has elapsed without detecting the player pressing the push button 142, the MPU 52 executes the end process of the operation notice part in step S7111 without setting a button press flag in the RAM 54 and without setting the elapsed time in the timer counter ST provided in the various counter areas 542 of the RAM 54. However, the MPU 52 may set a button press flag in the RAM 54 and set the elapsed time in the timer counter ST provided in the various counter areas 542 of the RAM 54. In other words, when the MPU 52 determines that the period PD3 for generating a notice display related to the push button 142 has elapsed without detecting the player pressing the push button 142, the MPU 52 may execute the subsequent process assuming that the player has pressed the push button 142.

After that, when the period PD2 has elapsed, the MPU 62 stops the varying display of the patterns (see Figure 90 (D)).

In this manner, in this reference form, the operation preview part functions as an operation presentation means that suggests to the player the operation mode of the push button 142, and the result notification part functions as an operation presentation execution means that executes a fireworks effect as a predetermined operation presentation when the push button 142 is operated in accordance with the operation mode of the push button 142 suggested in the operation preview part.
In this embodiment, the operation means is the push button 142, but it may be, for example, a direction key, a cross key, a joystick, a jog dial, etc. In short, the operation means may be any type as long as it is capable of executing a predetermined operation presentation based on the operation of the player.

In addition, in this reference form, the operation advance notice part suggests to the player the operation mode of the push button 142 via the pattern display device 36, and the result notification part executes a fireworks effect via the pattern display device 36. In other words, in this reference form, the operation advance notice part and the result notification part suggest to the player the operation mode of the push button 142 via an image, and execute a fireworks effect.
In response to this, the operation presentation means and the operation presentation execution means may suggest to the player the operation mode of the operation means through other information such as sound or the movement of a reel, and cause a predetermined operation presentation to be executed.

In addition, in this reference embodiment, the predetermined operation effect is a fireworks effect, but it may be other effects. For example, the predetermined operation effect may be an effect that changes the reserved image, an effect that displays the lines of a character, an effect that generates a cut-in, an effect that operates a role-playing device, a look-ahead effect that occurs when the display of the changing images starts or stops, an effect that selects one character from multiple characters, or an effect that changes the background image, the mode in which the player stays, etc. In short, the predetermined operation effect may be any effect that can be executed based on the operation of the operating means by the player.

In this embodiment, the fireworks display is executed when a predetermined elapsed time DE has elapsed after the push button 142 is operated.
According to such a configuration, the fireworks effect is executed when a predetermined elapsed time DE has elapsed after the push button 142 is operated. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can diversify the timing of executing the fireworks effect after the player operates the push button 142, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Note that, as long as the fireworks display is executed when a predetermined elapsed time DE has elapsed after the push button 142 is operated, the push button 142 may be operated in any manner until the predetermined elapsed time DE has elapsed. For example, the push button 142 may be pressed multiple times or continuously.
Also, the push button 142 may be configured such that, when operated by a player, a lottery is executed each time the push button 142 is operated, and if the lottery is won, it is determined that the push button 142 has been operated by the player. This makes it possible to further diversify the combination of the operation of the push button 142 and the execution of the fireworks display, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the elapsed time DE is set randomly, so that even if the player does not immediately recognize the start of the fireworks display after operating the push button 142, the player can continue playing in anticipation of the start of the fireworks display after the elapsed time DE has elapsed. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the player's attention to the game.

In this embodiment, the elapsed time is set randomly, but it may be set to be longer when the result of the lottery is a "jackpot win" and shorter when the result of the lottery is a "normal loss result." In other words, the predetermined elapsed time may be set to be longer when the probability of winning in a predetermined lottery is high and shorter when the probability of winning is low.
In this way, the predetermined elapsed time is set to be longer when the probability of winning in the predetermined lottery is high, and shorter when the probability of winning is low, so that the probability of winning increases the longer the time from when the operating means is operated until the operation performance is executed. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, the operation means is a single push button 142, but two or more operation means may be provided.
For example, the operation means may include a push button 142 as a first operation means and a second operation means different from the first operation means. In this case, the operation performance execution means may be configured to be capable of executing a predetermined operation performance by changing a specific timing in a fireworks performance as the predetermined operation performance when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, and to execute the predetermined operation performance without changing the specific timing in the predetermined operation performance when the second operation means is operated.

Here, the second operating means may be anything different from the first operating means, and may be a push button different from push button 142, as well as a directional key, a cross key, a joystick, a jog dial, or the like.
The first operating means and the second operating means may be provided integrally, for example, like the up/down and left/right of a cross key.

Furthermore, the specified condition may be any condition, not just when a reach display occurs, and may be, for example, when the change in the number of times a game is played is displayed, when an opening/closing execution mode is being executed, when a demo display is being executed, or when an opening or ending is being executed.
The specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation may be any timing as long as it is a specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation. For example, in the case of the fireworks presentation described above, the specific timing may be the timing when the fireworks start to be launched or the timing when the fireworks open.

According to this configuration, when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, the operation presentation execution means can change the timing of executing the predetermined operation presentation to execute the predetermined operation presentation, and when the second operation means is operated, the operation presentation execution means executes the predetermined operation presentation without changing the specific timing of the predetermined operation presentation, so that the player can select and operate the first operation means and the second operation means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

According to the present embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved.
(1) The fireworks display is executed when a predetermined elapsed time DE has elapsed after the push button 142 is operated. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can diversify the timing of executing the fireworks display after the player operates the push button 142, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.
(2) Since the elapsed time DE is set randomly, even if the player does not immediately recognize the start of the fireworks display after operating the push button 142, the player can continue playing the game in anticipation of the start of the fireworks display after the elapsed time DE has elapsed. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the player's attention to the game.

[Reference Form T]
Hereinafter, a reference embodiment T of the present invention will 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 reference form S, the advance notice display related to the push button 142 is configured so that the push button 142 can be pressed only once after the operation advance notice part is executed.
In contrast, in this reference embodiment, the preview display related to the push button 142 differs from the reference embodiment S in that after the operation preview part is executed, the push button 142 can be pressed multiple times in a predetermined order.

Fig. 91 is a diagram showing an operation preview part of the preview display according to the reference form T of the present invention. Fig. 92 is a diagram showing a preview result notification part of the preview display. Specifically, Fig. 92(A) is a diagram showing a successful presentation of the preview display related to the push button 142, and Fig. 92(B) is a diagram showing a failed presentation of the preview display related to the push button 142.
The advance notice display related to the push button 142 suggests to the player to press the push button 142 in the operation advance notice part, and notifies the player of the result of the advance notice display in the advance notice result notification part.

Specifically, the advance notice display related to the push button 142 suggests to the player to press the push button 142 in the operation advance notice part, so the MPU 52 displays an angel character GB3 in the lower right position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 as shown in FIG. 91, and suggests to the player to press the push button 142 by having this character say, "Press the button and fireworks will go off, it'll be super exciting!"

Then, when the push button 142 is pressed, the preview display associated with the push button 142 transitions to the preview result notification part, in which the MPU 52 notifies the player of a successful preview display by launching fireworks as shown in FIG. 92(A). Also, the MPU 52 notifies the player of a failed preview display by not launching fireworks as shown in FIG. 92(B).

Here, in the preview result notification part, the MPU 52 executes a lottery with a predetermined probability that if the result of the win/loss lottery is a "jackpot win," it will be easier to select a successful presentation and harder to select a failed presentation, and if the result of the win/loss lottery is a "normal miss result," it will be harder to select a successful presentation and harder to select a failed presentation. If the MPU 52 wins this lottery, it notifies the player of a successful presentation, and if the MPU 52 does not win this lottery, it notifies the player of a failed presentation. In other words, if the result of the win/loss lottery is a "jackpot win," the MPU 52 is more likely to select a successful presentation and harder to select a failed presentation if the result of the win/loss lottery is a "normal miss result."

In this reference embodiment, the MPU 52 is more likely to select a success presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win," and is more likely to select a failure presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "normal loss result," but the opposite relationship may also be true.
In addition, in this embodiment, the MPU 52 is likely to select a success presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win" and is likely to select a failure presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "normal loss result," but the MPU 52 may select a success presentation and a failure presentation without executing a lottery for selecting a success presentation and a failure presentation. Specifically, for example, the MPU 52 may select a success presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win" and may select a failure presentation when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "normal loss result."

FIG. 93 shows the timing at which a preview display is generated.
The advance notice display related to the push button 142 occurs at a predetermined timing after the period PD1 from the start of the variable display of the patterns to the occurrence of the reach display has elapsed and after the period PD2 from the occurrence of the reach display to the stop of the variable display of the patterns has started, as shown in Fig. 93. In other words, the advance notice display related to the push button 142 occurs at a predetermined timing after the occurrence of the reach display, as shown by the character "push" in a circle in Fig. 93.
The advance notice display associated with the push button 142 ends before the display of the varying symbols stops. Specifically, the advance notice display associated with the push button 142 occurs during a predetermined period PD3 that is the same as the period PD2.

In this reference form, the advance notice display related to push button 142 occurs at a predetermined timing after the occurrence of a reach display, but it may also occur at a predetermined timing after the start of the display of changing patterns, a predetermined timing after the occurrence of a super reach that can develop after the occurrence of a reach display, or a predetermined timing before the display of changing patterns stops.
In addition, in this reference form, the preview display related to push button 142 differs from reference form S in that, as described above, after the operation preview part is executed, push button 142 can be pressed multiple times in a row.

Here, in this reference form, the period PD3 during which the preview display related to the push button 142 is generated transitions to a preview result notification part after detecting the player's pressing of the push button 142, and in the preview result notification part, there is a normal period PD31 in which no elapsed time is set until the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display, and a specific period PD32 in which an elapsed time is set.
In this embodiment, the first half of the period PD3 during which the advance notice display is generated is the normal period PD31, and the second half is the specific period PD32, but this may be reversed.

In this reference form, the audio and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 execute processes different from those in the reference form S. Specifically, in this reference form, the process of determining the performance pattern and the process of executing the performance are different from those in the reference form S. The process of determining the performance pattern and the process of executing the performance in this reference form are described below.

FIG. 94 is a flowchart showing the process of determining an effect pattern.
In the process of determining the effect pattern, the MPU 52 executes the processes of steps S7001 to S7004 as shown in Fig. 94. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S7002T instead of the process of step S7002, and differs from the embodiment S in that it does not execute the process of step S7003.

In step S7001, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur based on the content of the variation command.

If the MPU 52 determines that the reach display will not occur, it executes the processes of step S7004 and subsequent steps without executing the processes of step S7002T and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines that a reach display will occur, in step S7002T, it executes a setting process for a notice display related to the push button 142. In this setting process for the notice display, the MPU 52 sets the result of the notice display related to the push button 142, the timing for generating the notice display related to the push button 142, and a period PD3 for generating the notice display related to the push button 142.

As described above, the MPU 52 executes a lottery with a predetermined probability that if the result of the lottery is a "jackpot win," it will be easier to select a successful presentation and harder to select a failed presentation, and if the result of the lottery is a "normal miss," it will be harder to select a successful presentation and harder to select a failed presentation. If the lottery is won, the MPU 52 sets the result of the preview display to notify the player of a successful presentation, and if the lottery is not won, it sets the result of the preview display to notify the player of a failed presentation.

As described above, the MPU 52 sets the timing for generating the warning display so that it occurs at a predetermined timing after the period PD1 from the start of the display of changing patterns to the generation of the reach display has elapsed and after the start of the period PD2 from the generation of the reach display to the stop of the display of changing patterns.
In this embodiment, the MPU 52 sets the timing for generating the warning display immediately after the start of the period PD2, but the timing for generating the warning display may be set to occur at a different time.
Also, in this reference form, when the MPU 52 determines that a reach display will occur, it executes a setting process for the preview display and generates a preview display related to the push button 142, but it may also be configured to execute a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display, and generate the preview display based on the result of this lottery.

Here, the MPU 52 obtains the time from the start of the display of the changing patterns to the end of the display of the changing patterns (display duration) based on the content of the change command, and sets the periods PD1 and PD2 based on this display duration. For example, if the MPU 52 obtains a display duration of 20 seconds based on the content of the change command, it sets the period PD1 to 5 seconds and the period PD2 to 15 seconds. In this case, the MPU 52 sets the period PD3 to 15 seconds. In this embodiment, the MPU 52 sets the normal period PD31 to 12 seconds and the specific period PD32 to 3 seconds, but the time allocation of the normal period PD31 and the specific period PD32 may be set to other time allocations.

After executing the process for setting the preview display in step S7002T, or if it is determined in step S7001 that a reach display will not occur, the MPU 52 executes the process for setting other presentation patterns in step S7004. In the process for setting other presentation patterns, the MPU 52 selects a presentation pattern corresponding to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table pre-stored in the ROM 53. Specifically, the MPU 52 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. The MPU 52 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display other than the preview display associated with the push button 142.

<Regarding the performance execution process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 95 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the performance execution process.
Based on the contents of the hold determination process in step S2002 and the performance determination process in step S2003S, the MPU 52 executes the processes of steps S7101 to S7119 as shown in Fig. 95. Note that in this reference embodiment, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S7104T instead of the process of step S7104, executes the processes of step S7120T and after executing the process of step S7106 and before executing the process of step S7114, and executes the process of step S7128T instead of the process of step S7115, which is different from the reference embodiment S.

In step S7101, the MPU 52 determines whether or not the timing for issuing a notice display related to the push button 142 has arrived.
If the MPU 52 determines that the timing for the advance notice display has not yet arrived, it skips steps S7102 to S7105 and executes the processes in and after step S7106.
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines that the timing for the preview display to occur has arrived, in other words, if it determines that period PD1 has elapsed and period PD2 has begun, then in step S7102, it executes the operation preview part.
In the process of executing the operation notice part, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the display lamp section 124 and executes sound control of the speaker section 125 in order to execute the operation notice part.

After executing the operation preview part execution process, the MPU 52 sets an operation preview part execution command in step S7103. The MPU 52 then stores the operation preview part execution command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This operation preview part execution command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for executing the operation notice part on the pattern display device 36 based on the operation notice part execution command sent from the MPU 52. The MPU 62 then outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (e.g., every 20 msec period) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. This causes the pattern display device 36 to execute the operation notice part.

Specifically, as described above, the MPU 62 displays the angel character GB3 in the lower right position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and suggests to the player to press the push button 142 by having this character say, "Press the button and the fireworks will go off! It'll be super exciting!" (see Figure 91).

After setting the operation preview part execution command in step S7103, in step S7104T, the MPU 52 sets the normal period PD31 set in the preview display setting process in step S7002T to a timer counter ST provided in the various counter area 542 of the RAM 54. The value set in this timer counter ST is updated by subtracting 1 from the previous value each time the timer interrupt process is executed. Therefore, for example, if the timer counter ST is set to "6000", the normal period PD31 will be 12 seconds.

After executing the processing of step S7104T, in step S7105, the MPU 52 sets an operation notice flag in the RAM 54. This operation notice flag is a flag for identifying that the operation notice part is being executed.

After executing the processing of step S7105, or if it is determined in step S7101 that the timing for the preview display has not yet arrived, the MPU 52 determines in step S7106 whether an operation preview flag has been set in the RAM 54.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S7106 that the operation notice flag has not been set in the RAM 54, it executes the processes in steps S7119 and after without executing the processes in steps S7120T and after.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S7106 that the operation notice flag has been set in the RAM 54, then in step S7120T, it determines whether or not pressing of the push button 142 by the player has been detected.

If the MPU 52 determines that it has not detected the player pressing the push button 142, it executes the processes from step S7124T onwards without executing the processes from step S7121T onwards.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines that it has detected the player pressing the push button 142, it determines in step S7121T whether the value of the timer counter ST is equal to or less than "0".

If the MPU 52 determines in step S7121T that the value of the timer counter ST is not equal to or less than "0" (if it determines that the normal period PD31 set in the preview display setting process in step S7002T has not elapsed), it executes the result notification part in step S7122T.
In the process of executing the result notification part, the MPU 52 controls the light emission of the display lamp unit 124 and controls the sound of the speaker unit 125 in order to execute the result notification part.

After executing the execution process of the result notification part, the MPU 52 sets a result notification part execution command in step S7123T. The MPU 52 then stores the result notification part execution command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This result notification part execution command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the result notification part on the pattern display device 36 based on the result notification part execution command sent from the MPU 52. The MPU 62 then outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (e.g., every 20 msec period) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. This causes the pattern display device 36 to execute the result notification part.

Specifically, the MPU 62 notifies the player of a successful preview display by launching fireworks based on the result of the preview display associated with the push button 142 set in the preview display setting process of step S7002 (see FIG. 92 (A)). The MPU 62 also notifies the player of a failed preview display by not launching fireworks based on the result of the preview display associated with the push button 142 set in the preview display setting process of step S7002 (see FIG. 92 (B)).

Here, in this embodiment, when a successful presentation is set as the result of the preview display in the preview display setting process of step S7002T, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the successful presentation of the preview display in the result notification part each time the player detects pressing of the push button 142, but it may also be configured to execute a lottery with a predetermined probability (for example, 20%) and notify the player of the successful presentation of the preview display only if the lottery is won. Also, in this case, after the successful presentation of the preview display has been notified to the player at least once, the player may be notified of the successful presentation of the preview display each time the player detects pressing of the push button 142.
Thereafter, the MPU 52 executes the processes from step S7119 onward.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S7121T that the value of the timer counter ST is equal to or less than "0" (if it determines that the normal period PD31 set in the preview display setting process in step S7002T has elapsed and that the specific period PD32 has begun), then in step S7109, it sets a button press flag in the RAM 54. This button press flag is a flag for identifying that a press of the push button 142 has been detected.

After setting the button press flag in RAM 54 in step S7109, or if it is determined in step S7120T that the player has not pressed the push button 142, the MPU 52 determines in step S7124T whether or not it is time to stop the display of changing patterns.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S7124T that it is not time to stop the varying display of the patterns, it executes the process of step S7119 without executing the processes of step S7125T and thereafter.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S7124T that it is time to stop the varying display of the symbols, then in step S7125T, it executes the process of ending the operation advance notice part.

In the process of ending the operation notice part, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the display lamp section 124 and executes audio control of the speaker section 125 in order to end the operation notice part.
After executing the operation notice part end process, the MPU 52 sets an operation notice part end command in step S7126T. Then, the MPU 52 stores the operation notice part end command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This operation notice part end command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out from the program ROM 63 a data table for ending the operation notice part on the pattern display device 36 based on the operation notice part end command sent from the MPU 52. The MPU 62 then outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (e.g., every 20 msec period) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. This causes the pattern display device 36 to end the operation notice part.

Specifically, the MPU 62 erases the angel character GB3 displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36.

After setting the operation notice part end command in step S7126T, the MPU 52 clears the operation notice flag stored in the RAM 54 in step S7127T.

After clearing the operation notice flag stored in RAM 54 in step S7127T, MPU 52 determines in step S7114 whether a button press flag is set in RAM 54.

If the MPU 52 determines in step S7114 that the button press flag has not been set in the RAM 54, it skips steps S7128T to S7118 and executes the processes in and after step S7119.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S7114 that the button press flag is set in the RAM 54, then in step S7128T, the MPU 52 executes a process of replacing the result of the preview display.

In the replacement process of the result of the preview display, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is "a big win", the MPU 52 replaces the result of the preview display with a success presentation, and if the result of the winning/losing lottery is "a normal loss result", the MPU 52 replaces the result of the preview display with a failure presentation.
In this reference form, when MPU 52 detects that the player has pressed push button 142 during a specific period PD32, it executes the process of replacing the result of the preview display in step S7128T, but it is also possible to maintain the result of the preview display without executing this process.

After executing the process of step S7128T, the MPU 52 executes the execution process of the result notification part in step S7116.
In the process of executing the result notification part, the MPU 52 controls the light emission of the display lamp unit 124 and controls the sound of the speaker unit 125 in order to execute the result notification part.

After executing the execution process of the result notification part, the MPU 52 sets a result notification part execution command in step S7117. The MPU 52 then stores the result notification part execution command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This result notification part execution command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process of step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the result notification part on the pattern display device 36 based on the result notification part execution command sent from the MPU 52. The MPU 62 then outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table each time a predetermined image update timing (e.g., every 20 msec period) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. The VDP 65 also creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or by processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. This causes the pattern display device 36 to execute the result notification part.

Specifically, the MPU 62 notifies the player of a successful preview display by launching fireworks as described above based on the result of the preview display associated with the push button 142 replaced in the process of replacing the result of the preview display in step S7128T (see FIG. 92(A)). The MPU 62 also notifies the player of a failed preview display by not launching fireworks based on the result of the preview display associated with the push button 142 replaced in the process of replacing the result of the preview display in step S7128T (see FIG. 92(B)).

After setting the result notification part execution command in step S7117, the MPU 52 clears the button press flag stored in the RAM 54 in step S7118.

After clearing the button press flag stored in RAM 54 in step S7118, and executing the processing of step S7123T, if it is determined in step S7106 that the operation notice flag has not been set in RAM 54, if it is determined in step S7124T that the timing to stop the changing display of the patterns has not arrived, or if it is determined in step S7114 that the button press flag has not been set in RAM 54, then in step S7119, MPU 52 executes processing to execute other effects.
In the process of executing other effects, the MPU 52 executes other effects different from the preview display related to the push button 142 based on the contents of the hold determination process of step S2002 and the effect determination process of step S2003S.
Thereafter, the MPU 52 ends the performance execution process.

<About the occurrence of the reach display and the subsequent flow>
Fig. 96 is a diagram showing the display screen of the symbol display device after the occurrence of the reach display and a timing chart of the advance notice display. Specifically, Fig. 96(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the operation advance notice part of the advance notice display related to the push button 142 is executed after the occurrence of the reach display, Fig. 96(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the player's press of the push button 142 is detected within the normal period PD31 and the player is notified of the successful presentation of the advance notice display, and Fig. 96(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the player's press of the push button 142 is detected within the normal period PD31 and the player is notified of the failed presentation of the advance notice display. Also, Fig. 96(D) is a diagram showing a state in which the player's press of the push button 142 is detected within the specific period PD32 and the player is notified of the successful presentation of the advance notice display, and Fig. 96(E) is a diagram showing a state in which the player's press of the push button 142 is detected within the specific period PD32 and the player is notified of the failed presentation of the advance notice display. In addition, in Figures 96 (A) to (E), the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 is placed on the upper stage, and the timing chart is placed on the lower stage.

The MPU 62 transitions to a high-speed variation period by starting the variation display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the variation start command transmitted from the MPU 52. In this high-speed variation period, the MPU 62 starts the variation display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each of the pattern rows Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment).
Thereafter, based on the stop result command sent from the MPU 52, the MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping results.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur based on the content of the variation command, and if it determines that a reach display will occur, determines information regarding the combination of symbols in the reach display as the final stopping result to be displayed on the activated line L.
Then, as shown in FIG. 96(A), after the period PD1 from the start of the variable display of the patterns to the occurrence of the reach display has elapsed, the MPU 62 causes the reach display to occur.
In addition, in Figure 96, the timing at which the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 arranged in the upper row is in a state is shown by a black circle in the timing chart arranged in the lower row.

In addition, the MPU 52 determines whether or not it is time for a preview display related to the push button 142 to occur, and if it determines that it is time for the preview display to occur, in other words, if it determines that period PD1 has elapsed and period PD2 has begun, then in step S7102, it executes the execution process for the operation preview part.
In the execution process of this operation notice part, the MPU 62 displays an angel character GB3 in the lower right position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and suggests to the player to press the push button 142 by having this character say, "Press the button and fireworks will go off, it'll be super exciting!"

During the period PD3 during which the advance notice display is generated, the MPU 52 determines whether or not it has detected the player pressing the push button 142.
During normal period PD31 (a period in which the elapsed time until the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display is not set), when the MPU 52 determines that it has detected the player pressing the push button 142, it executes the execution process of the result notification part in step S7122T.
In FIG. 96, the timing at which the player's pressing of the push button 142 is detected is indicated by a white circle in the timing chart arranged at the bottom.

In the execution process of this result notification part, the MPU 52 sets the result of the preview display so as to notify the player of a successful or unsuccessful presentation based on the result of the preview display set in the preview display setting process of step S7002T.
Specifically, if a successful presentation is set as the result of the preview display in the preview display setting process of step S7002T, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the successful presentation of the preview display by launching fireworks, as shown in FIG. 96 (B).
In addition, if a failure display is set as the result of the preview display in the preview display setting process of step S7002T, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the failure display of the preview display by not launching fireworks, as shown in Figure 96 (C).
In this embodiment, the failure effect is such that the fireworks are not set off, so that the pachinko machine 1 notifies the player of the failure effect of the advance notice display, but the player is not able to recognize the failure effect of the advance notice display. On the other hand, the failure effect of the advance notice display may be such that the player can recognize it.

During a specific period PD32 (a period that sets the elapsed time until the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display), if the MPU 52 determines that it has detected the player pressing the push button 142, then in step S7109, it sets a button press flag in RAM 54, and in step S7124T, it determines whether or not the timing has come to stop the changing display of the patterns.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S7124T that it is time to stop the varying display of the patterns, in step S7125T, it executes the process of ending the operation notice part.
In the process of ending this operation notice part, the MPU 62 erases the angel character GB3 displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 36.

Then, in step S7114, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a button press flag is set in the RAM 54, and if it determines that the button press flag is set in the RAM 54, in step S7128T, it executes a process of replacing the result of the preview display.

In the process of replacing the result of the preview display, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win," the MPU 52 replaces the result of the preview display with a success presentation, and if the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "normal loss result," the MPU 52 replaces the result of the preview display with a failure presentation.

Then, in step S7116, the MPU 52 executes the execution process of the result notification part.

In the execution process of this result notification part, the MPU 52 notifies the player of a successful presentation or a failed presentation based on the result of the preview display replaced in step S7128T.
Specifically, if a successful presentation is set as the result of the preview display in the process of replacing the result of the preview display in step S7128T, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the successful presentation of the preview display by launching fireworks, as shown in FIG. 96 (D).
In addition, if a failure display is set as the result of the preview display in the replacement process of the result of the preview display in step S7128T, the MPU 62 notifies the player of the failure display of the preview display by not launching fireworks, as shown in Figure 96 (E).
In this embodiment, the failure effect is such that the fireworks are not set off, so that the pachinko machine 1 notifies the player of the failure effect of the advance notice display, but the player is not able to recognize the failure effect of the advance notice display. On the other hand, the failure effect of the advance notice display may be such that the player can recognize it.

After that, the MPU 62 stops the changing display of the patterns.

In this embodiment, when the MPU 52 determines in step S7124T that it is time to stop the display of the varying patterns, it executes the execution process of the result notification part in step S7116. In other words, the MPU 52 sets an elapsed period so that it executes the execution process of the result notification part when it is time to stop the display of the varying patterns.
In contrast, the MPU 52 may set the elapsed time randomly, as in the reference form S. In other words, the MPU 52 may set the elapsed time so that the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display before the variable display of the symbols stops. In this case, the elapsed time may be set to be long when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win" and to be short when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "normal loss result," or may be set to have the opposite relationship. The elapsed time may be set so that the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display after the variable display of the symbols stops or after the variable display of the symbols in the next game round starts.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the MPU 52 determines that the specific period PD32 for setting the elapsed time has elapsed without detecting the player pressing the push button 142, the MPU 52 executes the end process of the operation notice part in step S7125T without setting a button press flag in the RAM 54, but the button press flag may be set in the RAM 54. In other words, if the MPU 52 determines that the specific period PD32 for setting the elapsed time has elapsed without detecting the player pressing the push button 142, the MPU 52 may execute the subsequent process as if it had detected the player pressing the push button 142.

In this manner, in this reference form, the operation preview part functions as an operation presentation means that suggests to the player the operation mode of the push button 142, and the result notification part functions as an operation presentation execution means that executes a fireworks effect as a predetermined operation presentation when the push button 142 is operated in accordance with the operation mode of the push button 142 suggested in the operation preview part.
In this embodiment, the operation means is the push button 142, but it may be, for example, a direction key, a cross key, a joystick, a jog dial, etc. In short, the operation means may be any type as long as it is capable of executing a predetermined operation presentation based on the operation of the player.

In addition, in this reference form, the operation advance notice part suggests to the player the operation mode of the push button 142 via the pattern display device 36, and the result notification part executes a fireworks effect via the pattern display device 36. In other words, in this reference form, the operation advance notice part and the result notification part suggest to the player the operation mode of the push button 142 via an image, and execute a fireworks effect.
In response to this, the operation presentation means and the operation presentation execution means may suggest to the player the operation mode of the operation means through other information such as sound or the movement of a reel, and cause a predetermined operation presentation to be executed.

In addition, in this reference embodiment, the predetermined operation effect is a fireworks effect, but it may be other effects. For example, the predetermined operation effect may be an effect that changes the reserved image, an effect that displays the lines of a character, an effect that generates a cut-in, an effect that operates a role-playing device, a look-ahead effect that occurs when the display of the changing images starts or stops, an effect that selects one character from multiple characters, or an effect that changes the background image, the mode in which the player stays, etc. In short, the predetermined operation effect may be any effect that can be executed based on the operation of the operating means by the player.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fireworks display is executed when the timing for stopping the varying display of the symbols comes after the push button 142 is operated (when a predetermined time has elapsed).
According to such a configuration, the fireworks effect is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the push button 142 is operated, so that the pachinko machine 1 can diversify the timing of executing the fireworks effect after the player operates the push button 142, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

In this embodiment, the predetermined elapsed time is set so as to align the timing of the execution of the fireworks display with the timing of the stop of the variable display of the symbols. In other words, the predetermined elapsed time is set so as to align the specific timing of the predetermined operation display with the timing of switching the variable display of the game round.
The specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation may be any timing as long as it is a specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation. For example, in the case of the fireworks presentation described above, the specific timing may be the timing when the fireworks start to be launched or the timing when the fireworks open.

According to such a configuration, the predetermined elapsed time is set so as to align the specific timing in the fireworks performance with the timing when the changing display of the patterns stops, so that the player can grasp the specific timing in the fireworks performance, and the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.
In this reference form, the timing for switching the display of the changing number of game plays is the timing when the display of the changing patterns stops, but it may also be the timing when the display of the changing patterns starts, or it may be the timing that straddles the timing of the stop and start of the display of the changing patterns.

In addition, in this reference form, the specified elapsed time is set so as to align a specific timing in a specified operation presentation with the timing of switching the display of the variation in the number of times the game is played, but it may also be set so as to align a specific timing in a specified operation presentation with a specific timing in another presentation different from the specified operation presentation.
According to this configuration, the specified elapsed time is set so as to align the specific timing in the specified operation presentation with the specific timing in another presentation that is different from the specified operation presentation, so that the player can understand the specific timing in the specified operation presentation, allowing the player to play comfortably.
In addition, the other effects may be different from the specified operation effects, and may be effects that change the reserved image, effects that display the lines of a character, effects that cause a cut-in to occur, effects that operate a reel, pre-reading effects that occur when the display of the changing patterns begins or stops, effects that select one character from multiple characters, effects that change the background image, the mode in which the player stays, etc.

In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is configured to change the specific timing of the fireworks display when the push button 142 is operated during a first period (specific period PD32), and not to change the specific timing of the fireworks display when the push button 142 is operated during a second period (normal period PD31) different from the first period. The fireworks display is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the push button 142 is operated during the specific period PD32.
According to such a configuration, the pachinko machine 1 can change the specific timing in the fireworks performance when the push button 142 is operated during the specific period PD32, and does not change the specific timing in the fireworks performance when the push button 142 is operated during the normal period PD31. Therefore, the specific timing in the fireworks performance can be made to differ based on the transition between the specific period PD32 and the normal period PD31, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Also, in this reference form, as described above, if a successful presentation is set as the result of the preview display in the preview display setting process of step S7002T, each time the MPU 62 detects the player pressing the push button 142, it may execute a lottery with a predetermined probability (for example, 20%) in the result notification part, and notify the player of the successful presentation of the preview display only if the lottery is won.
When configured in this manner, the pachinko machine 1 functions as a performance determination period during which, when the push button 142 is operated, a determination is made as to whether or not to execute a fireworks performance, and the performance is executed if it has been determined that the performance should be executed, and the specific period PD32 functions as a non-performance determination period during which, when the push button 142 is operated, a fireworks performance is executed without determining whether or not to execute the fireworks performance.
According to such a configuration, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a normal period PD31 in which, when the push button 142 is operated, a determination is made as to whether or not a fireworks effect is to be executed, and which executes the fireworks effect if it is determined that the fireworks effect should be executed, and a specific period PD32 in which, when the push button 142 is operated, a fireworks effect is executed without determining whether or not the fireworks effect should be executed. Therefore, based on the transition between the normal period PD31 and the specific period PD32, it is possible to differentiate whether or not a fireworks effect is to be executed, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, the operation means is a single push button 142, but two or more operation means may be provided.
For example, the operation means may include a push button 142 as a first operation means and a second operation means different from the first operation means. In this case, the operation performance execution means may be configured to be capable of executing a predetermined operation performance by changing a specific timing in a fireworks performance as the predetermined operation performance when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, and to execute the predetermined operation performance without changing the specific timing in the predetermined operation performance when the second operation means is operated.

Here, the second operating means may be anything different from the first operating means, and may be a push button different from push button 142, as well as a directional key, a cross key, a joystick, a jog dial, or the like.
The first operating means and the second operating means may be provided integrally, for example, like the up/down and left/right of a cross key.

Furthermore, the specified condition may be any condition, not just when a reach display is occurring, and may be, for example, when the change in the number of times a game is being played is being displayed, when an opening/closing execution mode is being executed, when a demo display is being executed, or when an opening or ending is being executed.
The specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation may be any timing as long as it is a specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation. For example, in the case of the fireworks presentation described above, the specific timing may be the timing when the fireworks start to be launched or the timing when the fireworks open.

According to this configuration, when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, the operation presentation execution means can change the timing of executing the predetermined operation presentation to execute the predetermined operation presentation, and when the second operation means is operated, the operation presentation execution means executes the predetermined operation presentation without changing the specific timing of the predetermined operation presentation, so that the player can select and operate the first operation means and the second operation means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the same advantageous effects as those of (1) in the embodiment S, the following advantageous effects can be achieved.
(1) The specified elapsed time is set so as to align a specific timing in the fireworks performance with the timing at which the changing display of the patterns stops. This allows the player to grasp the specific timing in the fireworks performance, and the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.
(2) Pachinko machine 1 is capable of changing the specific timing in the fireworks performance when push button 142 is operated during specific period PD32, but does not change the specific timing in the fireworks performance when push button 142 is operated during normal period PD31. Therefore, the specific timing in the fireworks performance can be made different based on the transition between specific period PD32 and normal period PD31, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

[Reference Form U]
Hereinafter, a reference embodiment U of the present invention will 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 reference form T, in the process of replacing the result of the preview display, if the result of the win/lose lottery is a "jackpot win," the MPU 52 replaces the result of the preview display with a success presentation, and if the result of the win/lose lottery is a "normal miss result," the MPU 52 replaces the result of the preview display with a failure presentation.
In contrast, the present embodiment differs from the embodiment T in that the MPU 52 replaces the results of the preview display based on predetermined conditions in the process of replacing the results of the preview display.

In this reference form, the audio and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 execute processes different from those in the reference form T. Specifically, in this reference form, the performance execution process differs from that in the reference form T. The contents of the performance execution process in this reference form are described below.

<Regarding the performance execution process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 97 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a performance execution process according to the reference form U of the present invention.
Based on the contents of the hold determination process in step S2002 and the performance determination process in step S2003S, the MPU 52 executes the processes of steps S7101 to S7119 as shown in Fig. 97. Note that in this reference embodiment, the MPU 52 executes the process of step S7105, then executes the process of step S7129U, executes the process of step S7123T, then executes the process of step S7130U, executes the process of step S7114, and then executes the process of step S7131U, which is different from the reference embodiment T.

In step S7129U, the MPU 52 resets the number of times the push button 142 is pressed PUN stored in the RAM 54 by substituting "0." This number of times the push button 142 is pressed PUN is a value indicating the number of times the push button 142 is pressed by the player during the normal period PD31 (a period during which no elapsed time is set until the player is notified of the successful or unsuccessful presentation of the preview display).
In step S7130U, the MPU 52 updates the value PUN, which is the number of times the push button 142 has been pressed and is stored in the RAM 54, by adding 1 to the value.

In step S7131U, the MPU 52 determines whether the value PUN of the number of times the push button 142 has been pressed, which is stored in the RAM 54, is equal to or less than "0".
If the MPU 52 determines in step S7131U that the number of presses PUN is equal to or less than "0", it executes a process of replacing the result of the preview display in step S7128T.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S7131U that the number of presses PUN is not "0" or less, it executes the processes in and after step S7116 without executing the process of replacing the result of the preview display in step S7128T.

<About the occurrence of the reach display and the subsequent flow>
Fig. 98 is a diagram showing a display screen of the symbol display device after the occurrence of the reach display and a timing chart of the advance notice display. Specifically, Fig. 98(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the operation advance notice part of the advance notice display related to the push button 142 is executed after the occurrence of the reach display, Fig. 98(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the press of the push button 142 by the player is detected within the normal period PD31 and the successful presentation of the advance notice display is notified to the player, and Fig. 98(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the press of the push button 142 by the player is not detected within the normal period PD31. Also, Fig. 98(D) is a diagram showing a state in which the press of the push button 142 by the player is detected within the specific period PD32 and the successful presentation of the advance notice display is notified to the player, and Fig. 98(E) is a diagram showing a state in which the press of the push button 142 by the player is detected within the specific period PD32 and the failed presentation of the advance notice display is notified to the player. In addition, in Figures 98 (A) to (E), the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 is placed on the upper stage, and the timing chart is placed on the lower stage.

In the example of Figure 98, we will explain a case where, in the preview display setting process of step S7002T, the result of the win/lose lottery is a "normal miss result," but the success effect is selected to set the preview display result.

The MPU 62 transitions to a high-speed variation period by starting the variation display of the multiple pattern rows Z1 to Z3 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 based on the variation start command transmitted from the MPU 52. In this high-speed variation period, the MPU 62 starts the variation display of the patterns by periodically scrolling the patterns of each of the pattern rows Z1 to Z3 in a predetermined direction (upward in this embodiment).
Thereafter, the MPU 62 notifies the result of the winning/losing lottery by displaying various combinations of symbols stopped on the pay line L as the stopping results based on the stopping result command sent from the MPU 52.

Here, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a reach display will occur based on the content of the variation command, and if it determines that a reach display will occur, determines information regarding the combination of symbols in the reach display as the final stopping result to be displayed on the activated line L.
Then, as shown in FIG. 98(A), after the period PD1 from the start of the variable display of the patterns to the occurrence of the reach display has elapsed, the MPU 62 causes the reach display to occur.
In addition, in Figure 96, the timing at which the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 arranged in the upper row is in a state is shown by a black circle in the timing chart arranged in the lower row.

In addition, the MPU 52 determines whether or not it is time for a preview display related to the push button 142 to occur, and if it determines that it is time for the preview display to occur, in other words, if it determines that period PD1 has elapsed and period PD2 has started, then in step S7102, it executes the execution process for the operation preview part.
In the execution process of this operation notice part, the MPU 62 displays an angel character GB3 in the lower right position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and suggests to the player to press the push button 142 by having this character say, "Press the button and fireworks will go off, it'll be super exciting!"

During the period PD3 during which the advance notice display is generated, the MPU 52 determines whether or not it has detected the player pressing the push button 142.
During normal period PD31 (a period in which the elapsed time until the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display is not set), when the MPU 52 determines that it has detected the player pressing the push button 142, it executes the execution process of the result notification part in step S7122T.

In the execution process of this result notification part, the MPU 52 sets the result of the preview display so as to notify the player of a successful or unsuccessful presentation based on the result of the preview display set in the preview display setting process of step S7002T.
Specifically, in this reference embodiment, in the process of setting the preview display in step S7002T, although the result of the win/lose lottery is the "normal miss result," the result of the preview display is set by selecting a success presentation, and therefore the MPU 62 notifies the player of the success presentation of the preview display by launching fireworks, as shown in FIG. 98 (B).

On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines that it has not detected the player pressing the push button 142, it executes the processing from step S7124T onwards without executing the processing from step S7122T onwards. As a result, the MPU 62 does not notify the player of the successful presentation of the preview display by not launching fireworks, as shown in FIG. 98 (C).
In FIG. 98, the timing at which the player's pressing of the push button 142 is detected is indicated by a white circle in the timing chart arranged at the bottom.

During a specific period PD32 (a period that sets the elapsed time until the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display), if the MPU 52 determines that it has detected the player pressing the push button 142, then in step S7109, it sets a button press flag in RAM 54, and in step S7124T, it determines whether or not the timing has come to stop the changing display of the patterns.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S7124T that it is time to stop the varying display of the patterns, in step S7125T, it executes an end process of the operation notice part.
In the process of ending this operation notice part, the MPU 62 erases the angel character GB3 displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 36.

Then, in step S7114, the MPU 52 determines whether or not a button press flag is set in RAM 54, and if it determines that the button press flag is set in RAM 54, in step S7131U, it determines whether or not the value PUN of the number of presses of the push button 142 stored in RAM 54 is "0" or less.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S7131U that the number of presses PUN is "0" or less (if the MPU 52 does not detect any press of the push button 142 by the player even once during the normal period PD31), it executes a process of replacing the result of the preview display in step S7128T.

In the replacement process of the result of the preview display, if the result of the winning/losing lottery is "a big win", the MPU 52 replaces the result of the preview display with a success presentation, and if the result of the winning/losing lottery is "a normal loss result", the MPU 52 replaces the result of the preview display with a failure presentation.
In this reference form, in the process of setting the preview display in step S7002T, although the result of the win/lose lottery is the "normal miss result," the result of the preview display is set by selecting a success presentation, so MPU 52 replaces the result of the preview display with a failure presentation.

In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S7131U that the number of presses PUN is not "0" or less (if it detects that the player has pressed the push button 142 at least once within the normal period PD31), it executes the processing from step S7116 onwards without executing the processing of replacing the result of the preview display in step S7128T.
In this reference form, in the process of setting the preview display in step S7002T, although the result of the win/lose lottery is a "normal miss result," the result of the preview display is set by selecting a success presentation, so MPU 52 sets the result of the preview display to a success presentation.

Then, in step S7116, the MPU 52 executes the execution process of the result notification part.

In the execution process of this result notification part, the MPU 52 notifies the player of a successful or unsuccessful presentation based on the result of the preview display set in the preview display setting process in step S7002T, or the result of the preview display replaced in step S7128T.
Specifically, in this reference form, if it is detected that the player has pressed the push button 142 even once within the normal period PD31 (see Figure 98 (B)), in the setting process of the preview display in step S7002T, although the result of the win/lose lottery is the "normal miss result," the successful presentation has been selected and the result of the preview display has been set, so that the MPU 62 notifies the player of the successful presentation of the preview display by launching fireworks, as shown in Figure 98 (D).
Furthermore, if no press of the push button 142 by the player is detected even once within the normal period PD31 (see Figure 98 (C)), a failure display is set as the result of the preview display in the replacement process of the result of the preview display in step S7128T, and therefore the MPU 62 notifies the player of the failure display of the preview display by not launching fireworks, as shown in Figure 98 (E).
In this embodiment, the failure effect is such that the fireworks are not set off, so that the pachinko machine 1 notifies the player of the failure effect of the advance notice display, but the player is not able to recognize the failure effect of the advance notice display. On the other hand, the failure effect of the advance notice display may be such that the player can recognize it.

After that, the MPU 62 stops the changing display of the patterns.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the MPU 52 determines in step S7124T that it is time to stop the display of the varying patterns, it executes the execution process of the result notification part in step S7116. In other words, the MPU 52 sets an elapsed period so that it executes the execution process of the result notification part when it is time to stop the display of the varying patterns.
In contrast, the MPU 52 may set the elapsed time randomly, as in the reference form S. In other words, the MPU 52 may set the elapsed time so that the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display before the variable display of the symbols stops. In this case, the elapsed time may be set to be long when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win" and to be short when the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "normal loss result," or may be set to have the opposite relationship. The elapsed time may be set so that the player is notified of the success or failure of the preview display after the variable display of the symbols stops or after the variable display of the symbols in the next game round starts.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the MPU 52 determines that the specific period PD32 for setting the elapsed time has elapsed without detecting the player pressing the push button 142, the MPU 52 executes the end process of the operation notice part in step S7125T without setting a button press flag in the RAM 54, but the button press flag may be set in the RAM 54. In other words, if the MPU 52 determines that the specific period PD32 for setting the elapsed time has elapsed without detecting the player pressing the push button 142, the MPU 52 may execute the subsequent process as if it had detected the player pressing the push button 142.

Furthermore, in this reference form, if the MPU 52 does not detect any pressing of the push button 142 by the player even once within the normal period PD31, it executes the process of replacing the result of the preview display in step S7128T, but the result of the preview display may also be replaced based on other conditions.
In this embodiment, the MPU 52 executes a process of replacing the result of the advance notice display in step S7128T if it does not detect any press of the push button 142 by the player even once during the normal period PD 31. On the other hand, the MPU 52 may execute a process different from the process of replacing the result of the advance notice display if it does not detect any press of the push button 142 by the player even once during the normal period PD 31, and may execute a process of replacing the specific period PD 32 with the normal period PD 31, for example.

In this manner, in this reference form, the operation preview part functions as an operation presentation means that suggests to the player the operation mode of the push button 142, and the result notification part functions as an operation presentation execution means that executes a fireworks effect as a predetermined operation presentation when the push button 142 is operated in accordance with the operation mode of the push button 142 suggested in the operation preview part.
In this embodiment, the operation means is the push button 142, but it may be, for example, a direction key, a cross key, a joystick, a jog dial, etc. In short, the operation means may be any type as long as it is capable of executing a predetermined operation presentation based on the operation of the player.

In addition, in this reference form, the operation advance notice part suggests to the player the operation mode of the push button 142 via the pattern display device 36, and the result notification part executes a fireworks effect via the pattern display device 36. In other words, in this reference form, the operation advance notice part and the result notification part suggest to the player the operation mode of the push button 142 via an image, and execute a fireworks effect.
In response to this, the operation presentation means and the operation presentation execution means may suggest to the player the operation mode of the operation means through sound or other information such as the movement of a reel, and cause a predetermined operation presentation to be executed.

In addition, in this reference embodiment, the predetermined operation effect is a fireworks effect, but it may be other effects. For example, the predetermined operation effect may be an effect that changes the reserved image, an effect that displays the lines of a character, an effect that generates a cut-in, an effect that operates a role-playing device, a look-ahead effect that occurs when the display of the changing images starts or stops, an effect that selects one character from multiple characters, or an effect that changes the background image, the mode in which the player stays, etc. In short, the predetermined operation effect may be any effect that can be executed based on the operation of the operating means by the player.

In addition, in this reference embodiment, the fireworks display is executed when it is determined that the timing to stop the changing display of the patterns has arrived after push button 142 is operated (when a predetermined time has elapsed).
According to such a configuration, the fireworks effect is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the push button 142 is operated, so that the pachinko machine 1 can diversify the timing of executing the fireworks effect after the player operates the push button 142, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

In this embodiment, the predetermined elapsed time is set so as to align the timing of the execution of the fireworks display with the timing of the stop of the variable display of the symbols. In other words, the predetermined elapsed time is set so as to align the specific timing of the predetermined operation display with the timing of switching the variable display of the game round.
The specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation may be any timing as long as it is a specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation. For example, in the case of the fireworks presentation described above, the specific timing may be the timing when the fireworks start to be launched or the timing when the fireworks open.

According to such a configuration, the predetermined elapsed time is set so as to align the specific timing in the fireworks performance with the timing when the changing display of the patterns stops, so that the player can grasp the specific timing in the fireworks performance, and the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to play comfortably.
In this reference form, the timing for switching the display of the changing number of game plays is the timing when the display of the changing patterns stops, but it may also be the timing when the display of the changing patterns starts, or it may be the timing that straddles the timing of the stop and start of the display of the changing patterns.

In addition, in this reference form, the specified elapsed time is set so as to align a specific timing in a specified operation presentation with the timing of switching the display of the variation in the number of times the game is played, but it may also be set so as to align a specific timing in a specified operation presentation with a specific timing in another presentation different from the specified operation presentation.
According to this configuration, the specified elapsed time is set so as to align the specific timing in the specified operation presentation with the specific timing in another presentation that is different from the specified operation presentation, so that the player can understand the specific timing in the specified operation presentation, allowing the player to play comfortably.
In addition, the other effects may be different from the specified operation effects, and may be effects that change the reserved image, effects that display the lines of a character, effects that cause a cut-in to occur, effects that operate a reel, pre-reading effects that occur when the display of the changing patterns begins or stops, effects that select one character from multiple characters, effects that change the background image, the mode in which the player stays, etc.

In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is configured to change the specific timing of the fireworks display when the push button 142 is operated during a first period (specific period PD32), and not to change the specific timing of the fireworks display when the push button 142 is operated during a second period (normal period PD31) different from the first period. The fireworks display is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the push button 142 is operated during the specific period PD32.
According to such a configuration, the pachinko machine 1 can change the specific timing in the fireworks performance when the push button 142 is operated during the specific period PD32, and does not change the specific timing in the fireworks performance when the push button 142 is operated during the normal period PD31. Therefore, the specific timing in the fireworks performance can be made to differ based on the transition between the specific period PD32 and the normal period PD31, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Also, in this reference form, as described above, if a successful presentation is set as the result of the preview display in the preview display setting process of step S7002T, each time the MPU 62 detects the player pressing the push button 142, it may execute a lottery with a predetermined probability (for example, 20%) in the result notification part, and notify the player of the successful presentation of the preview display only if the lottery is won.
When configured in this manner, the pachinko machine 1 functions as a performance determination period during which, when the push button 142 is operated, a determination is made as to whether or not to execute a fireworks performance, and the performance is executed if it has been determined that the performance should be executed, and the specific period PD32 functions as a non-performance determination period during which, when the push button 142 is operated, a fireworks performance is executed without determining whether or not to execute the fireworks performance.
According to such a configuration, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a normal period PD31 in which, when the push button 142 is operated, a determination is made as to whether or not a fireworks effect is to be executed, and which executes the fireworks effect if it is determined that the fireworks effect should be executed, and a specific period PD32 in which, when the push button 142 is operated, a fireworks effect is executed without determining whether or not the fireworks effect should be executed. Therefore, based on the transition between the normal period PD31 and the specific period PD32, it is possible to differentiate whether or not a fireworks effect is to be executed, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

In addition, in this reference embodiment, the result notification part executes a fireworks display multiple times each time the push button 142 is operated according to the operation mode of the push button 142 suggested in the operation notice part. Specifically, if the number of times the push button 142 is operated in the normal period PD31 is one or more, the fireworks display can notify a successful display in both cases where the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win" and a "normal loss result". Also, if the number of times the push button 142 is operated in the normal period PD31 is zero, the fireworks display can notify a successful display only in the case where the result of the winning/losing lottery is a "jackpot win". In other words, the value of the fireworks display changes based on the number of times the push button 142 is operated.
According to such a configuration, the value of the fireworks effect changes based on the number of times the push button 142 is operated, so that the pachinko machine 1 can diversify the value of the fireworks effect and increase the player's attention to the game.
In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 changes the expectation of the presentation to change the value of the presentation, but the content of the presentation may be changed, and the payout of game balls may be changed based on the presentation. In short, the value of the predetermined operation presentation may change based on the number of times the operation means is operated. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 changes the value of the presentation in two stages, 0 times or 1 time or more, but the value of the presentation may be changed in multiple stages of 3 or more.

In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 includes a RAM 54 as an operation setting storage means capable of storing the number of presses PUN as setting information for displaying the value of the fireworks effect based on the operation mode of the push button 142 during the normal period PD31 as a predetermined operation setting period. As described above, the value of the fireworks effect changes based on the number of presses PUN stored in the RAM 54.
According to such a configuration, the value of the fireworks effect changes based on the number of presses PUN stored in RAM 54, so that the pachinko machine 1 can diversify the value of the fireworks effect and increase the player's interest in the game.
In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is configured to associate one setting information with a change in the value of one effect, but multiple setting information may be associated with multiple changes in the value of multiple effects. Also, the setting information is a numerical value of the number of presses PUN, but it may be a simple flag, or the time the push button 142 is continuously pressed, or any other information. In short, the setting information may be sufficient as long as it can cause a predetermined value of the operation effect to appear based on the operation mode of the operation means.

In addition, in this embodiment, the operation means is a single push button 142, but two or more operation means may be provided.
For example, the operation means may include a push button 142 as a first operation means and a second operation means different from the first operation means. In this case, the operation performance execution means may be configured to be capable of executing a predetermined operation performance by changing a specific timing in a fireworks performance as the predetermined operation performance when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, and to execute the predetermined operation performance without changing the specific timing in the predetermined operation performance when the second operation means is operated.

Here, the second operating means may be anything different from the first operating means, and may be a push button different from push button 142, as well as a directional key, a cross key, a joystick, a jog dial, or the like.
The first operating means and the second operating means may be provided integrally, for example, like the up/down and left/right of a cross key.

Furthermore, the specified condition may be any condition, not just when a reach display occurs, and may be, for example, when the change in the number of times a game is played is displayed, when an opening/closing execution mode is being executed, when a demo display is being executed, or when an opening or ending is being executed.
The specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation may be any timing as long as it is a specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation. For example, in the case of the fireworks presentation described above, the specific timing may be the timing when the fireworks start to be launched or the timing when the fireworks open.

According to this configuration, when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, the operation presentation execution means can change the timing of executing the predetermined operation presentation to execute the predetermined operation presentation, and when the second operation means is operated, the operation presentation execution means executes the predetermined operation presentation without changing the specific timing of the predetermined operation presentation, so that the player can select and operate the first operation means and the second operation means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the embodiment T, the following effects can be achieved.
(1) Since the value of the fireworks effect changes based on the number of times push button 142 is operated, pachinko machine 1 can diversify the value of the fireworks effect and increase the player's attention to the game.
(2) Since the value of the fireworks effect changes based on the number of presses PUN stored in RAM 54, the pachinko machine 1 can diversify the value of the fireworks effect and increase the player's attention to the game.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, parts that have already been described and parts that have the same function but differ in shape or arrangement will be given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Here, the conventional gaming machine includes, for example, a rotating body as a decorative device. When a variable performance is executed on a display device as a performance device, the rotating body executes a rotational action as a decoration for the variable performance.
Such a rotating body has, for example, a lens and decorative parts on the front side of the rotating part and an LED as a light emitter on the back side, and the decorativeness is enhanced by the light from the LED and the rotation of the rotating part.

However, in such conventional rotating bodies, decoration is only applied to the surface side of the rotating portion, and the decoration tends to be monotonous.
For this reason, there is a demand for further improvement in the decorativeness of the rotating bodies in game machines.

The gaming machine of the present invention has a configuration for solving the above-mentioned problems,
A special information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
a special information determination means for determining whether or not the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition;
A gaming machine that transitions to a specific control state advantageous to a player when the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
A light emitting means visible when viewed from the front of the game board;
A first rotating means configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board;
A second rotation means configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board and different from the first rotation means;
The first rotating means includes:
The device includes a rotating plate portion that is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis and that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state,
The rotating plate part is
The light from the light emitting means located on the back side is configured to be visible,
The second rotating means includes:
The game board is configured to be movable between a first position where the game board can be seen without passing through the rotating plate when viewed from the front, and a second position where the game board can be seen through the rotating plate when viewed from the front by moving to the back side of the rotating plate,
The gaming machine is
a first state in which light from a light-emitting means at a specific position is visible through a rotating plate part that is in a predetermined rotation state in a predetermined game state;
The second rotating means is characterized in that by moving the second rotating means to a second position, the second rotating means blocks the light from the light-emitting means at a specific position, thereby providing a second state in which the second rotating means can be viewed through the rotating plate portion which is in a predetermined rotational state.

According to such a gaming machine, the decorativeness of the rotating body can be improved without relying solely on the surface side of the rotating portion.
Specifically, the rotating part in a conventional rotating body includes, for example, a transparent or translucent plate part provided on the front side and an LED, which is an illuminant, provided on the back side of the plate part, making the LED visible through the plate part and enabling the light emission state and color of the LED to be changed.
However, such a rotating body is designed so that the back side of the rotating part cannot be seen, and therefore, a presentation that simply changes the light emission state or color of the LED becomes monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

In contrast, the gaming machine of the present invention has a first state in which, in a specified gaming state, the light of the light-emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in a specified rotation state, and a second state in which the second rotating means moves to the second position, blocking the light of the light-emitting means at a specific position with the second rotating means, making the second rotating means visible through the rotating plate part in the specified rotation state, so that it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate part of the first rotating means. In other words, it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate part of the first rotating means, depending on the position of the second rotating means moving to the back side of the rotating plate part, rather than relying only on the front side of the rotating plate part of the first rotating means, thereby improving decorativeness.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, various configurations may be embodied in any manner and are not limited to the embodiments and reference forms.
For example, the special information acquisition means may acquire special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition, and may be any type of information as long as it is capable of realizing the purpose of the present invention. For example, the predetermined acquisition condition may be winning a prize at one of various winning ports, a game ball entering a predetermined opening, a game ball passing through a gate provided in the game area, or the like, or may be a lottery result when a predetermined lottery is executed, a player's operation input via a launch handle, a push button, a touch panel, or the like, or a specific performance is executed by a performance device, or the like.

The special information determination means may be of any type so long as it determines whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies the specified winning conditions, and may be of any type so long as it is capable of realizing the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the gaming machine may be of any type so long as it transitions to a specific control state that is advantageous to the player when the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies the specified winning conditions, and may be of any type so long as it is capable of realizing the spirit of the present invention. For example, the specific control state may be an opening/closing execution mode, a high probability mode, a high frequency support mode, etc.

The light emitting means may be any light emitting body that is visible when viewed from the front of the game board and can realize the purpose of the present invention. For example, the light emitting means may be a display such as an LED type, plasma type, cathode ray tube type, or organic EL type, or may be projection mapping, or may be various lamp units provided in the center frame, various lamp units provided in the outer frame, various lamp units provided on the back side of the game board made of translucent polycarbonate, or may be light emitting elements such as LEDs, fluorescent lamps, or tritium gas, or may be light emitting elements that emit light through a chemical reaction.

The first rotating means is rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board, and is rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis. It may be any rotating body as long as it has a rotating plate that can be switched between a predetermined rotation state and a predetermined stop state. For example, the first rotating means may be various kinds of accessories provided on the center frame, various kinds of accessories provided on the outer frame, a rotating display provided on the game board, various kinds of accessories such as a windmill provided on the game board, or various kinds of accessories stored inside a push button made of translucent polycarbonate. For example, the first rotating means may be an opening and closing door for opening and closing a large prize opening, a payout gear for discharging game balls with a payout device, a launch handle for launching game balls toward the game area, a sphere installed or built into the game machine, a push button or a jog dial for receiving operation input from a player, etc.

The first rotation means may be provided on the surface of the game board, inside various winning holes, or in any other location. The first rotation means may be rotatable by any driving source, may be rotatable using an actuator such as a solenoid, or may be rotatable using the force of a game ball that has entered the outlet or other game balls flowing downstream. The rotation speed of the first rotation means may be variable.

The rotating plate part may be of any type as long as it is configured to allow the light from the light emitting means located on the back side to be visible, and may be of any type as long as the object of the present invention can be realized. The rotating plate part may be transparent or translucent, and may be made of any material. The rotating plate part may have a uniform light transmittance, or may have different light transmittances depending on the part. The rotating plate part may be a single plate, or may be two or more plates. The rotating plate part may be fixed to a predetermined rotating shaft.
The predetermined rotating shaft may be transparent, translucent, opaque, or of any other material. The predetermined rotating shaft may be movable or fixed in a predetermined position. The predetermined rotating shaft may be removable or non-removable.

The second rotating means is rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board, and can move between a first position that is visible without passing through the rotating plate when the game board is viewed from the front, and a second position that is visible through the rotating plate when the game board is viewed from the front by moving to the back side of the rotating plate, and may be any rotating body as long as it can realize the purpose of the present invention. For example, the second rotating means may be various types of accessories provided on the center frame, various types of accessories provided on the outer frame, a rotating display provided on the game board, a game ball launched into the game area, various types of accessories stored inside a push button made of translucent polycarbonate, a sphere installed or built into the game machine, a push button or jog dial for receiving operation input from the player, etc.

The second rotating means may be rotatable in any manner, and may be rotatable by utilizing the force of contact with another member. The second rotating means may move to the rear side of the rotating plate through any route, and may be able to move through not only one route but also multiple routes. The second rotating means may be translucent or not translucent as long as it is visible. The rotation speed of the second rotating means may be variable. The movement speed of the second rotating means may be variable.

In this embodiment, which is an example of the present invention, the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a game board 2V that is different from the game board 2 in the main reference form. The game board in this embodiment will be described below.

Figure 99 is a front view of a game board according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 99, the game board 2V has an inner rail portion 21 and an outer rail portion 22 attached to its surface, and is mounted on an inner frame. The above-mentioned game area is formed on the game board 2V so as to be partitioned by the inner rail portion 21 and the outer rail portion 22. Almost the entire game area can be viewed from the front through the window portion 122.
The inner rail portion 21 and the outer rail portion 22 form a guide rail 23 for game balls into the game area, and this guide rail 23 guides the game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism 49 when the player rotates the launch handle 16, which is a rotating body, to the top of the game area.

The guide rail 23 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 23 is formed to the opposite side as the amount of rotation of the launch handle 16 by the player increases. In this embodiment, the exit portion of the guide rail 23 is provided on the left side of the play area.

Here, the game board 2V is made of polycarbonate and has translucency, so the player can see the light on the back side of the game board 2V (the light emitted by electric lights, etc., described below). Also, because the game board 2V has translucency, the player can see the game balls that have moved to the back side of the game board 2V, such as the back side of the stage or the back side of the various winning openings, so that the game balls do not become invisible to the player. This makes it possible to prevent the game balls from becoming invisible to the player after they are launched toward the game area until they are ejected from this game area.

The game board 2V has a plurality of large and small openings in the game area, which are special information acquisition means formed by being routed to penetrate in the front-rear direction. The game board 2V also has a general winning port (not shown), an upper operating port (first starting ball entry means) 25, a lower operating port (second starting ball entry means) 26, a variable winning device 27, and an outlet 28, which are provided at each opening. The game board 2V also has a through gate 31, which is a special information acquisition means provided at the left and right sides of the center, a main display device 32, which is an illuminant provided at the upper right, and a variable display unit 33, which is an illuminant provided at the center. Furthermore, the game board 2V has various components (gimmicks) such as a large number of nails NL and a windmill WM planted in the game area to appropriately disperse or adjust the falling direction of the game balls.

Each nail NL is planted in the game area of the game board 2V, and the spacing between each nail NL has some locations where it is wider than the width of one game ball, and some locations where it is narrower than the width of one game ball. The locations where the spacing is wider than the width of one game ball allow the game ball to fall and impart spin to the game ball by contacting the nail NL as it falls. The locations where the spacing is narrower than the width of one game ball guide the game ball along the nail NL and impart spin to the game ball by contacting the nail NL as it is guided.

The windmill WM is configured to be rotatable around a rotating shaft body that is a predetermined rotation axis that is set in the game board 2V, as viewed from the front of the game board 2V. The windmill WM is equipped with a disk-shaped windmill plate that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state, and three rectangular plate-shaped ribs formed on the back side of the windmill plate. The windmill plate is formed to a size that allows multiple game balls to be moved simultaneously to the back side. In addition, since the rotating shaft body is longer than one game ball and shorter than two game balls, the game balls that move to the back side of the windmill plate will move so as not to block the other game balls with one game ball.
Here, the windmill plate and each rib have translucency. Therefore, when the windmill WM is viewed from the front of the game board 2V, the portion (first region) with the thick rib has a first translucency, and the portion (second region) without the thin rib has a second translucency higher than the first translucency. In other words, the portion with the rib and the portion without the rib are provided so as to be adjacent to each other when viewed from the front of the game board 2V. Also, each portion has a different thickness from each other, and therefore has a different translucency from each other.

Here, because the windmill board and each rib are translucent, the player can see the light on the back side of the windmill WM (the light emitted by electric lights, etc., which will be described later). Also, because the windmill board and each rib are translucent, the player can see the game ball that has moved to the back side of the windmill board, and the game ball is designed to remain visible to the player. This makes it possible to prevent the game ball from becoming invisible to the player after it has been launched towards the game area until it is ejected from this game area.

Each of the various winning openings of the general winning opening, the upper operating opening 25, the lower operating opening 26, and the variable winning device 27 is equipped with a detection sensor 301-304 (see FIG. 4) that detects the entry of a game ball, and these detection sensors 301-304 are arranged on the back side of the game board 2V. Specifically, the general winning opening is equipped with a detection sensor 301, the upper operating opening 25 is equipped with a detection sensor 302, the lower operating opening 26 is equipped with a detection sensor 303, and the variable winning device 27 is equipped with a detection sensor 304. The pachinko machine 1 executes the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls based on the detection results of the detection sensors 301-304. The detection sensors 301-304 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 1 pays out 10 prize balls when a ball enters the general winning port. The pachinko machine 1 pays out 3 prize balls when a ball enters the upper operating port 25 and when a ball enters the lower operating port 26. The pachinko machine 1 pays out 15 prize balls when a ball enters the variable winning device 27. The number of prize balls is arbitrary, and for example, the number of prize balls in each operating port 25, 26 may be different.
Therefore, winning at the general winning port, each operating port 25, 26, or variable winning device 27 causes the pachinko machine 1 to pay out prize balls, which is an advantageous state for the player.

The pachinko machine 1 executes a payout control to cause a payout device 48 (see FIG. 4) provided in the back pack unit to pay out prize balls and loan balls (game balls loaned to a player when playing).
The payout device 48 is equipped with a payout gear having slits for storing game balls one by one, and a stepping motor for rotating this payout gear, and is capable of sending out and discharging the game balls one by one by rotating the payout gear, which is a rotating body, with the stepping motor.

The outlet 28 is provided at the bottom of the game area of the game board 2V. Game balls that do not enter the various winning holes are discharged from the game area through the outlet 28. The outlet 28 also includes a detection sensor 305 (see FIG. 4) that detects the entry of game balls, and the detection sensor 305 is disposed on the rear side of the game board 2V. Note that when a ball enters the outlet 28, the pachinko machine 1 does not pay out prize balls, unlike when a ball enters one of the various winning holes.
Therefore, a ball entering the outlet 28 is a disadvantageous state for the player, which is more disadvantageous than an advantageous state, since the pachinko machine 1 does not pay out any prize balls.

Each through gate 31 is equipped with a detection sensor 306 (see FIG. 4) that detects the entry of a game ball, and this detection sensor 306 is disposed on the rear side of the game board 2V. Note that when a ball enters each through gate 31, the pachinko machine 1 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 case where the game ball passes through an opening and is discharged from the game area, but also the case 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 28, the entry of the game ball into the various winning ports is also referred to as "winning". Also, the entry of the ball into the through gate 31 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 the ball into this through gate 31 is also referred to as "winning", just like the entry of the ball into the various winning ports.

The upper actuation port 25 and the lower actuation port 26 are unitized as an actuation port device and installed on the game board 2V. Each actuation port 25, 26 opens upward so that a game ball, which is a rotating body flowing down the game area, can enter, and is arranged side by side in the vertical direction with the upper actuation port 25 located at the top and the lower actuation port 26 located at the bottom. The lower actuation port 26 has an electric role 261 as a guide piece (support piece) composed of a pair of left and right movable pieces.
The game ball has a first movement path that passes through the back side of the windmill board and has a high probability of winning at each of the operating ports 25, 26, and a second movement path that passes through the back side of the windmill board, which is an overlapping path with the first movement path, and has a lower probability of winning at each of the operating ports 25, 26 than the first movement path.

The electric role 261 is connected to an electric role drive unit 262 mounted on the back side of the game board 2V. This electric role 261 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 262. The closed state is a state in which the lower operating port 26 is closed by rotating the electric role 261, which is a rotating body, and bringing the upper ends of the electric role 261 closer to each other in the left-right direction. The open state is a state in which the lower operating port 26 is opened by rotating the electric role 261 and moving the upper ends of the electric role 261 apart in the left-right direction.

Here, when the electric role 261 is set to the closed state, the distance between the top end of the electric role 261 and the upper operating port 25 is narrower than the width of one game ball. Also, when the electric role 261 is set to the open state, the distance between the top end of the electric role 261 and the upper operating port 25 is wider than the width of one game ball. Therefore, when the electric role 261 is set to the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the lower operating port 26, but when it is set to the open state, the game ball can enter the lower operating port 26.

In addition, instead of the closed state and open state described above, the electric device 261 may be configured to switch between a state in which it is difficult for game balls to enter the lower operating port 26 (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 26. Also, the lower operating port 26 may be configured to perform such switching by displacement of the lower operating port 26, rather than by setting the electric device 261, and in this case, the lower operating port 26 does not need to be equipped with the electric device 261.

The player can guide the game ball to each of the operating ports 25, 26 by hitting the launch handle 16 to the left with a medium rotation amount and shifting the arrival position of the game ball in the upper part of the game area from the side where the exit part of the guide rail 23 is formed to the center. Specifically, when the arrival position of the game ball is shifted to the center, the game ball passes between the many nails NL and reaches the windmill WM. When the game ball is viewed from the front of the game board 2V, it can be seen between the many nails NL without passing through the windmill plate of the windmill WM, but it can be seen through the windmill plate by moving to the back side of the windmill plate. Here, when the game ball abuts against the rib, which is a regulating part, it is pushed by the game ball through the rib, and the rotation state of the windmill WM changes to a clockwise state (first rotation state) or a counterclockwise state (second rotation state).

Therefore, based on the clockwise rotation of the windmill WM and the movement of the game ball from between the multiple nails NL at the first position to the back side of the windmill board at the second position, it becomes easier for the ball to enter each of the operating ports 25, 26. In contrast, based on the counterclockwise rotation of the windmill WM and the movement of the game ball, it becomes easier for the ball to enter the outlet 28. The game ball can also rotate in any direction, and the probability of the game ball entering each of the operating ports 25, 26 can vary depending on the direction of rotation of the game ball. The rotation state of the game ball will change depending on the rotation state of the windmill WM, friction, and other factors when the game ball comes into contact with the ribs of the windmill WM.

The variable winning device 27 is equipped with a large winning opening 271 that opens to allow game balls flowing down the game area to enter the game, an opening/closing door 272 for opening and closing the large winning opening 271, and a variable winning drive unit 273 that drives the opening/closing door 272.
Furthermore, the player can hit the game ball to the right by rotating the launch handle 16 to the maximum extent, 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 23 is formed to the opposite side, thereby avoiding the variable display unit 33 and the like and guiding the game ball to the variable winning device 27.

Here, the game board 2V is provided with a cover 29 provided so as to cover the front side of the variable winning device 27. This cover 29 is provided with a transparent panel 291 formed to be transparent (or semi-transparent) so that the variable winning device 27 can be seen from the front side, and an opaque panel 292 provided around this transparent panel 291 and formed to be opaque.
Therefore, the player can see the variable winning device 27 from the front through the transparent panel 291 and the window portion 122.
Here, since the transparent panel 291 has translucency, the player can see the light (emission of electric lights, etc., described later) on the back side of the transparent panel 291. Also, since the transparent panel 291 has translucency, the player can see the game ball that has moved to the back side of the transparent panel 291, and the game ball is not hidden from the player. In this way, after the game ball is launched toward the game area, it can be prevented from becoming hidden from the player until it is discharged from the game area.

The big prize opening 271 is provided in an opening formed in the game area by router processing so as to penetrate in the front-to-rear direction. As described above, this big prize opening 271 is equipped with a detection sensor 304 that detects the entry of game balls. The pachinko machine 1 executes the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls based on the detection result.

The opening/closing door 272 is formed in a rectangular plate shape and is provided on the game board 2V so as to be rotatable around one of its lower sides as a central axis. The opening/closing door 272 has an open state in which it opens the opening of the big prize opening 271 by rotating toward the window panel 123 and protruding from the game board 2V, and a closed state in which it closes the opening of the big prize opening 271 by rotating toward the inside of the game board 2V and sinking into the game board 2V.
The variable winning drive unit 273 drives the opening/closing door 272, which is a rotating body, to set the opening/closing door 272 to either an open state or a closed state.

Specifically, the opening/closing door 272 is normally set to a closed state in which game balls cannot enter, but when a transition to the opening/closing execution mode, which is a specific control state, is won in an internal lottery and transition is made to the opening/closing execution mode, the opening/closing door 272 is set to an open state in which game balls can enter.
The open/close execution mode refers to a mode in which the open/close door 272 is set to an open state, and game balls can enter the large prize opening 271. In the open/close execution mode, the period from when the open/close door 272 is set to an open state until when it is set to a closed state again is called one round of play.

The main display device 32 has a main display section 34 and a display section for reels 35, and is configured by arranging a plurality of display devices such as a segment display (not shown) in which a plurality of segment light-emitting sections are arranged in a predetermined manner, and a dot display.
The main display device 32 is provided on the game board 2V so as to bulge toward the window panel 123 provided on the front side of the main display device 32. That is, the main display device 32 can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 1 through the window panel 123. Also, the distance between the main display device 32 and the window panel 123 is narrower than the width of one game ball. This allows the pachinko machine 1 to prevent the game ball from falling between the main display device 32 and the window panel 123. In other words, the pachinko machine 1 prevents the game ball from falling in front of the main display device 32.

The main display unit 34 includes a first result display unit 341 for displaying the results of an internal lottery based on winning the upper operating port 25, and a second result display unit 342 for displaying the results of an internal lottery based on winning the lower operating port 26 (see FIG. 4). The main display unit 34 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 341 executes the varying display of the pattern using the winning of the upper operating port 25 as a trigger, and displays the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning of the upper operating port 25 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 341 displays the predetermined stopping result. After that, the pachinko machine 1 transitions to the opening and closing execution mode.
The second result display unit 342 executes the varying display of the pattern using the winning of the lower operation port 26 as a trigger, and displays the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning of the lower operation port 26 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 342 displays a predetermined stopping result. After that, the pachinko machine 1 transitions to the opening and closing execution mode.

The device display unit 35 executes a changing display of the image when a winning entry is made at each through gate 31, and displays the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning entry at each through gate 31 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 35 displays a predetermined stop result. The pachinko machine 1 then transitions to an electric role open state. In this electric role open state, the electric device 261 provided at the lower operating port 26 is opened in a predetermined manner.

In this embodiment, the main display unit 34 and the gadget display unit 35 are configured with a segment display or a dot display, 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 34 and the gadget display unit 35 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 33 is equipped with a pattern display device 36, which is an illuminant that variably displays (variably displays or switches between) a pattern, which is a type of picture. The variable display unit 33 also has a center frame 37 arranged to surround the pattern display device 36. The upper part of this center frame 37 is arranged to bulge towards the window panel 123 provided on the front side. This prevents game balls from falling in front of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and is configured to prevent inconvenience such as reduced visibility of the display screen G due to falling game balls.

The pattern display device 36 is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display. This pattern display device 36 starts displaying a variable pattern based on the winning of the upper operation port 25 or the lower operation port 26. That is, when the pattern display device 36 executes a variable display in the first result display section 341 of the main display section 34 and when the pattern display device 36 executes a variable display in the second result display section 342 of the main display section 34, the pattern display device 36 executes a variable display accordingly.
It should be noted that the pattern display device 36 is not limited to being 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 pachinko machine 1 increases the player's attention to the game by illuminating the numerous LEDs and other light-emitting devices provided in the game area during game states (predetermined game states) such as when the variable display is being executed or when the opening and closing execution mode is being executed. Specifically, the illumination status of the illumination includes a first illumination status associated with an expectation performance that makes the player expect that the game state will transition to the opening and closing execution mode, and a second illumination status that is not associated with such an expectation performance. Here, the occurrence of an expectation performance suggests to the player that the game state may transition to the opening and closing execution mode, and is therefore an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player. In contrast, the non-occurrence of an expectation performance does not suggest to the player that the game state may transition to the opening and closing execution mode, and is therefore an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state. The pachinko machine 1 then switches between the illumination statuses based on the results of an internal lottery.

The center frame 37 includes a first reserved lamp section 371, which is an illuminant provided in the lower left area of the pattern display device 36, a second reserved lamp section 372, which is an illuminant provided in the lower right area of the pattern display device 36, and a third reserved lamp section 373, which is an illuminant provided in the area to the right of the second reserved lamp section 372.

The first reserved lamp section 371 is a section that displays the number of reserved game balls that have entered the upper operating port 25, and lights up according to the number of reserved balls. This first reserved lamp section 371 can reserve up to four game balls, and corresponds to the changing display of the first result display section 341 and the symbol display device 36.
The second reserved lamp section 372 is a section that displays the number of reserved game balls that have entered the lower operating port 26, and lights up according to the number of reserved balls. This second reserved lamp section 372 can reserve up to four game balls, and corresponds to the variable display of the second result display section 342 and the symbol display device 36.
The third reserved lamp section 373 is a section that displays the number of reserved game balls that have entered each through gate 31, and lights up according to the number of reserved balls. This third reserved lamp section 373 can reserve up to four game balls, and corresponds to the variable display of the gadget display section 35.
In addition, each of the hold lamp sections 371 to 373 may have other configurations, such as being displayed as an image on part of the pattern display device 36.

In this way, in a given game state, the player can see the light of each illumination from the front of the game board 2V, and the player plays in a first state in which the light of the illumination at a specific position on the back side of each component can be seen through various translucent components such as the game board 2V, the transparent panel 291, and the windmill plate of the windmill WM. Here, if the game ball moves to the back side of various translucent components such as the game board 2V, the transparent panel 291, and the windmill plate of the windmill WM, the game ball is made of metal and does not have translucency, so the light of the illumination is blocked by the game ball, and the player instead plays in a second state in which the game ball can be seen through various translucent components such as the game board 2V, the transparent panel 291, and the windmill plate of the windmill WM.

The center frame 37 also includes an upper rotating device 7, which is a rotating body provided in the upper central area of the pattern display device 36, and a lower rotating device 8, which is a rotating body provided in the lower area of the pattern display device 36.
The lower rotating device 8 includes a lower right rotating device 81 provided in the lower right area of the pattern display device 36, and a lower left rotating device 82 provided in the lower left area of the pattern display device 36.
The upper rotating device 7 and the lower rotating device 8 will be described in detail below.

Figure 100 shows a front view and a cross-sectional view of the upper rotating device. Specifically, the left figure in Figure 100 is a front view of the upper rotating device 7, and the right figure is an A-A cross-sectional view of the upper rotating device 7 shown in the left figure.
The upper rotating accessory 7 is a accessory imitating the shape of a flower, as shown in Fig. 100. This upper rotating accessory 7 has five petals 71 and a disk-shaped petal support 72 located in the center of the petals 71 and supporting each petal 71.
Of the five petals 71, one of the petals 71 has a lens 711 attached to a round hole formed in the approximate center. This lens 711 is a convex lens. Therefore, the player can view an enlarged image of an object behind the petal 71, such as the display screen G of the symbol display device 36, through the lens 711.

Figure 101 is an exploded perspective view of the upper rotating device.
As shown in Figures 100 and 101, each petal 71 is formed in a shape that narrows toward the petal support 72. Each petal 71 has a protrusion 712 formed at the end on the petal support 72 side. This protrusion 712 is formed in a trapezoidal cross section with the long side on the front side and the short side on the back side.
As shown in Fig. 101, the petal support 72 has five grooves 721 formed on the rear surface side at equal intervals and extending in the radial direction. Each groove 721 is formed in a trapezoidal cross section with the long side on the front surface side and the short side on the rear surface side.
Each petal 71 is supported by the petal support 72 so as to be freely movable forward and backward along the radial direction of the petal support 72 by inserting its protrusion 712 into each groove 721 of the petal support 72 .

As shown in Figures 100 and 101, the upper rotating prop 7 is equipped with a petal rotation mechanism 73 that rotates the petal support 72 around the central axis, a petal expansion/contraction mechanism 74 that expands and contracts each petal 71 by moving each petal 71 forward and backward along the radial direction of the petal support 72, and a petal lifting mechanism 75 (see Figure 100) that raises and lowers the petal support 72 in the vertical direction.

The petal rotation mechanism 73 is fixed to the center of the petal support 72 and includes a cylindrical shaft body 731 that extends along the central axis of the petal support 72, a cylindrical body 732 that extends along the central axis of the petal support 72 and houses the cylindrical shaft body 731 inside so that it can rotate freely around its axis, and a cylindrical drive unit 733 that is fixed to the back side of the cylinder body 732 and rotates the cylindrical shaft body 731.

The cylindrical body 732 has a flange portion 734 formed at the end on the rear side.
The cylindrical drive unit 733 has a motor whose output shaft is fixed to the cylindrical shaft body 731 and whose housing is fixed to the flange portion 734 of the cylindrical body 732. Therefore, the cylindrical drive unit 733 can rotate the cylindrical shaft body 731 around its axis by driving the motor (see the counterclockwise arrow in FIG. 100). Then, each petal 71 and the petal supporter 72 rotate around the axis of the petal supporter 72 in conjunction with the rotation of the cylindrical shaft body 731. In other words, the cylindrical drive unit 733 executes drive control to rotate each petal 71 and the petal supporter 72 around the axis of the petal supporter 72.

The petal expansion/contraction mechanism 74 comprises an inner annular body 741 with the cylindrical shaft body 731 inserted therein so as to be movable back and forth along the cylindrical shaft body 731, and an outer annular body 742 which covers the front side of the outer peripheral surface of the inner annular body 741 and is fitted into the inner annular body 741 so as to be rotatable about the axes of the cylindrical shaft body 731 and the inner annular body 741. The petal expansion/contraction mechanism 74 also comprises five links 743 which connect each of the petals 71 and the outer annular body 742, and an annular body drive unit 744 which is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body 732 and moves the inner annular body 741 back and forth along the cylindrical shaft body 731.

100, the inner annular body 741 has a recess with a rectangular cross section formed along the entire circumference of its outer circumferential surface. The outer annular body 742 is made of a flexible material, and has a protrusion with a rectangular cross section formed along the entire circumference of its inner circumferential surface.
The inner annular body 741 and the outer annular body 742 are integrated by bending the outer annular body 742 and fitting the convex portion of the outer annular body 742 into the concave portion of the inner annular body 741. Therefore, the inner annular body 741 and the outer annular body 742 can freely advance and retreat along the cylindrical shaft body 731, and the outer annular body 742 can freely rotate around the axis of the cylindrical shaft body 731 and the inner annular body 741.

100 and 101, the outer annular body 742 has five brackets 745 attached along the outer circumferential surface at equal intervals. The petal 71 has a bracket 713 fixed to the back surface (see FIG. 101).
The link 743 has one end rotatably supported by a bracket 745 of the outer annular body 742 , and the other end rotatably supported by a bracket 713 of the petal 71 .

The torus drive unit 744 has an actuator whose output shaft is fixed to the inner torus 741 and whose housing is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 732. Therefore, the torus drive unit 744 can move the inner torus 741 and the outer torus 742 back and forth along the cylindrical shaft body 731 by driving the actuator.

Figure 102 is a front view and a cross-sectional view of the upper rotating device showing the state in which the inner and outer annular bodies are advanced to the front side. Specifically, the left figure in Figure 102 is a front view of the upper rotating device 7, and the right figure is an A-A cross-sectional view of the upper rotating device 7 shown in the left figure.
When the inner annular body 741 and the outer annular body 742 are advanced toward the front side (the direction of the arrow in the figure) along the cylindrical shaft body 731, each petal 71 advances toward the radially outer side of the petal supporter 72 via the link 743, as shown in Figure 102. In other words, each petal 71 spreads outward radially from the petal supporter 72 as the center.
In contrast to this, when the inner annular body 741 and the outer annular body 742 are retracted toward the rear side along the cylindrical shaft body 731, each petal 71 retracts toward the radially inner side of the petal supporter 72 via the link 743, as shown in Fig. 100. In other words, each petal 71 contracts radially with the petal supporter 72 as the center.
Therefore, the torus drive unit 744 executes drive control to expand and contract each petal 71 around the petal support 72 .

Here, the cylindrical shaft body 731 has an expanded diameter portion 735 formed at the end on the front side. This expanded diameter portion 735 restricts the movement of the inner annular body 741 and the outer annular body 742 toward the front side. In addition, the end face on the front side of the cylinder body 732 restricts the movement of the inner annular body 741 and the outer annular body 742 toward the back side. In other words, the inner annular body 741 and the outer annular body 742 can freely advance and retreat along the cylindrical shaft body 731 between the end face of the cylinder body 732 and the expanded diameter portion 735 of the cylindrical shaft body 731.

As shown in FIG. 100, the petal lifting mechanism 75 includes a rectangular upper long plate 751 with its long side extending in the vertical direction and attached to the rear side of the center frame 37 so as to support the cylinder 732 and to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction, and an upper long plate drive unit 752 attached to the rear side of the center frame 37 and for lifting and lowering the upper long plate 751 in the vertical direction.

The upper long plate 751 is attached so as to be slidable in a guide groove (not shown) formed in the vertical direction on the rear surface side of the center frame 37. This upper long plate 751 has a gear 753 formed on the rear surface side along the vertical direction. The upper long plate 751 also has a round hole formed in the lower end, and the cylindrical body 732 is inserted into the round hole and a flange portion 734 of the cylindrical body 732 is fixed to the rear surface of the upper long plate 751, thereby supporting the cylindrical body 732.
The upper long plate drive unit 752 has a motor whose output shaft gear is engaged with the gear 753 of the upper long plate 751 and whose housing is fixed to the rear surface side of the center frame 37. Therefore, by driving the motor, the upper long plate drive unit 752 can raise and lower the upper long plate 751 in the vertical direction (see the up and down arrows in the figure). In other words, the upper long plate drive unit 752 executes drive control to raise and lower the petals 71 and the petal supports 72 in the vertical direction.

Figure 103 is a front view and a side view of the right-lower rotating device. Specifically, the left figure in Figure 103 is a front view of the right-lower rotating device 81, and the right figure is a side view of the right-lower rotating device 81.
103, the lower right rotating device 81 includes a rectangular lower right plate 811 with both ends in a semicircular shape in the long side direction, and a rectangular lower right long plate 812 with the long side direction being the vertical up-down direction, which is disposed on the back side of the non-translucent lower right plate 811 and is attached to the back side of the center frame 37 so as to be freely raised and lowered in the vertical up-down direction. The lower right rotating device 81 also includes a lower right plate drive unit 813 that is fixed to the lower right long plate 812 and rotates the lower right plate 811, and a lower right long plate drive unit 814 that is attached to the back side of the center frame 37 and raises and lowers the lower right long plate 812 in the vertical up-down direction.

The lower right plate 811 has two disk-shaped panels 815 and 816 attached to the front of both ends. Panel 815 displays the word "BIG" in black letters. Panel 816 displays the word "BIG" in rainbow colored letters.
The lower right long plate 812 is attached so as to be slidable in a guide groove (not shown) formed along the vertical direction on the rear surface side of the center frame 37. This lower right long plate 812 has a gear 817 formed on the right side surface side along the vertical direction.

The lower right plate driving unit 813 has an output shaft fixed to the center of the lower right plate 811 and a motor with a housing fixed to the back surface of the lower right long plate 812. Therefore, the lower right plate driving unit 813 can rotate the lower right plate 811 around the central axis by driving the motor (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure).
The lower-right long plate drive unit 814 has a motor whose output shaft gear is engaged with a gear 817 of the lower-right long plate 812 via an intermediate gear 814V, and whose housing is fixed to the rear surface side of the center frame 37. Therefore, by driving the motor, the lower-right long plate drive unit 814 can raise and lower the lower-right long plate 812 in the vertical up-down direction (see the up-down arrows in the drawing).

104 is a front view and a side view of the left-lower rotating device 82. Specifically, the left view of FIG. 104 is a front view of the left-lower rotating device 82, and the right view is a side view of the left-lower rotating device 82.
104, the lower-left rotating device 82 includes a rectangular lower-left plate 821 with both ends in a semicircular shape in the long side direction, and a rectangular lower-left long board 822 with the long side direction in the vertical up-down direction, which is disposed on the back side of the non-translucent lower-left plate 821 and is attached to the back side of the center frame 37 so as to be freely raised and lowered in the vertical up-down direction. The lower-left rotating device 82 also includes a lower-left plate drive unit 823 that is fixed to the lower-left long board 822 and rotates the lower-left plate 821, and a lower-left long board drive unit 824 that is attached to the back side of the center frame 37 and raises and lowers the lower-left long board 822 in the vertical up-down direction.

The lower left plate 821 has two disk-shaped panels 825 and 826 attached to the front of both ends. Panel 825 displays the word "small" in black letters. Panel 826 displays the word "small" in rainbow colored letters.
The lower left long plate 822 is attached so as to be slidable in a guide groove (not shown) formed along the vertical direction on the rear surface side of the center frame 37. This lower left long plate 822 has a gear 827 formed on the left side surface side along the vertical direction.

The lower-left plate driving unit 823 has an output shaft fixed to the center of the lower-left plate 821 and a motor with a housing fixed to the back surface of the lower-left long plate 822. Therefore, the lower-left plate driving unit 823 can rotate the lower-left plate 821 around the central axis by driving the motor (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure).
The lower-left long plate drive unit 824 has a motor whose output shaft gear is engaged with a gear 827 of the lower-left long plate 822 via an intermediate gear 824V, and whose housing is fixed to the rear surface side of the center frame 37. Therefore, by driving the motor, the lower-left long plate drive unit 824 can raise and lower the lower-left long plate 822 in the vertical up-down direction (see the up-down arrows in the drawing).

<Electrical configuration of the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 105 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the audio and light emission control device.
105, the audio and light emission control device 5 includes an audio and light emission control board 51, an MPU 52 mounted on the audio and light emission control board 51, and a ROM 53 and a RAM 54 constituting the MPU 52. The MPU 52 is an element in which, in addition to the ROM 53 and the RAM 54, a CPU, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, and the like are integrated into a single chip.

The ROM 53 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 54 is a volatile memory means that requires an external power supply to hold the stored information and is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 53 is executed. The RAM 54 has various areas such as a command list storage area 541, various counter areas 542, and a sub-side hold information storage area 543.

The MPU 52 has an input port and an output port. As described above, the input port of the MPU 52 is connected to the main control device 4. The input port of the MPU 52 is connected to the push button 142. The output port of the MPU 52 is connected to the various lamp units 124, 371 to 373, which are light emitters, the speaker unit 125, and the display control device 6. The output port of the MPU 42 is connected to the upper rotary type accessory drive units of the cylinder drive unit 733, the annular body drive unit 744, and the upper long board drive unit 752, and the lower rotary type accessory drive units of the lower right plate drive unit 813, the lower right long board drive unit 814, the lower left plate drive unit 823, and the lower left long board drive unit 824.
The MPU 52 controls the driving of the various lamp units 124, 371-373, the speaker unit 125, the upper rotating device drive unit, and the lower rotating device drive unit based on commands sent from the main control unit 4 and information input from the push button 142 when operated by the player.
Furthermore, the MPU 52 transmits commands resulting from the analysis of these commands to the display control device 6. The sound and light emission control device 5 is electrically connected to the display control device 6 via a connector unit (connection unit) having connectors on both ends of a signal line.

In this embodiment, the audio/light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 execute processes different from those in the main reference embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the timer interrupt process differs from that in the main reference embodiment. The contents of the timer interrupt process in this embodiment are described below.

<Timer interrupt processing executed by the audio/light emission control device>
FIG. 106 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process executed by the audio and light emission control device.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a timer interrupt process to progress the game. In this timer interrupt process, the MPU 52 executes steps S2001 to S2006 periodically (for example, at 2 msec intervals) as shown in Fig. 106. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 52 differs from the main reference embodiment in that it executes steps S2003V and S2004V instead of steps S2003 and S2004.

In step S2003V, the MPU 52 executes a presentation determination process based on the command sent from the MPU 42. In the presentation determination process, the MPU 52 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 S2004V, the MPU 52 executes a performance execution process based on the contents of the hold determination process in step S2002 and the performance determination process in step S2003V. Specifically, in the performance execution process, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the various lamp units 124, 371 to 373, and executes audio control of the speaker unit 125. In addition, in the performance execution process, the MPU 52 executes drive control such as rotation of the upper rotating role 7 and the lower rotating role 8, and executes display control of the pattern display device 36.

<Regarding the performance determination process executed by the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 107 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the effect determination process.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 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 52 executes steps S2401 to S2413 as shown in Fig. 107. Note that in this embodiment, the MPU 52 differs from the main reference embodiment in that it executes the process of step S2407V instead of the process of step S2407.

In step S2407V, the MPU 52 executes a process for determining a presentation pattern. In this process, the MPU 52 selects a presentation pattern that corresponds to the variation command and the type command by referring to a presentation table previously stored in the ROM 53. Specifically, the MPU 52 selects the presentation duration (presentation duration period) and the content of the presentation as the presentation pattern. In addition, in step S2407V, the MPU 52 also executes a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display.

Also, the MPU 52 executes the light emission control of the display lamp unit 124 and executes the sound control of the speaker unit 125 in the performance execution process of the above-mentioned step S2004V based on the selected performance pattern. Also, the MPU 52 executes the display control of the symbol display device 36 and executes the drive control of the rotation of the upper rotating role 7 and the lower rotating role 8 in the performance execution process of the above-mentioned step S2004V based on the selected performance pattern.
The process of determining the effect pattern will be described in detail below.

FIG. 108 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining an effect pattern.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a process of 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 of determining a performance pattern, the MPU 52 executes steps S8001 to S8006 as shown in FIG.

In step S8001, the MPU 52 determines whether the result is a "jackpot win" or not based on the content of the type command.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S8001 that the result is not a "jackpot win", it executes the process of step S8006 without executing the processes from step S8002 onwards.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 judges in step S8001 that the winning result is a "jackpot win", it executes a process of determining the upper role presentation in step S8002. In this process of determining the upper role presentation, the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of the upper role presentation for notifying the player that the winning result is a "jackpot win" by having the upper rotary role drive section execute drive control of the upper rotary role 7.

In the performance execution process of step S2004V, the MPU 52 executes the upper role performance based on the contents of the upper role performance determination process of step S8002. Here, the MPU 52 executes the upper role performance after stopping the variable display of the patterns on the pattern display device 36 and before receiving the variable end command (before stopping the variable display on the first result display unit 341 of the main display unit 34, or before stopping the variable display on the second result display unit 342 of the main display unit 34).
Specifically, in the upper role performance, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the various lamp units 124, 371-373, and executes audio control of the speaker unit 125. The MPU 52 causes the cylinder drive unit 733 to execute drive control for rotating each petal 71 and the petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72. The MPU 52 causes the torus drive unit 744 to execute drive control for expanding and contracting each petal 71 around the petal support 72. The MPU 52 causes the upper long plate drive unit 752 to execute drive control for raising and lowering each petal 71 and the petal support 72 in the vertical up-down direction.

After executing the upper reel performance determination process in step S8002, the MPU 52 sets an upper reel performance command in step S8003. The MPU 52 then stores the upper reel performance command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This upper reel performance command is sent to the display control device 6 in the command sending process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the upper role performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the upper role performance command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the upper role performance on the display screen G and notifies the player that the winning or losing result is a "jackpot win". Here, the MPU 62 executes the upper role performance after stopping the variable display of the pattern on the pattern display device 36 and before receiving the variation end command.

FIG. 109 shows the state in which the upper role performance is being executed.
The player can guide the game ball to each of the operating ports 25, 26 by hitting the launch handle 16 to the left with a medium rotation amount and shifting the arrival position of the game ball in the upper part of the game area from the side where the exit part of the guide rail 23 is formed to the center. Specifically, when the arrival position of the game ball is shifted to the center, the game ball passes between the many nails NL and reaches the windmill WM, which is a rotating body. Then, the game ball will win a prize in each of the operating ports 25, 26 based on the rotation state of the windmill WM and the movement of the game ball. After that, if the winning lottery based on the winning lottery based on the winning lottery in each of the operating ports 25, 26 results in a "jackpot win," the MPU 62 stops the variable display of the pattern as shown in FIG. 109, and then reduces and displays the pattern in the lower right position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36.
In the example of FIG. 109, the MPU 62 displays the symbol "666" in the lower right position of the display screen G of the symbol display device 36.

Thereafter, the MPU 52 and the MPU 62 execute the upper role performance before receiving the variation end command.
Specifically, the MPU 52 controls the cylinder drive unit 733 to rotate each petal 71 and the petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72 (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure). The MPU 52 also controls the upper long plate drive unit 752 to lower each petal 71 and the petal support 72 vertically downward (see the downward arrow in the figure). The MPU 52 then controls the torus drive unit 744 to expand each petal 71 around the petal support 72 after lowering each petal 71 and the petal support 72 to the lowest position (see the outward radial arrow in the figure).

The MPU 62 displays a plurality of light spots GP at display positions on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 that correspond to the trajectory of the lens 711 of the petal 71 rotated around the axis of the petal support 72 by the cylinder drive unit 733. In other words, the MPU 62 displays a plurality of light spots GP so as to draw a circular trajectory on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. Here, the plurality of light spots GP are white spots displayed on a black background, and are arranged at equal intervals from each other.
Therefore, the light spot GP magnified by the lens 711 appears to move counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the game board 2V.

After executing the process of step S8003, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining the lower role presentation in step S8004, as shown in FIG. 108. In this process of determining the lower role presentation, the MPU 52 causes the upper rotary role drive section to execute drive control of the upper rotary role 7, and causes the lower rotary role drive section to execute drive control of the lower rotary role 8, thereby determining the occurrence of a lower role presentation to inform the player of whether the allocation result is a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result."

In the performance execution process of step S2004V, the MPU 52 executes the lower side role performance based on the contents of the determination process of the lower side role performance of step S8004. Here, after executing the upper side role performance, the MPU 52 executes the lower side role performance before receiving the variation end command.
Specifically, in the lower role performance, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the various lamp units 124, 371 to 373, and executes audio control of the speaker unit 125. The MPU 52 causes the cylinder drive unit 733 to execute drive control for rotating each petal 71 and the petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72. Here, the MPU 52 executes the lower role performance while maintaining the state after the upper role performance is executed (a state in which each petal 71 is expanded around the petal support 72 after each petal 71 and the petal support 72 is lowered to the lowest position).

The MPU 52 also causes the lower right plate drive unit 813 to execute drive control to rotate the lower right plate 811 around the central axis, and the lower right long plate drive unit 814 to execute drive control to raise and lower the lower right long plate 812 in the vertical up-down direction. The MPU 52 causes the lower left plate drive unit 823 to execute drive control to rotate the lower left plate 821 around the central axis, and causes the lower left long plate drive unit 824 to execute drive control to raise and lower the lower left long plate 822 in the vertical up-down direction.

Figure 110 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process for determining the lower role performance.
The MPU 52 executes a process for determining the lower-side role presentation in order to inform the player of whether the allocation result is a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result." In this process for determining the lower-side role presentation, the MPU 52 executes steps S8101 to S8107 as shown in FIG.

In step S8101, the MPU 52 determines whether the allocation result is the "most advantageous result" based on the content of the type command.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S8101 that the allocation result is the "most advantageous result", it executes a process of determining the BIG characters in step S8102. In the process of determining the BIG characters, the MPU 52 determines that the result of the lower role presentation is "BIG" by having the upper rotary role drive section execute drive control of the upper rotary role 7 and the lower rotary role drive section execute drive control of the lower rotary role 8 in order to inform the player that the allocation result is the "most advantageous result".
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S8101 that the allocation result is not the "most favorable result" (when the allocation result is determined to be a "low probability result"), it executes a process of determining a small character in step S8103. In the process of determining a small character, the MPU 52 determines that the result of the lower role presentation is "small" by having the upper rotary role drive section execute drive control of the upper rotary role 7 and the lower rotary role drive section execute drive control of the lower rotary role 8 in order to inform the player that the allocation result is a "low probability result".

After executing the process of step S8102 or the process of step S8103, in step S8104, the MPU 52 acquires the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area. Specifically, the MPU 52 acquires information related to the result (win/lose result) of the lottery (win/lose lottery) for the occurrence of a jackpot, which is included in the sub-side reserved information.

In step S8105, the MPU 52 determines whether the winning/losing result obtained in step S8104, i.e., the winning/losing result contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area, is a "jackpot win."
When the MPU 52 determines in step S8105 that the winning/losing result is "jackpot winning," it executes a process of determining rainbow-colored characters in step S8106. In the process of determining rainbow-colored characters, the MPU 52 determines that the result of the lower-side role presentation will be rainbow-colored characters by having the upper-side rotary role drive section execute drive control of the upper-side rotary role 7 and the lower-side rotary role drive section execute drive control of the lower-side rotary role 8 in order to inform the player that a jackpot has been generated in the reserved area.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S8105 that the winning/losing result is not "jackpot winning", it executes a process of determining black characters in step S8107. In the process of determining black characters, the MPU 52 determines that the result of the lower role performance is to be displayed in black characters by having the upper rotary role drive section execute drive control of the upper rotary role 7 and the lower rotary role drive section execute drive control of the lower rotary role 8 in order to inform the player that the jackpot will not occur in the reserved area.
After executing the process of step S8106 or the process of step S8107, the MPU 52 ends the process of determining the lower role performance.

After executing the process of determining the lower reel performance in step S8004, the MPU 52 sets a lower reel performance command in step S8005, as shown in FIG. 108. The MPU 52 then stores the lower reel performance command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This lower reel performance command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the lower role performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the lower role performance command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the lower role performance on the display screen G to inform the player of whether the allocation result is a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result". Here, the MPU 62 executes the upper role performance and then executes the lower role performance before receiving the variation end command.

Fig. 111 is a front view showing a state in which the lower side role performance is being performed. Fig. 112 is a right side view showing a state in which the lower side role performance is being performed.
After executing the upper role performance, the MPU 52 and the MPU 62 execute the lower role performance before receiving a variation end command.
Specifically, as shown in Figures 111 and 112, the MPU 52 maintains the state after the upper role performance is executed (the state in which each petal 71 and petal support 72 is lowered to the lowest position and then each petal 71 is expanded around the petal support 72), and continues to cause the cylindrical drive unit 733 to perform drive control to rotate each petal 71 and petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72 (see counterclockwise arrow in Figure 111).

The MPU 52 also controls the lower right plate driver 813 to rotate the lower right plate 811 about its central axis (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure), and the lower right long plate driver 814 to lift the lower right long plate 812 vertically upward (see the upward arrow in the figure). The MPU 52 controls the lower left plate driver 823 to rotate the lower left plate 821 about its central axis (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure), and the lower left long plate driver 824 to lift the lower left long plate 822 vertically upward (see the upward arrow in the figure).
Here, each petal 71, lower right plate 811, and lower left plate 821 are positioned at a predetermined distance apart, as shown in Figure 112, so that the upper rotating device 7 and the lower rotating device 8 do not come into contact with each other when the lower device performance is being performed.

As shown in FIG. 111, the MPU 62 displays an angel character GB4 in the upper left position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and indicates to the player by the character's lines "BIG or small/Rainbow is a great chance!" whether the allocation result is a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result", and also indicates that a jackpot will occur in the reserved area.

FIG. 113 shows the state in which the word "BIG" in black letters has been notified to the player as the result of the lower role presentation.
After starting the lower role performance, the MPU 52 and the MPU 62 notify the player of the result of the lower role performance before receiving a variation end command.
Specifically, when the BIG character determination process is executed in step S8102 and the black character determination process is executed in step S8107, the MPU 52 causes the cylindrical drive unit 733 to execute drive control to stop the petal 71 having the lens 711 at a predetermined position (the right side position of the petal support 72) by stopping the rotation of each petal 71 and the petal support 72, as shown in FIG. 113.

In addition, the MPU 52 stops the rotation of the lower right plate 811 and stops the rising of the lower right long plate 812, thereby causing the lower right plate drive unit 813 and the lower right long plate drive unit 814 to execute drive control to stop the lower right plate 811 at a position (see Figure 112) where a panel 815 displaying the word "BIG" in black letters can be seen through the lens 711.
The MPU 52 stops the rotation of the lower left plate 821 and stops the lifting of the lower left long board 822, thereby causing the lower left plate drive unit 823 and the lower left long board drive unit 824 to execute drive control to stop the lower left plate 821.

FIG. 114 shows the state in which the word "small" in black letters has been notified to the player as a result of the lower role presentation.
After starting the lower role performance, the MPU 52 and the MPU 62 notify the player of the result of the lower role performance before receiving a variation end command.
Specifically, when the small character determination process is executed in step S8103 and the black character determination process is executed in step S8107, the MPU 52 causes the cylindrical drive unit 733 to execute drive control to stop the petal 71 having the lens 711 at a predetermined position (the left position of the petal support 72) by stopping the rotation of each petal 71 and the petal support 72, as shown in FIG. 114.

In addition, the MPU 52 stops the rotation of the lower left plate 821 and stops the rising of the lower left long plate 822, thereby causing the lower left plate drive unit 823 and the lower left long plate drive unit 824 to execute drive control to stop the lower left plate 821 in a position where a panel 825 displaying the word "small" in black letters can be seen through the lens 711.
The MPU 52 stops the rotation of the lower right plate 811 and stops the lifting of the lower right long plate 812, thereby causing the lower right plate drive unit 813 and the lower right long plate drive unit 814 to execute drive control to stop the lower right plate 811.

FIG. 115 shows the state in which the rainbow-colored letters "BIG" are announced to the player as the result of the lower role presentation.
After starting the lower role performance, the MPU 52 and the MPU 62 notify the player of the result of the lower role performance before receiving a variation end command.
Specifically, when the BIG character determination process is executed in step S8102 and the rainbow character determination process is executed in step S8106, the MPU 52 causes the cylindrical drive unit 733 to execute drive control to stop the petal 71 having the lens 711 at a predetermined position (the right side position of the petal support 72) by stopping the rotation of each petal 71 and the petal support 72, as shown in FIG. 115.

In addition, the MPU 52 stops the rotation of the lower right plate 811 and stops the rising of the lower right long board 812, thereby causing the lower right plate drive unit 813 and the lower right long board drive unit 814 to execute drive control to stop the lower right plate 811 in a position where a panel 816 displaying the word "BIG" in rainbow colored letters can be seen through the lens 711.
The MPU 52 stops the rotation of the lower left plate 821 and stops the lifting of the lower left long board 822, thereby causing the lower left plate drive unit 823 and the lower left long board drive unit 824 to execute drive control to stop the lower left plate 821.

FIG. 116 shows the state in which the rainbow colored word "small" has been notified to the player as a result of the lower role presentation.
After starting the lower role performance, the MPU 52 and the MPU 62 notify the player of the result of the lower role performance before receiving a variation end command.
Specifically, when the small character determination process is executed in step S8103 and the rainbow character determination process is executed in step S8106, the MPU 52 causes the cylindrical drive unit 733 to execute drive control to stop the petal 71 having the lens 711 at a predetermined position (the left side position of the petal support 72) by stopping the rotation of each petal 71 and the petal support 72, as shown in FIG. 116.

In addition, the MPU 52 stops the rotation of the lower left plate 821 and stops the rising of the lower left long board 822, thereby causing the lower left plate drive unit 823 and the lower left long board drive unit 824 to execute drive control to stop the lower left plate 821 in a position where a panel 826 displaying the word "small" in rainbow colored letters can be seen through the lens 711.
The MPU 52 stops the rotation of the lower right plate 811 and stops the lifting of the lower right long plate 812, thereby causing the lower right plate drive unit 813 and the lower right long plate drive unit 814 to execute drive control to stop the lower right plate 811.

When the lower role performance is to end, the MPU 52 causes the torus drive unit 744 to execute drive control to shrink each petal 71 around the petal support 72, and causes the cylinder drive unit 733 to execute drive control to stop the petal 71 with the lens 711 at a predetermined position (the upper position of the petal support 72) by rotating each petal 71 and the petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72. After that, the MPU 52 causes the upper long plate drive unit 752 to execute drive control to raise each petal 71 and the petal support 72 vertically upward.

When the lower role performance is to be ended, the MPU 52 causes the lower right plate driving unit 813 to execute drive control to stop the lower right plate 811 at a predetermined position (a position where the panel 815 is on the upper side and the panel 816 is on the lower side) by rotating the lower right plate 811. After that, the MPU 52 causes the lower right long board driving unit 814 to execute drive control to lower the lower right plate 811 vertically downward.
Furthermore, when the lower role performance is to be ended, the MPU 52 causes the lower left plate driving unit 823 to execute drive control to stop the lower left plate 821 at a predetermined position (a position where the panel 825 is on the upper side and the panel 826 is on the lower side) by rotating the lower left plate 821. After that, the MPU 52 causes the lower left long board driving unit 824 to execute drive control to lower the lower left plate 821 vertically downward.

After executing the process of step S8005, or if it is determined in step S8001 that the result is not a "jackpot win", the MPU 52 executes a process of determining other presentation patterns in step S8006, as shown in FIG. 108. In the process of determining other presentation patterns, the MPU 52 executes a decision on whether or not to generate presentations other than the upper and lower role presentations, a lottery on whether or not to generate a preview display, and the like. The MPU 52 then ends the process of determining the presentation pattern.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 (gaming machine) is equipped with a prize-winning process (special information acquisition means) for the operating port in step S105 that acquires the jackpot random number counter C1 (special information) based on the establishment of a prize-winning (predetermined acquisition condition) in the upper operating port 25 or the lower operating port 26, and a fluctuation start process (special information determination means) in step S505 that determines whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies the predetermined winning condition. Then, when the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies the predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to an opening/closing execution mode (specific control state) that is advantageous to the player.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine is equipped with a pattern display device 36 (light-emitting means) that is an illuminant visible when viewed from the front of the gaming board 2V. Note that, although the illuminant is the pattern display device 36 in this embodiment, it may be an illuminant such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the gaming board, and the illuminant may be provided in any location as long as it is visible when viewed from the front of the gaming board.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine is equipped with an upper rotating device 7 (first rotation means), which is a rotating body configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the gaming board 2V. This rotating body is configured to be rotatable around a petal support 72 (a specified rotation axis) and is equipped with petals 71 (rotating plate portion) that can be switched between a specified rotating state and a specified stopped state. The rotating plate portion is configured so that the light of the light-emitting body located on the back side can be seen. In other words, this rotating body is a translucent rotating body.

The rotating body may be provided on the surface of the game board, inside various winning holes, or in any other location. The rotating body may be rotated by any driving source, may be rotated by an actuator such as a solenoid, or may be rotated by the force of a game ball that has entered an outlet or other game balls flowing down. The rotation speed of the rotating body may be variable.
In addition, the predetermined rotation axis may be movable in a direction different from the vertical direction, or may be fixed at a predetermined position. The rotating plate part may be a single plate, or may be two or more plates. The rotating plate part may not expand or contract, or may be fixed to the predetermined rotation axis. The rotating plate part may be configured to reduce the light of the light emitter located on the back side so that it can be viewed, or may not be configured to expand or contract so that it can be viewed.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine is equipped with a lower rotating device 8 (second rotating means), which is a rotating body configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the gaming board 2V. This rotating body is configured to be movable between a position where the panels 815, 816, 825, and 826 cannot be seen through the lens 711 when the gaming board 2V is viewed from the front (a first position where they can be seen without passing through the rotating plate section), and a position where the panels 815, 816, 825, and 826 can be seen through the lens 711 when the gaming board 2V is viewed from the front (a second position where they can be seen through the rotating plate section) by moving to the back side of the rotating plate section. In other words, this rotating body is a rotating body that moves between the first position and the second position.

The rotating body may be rotated in any manner, and may be rotated by utilizing the force of contact with another member. The rotating body may move to the rear side of the rotating plate through any path, and may be able to move through not only one path but also multiple paths. The rotating body may be translucent or not translucent as long as it is visible. The rotation speed of the rotating body may be variable. The moving speed of the rotating body may be variable.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine has an upper role presentation (first state) in which the light of the light-emitting body at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in a specific rotation state during a game round (predetermined game state), and a lower role presentation (second state) in which the rotating body blocks the light of the light-emitting body at a specific position by moving the rotating body to a second position, making the rotating body visible through the rotating plate part in the specific rotation state.

The first state and the second state may be transitioned at any time as long as they are in the game state of the gaming machine. In other words, the first state and the second state may be transitioned between the time when the game ball is launched toward the game area formed in front of the game board and the time when the game ball is discharged from the game area. The first state may be such that the light of the light-emitting body at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in a predetermined rotation state, and the reflected light (or transmitted light) through other members of the light-emitting body at the specific position is visible. The second state may be such that the light of the light-emitting body at a specific position is blocked by the rotating body, and the rotating body may be visible through the rotating plate part in a predetermined rotation state, and the reflected light (or transmitted light) through other members of the light-emitting body at the specific position is blocked by the rotating body.

According to such a configuration, the gaming machine has a first state in which the light of the light-emitting body (light-emitting means) at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in a specific rotation state in a specific game state, and a second state in which the rotating body (second rotating means) is visible through the rotating plate part in a specific rotation state by the movement of the rotating body (second rotating means) to a second position, blocking the light of the light-emitting body (light-emitting means) at a specific position, so that the objects visible through the rotating plate part of the rotating body (first rotating means) can be diversified. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.
Here, conventional rotating objects for performances provide decorativeness only on the front side of the rotating object when viewed from the front, and the back side of the rotating object cannot be seen because a light source or a board is installed behind the lens part at the forefront. Therefore, it is natural that other rotating objects cannot be moved to the back side of the rotating object.
However, according to the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide decorativeness on the front side of the rotating body (first rotating means) and to enhance decorativeness on the back side of the rotating body (first rotating means).

In this embodiment, the rotating plate portion has a central portion (first region) of the lens 711 having a first light transmittance, and a peripheral portion (second region) of the lens 711 having a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance and different from the first region.
In addition, the rotating plate portion does not have to be lens-shaped, and may be a member of any shape as long as it has a shape that has a thin portion (first region) with low light transmittance when viewed from the front of the game board, and a thick portion (second region) with high light transmittance when viewed from the front of the game board.

According to this configuration, the rotating plate portion has a first region having a first light transmittance and a second region having a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance and different from the first region, so that the appearance of the light of the light-emitting body (light-emitting means) at a specific position in the first state and the appearance of the rotating body (second rotating means) in the second state can be diversified, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.
In addition, since the rotating body (first rotating means) whose back side is visible has various areas with different light transmittance, the way the light appears on the back side of the rotating body (first rotating means) can be made more diverse, and even when used alone, the rotating body (first rotating means) whose back side is visible can provide high decorativeness that is no different from conventional rotating bodies for performances.

In this embodiment, the first region and the second region have different thicknesses when viewed from the front of the game board, and therefore have different light transmittances.
According to this configuration, the first region and the second region have different thicknesses when viewed from the front of the game board, and therefore have different light transmittances, so that the configuration of the rotating plate portion can be simplified.

In this embodiment, the first area and the second area are provided adjacent to each other when viewed from the front of the game board.
With this configuration, the first and second areas are arranged adjacent to each other when viewed from the front of the game board, thereby simplifying the configuration of the rotating plate portion compared to when they are arranged a predetermined distance apart when viewed from the front of the game board.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine includes a plurality of rotating bodies, which are capable of moving simultaneously to the rear side of the rotating plate portion of the rotating body.
The gaming machine may include three or more rotating bodies. After one rotating body moves to the rear side of the rotating plate part of the rotating body, another rotating body may move to the rear side of the rotating plate part while the first rotating body remains on the rear side of the rotating plate part.

With this configuration, multiple rotating bodies (second rotating means) can be simultaneously moved to the back side of the rotating plate portion of the rotating body (first rotating means), so that the light of the light-emitting body (light-emitting means) at a specific position in the first state and the appearance of the rotating body (second rotating means) in the second state can be diversified, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

In this embodiment, the multiple rotating bodies are configured to move so that one rotating body does not block the other rotating bodies when the game board is viewed from the front.
In addition, one rotating body may move so as to block part of the other rotating bodies, so long as it does not block the other rotating bodies entirely.

With this configuration, when the game board is viewed from the front, the multiple rotating bodies (second rotating means) move so that one rotating body (second rotating means) does not block the other rotating bodies (second rotating means), so the player can see all of the multiple rotating bodies (second rotating means).

In this embodiment, a predetermined rotation axis of a rotating body in a predetermined rotation state is configured to remain without moving for at least a predetermined period of time.
In addition, the predetermined rotation axis of the rotating body may be configured to remain stationary without moving for any period of time as long as it is in a predetermined rotation state, and may be a predetermined period in the game state of the gaming machine or may be any other period. In other words, the predetermined rotation axis of the rotating body may be configured to move without staying if it is not in a predetermined rotation state.

With this configuration, the specified rotation axis of the rotating body (first rotating means) in a specified rotation state remains without moving for at least a specified period of time, so the player can stably view the rotating plate portion of the rotating body (first rotating means) in a specified rotation state, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

In this embodiment, the rotating body is movable to the second position in a state where a predetermined rotation axis of the rotating body remains without moving.
According to this configuration, the rotating body (second rotation means) can move to the second position when a specified rotation axis in the rotating body (first rotation means) remains without moving, so that the player can pay attention to the movement status of the rotating body (second rotation means) when a specified rotation axis in the rotating body (first rotation means) remains without moving.

According to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved.
(1) In a given game state, the pachinko machine 1 has a first state in which the light of the pattern display device 36 at a specific position is visible through the petals 71 in a given rotational state, and a second state in which the lower rotating device 8 is moved to a second position to block the light of the pattern display device 36 at a specific position, making the lower rotating device 8 visible through the petals 71 in a given rotational state, thereby diversifying the objects visible through the petals 71 in the upper rotating device 7. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the player's attention to the game.

(2) The petals 71 have a central portion of the lens 711 having a first light transmittance, and a peripheral portion of the lens 711 having a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance and different from the first region, so that the light of the pattern display device 36 at a specific position in the first state and the appearance of the lower rotating device 8 in the second state can be diversified, and the player's attention to the game can be improved. In addition, since the upper rotating device 7, the back side of which is visible, is also provided with regions with different light transmittances, the appearance of the light on the back side of the upper rotating device 7 can be diversified, and the upper rotating device 7, the back side of which is visible, can provide high decorativeness that is the same as that of a conventional rotating body for performance, even when used alone.
(3) The central portion of the lens 711 and the peripheral portion of the lens 711 have different thicknesses when viewed from the front of the game board 2V, and therefore have different light transmittances, so that the structure of the petals 71 can be simplified.
(4) The central portion of lens 711 and the peripheral portion of lens 711 are arranged adjacent to each other when viewed from the front of the game board 2V, so that the configuration of petals 71 can be simplified compared to when they are arranged a predetermined distance apart when viewed from the front of the game board 2V.

(5) Since multiple lower rotating devices 8 (lower right rotating device 81 and lower left rotating device 82) can be moved simultaneously to the back side of the petals 71 in the upper rotating device 7, the light of the pattern display device 36 at a specific position in the first state and the appearance of the lower rotating device 8 in the second state can be diversified, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.
(6) When the game board 2V is viewed from the front, the multiple lower rotating devices 8 (lower-right rotating device 81 and lower-left rotating device 82) move so that one lower rotating device 8 does not block the other lower rotating devices 8, so that the player can see all of the multiple lower rotating devices 8.

(7) Since the petal support 72 on the upper rotating device 7 in a specified rotational state remains without moving for at least a specified period of time, the player can stably view the petals 71 on the upper rotating device 7 in a specified rotational state, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.
(8) Since the lower rotating device 8 can move to the second position when the petal support 72 in the upper rotating device 7 remains in place without moving, the player will pay attention to the movement of the lower rotating device 8 when the petal support 72 in the upper rotating device 7 remains in place without moving.

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.

Figure 117 is a front view of a game board according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the first embodiment, the center frame 37 includes an upper rotating device 7 and a lower rotating device 8, and the lower rotating device 8 includes a lower right rotating device 81 and a lower left rotating device 82.
In contrast, in this embodiment, the center frame 37 is equipped with an upper rotating device 7W, which is a rotating body, and a lower rotating device 8W, which is also a rotating body, and the lower rotating device 8W differs from the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a lower right rotating device 81W and a lower left rotating device 82W.

Figure 118 is a front view and a cross-sectional view of the upper rotating accessory. Specifically, the left figure in Figure 118 is a front view of the upper rotating accessory 7W, and the right figure is an A-A cross-sectional view of the upper rotating accessory 7W shown in the left figure.
The upper rotating accessory 7W is a accessory that imitates the shape of a flower, as shown in Fig. 118. This upper rotating accessory 7W has five petals 71 and a disk-shaped petal support 72 that is located in the center of the petals 71 and supports each petal 71.
Of the five petals 71, the petal 71 located at the upper left in the figure includes a lens 714 attached to a round hole formed at the approximate center, and a rectangular arc-shaped convex portion 715 that is provided protruding from the rear side and formed in an arc shape on the petal support 72 side of the lens 714. Also, of the five petals 71, the petal 71 located at the upper right in the figure includes a lens 716 attached to a round hole formed at the approximate center, and a rectangular arc-shaped convex portion 717 that is provided protruding from the rear side and formed in an arc shape on the petal support 72 side of the lens 716. Each lens 714, 716 is a convex lens. Therefore, the player can enlarge and view what is on the rear side of the petal 71, such as the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, through the lenses 714, 716. Here, the light transmittance of each lens 714, 716 is different from each other. Specifically, the light transmittance of the material of the lens 714 is higher than that of the material of the lens 716 , and therefore the light transmittance of the lens 714 is higher than that of the lens 716 .

Figure 119 is a front view and a side view of the right-lower rotating device. Specifically, the left figure in Figure 119 is a front view of the right-lower rotating device 81W, and the right figure is a side view of the right-lower rotating device 81W.
As shown in Fig. 119, the right-lower rotating device 81W includes a rectangular right-lower plate 811 with both ends in a semicircular shape in the long side direction, and a rectangular right-lower long plate 812W with the long side direction being the vertical up-down direction, which is disposed on the back side of the non-translucent right-lower plate 811 and is attached to the back side of the center frame 37 so as to be freely raised and lowered along the vertical up-down direction. The right-lower rotating device 81W also includes a right-lower plate drive unit 813 that is fixed to the right-lower long plate 812W and rotates the right-lower plate 811, and a right-lower long plate drive unit 814 that is attached to the back side of the center frame 37 and raises and lowers the right-lower long plate 812W along the vertical up-down direction.

The lower right plate 811 has two disk-shaped panels 815 and 816 attached to the front of both ends. Panel 815 displays the word "BIG" in black letters. Panel 816 displays the word "BIG" in rainbow colored letters.
The lower right long plate 812W, which is a rotating body, is provided with an upper long plate 812W1 located on the vertically upper side and fixing the lower right plate driving part 813, a lower long plate 812W2 located on the vertically lower side and attached to the back side of the center frame 37, and an upper long plate driving part 818 fixed to the back side of the lower end part of the upper long plate 812W1 and rotating the upper long plate 812W1 relative to the lower long plate 812W2. The lower long plate 812W2 has a gear 817 formed on the right side along the vertical direction.

The lower right plate driving unit 813 has an output shaft fixed to the center of the lower right plate 811 and a motor with a housing fixed to the back surface of the lower right long plate 812W. Therefore, the lower right plate driving unit 813 can rotate the lower right plate 811 around the central axis by driving the motor (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure).
The lower right long plate drive unit 814 has a motor whose output shaft gear is engaged with a gear 817 of the lower right long plate 812W via an intermediate gear 814V, and whose housing is fixed to the rear surface side of the center frame 37. Therefore, by driving the motor, the lower right long plate drive unit 814 can raise and lower the lower right long plate 812W in the vertical up and down direction (see the up and down arrows in the drawing).

The upper long plate drive unit 818 has a motor whose output shaft is fixed to a hole formed in the upper end of the lower long plate 812W2 and whose housing is fixed to the back surface of the lower end of the upper long plate 812W1. Therefore, by driving the motor, the upper long plate drive unit 818 can rotate the upper long plate 812W1 relative to the lower long plate 812W2 around the output shaft of the motor (see the clockwise arrow in the figure).

Figure 120 is a front view and a side view of the left-lower rotating device. Specifically, the left figure in Figure 120 is a front view of the left-lower rotating device 82W, and the right figure is a side view of the left-lower rotating device 82W.
As shown in Fig. 120, the lower-left rotating device 82W includes a rectangular lower-left plate 821 with both ends in a semicircular shape in the long side direction, and a rectangular lower-left long board 822W with a long side direction in the vertical up-down direction that is arranged on the back side of the non-translucent lower-left plate 821 and is attached to the back side of the center frame 37 so as to be freely raised and lowered along the vertical up-down direction. The lower-left rotating device 82W also includes a lower-left plate drive unit 823 that is fixed to the lower-left long board 822W and rotates the lower-left plate 821, and a lower-left long board drive unit 824 that is attached to the back side of the center frame 37 and raises and lowers the lower-left long board 822W along the vertical up-down direction.

The lower left plate 821 has two disk-shaped panels 825 and 826 attached to the front of both ends. Panel 825 displays the word "small" in black letters. Panel 826 displays the word "small" in rainbow colored letters.
The lower left long plate 822W, which is a rotating body, is provided with an upper long plate 822W1 located on the vertically upper side and fixing the lower left plate driving part 823, a lower long plate 822W2 located on the vertically lower side and attached to the back side of the center frame 37, and an upper long plate driving part 828 fixed to the back side of the lower end part of the upper long plate 822W1 and rotating the upper long plate 822W1 relative to the lower long plate 822W2. The lower long plate 822W2 has a gear 827 formed on the left side along the vertical direction.

The lower-left plate driving unit 823 has an output shaft fixed to the center of the lower-left plate 821 and a motor with a housing fixed to the back surface of the lower-left long plate 822W. Therefore, the lower-left plate driving unit 823 can rotate the lower-left plate 821 around the central axis by driving the motor (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure).
The lower-left long board drive unit 824 has a motor whose output shaft gear is engaged with a gear 827 of the lower-left long board 822W via an intermediate gear 824V, and whose housing is fixed to the rear surface side of the center frame 37. Therefore, by driving the motor, the lower-left long board drive unit 824 can raise and lower the lower-left long board 822W in the vertical up-down direction (see the up-down arrows in the drawing).

The upper long plate drive unit 828 has a motor whose output shaft is fixed to a hole formed in the upper end of the lower long plate 822W2 and whose housing is fixed to the back surface of the lower end of the upper long plate 822W1. Therefore, by driving the motor, the upper long plate drive unit 828 can rotate the upper long plate 822W1 relative to the lower long plate 822W2 around the output shaft of the motor (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure).

<Electrical configuration of the audio and light emission control device>
FIG. 121 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the audio and light emission control device.
121, the audio and light emission control device 5 includes an audio and light emission control board 51, an MPU 52 mounted on the audio and light emission control board 51, and a ROM 53 and a RAM 54 constituting the MPU 52. The MPU 52 is an element in which, in addition to the ROM 53 and the RAM 54, a CPU, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, and the like are integrated into a single chip.

The ROM 53 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 54 is a volatile memory means that requires an external power supply to hold the stored information and is a memory for temporarily storing various data when the control program stored in the ROM 53 is executed. The RAM 54 has various areas such as a command list storage area 541, various counter areas 542, and a sub-side hold information storage area 543.

The MPU 52 has an input port and an output port. As described above, the input port of the MPU 52 is connected to the main control device 4. The input port of the MPU 52 is connected to the push button 142. The output port of the MPU 52 is connected to the various lamp units 124, 371 to 373, which are light emitters, the speaker unit 125, and the display control device 6. The output port of the MPU 42 is connected to the upper rotating role drive units of the cylinder drive unit 733, the annular body drive unit 744, and the upper long board drive unit 752, and the lower rotating role drive units of the lower right plate drive unit 813, the lower right long board drive unit 814, the upper long board drive unit 818, the lower left plate drive unit 823, the lower left long board drive unit 824, and the upper long board drive unit 828.
The MPU 52 executes drive control of the various lamp units 124, 371 to 373, the speaker unit 125, the upper rotating device drive unit, and the lower rotating device drive unit based on commands sent from the main control unit 4 and information input from the push button 142 operated by the player.
Furthermore, the MPU 52 transmits commands resulting from the analysis of these commands to the display control device 6. The sound and light emission control device 5 is electrically connected to the display control device 6 via a connector unit (connection unit) having connectors on both ends of a signal line.

In this embodiment, the audio and light emission control device 5 and the display control device 6 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. 122 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of determining an effect pattern.
The MPU 52 of the sound and light emission control device 5 executes a process for determining a performance pattern in order 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 52 executes steps S8001 to S8006 as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 122. Note that this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the MPU 52 executes steps S8002W to S8005W instead of steps S8002 to S8005.

In step S8001, the MPU 52 determines whether the result is a "jackpot win" or not based on the content of the type command.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S8001 that the result is not a "jackpot win", it executes the process of step S8006 without executing the processes from step S8002W onwards.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 judges in step S8001 that the winning result is a "jackpot win", it executes a process for determining the upper role presentation in step S8002W. In this process for determining the upper role presentation, the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of the upper role presentation for notifying the player that the winning result is a "jackpot win" by having the upper rotary role drive section execute drive control of the upper rotary role 7W.

In the performance execution process of step S2004V, the MPU 52 executes the upper role performance based on the contents of the upper role performance determination process of step S8002W. Here, the MPU 52 executes the upper role performance after stopping the variable display of the pattern on the pattern display device 36 and before receiving the variation end command.
Specifically, in the upper role performance, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the various lamp units 124, 371-373, and executes audio control of the speaker unit 125. The MPU 52 causes the cylinder drive unit 733 to execute drive control for rotating each petal 71 and the petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72. The MPU 52 causes the torus drive unit 744 to execute drive control for expanding and contracting each petal 71 around the petal support 72. The MPU 52 causes the upper long plate drive unit 752 to execute drive control for raising and lowering each petal 71 and the petal support 72 in the vertical up-down direction.

Figure 123 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process for determining the upper role performance.
The MPU 52 executes a process for determining the upper role presentation in order to inform the player that the result of the winning or losing is a "jackpot win". In the process for determining the upper role presentation, the MPU 52 executes a lottery process for generating a special light emission of the light spot GP to make the player expect that the "best result" has been obtained in the allocation lottery. In the process for determining the upper role presentation, the MPU 52 executes steps S8201 to S8208 as shown in FIG. 123.

In step S8201, the MPU 52 determines whether the allocation result is the "most advantageous result" based on the content of the type command.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S8201 that the allocation result is the "most favorable result," then in step S8202, it sets the probability of special light emission to a high probability (for example, 70%).
In contrast, if the MPU 52 determines in step S8201 that the allocation result is not the "most favorable result" (if it determines that it is a "low probability result"), then in step S8203, it sets the probability of special light emission to a low probability (e.g., 30%).
Here, when special light emission is generated, the multiple light points GP become red points instead of the white points of normal light emission.

After executing the process of step S8202 or the process of step S8203, in step S8204, the MPU 52 executes a lottery process for special light emission based on the probability set in the process of step S8202 or the process of step S8203.

After executing the lottery process for special light emission in step S8204, the MPU 52 determines in step S8205 whether or not the lottery for special light emission has been won.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S8205 that the lottery for special light emission has not been won, in step S8206, it executes a process for determining normal light emission.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S8205 that the lottery for special lighting has been won, then in step S8207, it executes a process for determining the special lighting.

After executing the process of step S8206 or the process of step S8207, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining other upper role effects in step S8208. Specifically, the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of an upper role effect to notify the player that the result of the win/loss is a "jackpot win" by having the upper rotary role drive unit execute drive control of the upper rotary role 7W.

After executing the upper reel performance determination process in step S8002W, the MPU 52 sets an upper reel performance command in step S8003W, as shown in FIG. 122. Then, the MPU 52 stores the upper reel performance command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This upper reel performance command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the upper role performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the upper role performance command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the upper role performance on the display screen G and notifies the player that the winning or losing result is a "jackpot win". Here, the MPU 62 executes the upper role performance after stopping the variable display of the pattern on the pattern display device 36 and before receiving the variation end command.

FIG. 124 shows the state in which the upper role performance is being executed.
The player can guide the game ball to each of the operating ports 25, 26 by hitting the launch handle 16 to the left with a medium rotation amount and shifting the arrival position of the game ball in the upper part of the game area from the side where the exit part of the guide rail 23 is formed to the center. Specifically, when the arrival position of the game ball is shifted to the center, the game ball passes between the many nails NL and reaches the windmill WM. Then, the game ball will win a prize in each of the operating ports 25, 26 based on the rotation state of the windmill WM and the movement of the game ball. After that, if the winning lottery based on the winning of each operating port 25, 26 results in a "jackpot win," the MPU 62 stops the variable display of the pattern as shown in FIG. 124, and then reduces and displays the pattern in the lower right position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36.
In the example of FIG. 124, the MPU 62 displays the symbol "666" in the lower right position of the display screen G of the symbol display device 36.

Thereafter, the MPU 52 and the MPU 62 execute the upper role performance before receiving the variation end command.
Specifically, the MPU 52 controls the cylinder drive unit 733 to rotate each petal 71 and the petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72 (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure). The MPU 52 also controls the upper long plate drive unit 752 to lower each petal 71 and the petal support 72 vertically downward (see the downward arrow in the figure). The MPU 52 then controls the torus drive unit 744 to expand each petal 71 around the petal support 72 after lowering each petal 71 and the petal support 72 to the lowest position (see the outward radial arrow in the figure).

When the MPU 62 executes the normal light emission determination process of step S8206 in the MPU 52, it displays a plurality of light points GP at display positions on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 that correspond to the trajectory of the lenses 714, 716 of the petal 71 rotated around the axis of the petal support 72 by the cylinder drive unit 733. In other words, the MPU 62 displays a plurality of light points GP so as to draw a circular trajectory on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. Here, the plurality of light points GP are white points (normal light emission) displayed on a black background, and are arranged at equal intervals from each other.
Therefore, the light spot GP magnified by the lenses 714, 716 appears to move counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the game board 2V.

The lenses 714 and 716 have different light transmittances. Specifically, the light transmittance of the lens 714 is higher than the light transmittance of the lens 716.
Therefore, the light spot GP enlarged by the lens 716 is less visible than the light spot GP enlarged by the lens 714.

Figure 125 shows the state in which the upper role performance is being performed with special lighting.
The player can guide the game ball to each of the operating ports 25, 26 by hitting the launch handle 16 to the left with a medium rotation amount and shifting the arrival position of the game ball in the upper part of the game area from the side where the exit part of the guide rail 23 is formed to the center. Specifically, when the arrival position of the game ball is shifted to the center, the game ball passes between the many nails NL and reaches the windmill WM. Then, the game ball will win a prize in each of the operating ports 25, 26 based on the rotation state of the windmill WM and the movement of the game ball. After that, if the winning lottery based on the winning of each operating port 25, 26 results in a "jackpot win," the MPU 62 stops the variable display of the pattern as shown in FIG. 125, and then reduces and displays the pattern in the lower right position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36.
In the example of FIG. 125, the MPU 62 displays the symbol "666" in the lower right position of the display screen G of the symbol display device 36.

Thereafter, the MPU 52 and the MPU 62 execute the upper role performance before receiving the variation end command.
Specifically, the MPU 52 controls the cylinder drive unit 733 to rotate each petal 71 and the petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72 (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure). The MPU 52 also controls the upper long plate drive unit 752 to lower each petal 71 and the petal support 72 vertically downward (see the downward arrow in the figure). The MPU 52 then controls the torus drive unit 744 to expand each petal 71 around the petal support 72 after lowering each petal 71 and the petal support 72 to the lowest position (see the outward radial arrow in the figure).

When the MPU 62 executes the special light emission determination process of step S8207 in the MPU 52, it displays a plurality of light points GP at display positions on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36 corresponding to the trajectory of the lenses 714, 716 of the petal 71 rotated around the axis of the petal support 72 by the cylinder drive unit 733. In other words, the MPU 62 displays a plurality of light points GP so as to draw a circular trajectory on the display screen G of the pattern display device 36. Here, the plurality of light points GP are red points (special light emission) displayed on a black background, and are arranged at equal intervals from each other. In other words, the plurality of light points GP are not white points of normal light emission, but red points of special light emission.
Therefore, the light spot GP magnified by the lenses 714, 716 appears to move counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the game board 2V.

The lenses 714 and 716 have different light transmittances. Specifically, the light transmittance of the lens 714 is higher than the light transmittance of the lens 716.
Therefore, the light spot GP enlarged by the lens 716 is less visible than the light spot GP enlarged by the lens 714.

After executing the process of step S8003W, the MPU 52 executes a process of determining the lower role presentation in step S8004W, as shown in FIG. 122. In this process of determining the lower role presentation, the MPU 52 determines the occurrence of a lower role presentation to inform the player of whether the allocation result is a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result" by having the upper rotary role drive section execute drive control of the upper rotary role 7W and the lower rotary role drive section execute drive control of the lower rotary role 8W.

In the performance execution process of step S2004V, the MPU 52 executes the lower side role performance based on the contents of the determination process of the lower side role performance of step S8004W. Here, after executing the upper side role performance, the MPU 52 executes the lower side role performance before receiving the variation end command.
Specifically, in the lower role performance, the MPU 52 executes light emission control of the various lamp units 124, 371 to 373, and executes audio control of the speaker unit 125. The MPU 52 causes the cylinder drive unit 733 to execute drive control for rotating each petal 71 and the petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72. Here, the MPU 52 executes the lower role performance while maintaining the state after the upper role performance is executed (a state in which each petal 71 is expanded around the petal support 72 after each petal 71 and the petal support 72 is lowered to the lowest position).

The MPU 52 also causes the lower right plate driver 813 to execute drive control for rotating the lower right plate 811 around the central axis, and causes the lower right long plate driver 814 to execute drive control for raising and lowering the lower right long plate 812W in the vertical up-down direction. The MPU 52 also causes the upper long plate driver 818 to execute drive control for rotating the upper long plate 812W1 around the output shaft of the motor relative to the lower long plate 812W2. The MPU 52 also causes the lower left plate driver 823 to execute drive control for rotating the lower left plate 821 around the central axis, and causes the lower left long plate driver 824 to execute drive control for raising and lowering the lower left long plate 822W in the vertical up-down direction. The MPU 52 also causes the upper long plate driver 828 to execute drive control for rotating the upper long plate 822W1 around the output shaft of the motor relative to the lower long plate 822W2.

Figure 126 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process for determining the lower role performance.
The MPU 52 executes a process for determining the lower-side role presentation in order to inform the player of whether the allocation result is a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result." In this process for determining the lower-side role presentation, the MPU 52 executes steps S8101 to S8113 as shown in FIG. 126. Note that this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the MPU 52 executes the process of step S8106, then executes the process of step S8108 and subsequent steps, and executes the process of step S8107, then executes the process of step S8109 and subsequent steps.

In step S8101, the MPU 52 determines whether the allocation result is the "most advantageous result" based on the content of the type command.
When the MPU 52 determines in step S8101 that the allocation result is the "most advantageous result", it executes a process of determining the BIG character in step S8102. In the process of determining the BIG character, the MPU 52 determines that the result of the lower role presentation is "BIG" by having the upper rotary role drive section execute drive control of the upper rotary role 7W and the lower rotary role drive section execute drive control of the lower rotary role 8W in order to inform the player that the allocation result is the "most advantageous result".
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S8101 that the allocation result is not the "most favorable result" (when the allocation result is determined to be a "low probability result"), it executes a process of determining a small character in step S8103. In the process of determining a small character, the MPU 52 determines that the result of the lower role presentation is "small" by having the upper rotating role drive section execute drive control of the upper rotating role 7W and the lower rotating role drive section execute drive control of the lower rotating role 8W in order to inform the player that the allocation result is a "low probability result".

After executing the process of step S8102 or the process of step S8103, in step S8104, the MPU 52 acquires the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area. Specifically, the MPU 52 acquires information related to the result (win/lose result) of the lottery (win/lose lottery) for the occurrence of a jackpot, which is included in the sub-side reserved information.

In step S8105, the MPU 52 determines whether the winning/losing result obtained in step S8104, i.e., the winning/losing result contained in the sub-side reserved information stored in the memory area of the sub-side reserved area, is a "jackpot win."
When the MPU 52 determines in step S8105 that the winning/losing result is "jackpot winning", it executes a process of determining rainbow-colored characters in step S8106. In the process of determining rainbow-colored characters, the MPU 52 determines that the result of the lower-side role performance is to be rainbow-colored characters by having the upper-side rotary role drive section execute drive control of the upper-side rotary role 7W and by having the lower-side rotary role drive section execute drive control of the lower-side rotary role 8W in order to inform the player that a jackpot has occurred in the reserved area. After that, the MPU 52 sets the occurrence probability of the special route to a high probability (e.g., 70%) in step S8108.
On the other hand, when the MPU 52 determines in step S8105 that the winning/losing result is not "jackpot winning", it executes a process of determining black characters in step S8107. In the process of determining black characters, the MPU 52 determines that the result of the lower role performance is to be displayed in black characters by having the upper rotating role drive section execute drive control of the upper rotating role 7W and the lower rotating role drive section execute drive control of the lower rotating role 8W in order to inform the player that the jackpot will not occur in the reserved area. After that, the MPU 52 sets the occurrence probability of the special route to a low probability (e.g., 30%) in step S8109.
Here, when a special path is generated, the movement path of the center of the lower right plate 811 and the center of the lower left plate 821 is not a monotonically ascending path as in the normal path, but a path that describes a circular arc.

After executing the process of step S8108 or the process of step S8109, in step S8110, the MPU 52 executes a lottery process for a special route based on the probability set in the process of step S8108 or the process of step S8109.

After executing the lottery process for the special route in step S8110, the MPU 52 determines in step S8111 whether or not the lottery for the special light emission has been won.
If the MPU 52 determines in step S8111 that the special route lottery has not been won, in step S8112, it executes a process of determining a normal route.
On the other hand, if the MPU 52 determines in step S8111 that the special route lottery has been won, then in step S8113, it executes a process of determining the special route.
After executing the process of step S8112 or the process of step S8113, the MPU 52 ends the process of determining the lower role performance.

After executing the process of determining the lower reel performance in step S8004W, the MPU 52 sets a lower reel performance command in step S8005W, as shown in FIG. 122. The MPU 52 then stores the lower reel performance command in the command list stored in the command list storage area 541 of the RAM 54. This lower reel performance command is transmitted to the display control device 6 in the command transmission process in step S2006 described above.

The MPU 62 of the display control device 6 reads out a data table from the program ROM 63 for executing the lower role performance on the pattern display device 36 based on the lower role performance command sent from the MPU 52. Then, the MPU 62 outputs a command to the VDP 65 based on this data table every time a predetermined image update timing (for example, every 20 msec) occurs. The VDP 65 reads out image data from the character ROM 66 based on the contents of the command generated by the MPU 62, and stores this image data in the expansion buffer 68. In addition, the VDP 65 creates drawing data in the frame buffer 69 using (or processing) the image data stored in the expansion buffer 68. As a result, the pattern display device 36 displays the lower role performance on the display screen G to inform the player of whether the allocation result is a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result". Here, the MPU 62 executes the lower role performance after executing the upper role performance and before receiving the variation end command.

Figure 127 is a front view showing the state in which the lower role performance is being performed.
After executing the upper role performance, the MPU 52 and the MPU 62 execute the lower role performance before receiving a variation end command.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 127, the MPU 52 maintains the state after the upper role performance is executed (the state in which each petal 71 and petal support 72 is lowered to the lowest position and then each petal 71 is expanded around the petal support 72), and continues to cause the cylindrical drive unit 733 to perform drive control to rotate each petal 71 and petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72 (see counterclockwise arrow in the figure).

The MPU 52 also controls the lower right plate driver 813 to rotate the lower right plate 811 about its central axis (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure), and the lower right long plate driver 814 to lift the lower right long plate 812W vertically upward (see the upward arrow in the figure). The MPU 52 controls the lower left plate driver 823 to rotate the lower left plate 821 about its central axis (see the clockwise arrow in the figure), and the lower left long plate driver 824 to lift the lower left long plate 822W vertically upward (see the upward arrow in the figure).
Here, each petal 71, lower right plate 811, and lower left plate 821 are positioned at a predetermined distance apart, so that the upper rotating device 7W and the lower rotating device 8W do not come into contact with each other when the lower device performance is being performed.
In this embodiment, the lower right plate 811 and the arc-shaped convex portion 715 come into contact when the result of the lower role performance is notified to the player, and the lower left plate 821 and the arc-shaped convex portion 717 come into contact when the result of the lower role performance is notified to the player. This will be described in detail later.

The MPU 62 displays an angel character GB4 in the upper left position of the display screen G of the pattern display device 36, and indicates to the player by the character's lines "BIG or small/Rainbow is a great chance!" whether the allocation result is a "low probability result" or a "most favorable result", and also indicates that a jackpot will occur in the reserved area.

Figure 128 shows the state when the rotation of the upper rotating device has been stopped.
After starting the lower role performance, the MPU 52 stops the rotation of each petal 71 and petal support 72, as shown in FIG. 128, thereby causing the cylindrical drive unit 733 to execute drive control to stop the petal 71 with the lens 714 at a predetermined position (the lower right position of the petal support 72), and to stop the petal 71 with the lens 716 at a predetermined position (the lower left position of the petal support 72).

Figure 129 shows the state in which the word "BIG" in black letters has been notified to the player as the result of the lower role presentation.
After stopping the rotation of each petal 71 and petal support 72, MPU 52 and MPU 62 notify the player of the result of the lower role presentation before receiving the variation end command.
Specifically, when the process of determining the BIG characters is executed in step S8102 and the process of determining the black characters is executed in step S8107, the MPU 52 causes the lower right plate drive unit 813 and the lower right long plate drive unit 814 to execute drive control to stop the rotation of the lower right plate 811 and the lifting of the lower right long plate 812W, as shown in Fig. 129, so as to stop the lower right plate 811 at a position where the panel 815 displaying the characters "BIG" in black characters can be seen through the lens 714. Here, the lower right plate 811 and the arc-shaped convex portion 715 come into contact with each other.

In addition, the MPU 52 stops the rotation of the lower left plate 821 and stops the lifting of the lower left long board 822W, thereby causing the lower left plate drive unit 823 and the lower left long board drive unit 824 to execute drive control to stop the lower left plate 821 in a position where the panels 825, 826 displaying the word "small" cannot be seen through the lens 716.

FIG. 130 shows the state in which the word "small" in black letters has been notified to the player as a result of the lower role presentation.
After stopping the rotation of each petal 71 and petal support 72, MPU 52 and MPU 62 notify the player of the result of the lower role presentation before receiving the variation end command.
Specifically, when the process for determining the character "small" is executed in step S8103 and the process for determining the character in black is executed in step S8107, the MPU 52 causes the lower left plate driver 823 and the lower left long plate driver 824 to execute drive control to stop the rotation of the lower left plate 821 and the lifting of the lower left long plate 822W, as shown in Fig. 130, so as to stop the lower left plate 821 at a position where the panel 825 displaying the character "small" in black characters can be seen through the lens 716. Here, the lower left plate 821 and the arc-shaped convex portion 717 come into contact with each other.

The MPU 52 also stops the rotation of the lower right plate 811 and stops the lifting of the lower right long board 812W, causing the lower right plate drive unit 813 and the lower right long board drive unit 814 to execute drive control to stop the lower right plate 811 in a position where the panels 815, 816 displaying the character "BIG" cannot be seen through the lens 714.

FIG. 131 shows the state in which the rainbow-colored letters "BIG" are announced to the player as the result of the lower role presentation.
After stopping the rotation of each petal 71 and petal support 72, MPU 52 and MPU 62 notify the player of the result of the lower role presentation before receiving the variation end command.
Specifically, when the process for determining BIG characters is executed in step S8102 and the process for determining rainbow characters is executed in step S8106, MPU 52 causes lower right plate driver 813 and lower right long plate driver 814 to execute drive control to stop lower right plate 811 at a position where panel 816 displaying the characters "BIG" in rainbow colored characters can be seen through lens 714 by stopping the rotation of lower right plate 811 and stopping the lifting of lower right long plate 812W, as shown in Fig. 131. Here, lower right plate 811 and arc-shaped convex portion 715 come into contact with each other.

In addition, the MPU 52 stops the rotation of the lower left plate 821 and stops the lifting of the lower left long board 822W, thereby causing the lower left plate drive unit 823 and the lower left long board drive unit 824 to execute drive control to stop the lower left plate 821 in a position where the panels 825, 826 displaying the word "small" cannot be seen through the lens 716.

FIG. 132 shows the state in which the rainbow colored word "small" has been notified to the player as a result of the lower role presentation.
After stopping the rotation of each petal 71 and petal support 72, the MPU 52 and MPU 62 notify the player of the result of the lower role presentation before receiving the variation end command.
Specifically, when the process for determining the "small" character is executed in step S8103 and the process for determining the rainbow colored characters is executed in step S8106, MPU 52 causes lower left plate driver 823 and lower left long plate driver 824 to execute drive control to stop the rotation of lower left plate 821 and stop the lifting of lower left long plate 822W, as shown in Fig. 132, so as to stop lower left plate 821 at a position where panel 826 displaying the character "small" in rainbow colored characters can be seen through lens 716. Here, lower left plate 821 and arc-shaped convex portion 717 come into contact with each other.

The MPU 52 also stops the rotation of the lower right plate 811 and stops the lifting of the lower right long board 812W, causing the lower right plate drive unit 813 and the lower right long board drive unit 814 to execute drive control to stop the lower right plate 811 in a position where the panels 815, 816 displaying the character "BIG" cannot be seen through the lens 714.

Fig. 133 is a diagram showing a state in which the lower role performance is being performed on a special path. Fig. 134 is a diagram showing a state in which the lower role performance is being further performed on a special path.
When the MPU 52 executes the special path determination process of step S8113, it causes the lower right plate drive unit 813 to execute drive control to rotate the lower right plate 811 around the central axis, as shown in FIG. 133 (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure), and causes the lower right long plate drive unit 814 to execute drive control to lift the lower right long plate 812W vertically upward (see the upward arrow in the figure).

The MPU 52 also controls the upper long plate driver 818 to execute drive control for rotating the upper long plate 812W1 relative to the lower long plate 812W2 around the output shaft of the motor, thereby tilting the center of the lower right plate 811 to the right (see the clockwise arrow in the figure). Thereafter, the MPU 52 controls the upper long plate driver 818 to execute drive control for rotating the upper long plate 812W1 relative to the lower long plate 812W2 around the output shaft of the motor, thereby tilting the center of the lower right plate 811 to the left (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure), as shown in FIG.
Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the special path determination process of step S8113, it causes the upper long plate drive unit 818 to execute drive control to rotate the upper long plate 812W1 around the motor output shaft relative to the lower long plate 812W2, thereby making the movement path of the center of the lower right plate 811 a special path that describes a rightward circular arc (see arrow CR in the figure) rather than the normal path that moves monotonically upward.

When the MPU 52 executes the special path determination process of step S8113, it causes the lower left plate driver 823 to execute drive control to rotate the lower left plate 821 around the central axis as shown in FIG. 133 (see the clockwise arrow in the figure), and causes the lower left long plate driver 824 to execute drive control to raise the lower left long plate 822W vertically upward (see the upward arrow in the figure).

The MPU 52 also controls the upper long plate drive unit 828 to execute drive control for rotating the upper long plate 822W1 around the output shaft of the motor relative to the lower long plate 822W2, thereby tilting the center of the lower left plate 821 to the left (see the counterclockwise arrow in the figure). After that, the MPU 52 controls the upper long plate drive unit 828 to execute drive control for rotating the upper long plate 822W1 around the output shaft of the motor relative to the lower long plate 822W2, as shown in FIG. 134, thereby tilting the center of the lower left plate 821 to the right (see the clockwise arrow in the figure).
Therefore, when the MPU 52 executes the special path determination process of step S8113, it causes the upper long plate drive unit 828 to execute drive control to rotate the upper long plate 822W1 around the motor output shaft relative to the lower long plate 822W2, thereby making the movement path of the center of the lower left plate 821 a special path that describes a counterclockwise arc (see arrow CL in the figure) rather than the normal path that monotonically ascends.

When the lower role performance is to end, the MPU 52 causes the torus drive unit 744 to execute drive control to shrink each petal 71 around the petal support 72, and causes the cylinder drive unit 733 to execute drive control to stop the petal 71 with the lens 714 at a predetermined position (the upper left position of the petal support 72) and the petal 71 with the lens 716 at a predetermined position (the upper right position of the petal support 72) by rotating each petal 71 and the petal support 72 around the axis of the petal support 72. After that, the MPU 52 causes the upper long plate drive unit 752 to execute drive control to raise each petal 71 and the petal support 72 vertically upward.

When the lower role performance is to be ended, the MPU 52 causes the lower right plate driving unit 813 to execute drive control to stop the lower right plate 811 at a predetermined position (a position where the panel 815 is on the upper side and the panel 816 is on the lower side) by rotating the lower right plate 811. After that, the MPU 52 causes the lower right long board driving unit 814 to execute drive control to lower the lower right plate 811 vertically downward.
Furthermore, when the lower role performance is to be ended, the MPU 52 causes the lower left plate driving unit 823 to execute drive control to stop the lower left plate 821 at a predetermined position (a position where the panel 825 is on the upper side and the panel 826 is on the lower side) by rotating the lower left plate 821. After that, the MPU 52 causes the lower left long plate driving unit 824 to execute drive control to lower the lower left plate 821 vertically downward.

After executing the process of step S8005W, or if it is determined in step S8001 that the result is not a "jackpot win", the MPU 52 executes a process to determine other presentation patterns in step S8006, as shown in FIG. 122. In the process to determine other presentation patterns, the MPU 52 executes a decision as to whether or not to generate presentations other than the upper and lower role presentations, and a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a preview display. The MPU 52 then ends the process to determine the presentation pattern.

In this embodiment, the rotating plate portion includes a lens 716 (first region) having a first light transmittance, and a lens 714 (second region) having a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance and different from the first region.

According to this configuration, the rotating plate portion has a first region having a first light transmittance and a second region having a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance and different from the first region, so that the appearance of the light of the light-emitting body (light-emitting means) at a specific position in the first state and the appearance of the rotating body (second rotating means) in the second state can be diversified, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.
In addition, since the rotating body (first rotating means) whose back side is visible has various areas with different light transmittance, the way the light appears on the back side of the rotating body (first rotating means) can be made more diverse, and even when used alone, the rotating body (first rotating means) whose back side is visible can provide high decorativeness that is no different from conventional rotating bodies for performances.

In this embodiment, the second state can generate an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state, based on the rotational state of the rotating body and the moving state of the rotating body. Specifically, the second state is more likely to generate an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player when the moving state of the rotating body is a special path, and is more likely to generate an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state when the moving state of the rotating body is a normal path.
In addition, the movement state of the rotating body may be any state that can generate advantageous and disadvantageous states, and may be not only a movement from a first position to a second position, but also a movement from a second position to the first position.

With this configuration, the second state can generate advantageous states that are advantageous to the player and unfavorable states that are more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous states based on the rotation status of the rotating body (first rotating means) and the movement status of the rotating body (second rotating means), so the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the rotation status of the rotating body (first rotating means) and the movement status of the rotating body (second rotating means).

Here, the second state may be capable of generating advantageous and disadvantageous states based not only on the movement state of the rotating body, but also on the rotation state of the rotating body, or may be capable of generating advantageous and disadvantageous states based on a combination of the movement state of the rotating body and the rotation state of the rotating body.

For example, the rotating body may have a first rotation state in which the rotating plate portion rotates in a predetermined rotation direction, and a second rotation state in which the rotating plate portion rotates in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotation direction, and the second state may be more likely to generate an advantageous state based on the first rotation state and movement of the rotating body to the second position, and more likely to generate an unfavorable state based on the second rotation state and movement of the rotating body to the second position.
With this configuration, the second state is more likely to result in an advantageous state based on the first rotation state and the movement of the rotating body (second rotation means) to the second position, and is more likely to result in an unfavorable state based on the second rotation state and the movement of the rotating body (second rotation means) to the second position, so the player will pay attention to the rotation direction of the rotating body (first rotation means).

In this embodiment, the rotating body has a plurality of moving paths, and the second state is configured such that the probability of generating an advantageous state advantageous to the player can differ depending on the moving path of the rotating body. Specifically, in the second state, the probability of generating an advantageous state advantageous to the player is high when the moving state of the rotating body is a special path, and is low when the moving state of the rotating body is a normal path.
The rotating body may have three or more moving paths. The moving path of the rotating body may be any path that can vary the probability of generating an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player, and may be not only a path from a first position to a second position, but also a path from a second position to the first position.

According to such a configuration, the probability that the second state will generate an advantageous state for the player can vary depending on the movement path of the rotating body (second rotation means), so the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the movement path of the rotating body (second rotation means).
Furthermore, since the back side of the rotating body (first rotating means) is visible, the player can see the multiple movement paths of the rotating body (second rotating means), and if each movement path is given meaning, the attention to the game can be further increased.

In this embodiment, the rotating body has a special path (first moving path) having a high probability of generating an advantageous state and a normal path (second moving path) having a lower probability of generating an advantageous state than the first moving path, and the first moving path and the second moving path include paths that overlap with each other. Specifically, the special path and the normal path include start points and end points that are paths that overlap with each other.
In addition, the first movement path and the second movement path may include not only a starting point and an ending point, but also other paths that overlap with each other, or may not include paths that overlap with each other.

With this configuration, the first movement path and the second movement path include paths that overlap with each other, making it difficult for the player to distinguish the movement path of the rotating body (second rotation means) and resulting in the player focusing on the movement path of the rotating body (second rotation means).

In this embodiment, the rotating body has arc-shaped convex portions 715, 717 (restricting portions) that restrict the rotation of the rotating body by abutting against the rotating body.
The restricting portion may have any shape as long as it can come into contact with the rotating body. The restricting portion does not have to restrict the rotation of the rotating body until it completely stops, and may be pushed by the rotating body when it comes into contact with the rotating body.

According to this configuration, the rotating body (first rotating means) is provided with a regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the rotating body (second rotating means) by contacting the rotating body (second rotating means). Therefore, by regulating the rotation of the rotating body (second rotating means) with the regulating portion of the rotating body (first rotating means), the rotation of the rotating body (second rotating means) can be changed, and the behavior of the rotating body (second rotating means) at a predetermined position can be stabilized.

In the present embodiment, the rotation state of the rotor does not change when the rotor abuts against the restricting portion. Alternatively, the rotation state of the rotor may change when the rotor abuts against the restricting portion.
In addition, the rotational state of the rotating body may be changed by being pushed by the rotating body via the regulating part when the rotating body abuts against the regulating part, or it may be changed by another power source.

With this configuration, the rotation state of the rotating body (first rotating means) changes when the rotating body (second rotating means) comes into contact with the regulating portion, so the gaming machine can diversify the rotation state of the rotating body (first rotating means).

In this embodiment, the rotation direction of the rotating body is fixed. Alternatively, the rotating body may have a plurality of rotation directions, and the probability of the second state generating an advantageous state advantageous to the player may vary depending on the rotation direction of the rotating body.
The rotating body may have three or more rotation directions. The rotation direction of the rotating body may be any direction as long as it can vary the probability of generating an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player.

With this configuration, the probability that the second state will create an advantageous state for the player can vary depending on the direction of rotation of the rotating body (second rotating means), so the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the direction of rotation of the rotating body (second rotating means).

In addition, when the second state is configured so that the probability of generating an advantageous state favorable to the player can differ depending on the rotation direction of the rotating body, the rotation state of the rotating body may change, such as by rotating in the reverse direction when the rotating body abuts against a regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the rotating body.
In addition, the rotation state of the rotating body may be changed by being pushed and moved by the regulating portion when the rotating body abuts against the regulating portion, or may be changed by other power.

With this configuration, the rotation state of the rotating body (second rotating means) changes when the rotating body (second rotating means) comes into contact with the regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the rotating body (second rotating means), so the gaming machine can diversify the rotation state of the rotating body (second rotating means).

In this embodiment, the first state is configured to notify the player of an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state, based on the light emission state of the light-emitting body. Specifically, when the light emission state of the light-emitting body is special light emission, the first state is more likely to notify the player of an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player, and when the light emission state of the light-emitting body is normal light emission, the first state is more likely to notify the player of an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous than the advantageous state.
The light emission state of the light-emitting body may be any state that can indicate advantageous and disadvantageous states, and may be the light emission color, blinking, or a switching speed between these, etc.

With this configuration, the first state can notify the player of an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state based on the light emission status of the light-emitting body (light-emitting means), so the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the light emission status of the light-emitting body (light-emitting means).

In this embodiment, the light-emitting element has a special light emission (first light-emitting state) that indicates to the player an advantageous state that is favorable to the player, and a normal light emission (second light-emitting state) that indicates to the player an unfavorable state that is more unfavorable to the player than the advantageous state, and the gaming machine switches between generating the first light-emitting state and the second light-emitting state.
According to such a configuration, the gaming machine alternates between a first light-emitting state that indicates to the player an advantageous state and a second light-emitting state that indicates to the player an unfavorable state, so that the player can easily distinguish between advantageous and unfavorable states.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine switches between the first light emitting state and the second light emitting state based on the determination result of the special information determination means.
According to such a configuration, the gaming machine generates the first light emitting state and the second light emitting state by switching them based on the determination result of the special information determination means, so that the player can guess the determination result of the special information determination means based on the light emitting state of the light emitting body (light emitting means). Therefore, the gaming machine can draw the player's attention further to the light emitting state of the light emitting body (light emitting means).

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the same advantageous effects as those (1), (5) to (7) in the first embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.
(1) The petals 71 are provided with a lens 716 having a first light transmittance and a lens 714 having a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance and different from the first region, so that the light of the pattern display device 36 at a specific position in the first state and the appearance of the lower rotating device 8 in the second state can be diversified, and the player's attention to the game can be improved. In addition, since the upper rotating device 7W, the back side of which is visible, is provided with various regions having different light transmittances, the appearance of the light on the back side of the upper rotating device 7W can be diversified, and the upper rotating device 7W, the back side of which is visible, can provide high decorativeness that is the same as that of a conventional rotating body for performance, even when used alone.

(2) Since the second state can generate an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state based on the rotation status of the upper rotating device 7W and the movement status of the lower rotating device 8W, the pachinko machine 1 can draw the player's attention to the rotation status of the upper rotating device 7W and the movement status of the lower rotating device 8W.
(3) The second state is more likely to result in an advantageous state based on the first rotation state and the movement of the lower rotating device 8W to the second position, and is more likely to result in an unfavorable state based on the second rotation state and the movement of the lower rotating device 8W to the second position, so the player will pay attention to the rotation direction of the upper rotating device 7W.

(4) In the second state, the probability of generating an advantageous state advantageous to the player may differ depending on the moving path of the lower rotating device 8W, so the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the moving path of the lower rotating device 8W. Furthermore, since the back side of the upper rotating device 7W is visible, the player can see the multiple moving paths of the lower rotating device 8W, and if each moving path is given a meaning, the attention to the game can be further increased.
(5) Since the special path and the normal path include paths that overlap with each other, it becomes difficult for the player to distinguish the path of movement of the lower rotating device 8W, and the player ends up paying attention to the path of movement of the lower rotating device 8W.

(6) The upper rotating device 7W has arc-shaped convex portions 715, 717 that restrict the rotation of the lower rotating device 8W by abutting against the lower rotating device 8W. Therefore, by restricting the rotation of the lower rotating device 8W with the arc-shaped convex portions 715, 717 on the upper rotating device 7W, the rotation of the lower rotating device 8W can be changed, and the behavior of the lower rotating device 8W at a specified position can be stabilized.

(7) Since the first state can notify the player of an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more unfavorable to the player than the advantageous state based on the light emission status of the pattern display device 36, the pachinko machine 1 can draw the player's attention to the light emission status of the pattern display device 36.
(8) The pachinko machine 1 alternates between special lighting that indicates to the player an advantageous state and normal lighting that indicates to the player an unfavorable state, so that the player can easily distinguish between advantageous and unfavorable states.
(9) The pachinko machine 1 switches between special light emission and normal light emission based on the result of the determination of the fluctuation start process in step S505, so the player can guess the result of the determination of the fluctuation start process in step S505 based on the light emission status of the pattern display device 36. Therefore, the gaming machine can draw the player's attention further to the light emission status of the pattern display device 36.

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

<Characteristic Group Y>
Feature Y1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launch handle 16) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) for allowing 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 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25);
A second starting ball entry means (lower operating port 26) different from the first starting ball entry means is provided,
The performance execution means includes:
A period performance generating means (step S5102 of determining whether or not the game ball has entered the first start ball entry means) causes the variable display means to execute a period performance (pre-reading performance) for a predetermined period of time based on the game ball entering the first start ball entry means;
A special effect generating means (a process for determining an effect pattern in step S2407M) for causing the variable display means to execute a special effect (a second reserved effect) different from the period effect based on the entrance of a game ball into the second start ball entrance means,
The special effect generating means executes the period effect instead of the special effect based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start ball entry means during the specified period.

According to feature Y1 of the present invention group, the special effect generating means causes the variable display means to execute a special effect different from the period effect based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start ball entry means, and causes the variable display means to execute a period effect instead of a special effect based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start ball entry means during a predetermined period. According to this, when the gaming machine causes the variable display means to execute a period effect for a predetermined period based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first start ball entry means, the gaming machine can execute a period effect instead of a special effect based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start ball entry means. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature Y2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Y1 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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 start ball entrance means;
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 a game ball into the second start ball entrance means;
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 Y2 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 when the gaming machine is in a state where it is causing the variable display means to execute a period performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area, it can cause the variable display means to execute a period performance instead of a special performance based on the hold information stored in the second hold area.

Feature Y3.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Y2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the first hold storage means stores hold information in the first hold area, the period presentation is a pre-reading presentation that informs the player of the expected degree of the hold information by a presentation based on the hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before the hold information.

According to feature Y3 of the present invention group, since the periodic performance is a look-ahead performance, if the gaming machine causes the variable display means to execute a special performance based on the pending information stored in the second pending area while the variable display means is executing a periodic performance based on the pending information stored in the first pending area, the continuity of the periodic performance will be lost. According to the present invention, the special performance generating means can execute a periodic performance instead of a special performance based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start ball entry means during a specified period, so that the player can play comfortably without losing the continuity of the periodic performance.

Feature Y4.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Y3 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the periodic presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the periodic presentation based on the length of the predetermined period.

According to feature Y4 of the present invention, the periodic presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the periodic presentation based on the length of the specified period, so that the player will pay attention to the length of the specified period.

Feature Y5.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Y4 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when priority hold information to be consumed preferentially in the second hold area is stored in the second hold storage means based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start ball entry means during the specified period, the game machine is provided with an effect synthesis means (a pre-reading effect consumption determination process in step S5102) which synthesizes an effect based on the priority hold information with an effect based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area which is consumed before or after the priority hold information, and presents the effect to the player as one game round.

According to feature Y5 of the present invention group, when the second reserve storage means stores priority reserve information to be consumed preferentially in the second reserve area based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during a specified period, the effect synthesis means synthesizes an effect based on this priority reserve information with an effect based on reserve information stored in the first reserve area or the second reserve area that is consumed before or after the priority reserve information, and presents this to the player as one game round, so that the gaming machine can cause the variable display means to execute a period effect instead of a special effect based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during a specified period without changing the length of the specified period.

Feature Y6.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Y5 of the present invention,
The effect synthesis means stops the progress of the period effect based on the priority reservation information when synthesizing a special effect (pseudo consecutive effect) based on the priority reservation information and the special effect based on the reservation information stored in the first reservation area or the second reservation area that is consumed before or after the priority reservation information,
The special effect is different from the period effect and the special effect, and can be executed in overlap with the period effect.

According to feature Y6 of the present invention group, the effect synthesis means stops the progress of the period effect based on the priority hold information when synthesizing a special effect based on the priority hold information with a special effect based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before or after the priority hold information, so that the gaming machine can cause the variable display means to execute the period effect instead of the special effect based on the entry of the gaming ball into the second start ball entry means during the specified period without changing the length of the specified period.

Feature Y7.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Y5 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the effect synthesis means synthesizes the period effect based on the priority hold information and the period effect based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before or after the priority hold information.

According to feature Y7 of the present invention group, the effect synthesis means synthesizes a period effect based on the priority hold information with a period effect based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before or after the priority hold information, so that the gaming machine can cause the variable display means to execute a period effect instead of a special effect based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start ball entry means during a specified period without changing the length of the specified period.

These feature group Y of the present invention allow players to play comfortably, and therefore solve 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.

<Characteristics Group Z>
Feature Z1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launch handle 16) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) for allowing 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 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
A development effect generating means (step S5102 of the pre-reading effect consumption determination process) that causes the variable display means to execute a development effect (pre-reading effect) that develops stepwise over a predetermined number of game rounds based on the establishment of the first opportunity;
A development performance number of times increase means (a reserve shift process in step S2104) for increasing the number of times of the development performance based on the establishment of a second opportunity different from the first opportunity;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a development performance count reducing means (a pre-reading performance consumption determination process in step S5102) for reducing the number of times the development performance is played when the number of times the development performance is played is increased by the development performance count increasing means.

According to feature Z1 of the present invention group, the presentation execution means includes a development presentation count increasing means for increasing the number of times the development presentation is played based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger, and a development presentation count decreasing means for decreasing the number of times the development presentation is played when the number of times the development presentation is played has been increased by the development presentation count increasing means. Therefore, even if the number of times the development presentation is played is increased to a predetermined number based on the establishment of the second trigger, the development presentation can maintain the predetermined number of times. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature Z2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Z1 of the present invention,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25);
A second starting ball entry means (lower operating port 26) different from the first starting ball entry means is provided,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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 start ball entrance means as the establishment of the first opportunity;
A second reserve storage means (processing of step S2203) as the development performance count increasing means for storing reserve information in a second reserve area (second sub-side reserve area SRb) different from the first reserve area based on the game ball entering the second start ball entry means as the establishment of the second opportunity;
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 Z2 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 the gaming machine is in a state where the variable display means is executing a development performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area, the development performance count increase means can increase the number of times the development performance is played based on the hold information stored in the second hold area.

Feature Z3.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Z2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the first hold storage means stores hold information in the first hold area, the development presentation is a pre-reading presentation that informs the player of the expected value of the hold information by a presentation based on the hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before the hold information.

According to feature Z3 of the present invention group, since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the gaming machine causes the variable display means to execute the development performance based on the pending information stored in the first pending area and then causes the variable display means to execute the development performance based on the pending information stored in the second pending area, the development performance will no longer be able to maintain the predetermined number of play times. According to the present invention, the performance execution means is equipped with a development performance count reduction means for reducing the number of play times of the development performance when the number of play times of the development performance is increased by the development performance count increase means, so that the development performance can maintain the predetermined number of play times even if the predetermined number of play times is increased based on the establishment of the second trigger.

Feature Z4.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Z3 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the development presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the development presentation based on the number of times the predetermined number of games have been played.

According to feature Z4 of the present invention group, the development presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the development presentation based on the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played.

Feature Z5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features Z2 to Z4 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when priority hold information to be consumed preferentially in the second hold area is stored in the second hold storage means based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during the specified number of play rounds, the means for reducing the number of times the advanced performance is played reduces the number of play rounds of the advanced performance by combining a performance based on the priority hold information with a performance based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area which is consumed before or after the priority hold information, and presenting the result to the player as one play round.

According to feature Z5 of the present invention group, when the second reserve storage means stores priority reserve information to be consumed preferentially in the second reserve area based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during a predetermined number of play rounds, the development performance count reduction means combines the performance based on this priority reserve information with the performance based on the reserve information stored in the first reserve area or the second reserve area that is consumed before or after the priority reserve information, and presents it to the player as one play round. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the number of play rounds of the development performance by the development performance count increase means based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during a predetermined number of play rounds without changing the number of play rounds.

Feature Z6.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Z5 of the present invention,
The development performance count reduction means stops the progress of the development performance based on the priority reservation information when a special performance (pseudo consecutive performance) based on the priority reservation information is combined with the special performance based on the reservation information stored in the first reservation area or the second reservation area that is consumed before or after the priority reservation information,
The special effect is a different effect from the development effect and can be executed in overlap with the development effect.

According to feature Z6 of the present invention group, the development effect count reduction means stops the progress of the development effect based on the priority hold information when a special effect based on the priority hold information is combined with a special effect based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before or after the priority hold information, so that the gaming machine can increase the number of times the development effect is played by the development effect count increase means based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during the specified number of play times without changing the number of play times.

Feature Z7.
In the gaming machine described in the feature Z5 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the means for reducing the number of development effects combines the development effect based on the priority hold information with the development effect based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before or after the priority hold information.

According to feature Z7 of the present invention group, the development performance count reduction means combines a development performance based on the priority hold information with a development performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before or after the priority hold information, so that the gaming machine can increase the number of times the development performance is played by the development performance count increase means based on the entry of the game ball into the second start ball entry means during the specified number of play times, without changing the number of play times of the specified number of play times.

These features of the present invention allow players to play comfortably, and therefore solve 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 AA Group>
Feature AA1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launch handle 16) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) for allowing 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 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25);
A second starting ball entry means (lower operating port 26) different from the first starting ball entry means is provided,
The performance execution means includes:
A first development effect generating means (pre-reading effect generating process) that causes the variable display means to execute a development effect (pre-reading effect) that develops stepwise over a predetermined period of time based on the entry of a game ball into the first start ball entry means;
A second development effect generating means (a reserve synthesis effect start process) for causing the variable display means to execute the development effect based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a development performance synthesis means (reserved development performance consumption processing and reserved development performance end processing) which synthesizes the development performance of the first development performance generating means and the development performance of the second development performance generating means to execute a series of development performances.

According to feature AA1 of the present invention group, the first development effect generation means causes the variable display means to execute a development effect that develops stepwise over a predetermined period of time based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first start ball entry means, and the second development effect generation means causes the variable display means to execute a development effect based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start ball entry means. The development effect synthesis means can synthesize the development effect of the first development effect generation means and the development effect of the second development effect generation means to execute a series of development effects. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature AA2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature AA1 of the present invention group,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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 start ball entrance means;
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 a game ball into the second start ball entrance means;
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 AA2 of the present invention, the hold shift means preferentially shifts the hold information stored in the second hold area toward the execution area, so that even when the first development effect generation means is causing the variable display means to execute a development effect based on the hold information stored in the first hold area, the gaming machine can cause the second development effect generation means to execute a development effect based on the hold information stored in the second hold area. And the development effect synthesis means can synthesize the development effect of the first development effect generation means and the development effect of the second development effect generation means to execute a series of development effects.

Feature AA3.
In the gaming machine described in feature AA2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the first hold storage means stores hold information in the first hold area, the development presentation is a pre-reading presentation that informs the player of the expected value of the hold information by a presentation based on the hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before the hold information.

According to feature AA3 of the present invention, since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the gaming machine causes the variable display means to execute a development performance based on the pending information stored in the second pending area while the variable display means is executing a development performance based on the pending information stored in the first pending area, the continuity of the development performance will be lost. According to the present invention, the development performance synthesis means synthesizes the development performance of the first development performance generation means and the development performance of the second development performance generation means to execute a series of development performances, so that the player can play comfortably without losing the continuity of the development performance.

Feature AA4.
In the gaming machine described in the feature AA3 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the development presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the development presentation based on the length of the specified period.

According to feature AA4 of the present invention, the development presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the development presentation based on the length of the specified period, so that the player will pay attention to the length of the specified period.

These feature AA groups of the present invention allow players to play comfortably, which 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, 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.

<Characteristics BB group>
Feature BB1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launch handle 16) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) for allowing 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 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25);
A second starting ball entry means (lower operating port 26) different from the first starting ball entry means is provided,
The performance execution means includes:
A first game round performance generating means (step S5102 of a pre-reading performance consumption determination process) that causes the variable display means to execute a game round performance (pseudo consecutive performance) that occurs over one game round based on the entry of a game ball into the first start ball entry means;
A second game play performance generating means (step S5102 of a pre-reading performance consumption determination process) for causing the variable display means to execute the game play performance based on the game ball entering the second start ball entry means;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a game round performance synthesis means (a pre-reading performance consumption determination process in step S5102) that synthesizes the game round performance of the first game round performance generating means and the game round performance of the second game round performance generating means, and presents the result to the player as a single game round performance.

According to feature BB1 of the present invention group, the first game round performance generating means causes the variable display means to execute a game round performance based on the game ball entering the first start ball entry means, and the second game round performance generating means causes the variable display means to execute a game round performance based on the game ball entering the second start ball entry means. The game round performance synthesizing means synthesizes the game round performance of the first game round performance generating means and the game round performance of the second game round performance generating means, and presents it to the player as a single game round performance. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature BB2.
In the gaming machine according to feature BB1 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
A development effect generating means (step S5102 of determining whether to execute a development effect (pre-reading effect) which develops stepwise over a predetermined number of game rounds based on the entry of a game ball into the first start ball entry means) causes the variable display means to execute the development effect (pre-reading effect) which develops stepwise over a predetermined number of game rounds;
A development performance number of times increasing means (a reserve shift process in step S2104) for increasing the number of times of the development performance based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means;
When the number of times of play of the development performance is increased by the development performance number increasing means, the number of times of play of the development performance is decreased (pre-reading performance consumption determination process of step S5102),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the development performance count reduction means is a game round performance synthesis means that reduces the number of game rounds of the development performance by synthesizing the game round performance of the first game round performance generation means and the game round performance of the second game round performance generation means and making it appear to the player as a single game round performance.

According to feature BB2 of the present invention group, the presentation execution means includes a development presentation count increasing means for increasing the number of times the development presentation is played based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means, and a development presentation count decreasing means for decreasing the number of times the development presentation is played when the number of times the development presentation is played is increased by the development presentation count increasing means, so that even if the number of times the development presentation is played is increased to a predetermined number based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means, the development presentation can maintain the predetermined number of times. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature BB3.
In the gaming machine according to feature BB2 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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 start ball entrance means;
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 a game ball into the second start ball entrance means;
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 BB3 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 the gaming machine can increase the number of times the development performance is played by the development performance count increase means based on the hold information stored in the second hold area even when the development performance generation means is causing the variable display means to execute a development performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area.

Feature BB4.
In the gaming machine described in feature BB3 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the first hold storage means stores hold information in the first hold area, the development presentation is a pre-reading presentation that informs the player of the expected degree of the hold information by a presentation based on the hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before the hold information.

According to feature BB4 of the present invention group, since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the gaming machine causes the variable display means to execute the development performance based on the reserved information stored in the second reserved area while the variable display means is executing the development performance based on the reserved information stored in the first reserved area, the development performance will not be able to maintain the predetermined number of times of play. According to the present invention, the performance execution means is equipped with a development performance number of times reduction means for reducing the number of times of play of the development performance when the number of times of play of the development performance is increased by the development performance number of times increase means, so that the development performance can maintain the predetermined number of times of play even if the predetermined number of times of play is increased based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means.

Feature BB5.
In the gaming machine described in feature BB4 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the development presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the development presentation based on the number of times the predetermined number of games have been played.

According to feature BB5 of the present invention, the development presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the development presentation based on the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played.

Feature BB6.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features BB3 to BB5 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when priority hold information to be consumed preferentially in the second hold area is stored in the second hold storage means based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during the specified number of play rounds, the development effect count reduction means combines the game round presentation based on the priority hold information with the game round presentation based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before or after the priority hold information, and presents the result to the player as one play round, thereby reducing the number of play rounds of the development effect.

According to feature BB6 of the present invention group, when the second reserve storage means stores reserve information to be consumed preferentially in the second reserve area based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during a predetermined number of play rounds, the development performance count reduction means combines the play round performance based on this priority reserve information with the play round performance based on the reserve information stored in the first reserve area or the second reserve area that is consumed before or after the priority reserve information, and presents it to the player as one play round. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the number of play rounds of the development performance by the development performance count increase means based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during a predetermined number of play rounds without changing the number of play rounds.

Feature BB7.
In the gaming machine described in feature BB6 of the present invention,
The developing performance count reducing means stops the progress of the developing performance based on the priority reservation information when the game round performance (pseudo consecutive performance) based on the priority reservation information is combined with the game round performance based on the reservation information stored in the first reservation area or the second reservation area that is consumed before or after the priority reservation information,
The game machine is characterized in that the game round presentation is a presentation different from the development presentation and can be executed in overlap with the development presentation.

According to feature BB7 of the present invention group, the development performance count reduction means stops the progress of the development performance based on the priority hold information when combining a game round performance based on the priority hold information with a game round performance based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before or after the priority hold information, so that the gaming machine can increase the number of game rounds of the development performance by the development performance count increase means based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during the specified number of game rounds without changing the number of game rounds.

These feature BB groups of the present invention allow players to play comfortably, and therefore solve 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.

<Features CC group>
Feature CC1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launch handle 16) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) 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 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
A continuous performance generating means (a process for determining a performance pattern in step S2407M) is provided for causing the variable display means to execute a series of continuous performances (pseudo continuous performances) that consecutively perform a plurality of performances based on the establishment of a predetermined trigger,
The continuous performance is as follows:
A composite continuous performance (hold composite notice) that executes the series of continuous performances by combining multiple game times;
The gaming machine is characterized by being provided with a normal consecutive performance (normal pseudo consecutive performance) which executes the series of consecutive performances during one game round.

According to feature CC1 of the present invention group, the effect execution means includes continuous effect generation means for causing the variable display means to execute a series of continuous effects that connect multiple effects based on the establishment of a predetermined trigger. The continuous effects include a composite continuous effect that executes a series of continuous effects by combining multiple play rounds, and a normal continuous effect that executes a series of continuous effects during one play round. Therefore, the gaming machine can make a series of multiple types of continuous effects appear to the player as the same series of continuous effects, making it possible to diversify the types of effects and allowing the player to play comfortably.

Feature CC2.
In the gaming machine according to feature CC1 of the present invention,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25);
A second starting ball entry means (lower operating port 26) different from the first starting ball entry means is provided,
The performance execution means includes:
A development effect generating means (step S5102 of determining whether to execute a development effect (pre-reading effect) which develops stepwise over a predetermined number of game rounds based on the entry of a game ball into the first start ball entry means) causes the variable display means to execute the development effect (pre-reading effect) which develops stepwise over a predetermined number of game rounds;
A development performance number of times increasing means (a reserve shift process in step S2104) for increasing the number of times of the development performance based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means;
When the number of times of play of the development performance is increased by the development performance number increasing means, the number of times of play of the development performance is decreased (pre-reading performance consumption determination process of step S5102),
The game machine is characterized in that the development performance count reduction means is a continuous performance generation means which reduces the number of times the development performance is played by having the variable display means execute the composite continuous performance.

According to feature CC2 of the present invention group, the presentation execution means includes a development presentation count increasing means for increasing the number of times the development presentation is played based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means, and a development presentation count decreasing means for decreasing the number of times the development presentation is played when the number of times the development presentation is played is increased by the development presentation count increasing means. Therefore, even if the number of times the development presentation is played is increased to a predetermined number based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means, the development presentation can maintain the predetermined number of times. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature CC3.
In the gaming machine described in feature CC2 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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 start ball entrance means;
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 a game ball into the second start ball entrance means;
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 CC3 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 the gaming machine can increase the number of times the development performance is played by the development performance count increase means based on the hold information stored in the second hold area even when the development performance generation means is causing the variable display means to execute a development performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area.

Feature CC4.
In the gaming machine described in feature CC3 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the first hold storage means stores hold information in the first hold area, the development presentation is a pre-reading presentation that informs the player of the expected value of the hold information by a presentation based on the hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before the hold information.

According to feature CC4 of the present invention group, since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the gaming machine causes the variable display means to execute the development performance based on the reserved information stored in the second reserved area while the variable display means is executing the development performance based on the reserved information stored in the first reserved area, the development performance will not be able to maintain the predetermined number of times of play. According to the present invention, the performance execution means is equipped with a development performance number of times reduction means for reducing the number of times of play of the development performance when the number of times of play of the development performance is increased by the development performance number of times increase means, so that the development performance can maintain the predetermined number of times of play even if the predetermined number of times of play is increased based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means.

Feature CC5.
In the gaming machine described in feature CC4 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the development presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the development presentation based on the number of times the predetermined number of games have been played.

According to feature CC5 of the present invention group, the development presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the development presentation based on the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played.

Feature CC6.
In the gaming machine described in any one of features CC3 to CC5 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the second hold storage means stores priority hold information to be consumed preferentially in the second hold area based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during the specified number of play rounds, the variable display means executes the composite continuous presentation that combines a presentation based on the priority hold information with a presentation based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before or after the priority hold information, thereby making it appear to the player as one play round, thereby reducing the number of play rounds of the developed presentation.

According to feature CC6 of the present invention group, when the second reserve storage means stores reserve information to be consumed preferentially in the second reserve area based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during a predetermined number of play rounds, the development performance count reduction means causes the variable display means to execute a composite continuous performance that combines a play round performance based on this priority reserve information with a play round performance based on reserve information stored in the first reserve area or the second reserve area that is consumed before or after this priority reserve information, and presents it to the player as one play round. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the number of play rounds of the development performance by the development performance count increase means based on the entry of a game ball into the second start ball entry means during a predetermined number of play rounds without changing the number of play rounds.

Feature CC7.
In the gaming machine described in feature CC6 of the present invention,
The developing performance count reduction means stops the progress of the developing performance based on the priority reserved information when a performance based on the priority reserved information (pseudo consecutive performance) is combined with a performance based on reserved information stored in the first reserved area or the second reserved area that is consumed before or after the priority reserved information,
The composite continuous performance is a performance different from the development performance and can be executed in overlap with the development performance.

According to feature CC7 of the present invention group, the development performance count reduction means stops the progress of the development performance based on the priority hold information when combining a performance based on the priority hold information with a performance based on hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before or after the priority hold information, so that the gaming machine can increase the number of times the development performance is played by the development performance count increase means based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start ball entry means during the specified number of play times without changing the number of play times.

These feature CCs of the present invention allow players to play comfortably, which 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, after starting the varying display of pictures, 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.

<Characteristic DD group>
Feature DD1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launch handle 16) for launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) for allowing 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 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
A development effect generating means (step S5102O of a pre-reading effect consumption determination process) that causes the variable display means to execute a development effect (pre-reading effect) that develops stepwise over a predetermined number of game rounds based on the establishment of the first opportunity;
A development performance number of times increase means (a reserve shift process in step S2104) for increasing the number of times of the development performance based on the establishment of a second opportunity different from the first opportunity;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a development performance stopping means (a pre-reading performance consumption determination process of step S5102O) that causes the variable display means to stop the execution of the development performance when the number of times the development performance is played is increased by the development performance count increasing means.

According to feature DD1 of the present invention group, the presentation execution means includes a development presentation count increase means for increasing the number of times the development presentation is played based on the establishment of a second trigger different from the first trigger, and a development presentation stop means for causing the variable display means to stop the execution of the development presentation when the number of times the development presentation is played has been increased by the development presentation count increase means. Therefore, even if the number of times the development presentation is played is increased to a predetermined number based on the establishment of the second trigger, the development presentation can be prevented from exceeding the predetermined number of times. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature DD2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature DD1 of the present invention,
The starting ball entry means is
A first starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25);
A second starting ball entry means (lower operating port 26) different from the first starting ball entry means is provided,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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 start ball entrance means as the establishment of the first opportunity;
A second reserve storage means (processing of step S2203) as the development performance count increasing means for storing reserve information in a second reserve area (second sub-side reserve area SRb) different from the first reserve area based on the game ball entering the second start ball entry means as the establishment of the second opportunity;
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 DD2 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 the gaming machine is in a state where the variable display means is executing a development performance based on the hold information stored in the first hold area, the development performance count increase means can increase the number of times the development performance is played based on the hold information stored in the second hold area.

Feature DD3.
In the gaming machine described in feature DD2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the first hold storage means stores hold information in the first hold area, the development presentation is a pre-reading presentation that informs the player of the expected value of the hold information by a presentation based on the hold information stored in the first hold area or the second hold area that is consumed before the hold information.

According to feature DD3 of the present invention group, since the development performance is a look-ahead performance, if the gaming machine causes the variable display means to execute a development performance based on the pending information stored in the first pending area and then causes the variable display means to execute a development performance based on the pending information stored in the second pending area, the development performance will not be able to maintain the predetermined number of play times. According to the present invention, the performance execution means is equipped with a development performance stop means for causing the variable display means to stop the execution of the development performance when the number of play times of the development performance is increased by the development performance number increasing means, so that even if the predetermined number of play times is increased based on the establishment of the second trigger, the development performance can be prevented from exceeding the predetermined number of play times.

Feature DD4.
In the gaming machine described in feature DD3 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the development presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the development presentation based on the number of times the predetermined number of games have been played.

According to feature DD4 of the present invention group, the development presentation notifies the player of the expectation of the development presentation based on the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played.

These feature DDs of the present invention allow players to play comfortably, and therefore solve 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 pictures, 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.

<Features EE group>
Feature EE1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launching handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) for allowing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing a predetermined lottery based on the entry of the gaming ball; variable display means (pattern display device 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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:
A plurality of reserved areas (a first sub-side reserved area SRa and a second sub-side reserved area SRb) are provided 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 reservation shift means (reservation shift processing) is provided for shifting the reservation information stored in the plurality of reservation areas for each game,
The performance execution means includes:
A continuation performance occurrence determination means (a notice hold generation process of step S2207P and a notice hold generation process of step S2207R) capable of determining whether or not to set the continuation performance hold information to generate a continuation performance (a look-ahead performance and a look-ahead performance at the start) that continues the performance for a predetermined number of game times;
A gaming machine characterized in that it is equipped with a continuation performance execution means (a look-ahead performance occurrence determination process in step S2309P, a look-ahead performance occurrence determination process at start of step S2309R, a look-ahead performance completion determination process in step S6103, and a look-ahead performance completion determination process at start of step S6103R) which causes the variable display means to execute the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information after the pending information including the pre-performance is consumed, when the pre-performance based on the pending information stored in the multiple pending areas which is consumed before the continuation performance pending information includes a pre-performance different from the continuation performance.

According to feature EE1 of the present invention, the continuation performance execution means causes the variable display means to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information after consuming the pending information including the pre-performance, so that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a pre-performance during the execution of a continuation performance, and when the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the continuation performance is pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation performance without canceling the execution of the continuation performance. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature EE2.
In the gaming machine according to the feature EE1 of the present invention,
The continuing performance execution means determines whether or not a pre-performance based on the pending information stored in the multiple pending areas that is consumed before the continuing performance pending information includes a pre-performance each time the pending information stored in the multiple pending areas is shifted by the pending shift means for each game round.

According to feature EE2 of the present invention, the continuation performance execution means determines whether or not a pre-performance is included in the pre-performance based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continuation performance reserved information each time the reserved information shift means shifts the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas for each game. Therefore, even if the number of reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continuation performance reserved information increases after the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the information is reserved for continuation performance, the occurrence of a pre-performance during the execution of the continuation performance can be avoided, and the continuation performance can be reliably executed without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

Feature EE3.
In the gaming machine according to the feature EE1 or EE2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the pre-performance is a reach display.

According to feature EE3 of the present invention, the pre-performance is a reach display, so that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a reach display during the execution of a continuation performance, and when the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the continuation performance is pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation performance without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

Feature EE4.
In the gaming machine according to the feature EE1 or EE2 of the present invention,
The pre-effect continues for a predetermined number of game turns, and is a different type of continuation effect from the continuation effect.

According to feature EE4 of the present invention, the pre-performance is a different type of continuation performance from the continuation performance, so that the simultaneous occurrence of a continuation performance and a different type of continuation performance can be avoided, and when the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be reliably executed without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

Feature EE5.
In the gaming machine according to feature EE4 of the present invention,
The continuation performance execution means, when including the heterogeneous continuation performance, causes the variable display means to execute the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of the game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the performance of the final round of the heterogeneous continuation performance.

According to feature EE5 of the present invention, the continuation performance execution means causes the variable display means to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of a game round related to the pending information including the performance of the final round of the different types of continuation performance, so that the number of game rounds in which a continuation performance is executed can be increased compared to the case where the variable display means executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information as the performance of the game round that is consumed next to the game round related to the pending information including the different types of continuation performance.

Feature EE6.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features EE1 to EE5 of the present invention,
The continuation effect notifies the player of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times the predetermined number of games have been played.

According to feature EE6 of the present invention, the player is notified of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played, so that the player pays attention to the number of times a predetermined number of games have been played.

These features EE of the present invention allow players to play comfortably, which 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 FF group>
Features FF1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launching handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) for allowing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing a predetermined lottery based on the entry of the gaming ball; variable display means (pattern display device 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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:
A plurality of reserved areas (a first sub-side reserved area SRa and a second sub-side reserved area SRb) are provided 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 reservation shift means (reservation shift processing) is provided for shifting the reservation information stored in the plurality of reservation areas for each game,
The performance execution means includes:
A continuation performance occurrence determination means (a notice hold generation process of step S2207P and a notice hold generation process of step S2207R) capable of determining whether or not to set the continuation performance hold information to generate a continuation performance (a look-ahead performance and a look-ahead performance at the end) that continues the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds;
A gaming machine characterized in that it is equipped with an end-time continuation performance execution means (a look-ahead performance occurrence determination process in step S6301, an end-time look-ahead performance occurrence determination process in step S6301R, a look-ahead performance completion determination process in step S6303, and an end-time look-ahead performance completion determination process in step S6303R) which causes the variable display means to execute the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of a game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the pre-performance, when the pre-performance based on the pending information stored in the multiple pending areas which is consumed before the continuation performance pending information includes a pre-performance different from the continuation performance.

According to feature FF1 of the present invention, the end-time continuation performance execution means causes the variable display means to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of the game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the advance performance, so that when the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance, and the number of game rounds in which a continuation performance is executed can be increased compared to when the variable display means executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information as the performance of the game round to be played next to the game round related to the pending information including the advance performance. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Features FF2.
In the gaming machine according to feature FF1 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the end-time continuation performance execution means determines whether or not a pre-performance based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continuation performance reserved information includes a pre-performance each time the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas is shifted by the reserve shift means for each game round.

According to feature FF2 of the present invention, the end-time continuation performance execution means determines whether or not a pre-performance is included in the pre-performance based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continuation performance reserved information each time the reserved information shift means shifts the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas for each game round. Therefore, even if the number of reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continuation performance reserved information increases after the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the information is reserved for continuation, the continuation performance can be reliably executed without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

Features FF3.
In the gaming machine according to feature FF1 or FF2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the pre-performance is a reach display.

According to feature FF3 of the present invention, the pre-performance is a reach display, so if the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

Features FF4.
In the gaming machine according to feature FF1 or FF2 of the present invention,
The pre-effect continues for a predetermined number of game turns, and is a different type of continuation effect from the continuation effect.

According to feature FF4 of the present invention, the pre-performance is a different type of continuation performance from the continuation performance, so when the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

Features FF5.
In the gaming machine according to feature FF4 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the heterogeneous continuation performance is included, the end-time continuation performance execution means causes the variable display means to execute the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of the game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the performance of the final round of the heterogeneous continuation performance.

According to feature FF5 of the present invention, the end-time continuation performance execution means causes the variable display means to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of a game round related to the pending information including the performance of the final round of the different types of continuation performance, so that the number of game rounds in which a continuation performance is executed can be increased compared to when the variable display means executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information as the performance of the game round that is consumed next to the game round related to the pending information including the different types of continuation performance.

Features FF6.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features FF1 to FF5 of the present invention,
The continuation effect notifies the player of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times the predetermined number of games have been played.

According to feature FF6 of the present invention, the player is notified of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played, so the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played.

These feature FFs of the present invention allow players to play comfortably, which 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, after starting the varying display of pictures, 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.

<Characteristic GG group>
Feature GG1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launch handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper actuation port 25 and lower actuation port 26) for allowing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing a predetermined lottery based on the entry of the gaming ball; variable display means (pattern display device 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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:
A plurality of reserved areas (a first sub-side reserved area SRa and a second sub-side reserved area SRb) are provided 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 reservation shift means (reservation shift processing) is provided for shifting the reservation information stored in the plurality of reservation areas for each game,
The performance execution means includes:
A continuation performance occurrence determination means (a notice hold generation process of step S2207P and a notice hold generation process of step S2207R) capable of determining whether or not to set the continuation performance hold information to generate a continuation performance (a look-ahead performance, a start time look-ahead performance, and an end time look-ahead performance) that continues the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds;
and a pre-effect determination means (steps S2309P and S6301 for determining whether a pre-effect different from the continuation effect is included in a pre-effect based on the reserved information stored in the plurality of reserved areas that is consumed before the continuation effect reserved information, each time the reserved information stored in the plurality of reserved areas is shifted by the reserved information shift means for each game round; and
A gaming machine characterized in that the game round in which the variable display means executes the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information changes based on the judgment result of the pre-performance judgment means (a pre-reading performance completion determination process of steps S6103 and S6303, a pre-reading performance completion determination process at the start of step S6103R, and a pre-reading performance completion determination process at the end of step S6303R).

According to the feature GG1 of the present invention group, the game round in which the variable display means executes the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information changes based on the judgment result of the pre-performance judgment means, so that the occurrence of a pre-performance during the execution of the continuation performance can be avoided, and when the continuation performance occurrence judgment means judges that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance. In addition, when the continuation performance occurrence judgment means judges that the continuation performance is pending information, the pre-performance judgment means can judge whether or not the pre-performance based on the pending information stored in the multiple pending areas that is consumed before the continuation performance pending information includes a pre-performance different from the continuation performance each time the reserve shift means shifts the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas for each game round, so that even if the number of reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the continuation performance pending information increases after the continuation performance occurrence judgment means judges that the continuation performance is pending information, the occurrence of a pre-performance during the execution of the continuation performance can be avoided, and when the continuation performance occurrence judgment means judges that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature GG2.
In the gaming machine described in feature GG1 of the present invention group,
A gaming machine characterized in that a game round in which the variable display means executes the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information changes so that, when the pre-performance judgment means judges that the game round includes a pre-performance, the pending information including the pre-performance is consumed and then the variable display means executes the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information.

According to feature GG2 of the present invention group, in a game round in which the variable display means executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information, if the pre-performance determination means determines that the game round includes a pre-performance, the pending information including the pre-performance is consumed, and then the variable display means changes to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information. This reliably prevents the occurrence of a pre-performance during the execution of a continuation performance, and if the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the information is pending, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

Feature GG3.
In the gaming machine described in feature GG1 of the present invention group,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when a game round in which the variable display means executes the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information is determined to include a pre-performance by the pre-performance judgment means, the game round is changed so that the variable display means executes the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of the game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the pre-performance.

According to feature GG3 of the present invention group, when a game round in which the variable display means executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information is determined to include a pre-performance by the pre-performance determination means, the variable display means changes to execute a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of the game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the pre-performance, so that when the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the information is to be on hold for continuation performance, the continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the continuation performance, and the number of game rounds in which a continuation performance is executed can be increased compared to when the variable display means executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information as the performance of the game round to be consumed next to the game round related to the pending information including a pre-performance.

Feature GG4.
In a gaming machine described in any one of features GG1 to GG3 of the present invention group,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the pre-performance is a reach display.

According to feature GG4 of the present invention, the pre-performance is a reach display, so that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a reach display during the execution of a continuation performance, and when the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the continuation performance is pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the continuation performance without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

Feature GG5.
In a gaming machine described in any one of features GG1 to GG3 of the present invention group,
The pre-effect continues for a predetermined number of game turns, and is a different type of continuation effect from the continuation effect.

According to feature GG5 of the present invention, the pre-performance is a different type of continuation performance from the continuation performance, so that the simultaneous occurrence of a continuation performance and a different type of continuation performance can be avoided, and when the continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the continuation performance is pending information, the continuation performance can be reliably executed without canceling the execution of the continuation performance.

Feature GG6.
In the gaming machine described in feature GG5 of the present invention group,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when a game round in which the variable display means executes the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information is determined to include a different type of continuation performance by the pre-performance judgment means, the game round is changed so that the variable display means executes the continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of the game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the performance of the final round of the different types of continuation performance.

According to feature GG6 of the present invention group, when a game round in which the variable display means executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information is determined to include a different type of continuation performance by the advance performance determination means, the game round is changed so that the variable display means executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information at the end of the game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the final performance of this different type of continuation performance. Therefore, the number of game rounds in which a continuation performance is executed can be increased compared to the case where the variable display means executes a continuation performance based on the continuation performance pending information as the performance of the game round to be consumed next to the game round related to the pending information including the different type of continuation performance.

Feature GG7.
In a gaming machine described in any one of features GG1 to GG6 of the present invention group,
The continuation effect notifies the player of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times the predetermined number of games have been played.

According to feature GG7 of the present invention group, the player is notified of the expectation of the continuation effect based on the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played, so the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played.

These feature GG groups of the present invention allow players to play comfortably, and therefore solve 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 pictures, 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.

<Characteristic HH group>
Feature HH1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launching handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) for allowing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing a predetermined lottery based on the entry of the gaming ball; variable display means (pattern display device 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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:
A plurality of reserved areas (a first sub-side reserved area SRa and a second sub-side reserved area SRb) are provided 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 reservation shift means (reservation shift processing) is provided for shifting the reservation information stored in the plurality of reservation areas for each game,
The performance execution means includes:
a first continuation performance occurrence determination means (notice hold occurrence process of step S2207R) capable of determining whether or not to set the first continuation performance pending information (notice hold information relating to the start-time look-ahead performance or the end-time look-ahead performance) that generates a first continuation performance (start-time look-ahead performance or end-time look-ahead performance) that continues the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds;
and a second continuation performance occurrence determination means (notice hold occurrence process of step S2207R) capable of determining whether or not to set second continuation performance pending information (notice hold information relating to the end-time look-ahead performance or notice hold information relating to the start-time look-ahead performance) that continues the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds and generates a second continuation performance (end-time look-ahead performance or start-time look-ahead performance) of a type different from the first continuation performance,
The first continuation effect occurrence determination means determines that the first continuation effect is pending information when the second continuation effect is included in a prior effect based on pending information stored in the multiple pending areas that is consumed before the pending information stored in the information storage means based on the entry of a game ball into the start ball entry means.

According to feature HH1 of the present invention, the first continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the first continuation performance pending information is to be generated when a second continuation performance is included in a previous performance based on pending information stored in a plurality of pending areas that is consumed before the pending information stored in the information storage means based on the entry of a gaming ball into the starting ball entry means, and therefore the gaming machine can generate different types of continuation performances in parallel, and can prevent confusion of the continuation performances compared to when the same type of continuation performances are generated in parallel. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature HH2.
In the gaming machine according to the feature HH1 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that it comprises a first continuation performance execution means for, when the first continuation performance occurrence judgment means judges that the second continuation performance is included, causing the variable display means to execute the first continuation performance based on the first continuation performance pending information after consuming pending information including the second continuation performance.

According to feature HH2 of the present invention, when the first continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the second continuation performance is included, the first continuation performance execution means consumes the pending information including the second continuation performance and then causes the variable display means to execute the first continuation performance based on the first continuation performance pending information. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of the second continuation performance during the execution of the first continuation performance, and when the first continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the first continuation performance is pending information, the first continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the first continuation performance.

Feature HH3.
In the gaming machine according to the feature HH1 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that it is provided with a first continuation performance execution means which, when it is determined by the first continuation performance occurrence determination means that the second continuation performance is included, causes the variable display means to execute the first continuation performance based on the first continuation performance pending information at the end of a game round as a performance for the game round related to the pending information including the final performance of the second continuation performance.

According to feature HH3 of the present invention, when the first continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the second continuation performance is included, the first continuation performance execution means causes the variable display means to execute the first continuation performance based on the first continuation performance pending information at the end of the game round as the performance of the game round related to the pending information including the final performance of the second continuation performance, so that the number of game rounds in which the first continuation performance is executed can be increased compared to the case where the variable display means executes the first continuation performance based on the first continuation performance pending information as the performance of the game round to be consumed next to the game round related to the pending information including the second continuation performance.

Feature HH4.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first continuation effect occurrence judgment means judges whether or not a prior effect based on the pending information stored in the multiple pending areas that is consumed before the first continuation effect pending information includes a second continuation effect each time the pending information stored in the multiple pending areas is shifted by the pending shift means for each game round.

According to feature HH4 of the present invention, the first continuation performance occurrence determination means determines whether or not the second continuation performance is included in the previous performance based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the first continuation performance reserved information each time the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas is shifted by the reserved information shift means for each game round. Therefore, even if the number of reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the first continuation performance reserved information increases after the first continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the first continuation performance reserved information is to be generated, the occurrence of the second continuation performance during the execution of the first continuation performance can be avoided, and the first continuation performance can be executed reliably without canceling the execution of the first continuation performance.

Feature HH5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of the features HH1 to HH4 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first continuation effect and the second continuation effect are notified to the player of the expectation level of the first continuation effect and the second continuation effect based on the number of times the predetermined number of games have been played.

According to feature HH5 of the present invention, the first continuation effect and the second continuation effect notify the player of the expectation of these continuation effects based on the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played.

These feature groups of the present invention allow players to play comfortably, and therefore solve 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.

<Characteristics Group II>
Feature II1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launching handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) for allowing a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area to enter the gaming area and for executing a predetermined lottery based on the entry of the gaming ball; variable display means (pattern display device 36) 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 5 and display control device 6) for causing the variable display means to execute a performance,
The performance execution means includes:
An information storage means (sub-side reserved information storage area 543) 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:
A plurality of reserved areas (a first sub-side reserved area SRa and a second sub-side reserved area SRb) are provided 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 reservation shift means (reservation shift processing) is provided for shifting the reservation information stored in the plurality of reservation areas for each game,
The performance execution means includes:
a first continuation performance occurrence determination means (notice hold occurrence process of step S2207R) capable of determining whether or not to set the first continuation performance pending information (notice hold information relating to the start-time look-ahead performance or the end-time look-ahead performance) that generates a first continuation performance (start-time look-ahead performance or end-time look-ahead performance) that continues the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds;
and a second continuation performance occurrence determination means (notice hold occurrence process of step S2207R) capable of determining whether or not to set second continuation performance pending information (notice hold information relating to the end-time look-ahead performance or notice hold information relating to the start-time look-ahead performance) that continues the performance for a predetermined number of game rounds and generates a second continuation performance (end-time look-ahead performance or start-time look-ahead performance) of a type different from the first continuation performance,
The first continuation performance and the second continuation performance are executed at different times during a game round.

According to feature II1 of the present invention, the first continuation effect and the second continuation effect have different execution timings in a game round, so the gaming machine can generate different types of continuation effects in parallel, and can prevent confusion between the continuation effects compared to when the same type of continuation effects are generated in parallel. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature II2.
In the gaming machine according to the feature II1 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that it comprises a first continuation performance execution means for causing the variable display means to execute the first continuation performance based on the first continuation performance pending information after the pending information including the second continuation performance is consumed, when the second continuation performance is included in a prior performance based on pending information stored in the multiple pending areas that is consumed before the first continuation performance pending information.

According to feature II2 of the present invention, the first continuation performance execution means, after consuming the pending information including the second continuation performance, causes the variable display means to execute the first continuation performance based on the first continuation performance pending information, so that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of the second continuation performance during the execution of the first continuation performance, and when the first continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the first continuation performance is pending information, it is possible to reliably execute the first continuation performance without canceling the execution of the first continuation performance.

Feature II3.
In the gaming machine according to the feature II1 of the present invention,
The performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the second continuation performance is included in a prior performance based on hold information stored in the multiple hold areas that is consumed before the first continuation performance hold information, the gaming machine is provided with a first continuation performance execution means for causing the variable display means to execute the first continuation performance based on the first continuation performance hold information at the end of a game round as the performance of the game round related to the hold information that includes the final performance of the second continuation performance.

According to feature II3 of the present invention, the first continuation performance execution means causes the variable display means to execute the first continuation performance based on the first continuation performance pending information at the end of a game round related to the pending information including the performance of the final round of the second continuation performance, so that the number of game rounds in which the first continuation performance is executed can be increased compared to the case where the variable display means executes the first continuation performance based on the first continuation performance pending information as the performance of the game round to be played next to the game round related to the pending information including the second continuation performance.

Feature II4.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
The second continuation performance judgment means judges whether or not a second continuation performance is included in a prior performance based on the pending information stored in the multiple pending areas that is consumed before the first continuation performance pending information each time the pending information stored in the multiple pending areas is shifted by the pending shift means for each game round.

According to feature II4 of the present invention, the second continuation performance determination means determines whether or not the second continuation performance is included in the previous performance based on the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the first continuation performance reserved information each time the reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas is shifted by the reserved information shift means for each game round. Therefore, even if the number of reserved information stored in the multiple reserved areas that is consumed before the first continuation performance reserved information increases after the first continuation performance occurrence determination means determines that the information is reserved for continuation performance, the occurrence of the second continuation performance during the execution of the first continuation performance can be avoided, and the continuation performance can be reliably executed without canceling the execution of the first continuation performance.

Feature II5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of Features II1 to II4 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first continuation effect and the second continuation effect are notified to the player of the expectation level of the first continuation effect and the second continuation effect based on the number of times the predetermined number of games have been played.

According to feature II5 of the present invention, the first continuation effect and the second continuation effect notify the player of the expectation of these continuation effects based on the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played, so that the player will pay attention to the number of times a predetermined number of times has been played.

Feature II 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, after starting the varying display of pictures, 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.

<Characteristic JJ group>
Feature JJ1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launching handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) into which gaming balls flowing down the gaming area can enter and which executes a predetermined lottery based on the entry of the gaming ball; variable display means (pattern display device 36) for displaying a variable display of the number of times a game has been played based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; operation means (push button 142) for executing a predetermined operation presentation based on the operation of a player; and presentation execution means (audio and light emission control device 5 and display control device 6) for executing a presentation including the predetermined operation presentation,
The performance execution means includes:
An operation performance suggestion means (operation advance notice part) for suggesting to a player the operation mode of the operation means;
an operation performance execution means (result notification part) for executing the predetermined operation performance when the operation means is operated according to the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the predetermined operation presentation is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the operating means.

According to feature JJ1 of the present invention, the predetermined operation effect is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation means is operated, so that the gaming machine can diversify the timing of executing the predetermined operation effect after the player operates the operation means, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Feature JJ2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature JJ1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the predetermined elapsed time is set randomly.

According to feature JJ2 of the present invention, the predetermined elapsed time is set randomly, so that even if the player cannot immediately recognize the execution of the predetermined operation effect after operating the operating means, the player can continue playing in anticipation of the execution of the predetermined operation effect after the passage of the predetermined elapsed time. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

Feature JJ3.
In the gaming machine described in the feature JJ1 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the predetermined elapsed time is set to be longer when the probability of winning in the predetermined lottery is high, and to be shorter when the probability of winning is low.

According to feature JJ3 of the present invention group, the specified elapsed time is set to be longer when the probability of winning in a specified lottery is high and shorter when the probability of winning is low, so that the probability of winning increases the longer the time from when the operating means is operated until the operation presentation is executed. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

Feature JJ4.
In the gaming machine described in the feature JJ1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the specified elapsed time is set so as to align a specific timing in the specified operation presentation with a specified timing in another presentation different from the specified operation presentation.

According to feature JJ4 of the present invention, the predetermined elapsed time is set so as to align the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation with the specific timing in another presentation different from the predetermined operation presentation, so that the player can grasp the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, and the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature JJ5.
In the gaming machine described in the feature JJ1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the specified elapsed time is set to coincide with a specific timing in the specified operation presentation and the timing of switching the variable display of the number of game plays.

According to feature JJ5 of the present invention, the specified elapsed time is set to align the specific timing in the specified operation presentation with the timing of switching the variable display of the number of times the game is played, so the player can grasp the specific timing in the specified operation presentation, and the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature JJ6.
In a gaming machine according to any one of Features JJ1 to JJ5 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific timing in the specified operation presentation can be changed when the operation means is operated during a first period (specific period PD32), and the specific timing in the specified operation presentation is not changed when the operation means is operated during a second period (normal period PD31) different from the first period.

According to feature JJ6 of the present invention, the gaming machine can change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation when the operation means is operated during a first period, and does not change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation when the operation means is operated during a second period different from the first period. Therefore, the specific timing in the operation presentation can be made different based on the transition between the first period and the second period, and the player's attention to the game can be increased.

Feature JJ7.
In a gaming machine according to any one of Features JJ1 to JJ6 of the present invention,
a performance determination period (normal period PD31) for determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation performance when the operating means is operated, and for executing the performance if it is determined that the performance should be executed;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a non-effect judgment period (specific period PD32) during which, when the operating means is operated, the predetermined operation effect is executed without determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation effect.

According to feature JJ7 of the present invention group, the gaming machine has a performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, a decision is made as to whether or not to execute a specified operation effect, and if so, the effect is executed, and a non-performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, the specified operation effect is executed without deciding whether or not to execute the operation effect. Therefore, whether or not to execute an operation effect can be differentiated based on the transition between the performance decision period and the non-performance decision period, and the player's attention to the game can be increased.

Features JJ8.
In a gaming machine according to any one of Features JJ1 to JJ7 of the present invention,
the operation performance execution means executes the predetermined operation performance a plurality of times each time the operation means is operated in accordance with the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated.

According to feature JJ8 of the present invention, the value of a given operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Feature JJ9.
In a gaming machine according to any one of Features JJ1 to JJ8 of the present invention,
an operation setting storage means (RAM 54) capable of storing setting information (a number of presses PUN) for realizing a value of the predetermined operation performance based on an operation mode of the operation means during a predetermined operation setting period (normal period PD31);
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means.

According to feature JJ9 of the present invention, the value of a given operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Feature JJ10.
In a gaming machine according to any one of Features JJ1 to JJ9 of the present invention,
The operation means includes:
A first operating means;
a second operating means different from the first operating means,
The operation performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the first operating means is operated under specified conditions, the specified operation presentation is executed by changing a specific timing in the specified operation presentation, and, when the second operating means is operated, the specified operation presentation is executed without changing the specific timing in the specified operation presentation.

According to feature JJ10 of the present invention, when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, the operation presentation execution means can change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation to execute the predetermined operation presentation, and when the second operation means is operated, executes the predetermined operation presentation without changing the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, so that the player can select and operate the first operation means and the second operation means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

These feature sets of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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.
By the way, such a gaming machine is provided with an operating means such as a push button that can execute a predetermined operation effect based on the operation of the player. For example, the operating means can execute an operation effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state after starting the variable display of the image.

However, the operational effects that can be executed using the operating means tend to be monotonous, which creates the problem of not being able to attract the player's attention to the game.

<Characteristic KK group>
Feature KK1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launching handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) into which a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and which executes a predetermined lottery based on the ball entry; variable display means (pattern display device 36) for displaying a variable display of the number of times a game is played based on the entry of a gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; operation means (push button 142) for executing a predetermined operation presentation based on the operation of a player; and presentation execution means (audio and light emission control device 5 and display control device 6) for executing a presentation including the predetermined operation presentation,
The performance execution means includes:
An operation performance suggestion means (operation advance notice part) for suggesting to a player the operation mode of the operation means;
an operation performance execution means (result notification part) for executing the predetermined operation performance when the operation means is operated according to the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
A gaming machine characterized in that a specific timing in the specified operation presentation is set to align with a specific timing in another presentation different from the specified operation presentation.

According to feature KK1 of the present invention, the specific timing in a predetermined operation presentation is set to be aligned with the specific timing in another presentation different from the predetermined operation presentation, so that the player can grasp the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, and the player's attention to the game can be increased. Furthermore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature KK2.
In the gaming machine described in feature KK1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the operation means is operated during a first period (specific period PD32), the specific timing in the specified operation presentation can be changed to align with the specific timing in the other presentation, and, when the operation means is operated during a second period (normal period PD31) different from the first period, the specific timing in the specified operation presentation is not changed to align with the specific timing in the other presentation.

According to feature KK2 of the present invention, the gaming machine can change the specific timing of a predetermined operation presentation to align with the specific timing of another presentation when the operation means is operated during a first period, and does not change the specific timing of a predetermined operation presentation to align with the specific timing of another presentation when the operation means is operated during a second period different from the first period. Therefore, the timing of executing the operation presentation can be made different based on the transition between the first period and the second period, and the player's attention to the game can be increased.

Feature KK3.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
a performance determination period (normal period PD31) for determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation performance when the operating means is operated, and for executing the performance if it is determined that the performance should be executed;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a non-effect judgment period (specific period PD32) during which, when the operating means is operated, the predetermined operation effect is executed without determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation effect.

According to feature KK3 of the present invention group, the gaming machine has a performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, a decision is made as to whether or not to execute a specified operation effect, and if so, the effect is executed, and a non-performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, the specified operation effect is executed without deciding whether or not to execute, so that whether or not to execute an operation effect can be differentiated based on the transition between the performance decision period and the non-performance decision period, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Feature KK4.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features KK1 to KK3 of the present invention,
the operation performance execution means executes the predetermined operation performance a plurality of times each time the operation means is operated in accordance with the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated.

According to feature KK4 of the present invention, the value of a given operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Feature KK5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features KK1 to KK4 of the present invention,
an operation setting storage means (RAM 54) capable of storing setting information (a number of presses PUN) for realizing a value of the predetermined operation performance based on an operation mode of the operation means during a predetermined operation setting period (normal period PD31);
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means.

According to feature KK5 of the present invention, the value of a given operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Feature KK6.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features KK1 to KK5 of the present invention,
The operation means includes:
A first operating means;
a second operating means different from the first operating means,
The operation performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the first operating means is operated under specified conditions, the specified operation presentation is executed by changing a specific timing in the specified operation presentation, and, when the second operating means is operated, the specified operation presentation is executed without changing the specific timing in the specified operation presentation.

According to feature KK6 of the present invention, when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, the operation presentation execution means can change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation to execute the predetermined operation presentation, and when the second operation means is operated, executes the predetermined operation presentation without changing the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, so that the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

These feature sets of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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 a predetermined 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.
By the way, such a gaming machine is provided with an operating means such as a push button that can execute a predetermined operation effect based on the operation of the player. For example, the operating means can execute an operation effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state after starting the variable display of the image.

However, the operational effects that can be executed using the operating means tend to be monotonous, which creates the problem of not being able to attract the player's attention to the game.

<Feature LL group>
Feature LL1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launching handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) into which a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and which executes a predetermined lottery based on the ball entry; variable display means (pattern display device 36) for displaying a variable display of the number of times a game is played based on the entry of a gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; operation means (push button 142) for executing a predetermined operation presentation based on the operation of a player; and presentation execution means (audio and light emission control device 5 and display control device 6) for executing a presentation including the predetermined operation presentation,
The performance execution means includes:
An operation performance suggestion means (operation advance notice part) for suggesting to a player the operation mode of the operation means;
an operation performance execution means (result notification part) for executing the predetermined operation performance when the operation means is operated according to the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation is set to coincide with the timing of switching the variable display of the game number.

According to feature LL1 of the present invention, the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation is set to coincide with the timing of switching the display of the variation in the number of times the game is played, so that the player can grasp the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, and the player's attention to the game can be increased. Furthermore, the gaming machine allows the player to play comfortably.

Feature LL2.
In the gaming machine according to the feature LL1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the operation means is operated during a first period (specific period PD32), the specific timing in the specified operation presentation can be changed to align with the timing of switching the variable display of the number of games played, and, when the operation means is operated during a second period (normal period PD31) different from the first period, the specific timing in the specified operation presentation is not changed to align with the timing of switching the variable display of the number of games played.

According to feature LL2 of the present invention group, the gaming machine can change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation to coincide with the timing of switching the display of the change in the number of times played when the operation means is operated during a first period, and does not change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation to coincide with the timing of switching the display of the change in the number of times played when the operation means is operated during a second period different from the first period. Therefore, the timing of executing the operation presentation can be made different based on the transition between the first period and the second period, and the player's attention to the game can be increased.

Feature LL3.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
a performance determination period (normal period PD31) for determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation performance when the operating means is operated, and for executing the performance if it is determined that the performance should be executed;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a non-effect judgment period (specific period PD32) during which, when the operating means is operated, the predetermined operation effect is executed without determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation effect.

According to feature LL3 of the present invention group, the gaming machine has a performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, a decision is made as to whether or not to execute a specified operation performance, and if so, the performance is executed, and a non-performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, the specified operation performance is executed without deciding whether or not to execute, so that whether or not to execute an operation performance can be differentiated based on the transition between the performance decision period and the non-performance decision period, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Feature LL4.
In the gaming machine according to any one of the features LL1 to LL3 of the present invention,
the operation performance execution means executes the predetermined operation performance a plurality of times each time the operation means is operated in accordance with the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated.

According to feature LL4 of the present invention group, the value of a given operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Feature LL5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of the features LL1 to LL4 of the present invention,
an operation setting storage means (RAM 54) capable of storing setting information (a number of presses PUN) for realizing a value of the predetermined operation performance based on an operation mode of the operation means during a predetermined operation setting period (normal period PD31);
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means.

According to feature LL5 of the present invention group, the value of a given operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Feature LL6.
In the gaming machine according to any one of the features LL1 to LL5 of the present invention,
The operation means includes:
A first operating means;
a second operating means different from the first operating means,
The operation performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the first operating means is operated under specified conditions, the specified operation presentation is executed by changing a specific timing in the specified operation presentation, and, when the second operating means is operated, the specified operation presentation is executed without changing the specific timing in the specified operation presentation.

According to feature LL6 of the present invention group, when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, the operation presentation execution means can change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation to execute the predetermined operation presentation, and when the second operation means is operated, executes the predetermined operation presentation without changing the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, so that the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

The LL group of features of the present invention 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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.
By the way, such a gaming machine is provided with an operating means such as a push button that can execute a predetermined operation effect based on the operation of the player. For example, the operating means can execute an operation effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state after starting the variable display of the image.

However, the operational effects that can be executed using the operating means tend to be monotonous, which creates the problem of not being able to attract the player's attention to the game.

<Characteristic MM group>
Feature MM1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launching handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) into which a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and which executes a predetermined lottery based on the ball entry; variable display means (pattern display device 36) for displaying a variable display of the number of times a game is played based on the entry of a gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; operation means (push button 142) for executing a predetermined operation presentation based on the operation of a player; and presentation execution means (audio and light emission control device 5 and display control device 6) for executing a presentation including the predetermined operation presentation,
The performance execution means includes:
An operation performance suggestion means (operation advance notice part) for suggesting to a player the operation mode of the operation means;
an operation performance execution means (result notification part) for executing the predetermined operation performance when the operation means is operated according to the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
The gaming machine includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific timing in the specified operation presentation can be changed when the operation means is operated during a first period (specific period PD32), and the specific timing in the specified operation presentation is not changed when the operation means is operated during a second period (normal period PD31) different from the first period.

According to feature MM1 of the present invention group, the gaming machine can change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation when the operation means is operated during a first period, and does not change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation when the operation means is operated during a second period different from the first period. Therefore, the specific timing in the operation presentation can be made different based on the transition between the first period and the second period, and the player's attention to the game can be increased.

Features MM2.
In the gaming machine according to the feature MM1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that a specific timing in the specified operation presentation is set to align with a specific timing in another presentation different from the specified operation presentation.

According to feature MM2 of the present invention, the specific timing in a predetermined operation presentation is set to be aligned with the specific timing in another presentation that is different from the predetermined operation presentation, so that the player can understand the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, allowing the player to play comfortably.

Features MM3.
In the gaming machine according to the feature MM1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation is set to coincide with the timing of switching the variable display of the game number.

According to feature MM3 of the present invention, the specific timing in the specified operation presentation is set to coincide with the timing of switching the display of the variation in the number of times the game is played, so the player can understand the specific timing in the specified operation presentation, allowing the player to play comfortably.

Features MM4.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features MM1 to MM3 of the present invention,
a performance determination period (normal period PD31) for determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation performance when the operating means is operated, and for executing the performance if it is determined that the performance should be executed;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a non-effect judgment period (specific period PD32) during which, when the operating means is operated, the predetermined operation effect is executed without determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation effect.

According to feature MM4 of the present invention group, the gaming machine has a performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, a decision is made as to whether or not to execute a specified operation performance, and if so, the performance is executed, and a non-performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, the specified operation performance is executed without deciding whether or not to execute, so that whether or not to execute an operation performance can be differentiated based on the transition between the performance decision period and the non-performance decision period, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Features MM5.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features MM1 to MM4 of the present invention,
the operation performance execution means executes the predetermined operation performance a plurality of times each time the operation means is operated in accordance with the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated.

According to feature MM5 of the present invention, the value of a given operational presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operational presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Features MM6.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features MM1 to MM5 of the present invention,
an operation setting storage means (RAM 54) capable of storing setting information (a number of presses PUN) for realizing a value of the predetermined operation performance based on an operation mode of the operation means during a predetermined operation setting period (normal period PD31);
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means.

According to feature MM6 of the present invention, the value of a given operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Features MM7.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features MM1 to MM6 of the present invention,
The operation means includes:
A first operating means;
a second operating means different from the first operating means,
The operation performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the first operating means is operated under specified conditions, the specified operation presentation is executed by changing a specific timing in the specified operation presentation, and, when the second operating means is operated, the specified operation presentation is executed without changing the specific timing in the specified operation presentation.

According to feature MM7 of the present invention, when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, the operation presentation execution means can change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation to execute the predetermined operation presentation, and when the second operation means is operated, executes the predetermined operation presentation without changing the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, so that the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

These feature MM groups of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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.
By the way, such a gaming machine is provided with an operating means such as a push button that can execute a predetermined operation effect based on the operation of the player. For example, the operating means can execute an operation effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state after starting the variable display of the image.

However, the operational effects that can be executed using the operating means tend to be monotonous, which creates the problem of not being able to attract the player's attention to the game.

<Feature NN group>
Feature NN1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launching handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) into which gaming balls flowing down the gaming area can enter and which executes a predetermined lottery based on the entry of the gaming ball; variable display means (pattern display device 36) for displaying a variable display of the number of times a game has been played based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; operation means (push button 142) for executing a predetermined operation presentation based on the operation of a player; and presentation execution means (audio and light emission control device 5 and display control device 6) for executing a presentation including the predetermined operation presentation,
The performance execution means includes:
An operation performance suggestion means (operation advance notice part) for suggesting to a player the operation mode of the operation means;
an operation performance execution means (result notification part) for executing the predetermined operation performance when the operation means is operated according to the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
The gaming machine includes:
an operation setting storage means (RAM 54) capable of storing setting information (a number of presses PUN) for realizing a value of the predetermined operation performance based on an operation mode of the operation means during a predetermined operation setting period (normal period PD31);
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means.

According to feature NN1 of the present invention group, the gaming machine is equipped with an operation setting storage means capable of storing setting information for presenting the value of a predetermined operation presentation based on the operation mode of the operation means during a predetermined operation setting period, and the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Feature NN2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature NN1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that a specific timing in the specified operation presentation is set to align with a specific timing in another presentation different from the specified operation presentation.

According to feature NN2 of the present invention, the specific timing in a predetermined operation presentation is set to be aligned with the specific timing in another presentation that is different from the predetermined operation presentation, so that the player can understand the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, allowing the player to play comfortably.

Feature NN3.
In the gaming machine described in the feature NN1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation is set to coincide with the timing of switching the variable display of the game number.

According to feature NN3 of the present invention, the specific timing in the specified operation presentation is set to coincide with the timing of switching the display of the variation in the number of times the game is played, so the player can understand the specific timing in the specified operation presentation, allowing the player to play comfortably.

Feature NN4.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features NN1 to NN3 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific timing in the specified operation presentation can be changed when the operation means is operated during a first period (specific period PD32), and the specific timing in the specified operation presentation is not changed when the operation means is operated during a second period (normal period PD31) different from the first period.

According to feature NN4 of the present invention group, the gaming machine can change the specific timing in a predetermined operation presentation when the operation means is operated during a first period, and does not change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation when the operation means is operated during a second period different from the first period. Therefore, the timing of executing the operation presentation can be made different based on the transition between the first period and the second period, and the player's attention to the game can be increased.

Feature NN5.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features NN1 to NN4 of the present invention,
a performance determination period (normal period PD31) for determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation performance when the operating means is operated, and for executing the performance if it is determined that the performance should be executed;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a non-effect judgment period (specific period PD32) during which, when the operating means is operated, the predetermined operation effect is executed without determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation effect.

According to feature NN5 of the present invention group, the gaming machine has a performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, a decision is made as to whether or not to execute a specified operation performance, and if so, the performance is executed, and a non-performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, the specified operation performance is executed without deciding whether or not to execute, so that whether or not to execute an operation performance can be differentiated based on the transition between the performance decision period and the non-performance decision period, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Feature NN6.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features NN1 to NN5 of the present invention,
the operation performance execution means executes the predetermined operation performance a plurality of times each time the operation means is operated in accordance with the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated.

According to feature NN6 of the present invention, the value of a given operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Feature NN7.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features NN1 to NN6 of the present invention,
The operation means includes:
A first operating means;
a second operating means different from the first operating means,
The operation performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the first operating means is operated under specified conditions, the specified operation presentation is executed by changing a specific timing in the specified operation presentation, and, when the second operating means is operated, the specified operation presentation is executed without changing the specific timing in the specified operation presentation.

According to feature NN7 of the present invention, when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, the operation presentation execution means can change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation to execute the predetermined operation presentation, and when the second operation means is operated, executes the predetermined operation presentation without changing the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, so that the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

The group of feature NNs of the present invention 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 a predetermined 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.
By the way, such a gaming machine is provided with an operating means such as a push button that can execute a predetermined operation effect based on the operation of the player. For example, the operating means can execute an operation effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state after starting the variable display of the image.

However, the operational effects that can be executed using the operating means tend to be monotonous, which creates the problem of not being able to attract the player's attention to the game.

<Feature OO group>
Feature OO1.
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) comprising: launching means (launching handle 16) for launching gaming balls toward a gaming area formed in front of a gaming board; starting ball entry means (upper operating port 25 and lower operating port 26) into which a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and which executes a predetermined lottery based on the ball entry; variable display means (pattern display device 36) for displaying a variable display of the number of times a game is played based on the entry of a gaming ball into the starting ball entry means; operation means (push button 142) for executing a predetermined operation presentation based on the operation of a player; and presentation execution means (audio and light emission control device 5 and display control device 6) for executing a presentation including the predetermined operation presentation,
The performance execution means includes:
An operation performance suggestion means (operation advance notice part) for suggesting to a player the operation mode of the operation means;
an operation performance execution means (result notification part) for executing the predetermined operation performance when the operation means is operated according to the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
The operation means includes:
A first operating means;
a second operating means different from the first operating means,
The operation performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the first operating means is operated under specified conditions, the specified operation presentation is executed by changing a specific timing in the specified operation presentation, and, when the second operating means is operated, the specified operation presentation is executed without changing the specific timing in the specified operation presentation.

According to feature OO1 of the present invention group, when the first operation means is operated under a predetermined condition, the operation presentation execution means can change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation to execute the predetermined operation presentation, and when the second operation means is operated, executes the predetermined operation presentation without changing the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, so that the player can select and operate the first operation means and the second operation means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.

Feature OO2.
In the gaming machine according to the feature OO1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that a specific timing in the specified operation presentation is set to align with a specific timing in another presentation different from the specified operation presentation.

According to feature OO2 of the present invention, the specific timing in a predetermined operation presentation is set to be aligned with the specific timing in another presentation that is different from the predetermined operation presentation, so that the player can understand the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation, allowing the player to play comfortably.

Feature OO3.
In the gaming machine according to the feature OO1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation is set to coincide with the timing of switching the variable display of the game number.

According to feature OO3 of the present invention, the specific timing in the specified operation presentation is set to coincide with the timing of switching the display of the variation in the number of times the game is played, so the player can understand the specific timing in the specified operation presentation, allowing the player to play comfortably.

Feature OO4.
In the gaming machine according to the feature LL1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific timing in the specified operation presentation can be changed when the first operation means is operated during a first period (specific period PD32), and the specific timing in the specified operation presentation is not changed when the first operation means is operated during a second period (normal period PD31) different from the first period.

According to feature OO4 of the present invention group, the gaming machine can change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation when the first operation means is operated during a first period, and does not change the specific timing in the predetermined operation presentation when the first operation means is operated during a second period different from the first period. Therefore, the timing of executing the operation presentation can be made different based on the transition between the first period and the second period, and the player's attention to the game can be increased.

Feature OO5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features OO1 to OO4 of the present invention,
a performance determination period (normal period PD31) for determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation performance when the operating means is operated, and for executing the performance if it is determined that the performance should be executed;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a non-effect judgment period (specific period PD32) during which, when the operating means is operated, the predetermined operation effect is executed without determining whether or not to execute the predetermined operation effect.

According to feature OO5 of the present invention group, the gaming machine has a performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, it determines whether or not to execute a specified operation effect, and if it is determined that the effect should be executed, it executes the effect, and a non-performance decision period in which, when the operating means is operated, it executes the specified operation effect without determining whether or not to execute the effect. Therefore, it is possible to differentiate whether or not to execute an operation effect based on the transition between the performance decision period and the non-performance decision period, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Feature OO6.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features OO1 to OO5 of the present invention,
the operation performance execution means executes the predetermined operation performance a plurality of times each time the operation means is operated in accordance with the operation mode of the operation means suggested by the operation performance suggestion means;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated.

According to feature OO6 of the present invention group, the value of a given operation presentation changes based on the number of times the operating means is operated, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

Feature OO7.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features OO1 to OO6 of the present invention,
an operation setting storage means (RAM 54) capable of storing setting information (a number of presses PUN) for realizing a value of the predetermined operation performance based on an operation mode of the operation means during a predetermined operation setting period (normal period PD31);
The gaming machine is characterized in that the value of the predetermined operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means.

According to feature OO7 of the present invention group, the value of a given operation presentation changes based on the setting information stored in the operation setting storage means, so that the gaming machine can diversify the value of the operation presentation and increase the player's interest in the game.

These feature groups OO of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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.
By the way, such a gaming machine is provided with an operating means such as a push button that can execute a predetermined operation effect based on the operation of the player. For example, the operating means can execute an operation effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state after starting the variable display of the image.

However, the operational effects that can be executed using the operating means tend to be monotonous, which creates the problem of not being able to attract the player's attention to the game.

<Feature PP group>
Feature PP1.
A special information acquisition means (a prize-winning process for an operating port) for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
A special information determination means (variation start processing) is provided to determine whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
When the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to a specific control state that is advantageous to a player,
A light emitting means (light emitter) visible when viewed from the front of the game board;
A first rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board;
A second rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board and different from the first rotating means,
The first rotating means includes:
The device includes a rotating plate portion that is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis and that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state,
The rotating plate portion is
The light from the light emitting means located on the back side is visible,
The second rotating means includes:
The game board is configured to be movable between a first position where the game board can be seen without passing through the rotating plate when viewed from the front, and a second position where the game board can be seen through the rotating plate when viewed from the front by moving to the rear side of the rotating plate,
The gaming machine includes:
a first state in which light from the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in the predetermined rotation state in a predetermined game state;
A gaming machine characterized in that, by moving the second rotation means to the second position, the second rotation means blocks the light of the light-emitting means at the specific position, thereby providing a second state in which the second rotation means can be viewed through the rotating plate portion which is in the specified rotation state.

According to feature PP1 of the present invention, the gaming machine has a first state in which the light of the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate in a specific rotation state in a specific game state, and a second state in which the second rotating means is moved to a second position, blocking the light of the light emitting means at the specific position by the second rotating means, and the second rotating means is visible through the rotating plate in the specific rotation state, so that it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate in the first rotating means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.
Here, conventional rotating bodies for performances provide decorativeness only on the front side of the rotating body when viewed from the front, and the back side of the rotating body cannot be seen because a light source or a board is installed behind the lens part at the forefront. Therefore, it is natural that other rotating bodies cannot be moved to the back side of the rotating body.
However, according to the feature PP1 of the present invention group, it is possible to provide decorativeness on the front side of the first rotating means and to enhance decorativeness on the back side of the first rotating means.

Feature PP2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature PP1 of the present invention,
The rotating plate portion is
a first region having a first light transmittance;
a second region having a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance and different from the first region.

According to feature PP2 of the present invention group, the rotating plate portion has a first region having a first light transmittance and a second region having a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance and different from the first region, so that the light of the light-emitting means at a specific position in the first state and the appearance of the second rotating means in the second state can be diversified, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.
In addition, since the first rotating means, the back side of which is visible, is provided with various areas with different light transmittance, the appearance of light on the back side of the first rotating means can be made more diverse, and even when used alone, the first rotating means, the back side of which is visible, can provide high decorativeness that is no different from conventional rotating bodies for performances.

Feature PP3.
In the gaming machine described in Feature PP1 or Feature PP2 of the present invention,
The second state is
A gaming machine characterized in that, based on the rotation status of the first rotation means and the movement status of the second rotation means, an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player and an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state can be generated.

According to feature PP3 of the present invention group, the second state can generate an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state based on the rotation status of the first rotation means and the movement status of the second rotation means, so the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the rotation status of the first rotation means and the movement status of the second rotation means.

Feature PP4.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features PP1 to PP3 of the present invention,
the second rotating means has a plurality of movement paths;
The second state is
A gaming machine characterized in that the probability of generating an advantageous state advantageous to a player can vary depending on the movement path of the second rotation means.

According to feature PP4 of the present invention, since the probability that the second state will generate an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player may differ depending on the movement path of the second rotation means, the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the movement path of the second rotation means.
Furthermore, since the back side of the first rotating means is visible, the player can see the multiple movement paths of the second rotating means, and if each movement path is given meaning, attention to the game can be further increased.

Features PP5.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features PP1 to PP4 of the present invention,
A plurality of said second rotating means are provided,
A gaming machine, characterized in that a plurality of said second rotating means are capable of moving simultaneously to the rear side of said rotating plate portion of said first rotating means.

According to feature PP5 of the present invention group, multiple second rotating means can be simultaneously moved to the back side of the rotating plate portion of the first rotating means, so that the light of the light-emitting means at a specific position in the first state and the appearance of the second rotating means in the second state can be diversified, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Features PP6.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features PP1 to PP5 of the present invention,
A gaming machine, characterized in that the predetermined rotation axis of the first rotation means in the predetermined rotation state remains without moving for at least a predetermined period of time.

According to feature PP6 of the present invention group, the predetermined rotation axis of the first rotation means in the predetermined rotation state remains without moving for at least a predetermined period of time, so that the player can stably view the rotating plate portion of the first rotation means in the predetermined rotation state, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Features PP7.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features PP1 to PP6 of the present invention,
A gaming machine, wherein the first rotating means is provided with a regulating portion that regulates rotation of the second rotating means by abutting against the second rotating means.

According to feature PP7 of the present invention group, the first rotating means is provided with a regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the second rotating means by contacting the second rotating means. By regulating the rotation of the second rotating means with the regulating portion of the first rotating means, the rotation of the second rotating means can be changed, and the behavior of the second rotating means at a predetermined position can be stabilized.

Features PP8.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features PP1 to PP7 of the present invention,
the second rotation means has a plurality of rotation directions;
The second state is
A gaming machine characterized in that the probability of generating an advantageous state advantageous to a player can vary depending on the rotation direction of the second rotation means.

According to feature PP8 of the present invention group, the probability that the second state will generate an advantageous state for the player may differ depending on the direction of rotation of the second rotation means, so the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the direction of rotation of the second rotation means.

Features PP9.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features PP1 to PP8 of the present invention,
The first state is
A gaming machine capable of informing a player of an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more unfavorable to the player than the advantageous state, based on the light emitting state of the light emitting means.

According to feature PP9 of the present invention group, the first state can notify the player of an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state based on the light-emitting state of the light-emitting means, so that the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the light-emitting state of the light-emitting means.

These feature PP groups of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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 are equipped with, for example, a transparent or translucent plate portion and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the back side of the plate portion, making the LED visible through the plate portion, and by changing the light emission state or color of the LED, etc., it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, simply changing the lighting state or color of the LEDs can be monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

<Feature QQ Group>
Feature QQ1.
A special information acquisition means (a prize-winning process for an operating port) for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
A special information determination means (variation start processing) is provided to determine whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
When the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to a specific control state that is advantageous to a player,
A light emitting means (light emitter) visible when viewed from the front of the game board;
A first rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board;
A second rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board and different from the first rotating means,
The first rotating means includes:
The device includes a rotating plate portion that is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis and that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state,
The rotating plate portion is
The light from the light emitting means located on the back side is visible,
The second rotating means includes:
The game board is configured to be movable between a first position where the game board can be seen without passing through the rotating plate when viewed from the front, and a second position where the game board can be seen through the rotating plate when viewed from the front by moving to the rear side of the rotating plate,
The gaming machine includes:
a first state in which light from the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in the predetermined rotation state in a predetermined game state;
a second state in which the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means blocks light from the light emitting means at the specific position by moving the second rotation means to the second position, and the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means is visible through the rotating plate portion in the predetermined rotation state;
The rotating plate portion is
a first region having a first light transmittance;
a second region having a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance and different from the first region.

According to the feature QQ1 of the present invention, the gaming machine has a first state in which the light of the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate in a specific rotation state in a specific game state, and a second state in which the second rotating means is moved to a second position, blocking the light of the light emitting means at a specific position by the second rotating means, and the second rotating means is visible through the rotating plate in the specific rotation state, so that it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate in the first rotating means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.
Here, conventional rotating bodies for performances provide decorativeness only on the front side of the rotating body when viewed from the front, and the back side of the rotating body cannot be seen because a light source or a board is installed behind the lens part at the forefront. Therefore, it is natural that other rotating bodies cannot be moved to the back side of the rotating body.
However, according to feature QQ1 of the present invention group, decorativeness can be provided on the front side of the first rotating means while enhancing decorativeness on the back side of the first rotating means.
In addition, since the rotating plate portion has a first region having a first light transmittance and a second region having a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance and different from the first region, it is possible to diversify the light of the light-emitting means at a specific position in the first state and the appearance of the second rotating means in the second state, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.
In addition, since the first rotating means, the back side of which is visible, is provided with various areas with different light transmittance, the appearance of light on the back side of the first rotating means can be made more diverse, and even when used alone, the first rotating means, the back side of which is visible, can provide high decorativeness that is no different from conventional rotating bodies for performances.

Feature QQ2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature QQ1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the first area and the second area have different thicknesses when viewed from the front of the gaming board, and thereby have different light transmittances.

According to feature QQ2 of the present invention, the first and second regions have different thicknesses when viewed from the front of the game board, and therefore have different light transmittances, which simplifies the configuration of the rotating plate portion.

Feature QQ3.
In the gaming machine described in the feature QQ1 or feature QQ2 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the first area and the second area are arranged adjacent to each other when viewed from the front of the gaming board.

According to feature QQ3 of the present invention, the first and second regions are arranged adjacent to each other when viewed from the front of the game board, so that the configuration of the rotating plate portion can be simplified compared to when they are arranged a predetermined distance apart when viewed from the front of the game board.

These features of the present invention 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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 are equipped with, for example, a transparent or translucent plate portion and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the back side of the plate portion, making the LED visible through the plate portion, and by changing the light emission state or color of the LED, etc., it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, simply changing the lighting state or color of the LEDs can be monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

<Characteristic RR group>
Feature RR1.
A special information acquisition means (a prize-winning process for an operating port) for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
A special information determination means (variation start processing) is provided to determine whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
When the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to a specific control state that is advantageous to a player,
A light emitting means (light emitter) visible when viewed from the front of the game board;
A first rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board;
A second rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board and different from the first rotating means,
The first rotating means includes:
The device includes a rotating plate portion that is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis and that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state,
The rotating plate portion is
The light from the light emitting means located on the back side is visible,
The second rotating means includes:
The game board is configured to be movable between a first position where the game board can be seen without passing through the rotating plate when viewed from the front, and a second position where the game board can be seen through the rotating plate when viewed from the front by moving to the rear side of the rotating plate,
The gaming machine includes:
a first state in which light from the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in the predetermined rotation state in a predetermined game state;
a second state in which the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means blocks light from the light emitting means at the specific position by moving the second rotation means to the second position, and the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means is visible through the rotating plate portion in the predetermined rotation state;
The second state is
A gaming machine characterized in that, based on the rotation status of the first rotation means and the movement status of the second rotation means, an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player and an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state can be generated.

According to feature RR1 of the present invention, the gaming machine has a first state in which the light of the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate in a specific rotation state in a specific game state, and a second state in which the second rotating means is moved to a second position, blocking the light of the light emitting means at the specific position by the second rotating means, and the second rotating means is visible through the rotating plate in the specific rotation state, so that it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate in the first rotating means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.
Here, conventional rotating bodies for performances provide decorativeness only on the front side of the rotating body when viewed from the front, and the back side of the rotating body cannot be seen because a light source or a board is installed behind the lens part at the forefront. Therefore, it is natural that other rotating bodies cannot be moved to the back side of the rotating body.
However, according to the feature RR1 of the present invention group, it is possible to provide decorativeness on the front side of the first rotating means and to enhance decorativeness on the back side of the first rotating means.
Furthermore, since the second state can generate an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state based on the rotation status of the first rotation means and the movement status of the second rotation means, the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the rotation status of the first rotation means and the movement status of the second rotation means.

Feature RR2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature RR1 of the present invention group,
The first rotating means includes:
a first rotation state in which the rotating plate portion is rotated in a predetermined rotation direction;
a second rotation state in which the rotating plate portion is rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotation direction,
The second state is
A gaming machine characterized in that the advantageous state becomes more likely to occur based on the first rotation state and the movement of the second rotation means to the second position, and the unfavorable state becomes more likely to occur based on the second rotation state and the movement of the second rotation means to the second position.

According to feature RR2 of this invention group, the second state is likely to create an advantageous state based on the first rotation state and the movement of the second rotation means to the second position, and is likely to create an unfavorable state based on the second rotation state and the movement of the second rotation means to the second position, so the player will pay attention to the rotation direction of the first rotation means.

The RR feature group of the present invention 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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 are equipped with, for example, a transparent or translucent plate portion and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the back side of the plate portion, making the LED visible through the plate portion, and by changing the light emission state or color of the LED, etc., it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, simply changing the lighting state or color of the LEDs can be monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

<Feature SS group>
Feature SS1.
A special information acquisition means (a prize-winning process for an operating port) for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
A special information determination means (variation start processing) is provided to determine whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
When the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to a specific control state that is advantageous to a player,
A light emitting means (light emitter) visible when viewed from the front of the game board;
A first rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board;
A second rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board and different from the first rotating means,
The first rotating means includes:
The device includes a rotating plate portion that is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis and that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state,
The rotating plate portion is
The light from the light emitting means located on the back side is visible,
The second rotating means includes:
The game board is configured to be movable between a first position where the game board can be seen without passing through the rotating plate when viewed from the front, and a second position where the game board can be seen through the rotating plate when viewed from the front by moving to the rear side of the rotating plate,
The gaming machine includes:
a first state in which light from the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in the predetermined rotation state in a predetermined game state;
a second state in which the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means blocks light from the light emitting means at the specific position by moving the second rotation means to the second position, and the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means is visible through the rotating plate portion in the predetermined rotation state;
the second rotating means has a plurality of movement paths;
The second state is
A gaming machine, characterized in that the probability of generating an advantageous state advantageous to a player can vary depending on the movement path of the second rotation means.

According to the feature SS1 of the present invention, the gaming machine has a first state in which the light of the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate in a specific rotation state in a specific game state, and a second state in which the second rotating means is moved to a second position, blocking the light of the light emitting means at the specific position by the second rotating means, and the second rotating means is visible through the rotating plate in the specific rotation state, so that it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate in the first rotating means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.
Here, conventional rotating bodies for performances provide decorativeness only on the front side of the rotating body when viewed from the front, and the back side of the rotating body cannot be seen because a light source or a board is installed behind the lens part at the forefront. Therefore, it is natural that other rotating bodies cannot be moved to the back side of the rotating body.
However, according to the feature SS1 of the present invention group, it is possible to provide decorativeness on the front side of the first rotating means and to enhance decorativeness on the back side of the first rotating means.
In addition, since the probability that the second state will generate an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player may differ depending on the movement path of the second rotation means, the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the movement path of the second rotation means.
Furthermore, since the back side of the first rotating means is visible, the player can see the multiple movement paths of the second rotating means, and if each movement path is given meaning, attention to the game can be further increased.

Feature SS2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature SS1 of the present invention,
The second rotating means includes:
A first movement path having a high probability of generating the advantageous state;
a second movement path having a lower probability of generating the advantageous state than the first movement path;
A gaming machine, characterized in that the first movement path and the second movement path include paths that overlap each other.

According to feature SS2 of the present invention group, since the first movement path and the second movement path include paths that overlap each other, it becomes difficult for the player to distinguish the movement path of the second rotation means, and the player will focus on the movement path of the second rotation means.

These feature sets of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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 are equipped with, for example, a transparent or translucent plate portion and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the back side of the plate portion, making the LED visible through the plate portion, and by changing the light emission state or color of the LED, etc., it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, simply changing the lighting state or color of the LEDs can be monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

<Characteristic TT group>
Feature TT1.
A special information acquisition means (a prize-winning process for an operating port) for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
A special information determination means (variation start processing) is provided to determine whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
When the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to a specific control state that is advantageous to a player,
A light emitting means (light emitter) visible when viewed from the front of the game board;
A first rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board;
A second rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board and different from the first rotating means,
The first rotating means includes:
The device includes a rotating plate portion that is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis and that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state,
The rotating plate portion is
The light from the light emitting means located on the back side is visible,
The second rotating means includes:
The game board is configured to be movable between a first position where the game board can be seen without passing through the rotating plate when viewed from the front, and a second position where the game board can be seen through the rotating plate when viewed from the front by moving to the rear side of the rotating plate,
The gaming machine includes:
a first state in which light from the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in the predetermined rotation state in a predetermined game state;
a second state in which the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means blocks light from the light emitting means at the specific position by moving the second rotation means to the second position, and the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means is visible through the rotating plate portion in the predetermined rotation state;
The gaming machine includes:
A plurality of said second rotating means are provided,
A gaming machine, characterized in that a plurality of said second rotating means are capable of moving simultaneously to the rear side of said rotating plate portion of said first rotating means.

According to feature TT1 of the present invention, the gaming machine has a first state in which the light of the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate in a specific rotation state in a specific game state, and a second state in which the second rotating means is moved to a second position, blocking the light of the light emitting means at the specific position by the second rotating means, and the second rotating means is visible through the rotating plate in the specific rotation state, so that it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate in the first rotating means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.
Here, conventional rotating bodies for performances provide decorativeness only on the front side of the rotating body when viewed from the front, and the back side of the rotating body cannot be seen because a light source or a board is installed behind the lens part at the forefront. Therefore, it is natural that other rotating bodies cannot be moved to the back side of the rotating body.
However, according to the feature TT1 of the present invention group, decorativeness can be provided on the front side of the first rotating means, and decorativeness can be enhanced on the back side of the first rotating means.
In addition, since the multiple second rotating means can be moved simultaneously to the back side of the rotating plate portion of the first rotating means, the light of the light-emitting means at a specific position in the first state and the appearance of the second rotating means in the second state can be diversified, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Feature TT2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature TT1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine characterized in that the plurality of second rotating means move so that one of the second rotating means does not obstruct the other second rotating means when the gaming board is viewed from the front.

According to feature TT2 of the present invention, when the game board is viewed from the front, the multiple second rotation means move so that one second rotation means does not block the other second rotation means, so that the player can see all of the multiple second rotation means.

These feature TT groups of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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 a predetermined 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 are equipped with, for example, a transparent or translucent plate portion and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the back side of the plate portion, making the LED visible through the plate portion, and by changing the light emission state or color of the LED, etc., it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, simply changing the lighting state or color of the LEDs can be monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

<Characteristic UU group>
Feature UU1.
A special information acquisition means (a prize-winning process for an operating port) for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
A special information determination means (variation start processing) is provided to determine whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
When the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to a specific control state that is advantageous to a player,
A light emitting means (light emitter) visible when viewed from the front of the game board;
A first rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board;
A second rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board and different from the first rotating means,
The first rotating means includes:
The device includes a rotating plate portion that is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis and that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state,
The rotating plate portion is
The light from the light emitting means located on the back side is visible,
The second rotating means includes:
The game board is configured to be movable between a first position where the game board can be seen without passing through the rotating plate when viewed from the front, and a second position where the game board can be seen through the rotating plate when viewed from the front by moving to the rear side of the rotating plate,
The gaming machine includes:
a first state in which light from the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in the predetermined rotation state in a predetermined game state;
a second state in which the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means blocks light from the light emitting means at the specific position by moving the second rotation means to the second position, and the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means is visible through the rotating plate portion in the predetermined rotation state;
A gaming machine, characterized in that the predetermined rotation axis of the first rotation means in the predetermined rotation state remains without moving for at least a predetermined period of time.

According to the feature UU1 of the present invention, the gaming machine has a first state in which the light of the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate in a specific rotation state in a specific game state, and a second state in which the second rotating means is moved to a second position, blocking the light of the light emitting means at the specific position by the second rotating means, and the second rotating means is visible through the rotating plate in the specific rotation state, so that it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate in the first rotating means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.
Here, conventional rotating bodies for performances provide decorativeness only on the front side of the rotating body when viewed from the front, and the back side of the rotating body cannot be seen because a light source or a board is installed behind the lens part at the forefront. Therefore, it is natural that other rotating bodies cannot be moved to the back side of the rotating body.
However, according to the feature UU1 of the present invention group, it is possible to provide decorativeness on the front side of the first rotating means and to enhance decorativeness on the back side of the first rotating means.
In addition, since the specified rotation axis of the first rotation means in a specified rotation state remains without moving for at least a specified period of time, the player can stably view the rotating plate portion of the first rotation means in a specified rotation state, thereby increasing the player's attention to the game.

Feature UU2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature UU1 of the present invention group,
A gaming machine characterized in that the second rotation means is movable to the second position while the predetermined rotation axis of the first rotation means remains stationary without moving.

According to feature UU2 of the present invention group, the second rotation means can be moved to the second position when the predetermined rotation axis of the first rotation means remains stationary without moving, so the player will pay attention to the movement status of the second rotation means when the predetermined rotation axis of the first rotation means remains stationary without moving.

These feature sets of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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 are equipped with, for example, a transparent or translucent plate portion and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the back side of the plate portion, making the LED visible through the plate portion, and by changing the light emission state or color of the LED, etc., it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, simply changing the lighting state or color of the LEDs can be monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

<Characteristic VV group>
Feature VV1.
A special information acquisition means (a prize-winning process for an operating port) for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
A special information determination means (variation start processing) is provided to determine whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
When the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to a specific control state that is advantageous to a player,
A light emitting means (light emitter) visible when viewed from the front of the game board;
A first rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board;
A second rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board and different from the first rotating means,
The first rotating means includes:
The device includes a rotating plate portion that is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis and that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state,
The rotating plate portion is
The light from the light emitting means located on the back side is visible,
The second rotating means includes:
The game board is configured to be movable between a first position where the game board can be seen without passing through the rotating plate when viewed from the front, and a second position where the game board can be seen through the rotating plate when viewed from the front by moving to the rear side of the rotating plate,
The gaming machine includes:
a first state in which light from the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in the predetermined rotation state in a predetermined game state;
a second state in which the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means blocks light from the light emitting means at the specific position by moving the second rotation means to the second position, and the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means is visible through the rotating plate portion in the predetermined rotation state;
A gaming machine, wherein the first rotating means is provided with a regulating portion that regulates rotation of the second rotating means by abutting against the second rotating means.

According to the feature VV1 of the present invention, the gaming machine has a first state in which the light of the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate in a specific rotation state in a specific game state, and a second state in which the second rotating means is moved to a second position, blocking the light of the light emitting means at the specific position by the second rotating means, and the second rotating means is visible through the rotating plate in the specific rotation state, so that it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate in the first rotating means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.
Here, conventional rotating bodies for performances provide decorativeness only on the front side of the rotating body when viewed from the front, and the back side of the rotating body cannot be seen because a light source or a board is installed behind the lens part at the forefront. Therefore, it is natural that other rotating bodies cannot be moved to the back side of the rotating body.
However, according to feature VV1 of the present invention group, decorativeness can be provided on the front side of the first rotating means, and decorativeness can be enhanced on the back side of the first rotating means.
In addition, the first rotating means is provided with a regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the second rotating means by abutting against the second rotating means. Therefore, by regulating the rotation of the second rotating means with the regulating portion of the first rotating means, the rotation of the second rotating means can be changed and the behavior of the second rotating means at a predetermined position can be stabilized.

Feature VV2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature VV1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine, characterized in that the rotation state of the first rotating means changes when the second rotating means abuts against the regulating portion.

According to feature VV2 of the present invention, the rotation state of the first rotation means changes when the second rotation means abuts against the regulating portion, so that the gaming machine can diversify the rotation state of the first rotation means.

These feature groups of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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 are equipped with, for example, a transparent or translucent plate portion and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the back side of the plate portion, making the LED visible through the plate portion, and by changing the light emission state or color of the LED, etc., it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, simply changing the lighting state or color of the LEDs can be monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

<Characteristic World War Group>
Features WW1.
A special information acquisition means (a prize-winning process for an operating port) for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
A special information determination means (variation start processing) is provided to determine whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
When the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to a specific control state that is advantageous to a player,
A light emitting means (light emitter) visible when viewed from the front of the game board;
A first rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board;
A second rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board and different from the first rotating means,
The first rotating means includes:
The device includes a rotating plate portion that is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis and that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state,
The rotating plate portion is
The light from the light emitting means located on the back side is visible,
The second rotating means includes:
The game board is configured to be movable between a first position where the game board can be seen without passing through the rotating plate when viewed from the front, and a second position where the game board can be seen through the rotating plate when viewed from the front by moving to the rear side of the rotating plate,
The gaming machine includes:
a first state in which light from the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in the predetermined rotation state in a predetermined game state;
a second state in which the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means blocks light from the light emitting means at the specific position by moving the second rotation means to the second position, and the second rotation means is in a state where the second rotation means is visible through the rotating plate portion in the predetermined rotation state;
the second rotation means has a plurality of rotation directions;
The second state is
A gaming machine characterized in that the probability of generating an advantageous state advantageous to a player can vary depending on the rotation direction of the second rotation means.

According to the feature WW1 of the present invention, the gaming machine has a first state in which the light of the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate in a specific rotation state in a specific game state, and a second state in which the second rotating means is moved to a second position, blocking the light of the light emitting means at a specific position by the second rotating means, and the second rotating means is visible through the rotating plate in a specific rotation state, so that it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate in the first rotating means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.
Here, conventional rotating bodies for performances provide decorativeness only on the front side of the rotating body when viewed from the front, and the back side of the rotating body cannot be seen because a light source or a board is installed behind the lens part at the forefront. Therefore, it is natural that other rotating bodies cannot be moved to the back side of the rotating body.
However, according to the feature WW1 of the present invention group, it is possible to provide decorativeness on the front side of the first rotating means and to enhance decorativeness on the back side of the first rotating means.
In addition, since the probability that the second state will generate an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player may differ depending on the rotation direction of the second rotation means, the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the rotation direction of the second rotation means.

Features WW2.
In the gaming machine described in the feature WW1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine, characterized in that the rotation state of the second rotating means changes when the second rotating means abuts against a regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the second rotating means.

According to feature WW2 of the present invention, the rotation state of the second rotating means changes when the second rotating means abuts against a regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the second rotating means, so that the gaming machine can diversify the rotation state of the second rotating means.

These feature sets of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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), the gaming machine executes a predetermined lottery such as a big win lottery and starts variable display of pictures. When a big win lottery is won, for example, the gaming machine causes the variable display means to finally stop and display a specific combination of pictures, 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 are equipped with, for example, a transparent or translucent plate portion and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the back side of the plate portion, making the LED visible through the plate portion, and by changing the light emission state or color of the LED, etc., it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, simply changing the lighting state or color of the LEDs can be monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

<Feature XX group>
Feature XX1.
A special information acquisition means (a prize-winning process for an operating port) for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
A special information determination means (variation start processing) is provided to determine whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
When the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition, the gaming machine transitions to a specific control state that is advantageous to a player,
A light emitting means (light emitter) visible from the front of the game board;
A first rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board;
A second rotating means (rotating body) configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board and different from the first rotating means,
The first rotating means includes:
The device includes a rotating plate portion that is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis and that can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state,
The rotating plate portion is
The light from the light emitting means located on the back side is visible,
The second rotating means includes:
The game board is configured to be movable between a first position where the game board can be seen without passing through the rotating plate when viewed from the front, and a second position where the game board can be seen through the rotating plate when viewed from the front by moving to the rear side of the rotating plate,
The gaming machine includes:
a first state in which light from the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate part in the predetermined rotation state in a predetermined game state;
a second state in which the second rotation means is moved to the second position, the second rotation means blocks light from the light emitting means at the specific position, and the second rotation means is visible through the rotating plate portion in the predetermined rotation state;
The first state is
A gaming machine capable of informing a player of an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more unfavorable to the player than the advantageous state, based on the light emitting state of the light emitting means.

According to feature XX1 of the present invention, the gaming machine has a first state in which the light of the light emitting means at a specific position is visible through the rotating plate in a specific rotation state in a specific game state, and a second state in which the second rotating means is moved to a second position, blocking the light of the light emitting means at the specific position by the second rotating means, and the second rotating means is visible through the rotating plate in the specific rotation state, so that it is possible to diversify the objects visible through the rotating plate in the first rotating means. Therefore, the gaming machine can increase the player's attention to the game.
Here, conventional rotating bodies for performances provide decorativeness only on the front side of the rotating body when viewed from the front, and the back side of the rotating body cannot be seen because a light source or a board is installed behind the lens part at the forefront. Therefore, it is natural that other rotating bodies cannot be moved to the back side of the rotating body.
However, according to characteristic XX1 of the present invention group, decorativeness can be provided on the front side of the first rotating means, and decorativeness can be enhanced on the back side of the first rotating means.
In addition, since the first state can notify the player of an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous state based on the light-emitting status of the light-emitting means, the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to the light-emitting status of the light-emitting means.

Feature XX2.
In the gaming machine according to the feature XX1 of the present invention,
The light emitting means is
a first light emission state indicating to a player an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player;
a second light emission state indicating to the player an unfavorable state that is more unfavorable to the player than the advantageous state;
The gaming machine includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that the first light-emitting state and the second light-emitting state are generated by switching between them.

According to Feature XX2 of the present invention, the gaming machine alternates between a first light-emitting state that indicates to the player an advantageous state and a second light-emitting state that indicates to the player an unfavorable state, so that the player can easily distinguish between advantageous and unfavorable states.

Feature XX3.
In the gaming machine according to the feature XX2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that it switches between the first light-emitting state and the second light-emitting state based on the determination result of the special information determination means.

According to Feature XX3 of the present invention group, the gaming machine alternates between the first light-emitting state and the second light-emitting state based on the determination result of the special information determination means, so that the player can guess the determination result of the special information determination means based on the light-emitting state of the light-emitting means. Therefore, the gaming machine can further draw the player's attention to the light-emitting state of the light-emitting means.

These feature groups of the present invention can increase the player's attention to the game, and therefore solve 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 a predetermined 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 are equipped with, for example, a transparent or translucent plate portion and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the back side of the plate portion, making the LED visible through the plate portion, and by changing the light emission state or color of the LED, etc., it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player expect that the gaming state will transition to a specific control state.

However, simply changing the lighting state or color of the LEDs can be monotonous, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to increase the player's attention to the game.

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

1... Pachinko machine, 24... General winning opening, 25... Upper operating opening, 26... Lower operating opening, 27... Variable winning device, 271... Large winning opening, 272... Opening and closing door, 273... Variable winning drive unit, 28... Outlet, 35... Pattern display device, 4... Main control device, 42... MPU, 5... Sound and light emission control device, 52... MPU, 6... Display control device, 62... MPU.

Claims (1)

A game board having a game area on a front side;
A special information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
a special information determination means for determining whether the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means satisfies a predetermined winning condition ;
In a gaming machine that transitions to a specific control state advantageous to a player when the special information determination means determines that the special information satisfies a predetermined winning condition,
A predetermined decorative means visible when viewed from the front of the game board;
A first rotation means configured to be rotatable when viewed from the front of the game board ,
The first rotating means includes:
A rotating plate portion is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis having an axial direction intersecting with a surface of the game board , and can be switched between a predetermined rotating state and a predetermined stopped state;
The rotating plate portion is
A visual confirmation section is provided on the rear side of the rotating plate section, through which at least a part of the predetermined decorative means arranged in correspondence with the game board can be visually confirmed, and the game machine is configured to be able to switch from the predetermined stopped state to the predetermined rotating state when a predetermined condition is satisfied based on a predetermined game by a player ,
This gaming machine is
A second rotating means is configured to be movable along the surface of the game board and to rotate in a predetermined manner when the game board is viewed from the front, and is configured to be movable between at least a first position that is visible without passing through the visible portion of the rotating plate portion and a second position that is visible through the visible portion of the rotating plate portion;
a first state in which at least a part of the predetermined decorative means at a specific position is visible through the visual recognition portion of the rotating plate portion in the predetermined rotation state in the predetermined game execution state;
The second rotating means is configured to be able to enter a second state in which a predetermined area of the second rotating means becomes visible through the visible portion of the rotating plate portion, and an area of at least a portion of the predetermined decorative means that is blocked by the second rotating means becomes invisible, by moving the second rotating means to the second position;
This gaming machine is
A plurality of the second rotating means are configured to be movable between the first position and the second position,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the gaming board is viewed from the front, one of a plurality of second rotation means is configured to be able to move between the first position and the second position so as not to obstruct the movement of the other second rotation means .

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