JP7498329B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can be controlled to create an advantageous state for the player.

Previously, gaming machines have been disclosed that use rainbow images in the background of the characters.

JP 2019-76370 A

The gaming machine described above can heighten the player's interest by using a rainbow image in the background of the characters, but there is still room for improvement in this type of presentation.

The present invention was conceived in light of this situation, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the entertainment value of the presentation using rainbow images.

(A) A gaming machine that can be controlled to have a first advantageous state and a second advantageous state that is more advantageous to a player, the second advantageous state being more advantageous than the first advantageous state ,
A setting means capable of setting a plurality of setting values each having a different probability of being controlled to the advantageous state ;
A display means;
A specific performance means for executing a specific performance,
The specific performance means is capable of displaying a special display that determines that the specific performance will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The special display includes a first special display and a second special display,
The first special display is a display including a first display and a second display,
the second special display is a display including a third display, a fourth display, a fifth display which is a character display , and a sixth display,
Each of the first display and the third display is configured without using a rainbow color display;
each of the second display, the fourth display, the fifth display , and the sixth display is configured using a rainbow color display;
the sixth display is displayed outside the third display, the fourth display, and the fifth display;
The second display and the fourth display have different rainbow color display modes,
The fourth display and the fifth display have different display modes of rainbow colors and different movements of the rainbow color images,
The fifth display and the sixth display have different rainbow color display modes,
The fifth display can be displayed in a manner superimposed on the fourth display,
a probability of being controlled to either the first advantageous state or the second advantageous state differs between when the first special display is displayed and when the second special display is displayed;
The special display can be displayed with different probabilities depending on the setting value set by the setting means.
Amusement machine.
(1) A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
A display means;
A specific performance means for executing a specific performance,
the specific performance means is capable of displaying a plurality of action prompting displays for prompting the player to perform a specific action in the specific performance,
Each of the plurality of action prompting displays is displayed in a set with each of a plurality of corresponding displays;
the corresponding display can be changed at least when the specific action is performed in response to the action prompting display displayed in combination with the corresponding display, or when a valid period of the specific action has elapsed without the specific action being performed in response to the action prompting display, and the valid periods corresponding to each of the plurality of action prompting displays are the same as each other,
When the multiple corresponding displays are displayed and a specific action has not been taken for any of the multiple corresponding displays, when the validity period has elapsed, one of the multiple corresponding displays changes, and then another corresponding display different from the one corresponding display changes (for example, the displays shown in Figures 62 and 63).

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a rear perspective view of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram to explain the special pattern LED board and the fourth pattern unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a display mode of a screen in an image display device. A diagram to explain the various boards and the like installed in a pachinko gaming machine. A diagram to explain the types of wins. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining each random number. A diagram to explain the jackpot determination table and the jackpot type determination table. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a performance control command. A diagram to explain an example of a front fluctuation pattern on the main side. A figure to explain an example of a subsequent fluctuation pattern on the main side. A diagram to explain the subsequent fluctuation pattern determination table when a miss occurs. This is a diagram to explain the subsequent fluctuation pattern determination table at the time of a jackpot. 13 is a diagram for explaining the previous fluctuation pattern determination table. FIG. A diagram to explain an example of a total fluctuation pattern on the main side. A diagram to explain an example of a total variation pattern on the sub side. A diagram to explain the execution period of a specific performance. 13 is a diagram for explaining the lottery for a specific effect pattern. FIG. A diagram to explain the lottery for the hold change notice pattern. A diagram for explaining the step-up preview pattern lottery. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a game control main process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt process for game control. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process. 13 is a flowchart showing the start winning determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of normal special symbol processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a variation pattern setting process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special pattern change process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol stopping process. A flowchart showing an example of processing before a jackpot is released. A flowchart showing an example of processing during a jackpot opening. A flowchart showing an example of processing after a jackpot is released. A flowchart showing an example of a jackpot end process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a performance control main process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a performance control process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a variable display start setting process. A diagram for explaining the presentation mode when selecting a specific presentation. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the common presentation after the hold change notice. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the step-up preview. A diagram to explain the presentation style in the common presentation after the step-up announcement. 13 is a diagram for explaining the presentation mode when an operation cannot be performed within the valid period. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the presentation mode when an operation cannot be performed within the valid period. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the presentation mode when an operation cannot be performed within the valid period. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the presentation mode when an operation cannot be performed within the valid period. FIG.

[Pachinko machine configuration, etc.]
Fig. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1 shows the layout of the main components of the pachinko game machine 1, which is an example of a game machine. The pachinko game machine 1, which is an example of a game machine, is broadly composed of a game board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes the game board surface, and a game machine frame (base frame) 3 that supports and fixes the game board 2. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and game balls as game media are shot into this game area by being shot from a predetermined ball shooting device.

In the pachinko game machine 1, the game is played by displaying special symbols in a variable manner. The "variable display" of special symbols means, for example, displaying multiple types of special symbols in a variable manner (the same applies to other symbols described later). The variations include updating the display of multiple symbols, scrolling the display of multiple symbols, transforming one or more symbols, and enlarging/reducing one or more symbols. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols described later, multiple types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of decorative symbols described later, multiple types of decorative symbols are scrolled or updated, or one or more decorative symbols are transformed or enlarged/reduced. The variations also include a mode in which a certain symbol is displayed flashing. At the end of the variable display, a specified special symbol is displayed stationary (also called derived or derived display) as a display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described later). The variable display may be expressed as a variable display or a variation.

In addition, two types of special symbols are provided as special symbols that are variably displayed on the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, one special symbol is also called the "first special symbol" or "first special symbol," and the other special symbol is also called the "second special symbol" or "second special symbol." In addition, a special symbol game using the first special symbol is also called the "first special symbol game," and a special symbol game using the second special symbol is also called the "second special symbol game."

An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the play area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or an organic EL (electro luminescence) device, and displays various presentation images. The image display device 5 may also be composed of a projector and a screen. Various presentation images are displayed on the image display device 5.

For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, multiple types of decorative patterns (such as patterns showing numbers, etc.) different from the special patterns are variably displayed as decorative identification information in synchronization with the first special pattern game or the second special pattern game. Here, decorative patterns are variably displayed (for example, scrolled up and down or updated) in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas in synchronization with the first special pattern game or the second special pattern game. The special pattern games and the variable display of decorative patterns executed in synchronization are collectively referred to as simply variable display.

The screen of the image display device 5 may be provided with a display area for displaying pending displays corresponding to variable displays whose execution is on hold (waiting) and pending displays corresponding to variable displays that are being executed. In the following, a display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is on hold (waiting) will simply be referred to as a "pending display," whereas a display corresponding to a variable display that is being executed (i.e., a pending display that has become active) will also be referred to as an "active pending display." Furthermore, pending displays and active pending displays will collectively be referred to as variable-compatible displays that correspond to variable displays.

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

A winning ball device 6A is provided below the image display device 5, and a variable winning ball device 6B is provided to the right of the winning ball device 6A.

The winning ball device 6A forms a first start winning hole that is always kept in a constant open state so that game balls can enter, for example, by a specified ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first start winning hole, a specified number of prize balls (for example, three) are paid out and the first special game can be started.

The variable winning ball device 6B (normal electric device) forms a second start winning hole (electric chute) that changes between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 5). The variable winning ball device 6B is, for example, equipped with an electric tulip-type device having a pair of movable wings, and when the solenoid 81 is in the off state, the movable wings are in a vertical position, so that the second start winning hole is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter (also referred to as the second start winning hole being in a closed state). On the other hand, when the solenoid 81 is in the on state, the movable wings of the variable winning ball device 6B are in a tilted position, so that the second start winning hole is in an open state in which the game ball can enter (also referred to as the second start winning hole being in an open state). When a game ball enters the second start winning hole, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, three) are paid out and the second special game can be started. The variable winning ball device 6B may be any device that can change between a closed state and an open state, and is not limited to devices that include an electric tulip-type device.

At predetermined positions on the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, three locations are provided at the lower left of the game area and one location above the variable winning ball device 6B), general winning openings 10 are provided that are always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. In this case, when a game ball enters one of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out as prize balls.

Between the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7A having a large winning opening is provided. The special variable winning ball device 7A has a large winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 5), and forms a large winning opening (hereinafter referred to as a regular large winning opening) as a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state by the large winning opening door.

For example, the special variable winning ball device 7A has a large prize opening door in the space between the game board 2 located at the back of the pachinko game machine 1 and the glass door frame 3a (see FIG. 2) located at the front side (player side) of the pachinko game machine 1, and this large prize opening door slides open and closes horizontally between the back and front sides of the pachinko game machine 1 to open the path for the game ball to the normal large prize opening. Specifically, when the solenoid 82 is in the off state, the large prize opening door slides to the front side of the pachinko game machine 1 to close the normal large prize opening, and the game ball cannot enter (pass) through the normal large prize opening. On the other hand, when the solenoid 82 is in the on state, the large prize opening door slides to the back side of the pachinko game machine 1 to open the normal large prize opening, and the game ball can easily enter the normal large prize opening.

When a game ball enters the regular large prize opening, it is detected by the count switch 23 as it passes through an area provided inside the regular large prize opening. When the game ball is detected by the count switch 23 (see FIG. 5), a number of game balls corresponding to the detection (for example, 10 balls per detection) are paid out to the player as prize balls. When a game ball enters the regular large prize opening, more prize balls are paid out than when a game ball enters the first start prize opening, the second start prize opening, or the general prize opening 10. When the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23 reaches an upper limit (for example, 10 balls), one round ends and the regular large prize opening is controlled to a closed state.

In the pachinko game machine 1, a V-variable winning ball device 7B is provided next to the special variable winning ball device 7A. The V-variable winning ball device 7B has a large winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 83 (see FIG. 5), and forms a large winning opening (hereinafter referred to as a V-large winning opening) that can be switched between an open state and a closed state by the large winning opening door.

For example, the special variable winning ball device 7B has a large winning port door in the space between the game board 2 and the glass door frame 3a, and this large winning port door slides open and closes horizontally between the back and front of the pachinko game machine 1 to open the path for the game ball to the V large winning port. Specifically, when the solenoid 83 is in the off state, the large winning port door slides to the front side of the pachinko game machine 1 to close the V large winning port, preventing the game ball from entering (passing through) the V large winning port. On the other hand, when the solenoid 83 is in the on state, the large winning port door slides to the back side of the pachinko game machine 1 to open the V large winning port, making it easier for the game ball to enter the V large winning port.

The game ball that enters the V large prize opening is detected by the V prize opening switch 24 (see FIG. 5) as it passes through a specific area (also called the V prize opening area) provided inside the V large prize opening. When the game ball is detected by the V prize opening switch 24, the game state is controlled to a high probability state. In other words, in this embodiment, a V prize occurs on the condition that the game ball enters the V large prize opening during a round of the high probability game state, and the game state is controlled to a high probability state. The normal high probability prize opening and the V large prize opening are collectively referred to as high probability prize openings. The high probability prize opening is also referred to as an attacca.

The entry of a game ball into each winning port, including the general winning port 10, is also called a "winning". In particular, a winning ball into the starting port (first starting winning port, second starting winning port) is also called a starting winning port.

In the pachinko game machine 1, normal symbols are variably displayed as multiple types of normal identification information different from the special symbols. Such variable display of normal symbols is also called a normal symbol game.

A pass gate 41 through which the game ball can pass is provided to the right of the image display device 5. When the game ball passes through the pass gate 41, a regular game is executed.

In addition to the above features, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with windmills that change the direction and speed of the game balls, as well as numerous obstacle nails. At the very bottom of the game area, there is an outlet that takes in game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes.

Speakers 8L and 8R are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3 to play and output sound effects, etc.

A movable body 32 that operates according to the presentation is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (above the image display device 5 in FIG. 1). The movable body 32 is configured so that a member bearing the character "POWER" is positioned in front of a member bearing the character "2". This forms the character "POWER2". "POWER2" may be the model name of the pachinko game machine 1, or may be a name representing the content used in the pachinko game machine 1 (for example, the title of an anime or the name of a singer). The character attached to the movable body 32 may also indicate the name of the main character or the character with the second highest priority after the main character (for example, the main character Yume Yume-chan) that appears in the content used in the pachinko game machine 1. In this embodiment, the model name of the pachinko game machine 1 (Powerful 2) is indicated on the movable body 32.

In this embodiment, the movable body 32 is movable between a position above the image display device 5 and a position covering the front of the image display device 5 as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the movable body 32 stops at a position covering the front of the image display device 5 by dropping only the component bearing the character "POWER" from the position shown in FIG. 1 out of the component bearing the character "POWER" and the component bearing the character "2." The movable body 32 is also referred to as a role-playing object.

At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a ball-hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 is provided, which is operated by the player or the like to launch the gaming ball toward the gaming area using the ball-hitting device.

At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area, a ball supply tray (upper tray) is provided to hold (store) gaming balls dispensed as prize balls or game balls loaned from a predetermined ball loaning machine so that they can be supplied to the ball launching device. In addition to the upper tray, the gaming machine frame 3 may also be provided with a payout section (ball supply tray) from which prize balls are paid out when the upper tray is full.

A stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player is attached to a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed (or depressed) by the player. Operations on the stick controller 31A are detected by the controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 5).

At a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a push button 31B is provided that allows the player to perform a predetermined command operation by pressing it. The operation of the push button 31B is detected by a push sensor 35B (see FIG. 5).

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B are provided as detection means for detecting the player's actions (operations, etc.), but other detection means may also be provided.

The pachinko game machine 1 is provided with a special symbol LED board 20 at the bottom left of the game board 2. The special symbol LED board 20 is an LED board that is controlled by the game control microcomputer 100 and notifies the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number by lighting (lighting)/flashing/off of the LED. In the following, "lighting" and "light emitting" are used with the same or approximately the same meaning. In the special symbol LED board 20, the type of special symbol (first special symbol) in the first special symbol game and the type of special symbol (second special symbol) in the second special symbol game are represented by a combination of light emitting modes such as light emitting/flashing/off by multiple LEDs provided in the special symbol 1 variable display unit 21, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(a) described later, in the special symbol LED board 20, the type of the first special symbol is represented by a combination of light emitting modes such as light emitting/flashing/off by multiple LEDs provided in the special symbol 2 variable display unit 22, and the type of the second special symbol is represented by a combination of light emitting modes such as light emitting/flashing/off by multiple LEDs provided in the special symbol 2 variable display unit 22.

The pachinko game machine 1 further includes a fourth symbol unit 50 at the bottom left of the image display device 5. The fourth symbol unit 50 is an LED board that is controlled by the performance control CPU 120 and notifies the change in the special symbol, the number of reserved memories, the right-hit display, and the like by lighting up/blinking/turning off the LEDs. In the fourth symbol unit 50, the type of the special symbol (first special symbol) in the first special symbol game and the type of the special symbol (second special symbol) in the second special symbol game are represented by a combination of lighting modes such as lighting up/blinking/turning off by the multiple LEDs provided in the special symbol 1 variable display unit 53, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(b) described later, in the fourth symbol unit 50, the type of the first special symbol is represented by a combination of lighting modes such as lighting up/blinking/turning off by the multiple LEDs provided in the special symbol 2 variable display unit 54, and the type of the second special symbol is represented by a combination of lighting modes such as lighting up/blinking/turning off by the multiple LEDs provided in the special symbol 2 variable display unit 54.

The pachinko game machine 1 has a game board 2 and a game machine frame 3 with multiple lamps. Specifically, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a role lamp 9A provided on the movable body 32, a board left lamp 9B provided on the left side of the game board 2, a board-top lamp 9C provided above the game board 2, an attacca lamp 9E provided near the special variable winning ball device 7B, a V attacca lamp 9F provided near the special variable winning ball device 7A, a V lamp 9G that notifies the player that a round of a big win game state in which a V big winning hole is open and a V winning can occur, or that a V winning has occurred, an electric chute lamp 9H provided near the variable winning ball device 6B, a stick controller lamp 9J provided on the stick controller 31A, a trigger button lamp 9K provided on the push button 31B, a frame left lamp 9L provided on the left side of the game machine frame 3, and a frame right lamp 9R provided on the right side of the game machine frame 3. The V lamp may be for notifying the player that a big win has occurred.

The reel lamp 9A is composed of multiple lamps, namely reel lamps 9A1 to 9A4. Specifically, the component labeled "POWER" and included in the movable body 32 is divided into four parts, with reel lamp 9A1 located behind the "P" and "O" parts, reel lamp 9A2 located behind the "W" and "E" parts, reel lamp 9A3 located behind the "R" and "F" parts, and reel lamp 9A4 located behind the "U" and "L" parts. As a result, when reel lamps 9A1 to 9A4 light up (emit light) behind the component labeled with the word "POWER", "POWER" lights up (emits light).

The left board lamp 9B is composed of a number of lamps, such as left board lamps 9B1 to 9B5. A main character in the content used in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is depicted on the left side of the game board 2, and the left board lamps 9B1 to 9B5 are each disposed behind the part of the game board 2 where the main character is depicted. As a result, when the left board lamps 9B1 to 9B5 light up (emit light) behind the part of the game board 2 where the main character is depicted, the part of the game board 2 where the main character is depicted lights up (
The LEDs are designed to emit light.

The on-board lamps 9C are made up of multiple lamps. The upper side of the game board 2 is divided into three areas, left, center, and right, and multiple on-board lamps 9C are arranged on the back side of the game board 2. The part of the game board 2 where the on-board lamps 9C are provided is made of a transparent material that can transmit light, so that when the on-board lamps 9C light up (emit light) on the back side of the upper part of the game board 2, the upper part of the game board 2 lights up (emits light) in white, red, or other colors.

The attacca lamp 9E is located on the back side of the game board 2 near the special variable winning ball device 7B. As a result, when the attacca lamp 9E lights up (emits light) on the back side of the game board 2, it lights up (emits light) the area near the special variable winning ball device 7B. In addition, the V attacca lamp 9F is located on the back side of the game board 2 near the special variable winning ball device 7A. As a result, when the V attacca lamp 9F lights up (emits light) on the back side of the game board 2, it lights up (emits light) the area near the special variable winning ball device 7A.

The V lamp 9G is located behind the part of the game board 2 that is marked with a "V". As a result, when the V lamp 9G lights up (emits light) behind the part of the game board 2 that is marked with a "V", the part of the game board 2 that is marked with a "V" lights up (emits light). The electric chute lamp 9H is located near the variable winning ball device 6B, and when it lights up (emits light), it lights up (emits light) the area near the special variable winning ball device 7B.

The stick controller lamp 9J is provided on the stick controller 31A, and when lit (emits light), it lights up (emits light) the stick controller 31A. The trigger button lamp 9K is provided on the push button 31B, and when lit (emits light), it lights up (emits light) the push button 31B.

The left frame lamp 9L is made up of multiple lamps provided on the left side of the gaming machine frame 3, and when each lamp is turned on (lights up), the left side of the gaming machine frame 3 is turned on (lights up). The right frame lamp 9R is made up of multiple lamps provided on the right side of the gaming machine frame 3, and when each lamp is turned on (lights up), the right side of the gaming machine frame 3 is turned on (lights up). The left frame lamp 9L and the right frame lamp 9R are collectively referred to as frame lamps. The role lamp 9A, left board lamp 9B, top board lamp 9C, attacca lamp 9E, V attacca lamp 9F, V lamp 9G, electric chute lamp 9H, stick controller lamp 9J, trigger button lamp 9K, left frame lamp 9L, and right frame lamp 9R are collectively referred to as game effect lamps 9.

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The main board 11, housed in a board case 201, is mounted on the rear of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board 11 is provided with a setting key 51 and a setting change switch 52. The setting key 51 functions as a lock switch for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state. The setting change switch 52 functions as a setting switch for changing settings such as the probability of winning a jackpot and the payout rate in the setting change state. The setting key 51 and the setting change switch 52 may be attached to the outside of the main board 11, for example, at a predetermined position on the power supply board 17 (see Figure 5).

A display monitor 29 is disposed in the center of the back surface of the main board 11, and a display changeover switch 30 (see FIG. 5) is disposed to the side of the display monitor 29. The display monitor 29 may be configured, for example, using a seven-segment LED display device. The display monitor 29 and the display changeover switch 30 are disposed directly in front of the main board 11 when the back surface of the gaming board 2 is viewed with the gaming machine frame 3 open.

The display monitor 29 can display winning information such as consecutive win ratio, winning ratio, and base. The consecutive win ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls that have entered the large winning port (attacka) to the total number of winning balls. The winning ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls that have entered the second start winning port (electric chute) and the number of winning balls that have entered the large winning port (attacka) to the total number of winning balls. The base is the ratio of the total number of winning balls to the number of game balls shot out. When in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 can display the setting values in the pachinko game machine 1. When in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 only needs to be able to display the setting values to be changed or confirmed.

When the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52 cannot be operated from the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The gaming machine frame 3 is provided with a rotatable glass door frame 3a having a glass window, and is configured so that the gaming area can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 3a. When the glass door frame 3a is closed, the gaming area can be seen through the glass window.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a security cover 50A is attached to the right end of the outer frame 1a, which is formed in a vertically long rectangular frame shape. When the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the security cover 50A covers the right side of the board case 201, including the setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52, from the rear side. The security cover 50A is a roughly L-shaped member including a short piece 50Aa and a long piece 50Ab, and may be made of a transparent synthetic resin.

3 is a diagram for explaining the special symbol LED board 20 and the fourth symbol unit 50. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the special symbol LED board 20 includes a special symbol 1 variable display section 21 showing the variable display of the first special symbol, a special symbol 2 variable display section 22 showing the variable display of the second special symbol, a special symbol 1 memory display section 23 showing the first reserved memory number corresponding to the first special symbol game, a special symbol 2 memory display section 24 showing the second reserved memory number corresponding to the second special symbol game, a regular symbol memory display section 25 showing the regular symbol reserved memory number, a regular symbol display section 26 showing the variable display of the regular symbol, a right-hit display section 30 encouraging the player to hit right, a special symbol display section 28 showing the presence or absence of a special symbol state, a time-saving display section 29 showing the presence or absence of a time-saving state, and a round display section 27 showing the number of rounds of the jackpot. Each display unit can inform the player of the presence or absence of variable display of special or normal symbols, the results, the current game status, the number of reserved symbols, etc., by lighting (emitting light) or blinking with a light-emitting means such as an LED.

For example, the special symbol 1 variable display unit 21 notifies the player whether or not a variable display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol game is being performed, and the stopping symbol of the first special symbol determined by the result of the variable display, by lighting (emitting light)/flashing/going out with a light-emitting means such as an LED. The special symbol 2 variable display unit 22 notifies the player whether or not a variable display of the second special symbol in the second special symbol game is being performed, and the stopping symbol of the second special symbol determined by the result of the variable display, by lighting/flashing/going out with a light-emitting means such as an LED.

Furthermore, the special chart LED board 20 can urge the player to hit right by lighting/flashing/turning off the light emitting means such as the LED in the right hit display unit 30. In this embodiment, when urging the player to hit right, the light emitting means such as the LED in the right hit display unit 30 lights up, and when not urging the player to hit right, that is, when urging the player to hit left, the light emitting means such as the LED in the right hit display unit 30 turns off. After the pattern is determined, the CPU 103 transmits a right hit display lighting designation command to the performance control CPU 120 and causes the right hit display unit 30 to light up, and after the pattern is determined by the final variation in the high base state before returning to the normal state, transmits a right hit display turning off designation command to the performance control CPU 120 and turns off the right hit display unit 30. In addition, when the pachinko game machine 1 has a jackpot or a small jackpot that is not controlled to a high base after the jackpot game state, the performance control CPU 120 may light up the right-hit display unit 30 only during the jackpot round. In this case, the CPU 103 transmits a jackpot end designation command to the performance control CPU 120 and turns off the right-hit display unit 30.

Here, right-hand hit refers to operating the ball-hitting handle 30 to launch the game ball toward the second flow-down path, which is one of the first and second flow-down paths through which the game medium can flow down in the game area provided on the game board 2. The first flow-down path is, for example, a path that passes through the left area of the game area, and beyond which there is a first start winning hole formed in the winning ball device 6A, but there is no second start winning hole formed in the variable winning ball device 6B. The second flow-down path is, for example, a path that passes through the right area of the game area, and beyond which there are a second start winning hole and a large winning hole (normal large winning hole, V large winning hole) formed in the variable winning ball device 6B. When the player launches the game ball toward the first flow-down path, the game ball flows toward the first start winning hole through the first flow-down path. When a player shoots a game ball toward the second flow path, the game ball passes through the second flow path and flows toward the second start winning hole or the big winning hole (normal big winning hole, V big winning hole).

In this embodiment, in the jackpot game after the occurrence of a jackpot, and in the game state after the jackpot game (time-saving state or probability variable state), the player hits the right to make the game ball enter the second start winning hole or the large winning hole provided on the right side of the game area, and during that time, the right-hit display unit 30 urges the player to hit the right. By hitting the right while the display urging the player to hit the right is being displayed, the player can make the game ball enter the second start winning hole and a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls are paid out, and can obtain the right to play the second special game, or can make the game ball enter the normal large winning hole and a predetermined number (for example, ten) of prize balls are paid out. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, during the round of the probability variable jackpot, the V large winning hole is opened, but the player can also hit the right while the display urging the player to hit the right is being displayed to make the game ball enter the V large winning hole and obtain the right to be controlled in the probability variable state. Therefore, by hitting to the right while a display is being displayed encouraging the player to hit to the right, the player may gain an overall advantage. Note that, unlike hitting to the right, operating the ball-hitting handle 30 to launch the game ball toward the first flow path (hitting style) is also called hitting to the left.

As shown in FIG. 3(b), the fourth symbol unit 50 includes a special symbol 1 memory display section 51 that indicates the first reserved memory number corresponding to the first special symbol game, a special symbol 2 memory display section 52 that indicates the second reserved memory number corresponding to the second special symbol game, a special symbol 1 variable display section 53 that indicates the status or display result of the variable display of the first special symbol, a special symbol 2 variable display section 54 that indicates the status or display result of the variable display of the second special symbol, and a right hit display section 55 that encourages the player to hit to the right. Each display section can inform the player of the presence or absence of a variable display of a special symbol, the number of reserved symbols, and right hit instructions by lighting/blinking/going out using light-emitting means such as an LED.

For example, the special symbol 1 variable display unit 53 notifies the player whether or not a variable display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol game is being performed, and the stopping symbol of the first special symbol determined by the result of the variable display, by lighting/flashing/extinguishing an LED or other light-emitting means. The special symbol 2 variable display unit 54 notifies the player whether or not a variable display of the second special symbol in the second special symbol game is being performed, and the stopping symbol of the second special symbol determined by the result of the variable display, by lighting/flashing/extinguishing an LED or other light-emitting means.

Hereinafter, the display of the variation of the stopped pattern of the first special pattern by the light-emitting means such as LED in the special pattern 1 variable display unit 21 or the special pattern 1 variable display unit 53 is also referred to as the variable display (variable display) of the first special pattern. Also, the display of the variation of the stopped pattern of the second special pattern by the light-emitting means such as LED in the special pattern 2 variable display unit 22 or the special pattern 2 variable display unit 54 is also referred to as the variable display (variable display) of the second special pattern.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the player is prompted to hit right, the light emitting means such as LED in the right hit display unit 55 of the fourth symbol unit 50 is illuminated, and when the player is not prompted to hit right, that is, when the player is prompted to hit left, the light emitting means such as LED in the right hit display unit 55 is turned off. The performance control CPU 120 causes the right hit display unit 55 to light up based on receiving a right hit display lighting command from the CPU 103 after the symbol is determined, and turns off the right hit display unit 55 based on receiving a right hit display turning off command from the CPU 103 after the symbol is determined by the final variation in the high base state before returning to the normal state. In addition, when the pachinko game machine 1 has a big hit or a small hit that is not controlled to the high base after the big hit game state, the performance control CPU 120 may cause the right hit display unit 55 to light up only during the big hit round. In this case, the performance control CPU 120 turns off the right-hit display unit 55 based on receiving a jackpot end command from the CPU 103.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the display mode of the screen in the image display device 5. Most of the display area of the image display device 5 is used to display images such as variable display of decorative symbols and reach effects. Specifically, in the center of the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronization with the first special symbol game and the second special symbol game, variable display of decorative symbols (such as symbols showing numbers, etc.) as multiple types of decorative identification information different from the special symbols is performed. Here, in synchronization with the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game, decorative symbols are variably displayed (for example, scrolled up and down or updated) in each of the "left", "center", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The special symbol games and variable display of decorative symbols executed in synchronization are collectively referred to simply as variable display.

At the bottom of the screen of the image display device 5, there are provided a first pending memory display area 5D capable of displaying the first pending memory number according to the number of pending displays (variable response displays), a second pending memory display area 5U capable of displaying the second pending memory number according to the number of pending displays (variable response displays), and an active pending display area 5A for displaying the pending display (variable response display) corresponding to the variable display currently being executed as an active pending display. The image display device 5 constantly displays the first pending memory display area 5D, the second pending memory display area 5U, and the active pending display area 5A at least while the variable display is being performed, allowing the player to view the variable response displays (pending display, active pending display).

At the top right corner of the screen of the image display device 5, a fourth pattern 5J is displayed, indicating that the special pattern is being variably displayed, and indicating the first and second reserved memory counts. At the left edge of the screen of the image display device 5, small patterns 5M, which are smaller than the decorative patterns, are displayed. The small patterns are arranged vertically in a row, corresponding to the decorative patterns displayed in the "left" decorative pattern display area 5L, the decorative patterns displayed in the "middle" decorative pattern display area 5C, and the decorative patterns displayed in the "right" decorative pattern display area 5R. Furthermore, the small patterns 5M are never made invisible during the variably displayed state, and are also the patterns that are always displayed on the screen of the image display device 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the decorative pattern is arranged in the center of the screen of the image display device 5, and the small pattern 5M is arranged at the left end of the screen of the image display device 5 in a size smaller than the decorative pattern. Therefore, the visibility of the small pattern 5M is lower than the visibility of the decorative pattern.

As shown in Fig. 4(a), the shape of the screen of the image display device 5 is rectangular or approximately rectangular, but as described above, the game board 2 is fixed so as to cover the edge of the screen of the image display device 5. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4(b), when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front, part of the screen of the image display device 5 (especially the edge) cannot be seen or is difficult to see because of the game board 2.

[Board configuration]
5 is a diagram for explaining various boards mounted on the pachinko game machine 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11, a performance control board 12, a sound control board 13, a relay board 15, and the like. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, and a launch control board are arranged on the back of the pachinko game machine 1. Furthermore, a power supply board 17 connected to a power switch 91 is also mounted. The various control boards are a concept that includes not only electronic circuit boards such as printed wiring boards on which conductor patterns are formed and on which electrical components can be mounted, but also electronic circuit mounting boards configured to realize specific electrical functions by mounting electrical components on the electronic circuit board.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, power from an AC power source, such as an external power source of 100V AC, such as a commercial power source, can be supplied to electrical components including various control boards such as the main board 11 and the performance control board 12, via the power supply board 17. The power supply board 17 includes, for example, a rectifier circuit for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), and a power supply circuit for converting a predetermined DC voltage to a specific DC voltage (for example, 12V DC or 5V DC).

The main board 11 is the main control board, and has the function of controlling the progress of the above-mentioned games in the pachinko game machine 1 (execution of the special game (including management of reserved balls), execution of the regular game (including management of reserved balls), big win game state, small win game state, game state, etc.). The main board 11 has a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, an output circuit 111, etc.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102.
The system includes a central processing unit (CPU) 103, a random number circuit 104, an input/output port (I/O) 105, and a real time clock (RTC) 106.

The CPU 103 executes the programs stored in the ROM 101 to perform processes that control the progress of the game (processes that realize the functions of the main board 11). At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (such as data on fluctuation patterns, performance control commands, and various tables referenced when making various decisions) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. The RAM 102 serves as a backup RAM in which the stored contents are preserved for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped in part or in whole. Note that all or part of the programs stored in the ROM 101 may be deployed to the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

The random number circuit 104 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random number values (gaming random numbers) used to control the progress of the game. The gaming random numbers may be updated by the CPU 103 executing a specific computer program (updated by software).

The I/O 105 includes, for example, an input port to which various signals (detection signals described below) are input, and an output port for transmitting various signals (signals for controlling (driving) the special LED board 20, etc., solenoid drive signals).

The switch circuit 110 takes in detection signals (such as a detection signal indicating that a game ball has passed or entered and a switch has been turned on) from various switches for detecting game balls (gate switch 21, start port switch (first start port switch 22A and second start port switch 22B), count switch 23, V entry switch 24) and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The transmission of the detection signal indicates that the game ball has passed or entered.

The switch circuit 110 receives a reset signal, a power-off signal, and a clear signal from the power supply board 17 and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The reset signal is an operation stop signal for stopping the operation of control circuits such as the game control microcomputer 100, and can be output using a power supply monitoring circuit, a watchdog timer built-in IC, or a system reset IC. The power-off signal is turned off when the specified power supply voltage used in the pachinko game machine 1 exceeds a specified value, and is turned on when the period during which the specified power supply voltage is below the specified value continues for longer than the power-off reference time. The clear signal is turned on in response to, for example, pressing the clear switch 92 provided on the power supply board 17.

The output circuit 111 transmits the solenoid drive signal from the game control microcomputer 100 to solenoid 81, solenoid 82, or solenoid 83.

The main board 11 is connected to a display monitor 29, a display changeover switch 30, a setting key 51, a setting changeover switch 52, and a door open sensor 90. The door open sensor 90 detects the opening of the gaming machine frame 3, including the glass door frame 3a.

As part of controlling the progress of the game, the main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100) supplies presentation control commands (commands that specify (notify) the progress of the game, etc.) to the presentation control board 12 in accordance with the progress of the game. The presentation control commands output from the main board 11 are relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the presentation control board 12. The presentation control commands include, for example, commands that specify various determination results in the main board 11 (for example, the display results of the special game (including the type of jackpot), the variable pattern used when executing the special game (described in detail later)), the game status (for example, the start or end of the variable display, the opening status of the jackpot opening, the occurrence of a win, the number of reserved memories, the game status), the occurrence of an error, etc.

The performance control board 12 is a sub-control board independent of the main board 11, and has the function of receiving performance control commands and executing performances (various performances according to the progress of the game, including various notifications such as driving the movable body 32, notifying errors, and notifying of power outage recovery) based on the received performance control commands.

The performance control board 12 is equipped with a performance control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a display control unit 123, a random number circuit 124, and an I/O 125.

The performance control CPU 120 executes the programs stored in the ROM 121 to perform processing for executing performances together with the display control unit 123 (processing for realizing the above-mentioned functions of the performance control board 12, including determining the performance to be executed). At this time, various data (data such as various tables) stored in the ROM 121 are used, and the RAM 122 is used as the main memory.

The presentation control CPU 120 may instruct the display control unit 123 to execute a presentation based on detection signals from the controller sensor unit 35A or the push sensor 35B (signals that are output when an operation by a player is detected and that appropriately indicate the content of the operation).

The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), CGROM (Character Generator ROM), VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes the performance based on instructions to execute the performance from the performance control CPU 120.

The display control unit 123 displays a performance image on the image display device 5 by supplying a video signal corresponding to the performance to be executed to the image display device 5 based on an instruction to execute the performance from the performance control CPU 120. The performance control CPU 120 supplies a sound designation signal (a signal designating the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 in order to output sound synchronized with the display of the performance image, and supplies brightness data (a signal designating the on/off state of the lamp) to the LED driver in order to turn on/off the game effect lamp 9. The performance control CPU 120 also supplies a signal to operate the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or to the drive circuit that drives the movable body 32.

The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits that drive the speakers 8L and 8R, and drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, causing the speakers 8L and 8R to output the sound designated by the sound designation signal.

As will be described in more detail later, each game effect lamp has a game effect lamp LED board equipped with an LED (lamp) and an LED driver that supplies current to the LED. The LED driver adjusts the current to each LED (lamp) included in the game effect lamp 9 based on brightness data from the performance control CPU 120, causing the game effect lamp 9 to light up/blink/go off. In this way, the performance control CPU 120 controls the game effect lamp 9 to light up/blink/go off.

The random number circuit 124 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random number values (random numbers for performance) used to execute various performances. The random numbers for performance may be updated by the performance control CPU 120 executing a specific computer program (updated by software).

The I/O 125 mounted on the performance control board 12 includes an input port for taking in performance control commands transmitted from, for example, the main board 11, and an output port for transmitting various signals (video signals, sound designation signals, and luminance data signals).

Boards other than the main board 11, such as the performance control board 12 and the sound control board 13, are also called sub-boards. As with the pachinko game machine 1, multiple sub-boards may be provided for different functions, or one sub-board may be configured to have multiple functions.

The fourth pattern unit 50 is connected to the performance control board 12, and each display section can be made to emit light (blink) under the control of the control CPU 120.

[Outline of game progress]
In the pachinko game machine 1 having the above-mentioned configuration, the game proceeds as follows. The game ball is launched toward the game area by the player rotating the ball hitting operation handle 30 provided on the pachinko game machine 1. When the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, a normal game is started by the normal symbol display 20. If the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 during the period when the previous normal game is being played (if the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 but the normal game based on the passing cannot be played immediately), the normal game based on the passing is reserved up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In this normal game, if a specific normal symbol (a normal winning symbol) is displayed as a fixed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than a normal winning symbol (a normal losing symbol) is displayed as a fixed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal losing". When a "normal winning" occurs, an opening control is performed to keep the variable winning ball device 6B in an open state for a predetermined period of time (the second starting winning port is opened).

When a game ball enters the first start winning hole formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special game is started by the special game 1 variable display unit 21 of the special game LED board 20.

When a game ball enters the second start winning hole formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special game is started by the special game 2 variable display unit 22 of the special game LED board 20.

In addition, if the game ball enters (wins) the start winning hole during the period when the special game is being played or during the period when the game is controlled to a big win game state or a small win game state (when a start winning occurs but the special game based on the start winning cannot be played immediately), the special game based on that entry will be put on hold until a specified upper limit number (for example, 4).

In the special symbol game, a "big hit" occurs when the combination of the light emission modes of the multiple LEDs provided on the special symbol 1 variable display section 21 and the special symbol 2 variable display section 22 of the special symbol LED board 20 becomes a combination of light emission modes corresponding to a specific special symbol (big hit symbol, the actual symbol differs depending on the type of big hit described below). The light emission mode corresponding to a specific special symbol (big hit symbol) in the combination of the light emission modes of the multiple LEDs provided on the special symbol 1 variable display section 21 and the special symbol 2 variable display section 22 of the special symbol LED board 20 is also referred to as a "specific display result". In addition, a "small hit" occurs when the combination of the light emission modes of the multiple LEDs provided on the special symbol 1 variable display section 21 and the special symbol 2 variable display section 22 of the special symbol LED board 20 becomes a combination of light emission modes corresponding to a specific special symbol (small hit symbol) different from the big hit symbol. In addition, when the combination of the light emission modes of the multiple LEDs provided in the special chart 1 variable display unit 21 and the special chart 2 variable display unit 22 of the special chart LED board 20 is a combination of light emission modes corresponding to a special pattern (losing pattern) different from the big win pattern and the small win pattern, it becomes a "losing". In addition, the light emission mode corresponding to a special pattern (losing pattern) different from the big win pattern and the small win pattern in the combination of the light emission modes of the multiple LEDs provided in the special chart 1 variable display unit 21 and the special chart 2 variable display unit 22 of the special chart LED board 20 is also called a "losing display result".

After the display result in the special game becomes "big win", the game state is controlled to a big win game state that is advantageous to the player. After the display result in the special game becomes "small win", the game state is controlled to a small win game state that is advantageous to the player. Note that a small win does not necessarily have to be set as a win type.

In the jackpot game state, the large prize opening formed by the special variable prize ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period of time (e.g., 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) has elapsed, or the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 9), whichever comes first. This predetermined period is the upper limit period during which the large prize opening can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as the upper limit opening period. This cycle in which the large prize opening is open is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeated until the predetermined upper limit number of times (10 times or 7 times) is reached.

In the jackpot game state, the player can get prize balls by making the game ball enter the big prize hole. Therefore, the jackpot game state is advantageous to the player. The more rounds in the jackpot game state, and the longer the upper limit period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

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

In the small win game state, the large prize opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined opening state. For example, in the small win game state, the large prize opening is opened in the same opening state as the large prize opening in the large prize game state for some large prize types (the number of times the large prize opening is opened is the same as the number of rounds, and the timing of closing the large prize opening is also the same, etc.). Note that, like the large prize types, small prize types may also be set for "small prizes."

After the jackpot game state ends, depending on the type of jackpot mentioned above, the game may be controlled to a time-saving state or a special state that is advantageous to the player.

In the time-saving state, control (time-saving control) is executed to shorten the average special symbol fluctuation time (period during which the special symbol fluctuates) more than in the normal state. In the time-saving state, control (high opening control, high base control) is also executed to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole by shortening the average regular symbol fluctuation time (period during which the regular symbol fluctuates) more than in the normal state and by improving the probability of a "regular symbol hit" in the regular symbol game more than in the normal state. The time-saving state is an advantageous state for the player because it is a state in which the fluctuation efficiency of special symbols (especially the second special symbol) is improved.

In the probability variable state (probability fluctuating state), in addition to time-saving control, probability variable control is executed, which increases the probability that the display result will be a "jackpot" compared to the normal state. The probability variable state is an even more advantageous state for the player, as it not only improves the efficiency of special symbol fluctuation, but also makes it easier to get a "jackpot."

The time-saving state or the probability of a special bonus state will continue until one of the end conditions is met first, such as the specified number of special games being played or the start of the next big win game state. The end condition of the state in which the specified number of special games have been played is also called a count-cut (count-cut time-saving state, count-cut probability of a special bonus state, etc.).

The normal state refers to a game state other than advantageous states that are advantageous to the player, such as the jackpot game state, time-saving state, and probability change state, and is a state in which the pachinko game machine 1, such as the probability that the display result in the normal game will be a "normal hit" and the probability that the display result in the special game will be a "jackpot", is controlled in the same way as the initial setting state of the pachinko game machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed and the specified return process is not executed after power is turned on).

The state in which probability variable control is being executed is also called a high probability state, and the state in which probability variable control is not being executed is also called a low probability state. The state in which time-saving control is being executed is also called a high base state, and the state in which time-saving control is not being executed is also called a low base state. Combining these, the time-saving state is also called a low probability high base state, the probability variable state is a high probability high base state, and the normal state is a low probability low base state. A high probability state and a low base state are also called a high probability low base state.

After the small win game state ends, the game state is not changed, and the game state before the display result of the special game becomes "small win" is continued (however, if the special game when the "small win" occurs is the special game of the above-mentioned predetermined number of times in the above-mentioned number cut, the game state is changed naturally). In addition, "small win" does not have to be the display result of the special game.

The game state may change based on the game ball passing through a specific area (e.g., a specific area within a big prize opening) during a big win game state. For example, when the game ball passes through a specific area, the game state may be controlled to a special probability state after the big win game state.

In the pachinko game machine 1, various effects (effects that notify the progress of the game or liven up the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The effects are executed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of the display, the effects may be executed as sound output from the speakers 8L, 8R, the lighting or extinguishing of the game effect lamp 9, the operation of the movable body 32, or any effect device that includes some or all of these.

As an effect that is executed according to the progress of the game, in the "left", "middle" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C and 5R provided on the image display device 5, a variable display of decorative patterns begins in response to the start of the first or second special pattern game. At the timing when the display result (also called the determined special pattern) in the first or second special pattern game is displayed statically, the determined decorative pattern (a combination of three decorative patterns) which is the display result of the variable display of the decorative patterns is also displayed statically (derived).

During the period from when the variable display of the decorative symbols starts to when it ends, the state of the variable display of the decorative symbols may become a predetermined reach state (a reach is achieved). Here, a reach state refers to a state in which the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 continue to be variable displayed when the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed form part of a jackpot combination, which will be described later.

In addition, a reach performance is executed in response to the above-mentioned reach state being reached during the variable display of the decorative pattern. In the pachinko game machine 1, a plurality of types of reach performances are executed with different rates (also called the reliability of a big hit or the expectation of a big hit) of the display result (the display result of the special game or the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern) becoming a "big hit" according to the performance state. The reach performances include, for example, a normal reach, a super reach with a higher reliability of a big hit than a normal reach, and a strongest reach with an even higher reliability of a big hit than a super reach. In addition, the super reach is divided into the first half of the super reach and the second half of the super reach. In this embodiment, the reliability of a big hit is higher when the display result of the variable display is derived in the first half of the super reach than when the display result of the variable display is derived in the normal reach. In addition, the reliability of a big hit is higher when the display result of the variable display is derived in the second half of the super reach than when the display result of the variable display is derived in the first half of the super reach. In addition, the reliability of a jackpot is higher when the display result of the variable display is derived in the strongest reach than when the display result of the variable display is derived in the second half of the super reach. Note that, below, "Super Reach" is also referred to as "SP Reach," "the first half of the Super Reach" as "the first half of the SP," and "the second half of the Super Reach" as "the second half of the SP."

When the display result of the special game is a combination of light emission patterns corresponding to a "jackpot" (the specific display result described above), a fixed decorative pattern that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns on the screen of the image display device 5 (the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns is a "jackpot"). As an example, the same decorative patterns (for example, "7") are displayed stopped in line on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "center", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R.

In the case of a "probability jackpot" that is controlled to a probability jackpot state after the end of the jackpot game state, odd decorative symbols (such as "7") may be displayed in a line, and in the case of a "non-probability jackpot (normal jackpot)" that is not controlled to a probability jackpot state after the end of the jackpot game state, even decorative symbols (such as "6") may be displayed in a line. In this case, odd decorative symbols are also called probability jackpot symbols, and even decorative symbols are also called non-probability jackpot symbols (normal symbols). After a reach state is reached with non-probability jackpot symbols, a promotion effect may be executed that ultimately results in a "probability jackpot".

When the display result of the special game is a combination of light emission modes corresponding to a "small win", a fixed decorative pattern (such as "1 3 5") that is a predetermined small win combination is derived as a display result of the variable display of decorative patterns on the screen of the image display device 5 (the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns is a "small win"). As an example, decorative patterns that constitute chance eyes are displayed stationary on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. Note that a common fixed decorative pattern may be derived and displayed when the display result of the special game is a "big win" of some big win types (big win types in a big win game state that are the same as in a small win game state) and when it is a "small win".

When the display result of the special game is a combination of light emission patterns corresponding to a "miss" (the miss display result described above), the state of the variable display of the decorative pattern does not become a reach state, and the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may display a fixed decorative pattern of a non-reach combination (also called a "non-reach miss") as a "non-reach miss" (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes a "non-reach miss"). Also, when the display result is a "miss", after the state of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes a reach state, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may display a fixed decorative pattern of a predetermined reach combination (also called a "reach miss") that is not a jackpot combination as a "reach miss" (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes a "reach miss").

The effects that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can execute include displaying the variable response display (reserved display or active reserved display) described above. In addition, other effects, such as a preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability, are executed during the variable display of the decorative pattern. Preview effects include a preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display currently being executed, and a pre-reading preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is on hold). As a pre-reading preview effect, an effect may be executed that changes the display mode of the variable response display (reserved display or active reserved display) to a mode different from normal.

In addition, in the image display device 5, a pseudo consecutive performance may be executed in which a single variable display appears to be multiple variable displays by temporarily pausing the decorative pattern during the variable display and then restarting the variable display.

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

In addition, for example, when a special game or the like is not being executed, the image display device 5 displays a demo (
A demonstration image is displayed (a customer waiting demonstration performance is performed).

[Various tables related to jackpots]
Various tables relating to big wins will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

(Winning type)
6 is a diagram for explaining the types of winning. As shown in FIG. 6, the winning type table shows the probability of winning after the end of the jackpot game state, the base after the end of the jackpot game state, and the number of openings (number of rounds) in the jackpot for each type (kind) of winning in the jackpot.

Specifically, there are three types of jackpots: normal jackpot 1 and 2, and special jackpot 1 to 9. In the following, each round may be indicated with the letter "R." For example, the first round is also called the 1st round, and the second round is also called the 2nd round.

Normal jackpot 1 is a jackpot that is controlled to a low probability state and a high base state after the end of a 3-round jackpot game state. In normal jackpot 1, this low probability high base state continues until a variable display (special chart change) is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times).

Normal jackpot 2 is a jackpot that is controlled to a low probability state and a high base state after the end of the jackpot game state of three rounds. In normal jackpot 2, this low probability high base state continues until a variable display (special chart change) is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

Variable jackpots 1 to 5 are jackpots that are controlled to a high probability state and a high base state after the end of three rounds of jackpot play. In variable jackpot 1, this high probability, high base state continues until a variable display (special chart change) is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

The probability of a jackpot 6 is a jackpot that is controlled to a high probability state and a high base state after the end of the 5-round jackpot game state. In the probability of a jackpot 6, this high probability high base state continues until a variable display (special chart change) is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

The probability of a jackpot 7 is a jackpot that is controlled to a high probability state and a high base state after the end of the jackpot game state of 7 rounds. In the probability of a jackpot 7, this high probability high base state continues until a variable display (special chart change) is executed for a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

The probability of a jackpot being 8 or 9 is a jackpot that is controlled to a high probability state and a high base state after the end of the 10-round jackpot game state. In the probability of a jackpot being 8 or 9, this high probability high base state continues until a variable display (special chart change) is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

(each random number)
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining each random number. As shown in FIG. 7, each random number is used as follows. Specifically, Random 1 is a random counter for determining whether or not a jackpot has been reached. Random 1 is, for example, incremented by 1 from 1 until it reaches its upper limit of 65536, after which it is incremented again from 1. Random 2 is,
This is a random counter that determines the type of jackpot (for determining the type of jackpot).

Random 3 and Random 4 are random counters (for determining the later fluctuation pattern) that determine the fluctuation pattern (hereafter referred to as the later fluctuation pattern) (fluctuation time) that corresponds to the later fluctuation of the fluctuation pattern. Later fluctuation refers to the latter part of the fluctuation of the special pattern. Random 3 is a random counter that determines the later fluctuation pattern that corresponds to a miss, and for example, is updated by 1, and is incremented from 1 to its upper limit of 65519, and then is incremented again from 1. Random 4 is a random counter that determines the later fluctuation pattern that corresponds to a win, and for example, is incremented by 1, and is incremented from 1 to its upper limit of 239, and then is incremented again from 1.

Random 5 is a random counter (for determining a previous fluctuation pattern) that determines the fluctuation pattern (hereafter referred to as a previous fluctuation pattern) (fluctuation time) that corresponds to the previous fluctuation among the fluctuation patterns. A previous fluctuation refers to the fluctuation in the first half of the special pattern fluctuation. For example, Random 5 is incremented by one from 1 up to its upper limit of 251, and then incremented again from 1. Random 6 is a random counter (for determining a normal pattern hit) that determines whether or not a hit based on a normal pattern will occur. For example, Random 6 is incremented by one from 1 up to its upper limit of 201, and then incremented again from 1.

In this embodiment, whether or not the game state is controlled to a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player is determined based on the value of a random number for jackpot determination (Random 1). Then, which of the multiple types of jackpots will be the jackpot is determined based on the value of a random number for jackpot type determination (Random 2). At this time, the jackpot pattern can also be determined based on the value of Random 2.

First, the random number for determining the subsequent fluctuation pattern (Random 3, 4) is used to determine the subsequent fluctuation pattern depending on whether the result is a hit or a miss, and then the random number for determining the previous fluctuation pattern (Random 5) is used to determine the previous fluctuation pattern. In this way, in this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern is determined by a two-stage lottery process.

(Big hit determination table, big hit type determination table)
8 is a diagram for explaining the big win determination table and the big win type determination table. These tables are stored in the ROM 101.

Figure 8 (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a collection of data stored in ROM 101, and is a table in which a jackpot determination value that is compared with Random 1 is set. There are two types of jackpot determination tables: a normal (non-high probability) jackpot determination table used in the normal state (a game state that is not in the high probability state, i.e., a non-high probability state), and a high probability jackpot determination table used in the high probability state.

The normal jackpot determination table has jackpot determination values set for the number of determination values listed in the upper column of FIG. 8(a), and the special jackpot determination table has jackpot determination values set for the number of determination values listed in the lower column of FIG. 8(a). The special jackpot determination table has a greater number of jackpot determination values than the normal jackpot determination table, as it is a combination of the jackpot determination values common to the normal jackpot determination table and the jackpot determination values specific to the special jackpot state. This means that in the special jackpot state, a jackpot determination is made with a higher probability than in the normal state.

At a predetermined time, the CPU 103 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 104 and compares the extracted value with the value of the random number for jackpot determination (random 1). If the random number for jackpot determination matches any of the jackpot determination values shown in Fig. 8(a), it decides to make the special symbol a jackpot (normal jackpot or special jackpot). Note that Fig. 8(a) shows the probability (proportion) of a jackpot or a miss.

Figures 8(b) and (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination table. Figure 8(b) is a first special pattern jackpot type determination table used to determine the type of jackpot when a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot based on the first special pattern. Figure 8(c) is a second special pattern jackpot type determination table used to determine the type of jackpot when a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot based on the second special pattern.

The first special chart jackpot type determination table in FIG. 8(b) is a numerical value to be compared with the Random 2 value for jackpot type determination, and the determination values are set for the number of determination values corresponding to each of normal jackpots 1 and 2 and special jackpots 1 to 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(b), for the first special chart, normal jackpot 1 is assigned 25 Random 2 values out of 100, normal jackpot 2 is assigned 25 Random 2 values out of 100, special jackpot 1 is assigned 5 Random 2 values out of 100, special jackpot 2 is assigned 37 Random 2 values out of 100, special jackpot 3 is assigned 4 Random 2 values out of 100, and special jackpot 4 is assigned 4 Random 2 values out of 100.

The second special symbol jackpot type judgment table in FIG. 8(c) has judgment values set as many as the judgment value numbers corresponding to each of the special jackpots 5 to 9, which are numerical values to be compared with the value of Random 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(c), for the second special symbol, special jackpot 5 is assigned 10 of 100 Random 2 values, special jackpot 6 is assigned 5 of 100 Random 2 values, special jackpot 7 is assigned 5 of 100 Random 2 values, special jackpot 8 is assigned 70 of 100 Random 2 values, and special jackpot 9 is assigned 10 of 100 Random 2 values.

Using these various jackpot type determination tables, the CPU 103 determines the jackpot type that corresponds to the jackpot type determination value with which the value of Random 2 matches, and determines the jackpot pattern with which the value of Random 2 matches. This simultaneously determines the jackpot type and the jackpot pattern that corresponds to the jackpot type.

[Performance control command]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a presentation control command. The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11, which is the main control board, transmits various presentation control commands to the presentation control CPU 120 according to the game control state. The presentation control command is, for example, a two-byte configuration, with the first byte indicating MODE (command classification) and the second byte indicating EXT (command type). Note that the command form shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and other command forms may be used. Note that, in the following, "(H)" indicates hexadecimal, but may be omitted in this specification.

Command 80XX (H) is a variation pattern command that specifies a variation pattern (pre-variation pattern) corresponding to the previous variation among the variation patterns of the decorative pattern variably displayed on the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of the special pattern (XX corresponds to the number of the previous variation pattern). The previous variation on the sub side refers to the variation of the first half of the variation of the decorative pattern variably displayed on the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of the special pattern. When a unique number is assigned to each of the multiple types of previous variation patterns, there is a previous variation pattern command corresponding to each of the previous variation patterns specified by that number.

Command 8101 (H) is a first variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display of the first special symbol. Command 8102 (H) is a second variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display of the second special symbol. When the performance control CPU 101 receives command 8101 (H) or command 8102 (H), it controls the image display device 5 to start variable display of the decorative pattern.

Command 84XX (H) is a variation pattern command that specifies the variation pattern (post-variation pattern) corresponding to the post-variation among the variation patterns of the decorative pattern that are variably displayed on the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of the special pattern (XX corresponds to the number of the post-variation pattern). The post-variation on the sub side refers to the latter half of the variation of the decorative pattern that are variably displayed on the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of the special pattern. When a unique number is assigned to each of the multiple types of post-variation patterns, there is a post-variation pattern command that corresponds to each of the post-variation patterns identified by that number.

Command 8C01 (H) is a display result 1 designation command (miss designation command) indicating that a miss has been determined. Command 8C02 (H) is a display result 2 designation command (normal jackpot 1 designation command) indicating that a normal jackpot 1 has been determined. Command 8C03 (H) is a display result 3 designation command (normal jackpot 2 designation command) indicating that a normal jackpot 2 has been determined. Command 8C04 (H) is a display result 4 designation command (probability jackpot 1 designation command) indicating that a special jackpot 1 has been determined. Command 8C05 (H) is a display result 5 designation command (probability jackpot 2 designation command) indicating that a special jackpot 2 has been determined. Command 8C06 (H) is a display result 6 designation command (probability jackpot 3 designation command) indicating that a special jackpot 3 has been determined. Command 8C07 (H) is a display result 7 designation command (probability jackpot 4 designation command) indicating that a special jackpot 4 has been determined. Command 8C08(H) is a display result 8 designation command (probability jackpot 5 designation command) indicating that probability jackpot 5 has been determined. Command 8C09(H) is a display result 9 designation command (probability jackpot 6 designation command) indicating that probability jackpot 6 has been determined. Command 8C10(H) is a display result 10 designation command (probability jackpot 7 designation command) indicating that probability jackpot 7 has been determined. Command 8C11(H) is a display result 11 designation command (probability jackpot 8 designation command) indicating that probability jackpot 8 has been determined. Command 8C12(H) is a display result 12 designation command (probability jackpot 9 designation command) indicating that probability jackpot 9 has been determined. Each of the miss designation command, normal jackpot 1, 2 designation command, and probability jackpot 1 to 9 designation commands, or these collectively, is also referred to as an 8C series command.

Command 8D01 (H) is a first pattern change designation command that indicates the start of variable display of the first special pattern. Command 8D02 (H) is a second pattern change designation command that indicates the start of variable display of the second special pattern. The first pattern change designation command and the second pattern change designation command, or these collectively, are also referred to as 8D commands. Command 8F00 (H) is a pattern confirmation designation command that specifies the end of the variation of the first special pattern and/or the second special pattern.

Command 9000 (H) is an initialization specification command that specifies the initialization (specifies the display of the initial screen at the time of power-on) that is sent when the power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is a power failure recovery specification command that specifies the power failure recovery (specifies the display of the power failure recovery screen) that is sent when the power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. Command 9500 (H) is a normal state specification command that specifies the background of the normal state. Command 9501 (H) is a time-saving state specification command that specifies the background of the time-saving state. Command 9502 (H) is a probability variable state specification command that specifies the background of the probability variable state. Each of the normal state specification command, the time-saving state specification command, and the probability variable state specification command, or these are collectively referred to as a 95 series command or a background specification command. Command 9F00 (H) is a customer waiting demonstration specification command that specifies a customer waiting demonstration.

Command A001 (H) is a jackpot start 1 designation command that specifies the start of normal jackpot 1. Command A002 (H) is a jackpot start 2 designation command that specifies the start of normal jackpot 2. Command A003 (H) is a special jackpot start 3 designation command that specifies the start of special jackpot 1. Command A004 (H) is a special jackpot start 4 designation command that specifies the start of special jackpot 2. Command A005 (H) is a special jackpot start 5 designation command that specifies the start of special jackpot 3. Command A006 (H) is a special jackpot start 6 designation command that specifies the start of special jackpot 4. Command A007 (H) is a special jackpot start 7 designation command that specifies the start of special jackpot 5. Command A008 (H) is a special jackpot start 8 designation command that specifies the start of special jackpot 6. Command A009 (H) is a special jackpot start 9 command that specifies the start of special jackpot 7. Command A010 (H) is a special jackpot start 10 command that specifies the start of special jackpot 8. Command A011 (H) is a special jackpot start 11 command that specifies the start of special jackpot 9. Each of the jackpot start 1-11 commands, or all of them collectively, are also referred to as A0 series commands.

A1XX (H) is a command for specifying when the large prize opening is open, indicating that the large prize opening is open for the number of times (rounds) indicated by XX. The command for specifying when the large prize opening is open is also referred to as an A1 series command. A2XX (H) is a command for specifying after the large prize opening is open, indicating that the large prize opening is closed for the number of times (rounds) indicated by XX. The command for specifying after the large prize opening is open is also referred to as an A2 series command.

Command A301 (H) is a jackpot end 1 designation command that specifies the end of normal jackpot 1. Command A302 (H) is a jackpot end 2 designation command that specifies the end of normal jackpot 2. Command A303 (H) is a jackpot end 3 designation command that specifies the end of special jackpot 1. Command A304 (H) is a jackpot end 4 designation command that specifies the end of special jackpot 2. Command A305 (H) is a jackpot end 5 designation command that specifies the end of special jackpot 3. Command A306 (H) is a jackpot end 6 designation command that specifies the end of special jackpot 4. Command A307 (H) is a jackpot end 7 designation command that specifies the end of special jackpot 5. Command A308 (H) is a jackpot end 8 designation command that specifies the end of special jackpot 6. Command A309 (H) is a jackpot end 9 command that specifies the end of special jackpot 7. Command A310 (H) is a jackpot end 10 command that specifies the end of special jackpot 8. Command A311 (H) is a jackpot end 11 command that specifies the end of special jackpot 9. Each of the jackpot end 1-11 commands, or all of them collectively, are also referred to as A3 series commands.

Command AD00(H) is a high probability jackpot determination device passage designation command that specifies that a V win has occurred. The high probability jackpot determination device passage designation command is a command that is sent when the game ball that has passed through the V large winning port enters the V winning area and is detected by the V winning switch 24.

Command B100(H) is a first start winning designation command that specifies that a first start winning has occurred. Command B200(H) is a second start winning designation command that specifies that a second start winning has occurred.

Command C1XX(H) is a first reserved memory number designation command that designates that the first reserved memory number has reached the number indicated by XX. The first reserved memory number designation command is also referred to as a C1 series command. Command C2XX(H) is a second reserved memory designation command that designates that the second reserved memory number has reached the number indicated by XX. The second reserved memory number designation command is also referred to as a C2 series command.

Commands C4XX(H) and C6XX(H) are presentation control commands that indicate the contents of the winning judgment results, such as a jackpot judgment, a jackpot type judgment, and a variation pattern type judgment, when a starting winning is made at the first starting winning port or the second starting winning port. Of these, command C4XX(H) is a design designation command that indicates the winning judgment results, such as whether or not a winning will occur and the type of jackpot.

C7XX(H) is a special prize opening entry designation command that indicates the passing of the game ball through the special prize opening on the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

A command in which MODE is FD (H) and the 4th bit of EXT is 0 is a right-hit display off command that indicates the right-hit display is turned off. A command in which MODE data is FD (H) and the 4th bit of EXT data is 1 is a right-hit display on command that indicates the right-hit display is illuminated. In this embodiment, the right-hit display on command is also referred to as an FD command.

At the time of start winning, the game control microcomputer 100 judges whether or not a jackpot will be reached, the type of jackpot, and the range of judgment values for the value of the random number for judging the type of fluctuation pattern. Then, a value specifying a jackpot and a value specifying the type of jackpot are set in the EXT data of the designation command, and controls the transmission of this to the performance control CPU 120. The game control microcomputer 100 also sets a value specifying the range of judgment values as the judgment result of the type of fluctuation pattern in the EXT data of the fluctuation type command, and controls the transmission of this to the performance control CPU 120. The performance control CPU 120 can recognize whether or not the display result will be a jackpot and the type of jackpot based on the value set in the designation command, and can recognize the type of fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation type command.

[Fluctuation pattern]
The contents of the fluctuation patterns and how the fluctuation patterns are determined will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 16.

In this embodiment, multiple types of fluctuation patterns are set by the main game control microcomputer 100. Each fluctuation pattern is managed by a main fluctuation number and is composed of a combination of a front fluctuation pattern that is a fluctuation pattern corresponding to a front fluctuation and a back fluctuation pattern that is a back fluctuation, and each combination contains different contents. The front fluctuation pattern corresponds to the front fluctuation pattern command (80XX (H)) described using FIG. 9, and the back fluctuation pattern corresponds to the back fluctuation pattern command (84XX (H)) described using FIG. 9.

(Main side front fluctuation pattern)
10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a previous fluctuation pattern on the main side. Among the multiple types of previous fluctuation patterns each assigned with a previous fluctuation number, previous fluctuation number 1 is a previous fluctuation pattern command (8000 (H)) that specifies a normal fluctuation (for example, a fluctuation of a decorative pattern over 13 seconds). Previous fluctuation number 2 is a previous fluctuation pattern command (8001 (H)) that specifies a shortened fluctuation (for example, a fluctuation of a decorative pattern over 7 seconds). Previous fluctuation number 3 is a previous fluctuation pattern command (8002 (H)) that specifies a super shortened fluctuation (for example, a fluctuation of a decorative pattern over 3 seconds).

Previous change number 4 is a previous change pattern command (8003 (H)) that specifies a normal reach (reel ×) (a reach that is in reach mode but the movable body 32 does not move). Previous change number 5 is a previous change pattern command (8004 (H)) that specifies a normal reach (reel ○) (a reach that is in reach mode and the movable body 32 moves). Previous change number 6 is a previous change pattern command (8005 (H)) that specifies a normal reach (final reach development) (a reach that is in reach mode and develops into a final reach).

Previous change number 7 is a previous change pattern command (8006 (H)) that specifies that a normal reach (character ×) is executed after one pseudo change. A pseudo change is a variable display (variable display) in which the variable display (variable display) of the decorative pattern is temporarily stopped and then resumed from the start of the variable display (variable display) to the derived display of the display result of the variable display. Such a performance in which pseudo changes are repeated is also called a pseudo consecutive. By executing a pseudo consecutive, a variable display based on one reserved memory can be made to look like multiple pseudo variable displays to the player. Note that a variable display that is temporarily stopped and then resumed is also called a "re-variable display". Previous change number 8 is a previous change pattern command (8007 (H)) that specifies that a normal reach (character ○) is executed after one pseudo change. Previous change number 9 is a previous change pattern command (8008 (H)) that specifies a normal reach (final reach development) after one pseudo change.

Previous change number 10 is a previous change pattern command (8009(H)) that specifies that a normal reach (character ×) will be executed after two pseudo changes. Previous change number 11 is a previous change pattern command (800A(H)) that specifies that a normal reach (character ○) will be executed after a specific performance is executed. Previous change number 12 is a previous change pattern command (800B(H)) that specifies a normal reach (final reach development) after a specific performance is executed.

The specific effects include hold change notices, step-up notices, and pseudo consecutive effects, which will be described in more detail later. Hold change notices are effects that suggest (predict) the likelihood that the state will be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot game state, a time-saving state, a special probability state, etc.) by gradually changing the display mode (color, shape, size, pattern, etc.) of the variable response display (hold display, active hold display). Step-up notices are effects that suggest the likelihood that the state will be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot game state, a time-saving state, a special probability state, etc.) by gradually changing a suggestive display (characters, letters, etc.) that is different from the hold change notice.

Each of the previous variation patterns has a specified variation time, and an animation (moving image) is displayed on the image display device 5 for each variation time. In the pachinko game machine 1, it takes about 33.3 msec for one still image (called a frame) that constitutes the video. The frame rate is set to about 30 fps (frames per second). For example, in the case of the pattern of previous variation numbers 7 to 9, the variation time is set to 41,500 msec, and the number of frames is about 1,246. In addition, in the case of the pattern of previous variation numbers 10 to 12, the variation time is set to 45,000 msec, and the number of frames is about 1,351. For example, when the pattern of previous variation numbers 11 and 12 is selected, the specific performance is executed for 45,000 msec using about 1,351 frames (still images). In this way, the specific performance is formed of a video consisting of still images corresponding to each of the multiple frames.

(Main side rear fluctuation pattern)
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a post-fluctuation pattern on the main side. Among the multiple types of post-fluctuation patterns each assigned with a post-fluctuation number, post-fluctuation number 1 is a post-fluctuation pattern command (8400(H)) that specifies a 13-second fluctuation. Post-fluctuation number 2 is a post-fluctuation pattern command (8401(H)) that specifies a 7-second fluctuation. Post-fluctuation number 3 is a post-fluctuation pattern command (8402(H)) that specifies a 3-second fluctuation. Post-fluctuation number 4 is a post-fluctuation pattern command (8403(H)) that specifies the execution of a pseudo consecutive fake. A pseudo consecutive fake is a performance that appears to execute a pseudo consecutive, but does not execute the pseudo consecutive after all.

Later change number 5 is a later change pattern command (8404(H)) that specifies a normal reach (miss) (a change in the decorative pattern that becomes a reach state but does not develop into an SP reach and becomes a miss state). Later change number 6 is a later change pattern command (8405(H)) that specifies the first half of the SP (miss) (a change in the decorative pattern that develops into an SP reach but becomes a miss state in the first half of the SP reach). Later change number 7 is a later change pattern command (8406(H)) that specifies the second half of the SP (miss) (a change in the decorative pattern that develops into the second half of the SP reach but becomes a miss state in the second half of the SP reach). Later change number 8 is a later change pattern command (8407(H)) that specifies a final reach (miss) (a change in the decorative pattern that develops into a final reach but becomes a miss state in the final reach).

Later change number 9 is a later change pattern command (8408(H)) that specifies a normal reach (hit) (a change in the decorative pattern that becomes a reach state and then a hit state). Later change number 10 is a later change pattern command (8409(H)) that specifies the first half of the SP (hit) (a change in the decorative pattern that develops into an SP reach and then becomes a hit state in the first half of the SP reach). Later change number 11 is a later change pattern command (840A(H)) that specifies the second half of the SP (hit) (a change in the decorative pattern that develops into the second half of the SP reach and then becomes a hit state in the second half of the SP reach). Later change number 12 is a later change pattern command (840B(H)) that specifies a final reach (hit) (a change in the decorative pattern that develops into a final reach and then becomes a hit state in the final reach).

(Determination of subsequent fluctuation pattern)
The after-variation pattern is determined by using different random counters depending on whether the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot or a miss in the jackpot determination. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the after-variation pattern determination table in the case of a miss. As shown in FIG. 12, when the jackpot is determined to be a miss in the jackpot determination, the after-variation pattern is determined by using the random 3 described in FIG. 7. Furthermore, when the jackpot is determined to be a miss in the jackpot determination, the after-variation pattern is determined by using different judgment value numbers according to the number of reserved memories after consumption, and the after-variation number determined is also different.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12(a), when the number of reserved memories after consumption is 0, one of the post-change patterns is determined from post-change numbers 1, 4, and 5 to 8, and a different judgment value number is set for each post-change pattern. Note that the probability of determining one of the post-change numbers 6 to 8 that develop into an SP reach or final reach (selection rate of post-change numbers 6 to 8) is approximately 1/102.

When there is only one reserved memory after consumption, one of the post-change patterns is determined from post-change numbers 1, 4, and 5-8, and a different judgment value number is set for each post-change pattern. The probability that one of the post-change numbers 6-8 that develop into an SP reach or final reach is determined (selection rate of post-change numbers 6-8) is approximately 1/102.

When the number of reserved memories after consumption is two, one of the post-change patterns is determined from post-change numbers 2, 4, and 5-8, and a different judgment value number is set for each post-change pattern. The probability that one of the post-change numbers 6-8 that develop into an SP reach or final reach is determined (selection rate of post-change numbers 6-8) is approximately 1/102.

When the number of reserved memories after consumption is three, one of the following change patterns is determined from the following change numbers 3, 4, and 5 to 8, and a different judgment value number is set for each following change pattern. The probability that one of the following change numbers 6 to 8 that develops into an SP reach or final reach is determined (selection rate of following change numbers 6 to 8) is approximately 1/102.

In this way, the subsequent variation pattern is determined using a different judgment value number depending on the number of reserved memories after consumption, and further, the subsequent variation number is determined using a different judgment value number depending on the number of reserved memories after consumption, so the type of variation pattern changes depending on the number of remaining reserved memories, which adds variety to the game and increases the interest of the game.

Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining the post-fluctuation pattern determination table at the time of a jackpot. As shown in Figure 13, when a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, the post-fluctuation pattern is determined using Random 4 described in Figure 7. Furthermore, when a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, the post-fluctuation pattern is determined using different determination value numbers depending on the type of jackpot.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13(a), when a normal jackpot 1 or 2 or a special jackpot 1, 2, or 5 to 8 is determined, a post-change pattern is determined from post-change numbers 9 to 12, and a different judgment value number is set for each post-change pattern. The probability of determining one of post-change numbers 10 to 12, which develop into an SP reach or final reach (selection rate of post-change numbers 10 to 12) is approximately 1/1.1.

If either the guaranteed jackpot 3 or 9 is determined, one of the post-change patterns is determined from the post-change numbers 9 to 12, and a different judgment value number is set for each of the post-change patterns. The probability of being determined to be one of the post-change numbers 10 to 12 that develop into the SP reach or final reach (selection rate of the post-change numbers 10 to 12) is approximately 1/1.1.

If the probability of winning jackpot 4 is reached, one of the post-change patterns is selected from the post-change numbers 9 to 12, and a different judgment value is set for each of the post-change patterns. The probability of being selected as one of the post-change numbers 10 to 12, which develop into the SP reach or final reach (selection rate of the post-change numbers 10 to 12) is approximately 1/1.1.

In this way, the subsequent fluctuation pattern is determined using different judgment values depending on the type of jackpot, so the type of fluctuation pattern changes depending on the type of jackpot, which adds variety to the game and makes it more interesting.

Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the probability of being determined to be one of the variable numbers 6 to 8 after developing into the SP Reach or Final Reach is approximately 1/102 when there is a miss, but is higher at approximately 1/1.1 when there is a jackpot, so that if there is a development into the SP Reach or Final Reach, the player can be made to expect a jackpot to occur.

(Determination of previous fluctuation pattern)
14 is a diagram for explaining the previous fluctuation pattern determination table. The previous fluctuation pattern is determined by using the number of random 5 determination values that differ according to the type of the previous fluctuation pattern that is determined first. Furthermore, the previous fluctuation number that is determined also differs according to the type of the previous fluctuation pattern that is determined first.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14(a), when the post-fluctuation pattern of post-fluctuation number 1 is determined, the post-fluctuation pattern of post-fluctuation number 1 is determined. As shown in Fig. 14(b), when the post-fluctuation pattern of post-fluctuation number 2 is determined, the post-fluctuation pattern of post-fluctuation number 2 is determined. As shown in Fig. 14(c), when the post-fluctuation pattern of post-fluctuation number 3 is determined, the post-fluctuation pattern of post-fluctuation number 3 is determined. As shown in Fig. 14(d), when the post-fluctuation pattern of post-fluctuation number 4 is determined, the post-fluctuation pattern of post-fluctuation number 1 is determined.

As shown in FIG. 14(e), if the post-change pattern of post-change number 5 or 9 is determined, then the post-change pattern of post-change number 4 or 7 is determined. As shown in FIG. 14(f), if the post-change pattern of post-change number 6 or 10 is determined, then the post-change pattern of post-change number 4, 7, or 10 is determined. As shown in FIG. 14(g), if the post-change pattern of post-change number 7 is determined, then the post-change pattern of post-change number 5, 8, or 11 is determined.

As shown in FIG. 14(h), when the post-change pattern of post-change number 11 is determined, the post-change pattern is determined to be one of post-change numbers 5, 8, or 11. As shown in FIG. 14(i), when the post-change pattern of post-change number 8 is determined, the post-change pattern is determined to be one of post-change numbers 6, 9, or 12. As shown in FIG. 14(j), when the post-change pattern of post-change number 12 is determined, the post-change pattern is determined to be one of post-change numbers 6, 9, or 12.

As shown in Figures 14(g) and (h), the pre-change pattern of pre-change number 11, in which a specific effect is executed, is most likely to be determined when the post-change pattern of post-change numbers 7 and 11 develops into an SP latter half reach. Also, as shown in Figures 14(i) and (j), the pre-change pattern of pre-change number 12, in which a specific effect is executed, is most likely to be determined when the post-change pattern of post-change numbers 8 and 12 develops into a final reach. For this reason, when a specific effect is executed, the player can expect it to develop into an SP latter half reach or a final reach.

(All fluctuation patterns)
Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of the total fluctuation pattern on the main side. When the rear fluctuation pattern and the front fluctuation pattern are determined as described in Figs. 12 to 14, the fluctuation pattern becomes one of the main fluctuation patterns 1 to 26 as shown in Fig. 15.

For example, for main variable number 12, gameplay progresses according to the front variation pattern of front variable number 11, and then gameplay progresses according to the rear variation pattern of rear variable number 7. For main variable number 15, gameplay progresses according to the front variation pattern of front variable number 12, and then gameplay progresses according to the rear variation pattern of rear variable number 8. For main variable number 23, gameplay progresses according to the front variation pattern of front variable number 11, and then gameplay progresses according to the rear variation pattern of rear variable number 11. For main variable number 26, gameplay progresses according to the front variation pattern of front variable number 12, and then gameplay progresses according to the rear variation pattern of rear variable number 12.

Figure 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of all fluctuation patterns on the sub side. Furthermore, on the sub side, fluctuation patterns of sub fluctuation numbers 1 to 26 are also defined so as to correspond to each of the fluctuation patterns of main fluctuation numbers 1 to 26.

For example, for sub-variable number 12, a performance (specific performance) is performed according to the front variation pattern of front variation number 11, and then a performance is performed according to the rear variation pattern of rear variation number 7. For sub-variable number 15, a performance (specific performance) is performed according to the front variation pattern of front variation number 12, and then a performance is performed according to the rear variation pattern of rear variation number 8. For sub-variable number 23, a performance (specific performance) is performed according to the front variation pattern of front variation number 11, and then a performance is performed according to the rear variation pattern of rear variation number 11. For sub-variable number 26, a performance (specific performance) is performed according to the front variation pattern of front variation number 12, and then a performance is performed according to the rear variation pattern of rear variation number 12.

[Period of specific performance]
17 is a diagram for explaining the execution period of the specific performance. As described above, the specific performance is executed when any of the main variable numbers 12, 15, 23, and 26 (sub-variable numbers 12, 15, 23, and 26) is selected, and is further executed in the pre-variation over 45,000 msec. In other words, each specific performance such as the reserved change notice performance, the step-up notice performance, and the pseudo consecutive performance is executed for a common period of 45,000 msec, and then, depending on the pattern of the post-variation number, a losing pattern or a winning pattern is stopped and displayed in the latter half of the SP reach or the final reach.

[Specific performance pattern selection]
Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining the selection of a specific performance pattern. The performance control CPU 120 can specify the main variation number determined by the game control microcomputer 100 by receiving the front variation pattern command and the rear variation pattern command from the game control microcomputer 100. As shown in Fig. 18, the performance control CPU 120 determines the type of specific performance according to a predetermined probability based on the specified main variation number.

The specific presentation patterns include a first pattern corresponding to a hold change notice, a second pattern corresponding to a step-up notice, and a third pattern corresponding to a pseudo consecutive presentation.

When either main variable number 12 or 15, which determines a losing symbol, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 determines the first pattern (reserved change notice) with a 35% probability, the second pattern (step-up notice) with a 25% probability, and the third pattern (pseudo consecutive performance) with a 40% probability. In other words, when a losing symbol is determined, the third pattern (pseudo consecutive performance) is determined with the highest probability, the second pattern (step-up notice) with the next highest probability, and the first pattern (reserved change notice) with the lowest probability.

When either of the main variable numbers 23 or 26, which determine the winning symbol, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 determines the first pattern (hold change notice) with a 40% probability, the second pattern (step-up notice) with a 35% probability, and the third pattern (pseudo consecutive performance) with a 25% probability. In other words, when the winning symbol is determined, the first pattern (hold change notice) is determined with the highest probability, the second pattern (step-up notice) with the next highest probability, and the third pattern (pseudo consecutive performance) with the lowest probability.

In this way, when the first pattern of the reserve change notice is executed, the probability (expectation) of the winning symbol being confirmed is higher than when the second pattern of the step-up notice or the third pattern of the pseudo consecutive performance is executed. Also, when the second pattern of the step-up notice is executed, the probability (expectation) of the winning symbol being confirmed is higher than when the third pattern of the pseudo consecutive performance is executed.

[Pending change notice pattern lottery]
19 is a diagram for explaining the lottery of the reserved change notice pattern. In this embodiment, the reserved change notice is a presentation that suggests the expectation that the state will be controlled to an advantageous state (in this example, a big win game state) by changing the display mode of the variable corresponding display (reserved display, active reserved display).

The variable response displays (hold display, active hold display) include a display that is round and white in color (hereinafter also referred to as a "white hold display"), a display that is watermelon shaped and green in color (hereinafter also referred to as a "green hold display"), a display that is strawberry shaped and red in color (hereinafter also referred to as a "red hold display"), a display that is grape shaped and purple in color (hereinafter also referred to as a "purple hold display"), and a display that is shaped like a character's (for example, Yume Yume-chan's) face and is rainbow colored (hereinafter also referred to as a "rainbow hold display").

When the presentation control CPU 120 determines to execute a hold change notice (first pattern) by a specific presentation pattern lottery, it determines the hold change notice pattern according to a predetermined probability based on the type of variable response display before it is changed by the hold change notice.

As shown in FIG. 19(a), when the variable response display before the change due to the hold change notice is a white hold display, the performance control CPU 120 selects one hold change notice pattern from among multiple types of hold change notice patterns such as patterns a-1 to a-10.

Pattern a-1 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from white reserved to green reserved, and the second and third changes cause the variable response display to maintain the green reserved display.

Pattern a-2 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a white hold display to a green hold display, the second change causes the variable response display to change from a green hold display to a red hold display, and the third change causes the variable response display to maintain the red hold display.

Pattern a-3 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a white reserved display to a red reserved display, and the second and third changes cause the variable response display to maintain the red reserved display.

Pattern a-4 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a white hold display to a green hold display, the second change causes the variable response display to remain in the green hold display, and the third change causes the variable response display to change from a green hold display to a purple hold display.

Pattern a-5 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a white hold display to a green hold display, the second change causes the variable response display to change from a green hold display to a red hold display, and the third change causes the variable response display to change from a red hold display to a purple hold display.

Pattern a-6 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a white hold display to a red hold display, the second change causes the variable response display to remain in the red hold display, and the third change causes the variable response display to change from a red hold display to a purple hold display.

Pattern a-7 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a white hold display to a green hold display, the second change causes the variable response display to remain in the green hold display, and the third change causes the variable response display to change from a green hold display to a rainbow hold display.

Pattern a-8 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a white hold display to a green hold display, the second change causes the variable response display to change from a green hold display to a red hold display, and the third change causes the variable response display to change from a red hold display to a rainbow hold display.

Pattern a-9 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a white hold display to a red hold display, the second change causes the variable response display to maintain the red hold display, and the third change causes the variable response display to change from a red hold display to a rainbow hold display.

Pattern a-10 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a white reserve display to a rainbow reserve display, and the second and third changes cause the variable response display to maintain the rainbow reserve display.

When the variable corresponding display before the change due to the reserve change notice is a white reserve display and either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26, which determine the winning pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 will determine patterns a-7 to a-10 with the highest probability, patterns a-4 to a-6 with the next highest probability, patterns a-2 and a-3 with the next highest probability, and pattern a-1 with the lowest probability.

When the variable corresponding display before the change due to the reserve change notice is a white reserve display and either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15, which confirm a losing pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 selects one reserve change notice pattern from patterns a-1 to a-6, but does not select a reserve change notice pattern from patterns a-7 to a-10.

In this way, if the variable response display changes from white reserve to rainbow reserve due to the hold change notice, a jackpot is confirmed. If the variable response display changes from white reserve to purple reserve due to the hold change notice, the probability of a jackpot is higher than if the variable response display changes to red reserve or green reserve. If the variable response display changes from white reserve to red reserve due to the hold change notice, the probability of a jackpot is higher than if the variable response display changes to green reserve.

Furthermore, in the hold change notice of pattern a, the probability (proportion) that the variable response display will change on the second time is set to 3/10 (changes in patterns a-2, a-5, a-8), and the probability (proportion) that the variable response display will change on the third time is set to 6/10 (changes in patterns a-5 to a-10). In this way, in the hold change notice of pattern a, the variable response display has a higher probability of changing on the third time than on the second time.

As shown in FIG. 19(b), when the variable response display before it changes due to the hold change notice is a green hold display, the performance control CPU 120 selects one hold change notice pattern from among multiple types of hold change notice patterns such as patterns b-1 to b-4.

Pattern b-1 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from green pending to red pending, and the second and third changes cause the variable response display to maintain the red pending display.

Pattern b-2 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a green hold display to a red hold display, the second change causes the variable response display to remain in the red hold display, and the third change causes the variable response display to change from a red hold display to a purple hold display.

Pattern b-3 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from a green hold display to a red hold display, the second change causes the variable response display to remain in the red hold display, and the third change causes the variable response display to change from a red hold display to a rainbow hold display.

Pattern b-4 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from green hold to rainbow hold, and the second and third changes cause the variable response display to maintain the rainbow hold.

When the variable corresponding display before the change due to the reserved change notice is a green reserved display and either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26 that determine the winning pattern is selected, the performance control CPU 120 determines the patterns b-3 and b-4 with the highest probability, and the pattern b- with the next highest probability.
2, and then determine pattern b-1 with the lowest probability.

When the variable response display before the change due to the reserve change notice is a green reserve display and either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15, which confirm a losing pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 selects one reserve change notice pattern from patterns b-1 and b-2, but does not select a reserve change notice pattern from patterns b-3 and b-4.

In this way, if the hold change notice causes the variable response display to change from green to rainbow, a jackpot is confirmed. If the hold change notice causes the variable response display to change from green to purple, the probability of a jackpot is higher than if the variable response display changes to red.

Furthermore, in the hold change notice of pattern b, the probability (proportion) that the variable response display will change on the second time is set to 0/4, and the probability (proportion) that the variable response display will change on the third time is set to 2/4 (changes in patterns b-2 and b-3). In this way, in the hold change notice of pattern b, the variable response display has a higher probability of changing on the third time than on the second time.

As shown in FIG. 19(c), if the variable response display before it changes due to the hold change notice is a red hold display, the performance control CPU 120 selects one hold change notice pattern from among multiple types of hold change notice patterns such as patterns c-1 to c-3.

Pattern c-1 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from red hold to purple hold, and the second and third changes cause the variable response display to maintain the purple hold.

Pattern c-2 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from red hold to purple hold, the second change causes the variable response display to remain in purple hold, and the third change causes the variable response display to change from purple hold to rainbow hold.

Pattern c-3 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from red hold to rainbow hold, and the second and third changes cause the variable response display to maintain the rainbow hold.

When the variable response display before the change due to the reserve change notice is a red reserve display and either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26, which determine the winning pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 will determine patterns c-2 and c-3 with the highest probability and pattern c-1 with the lowest probability.

If the variable response display before the change due to the hold change notice is a red hold display and either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15, which confirm a losing pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 will determine pattern c-1 with a 100% probability, but will not determine the hold change notice pattern from among patterns c-2 and c-3.

In this way, if the reserve change notice causes the variable response display to change from red reserve to rainbow reserve, a jackpot is confirmed.

Furthermore, in the reservation change notice of pattern c, the probability (proportion) that the variable correspondence display changes on the second occasion is set to 0/3, and the probability (proportion) that the variable correspondence display changes on the third occasion is set to 1/3 (changes in pattern c-2). In this way, in the reservation change notice of pattern c, the variable correspondence display changes with a higher probability on the third occasion than on the second occasion.

As shown in FIG. 19(d), if the variable response display before the change due to the hold change notice is a purple hold display, the performance control CPU 120 determines pattern d-1 with a 100% probability.

Pattern d-1 is a pattern in which the first change causes the variable response display to change from purple hold to rainbow hold, and the second and third changes cause the variable response display to maintain the rainbow hold.

If the variable response display before the change due to the reserve change notice is a purple reserve display, and either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26, which determine the winning pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 will determine pattern d-1 with a 100% probability.

If the variable response display before the change due to the hold change notice is a purple hold display, and either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15, which confirm a losing pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 does not determine pattern d-1.

In this way, if the hold change notice causes the variable response display to change from purple hold to rainbow hold, a jackpot is confirmed.

As described above, in the reserve change notice, the variable response display changes stepwise from a display mode with a low probability of a jackpot to a display mode with a high probability of a jackpot. Furthermore, when the variable response display finally changes to the rainbow reserve display, a jackpot is confirmed, and even if it does not change to the rainbow reserve display, if it changes to the purple reserve display, a jackpot will occur with a higher probability than if it remains in the red reserve display or green reserve display. Therefore, in the reserve change notice, the player can pay attention to whether the variable response display changes and whether it changes to the rainbow reserve display or purple reserve display, which have a high probability of a jackpot, which can increase the interest of the game.

[Step-up notice pattern lottery]
20 is a diagram for explaining the step-up notice pattern lottery. In this embodiment, the step-up notice is a presentation that suggests the expectation that the state will be controlled to an advantageous state (in this example, a jackpot game state) by changing the suggestive display (characters, letters, etc.) displayed on the image display device 5.

The suggestive displays in the step-up preview include a question mark display, which has the lowest expectation of being controlled to an advantageous state, a chance display, which has the next lowest expectation, a hot display, which has the next lowest expectation, a super hot display, which has the next lowest expectation, and a maximum display, which has the next lowest expectation (i.e., the highest expectation).

When the CPU 120 for controlling the performance decides to execute the step-up notice (second pattern) by the lottery of the specific performance pattern, the CPU 120 first decides the suggestive display to be displayed at the initial stage. At this time, when either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26, which determine the winning pattern, is selected, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance decides the suggestive display to be displayed at the initial stage with high probability in the order of the highest display, the hottest display, the hot display, the chance display, and the question mark display. On the other hand, when either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15, which determine the losing pattern, is selected, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance decides the suggestive display to be displayed at the initial stage with high probability in the order of the question mark display, the chance display, the hot display, the hottest display, and the highest display. Then, the CPU 120 for controlling the performance decides the pattern of the step-up notice according to a predetermined probability based on the type of the suggestive display before it is changed by the step-up notice (i.e., the suggestive display displayed at the initial stage).

As shown in FIG. 20(a), if the suggestion display before the change due to the step-up preview is a question mark display, the performance control CPU 120 selects one step-up preview pattern from multiple types of step-up preview patterns such as patterns A-1 to A-10.

Pattern A-1 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a question mark to a chance display, and the second and third changes cause the suggestion display to remain the chance display.

Pattern A-2 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a question mark to a chance display, the second change causes the suggestion display to change from a chance display to a hot display, and the third change causes the suggestion display to remain in the hot display.

Pattern A-3 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a question mark to a hot display, and the second and third changes cause the suggestion display to remain hot.

Pattern A-4 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a question mark to a chance display, the second change causes the suggestion display to remain the chance display, and the third change causes the suggestion display to change from the chance display to a very hot display.

Pattern A-5 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a question mark to a chance display, the second change causes the suggestion display to change from a chance display to a hot display, and the third change causes the suggestion display to change from a hot display to a very hot display.

Pattern A-6 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a question mark to a hot display, the second change causes the suggestion display to remain hot, and the third change causes the suggestion display to change from hot to very hot.

Pattern A-7 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a question mark to a chance display, the second change causes the suggestion display to remain in the chance display, and the third change causes the suggestion display to change from the chance display to the best display.

Pattern A-8 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a question mark to a chance display, the second change causes the suggestion display to change from a chance display to a hot display, and the third change causes the suggestion display to change from a hot display to the best display.

Pattern A-9 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a question mark to a hot display, the second change causes the suggestion display to remain hot, and the third change causes the suggestion display to change from hot to the highest display.

Pattern A-10 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a question mark to the highest display, and the second and third changes cause the suggestion display to maintain the highest display.

When the suggestion display before the change due to the step-up preview is a question mark display and either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26 that determine the winning symbol is selected, the performance control CPU 120 determines patterns A-7 to A-10 with the highest probability, patterns A-4 to A-6 with the next highest probability, patterns A-2 and A-3 with the next highest probability, and pattern A-1 with the lowest probability.

When the suggestion display before the change due to the step-up preview is a question mark display and either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15, which confirm a losing symbol, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 selects one step-up preview pattern from patterns A-1 to A-6, but does not select a step-up preview pattern from patterns A-7 to A-10.

In this way, if the step-up notice changes the suggestion display from a question mark to the highest display, a jackpot is confirmed. If the step-up notice changes the suggestion display from a question mark to a very hot display, the probability of a jackpot is higher than if the suggestion display changes to a hot display or a chance display. If the step-up notice changes the suggestion display from a question mark to a hot display, the probability of a jackpot is higher than if the suggestion display changes to a chance display.

Furthermore, in the step-up preview of pattern A, the probability (proportion) that the suggestive display will change on the second time is set to 3/10 (changes in patterns A-2, A-5, A-8), and the probability (proportion) that the suggestive display will change on the third time is set to 6/10 (changes in patterns A-5 to A-10). In this way, in the step-up preview of pattern A, the suggestive display has a higher probability of changing on the third time than on the second time.

As shown in FIG. 20(b), if the suggestion display before the change due to the step-up preview is a chance display, the performance control CPU 120 selects one step-up preview pattern from multiple types of step-up preview patterns such as patterns B-1 to B-4.

Pattern B-1 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a chance display to a hot display, and the second and third changes cause the suggestion display to remain hot.

Pattern B-2 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a chance display to a hot display, the second change causes the suggestion display to remain hot, and the third change causes the suggestion display to change from hot to extremely hot.

Pattern B-3 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a chance display to a hot display, the second change causes the suggestion display to remain hot, and the third change causes the suggestion display to change from hot to the best display.

Pattern B-4 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a chance display to a best display, and the second and third changes cause the suggestion display to remain at the best display.

If the suggestion display before the change due to the step-up notice is a chance display and either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26, which determine the winning pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 will determine patterns B-3 and B-4 with the highest probability, pattern B-2 with the next highest probability, and pattern B-1 with the lowest probability.

When the suggestion display before being changed by the step-up notice is a chance display and either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15 that determine a losing symbol is selected, the performance control CPU 120 determines one step-up notice pattern from patterns B-1 and B-2, but does not determine a step-up notice pattern from patterns B-3 and B-4.

In this way, if the step-up notice changes the suggestion display from a chance display to a best display, a jackpot is confirmed. If the step-up notice changes the suggestion display from a chance display to a very hot display, the probability of a jackpot is higher than if the suggestion display changes to a hot display.

Furthermore, in the step-up preview of pattern B, the probability (proportion) that the suggestive display will change on the second time is set to 0/4, and the probability (proportion) that the suggestive display will change on the third time is set to 2/4 (changes in patterns B-2 and B-3). In this way, in the step-up preview of pattern B, the suggestive display has a higher probability of changing on the third time than on the second time.

As shown in FIG. 20(c), if the suggestive display before the change due to the step-up preview is a hot display, the performance control CPU 120 selects one step-up preview pattern from multiple types of step-up preview patterns such as patterns C-1 to C-3.

Pattern C-1 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from hot to very hot, and the second and third changes cause the suggestion display to remain very hot.

Pattern C-2 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggested display to change from hot to very hot, the second change causes the suggested display to remain very hot, and the third change causes the suggested display to change from very hot to the highest level.

Pattern C-3 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggestion display to change from a hot display to the highest display, and the second and third changes cause the suggestion display to remain at the highest display.

When the suggestion display before the change due to the step-up notice is a hot display and either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26, which determine the winning pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 will determine patterns C-2 and C-3 with the highest probability and pattern C-1 with the lowest probability.

If the suggestion display before the change due to the step-up notice is a hot display and either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15, which confirm a losing pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 will determine pattern C-1 with a 100% probability, but will not determine the step-up notice pattern from among patterns C-2 and C-3.

In this way, if the step-up notice changes the suggestion display from hot to the highest display, a jackpot is confirmed.

Furthermore, in the step-up preview of pattern C, the probability (proportion) that the suggestive display will change on the second time is set to 0/3, and the probability (proportion) that the suggestive display will change on the third time is set to 1/3 (change in pattern C-2). In this way, in the step-up preview of pattern C, the suggestive display has a higher probability of changing on the third time than on the second time.

As shown in FIG. 20(d), when the suggestion display before it changes due to the step-up preview is a super hot display, the performance control CPU 120 determines pattern D-1 with a 100% probability.

Pattern D-1 is a pattern in which the first change causes the suggested display to change from a very hot display to a maximum display, and the second and third changes cause the suggested display to remain at the maximum display.

If the suggestion display before the change due to the step-up notice is a super hot display and either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26, which determine the winning pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 will determine pattern D-1 with a 100% probability.

If the suggestion display before the change due to the step-up notice is a super hot display and either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15, which confirm a losing pattern, is selected, the performance control CPU 120 does not determine pattern D-1.

In this way, if the step-up notice causes the suggestion display to change from a very hot display to a maximum display, a jackpot is confirmed.

As described above, in the step-up notice, the suggestive display changes stepwise from a display mode with a low expectation of a jackpot to a display mode with a high expectation of a jackpot. Furthermore, if the suggestive display finally changes to the highest display, a jackpot is confirmed, and even if it does not change to the highest display, if it changes to a very hot display, a jackpot will occur with a higher probability than if it remained in a hot or chance display. Therefore, in the step-up notice, the player can pay attention to whether the suggestive display changes, and whether it changes to the highest display or the very hot display, which have a high expectation of a jackpot, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

[motion]
Next, the operation (function) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

(Main Operations of Main Board 11)
First, the main operations on the main board 11 will be described.

(Special pattern processing)
21 is a flow chart showing an example of a game control main process. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is started up, and the game control main process is executed by the CPU 103.

In the game control main process shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 103 first sets interrupts to be prohibited (step S1). Next, the CPU 103 performs the necessary initial settings (step S2). The initial settings include setting the stack pointer, register settings for built-in devices (CTC (counter/timer circuit), parallel input/output port, etc.), and setting the RAM 102 to an accessible state.

Next, the CPU 103 judges whether the recovery condition is satisfied (step S3). The recovery condition can be satisfied when the clear signal is in the OFF state, backup data is present, and the backup RAM is normal. When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, if the clear switch 92 provided on the power supply board 17 is pressed, for example, a clear signal in the ON state is input to the game control microcomputer 100. If such a clear signal in the ON state is input, it is sufficient to judge in step S3 that the recovery condition is not satisfied. The backup data may be stored in the RAM 102, which is the backup RAM for game control. In step S3, it is sufficient to check or inspect the presence or absence of backup data and the presence or absence of data errors, and to judge whether the recovery condition can be satisfied.

When the restoration condition is met (Y in step S3), the CPU 103 executes a restoration process (step S4) and then executes a setting confirmation process (step S5). The restoration process in step S4 causes the CPU 103 to set a working area based on the contents stored in RAM 102. By setting the working area using the backup data stored in RAM 102, the game state when the power supply was stopped is restored, and if, for example, a special symbol was changing, it is sufficient if the change of the special symbol can be resumed from the state before the stoppage.

If the recovery condition is not met (N in step S3), the CPU 103 executes an initialization process (step S6) and then executes a setting change process (step S7). The initialization process in step S6 includes a clearing process that clears flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102, and the execution of the clearing process sets initial values in the working area.

In the setting confirmation process of step S5, it is determined whether a predetermined setting confirmation condition is met. The setting confirmation condition is met, for example, when power supply is started, the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is in the ON state and the setting key 51 is turned ON. The setting confirmation process of step S5 is executed when the recovery condition is met in step S3, including the clear signal being in the OFF state. Therefore, since the setting confirmation condition can be met when the clear signal is in the OFF state, the clear signal being in the OFF state can also be included in the setting confirmation condition.

When the setting confirmation condition is met in the setting confirmation process of step S5, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a setting confirmation state in which the setting values set therein can be confirmed, and a setting confirmation start command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. In the setting confirmation state, the setting values set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed by viewing them on the display monitor 29. When the setting confirmation state is to end, a setting confirmation end command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting confirmation state, it may be in a game stop state in which the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. In the game stop state, the launch of game balls by the operation of the ball hitting operation handle 30, the detection of game balls by various switches, etc., are stopped, and control may be performed such that a missing symbol or the like is frozen and a display corresponding to a game stop state other than a missing symbol is performed. When the setting confirmation state ends, the game stop state associated with it may also end.

In the setting change process of step S7, the CPU 103 determines whether a predetermined setting change condition is met. The setting change condition is met, for example, when the power supply is started, the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is in the ON state, and the setting key 51 is turned ON. The setting change condition may also include the clear signal being in the ON state.

When the setting change condition is satisfied in the setting change process of step S7, the pachinko game machine 1 enters a setting change state in which the setting value set therein can be changed, and a setting change start command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. In the setting change state, the setting value is displayed on the display monitor 29, and the numerical value displayed on the display monitor 29 is updated and displayed in sequence each time the operation of the setting change switch 52 is detected. After that, the CPU 103 stores (updates and stores) the setting value displayed on the display monitor 29 in the backup area of the RAM 102 based on the setting key 51 being turned off by an attendant at the game center or the like, and turns off the display monitor 29. When the setting change state is to be ended, a setting change end command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting change state, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be in a play stop state, just as when it is in the setting confirmation state. When the setting change state ends, the associated play stop state may also end.

When the performance control board 12 receives a setting check start command or a setting change start command, it may perform control to notify the user that the setting is being checked or changed. For example, it may display a specific image on the image display device 5, output a specific sound from the speakers 8L and 8R, or cause a light-emitting component such as the game effect lamp 9 to emit light in a specific manner.

The clear signal is turned on by, for example, pressing the clear switch 92 provided on the power supply board 17. Therefore, when the power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is on, if the clear switch 92 is on, the initialization process of step S6 and the setting change process of step S7 are executed, and it is possible to control it to the setting change state, and if the clear switch 92 is off, the recovery process of step S4 and the setting confirmation process of step S5 are executed, and it is possible to control it to the setting confirmation state. When the power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is off or if the setting key 51 is off, if the clear switch 92 is on, the initialization process of step S6 is executed but it is not controlled to the setting change state, and if the clear switch 92 is off, the recovery process of step S4 is executed but it is not controlled to the setting confirmation state.

After executing the setting confirmation process or setting change process, the CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process to initialize the random number circuit 104 (step S8). The CPU 103 then sets the register of the CTC built into the game control microcomputer 100 so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically at a predetermined time (for example, every 2 ms) (step S9), and permits the interrupt (step S10). After that, a loop process is entered. Thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute the timer interrupt process.

(Game control timer interrupt processing)
Fig. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of a game control timer interrupt process. When the CPU 103 that has executed the game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and accepts the interrupt request, it executes the game control timer interrupt process shown in the flow chart of Fig. 22. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in Fig. 22 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process to determine whether or not detection signals have been received from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110 (step S21). Next, the CPU 103 executes a predetermined main side error process to perform an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko game machine 1, and can issue a warning if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S22). After this, the CPU 103 executes a predetermined information output process to output data such as jackpot information (information indicating the number of jackpots that have occurred), start information (information indicating the number of start winnings), and probability fluctuation information (information indicating the number of times the special state has been entered) to be supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko game machine 1 (step S23).

Following the information output process, the CPU 103 executes a game random number update process for updating at least a part of the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software (step S24). After this, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process process (step S25). The CPU 103 executes the special symbol process process for each timer interrupt, thereby realizing the execution and reservation management of the special symbol game, the control of the big win game state and the small win game state, the control of the game state, and the like.

Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (step S26). The CPU 103 executes the normal symbol process at each timer interrupt, enabling the execution and reservation management of the normal symbol game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the game ball passing through the passing gate 41), and the opening control of the variable winning ball device 6B based on a "normal symbol hit". The normal symbol game is executed by driving the normal symbol display unit 26, and the number of reserved normal symbols is displayed by illuminating the normal symbol memory display unit 25.

After executing the normal symbol process processing, as part of the game control timer interrupt processing, processing when a power outage occurs, processing for paying out prize balls, etc. may be performed. After that, the CPU 103 executes a command control processing (step S27). The CPU 103 may set a performance control command for transmission in each of the above processes. In the command control processing of step S27, a process is performed to transmit the performance control command set for transmission to a sub-side control board such as the performance control board 12. After executing the command control processing, the interrupt is permitted and then the game control timer interrupt processing is terminated.

(Special pattern processing)
Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process. The special symbol process is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S25 shown in Fig. 22. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101).

In the start winning judgment process, a process is executed to detect the occurrence of a start winning, store the reserved information in a specified area of the RAM 102, and update the reserved memory number. When a start winning occurs, a random number value for determining the display result (including the type of big win) and the variation pattern is extracted and stored as reserved information. In addition, a process for predicting and judging the display result and the variation pattern based on the extracted random number value may be executed. After the reserved information and the reserved memory number are stored, a transmission setting is performed to transmit a performance control command to the performance control board 12 to specify the judgment results such as the occurrence of a start winning, the reserved memory number, and the predictive judgment. The performance control command at the time of the start winning that has been transmitted and set in this way is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example, after the special pattern process is completed, by executing the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. 22.

After executing the start winning determination process in step S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes one of the processes in steps S110 to S120 depending on the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the RAM 102. Note that in each step of the special symbol process (steps S110 to S120), a transmission setting is made to transmit a performance control command corresponding to each step to the performance control board 12.

The special symbol normal processing in step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "0" (initial value). In this special symbol normal processing, a judgment is made as to whether or not to start the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game based on the presence or absence of reserved information. In addition, in the special symbol normal processing, based on the random number value for determining the display result, whether or not the display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is to be a "big hit" or a "small hit", and the type of the big hit in the case of a "big hit", is determined (pre-determined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Furthermore, in the special symbol normal processing, a determined special symbol (either a big hit symbol, a small hit symbol, or a miss symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the special symbol game is set in response to the determined display result. After that, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "1", and the special symbol normal processing is terminated. In addition, the special symbol game using the second special symbol may be executed in priority to the special symbol game using the first special symbol (also called special symbol 2 priority consumption). In addition, the order in which the game balls enter the first start winning port and the second start winning port may be stored, and the conditions for starting the special game may be met in the order in which the balls enter the first start winning port (also known as consumption in winning order).

When making various decisions based on random number values, various tables stored in ROM 101 (tables in which decision values compared with random number values are assigned to decision results) are referenced. The same applies to other decisions on the main board 11 and various decisions on the performance control board 12. On the performance control board 12, various tables are stored in ROM 121.

The fluctuation pattern setting process of step S111 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "1". This fluctuation pattern setting process includes a process of determining the fluctuation pattern to one of multiple types using a random number value for determining the fluctuation pattern based on a pre-determined result of whether the display result is a "big hit" or a "small hit". In the fluctuation pattern setting process, when the fluctuation pattern is determined, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "2" and the fluctuation pattern setting process ends.

The variation pattern specifies the execution time of the special game (special game variation time) (which is also the execution time of the variable display of the decorative symbols), the manner of the variable display of the decorative symbols (such as whether or not there is a reach), and the content of the presentation during the variable display of the decorative symbols (such as the type of reach presentation), and is also called the variable display pattern.

The special pattern change process of step S112 is executed when the value of the special pattern process flag is "2". This special pattern change process includes a process of making settings to change the special pattern in the special pattern 1 variable display section 21 and the special pattern 2 variable display section 22, and a process of measuring the elapsed time since the special pattern started to change. It also determines whether the measured elapsed time has reached the special pattern change time corresponding to the change pattern. Then, when the elapsed time since the special pattern started to change reaches the special pattern change time, the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "3", and the special pattern change process ends.

The special symbol stop process of step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "3". This special symbol stop process includes a process for stopping the variation of the special symbol in the special symbol 1 variable display unit 21 and the special symbol 2 variable display unit 22, and setting the special symbol to stop displaying (deriving) the confirmed special symbol that is the display result of the special symbol. If the display result is a "jackpot", the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "4". If the display result is a "miss", the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "0". If the display result is a "miss", when the time-saving state or the probability of winning is controlled and the end of the number of times is reached, the game state is also updated. When the value of the special symbol process flag is updated, the special symbol stop process ends.

The pre-opening process of step S114 is executed when the value of the special pattern process flag is "4". This pre-opening process of the jackpot includes a process for setting the large prize opening to an open state by starting the execution of a round in the jackpot game state based on the display result being "jackpot". When the large prize opening is opened, a process for supplying a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door is executed. At this time, for example, depending on which type of jackpot it is, the open upper limit period for opening the large prize opening and the upper limit execution number of rounds are set. When these settings are completed, the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "5" and the pre-opening process of the jackpot is completed.

The jackpot opening process of step S115 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "5". This jackpot opening process includes a process for measuring the time that has elapsed since the jackpot opening was opened, and a process for determining whether or not it is time to return the jackpot opening from an open state to a closed state based on the measured elapsed time and the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23. When the jackpot opening is to be returned to a closed state, a process for stopping the supply of a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the jackpot opening door is executed, and then the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "6", and the jackpot opening process is terminated.

The post-jackpot release process of step S116 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "6". This post-jackpot release process includes a process for determining whether the number of times the round that opens the big prize opening has been executed has reached a set upper limit, and a process for making settings to end the jackpot game state when the upper limit has been reached. When the number of times the round has been executed has not reached the upper limit, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "5", whereas when the number of times the round has been executed has reached the upper limit, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "7". When the value of the special chart process flag is updated, the post-jackpot release process ends.

The jackpot end process of step S117 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "7". This jackpot end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to the period during which an ending presentation is executed as a presentation operation that notifies the end of the jackpot game state has elapsed, and a process of making various settings for starting special rate control or time-saving control in response to the end of the jackpot game state. When such settings are made, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot end process ends.

The pachinko game machine 1 is configured so that the winning probability of a jackpot and the ball payout rate change according to the setting value. For example, in the special symbol normal processing of the special symbol process processing, the winning probability of a jackpot and the ball payout rate change by using a display result judgment table (winning probability) according to the setting value. For example, the setting value is made up of six levels from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest winning probability of a jackpot, and the winning probability of a jackpot decreasing as the value decreases in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. In this example, when the setting value is set to 6, the player has the highest advantage, and the advantage decreases stepwise as the value decreases in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. If the winning probability of a jackpot changes according to the setting value, the ball payout rate may also change according to the setting value. The winning probability of a jackpot is constant regardless of the setting value, while the number of rounds in the jackpot game state may change according to the setting value. The pachinko game machine 1 may be configured so that any of a plurality of setting values with different advantages for the player can be set. The setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is notified by sending a setting value designation command from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

The number of setting values that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be five or less or seven or more. The smaller the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the more advantageous it may be for the player. The game characteristics may be changed according to the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 1, the gameplay is such that the probability of a jackpot in the normal state is 1/320, and the probability of the probability of the jackpot state loops at a rate of 65% (so-called probability loop type); when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 2, the gameplay is such that the probability of a jackpot in the normal state is 1/200, and the gameplay state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled to the probability of the jackpot state based on the game ball passing through a predetermined switch provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7 during the jackpot game, while the rate at which the game ball passes through the predetermined switch during the jackpot game varies depending on the variable special chart (so-called V probability of the jackpot type); and when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 3, the gameplay is such that the probability of a jackpot is 1/320, the probability of a small jackpot is 1/50, and the gameplay state is controlled to the jackpot game state based on the game ball passing through a predetermined switch provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7 during the high base (during time-saving control) (so-called type 1/2 mixed type). When the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is any one of 1 to 3, the gameplay is the same, but a setting may be provided in which the probability of a big win or a small win is higher than when the setting value is any one of 1 to 3, but the number of prize balls that can be acquired during a big win game is smaller (for example, when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is any one of 4 to 6). When the gameplay is changed according to the setting value, a common switch may be used for different purposes. Specifically, when the setting value is 1 to 3, a predetermined switch provided in the special variable winning ball device 7 may be used as a performance switch (a switch for executing a predetermined performance every time the game ball passes through a predetermined area), and when the setting value is 4 to 6, the predetermined switch may be used as a game switch (a switch for controlling the game state to a probability variable state or a big win game state based on the game ball passing through the predetermined switch).

The jackpot type may be determined at different rates depending on the set value, based on the allocation of judgment values in the jackpot type judgment table. Alternatively, the jackpot type may be determined at a common rate regardless of the set value. The fluctuation pattern may be determined at different rates depending on the set value, based on the allocation of judgment values in the fluctuation pattern judgment table. Alternatively, the fluctuation pattern may be determined at a common rate regardless of the set value. The execution rate of normal reaches and super reaches may differ depending on the set value, so that the setting value may be suggested by the frequency at which normal reaches and super reaches are executed. Alternatively, the execution rate of normal reaches and super reaches may be common regardless of the set value. In addition, any setting suggestion performance may be possible at different rates depending on the set value.

(Start winning judgment process)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the start winning judgment process. The CPU 103 executes the start winning judgment process in S101 of the special symbol process shown in FIG. 23. In the start winning judgment process, the CPU 103 first judges whether the first starting hole switch 22A is on or not based on a detection signal from the first starting hole switch 22A provided corresponding to the first starting winning hole formed by the winning ball device 6A (step S51). At this time, if the first starting hole switch 22A is on (Y in step S51), it judges whether the first special symbol reserved memory number, which is the reserved memory number of the special symbol game using the first special symbol, is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory number) (step S52). The CPU 103 may specify the first special symbol reserved memory number by reading the first reserved memory number count value, which is the stored value of the first reserved memory number counter provided in the game control counter setting unit not shown, for example. When the number of reserved first special charts is not the upper limit in step S52 (N in step S52), the storage value of a start port buffer provided in a game control buffer setting section (not shown), for example, is set to "1" (step S53).

When the first start port switch 22A is off in step S51 (N in step S51) or when the first special symbol reserved memory number has reached the upper limit in step S52 (Y in step S52), the second start port switch 22B is determined to be on or not based on a detection signal from the second start port switch 22B provided corresponding to the second start port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B (step S54). At this time, if the second start port switch 22B is on (Y in step S54), it is determined whether the second special symbol reserved memory number, which is the reserved memory number of the special symbol game using the second special symbol, is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "4" as the upper limit memory number) (step S55). The CPU 103 may specify the second special symbol reserved memory number by reading the second reserved memory number count value, which is the stored value of the second reserved memory number counter provided in the game control counter setting unit not shown, for example. When the number of reserved second special charts is not the upper limit in step S55 (N in step S55), the storage value of a start port buffer provided in a game control buffer setting section (not shown), for example, is set to "2" (step S56).

After executing either step S53 or step S56, the number of reserved memories corresponding to the start port buffer value, which is the stored value of the start port buffer, is updated to add 1 (step S57). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the first reserved memory count value is added by 1, while when the start port buffer value is "2", the second reserved memory count value is added by 1. Thus, the first reserved memory count value is updated to increase by 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning port and the first start condition corresponding to the special game using the first special game is established. Also, the second reserved memory count value is updated to increase by 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the second start winning port and the second start condition corresponding to the special game using the second special game is established. At this time, the total reserved memory count is also updated to add 1 (step S58). For example, the total reserved memory count value, which is the stored value of the total reserved memory counter provided in the game control counter setting unit (not shown), may be updated to add 1.

After executing the process of step S58, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating the random number value RANDOM 1 for determining a jackpot, the random number value RANDOM 2 for determining the type of jackpot, and the random number values RANDOM 3 and RANDOM 4 for determining the variation pattern from the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 104 and the random counter of the game control counter setting unit (not shown) (step S59). The numerical data indicating each random number value thus extracted is stored by being set as reserved information at the beginning of an empty entry in the special chart reserved memory unit according to the start port buffer value (step S60). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", numerical data indicating the random number values RANDOM 1 to RANDOM 4 are stored in the first special chart reserved memory unit (not shown), while when the start port buffer value is "2", numerical data indicating the random number values RANDOM 1 to RANDOM 4 are stored in the second special chart reserved memory unit (not shown).

The numerical data indicating the random number value RANDOM1 for determining a jackpot and the random number value RANDOM2 for determining the type of jackpot are used to determine whether the result of the variable display of the special and decorative patterns is a "jackpot" or not, and further to determine the type of jackpot if the result of the variable display is a "jackpot". The random number values RANDOM3 and RANDOM4 for determining the variable pattern are used to determine the variable pattern including the variable display time of the special and decorative patterns. By executing the process of step S59, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating all of the random number values used to determine the variable display mode including the variable display result and the variable display time of the special and decorative patterns.

Following the processing of step S59, the start port winning designation command is set to be sent according to the start port buffer value (step S60). For example, when the start port buffer value is "1", the storage address of the first start port winning designation command table in ROM 101 is stored in the buffer area specified by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer, and the setting is made to send the first start port winning designation command to the performance control board 12. On the other hand, when the start port buffer value is "2", the storage address of the second start port winning designation command table in ROM 101 is stored in the buffer area of the transmission command buffer, and the setting is made to send the second start port winning designation command to the performance control board 12. The start port winning designation command set in this way is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example, by executing the command control process of S27 shown in FIG. 22 after the special pattern process process is completed.

Following the process of step S60, the CPU 103 stores a random number in a storage area corresponding to the reserved memory (step S61). After that, the CPU 103 clears the start hole buffer and initializes the stored value to "0" (step S62), and then ends the start winning judgment process. This ensures that even if both the first start hole switch 22A and the second start hole switch 22B simultaneously detect a valid start winning of a game ball, the process based on the detection of both valid start winnings can be completed.

(Special pattern normal processing)
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the normal special symbol processing. As shown in FIG. 25, in the normal special symbol processing, the CPU 103 judges whether there is reserved memory data in the first reserved memory buffer (a memory buffer for storing reserved memory information of the first special symbol) or the second reserved memory buffer (a memory buffer for storing reserved memory information of the second special symbol) (step S1001). If there is no reserved memory data in either the first reserved memory buffer or the second reserved memory buffer (N in step S1001), it judges whether a predetermined period has passed since the fluctuation stop (step S1002). If the predetermined period has not passed since the fluctuation stop (N in step S1002), the normal special symbol processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the predetermined period has passed since the fluctuation stop (Y in step S1002), a process for transmitting a customer waiting demo designation command is performed (step S1003), and the normal special symbol processing is terminated. Here, when the customer waiting demo designation command is transmitted, a customer waiting demo designation command transmission completion flag indicating that the customer waiting demo designation command has been transmitted is set. Then, when the special symbol normal processing is executed after the next timer interruption after the customer waiting demo designation command is transmitted, the customer waiting demo designation command transmission completion flag is set, so that the customer waiting demo designation command is not transmitted again. Such a customer waiting demo designation command transmission completion flag is reset when the next variable display of the special symbol is started.

When there is reserved memory data in the first reserved memory buffer or the second reserved memory buffer (Y in step S1001), the CPU 103 determines whether the first data among the data set in the reserved specific area is data indicating "second" (step S1004). If the first data set in the reserved specific area is not data indicating "second" (i.e., data indicating "first") (N in step S1004), the CPU 103 sets data indicating "first" to the special pattern pointer (a flag indicating whether the special pattern process is being performed on the first special pattern or the second special pattern) (step S1005). If the first data set in the reserved specific area is data indicating "second" (Y in step S1004), the CPU 103 sets data indicating "second" to the special pattern pointer (step S1006).

In this embodiment, depending on whether data indicating "first" or "second" is set in the special pattern pointer, the display of the first special pattern and the display of the second special pattern are performed using a common processing routine. When data indicating "first" is set in the special pattern pointer, the display of the first special pattern is performed based on the reserved memory data stored in the first reserved memory buffer. On the other hand, when data indicating "second" is set in the special pattern pointer, the display of the second special pattern is performed based on the reserved memory data stored in the second reserved memory buffer.

By the control of steps S1004 to S1006, if there is at least one second reserved memory data in the second reserved memory buffer, the display of the second special symbol changes based on the data in the second reserved memory is executed in priority over the display of the first special symbol changes based on the data in the first reserved memory.

Next, the CPU 103 reads out each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number=1 indicated by the special symbol pointer, and stores it in the reserved memory buffer of the RAM 102 (step S1007). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "first", the CPU 103 reads out each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number=1 in the first reserved memory buffer, and stores it in the reserved memory buffer of the RAM 102. Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", the CPU 103 reads out each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number=1 in the second reserved memory buffer, and stores it in the reserved memory buffer of the RAM 102.

Then, the CPU 103 subtracts one from the count value of the reserved memory number counter indicated by the special pattern pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S1008). Specifically, when the special pattern pointer indicates "first," the CPU 103 subtracts one from the count value of the first reserved memory number counter, and shifts the contents of each storage area in the first reserved memory buffer. When the special pattern pointer indicates "second," the CPU 103 subtracts one from the count value of the second reserved memory number counter, and shifts the contents of each storage area in the second reserved memory buffer.

In other words, when the special symbol pointer indicates "1st", the CPU 103 stores each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory buffer of the RAM 102 in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n-1. Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "2nd", the CPU 103 stores each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory buffer of the RAM 102 in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n-1.

Therefore, the order in which the random numbers stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to each first pending memory number (or each second pending memory number) are extracted always matches the order of the first pending memory number (or second pending memory number) = 1, 2, 3, 4.

Next, the CPU 103 controls the transmission of a reserved memory number designation command indicated by the special pattern pointer to the performance control CPU 120 based on the value of the reserved memory number counter indicated by the special pattern pointer after subtraction (step S1009). In this case, if the special pattern pointer is set to a value indicating "first", the CPU 103 controls the transmission of a first reserved memory number designation command. Also, if the special pattern pointer is set to a value indicating "second", the CPU 103 controls the transmission of a second reserved memory number designation command.

Next, the CPU 103 sends a background designation command (step S1010), reads out Random R (random number for determining whether or not there is a jackpot) from the reserved memory buffer, and executes the jackpot determination module (step S1011). In this case, the CPU 103 reads out the random number for determining whether or not there is a jackpot that was extracted in the start winning determination process and stored in advance in the first reserved memory buffer or the second reserved memory buffer, and performs a jackpot determination. The jackpot determination module is a program that executes a process that compares a predetermined jackpot determination value (see FIG. 7) with the random number for determining whether or not there is a jackpot, and if they match, determines that there is a jackpot. In other words, it is a program that executes the process of determining whether or not there is a jackpot.

In the process of jackpot determination, when the game state is in a probability variable state (high probability state), the probability of a jackpot is higher than when the game state is in a non-probability variable state (normal game state and time-saving state). Specifically, a probability variable jackpot determination table (table in which the values in the lower column of FIG. 8(a) are set) in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance, and a normal time jackpot determination table (table in which the values in the upper column of FIG. 8(a) are set) in which a smaller number of jackpot determination values are set than in the probability variable jackpot determination table are provided. Then, the CPU 103 checks whether the game state is in a probability variable state, and when the game state is in a probability variable state, performs the process of jackpot determination using the probability variable jackpot determination table, and when the game state is in a normal state or time-saving state, performs the process of jackpot determination using the normal time jackpot determination table. That is, the CPU 103 performs the process of jackpot determination using the normal time jackpot determination table when the value of the jackpot determination random number (random 1) is set in the table in FIG. 8(a).
If the value of the jackpot determination value shown in the table above matches any of the jackpot determination values shown in the table above, it is determined that the special symbol is a jackpot. If it is determined that a jackpot is reached (Y in step S1011), the process proceeds to step S1012. Note that determining whether or not to reach a jackpot means determining whether or not to transition to a jackpot game state, but also means determining whether or not to set the stopped symbol in the special symbol as a jackpot symbol.

Whether the current game state is in a high probability state is confirmed by checking whether the high probability state flag is set. The high probability state flag is set when the game state transitions to a high probability state, and is reset when the high probability state ends. Specifically, the high probability state flag is set in the process of ending a jackpot game, and is then reset at the timing when the variable display of the special pattern ends and the stopped pattern is displayed stationary when either the variable display has been performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 150 times) or the next jackpot has been determined, whichever occurs first, is met.

If the value of the random number (Random 1) for determining a jackpot does not match any of the jackpot determination values (N in step S1011), proceed to step S1015 described below.

If the value of the random number (RANDOM 1) for determining a jackpot in step S1011 matches any of the jackpot determination values, the CPU 103 sets a jackpot flag indicating a jackpot (step S1012). The jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends. Then, as a table to be used to determine the jackpot type as one of the multiple types, the first special symbol jackpot type determination table in FIG. 8(b) and the second special symbol jackpot type determination table in FIG. 8(c) are selected. Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "first", the CPU 103 selects the first special symbol jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 8(b). Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", the CPU 103 selects the second special symbol jackpot type determination table in FIG. 8(c). Then, the CPU 103 reads out the random number for determining the type of jackpot extracted during the start winning determination process and stored in advance in the first reserved memory buffer or the second reserved memory buffer, and uses the selected jackpot type determination table to determine the type of jackpot and the jackpot pattern that correspond to the value that matches the value of the random number for determining the type of jackpot (Random 2) stored in the reserved memory buffer (step S1013).

The CPU 103 also sets jackpot type data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 102 (step S1014).

Next, the CPU 103 sets the special symbol to be stopped (step S1015). Specifically, if the jackpot flag is not set, the special symbol is set to a "-" symbol, which is a losing symbol. If the jackpot flag is set, the special symbol is set to the jackpot symbol determined in step S1014 according to the determination result of the jackpot type.

Then, the CPU 103 sends a display result designation command (step S1016) and updates the value of the special pattern process flag to a value corresponding to the variable pattern setting process (step S111) (step S1017).

(Variation pattern setting process)
FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing an example of a fluctuation pattern setting process. As shown in FIG. 26, in the fluctuation pattern setting process, the CPU 103 determines the subsequent fluctuation pattern based on the random 3 and 4 according to the number of reserved memories and the presence or absence of a jackpot (step S1101). Specifically, in the case of a miss, the CPU 103 selects the subsequent fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 12 according to the number of reserved memories, and determines the subsequent fluctuation pattern based on the selected subsequent fluctuation pattern determination table and the value of random 3. In addition, in the case of a jackpot, the CPU 103 selects the subsequent fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13 according to the type of jackpot, and determines the subsequent fluctuation pattern based on the selected subsequent fluctuation pattern determination table and the value of random 4.

Next, the CPU 103 determines the previous fluctuation pattern based on the random 5 (step S1102). Specifically, the CPU 103 selects a previous fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 14 according to the previous fluctuation pattern determined in S1102, and determines the previous fluctuation pattern based on the selected previous fluctuation pattern determination table and the value of the random 5.

Next, the CPU 103 performs control to transmit a change pattern command corresponding to the determined change pattern (front change pattern and rear change pattern) to the performance control CPU 120 (step S1103).

Next, the CPU 103 sets a value corresponding to the change time corresponding to the selected change pattern in the change time timer formed in the RAM 102 (step S1104). Then, the CPU 103 performs control to send a pattern change designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step S1105), and updates the value of the special pattern process flag to a value corresponding to the special pattern change process (step S112) (step S1106).

(Special pattern variation processing)
Fig. 27 is a flow chart showing an example of special symbol variation processing. As shown in Fig. 27, in the special symbol variation processing, the CPU 103 subtracts 1 from the variation time timer (step S1201), and when the variation time timer times out (Y in step S1202), updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop processing (step S113) (step S1203). When the variation time timer does not time out (N in step S1202), the processing ends as it is.

(Special symbol stop processing)
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of special symbol stop processing. As shown in FIG. 28, in the special symbol stop processing, the CPU 103 sets an end flag to end the variable display of the special symbol, and performs control to derive and display the stop symbol on the special symbol 1 variable display unit 21 or the special symbol 2 variable display unit 22 (step S1301). If the data indicating "first" is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the first special symbol on the special symbol 1 variable display unit 21 is ended, and if the data indicating "second" is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the second special symbol on the special symbol 2 variable display unit 22 is ended. In addition, a symbol determination designation command is set in the performance control CPU 120 (step S1302). As a result, the symbol determination designation command is transmitted to the performance control CPU 120. Next, the CPU 103 judges whether or not the jackpot flag is set (step S1303). If the jackpot flag is not set (N in step S1303), the process proceeds to step S1309.

If the jackpot flag is set (Y in step S1303), the CPU 103 resets the probability bonus flag and the time-saving flag (step S1304). Next, the CPU 103 transmits a jackpot start command and a right-hit display lighting command to the performance control CPU 120 (step S1305).

Also, referring to the opening pattern data stored in the ROM 101, data indicating the opening mode of the normal large prize winning port and the V large prize winning port, such as the number of times of opening (for example, 5 times or 10 times), the opening time (for example, 29 seconds), and the interval time between rounds (for example, 0.5 seconds), are set in a predetermined storage area (step S1306). For example, in the case of a normal jackpot of 3R, the opening mode in which the normal large prize winning port is opened in all of 1 to 3R is stored in a predetermined storage area provided in the RAM 102. In the case of a jackpot of 5R, the opening mode in which the normal large prize winning port is opened in 1 to 3R and 5R, and the V large prize winning port is opened in 4R is stored in a predetermined storage area provided in the RAM 102. In addition, in the case of a jackpot of 10R, the opening mode in which the normal large prize winning port is opened in 1 to 8R and 10R, and the V large prize winning port is opened in 9R is stored in a predetermined storage area provided in the RAM 102. The data on the number of times the door is opened (5 times or 10 times) is set in an opening counter for counting the number of times the door is opened.

The large prize opening control timer is also set to a value equivalent to the fanfare time, which is the jackpot display time (the time during which the occurrence of a jackpot is notified, for example, on the image display device 5) (step S1307). Thereafter, in the jackpot opening pre-processing, the large prize opening control timer is decremented by 1, and when it reaches 0, the large prize opening is opened and the round begins. The value of the special symbol process flag is then updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot opening pre-processing (step S114) (step S1308), and the process ends.

If it is determined in step S1303 that the jackpot flag is not set (N in step S1304), the CPU 103 determines whether or not a time-saving flag indicating that the game is in a time-saving state is set (step S1309). If the time-saving flag is not set (N in step S1309), the CPU 103 proceeds to the processing of step S1316. If the time-saving flag is set (Y in step S1309), the CPU 103 subtracts 1 from the counter value of the time-saving count counter indicating the remaining number of fluctuations in the time-saving state (step S1310). Next, the CPU 103 checks whether or not the value of the time-saving count counter has become 0 (step S1311). If the value of the time-saving count counter has become 0 (Y in step S1311), the CPU 103 determines that the duration of the time-saving state has ended and resets the time-saving flag (step S1312). As a result, when a fluctuation display that results in a miss display is performed a specific number of times (150 times) in the time-saving state, the game state transitions from the time-saving state to the non-time-saving state. In step S1311, if the time-saving counter value is not 0 (N in step S1311), the process proceeds to step S1316.

After step S1312, it is determined whether or not a high probability flag indicating a high probability state is set (step S1313). If the high probability flag is set (Y in step S1313), the high probability flag is reset (step S1314). Next, in response to the game state transitioning from the time-saving state to the normal state (low probability/low base state), the CPU 103 transmits a normal state designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step S1315) and proceeds to step S1316. If the high probability flag is not set in step S1313 (N in step S1313), the process of step S1314 is not performed and the process proceeds to step S1315. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S110) (step S1316), and the process ends.

(Pre-opening process for big win)
Fig. 29 is a flow chart showing an example of the big win opening pre-processing. As shown in Fig. 29, in the big win opening pre-processing, the CPU 103 decrements the value of the big win opening control timer by 1 (subtract update) (step S1401). Then, it is determined whether the value of the big win opening control timer is 0 (step S1402), and if the value of the big win opening control timer is not 0 (N in step S1402), the process is terminated.

If the value of the special prize opening control timer is 0 (Y in step S1402), a special prize opening open command is sent to the performance control CPU 120 (step S1403). Then, the solenoid 82 is driven according to the opening pattern to open the normal special prize opening (step S1404). As a result, the normal special prize opening is opened in the first round.

Next, the CPU 103 sets the large prize opening control timer to a large prize opening opening time (e.g., 29 seconds) corresponding to the maximum time that the large prize opening can be opened (large prize opening opening time) based on the opening pattern data (e.g., data stored in RAM 102 by step S1306) (step S1405). Then, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the large prize opening process (step S115) (step S1406), and ends the process.

(Processing during jackpot opening)
30 is a flow chart showing an example of the big win opening process. As shown in FIG. 30, in the big win opening process, the CPU 103 decrements the value of the big win opening control timer by 1 (subtract update) (step S1501).

Then, the CPU 103 checks whether the value of the large prize opening control timer has reached 0 (step S1502). If the value of the large prize opening control timer has reached 0 (Y in step S1502), the process proceeds to step S1511. If the value of the large prize opening control timer has not reached 0 (N in step S1502), the process determines whether the regular large prize opening or the V large prize opening is currently open (step S1503). Whether the regular large prize opening or the V large prize opening is currently open can be determined from the value of the opening count counter.

If it is determined in step S1503 that the regular large prize opening or the V large prize opening is not open (N in step S1503), the process ends.

If the regular large prize opening or the V large prize opening is open (Y in step S1503), it is determined whether the count switch 23 or the V prize switch 24 is on (step S1504). If neither the count switch 23 nor the V prize switch 24 is on (N in step S1504), the process ends. On the other hand, if either the count switch 23 or the V prize switch 24 is on (Y in step S1504), the prize number counter is incremented by +1 (updated) (step S1505).

Next, it is determined whether or not the high probability determination flag is set (step S1506). The high probability determination flag is a flag that is set when it is determined that the machine will be controlled to the high probability state when a V win occurs. If the high probability determination flag is set (Y in step S1506), the process proceeds to step S1510. On the other hand, if the high probability determination flag is not set (N in step S1506), it is determined whether or not the V winning switch 24 is on (step S1507). If the V winning switch 24 is not on (N in step S1507), the process proceeds to step S1510. On the other hand, if the V winning switch is on (Y in step S1507), the high probability determination flag is set (step S1508), a high probability determination device pass command is sent (step S1509), and the process proceeds to step S1510.

Then, the CPU 103 determines whether the value of the winning number counter has reached a predetermined number (for example, 10) (step S1510). If the value of the winning number counter has not reached the predetermined number (N in step S1510), the process ends.

When the value of the winning number counter is a predetermined number (Y in step S1510), the CPU 103 performs either one of the control of driving the solenoid 82 to close the normal big prize opening or the control of driving the solenoid 83 to close the V big prize opening (step S1511). Next, the CPU 103 performs a process of clearing (setting to 0) the value of the winning number counter (step S1512). Next, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the big prize opening post-processing (step S116) (step S1513), and ends the process.

(Post-opening processing)
31 is a flow chart showing an example of a big win release post-processing. As shown in FIG 31, in the big win release post-processing, the CPU 103 judges whether or not the value of the opening number counter is 0 (step S1601).

If the value of the opening count counter is 0 (Y in step S1601), a jackpot end command is sent to the performance control CPU 120 (step S1602), a value corresponding to the jackpot end time (the time at which the jackpot game is notified, for example, on the image display device 5 that the jackpot game has ended) is set in the jackpot entry port control timer (step S1603), the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S117) (step S1604), and the process ends.

In step S1601, if the value of the opening count counter is not 0 (N in step S1601), a command to specify when the large prize opening is to be opened is sent to the performance control CPU 120 (step S1605), and the large prize opening control timer is set to a value equivalent to the interval time from the end of a round to the start of the next round (step S1606).

Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not it is before the round in which the V large prize opening is opened (also called the V opening round), i.e., whether or not the next round is a V opening round (step S1607). If it is not before the V opening round (N in step S1607), control is performed to drive the solenoid 82 to open the normal large prize opening (step S1608). On the other hand, if it is before the V opening round (Y in step S1607), control is performed to drive the solenoid 83 to open the V large prize opening (step S1609).

After step S1608 or step S1609, the CPU 103 sends a command to the performance control CPU 120 to specify whether the jackpot opening is in progress (step S1610). The CPU 103 then updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot opening process (step S115) (step S1611), and ends the process.

(Jackpot end processing)
FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing an example of the jackpot end process. As shown in FIG. 32, in the jackpot end process, the CPU 103 subtracts 1 from the value of the jackpot opening control timer in which the jackpot end time is set (step S1701). Then, the CPU 103 judges whether the value of the jackpot opening control timer is 0 (whether the jackpot end time has elapsed) (step S1702). If the value of the jackpot opening control timer is not 0 (N in step S1702), the process is terminated. If the value of the jackpot opening control timer is 0 (Y in step S1702), the jackpot flag is reset (step S1703).

Next, the CPU 103 determines whether the high probability flag, which is set by passing through the V winning area, is set (step S1704). If the high probability flag is not set (N in step S1704), the process proceeds to step S1705. If the high probability flag is set in step S1704 (Y in step S1704), the high probability flag indicating that the game is in a high probability state is set (step S1707). Next, a high probability state designation command is sent to the performance control CPU 120 (step S1708), the high probability flag is reset (step S1709), and the process proceeds to step S1710.

In step S1710, a time-saving flag is set to indicate that the time-saving state is active (step S1710), and the time-saving count counter is set to 150 (step S1711). Then, the process proceeds to step S1712.

On the other hand, if the probability of a bonus has not been set in step S1704 (N in step S1704), then in step S1705, a time-saving flag is set indicating that the game is in a time-saving state (step S1705), the time-saving counter is set to 100 (step S1706), and the process proceeds to step S1712.

In step S1712, a time-saving state designation command is sent to the performance control CPU 120 (step S1712). Then, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal processing (step S110) (step S1713), and ends the process. Note that the performance control CPU 120 is able to recognize whether the game is in a special, time-saving, or normal state based on the special state designation command sent from the CPU 103.

(Main operations of the performance control board 12)
Next, the main operations of the performance control board 12 will be described.

(Performance control main processing)
When the performance control board 12 receives a power supply voltage from a power supply board or the like, the performance control CPU 120 starts up and executes the performance control main process as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 33. Fig. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of the performance control main process. When the performance control main process shown in Fig. 33 starts, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71), clears the RAM 122, sets various initial values, and sets the registers of the CTC (counter/timer circuit) mounted on the performance control board 12. In addition, it executes an initial operation control process (step S72). In the initial operation control process, control is executed to perform the initial operation of the movable body 32, such as control to drive the movable body 32 to return it to its initial position and control to perform a predetermined operation check.

Then, it is determined whether the timer interrupt flag is on or not (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time (e.g., 2 milliseconds) elapses, for example based on the register setting of the CTC. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (N in step S73), the process of step S73 is repeatedly executed and the system waits.

In addition, on the performance control board 12 side, an interrupt occurs to receive a performance control command from the main board 11, in addition to a timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time has elapsed. This interrupt occurs, for example, when the performance control INT signal from the main board 11 becomes ON. When an interrupt occurs due to the performance control INT signal becoming ON, the performance control CPU 120 automatically sets the interrupt to be prohibited, but if a CPU that does not automatically become interrupt prohibited is used, it is desirable to emit an interrupt prohibition command (DI command). In response to an interrupt due to the performance control INT signal becoming ON, the performance control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process. In this command reception interrupt process, a performance control command is taken in from a predetermined input port that receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, among the input ports included in the I/O 125. The performance control command taken in at this time is stored in a performance control command reception buffer provided in, for example, the RAM 122. The performance control CPU 120 then sets the interrupt to permitted and ends the command reception interrupt process.

If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S73 (Y in step S73), the timer interrupt flag is cleared to an off state (step S74), and a command analysis process is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, various presentation control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the presentation control command reception buffer are read, and then settings and controls corresponding to the read presentation control commands are performed. For example, the read presentation control command is stored in a specified area of the RAM 122, or a reception flag provided in the RAM 122 is turned on so that which presentation control command was received and the contents specified by the presentation control command can be confirmed by the presentation control process process. In addition, if the presentation control command specifies the game state, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display a background corresponding to the game state.

After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the performance control process is executed (step S76). In the performance control process, for example, control is performed to operate various performance devices, such as the display operation of the performance image in the display area of the image display device 5, the sound output operation from the speakers 8L, 8R, the light emission operation of the decorative light-emitting elements such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LEDs, and the driving operation of the movable body 32. In addition, judgments, decisions, settings, etc. are made regarding the control contents of the performance operations using the various performance devices in accordance with the performance control commands transmitted from the main board 11.

Following the performance control process processing of step S76, a performance random number update process is executed (step S77), and at least a portion of the performance random numbers used on the performance control board 12 side is updated by software. Then, the process returns to step S73. Before returning to step S73, other processes may be executed.

(Performance control process)
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of the performance control process. The performance control process is a process executed in step S76 of FIG. 33. In the performance control process shown in FIG. 34, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a pre-reading notice setting process (step S161). In the pre-reading notice setting process, for example, a judgment, decision, setting, etc. for executing the pre-reading notice performance is performed based on the performance control command at the time of the start winning transmitted from the main board 11. In addition, a process for displaying the reserved display is executed based on the reserved memory number specified from the performance control command.

After executing the processing of step S161, the performance control CPU 120 selects and executes one of the processing of steps S170 to S177 as described below, depending on the value of a performance process flag provided in, for example, RAM 122.

The variable display start waiting process of step S170 is executed when the value of the presentation process flag is "0" (initial value). This variable display start waiting process includes a process of determining whether or not to start the variable display of the decorative pattern on the image display device 5 based on whether or not a command specifying the start of variable display has been received from the main board 11. If it is determined that the variable display of the decorative pattern on the image display device 5 should be started, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to "1" and the variable display start waiting process ends.

The variable display start setting process of step S171 is a process executed when the value of the performance process flag is "1". In this variable display start setting process, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern (determined decorative pattern), the mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern, whether or not various performances such as reach performance and various notice performances are executed, the mode and execution start timing are determined based on the display result and the variation pattern specified by the performance control command. Then, a performance control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the display control unit 123 to execute the performance) reflecting the determined result is set. After that, based on the set performance control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start the execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process is terminated. The display control unit 123 starts the variable display of the decorative pattern in the image display device 5 according to the instruction to start the execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern.

The variable display performance process of step S172 is a process executed when the performance process flag is "2". In this variable display performance process, the performance control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display a performance image based on the performance control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5, to drive the movable body 32, to output voice and sound effects from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the voice control board 13, and to light up/turn off/blink the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED by outputting a command (illumination signal) to the LED driver, thereby executing various performance controls during the variable display of the decorative pattern. After performing such performance control, for example, in response to the reading of an end code indicating the end of the variable display of the decorative pattern from the performance control pattern, or the reception of a command specifying the stop display of the fixed decorative pattern from the main board 11, the fixed decorative pattern, which is the display result of the decorative pattern, is stopped. When the final decorative pattern is displayed in a stopped state, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "3" and the performance process during variable display ends.

The special winning waiting process of step S173 is executed when the value of the presentation process flag is "3". In this special winning waiting process, the presentation control CPU 120 judges whether or not a presentation control command that specifies the start of a jackpot game state has been received from the main board 11. Then, when a presentation control command that specifies the start of a jackpot game state is received, if the command specifies the start of a jackpot game state, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to "4". Also, when a command that specifies the start of a jackpot game state is not received and the waiting time for receiving the command has elapsed, it is judged that the display result in the special game was a "miss", and the value of the presentation process flag is updated to the initial value of "0". When the value of the presentation process flag is updated, the special winning waiting process is terminated.

The jackpot performance process of step S174 is executed when the performance process flag value is "4". In this jackpot performance process, the performance control CPU 120 sets, for example, a performance control pattern corresponding to the performance content in the jackpot gaming state, and executes various performance controls in the jackpot gaming state based on the set content. In addition, in the jackpot performance process, for example, in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 specifying that the jackpot gaming state is to end, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "5", which is a value corresponding to the ending performance process, and the jackpot performance process ends.

The ending presentation process of step S175 is executed when the value of the presentation process flag is "5". In this ending presentation process, the presentation control CPU 120 sets a presentation control pattern corresponding to, for example, the end of a jackpot gaming state, and executes various presentation controls for the ending presentation at the end of the jackpot gaming state based on the set contents. After that, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the ending presentation process is terminated.

(Variable display start setting process)
Fig. 35 is a flow chart showing an example of variable display start setting processing. As shown in Fig. 35, the performance control CPU 120 checks whether the result of the variable display is determined to be a miss (step S7101). If it is determined to be a miss, the performance control CPU 120 checks whether a command corresponding to a non-reach variable pattern has been received as a variable pattern command (step S7103).

When the performance control CPU 120 determines that it has received a command corresponding to a non-reach fluctuation pattern, it uses the data table for determining a losing symbol to determine the display result of a losing symbol that does not result in a reach as the final stop of the performance symbol (step S7105), and proceeds to step S7106.

If the process of step S7103 determines that the pattern is not a non-reach fluctuation pattern (if the pattern is determined to be a reach fluctuation pattern), the stopping patterns of the performance patterns that make up the reach pattern combination are determined (step S7104), and the process proceeds to step S7106.

Also, if the processing in step S7101 does not determine a miss (if a jackpot is determined), the CPU 101 for controlling the presentation determines the stopping patterns of the presentation patterns that make up the combination of jackpot patterns according to the type of jackpot (step S7102), and proceeds to step S7106.

Next, a performance setting process (step S7106) is executed to perform various performances in the variable display (for example, a process for executing specific performances such as the various lotteries shown in Figures 18 to 20, hold change notices, step-up notices, and pseudo consecutive performances), and then the process proceeds to step S7107.

In step S7107, the performance control pattern is determined to be one of a plurality of performance control patterns. In step S7107, depending on the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern specification command and the various performance control (performance operation) patterns specified by the performance control pattern of the performance determined in the processing of step S7106, one of the multiple pattern variation control patterns stored in the pattern variation control pattern table that corresponds to the various specified performance operation patterns is selected and determined as the pattern to be used.

The control pattern table stored in ROM 121 stores multiple types of pattern change control patterns that indicate the control contents of various performance operations, such as the display operation of the changing performance pattern in the display area of the image display device 5 during the period from when the change in the performance pattern begins to when the final performance pattern, which is the final stopping pattern, is stopped and displayed, the display operation in a reach performance, the display operation due to a pseudo consecutive performance, and the display operation in a preview performance.

In addition, each pattern change control pattern includes control data for controlling various performance operations according to the display change of the performance pattern, such as a performance control process timer setting value, a performance control process timer judgment value, performance display control data, audio control data, lamp control data, and an end code, and the contents of various performance controls and the timing of switching the performance controls are set in chronological order.

Next, a process table corresponding to the effect control pattern is selected (step S7108). Then, the process timer (effect setting process timer) in the process data of the selected process table is started (step S7109).

After executing the process of step S7109, control of the performance devices (image display device 5 as a performance component, various lamps as performance components, and speakers 8L, 8R as performance components) is started (step S7110) according to the contents of the process data (display control execution data, brightness data, sound number data). For example, a command is output to make the image display device 5 display an image (including a performance pattern) corresponding to a variation pattern according to the display control execution data. Also, a control signal (brightness data) is output to the LED driver to control the lighting/extinguishing of light-emitting elements such as various LEDs. Also, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the audio control board 13 to output audio from the speakers 8L, 8R.

Then, the variable display time timer is set to a value corresponding to the variable time specified by the variable pattern command (step S7111), the value of the performance control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the performance processing during variable display (step S172) (step S7112), and the variable display start setting processing ends.

[Outline of game progress]
In the pachinko game machine 1 configured as described above, the game progresses as follows. In the pachinko game machine 1, the player first hits the ball from the left to launch the game ball toward the first flow path that passes through the left side of the game area. When the launched game ball enters the first start winning hole formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game is started. When the first special symbol game results in the display mode of the special symbol 1 variable display section 21 showing the big win symbol, a big win occurs.

As mentioned above, the types of jackpots in the first special symbol game are normal jackpots 1 and 2, and special jackpots 1 to 4. When a jackpot occurs, a fanfare effect is executed, and a right-hit promotion effect is executed to encourage the player to make a right hit. The right-hit promotion effect is executed by displaying text (for example, "right hit") and a graphic image (for example, an arrow pointing in the right direction, which is the direction of the second flow path) on the screen of the image display device 5 to encourage a right hit, and also by illuminating the right-hit display unit 30 of the special symbol LED board 20 and the right-hit display unit 55 of the fourth symbol unit 50 with light emitting means such as LEDs to encourage a right hit. This causes the player to make a right hit from that point on.

During a round in the jackpot game state, the jackpot opening is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, three times for a 3R regular jackpot, and ten times for a 10R special jackpot). The jackpot opening is continued until a predetermined period of time (for example, 29 seconds) has elapsed, or until the number of game balls that have entered the jackpot reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10), whichever comes first.

When the ending performance following the jackpot game state ends, the game state is controlled to a time-saving state for a predetermined number of times (e.g., 100 times). Furthermore, if a V win occurs during the jackpot round, the game state is controlled to a high probability state for a predetermined number of times (e.g., 100 times) of fluctuations while being controlled to the time-saving state.

Even in the special probability state or time-saving state after the jackpot round, the right-hit promotion effect continues to be executed by the image display device 5, the right-hit display unit 30, and the right-hit display unit 55. Therefore, after the first jackpot (also called the first hit) occurs, the player is always encouraged to hit right by the right-hit promotion effect, even in the time-saving state after the jackpot round ends.

In the time-saving state, control is executed to shorten the average special chart fluctuation time (period during which the special chart fluctuates) more than in the normal state, and control is executed to shorten the average normal chart fluctuation time (period during which the normal chart fluctuates) more than in the normal state, and further, control is executed to improve the probability of a "normal chart hit" in the normal chart game more than in the normal state. In addition, in the time-saving state, an electric chute support control may be executed to increase the frequency at which the variable winning ball device 6B forming the second start winning port is opened, thereby increasing the frequency at which the game ball enters the second start winning port, thereby facilitating winning in the second start winning port (high entry, high frequency).

In the time-saving state after the jackpot round, the released game ball enters the second start winning hole formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, starting the second special game. If the result of the second special game is that the special game 2 variable display section 22 shows a jackpot pattern, a jackpot (also called a consecutive win) occurs.

As mentioned above, the types of jackpots in the second special game include guaranteed jackpots 5 to 9. When a jackpot occurs, a fanfare effect is executed. The right-hit promotion effect by the image display device 5, right-hit display unit 30, and right-hit display unit 55 continues from the first jackpot.

During a round in which a jackpot game is in progress, the jackpot opening is opened a predetermined number of times (e.g., 10 times). Each opening of the jackpot opening continues until either a predetermined period of time (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed or the number of game balls that have entered the jackpot opening reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 10), whichever comes first.

Then, when the ending presentation after the jackpot game state ends, the game state is controlled to the time-saving state and the probability variable state (high probability, high base state) for a predetermined number of fluctuations (for example, 100 times) in the same way as the first hit. Even in the probability variable state after the jackpot round in a consecutive hit, the right-hit promotion presentation continues to be executed by the image display device 5, the right-hit display unit 30, and the right-hit display unit 55. For this reason, after the first hit occurs, consecutive hits occur in the probability variable state or the time-saving state after the jackpot round ends, and the player is always encouraged to hit right by the right-hit promotion presentation, even in the probability variable state or the time-saving state after the jackpot round ends in the consecutive hit.

When the probability variable state or time-saving state ends without a jackpot occurring in either the probability variable state or time-saving state after the first jackpot round ends, or the probability variable state or time-saving state after the consecutive jackpot round ends, the game state is controlled to the normal state (low probability low base state), and the right-hit promotion effect by the image display device 5, right-hit display unit 30, and right-hit display unit 55 also ends. As a result, the player will again use the left hit to launch the game ball toward the first flow path that passes through the left area of the game area.

[Presentation Mode of Pachinko Game Machine 1]
Next, the presentation mode of the pachinko gaming machine 1 during play will be described with reference to Figures 36 to 64.

(Performance mode when selecting a specific performance)
With reference to Fig. 36, the performance mode when selecting a specific performance will be described. In the example shown in Fig. 36, the performance mode when any of main variable numbers 12, 15, 23, and 26 that execute the specific performance is selected will be described.

As shown in FIG. 36(a1), when a variable display starts based on one reserved memory, on the screen of the image display device 5, the decorative patterns are variably displayed in the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, the fourth pattern 5J is variably displayed, and further, the small pattern 5M is variably displayed. On the screen, a background image including images of characters and scenery is displayed as a background during the variable display. During the variable display, the game effect lamp 9 lights up in a manner corresponding to the variable display, and the performance sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R in a manner corresponding to the variable display. A green reserved display shaped like a watermelon and green in color is displayed in the active reserved display area 5A as a variable corresponding display (active reserved display) corresponding to the variable display being executed.

As shown in FIG. 36(a2), when a special effect is executed, the words "Chance to rise to the top!!" are displayed on the image display device 5. This can suggest to the player that a special effect such as a reserve change notice or a step-up notice will be executed.

As shown in FIG. 36 (a3), the words "Hold Change or Step Up" are displayed on the image display device 5. This indicates to the player that a hold change notice or step up notice will be executed as a special effect.

(Presentation mode for hold change notice)
With reference to Figures 37 to 47, the presentation mode in the reserved change notice will be described. In the examples shown in Figures 37 to 47, the presentation mode will be described when either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26, which determine the winning pattern, is selected, and pattern b-3 (see Figure 19 (b)) is selected by the reserved change notice pattern lottery. In the figures, colors such as green, red, and rainbow are distinguished by hatching. In addition, even if either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15, which determine the losing pattern, is selected, the presentation as shown in the examples in Figures 37 to 47 is performed, but the reserved display after the final change will be other than the rainbow reserved display.

As shown in FIG. 37(b1), when the hold change notice starts, a character corresponding to the hold change notice (for example, Yume Yume-chan) is displayed on the image display device 5, along with the words "Hold change notice!!" being displayed. Note that the active hold display area 5A continues to display a green hold display as a variable corresponding display (active hold display) corresponding to the variable display being executed.

As shown in FIG. 37(b2), multiple (three in this example) corresponding displays 500 appear from the edges of the screen of the image display device 5. Specifically, the corresponding displays 500 appear in stages from the top, right, and bottom edges of the screen. The image of the character displayed on the image display device 5 moves slightly to the left edge of the screen while becoming gradually lighter.

As shown in FIG. 37(b3), the three corresponding displays 500 that appeared from the edge of the screen of the image display device 5 move further toward the center of the screen. Furthermore, the image of the character displayed on the image display device 5 moves further to the left edge of the screen while gradually becoming lighter.

As shown in FIG. 38(b4), the three corresponding displays 500 appearing from the edge of the screen of the image display device 5 move further toward the center of the screen and stop at a fixed position in the center of the screen.

The corresponding display 500 in the pending change notice is a display (image, icon) that suggests the expectation of being controlled to an advantageous state. In this embodiment, a jackpot game state is shown as an example of an advantageous state, but the advantageous state may also be a small jackpot game state, a time-saving state, or a probability change state.

As shown in the lower part of FIG. 38(b4), the correspondence display 500 includes an outer frame display 501, a circle display 502, a window display 503, an inner frame display 504, a variable correspondence display 505, and a character display 506.

The outer frame display 501 is located at the outermost side of the correspondence display 500, and is displayed so as to surround other displays such as the variable correspondence display 505. In this embodiment, the outer frame display 501 has a gear shape, and is displayed so as to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the reservation change notice. The circle display 502 is displayed inside the outer frame display 501, and has a circular shape. The window display 503 is displayed inside the circle display 502, and has a rectangular shape. The inner frame display 504 is located between the circle display 502 and the window display 503. The inner frame display 504 has a gear shape like the outer frame display 501, and is displayed so as to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the reservation change notice.

The variable correspondence display 505 is the same or substantially the same as the pending display displayed in the first pending memory display area 5D or the second pending memory display area 5U, or the active pending display displayed in the active pending display area 5A. For example, when a pending change notice targets a pending display in the first pending memory display area 5D and changes the pending display, the variable correspondence display 505 displayed as the corresponding display 500 becomes the same or substantially the same as the pending display displayed in the first pending memory display area 5D. When a pending change notice targets a pending display in the second pending memory display area 5U and changes the pending display, the variable correspondence display 505 displayed as the corresponding display 500 becomes the same or substantially the same as the pending display displayed in the second pending memory display area 5U. When a pending change notice targets an active pending display displayed in the active pending display area 5A and changes the pending display, the variable correspondence display 505 displayed as the corresponding display 500 becomes the same or substantially the same as the active pending display displayed in the active pending display area 5A.

As explained in FIG. 19(b), in the case of pattern b-3, the variable response display before it changes due to the hold change notice is a green hold display. Also, in this example, the target of the change due to the hold change notice is the active hold display. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 38(b4), the variable response display 505 in this example is a green hold display that is shaped like a watermelon and is green in color, just like the active hold display. Furthermore, the outer frame display 501, circle display 502, window display 503, inner frame display 504, and character display 506 included in the response display 500 are displayed in green, just like the variable response display 505.

The three corresponding displays 500 are common displays corresponding to the hold change notice. For example, the three corresponding displays 500 before changing in the hold change notice are all the same display. In this example, all three corresponding displays 500 displayed on the image display device 5 include a green hold display as a variable corresponding display 505. In the hold change notice, these three corresponding displays 500 can change in sequence to a state with a high expectation of being controlled to a jackpot game state. More specifically, in the hold change notice, when the variable corresponding display 505 changes color to a state with a high expectation of being controlled to a jackpot game state, the outer frame display 501, inner frame display 504, and text display 506 also change color in the same way.

In this way, in the hold change notice, the three corresponding displays 500, including the variable corresponding display 505 that indicates the expectation of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state, are displayed in a common manner, so that when multiple corresponding displays 500 are displayed, it is possible to clearly inform the player that a specific presentation of the hold change notice has been executed.

When the reserved change notice is executed and the corresponding display 500 including the variable corresponding display 505 is displayed, the expectation is higher than when the step-up notice is executed and the corresponding display 500 including the suggestion display 515 is displayed, so the player can be made to pay attention to the reserved change notice being executed and the corresponding display 500 including the variable corresponding display 505 being displayed, while expecting it. Furthermore, thereafter, while the reserved change notice is being executed, the state of each of the multiple corresponding displays 500 can change in sequence one by one to a state with a high expectation that is controlled to a jackpot game state, making it easier for the player to imagine that the expectation may increase with each change in the corresponding display 500.

The color of the outer frame display 501, inner frame display 504, and text display 506 change along with the variable correspondence display 505, making it easy for the player to understand that the correspondence display 500 is changing to a state with high expectations.

As shown in FIG. 38(b5), for each of the three corresponding displays 500 displayed in the center of the screen of the image display device 5, an appearance effect begins to be displayed to make three button displays 511 appear, encouraging the player to operate a button (for example, push button 31B). Specifically, an appearance effect of a streak of light is displayed toward the center of the screen, and the word "Agare" is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 38 (b6), the effect of light streaks is displayed so that they converge on each corresponding display 500.

As shown in FIG. 39 (b7), the appearance effects gather around each corresponding display 500, and the contents of the corresponding display 500 (such as the variable corresponding display 505) become temporarily invisible or difficult to see.

As shown in Figures 39 (b8) and (b9), the appearance effect displayed on each corresponding display 500 gradually disappears, and at the timing when the appearance effect disappears, the button display 511 and time gauge 513 start to be displayed for each corresponding display 500. At this time, the button display 511 displayed on the top corresponding display 500, which is the first to change in the pending change notice, starts to be displayed in a prompting mode that encourages the operation of the push button 31B. On the other hand, the button displays 511 displayed on the other two corresponding displays 500 start to be displayed without being prompted.

In this way, the player can easily understand which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the one that is being changed, based on the presence or absence of a promotion mode for the button display 511 that is displayed in combination with the corresponding display 500.

Furthermore, when the display of multiple button displays 511 begins after the appearance effect has disappeared, the button displays 511 displayed in combination with the corresponding displays 500 that are the subject of change are in a promotion mode from the start, whereas the button displays 511 displayed in combination with corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change are not in a promotion mode from the start, making it possible to clearly communicate to the player which corresponding displays 500 are the subject of change from the start of the button displays 511.

As shown in FIG. 40 (b10) to FIG. 41 (b15), the operation of the push button 31B is promoted for the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change.

As shown at the bottom of FIG. 40 (b10), the button display 511 corresponds to the push button 31B, and is displayed on the front side of the corresponding display 500 so as to be superimposed on the corresponding display 500. In other words, the layer on which the button display 511 is displayed is set to be on the front side (closer to the player) than the layer on which the corresponding display 500 is displayed. At this time, the button display 511 displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500, which is the first target to change in the pending change notice, starts to be displayed in a promotion mode that encourages the operation of the push button 31B. Specifically, the button display 511 displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500 is displayed so that a promotion display 512 consisting of an arrow image moves up and down relative to the button display 511. On the other hand, the button displays 511 displayed on the other two corresponding displays 500 are not displayed in this manner.

The time gauge 513 is a display showing the valid period (valid time) (for example, 10 seconds) of the operation on the push button 31B, and is displayed on the front side of the corresponding display 500 so as to be superimposed on the corresponding display 500. In other words, the layer on which the time gauge 513 is displayed is set on the front side (closer to the player) than the layer on which the corresponding display 500 is displayed. For each corresponding display 500, the valid periods shown by the time gauge 513 associated with each of the button displays 511 are the same. Furthermore, the displays of the time gauge 513 associated with each of the multiple button displays 511 are updated in the same manner. In other words, the displays of the time gauges 513 displayed on each corresponding display 500 are updated at the same timing (interval), and the display manner when updated is also the same.

This makes it easy for the player to understand that they need to operate the buttons on all of the multiple button displays 511 within one valid period.

The topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change is displayed in an emphasized manner. On the other hand, the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change are not displayed in an emphasized manner. Specifically, the outer frame display 501 of the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change is displayed in a lighter color as if it is lit, whereas the outer frame display 501 of the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change is displayed in a darker color as if it is turned off. The button display 511 displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change is displayed larger than the button display 511 displayed on the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change. A prompting display 512 consisting of an arrow image is displayed superimposed on the button display 511 displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change, whereas the prompting display 512 is not displayed on the button display 511 displayed on the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change. The time gauge 513 displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change is displayed larger than the time gauges 513 displayed on the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change.

In this way, the player can easily understand which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the one that is being changed, depending on whether the corresponding display 500 is highlighted or not.

Furthermore, the size of the button display 511 and the size of the time gauge 513 can clearly inform the player which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the target of change.

As shown in Fig. 40 (b10) to Fig. 41 (b15), the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change alternates over time between the display mode shown at the bottom of Fig. 40 (b10) and the display mode shown at the bottom of Fig. 40 (b11). Specifically, the button display 511 in the promotion mode is displayed in a blinking manner by alternating between a state in which it is displayed in a lighter color as if it is lit and a state in which it is displayed in a darker color as if it is turned off.

In this way, the player can easily understand which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the one that is being changed, based on whether the button display 511 is flashing or not.

As shown in FIG. 42 (b16), the performance control CPU 120 detects the operation of the push button 31B by the player via the push sensor 35B. Here, the still image displayed on the image display device 5 when the operation by the player is detected is defined as frame A.

As shown in Fig. 42 (b17), when an operation by a player is detected in frame A, an operation effect is displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the target of change in the frame (A+1) that is displayed next to frame A. The layer on which the operation effect is displayed is set to the front side (closer to the player) than the layer on which the corresponding display 500 is displayed. As a result, the content of the topmost corresponding display 500 (such as the variable corresponding display 505) becomes temporarily invisible or difficult to view.

On the other hand, the operation effect for the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the target of change does not reduce the visibility of the button display 511 that is displayed in a set with the other corresponding display 500 that is the next target of change after the topmost corresponding display 500. Specifically, the operation effect is displayed so that it does not extend into the display area of the other two corresponding displays 500. In other words, the layer on which the other two corresponding displays 500 are displayed is set to the front side (closer to the player) than the layer on which the operation effect is displayed.

In this way, the operation effect is displayed on the top corresponding display 500, suggesting to the player that the push button 31B has been operated and that the corresponding display 500 will change, while still not interfering with the display of the button display 511 that is displayed in combination with the corresponding display 500 that is the next to be changed by the operation effect, thereby not reducing the visibility of the button display 511.

The time for which the operation effect is displayed (e.g., three seconds) is set to be shorter than the effective period indicated by the time gauge 513 (e.g., ten seconds) divided by the number of button displays 511. In this embodiment, three corresponding displays 500 are displayed, and a button display 511 and a time gauge 513 are displayed for each of the three corresponding displays 500. In other words, the player must operate the push button 31B three times within the effective period. For this reason, the display time for the operation effect is set to be shorter than the effective period indicated by the time gauge 513 divided by three.

This ensures that the player has time to operate the push button 31B three times within the valid period, and also allows the player time to see the operation effect that appears each time the push button 31B is operated in response to a button display 511. Specifically, the player can proceed through the game by operating the push button 31B for the first corresponding display 500 to check the operation effect, then operating the push button 31B for the second corresponding display 500 to check the operation effect, and then operating the push button 31B for the third corresponding display 500 to check the operation effect.

As described above, when the operation of the push button 31B by the player is detected in frame A shown in FIG. 42 (b16), an operation effect is displayed on the corresponding display 500 of the change target in frame (A+1) shown in FIG. 42 (b17). At this time, the display mode of the corresponding display 500 of the change target is changed.

Specifically, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 42(b18), the variable corresponding display 505 included in the corresponding display 500 changes from a green reserved display to a red reserved display. The red reserved display is a strawberry-shaped display in red. In addition, the outer frame display 501, the circle display 502, the window display 503, the inner frame display 504, and the character display 506 included in the corresponding display 500 change their display mode from green corresponding to the green reserved display to red corresponding to the red reserved display. Furthermore, as the corresponding display 500 changes, an auxiliary display 521 is displayed indicating that the corresponding display 500 will change. The auxiliary display 521 includes an image of an upward arrow and the character "UP" as a character indicating that the expectation level will increase. When the corresponding display 500 changes to a state with high expectation and turns red, the auxiliary display 521 also turns red.

In this way, by displaying auxiliary display 521, it is possible to clearly inform the player that corresponding display 500 has changed, and further, by changing the color of the auxiliary display, it is possible to clearly inform the player that corresponding display 500 has changed to a state with high expectations.

As shown in FIG. 42 (b17), in frame (A+1) following frame A, which is displayed when it is detected that push button 31B has been operated, the topmost corresponding display 500, which is the object of change, changes as a result of the operation of push button 31B. Furthermore, in frame (A+1), the button display 511 displayed in a set with the second corresponding display 500 from the top, which is the object of change next to the topmost corresponding display 500, is in a promotion mode.

This allows a player who has operated the push button 31B for the topmost corresponding display 500 that was in a promotion mode to be immediately prompted to operate the push button 31B for the corresponding display 500 that is the next target for change.

As shown in FIG. 42 (b18), the operation effect is displayed in a gradually fainter and more transparent manner, so that the changed corresponding display 500, which was located behind the operation effect and was hidden by the operation effect, is gradually revealed.

As shown in FIG. 43 (b19), the operation effect is displayed even more faintly and its transparency is further increased, so that the changed corresponding display 500, which was located behind the operation effect and was hidden by the operation effect, is displayed so as to be more clearly seen. The auxiliary display 521 including the letter "UP" is displayed as an upward arrow image that extends further.

At this time, when the operation of the push button 31B by the player is detected again in frame B shown in FIG. 43 (b19), an operation effect is displayed for the corresponding display 500 to be changed in frame (B+1) shown in FIG. 43 (b20). Furthermore, in frame (B+1), the second corresponding display 500 to be changed changes, and the button display 511 displayed in a set with the third corresponding display 500 to be changed next to the second corresponding display 500 from the top in that frame (B+1) becomes a promotion mode. Note that although the second corresponding display 500 from the top changes in frame (B+1), it is hidden behind the operation effect, and therefore the content (such as the variable corresponding display 505) is not visible or is difficult to see by the player.

As shown in FIG. 43 (b21), the operation effect is displayed gradually lighter and more transparent, so that the changed corresponding display 500, which was located behind the operation effect and hidden by the operation effect, is displayed gradually revealed. In this example, like the topmost corresponding display 500, the second corresponding display 500 from the top has changed from the pre-change green reserved display to a red reserved display.

As shown in FIG. 44 (b22), the operation effect is displayed even more faintly and its transparency is further increased, so that the changed corresponding display 500, which was located behind the operation effect and was hidden by the operation effect, is displayed so as to be more clearly seen. The auxiliary display 521 including the letter "UP" is displayed as an upward arrow image that extends further.

At this time, when the operation of the push button 31B by the player is detected again in frame C shown in FIG. 44 (b22), an operation effect is displayed for the corresponding display 500 to be changed in frame (C+1) shown in FIG. 44 (b23). Furthermore, in frame (C+1), the third corresponding display 500 from the top, which is the subject of change, changes. Note that although the third corresponding display 500 from the top changes in frame (C+1), it is hidden behind the operation effect, and therefore the content (such as the variable corresponding display 505) is not visible or is difficult for the player to see.

As shown at the bottom of FIG. 44 (b24), the variable correspondence display 505 included in the third correspondence display 500 from the top changes from a red hold display to a rainbow hold display. The rainbow hold display includes an image of the face of Yume Yume-chan, the character that corresponds to the hold change notice.

Here, the corresponding display 500 corresponding to the rainbow hold display will be specifically explained. As shown at the bottom of FIG. 44 (b24), the corresponding display 500 includes an outer frame display 501, a circle display 502, a window display 503, an inner frame display 504, a variable correspondence display 505, and a character display 506, as well as a background display 531. In the rainbow hold display, the variable correspondence display 505 includes an image of the face of Yume Yume-chan, the character corresponding to the hold change notice, but does not include an image of the background. Instead, the background display 531 is displayed so as to surround the outside of the variable correspondence display 505, so that the background display 531 becomes the background of the variable correspondence display 505.

The display mode of the outer frame display 501, the inner frame display 504, and the character display 506 changes from red, which corresponds to a red hold display, to rainbow, which corresponds to a rainbow hold display. The display mode of the circle display 502 and the window display 503 may also change from red to rainbow. Furthermore, as the corresponding display 500 changes, an auxiliary display 521 is displayed, which suggests that the corresponding display 500 will change. The auxiliary display 521 includes an image of an upward arrow and the letters "UP" as letters suggesting that the expectation level will increase. When the corresponding display 500 changes to a state with high expectation and turns rainbow, the auxiliary display 521 also turns rainbow.

The variable response display 505 is made up of only the face of a character (for example, Yume Yume-chan), and is configured without using rainbow color display. On the other hand, the background display 531 is configured with rainbow color display, and includes a rainbow color effect image that becomes the background image of the variable response display 505 outside the variable response display 505. In the background display 531, the color is switched in the first manner, so that the rainbow color is emphasized to the player. Specifically, the background display 531 switches colors in stages in the left-right direction. For example, images are displayed in different colors from the left side of the screen to the right side of the screen.

Furthermore, the background display 531 and the text display 506 have different display modes of the rainbow colors, and the movement of the rainbow color images is also different. For example, as described above, the background display 531 is configured to present the player with rainbow colors by gradually changing colors in the left-right direction. On the other hand, the text display 506 is configured to present the player with rainbow colors by displaying multiple colors in different locations, changing colors in a mottled pattern.

In this way, in the reserve change notice, rainbow colors are used in multiple displays such as background display 531 and text display 506, creating a sense of premium in the rainbow reserve display, which confirms that the game will be controlled to a jackpot gaming state, and appealing to the player with its luxury.

As shown in FIG. 44 (b24), the operation effect is displayed gradually lighter and more transparent, so that the corresponding display 500 after the change, which was located behind the operation effect and hidden by the operation effect, is displayed gradually appearing. In this example, the third corresponding display 500 from the top has changed from the pre-change red reserved display to the rainbow reserved display.

45(b25), the operation effect is displayed more faintly and its transparency is further increased, so that the changed corresponding display 500, which was located behind the operation effect and was hidden by the operation effect, is displayed to be more clearly seen. The auxiliary display 521 including the character "UP" is displayed as an upward arrow image that extends further.

As shown in FIG. 45 (b26), when the operation effect for the last changed corresponding display 500, the third from the top, disappears, the corresponding display 500 among the three corresponding displays 500 that has the highest expectancy of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state is selected as the final result of the reserve change notice. In this example, the last changed corresponding display 500, the third from the top, includes a rainbow reserve display, and therefore has the highest expectancy among the three corresponding displays 500. For this reason, the third from the top corresponding display 500 is set as the final corresponding display 500 (hereinafter also referred to as the "final corresponding display").

As shown in FIG. 45(b27) to FIG. 46(b29), the final corresponding display rotates while gradually becoming larger than the other corresponding displays 500. After that, as shown in FIG. 46(b30), the final corresponding display temporarily disappears as the effect image is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 47 (b31), when the effect image disappears, the final response display is displayed in the fixed position across the entire screen.

As shown in FIG. 47 (b32), an effect image is displayed on the green hold display that was displayed in the active hold display area 5A, and the green hold display becomes temporarily invisible or difficult to see.

As shown in FIG. 47 (b33), the green hold display displayed in the active hold display area 5A changes to the rainbow hold display suggested by the last response display.

In this way, the hold change notice can change the active hold display shown in the active hold display area 5A to a more promising active hold display, thereby increasing the player's expectations for a jackpot game state.

The above-mentioned hold change notice was a presentation that changed the active hold display displayed in the active hold display area 5A, but it may also be a presentation that changes the hold display displayed in the first hold memory display area 5D or the second hold memory display area 5U. In this case, in FIG. 47 (b33), the hold display displayed in the first hold memory display area 5D or the second hold memory display area 5U will change to the hold display suggested by the last response display.

(Performance mode in common performance after hold change notice)
With reference to Figure 48, the presentation format of the common presentation after the hold change notice will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 48 (b34), when the hold change notice ends, a common performance starts. In the common performance, images of two characters (for example, Yume Yume-chan and Jam-chan) are displayed on the image display device 5.

As shown in FIG. 48 (b35), the word "Ikuyo" is displayed on the image display device 5 along with images of the two characters.

As shown in FIG. 48 (b36), an image is displayed on the image display device 5, encouraging the player to operate the push button 31B.

When the player operates the push button 31B or the valid period has elapsed without operating the push button 31B, the game progresses to the next game (presentation). For example, it progresses to SP Reach or Final Reach. Note that this example is for the main variable number 2, which determines the winning symbol.
Since this is an example in which either 3 or 26 is selected, when the winning symbol is confirmed in the SP reach or final reach, the state is controlled to a jackpot gaming state.

(Step-up preview production)
With reference to Figures 49 to 59, the performance mode in the step-up notice will be described. In the examples shown in Figures 49 to 59, the performance mode will be described when either of the main variable numbers 23 and 26, which determine the winning pattern, is selected, and pattern B-3 (see Figure 20 (b)) is selected by the reserved change notice pattern lottery. In the figures, colors such as green, red, and rainbow are distinguished by hatching. In addition, even if either of the main variable numbers 12 and 15, which determine the losing pattern, is selected, the performance as shown in the examples in Figures 49 to 59 is performed, but the reserved display after the final change will be other than the highest display.

As shown in FIG. 49 (c1), when the step-up preview starts, a character corresponding to the step-up preview (e.g., Jam-chan) is displayed on the image display device 5, along with the words "Step-up preview!!".

As shown in FIG. 49(c2), multiple (three in this example) corresponding displays 500 appear from the edges of the screen of the image display device 5. Specifically, the corresponding displays 500 appear in stages from the top, right, and bottom edges of the screen. The image of the character displayed on the image display device 5 moves slightly to the left edge of the screen while gradually becoming lighter.

As shown in FIG. 49(c3), the three corresponding displays 500 that appeared from the edge of the screen of the image display device 5 move further toward the center of the screen. Furthermore, the image of the character displayed on the image display device 5 moves further to the left edge of the screen while gradually becoming lighter.

As shown in FIG. 50(c4), the three corresponding displays 500 appearing from the edge of the screen of the image display device 5 move further toward the center of the screen and stop at their fixed positions in the center of the screen.

The corresponding display 500 in the step-up notice is a display (image, icon) that suggests the degree of expectation that will be controlled to the advantageous state. In this embodiment, a jackpot game state is shown as an example of an advantageous state, but the advantageous state may also be a small jackpot game state, a time-saving state, or a probability-changing state.

The corresponding display 500 in the step-up notice has the same or nearly the same shape and movement as the corresponding display 500 in the hold change notice. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 50(c4), the corresponding display 500 includes an outer frame display 501, a circle display 502, a window display 503, an inner frame display 504, a suggestion display 515, and a text display 506.

The outer frame display 501 is located at the outermost side of the correspondence display 500, and is displayed so as to surround other displays such as the variable correspondence display 505. In this embodiment, the outer frame display 501 has a gear shape, and is displayed so as to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the pending change notice. The circle display 502 is displayed inside the outer frame display 501, and has a circular shape. The window display 503 is displayed inside the circle display 502, and has a rectangular shape. The inner frame display 504 is located between the circle display 502 and the window display 503. The inner frame display 504 has a gear shape like the outer frame display 501, and is displayed so as to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the pending change notice.

The suggestion display 515 includes images of characters and backgrounds, and indicates the degree of expectation that is controlled by the image of the characters and backgrounds in the jackpot game state.

As explained in FIG. 20(b), in the case of pattern B-3, the suggestion display before it changes due to the step-up notice is a chance display. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 50(c4), the suggestion display 515 in this example is displayed together with the word "chance" 506. The outer frame display 501, circle display 502, window display 503, inner frame display 504, word display 506, and suggestion display 515 included in the corresponding display 500 are displayed in green, which is the color corresponding to the chance display.

The three corresponding displays 500 are common displays corresponding to the step-up notice. For example, the three corresponding displays 500 before they change in the step-up notice are all the same display. In this example, all three corresponding displays 500 displayed on the image display device 5 include a chance display as a suggestive display 515. In the step-up notice, these three corresponding displays 500 can change in sequence to a state with a high expectation of being controlled to a jackpot game state. More specifically, in the step-up notice, when the suggestive display 515 changes to a state with a high expectation of being controlled to a jackpot game state and changes color, the outer frame display 501, inner frame display 504, and text display 506 also change color in the same way.

In this way, in the step-up preview, the three corresponding displays 500, including the suggestion display 515 that indicates the expectation level controlled to the jackpot game state, are displayed in a common manner, so that when multiple corresponding displays 500 are displayed, it is possible to clearly inform the player that a specific step-up preview performance has been executed.

The outer frame display 501, inner frame display 504, and text display 506 all change color along with the suggestion display 515, making it easy for the player to understand that the corresponding display 500 is changing to a state with high expectations.

As shown in FIG. 50(c5), the image display device 5 starts displaying an appearance effect for each of the three corresponding displays 500 displayed in the center of the screen to make three button displays 511 appear, encouraging the player to operate a button (e.g., push button 31B). Specifically, an appearance effect of a streak of light is displayed toward the center of the screen, and the word "Agare" is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 50 (c6), the effect of light streaks is displayed so that they converge on each corresponding display 500.

As shown in FIG. 51 (c7), the appearance effects gather around each corresponding display 500, and the contents of the corresponding display 500 (such as the suggestion display 515) become temporarily invisible or difficult to see.

As shown in Figures 51 (c8) and (c9), the appearance effect displayed on each corresponding display 500 gradually disappears, and at the timing when the appearance effect disappears, the button display 511 and time gauge 513 start to be displayed for each corresponding display 500. At this time, the button display 511 displayed on the top corresponding display 500, which is the first to change in the step-up preview, starts to be displayed in a prompting mode that encourages the operation of the push button 31B. On the other hand, the button displays 511 displayed on the other two corresponding displays 500 start to be displayed without being prompted.

In this way, the player can easily understand which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the one that is being changed, based on the presence or absence of a promotion mode for the button display 511 that is displayed in combination with the corresponding display 500.

Furthermore, when the display of multiple button displays 511 begins after the appearance effect has disappeared, the button displays 511 displayed in combination with corresponding displays 500 that are the subject of change are in a promotion mode from the start, whereas the button displays 511 displayed in combination with corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change are not in a promotion mode from the start, making it possible to clearly convey to the player from the start of the button displays 511 which corresponding displays 500 are the subject of change.

As shown in FIG. 51 (c10) to FIG. 53 (c15), the operation of the push button 31B is promoted for the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change.

As shown in the lower part of FIG. 52 (c10), the button display 511 corresponds to the push button 31B, and is displayed on the front side of the corresponding display 500 so as to be superimposed on the corresponding display 500. In other words, the layer on which the button display 511 is displayed is set to be on the front side (closer to the player) than the layer on which the corresponding display 500 is displayed. At this time, the button display 511 displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500, which is the first object to change in the step-up preview, starts to be displayed in a promotion mode that encourages the operation of the push button 31B. Specifically, the button display 511 displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500 is displayed so that a promotion display 512 consisting of an arrow image moves up and down relative to the button display 511. On the other hand, the button displays 511 displayed on the other two corresponding displays 500 are not displayed in this manner.

The time gauge 513 is a display that indicates the valid period (valid time) (for example, 10 seconds) for operating the push button 31B, and is displayed on the front side of the corresponding display 500 so as to be superimposed on the corresponding display 500. In other words, the layer on which the time gauge 513 is displayed is set to be on the front side (closer to the player) than the layer on which the corresponding display 500 is displayed. For each corresponding display 500, the valid periods indicated by the time gauge 513 associated with each of the button displays 511 are the same. Furthermore, the displays of the time gauges 513 associated with each of the multiple button displays 511 are updated in the same manner. In other words, the displays of the time gauges 513 displayed on each corresponding display 500 are updated at the same timing (interval), and the display manner when updated is also the same.

This makes it easy for the player to understand that they need to operate the buttons on all of the multiple button displays 511 within one valid period.

The topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change is displayed in an emphasized manner. On the other hand, the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change are not displayed in an emphasized manner. Specifically, the outer frame display 501 of the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change is displayed in a lighter color as if it is lit, whereas the outer frame display 501 of the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change is displayed in a darker color as if it is turned off. The button display 511 displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change is displayed larger than the button display 511 displayed on the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change. A prompting display 512 consisting of an arrow image is displayed superimposed on the button display 511 displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change, whereas the prompting display 512 is not displayed on the button display 511 displayed on the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change. The time gauge 513 displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change is displayed larger than the time gauges 513 displayed on the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change.

In this way, the player can easily understand which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the one that is being changed, depending on whether the corresponding display 500 is highlighted or not.

Furthermore, the size of the button display 511 and the size of the time gauge 513 can clearly inform the player which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the target of change.

As shown in Fig. 52 (c10) to Fig. 53 (c15), the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change alternates over time between the display mode shown at the bottom of Fig. 52 (c10) and the display mode shown at the bottom of Fig. 50 (c11). Specifically, the button display 511 in the promotion mode is displayed in a blinking manner by alternating between a state in which it is displayed in a lighter color as if it is lit and a state in which it is displayed in a darker color as if it is turned off.

In this way, the player can easily understand which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the one that is being changed, based on whether the button display 511 is flashing or not.

As shown in FIG. 54 (c16), the performance control CPU 120 detects the operation of the push button 31B by the player via the push sensor 35B. Here, the still image displayed on the image display device 5 when the operation by the player is detected is defined as frame D.

As shown in FIG. 54 (c17), when an operation by the player is detected in frame D, in the frame (D+1) displayed next to frame D, an operation effect is displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the target of change. The layer on which the operation effect is displayed is set to the front side (closer to the player) than the layer on which the corresponding display 500 is displayed. As a result, the content of the topmost corresponding display 500 (such as the suggestion display 515) becomes temporarily invisible or difficult to see.

On the other hand, the operation effect for the topmost corresponding display 500 that is the target of change does not reduce the visibility of the button display 511 that is displayed in a set with the other corresponding display 500 that is the next target of change after the topmost corresponding display 500. Specifically, the operation effect is displayed so that it does not extend into the display area of the other two corresponding displays 500. In other words, the layer on which the other two corresponding displays 500 are displayed is set to the front side (closer to the player) than the layer on which the operation effect is displayed.

In this way, the operation effect is displayed on the top corresponding display 500, suggesting to the player that the push button 31B has been operated and that the corresponding display 500 will change, while still not interfering with the display of the button display 511 that is displayed in combination with the corresponding display 500 that is the next to be changed by the operation effect, thereby not reducing the visibility of the button display 511.

The time for which the operation effect is displayed (e.g., three seconds) is set to be shorter than the effective period indicated by the time gauge 513 (e.g., ten seconds) divided by the number of button displays 511. In this embodiment, three corresponding displays 500 are displayed, and a button display 511 and a time gauge 513 are displayed for each of the three corresponding displays 500. In other words, the player must operate the push button 31B three times within the effective period. For this reason, the display time for the operation effect is set to be shorter than the effective period indicated by the time gauge 513 divided by three.

This ensures time for the player to operate the push button 31B three times within the valid period, and also allows the player time to see the operation effect that appears each time the push button 31B is operated in response to the button display 511. Specifically, the player can proceed through the game by operating the push button 31B for the first corresponding display 500 to check the operation effect, then operating the push button 31B for the second corresponding display 500 to check the operation effect, and then operating the push button 31B for the third corresponding display 500 to check the operation effect.

As described above, when the operation of the push button 31B by the player is detected in frame D shown in FIG. 54 (c16), an operation effect is displayed on the corresponding display 500 of the change target in frame (D+1) shown in FIG. 54 (c17). At this time, the display mode of the corresponding display 500 of the change target is changed.

Specifically, as shown at the bottom of FIG. 54 (c18), the suggestion display 515 included in the corresponding display 500 changes from a chance display to a hot display. In addition, the display state of the outer frame display 501, the circle display 502, the window display 503, the inner frame display 504, and the text display 506 included in the corresponding display 500 changes from green, which corresponds to a chance display, to red, which corresponds to a hot display. Furthermore, as the corresponding display 500 changes, an auxiliary display 521 is displayed, which suggests that the corresponding display 500 will change. The auxiliary display 521 includes an image of an upward arrow and the letters "UP" as letters suggesting that the expectation level will increase. When the corresponding display 500 changes to a state with high expectation and turns red, the auxiliary display 521 also turns red.

In this way, the auxiliary display 521 is displayed to clearly inform the player that the corresponding display 500 has changed, and the auxiliary display also changes color to clearly inform the player that the corresponding display 500 has changed to a state with high expectations.

As shown in FIG. 54 (c17), in frame (D+1) following frame D, which is displayed when it is detected that push button 31B has been operated, the topmost corresponding display 500, which is the object of change, changes as a result of the operation of push button 31B. Furthermore, in frame (D+1), the button display 511 displayed in a set with the second corresponding display 500 from the top, which is the object of change next to the topmost corresponding display 500, is in a promotion mode.

This allows a player who has operated the push button 31B for the topmost corresponding display 500 that was in a promotion mode to be immediately prompted to operate the push button 31B for the corresponding display 500 that is the next target for change.

As shown in FIG. 54 (c18), the operation effect is displayed in a gradually fainter and more transparent manner, so that the changed corresponding display 500, which was located behind the operation effect and was hidden by the operation effect, is gradually revealed.

As shown in FIG. 55 (c19), the operation effect is displayed even lighter and its transparency is further increased, so that the changed corresponding display 500, which was located behind the operation effect and was hidden by the operation effect, is displayed so as to be more clearly seen. The auxiliary display 521 including the letter "UP" is displayed as an upward arrow image that extends further.

At this time, when the operation of the push button 31B by the player is detected again in frame E shown in Fig. 55 (c19), an operation effect is displayed for the corresponding display 500 to be changed in frame (E+1) shown in Fig. 55 (c20). Furthermore, in frame (E+1), the second corresponding display 500 from the top, which is the change target, changes, and the button display 511 displayed in a set with the third corresponding display 500 from the top, which is the next change target after the second corresponding display 500 from the top, in the frame (E+1) becomes a promotion mode. Note that although the second corresponding display 500 from the top changes in frame (E+1), it is hidden behind the operation effect, so that the content (such as the suggestion display 515) is not visible or is difficult to be seen by the player.

As shown in FIG. 55 (c21), the operation effect is displayed gradually lighter and more transparent, so that the corresponding display 500 after the change, which was located behind the operation effect and hidden by the operation effect, is displayed gradually appearing. In this example, like the top corresponding display 500, the second corresponding display 500 from the top has changed from the pre-change chance display to a hot display.

As shown in FIG. 44 (b22), the operation effect is displayed even more faintly and its transparency is further increased, so that the changed corresponding display 500, which was located behind the operation effect and was hidden by the operation effect, is displayed so as to be more clearly seen. The auxiliary display 521 including the letter "UP" is displayed as an upward arrow image that extends further.

At this time, when the operation of the push button 31B by the player is detected again in frame F shown in FIG. 56 (c22), an operation effect is displayed for the corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change in frame (F+1) shown in FIG. 56 (c23). Furthermore, in frame (F+1), the third corresponding display 500 from the top, which is the subject of change, changes. Note that although the third corresponding display 500 from the top has changed in frame (F+1), it is hidden behind the operation effect, and therefore the content (such as the suggestion display 515) is either impossible or difficult for the player to see.

As shown at the bottom of FIG. 56 (c24), the suggestion display 515 included in the third corresponding display 500 from the top changes from a hot display to a best display. The best display includes an image of Jam-chan, the character that corresponds to the step-up preview.

Here, the corresponding display 500 corresponding to the highest display will be specifically described. As shown at the bottom of FIG. 56 (c24), the corresponding display 500 includes an outer frame display 501, a circle display 502, a window display 503, an inner frame display 504, and a suggestion display 515, as well as a rainbow-colored effect display 541. In the highest display, the suggestion display 515 includes an image of Jam-chan, the character corresponding to the step-up preview, as well as a background image. The effect display 541 includes a rainbow-colored effect image located outside the suggestion display 515, which includes an image of Jam-chan.

The display mode of the outer frame display 501 and the inner frame display 504 changes from red, which corresponds to a hot display, to rainbow, which corresponds to the highest display. The display mode of the circle display 502 and the window display 503 may also change from red to rainbow. Furthermore, as the corresponding display 500 changes, an auxiliary display 521 is displayed to suggest that the corresponding display 500 will change. The auxiliary display 521 includes an image of an upward arrow and the letters "UP" as letters suggesting that the expectation level is increasing. When the corresponding display 500 changes to a state with high expectation and turns rainbow, the auxiliary display 521 also turns rainbow.

The suggestion display 515 is composed of an image of a character (e.g., Jam-chan) and a background image, and is configured without using rainbow color display. On the other hand, the effect display 541 is configured with rainbow color display, and a rainbow color image is displayed outside the suggestion display 515 so as to be superimposed on a part of the background image in the suggestion display 515. In this way, the effect display 541 is configured to show the rainbow color to the player by weaving the background of the character together with the background image included in the suggestion display 515. In the effect display 541, the color is switched in the second mode, so that the rainbow color is emphasized to the player. Specifically, the effect display 541 switches colors stepwise in the vertical direction. For example, images are displayed in different colors in order from the top of the screen to the bottom of the screen.

As shown in FIG. 56 (c24), the operation effect is displayed gradually lighter and more transparent, so that the corresponding display 500 after the change, which was located behind the operation effect and hidden by the operation effect, is displayed gradually. In this example, the third corresponding display 500 from the top has changed from a hot display before the change to a maximum display.

As shown in FIG. 57 (c25), the operation effect is displayed even lighter and its transparency is further increased, so that the changed corresponding display 500, which was located behind the operation effect and was hidden by the operation effect, is displayed so as to be more clearly seen. The auxiliary display 521 including the letter "UP" is displayed as an upward arrow image that extends further.

As shown in FIG. 57 (c26), when the operation effect for the last changed corresponding display 500, the third from the top, disappears, the corresponding display 500 among the three corresponding displays 500 that has the highest expectation of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state is selected as the final result of the pending change notice. In this example, the last changed corresponding display 500, the third from the top, contains the highest indication, and therefore has the highest expectation among the three corresponding displays 500. For this reason, the third from the top corresponding display 500 is set as the final corresponding display 500 (final corresponding display).

As shown in Fig. 57 (c27) to Fig. 58 (c29), the final corresponding display rotates while gradually becoming larger than the other corresponding displays 500. After that, as shown in Fig. 58 (c30), the final corresponding display temporarily disappears as the effect image is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 59 (c31), when the effect image disappears, the final corresponding display is displayed in the fixed position across the entire screen.

As shown in Figures 59 (c32) and (c33), the final corresponding display is confirmed as the highest display. In this way, the step-up notice can change the corresponding display 500 (suggested display 515) displayed on the image display device 5 to a display with a higher expectation, thereby increasing the player's expectation for a jackpot game state.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 47, in the reserve change notice, the corresponding display 500 including the rainbow reserve display that confirms that the game will be controlled to the jackpot game state is finally displayed, whereas as shown in FIG. 59, in the step-up notice, the corresponding display 500 including the highest display that confirms that the game will be controlled to the jackpot game state is finally displayed. In the reserve change notice, a rainbow-colored effect image that becomes the background image of the variable corresponding display 505 is displayed as the background display 531, whereas in the step-up notice, a rainbow-colored image is displayed as the effect display 541 outside the suggestion display 515, weaving together a part of the background image of the suggestion display 515. In this way, the display mode of the rainbow color in the display configured using the rainbow color display is different between the reserve change notice and the step-up notice. This allows the player to see various display modes of the premium rainbow color that confirms that the game will be controlled to the jackpot game state, and allows the player to pay attention to the display in the specific presentation.

As shown in Fig. 47, in the reserved change notice, a corresponding display 500 including an image of Yume Yume-chan, the character corresponding to the reserved change notice, is displayed, whereas in the step-up notice, a corresponding display 500 including an image of Jam-chan, the character corresponding to the step-up notice, is displayed, as shown in Fig. 59. This allows the player to see the corresponding display 500, which determines that the game will be controlled to a jackpot game state, using various character images, thereby preventing the player from getting bored with the specific presentation as much as possible and increasing the interest of the game.

As shown in FIG. 47, in the rainbow hold display of the hold change notice, the variable corresponding display 505 includes an image of Yume Yume, the character corresponding to the hold change notice, but does not include a background image. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 59, in the highest display of the step up notice, the suggestion display 515 includes an image of Jam, the character corresponding to the step up notice, as well as a background image. By varying the rainbow color display mode according to the compositional content of the corresponding display 500 in the hold change notice and the corresponding display 500 in the step up notice, which have different compositional content, it is possible to present a premium mode presentation to the player in an optimal manner by making use of the compositional content without incurring extra costs.

For the suggestion display 515 consisting of an image of Jam-chan and a background image, a rainbow-colored effect image is displayed outside the suggestion display 515, and for the variable response display 505 consisting only of an image of Yume-chan, instead of including a background image, a rainbow-colored effect image is displayed outside the variable response display 505, which serves as the background image for the third display. In this way, by varying the rainbow-colored display mode according to the composition of the response display 500 in the pending change notice and the response display 500 in the step-up notice, which have different display composition contents, it is possible to present a premium-style presentation to the player in an optimal manner by making use of the composition contents without incurring extra costs.

By making the movement of the rainbow-colored effect image (background display 531) located outside the suggestion display 515, which is made up of an image of Jam-chan and a background image, different from that of the rainbow-colored effect image (effect display 541) located outside the variable response display 505, which is made up only of an image of Yume-chan, it is possible to prevent the player from becoming bored with certain presentations as much as possible and to increase the interest of the game.

While the hold change notice is a presentation that gradually changes the display mode of variable response displays such as the hold display and active hold display, the step-up notice is a presentation that gradually changes the suggestive display (characters, letters, etc.) that is only displayed during the step-up notice. Furthermore, the variable response displays (hold display, active hold display) are arranged in the first hold memory display area 5D, the second hold memory display area 5U, and the active hold display area 5A, and suggest the degree of expectation for an advantageous state by their display mode. For this reason, the hold change notice suggests the degree of expectation for an advantageous state by the display mode of the variable response displays (hold display, active hold display), not only during specific presentations, but also during periods when specific presentations are not being executed.

In this way, the hold change notice based on the variable response display has a longer display time than the step-up notice based on the suggestion display, and furthermore, when the response display corresponding to the hold change notice is displayed, the expectation level is higher than when the response display corresponding to the step-up notice is displayed, making it easier for the player to understand and increasing the expectation level.

(Performance mode in common performance after step-up announcement)
With reference to Figure 60, the presentation style in the common presentation after the step-up announcement will be described.

As shown in FIG. 60 (c34), when the step-up preview ends, the common performance starts. In the common performance, images of two characters (for example, Yume Yume-chan and Jam-chan) are displayed on the image display device 5.

As shown in FIG. 60 (c35), the word "Ikuyo" is displayed on the image display device 5 along with images of the two characters.

As shown in FIG. 60 (c36), an image is displayed on the image display device 5, encouraging the player to operate the push button 31B.

When the player operates the push button 31B, or when the valid period has elapsed without operating the push button 31B, the game progresses to the next game (presentation). For example, it progresses to SP Reach or Final Reach. Note that this example is for the case where either the main variable number 23 or 26, which determines the winning symbol, is selected, so when the winning symbol is determined in the SP Reach or Final Reach, the state is controlled to the jackpot game state.

(Performance when operation is not performed within the time limit)
The presentation mode in the case where the operation is not performed within the valid period will be described with reference to Figures 61 to 64. In Figures 61 to 64, an example in which the player does not operate the push button 31B within the valid period in urging the operation of the button display 511 will be described for the example shown in Figures 37 to 47.

As shown in FIG. 61 (d1), the button display 511 displayed on the top corresponding display 500, which is the first item to change in the hold change notice, is displayed in a prompting manner to encourage the operation of the push button 31B.

As shown in Figures 61 (d2) and (d3), the validity period indicated by the time gauge 513 is updated in stages, and the remaining time gradually decreases.

As shown in FIG. 62 (d4), if time passes without the push button 31B being operated, the entire validity period will eventually elapse.

As shown in FIG. 62 (d5), when the valid period has elapsed in frame G, in the frame (G+1) displayed next to frame G, the button display 511 displayed on all corresponding displays 500 disappears. Also, in the same manner as when the push button 31B is operated on the top corresponding display 500, a change effect is displayed on the top corresponding display 500. The layer of the change effect is set to the front side (closer to the player) than the layer on which the corresponding display 500 is displayed, similar to the operation effect. Also, the layer of the change effect is set to the back side than the layer on which the other two corresponding displays 500 are displayed, similar to the operation effect. In other words, the change effect is displayed so as not to extend into the display area of the other two corresponding displays 500. At this time, the top corresponding display 500 to be changed has changed its display mode, and an auxiliary display 521 including the character "UP" is also displayed.

In this way, the player can see the corresponding display change rhythmically for each successive frame, making it easy for the player to understand that the corresponding display is changing.

As shown in Fig. 62 (d6), the change effect for the topmost corresponding display 500 is displayed in a gradually lighter color and its transparency is increased, so that the changed corresponding display 500 and auxiliary display 521, which were located behind the change effect and hidden by the change effect, are displayed in a gradually visible manner. Furthermore, in frame (G+2) following frame (G+1), a change effect is displayed for the second corresponding display 500 from the top in the same manner as when the push button 31B is operated for the second corresponding display 500 from the top. The change effect is displayed so as not to extend to the display area of the third corresponding display 500 from the top. At this time, the second corresponding display 500 to be changed has changed its display mode, and the auxiliary display 521 including the character "UP" is also displayed.

As shown in FIG. 63 (d7), the change effect for the topmost corresponding display 500 and the second corresponding display 500 is displayed in a gradually lighter and more transparent manner, so that the changed corresponding display 500 and auxiliary display 521, which were located behind the change effect and hidden by the change effect, are displayed in a gradually revealed manner. Furthermore, in frame (G+3) following frame (G+2), a change effect is displayed for the third corresponding display 500 from the top in the same manner as when push button 31B is operated for the third corresponding display 500 from the top. At this time, the third corresponding display 500 to be changed has changed its display mode, and the auxiliary display 521 containing the letters "UP" is also displayed. In this way, the three corresponding displays 500 change sequentially, not simultaneously.

In this way, the change effects are displayed in sequence each time the corresponding display 500 changes, allowing the player to see the rhythmic changes in the corresponding display 500, and making it easy for the player to understand that the corresponding display 500 is changing.

In addition, the auxiliary display 521 is displayed in sequence each time the corresponding display 500 changes, so the player can see the rhythmic changes in the corresponding display 500, and it is easy for the player to understand that the corresponding display 500 is changing.

As shown in Fig. 63 (d8) and (d9), the change effects displayed on each of the three corresponding displays 500 fade out in sequence, becoming gradually lighter and eventually disappearing. Furthermore, the auxiliary displays 521 displayed on each of the three corresponding displays 500 also fade out in sequence, becoming gradually lighter and eventually disappearing.

In this way, the change effects fade out in sequence, allowing the player to see the corresponding display 500 changing rhythmically, and making it easy for the player to understand that the corresponding display 500 is changing.

Furthermore, after the auxiliary display 521 corresponding to one corresponding display 500 fades out, the auxiliary displays 521 corresponding to the other corresponding displays 500 fade out. In this way, because the auxiliary displays 521 fade out in sequence, the player can see the corresponding displays 500 changing rhythmically, and the player can easily understand that the corresponding displays 500 are changing.

As shown in FIG. 64 (d10), when the change effect for the last changed corresponding display 500, the third from the top, disappears, the corresponding display 500 among the three corresponding displays 500 that has the highest expectancy of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state is selected as the final result of the reserve change notice. In this example, the last changed corresponding display 500, the third from the top, includes a rainbow reserve display, and therefore has the highest expectancy among the three corresponding displays 500. For this reason, the third from the top corresponding display 500 is set as the final corresponding display 500 (final corresponding display).

As shown in FIG. 64 (d11), the final corresponding display rotates while gradually becoming larger than the other corresponding displays 500. This is followed by the presentation shown in FIG. 46 (b28), and finally, as shown in FIG. 47 (b33), the green pending display displayed in the active pending display area 5A changes to the rainbow pending display suggested by the final corresponding display.

In this way, in the hold change notice, even if the player does not operate the push button 31B within the valid period, the active hold display displayed in the active hold display area 5A can be changed to a more promising active hold display, thereby increasing the player's expectations for a jackpot game state. Note that the examples shown in Figures 61 to 64 explain the presentation mode when the push button 31B cannot be operated within the valid period in the hold change notice, but the same presentation mode will also be achieved if the push button 31B cannot be operated within the valid period in the step-up notice.

When multiple corresponding displays 500 are displayed and the push button 31B has not been operated for any of the multiple corresponding displays 500, when the validity period has elapsed, each of the multiple corresponding displays 500 changes in sequence, allowing the player to see the rhythmic change in the corresponding displays 500, and making it easy for the player to understand that the corresponding displays 500 are changing.

[Main components and effects]
Below, the technical effects obtained by the various configurations of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are listed individually.

(1-1) A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be controlled to a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) that is favorable to a player,
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5);
A specific performance means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120) for executing a specific performance (e.g., a hold change notice, a step-up notice),
The specific performance means, in the specific performance,
Displaying a plurality of corresponding displays (for example, corresponding displays 500 shown in FIG. 38(b4) and FIG. 50(c4)) on a display means, the corresponding displays indicating the degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state;
Each of the multiple corresponding displays can be changed in order to a display having a higher expectation than the currently displayed display (for example, displays shown in Figs. 42(b18), 43(b21), 44(b24), 54(c18), 55(c21), and 56(c24)).
Among the plurality of corresponding displays, the corresponding display that has changed to the mode with the highest expectation is displayed on the display means as the final result of the specific performance (for example, the displays shown in FIGS. 45 to 47 and 57 to 59 );
The specific performance patterns include a first pattern (e.g., the hold change notice pattern shown in FIGS. 37 to 48) in which a first corresponding display (e.g., the corresponding display 500 shown in FIG. 38(b4)) corresponding to a first notice type (e.g., the hold change notice) is displayed as a corresponding display, and a second pattern (e.g., the step-up notice pattern shown in FIGS. 49 to 60) in which a second corresponding display (e.g., the corresponding display 500 shown in FIG. 50(c4)) corresponding to a second notice type (e.g., the step-up notice) is displayed as a corresponding display,
When the specific effect of the first pattern is executed, the expectation level is higher than when the specific effect of the second pattern is executed (for example, the expectation level based on the lottery for the specific effect pattern shown in FIG. 18).

According to such a configuration, when the reserved change notice is executed and the corresponding display 500 including the variable corresponding display 505 is displayed, the expectation is higher than when the step-up notice is executed and the corresponding display 500 including the suggestion display 515 is displayed, so the player can be made to pay attention to the reserved change notice being executed and the corresponding display 500 including the variable corresponding display 505 being displayed while expecting it. Furthermore, after that, while the reserved change notice is being executed, the state of each of the multiple corresponding displays 500 can change one by one in order to a state with a high expectation controlled to a jackpot game state, so that the player can easily imagine that the expectation may increase every time each corresponding display 500 changes. Therefore, the performance can be preferably shown to the player.

(1-2) Each of the multiple corresponding displays is a common display corresponding to a specific performance pattern (for example, the display of corresponding display 500 corresponding to the hold change notice shown in FIG. 38 (b4), the display of corresponding display 500 corresponding to the step-up notice shown in FIG. 50 (c4)).

With this configuration, when multiple corresponding displays 500 are displayed, it is possible to easily inform the player which pattern of a specific presentation, a hold change notice or a step-up notice, has been executed. Therefore, the presentation can be shown to the player in an appropriate manner.

(1-3) The first notice type (e.g., hold change notice) is a notice in the form of a specific display corresponding to the variable display (e.g., a variable corresponding display 505 such as a hold display or an active hold display),
The second notice type (e.g., step-up notice) is a notice in which a display different from the specific display (e.g., suggestion display 515) changes in stages,
The first type of notice has a longer display time than the second type of notice (for example, the hold display and active hold display are displayed in the first hold memory display area 5D, the second hold memory display area 5U, and the active hold display area 5A, etc., even during periods when a specific performance is not being executed).

With this configuration, the hold change notice using the variable response display has a longer display time than the step-up notice using the suggestion display, and furthermore, when the response display corresponding to the hold change notice is displayed, the expectation level is higher than when the response display corresponding to the step-up notice is displayed, so the expectation level can be increased in an easy-to-understand manner for the player. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an optimal manner.

(1-4) The corresponding display is displayed so as to be surrounded by an outer frame display (for example, outer frame display 501) (for example, the display shown in FIG. 38(b4) and FIG. 50(c4)),
When the corresponding display changes to a state with high expectation and turns into a specific color (for example, red), the outer frame display also turns into the specific color (for example, the display shown in FIG. 42(b18) and FIG. 54(c18)).

With this configuration, the color of the outer frame display 501 changes along with the variable correspondence display 505, so that the player can easily understand that the correspondence display 500 is changing to a state with high expectations. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an ideal way.

(1-5) As the corresponding display changes, an auxiliary display (e.g., auxiliary display 521) is displayed indicating that the corresponding display will change (e.g., the displays shown in FIG. 42(b18) and FIG. 54(c18)).
When the corresponding display changes to a state with high expectation and turns into a specific color (for example, red), the auxiliary display also turns into the same specific color (for example, the display shown in FIG. 42(b18) or FIG. 54(c18)).

With this configuration, the auxiliary display 521 is displayed to clearly inform the player that the corresponding display 500 has changed, and further, the auxiliary display 521 changes color along with the variable corresponding display 505 to clearly inform the player that the corresponding display 500 has changed to a state with high expectations. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an ideal way.

(1-6) The corresponding display includes an inner frame display (e.g., inner frame display 504) and a character display (e.g., character display 506) (e.g., the displays shown in FIG. 38(b4) and FIG. 50(c4)),
When the corresponding display changes to a specific color (e.g., red) with a high expectation, the inner frame display and the character display also change to the specific color (e.g., the display shown in FIG. 42 (b18) and FIG. 54 (c18)).

(2-1) The specific effect means displays a plurality of button displays (e.g., button display 511) that prompt the player to operate a button (e.g., push button 31B) in the specific effect (e.g., the displays shown in Figs. 39(b9), 51(c9), and 61);
Each of the plurality of button displays is displayed in combination with each of the plurality of corresponding displays (for example, the displays shown in FIG. 39(b9), FIG. 51(c9), and FIG. 61),
The corresponding display can be changed at least when a button corresponding to a button display displayed in combination with the corresponding display is operated, or when the valid period for operating the button has elapsed without the button being operated in response to the button display (for example, the displays shown in FIG. 42(b18), FIG. 54(c18), and FIG. 62).
When one of the multiple corresponding displays (for example, the top corresponding display 500) is the target of change, one of the multiple button displays that is displayed in combination with the one corresponding display is in a promotion mode that encourages the player to operate the button, while the other button displays that are different from the one button display are not in a promotion mode (for example, the displays shown in Figures 40 and 50).

With this configuration, the player can easily understand which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the target of change, based on the presence or absence of a promotion mode for the button display 511 displayed in combination with the corresponding display 500. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an optimal manner.

(2-2) A display of an appearance effect is started, and at a specific timing when the appearance effect disappears, a display of a plurality of button displays is started;
One button display (for example, the top corresponding display 500) starts to be displayed in a promotion mode,
The other button displays start to be displayed without the promotion mode (for example, the displays shown in FIG. 39(b8) and FIG. 51(c8)).

With this configuration, when the display of multiple button displays 511 begins after the appearance effect disappears, the button displays 511 displayed in combination with the corresponding displays 500 that are the subject of change are in a promotion mode from the start, whereas the button displays 511 displayed in combination with corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change are not in a promotion mode from the start, making it possible to clearly communicate to the player which corresponding displays 500 are the subject of change from the start of the button displays 511. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an optimal manner.

(2-3) One of the correspondence displays that is the subject of change (for example, the top correspondence display 500 is displayed in an emphasized manner, whereas other correspondence displays that are not the subject of change are not displayed in an emphasized manner (for example, the displays shown in FIG. 40 (b10) and FIG. 52 (c10)).

With this configuration, it is possible to easily inform the player which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the target of change, based on whether the corresponding display 500 is highlighted or not. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an optimal manner.

(2-4) The button display in the promotion mode is
It is displayed in a blinking manner (for example, the displays shown in Figs. 40, 41, 52, and 53),
A prompting display (e.g., a prompting display 512 consisting of an arrow image) is displayed superimposed on the button display to encourage the player to operate the button.
The button display is displayed larger than the button display that is not in the promotion mode (for example, the display shown in FIG. 40(b10) and FIG. 52(c10)).
The time gauge indicating the validity period associated with a button display in a promoted mode is displayed larger than the time gauge associated with a button display that is not in a promoted mode (for example, the display shown in Figure 40 (b10) and Figure 52 (c10)).

With this configuration, the size of the button display 511 and the size of the time gauge 513 can clearly inform the player which of the multiple corresponding displays 500 is the target of change. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an optimal manner.

(2-5) The effective periods indicated by the time gauges associated with each of the multiple button displays are the same (for example, the displays shown in FIGS. 40, 41, 52, and 53),
The displays of the time gauges associated with each of the multiple button displays are updated in the same manner as each other (for example, the displays shown in FIGS. 40, 41, 52, and 53).

This configuration makes it possible to clearly communicate to the player that it is necessary to operate all of the multiple button displays 511 within one valid period. This allows the performance to be shown to the player in an ideal manner.

(3-1) The specific performance means displays a plurality of button displays (e.g., button display 511) that prompt the player to operate a button (e.g., push button 31B) in the specific performance (e.g., the displays shown in Figs. 39(b9), 51(c9), and 61),
Each of the plurality of button displays is displayed in combination with each of the plurality of corresponding displays (for example, the displays shown in FIG. 39(b9), FIG. 51(c9), and FIG. 61),
The corresponding display can be changed at least when a button corresponding to a button display displayed in combination with the corresponding display is operated and when the valid period for operating the button has elapsed without the button being operated in response to the corresponding button display (for example, the displays shown in FIG. 42(b18), FIG. 54(c18), and FIG. 62).
When a button is operated in response to the button display, an operation effect is displayed (for example, the display shown in FIG. 42(b17) or FIG. 54(c17)).
When one of a plurality of corresponding displays (for example, the top corresponding display 500) is the target of change, the operation effect displayed by operating a button corresponding to a button display displayed in set with the one corresponding display does not reduce the visibility of the other button display displayed in set with the other corresponding display that is the next target of change after the one corresponding display (for example, the displays shown in Figures 42 (b17) and 54 (c17)).

With this configuration, the operation effect is displayed on the topmost corresponding display 500, suggesting to the player that the push button 31B has been operated and that the corresponding display 500 will change, while still not interfering with the display of the button display 511 that is displayed in combination with the corresponding display 500 that is the next to be changed by the operation effect, thereby not reducing the visibility of the button display 511. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an optimal manner.

(3-2) Operation effects are displayed so that they do not extend into the display area of other button displays (for example, the displays shown in Fig. 42 (b17) and Fig. 54 (c17)).

This configuration does not impede the display of the button display 511 that is displayed in combination with the corresponding display 500 that is the next target of change due to the operation effect, and does not reduce the visibility of the button display 511. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an optimal manner.

(3-3) The layer on which other button displays are displayed is set to be in front of the layer on which operation effects are displayed (for example, the displays shown in Figure 42 (b17) and Figure 54 (c17)).

This configuration does not impede the display of the button display 511 that is displayed in combination with the corresponding display 500 that is the next target of change due to the operation effect, and does not reduce the visibility of the button display 511. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an optimal manner.

(3-4) The display time of the operation effect (e.g., 3 seconds) is shorter than the effective period (e.g., 10 seconds) divided by the number of multiple button displays (e.g., 3) (e.g., 10/3 seconds).

This configuration ensures that the player has enough time to operate the push button 31B three times within the valid period, and allows the player time to see the operation effect that appears each time the push button 31B is operated in response to the button display 511. Therefore, the presentation can be shown to the player in an optimal manner.

(3-5) The specific performance is formed of a video consisting of still images corresponding to each of a plurality of frames,
In a frame following a frame that is displayed when it is detected that a button (e.g., push button 31B) has been operated, one corresponding display changes in response to the operation of the button, and another button display that is displayed in the frame in combination with another corresponding display that is the next to be changed after the one corresponding display is promoted (e.g., the displays shown in Figures 42 (b16), (b17), 54 (c16), (c17)).

With this configuration, a player who has operated the push button 31B for the topmost corresponding display 500 that was in a promotion mode can be immediately prompted to operate the push button 31B for the corresponding display 500 that is the next target for change. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an ideal manner.

(4-1) The specific effect means displays a plurality of button displays (e.g., button display 511) that prompt the player to operate a button (e.g., push button 31B) in the specific effect (e.g., the displays shown in Figs. 39(b9), 51(c9), and 61),
Each of the plurality of button displays is displayed in combination with each of the plurality of corresponding displays (for example, the displays shown in FIG. 39(b9), FIG. 51(c9), and FIG. 61),
The corresponding display can be changed at least when a button corresponding to a button display displayed in combination with the corresponding display is operated, or when the valid period for operating the button has elapsed without the button being operated in response to the button display (for example, the displays shown in FIG. 42(b18), FIG. 54(c18), and FIG. 62).
the validity periods corresponding to each of the plurality of button displays are the same as each other;
When multiple corresponding displays are displayed and no button is operated for any of the multiple corresponding displays, when the validity period has elapsed, one of the multiple corresponding displays changes, and then another corresponding display different from the one corresponding display changes (for example, the displays shown in Figures 62 and 63).

With this configuration, when multiple corresponding displays 500 are displayed and the push button 31B has not been operated for any of the multiple corresponding displays 500, when the valid period has elapsed, each of the multiple corresponding displays 300 changes in sequence, so that the player can see the changing corresponding displays 300 in a rhythmic manner, and the changing corresponding displays 300 can be communicated to the player in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, the performance can be presented to the player in an optimal manner.

(4-2) In the frame following the frame displayed when it is determined that a button has been operated, the display of all button displays ends and one corresponding display changes, and in the next frame, the other corresponding displays change (for example, the displays shown in Figures 62 and 63).

This configuration allows the player to see the corresponding display 500 change rhythmically for each successive frame, and makes it easy for the player to understand that the corresponding display 500 is changing. Therefore, the performance can be presented to the player in an optimal way.

(4-3) The corresponding display changes to show a change effect.
When one corresponding display changes, a change effect corresponding to that one corresponding display is displayed, and then when another corresponding display changes, a change effect corresponding to that other corresponding display is displayed (for example, the displays shown in Figures 62 and 63).

With this configuration, the change effects are displayed in sequence each time the corresponding display 500 changes, so the player can see the rhythmic changes in the corresponding display 500, and the changes in the corresponding display 500 can be conveyed to the player in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, the presentation can be presented to the player in an optimal way.

(4-4) When the corresponding display changes, an auxiliary display (for example, auxiliary display 521) is displayed to indicate that the corresponding display will change.
When one corresponding display changes, an auxiliary display corresponding to that one corresponding display is displayed, and then when another corresponding display changes, an auxiliary display corresponding to that other corresponding display is displayed (for example, the displays shown in Figures 62 and 63).

With this configuration, the auxiliary display 521 is displayed in sequence each time the corresponding display 500 changes, so the player can see the rhythmic changes in the corresponding display 500, and the changes in the corresponding display 500 can be conveyed to the player in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, the presentation can be presented to the player in an optimal way.

(4-5) After the change effect corresponding to one corresponding display fades out, the change effect corresponding to the other corresponding display fades out (for example, the display shown in Figures 62 and 63).

With this configuration, the change effects fade out in sequence, allowing the player to see the corresponding display 500 changing rhythmically, and making it easy for the player to understand that the corresponding display 500 is changing. Therefore, the presentation can be presented to the player in an optimal way.

(4-6) After an auxiliary display corresponding to one corresponding display fades out, auxiliary displays corresponding to other corresponding displays fade out (for example, the displays shown in Figures 62 and 63).

With this configuration, the auxiliary displays 521 fade out in sequence, allowing the player to see the rhythmic change in the corresponding display 500, and making it easy for the player to understand that the corresponding display 500 is changing. Therefore, the presentation can be presented to the player in an optimal way.

(5-1) The specific performance means displays a first special display (e.g., the display shown in FIG. 56(c24) or FIG. 59) which determines that the game will be controlled to an advantageous state, and a second special display (e.g., the display shown in FIG. 44(b24) or FIG. 47) which determines that the game will be controlled to an advantageous state, in the specific performance;
The first special display (for example, the display shown in FIG. 56 (c24)) includes a first display (for example, the suggestion display 515) and a second display (for example, the effect display 541),
The second special display (for example, the display shown in FIG. 44(b24)) includes a third display (for example, the variable correspondence display 505) and a fourth display (for example, the background display 531),
Each of the first display (e.g., the suggestion display 515) and the third display (e.g., the variable correspondence display 505) is configured without using a rainbow color display;
Each of the second display (e.g., the effect display 541) and the fourth display (e.g., the background display 531) is configured using a rainbow color display,
The second display (e.g., effect display 541) and the fourth display (e.g., background display 531) differ in the way in which the rainbow colors are displayed (e.g., the second display (e.g., effect display 541) and the fourth display (e.g., background display 531) are configured to present the player with rainbow colors by weaving together the background image included in suggestion display 515 and the background of the character, whereas background display 531 is configured to present the player with rainbow colors by gradually changing colors in the vertical direction).

According to this configuration, in the hold change notice, a rainbow-colored effect image that becomes the background image of the variable response display 505 is displayed as background display 531, whereas in the step-up notice, a rainbow-colored image is displayed as effect display 541 outside the suggestion display 515, weaving together part of the background image of the suggestion display 515. In this way, the display mode of the rainbow color in the display configured using the rainbow color display differs between the hold change notice and the step-up notice. This allows the player to see various display modes of the premium rainbow color that is determined to be controlled to a jackpot gaming state, and makes it possible to draw the player's attention to the display in the specific presentation. Therefore, the presentation can be shown to the player in an appropriate manner.

(5-2) The first display (e.g., the suggestion display 515) is a display including an image of a first character (e.g., Jam-chan, a character corresponding to the step-up preview),
The third display (for example, variable response display 505) is a display including an image of the second character (for example, Yume Yume-chan corresponding to the hold change notice) (for example, the display shown in Figure 44 (b24) and Figure 56 (c24)).

With this configuration, the corresponding display 500, which indicates that the game state will be controlled to a jackpot, can be shown to the player using various character images, which makes it possible to prevent the player from becoming bored with a particular presentation as much as possible and to increase the interest of the game. Therefore, the presentation can be shown to the player in an optimal way.

(5-3) the first display (e.g., the suggestion display 515) is a display including an image of the first character and a background image;
The third display (for example, the variable corresponding display 505) is a display that includes an image of the second character but does not include a background image (for example, the display shown in FIG. 44(b24) and FIG. 56(c24)).

According to this configuration, in the rainbow hold display of the hold change notice, the variable corresponding display 505 includes an image of Yume Yume, the character corresponding to the hold change notice, but does not include a background image, whereas, as shown in FIG. 59, in the highest display of the step up notice, the suggestion display 515 includes an image of Jam, the character corresponding to the step up notice, as well as a background image. By varying the rainbow color display mode according to the compositional content in the corresponding display 500 in the hold change notice and the corresponding display 500 in the step up notice, which have different compositional content, it is possible to make the most of the compositional content and suitably present a premium mode presentation to the player without incurring extra costs. Therefore, the presentation can be suitably presented to the player.

(5-4) The second display (e.g., the effect display 541) is a rainbow-colored effect image located outside the first display (e.g., the suggestion display 515) including the image of the first character and the background image,
The fourth display (e.g., background display 531) is a rainbow-colored effect image that serves as the background image of the third display (e.g., variable correspondence display 505) that includes an image of the second character (e.g., the display shown in Figure 44 (b24) and Figure 56 (c24)).

According to this configuration, for the suggestion display 515 consisting of an image of Jam-chan and a background image, a rainbow-colored effect image is displayed outside the suggestion display 515, and for the variable response display 505 consisting only of an image of Yume-chan, instead of including a background image, a rainbow-colored effect image is displayed outside the variable response display 505, which serves as the background image for the third display. In this way, by varying the rainbow-colored display mode according to the composition of the response display 500 in the pending change notice and the response display 500 in the step-up notice, which have different display composition contents, it is possible to make the most of the composition contents and suitably present a premium-style presentation to the player without incurring extra costs. Therefore, the presentation can be suitably presented to the player.

(5-5) The second display (e.g., the effect display 541) and the fourth display (e.g., the background display 531) each display an effect image in a manner that switches the movement of rainbow colors,
The movement of the rainbow-colored effect image is different between the second display and the fourth display (for example, the displays shown in FIG. 44(b24) and FIG. 56(c24)).

With this configuration, by differentiating the movement between the rainbow-colored effect image (background display 531) located outside the suggestion display 515 made up of an image of Jam-chan and a background image, and the rainbow-colored effect image (effect display 541) located outside the variable response display 505 made up only of an image of Yume-chan, it is possible to prevent the player from becoming bored with a particular presentation as much as possible and to increase the interest of the game. Therefore, the presentation can be presented to the player in an optimal way.

(5-6) the second special display includes a fifth display (e.g., character display 506) in addition to the third display (e.g., variable correspondence display 505) and the fourth display (e.g., background display 531),
The fifth display is constructed using a rainbow color display;
The fourth display and the fifth display have different display modes of rainbow colors and different movements of the rainbow color images (for example, the display shown in FIG. 44(b24)).

In this configuration, when the reserve change notice is displayed, rainbow colors are used in multiple displays such as background display 531 and text display 506, creating a sense of premium in the rainbow reserve display that confirms that the game will be controlled to a jackpot gaming state, and appealing to the player with its luxury. Therefore, the performance can be presented to the player in an ideal way.

[Modification]
A modified example of the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above will now be described.

(Regarding the advantages of the first and second special displays)
In this embodiment, the display shown in Fig. 56 (c24) corresponding to the first special display and the display shown in Fig. 44 (b24) corresponding to the second special display have the same advantage in terms of the provision of the bonus. More specifically, the maximum display in the step-up notice shown in Fig. 56 (c24) and the rainbow display in the reserve change notice shown in Fig. 44 (b24) were both displays that confirmed that the game would be controlled to a jackpot game state.

However, the second special display may have a higher probability of being awarded a bonus than the first special display. For example, the rainbow display in the reserve change notice shown in FIG. 44 (b24) may have a higher probability of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state than the highest display in the step-up notice shown in FIG. 56 (c24).

The rainbow display in the reserve change notice shown in FIG. 44 (b24) may have a greater number of rounds controlled to the jackpot game state than the highest display in the step-up notice shown in FIG. 56 (c24). Also, while the rainbow display in the reserve change notice shown in FIG. 44 (b24) is controlled to a sure-variable jackpot game state or a time-limited jackpot game state, the highest display in the step-up notice shown in FIG. 56 (c24) may be controlled to a normal jackpot game state, which is less advantageous than a sure-variable jackpot game state or a time-limited jackpot game state.

According to this configuration, while the text display 506 does not turn rainbow color in the highest display in the step-up notice, the text display 506 turns rainbow color in the rainbow display in the hold change notice. This gives the rainbow display in the hold change notice, which has a higher probability of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state than the highest display in the step-up notice, a more premium feel than the highest display in the step-up notice, and appeals to the player with its luxury. Therefore, the performance can be shown to the player in an optimal way.

(Regarding the advantage of specific effects in the first pattern and specific effects in the second pattern)
The reserved change notice corresponding to the first pattern may have a larger number of rounds controlled to the jackpot game state than the step-up notice corresponding to the second pattern. The reserved change notice corresponding to the first pattern may be controlled to a probability variable jackpot game state or a time-limited jackpot game state, whereas the step-up notice corresponding to the second pattern may be controlled to a normal jackpot game state without being controlled to a probability variable jackpot game state or a time-limited jackpot game state.

(Expectations for compatibility display)
In this embodiment, the corresponding display 500 that changes last among the multiple corresponding displays has a higher expectation of being controlled to a more advantageous state, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the corresponding display 500 that changes first among the multiple corresponding displays may have a higher expectation of being controlled to a more advantageous state than the other corresponding displays, or the corresponding display 500 that changes other than first or last may have a higher expectation of being controlled to a more advantageous state than the other corresponding displays.

(Regarding the size of the corresponding display)
In this embodiment, the corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change is displayed in an emphasized manner, while the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change are not displayed in an emphasized manner. However, as an example of this, the corresponding display 500 that is the subject of change may be displayed larger overall than the other corresponding displays 500 that are not the subject of change.

(Regarding promotional methods)
In this embodiment, button display 511 in corresponding display 500 that is the target of change is displayed larger than button displays 511 displayed in other corresponding displays 500, promotion display 512 consisting of an arrow image is displayed superimposed, time gauge 513 is displayed large, and is displayed in a blinking manner, thereby promoting button display 511 in corresponding display 500 that is the target of change.

However, the button display 511 in the corresponding display 500 that is the subject of the change may be displayed larger than the button displays 511 displayed in the other corresponding displays 500, a prompt display 512 consisting of an arrow image may be displayed superimposed thereon, the time gauge 513 may be displayed larger, or at least one of the following may be used: the button display 511 in the corresponding display 500 that is the subject of the change may be displayed in a blinking manner.

This invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Each configuration related to the features of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be combined as appropriate with some or all of each configuration related to other features. Features combined in this way, or individual features that are not combined, may be combined as appropriate with some or all of each configuration related to other features.

The above-mentioned pachinko gaming machine 1 is a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as prizes when a winning prize is won, but it may also be an enclosed type gaming machine that encloses gaming media and awards points when a winning prize is won.

Only one type of pattern (for example, a symbol showing "- ") may be displayed during the variable display of the special pattern, and the variable display may be achieved by repeatedly displaying and extinguishing the pattern. Furthermore, even if the pattern is displayed during the variable display, the pattern may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (the display result may not include the symbol showing "- ").

In the above explanation, a pachinko gaming machine 1 was shown as the gaming machine, but the present invention can also be applied to slot machines (for example, slot machines equipped with one or more of big bonus, regular bonus, RT, AT, ART, CZ (hereinafter, bonus, etc.)) that can play a game in which medals are inserted and a predetermined bet amount is set, multiple types of symbols are rotated in response to the player's operation of the control lever, and when the symbols are stopped in response to the player's operation of the stop button, a specific combination of symbols is formed, and a predetermined number of medals is paid out to the player.

In this specification, expressions of comparison of various ratios such as the performance ratio (such as "high", "low", "different", etc.) may include one being a ratio of "0%". For example, it also includes one being a ratio of "0%" and the other being a ratio of "100%" or a ratio less than "100%".

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 Pachinko game machine, 2 Game board, 3 Game machine frame, 5 Image display device, 5C, 5L, 5R Decorative pattern display area, 6A Winning ball device, 6B Variable winning ball device, 8L, 8R Speaker, 9 Game effect lamp, 10 General winning port, 11 Main board, 12 Performance control board, 13 Sound control board, 15 Relay board, 20 Special pattern LED board, 21 Gate switch, 22A First start port switch, 22B Second start port switch, 23 Count switch, 24 V winning switch, 30 Ball hitting operation handle, 31A Stick controller, 31B Push button, 32 Movable body, 35A Controller sensor unit, 35B Push sensor, 41 Passing gate, 50 Fourth pattern unit, 81, 82, 83 Solenoid, 100 Game control microcomputer, 101, 121 ROM, 102, 122 RAM, 104, 124 random number circuit, 106 RTC, 110 switch circuit, 111 output circuit, 123 display control unit.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that can be controlled to a first advantageous state and a second advantageous state that is more advantageous to a player than the first advantageous state ,
A setting means capable of setting a plurality of setting values each having a different probability of being controlled to the advantageous state ;
A display means;
A specific performance means for executing a specific performance,
The specific performance means is capable of displaying a special display that determines that the specific performance will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The special display includes a first special display and a second special display,
The first special display is a display including a first display and a second display,
the second special display is a display including a third display, a fourth display, a fifth display which is a character display , and a sixth display,
Each of the first display and the third display is configured without using a rainbow color display;
each of the second display, the fourth display, the fifth display , and the sixth display is configured using a rainbow color display;
the sixth display is displayed outside the third display, the fourth display, and the fifth display;
The second display and the fourth display have different rainbow color display modes,
The fourth display and the fifth display have different display modes of rainbow colors and different movements of the rainbow color images,
The fifth display and the sixth display have different rainbow color display modes,
The fifth display can be displayed in a manner superimposed on the fourth display,
a probability of being controlled to either the first advantageous state or the second advantageous state differs between when the first special display is displayed and when the second special display is displayed;
The special display can be displayed with different probabilities depending on the setting value set by the setting means.
Amusement machine.

Images