JP7843513B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to gaming machines, and can be applied particularly to pachinko gaming machines and the like.

Conventional gaming machines often have multiple presentation modes, and the currently running presentation mode changes based on changes in gameplay, such as the result of a judgment performed at a predetermined time during gameplay, or when the number of times the symbols change reaches a specific number. Depending on the selected presentation mode, different types of game presentations (such as pre-announcement presentations and reach presentations) are executed.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a gaming machine in which two performance modes, a normal performance mode and a special performance mode, can be set, and special performances are performed in different ways depending on which performance mode is set.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-166429

Thus, having multiple presentation modes and executing different gameplay animations depending on the selected mode has been somewhat effective in preventing players from getting bored with the game. However, in order to further enhance the enjoyment of the game, there is a need to implement unprecedented gameplay animations and diversify the gameplay animations to create more engaging and interesting experiences.

This invention has been made in view of the aforementioned circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that enhances the enjoyment of gaming by implementing novel and unprecedented gameplay effects in a gaming machine with a variety of gameplay effects.

The first invention, a gaming machine for solving the aforementioned problems,
An identification information display means that acquires information based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions and displays identification information based on the acquired information,
A game performance execution means capable of executing game performances in conjunction with the display of changes in the aforementioned identification information,
An identification pattern display unit capable of displaying identification patterns,
A gaming machine comprising: a special game execution means that executes a special game when the result of the display of the change in the aforementioned identification information becomes a specific result,
The aforementioned game performance includes a first game performance which is performed when the result of the display of the change in the identification information is likely to result in a specific outcome, and a second game performance which is performed which suggests that the result of the display of the change in the identification information is more likely to result in a specific outcome than the first game performance.
The acquired information includes first acquired information that enables the execution of the first game performance, and second acquired information that enables the execution of the second game performance.
The aforementioned identification pattern includes a first identification pattern that is displayed at a predetermined display speed, and a second identification pattern that is displayed at a different display speed from the first identification pattern.
The identification pattern display unit is characterized in that, while the first identification pattern is being displayed in a predetermined direction at a predetermined size , upon acquisition of the second acquired information, the second identification pattern is displayed in a different direction at a size different from the predetermined size .

This type of gaming machine includes an identification symbol display unit capable of displaying identification symbols, and the identification symbols include a first identification symbol displayed at a predetermined display speed and a second identification symbol displayed at a different display speed than the first identification symbol. Furthermore, the acquired information includes first acquired information that enables the execution of a first game performance, and second acquired information that enables the execution of a second game performance that suggests a higher probability of achieving a specific result than the first game performance. When the first identification symbol is displayed on the identification symbol display unit, the second identification symbol is displayed upon acquisition of the second acquired information.

This allows the game to signal the execution of a second game animation that suggests a high probability of a specific outcome by displaying a second identification symbol with a different display speed. This ensures that the player is reliably aware of the display of the second identification symbol, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

According to the present invention, by implementing unprecedented gameplay effects, it is possible to diversify gameplay and enhance the enjoyment of the game.

This is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a rear view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing the configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the main display unit, illustrating the various display units included in the gaming machine. This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. This table shows the correspondence between the type of win and the opening pattern of the grand prize slot. This table shows the various random numbers acquired by the microcontroller used for game control. (A) is the jackpot determination table, (B) is the jackpot type determination table, (C) is the reach determination table, (D) is the regular symbol win determination table, and (E) is the regular symbol variation pattern selection table. This is a table of variation patterns. This is a flowchart of the main control process. This is a flowchart of the interrupt handling process. This is a flowchart of the starter sensor detection process. This is a flowchart of the general operation process. This is a flowchart for the normal symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart for the process of determining whether a symbol combination is correct or incorrect. This is a flowchart for the normal pattern random number shifting process. This is a flowchart of the processing during normal symbol variation. This is a flowchart for the process of determining the normal symbols. This is a flowchart for the standard electric mechanism processing. This is a flowchart of the special drawing operation process. This is a flowchart for the special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart for the process of determining whether a particular illustration is correct or incorrect. This is a flowchart of the variable pattern selection process shown in Figure 2. This is a flowchart of the variable pattern selection process shown in Figure 2. This is a flowchart for the random number shifting process in Special Feature 2. This is a flowchart of the process for determining whether a particular drawing is correct or incorrect. Figure 1 is a flowchart of the variation pattern selection process. Figure 1 is a flowchart of the variation pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the random number shifting process shown in Figure 1. This is a flowchart of the processing during special symbol changes. This is a flowchart for the process of determining special symbols. This is a flowchart for the special electric bonus mechanism processing 1 (jackpot game). This is a flowchart for the game state setting process. This is a flowchart for the special electric bonus mechanism processing 2 (minor win game). This is a flowchart of the sensor detection process for a specific area. This is a flowchart for processing the number of balls held in reserve. This is a flowchart for power outage monitoring. This is a flowchart of the sub-control main processing. This is a flowchart for receiving interrupt processing. This is a flowchart for handling a 2ms timer interrupt. This is a flowchart for handling a 10ms timer interrupt. This is a flowchart of the received command parsing process. This is a flowchart of the received command parsing process. This is a flowchart for the process of initiating the animation when a ball enters the field. This is a flowchart for the process of initiating the variable animation. This is a diagram showing the execution of gameplay effects. This is a diagram showing the execution of gameplay effects. This figure shows the display method for the performance hold in Example 2. This figure shows the display method for the performance hold in Example 2. This figure shows the display method for the performance hold in Example 2. This figure shows the display method for the performance hold in Example 2. This figure shows the display method for the performance hold in Example 2. This diagram shows the display method of the profits earned in Example 3. This diagram shows the display method of the profits earned in Example 3. This diagram shows the display method of the profits earned in Example 3. This diagram shows the display method of the profits earned in Example 3.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described using examples. In the following description, an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko game machine capable of executing a winning game where, upon the end of the changing symbol display and the display of a winning symbol, a predetermined amount of game benefits (e.g., prize balls) are awarded to the player.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pachinko game machine 1 of Embodiment 1 comprises a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2 mounted within the game machine frame 50. The game board 2 is detachably mounted from the game machine frame 50. Figure 3 shows the game board 2 removed from the game machine frame 50. The game machine frame 50 comprises a front frame 51 with a decorative surface, a main frame 52 for mounting the game board 2, and an outer frame 53 for mounting the pachinko game machine 1 to the island equipment in the hall. The front frame 51, main frame 52, and outer frame 53 are pivotally supported at one end and are each configured to be openable and closable.

Furthermore, the front frame 51 is equipped with a launch handle 60 for launching game balls with a launching strength corresponding to the amount of operation (rotation angle) by the player, a ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 for storing game balls and supplying the stored game balls to the launching device, and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 61. The front frame 51 is also equipped with a first effect button 63a and a second effect button 63b (these two effect buttons are collectively referred to simply as "effect buttons 63") that the player can operate during the execution of game effects that are performed as the game progresses. The multiple effect buttons allow the player to choose which effect button to use depending on the type of game effect. The front frame 51 is also equipped with decorative frame lamps 66 and a speaker 67. Furthermore, the configuration of the performance button 63 is not limited to the embodiment of this first example. It may be any means capable of detecting input from the player, such as an input detection means (e.g., retractable, touch sensor, etc.) where the player directly contacts the button to input, or a non-contact input detection means (e.g., photoelectric) that detects when a part of the player's body is nearby to input.

The game board 2 has a game area 3 formed by rail members 4, through which game balls launched by operating the launch handle 60 flow. The game board 2 is also equipped with decorative board lamps 5. Multiple game pins 16 are provided protruding from the game area 3 to guide the game balls. Ball return prevention pieces 6 are provided at the ends of the rail members 4 to prevent game balls that have been guided into the game area from returning to the launching device. An image display device 7, which is a liquid crystal display device, is provided near the center of the game area 3. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is provided with a performance symbol display area 7b (also called the "performance symbol display section") on which performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R (also simply called "performance symbols 8") are displayed. These performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R change in sync with the changing display of the first special symbol and the changing display of the second special symbol, which will be described later. The symbol display area 7b consists of three symbol display areas, for example, "left," "center," and "right." The left symbol display area displays the left symbol 8L, the center symbol display area displays the center symbol 8C, and the right symbol display area displays the right symbol 8R.

Furthermore, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R each consist of multiple symbols (identification information) representing, for example, numbers from "1" to "9". The left, middle, and right performance symbols that stop and are displayed in the performance symbol display area 7b display the results of the variation display of the first special symbol shown in the first special symbol display unit 41a (also called the "first special symbol display unit"), and the results of the variation display of the second special symbol shown in the second special symbol display unit 41b (also called the "second special symbol display unit") (that is, the results of the special symbol win/failure judgment (also simply called the "win/failure judgment")) in a way that is easy for the player to recognize. For example, if the result of the special symbol win/loss judgment is a jackpot (specific result), it is possible to stop and display the performance symbols with a three-digit identical repeating number such as "777" (also called a "winning performance symbol"). Furthermore, the system shall be equipped with identification information display means for displaying (controlling the display of) identification information (performance symbols, special symbols).

Furthermore, in the event of a minor win (specific result), it is possible to stop and display the performance symbols using pre-set chance symbols such as "135" or special symbols such as "3★3" (also called "minor win performance symbols"). Also, in the event of a loss, it is possible to stop and display the performance symbols using scattered symbols (also called "loss performance symbols") in which at least one of three symbols is different, such as "637" or "373". This makes it easy for players to understand the progress of the game by looking at the performance symbols that are stopped and displayed. In other words, players generally do not directly understand the result of the special symbol win/loss judgment by looking at the special symbols displayed in the first special symbol display unit 41a or the second special symbol display unit 41b, but rather by looking at the performance symbols displayed in the performance symbol display area 7b. Note that the positions of the left, center, and right symbol display areas do not need to be separate, and the display areas for the left, center, and right performance symbols may each be the entirety of the symbol display area (performance symbol display area 7b). Furthermore, the display of the changing symbols can be, for example, by scrolling up and down, left and right, or diagonally. The control unit that controls the display of the changing symbols for the first special symbol, the second special symbol, or the symbols, and the display unit that displays the first special symbol, the second special symbol, or the symbols, are also referred to as the "identification information display unit (identification information display means)."

On the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, in addition to displaying game effects using the aforementioned effect symbols (effect symbol game effects), it also displays winning game effects that are executed in conjunction with winning games, and demo effects for when customers are waiting. In addition to effect symbols such as numbers, the effect symbol game effects, winning game effects, and demo effects also display effect images other than effect symbols, such as background images and character images. Furthermore, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 has a first effect hold display area 9c (first effect hold display section) that displays the first effect hold 9a according to the number of first special symbol holds described later, and a second effect hold display area 9d (second effect hold display section) that displays the second effect hold 9b according to the number of second special symbol holds described later. Depending on the display mode (number of displays) of the first or second performance hold, the number of stored special symbol holds shown on the first special symbol hold indicator 43a (see Figure 4) and the number of stored special symbol holds shown on the second special symbol hold indicator 43b can be clearly shown to the player. The system shall be equipped with means for executing these game performances.

A center decorative element 10 is provided near the center of the game area 3, in front of the image display device 7, surrounding the display area 7b of the game symbols. Below the center decorative element 10 is a stage section 11 with a game ball rolling surface on which game balls can roll. A hollow warp section 12 is provided on the left side of the center decorative element 10. The warp section 12 has a warp inlet and a warp outlet. Game balls flowing down the game area 3 are received from the warp inlet and discharged from the warp outlet, guiding them to the stage section 11. Game balls guided to the rolling surface of the stage section 11 have a higher probability of entering the first starting port 20 (described later) compared to game balls not guided to the stage section 11. Furthermore, decorative elements 13, shaped like letters or figures, are arranged on the upper part of the center decorative element 10. These elements have LEDs or other illuminated components (game surface lamps 5) that can light up according to the game state.

Furthermore, a movable decorative member 14 is provided at the top of the center decorative body 10, behind the decorative member 13, which is capable of moving in conjunction with game performances. In Figure 3, only a portion of the movable decorative member 14 is visible; however, for example, during the execution of a game performance with a relatively high probability of winning, the movable decorative member falls downward, covering the front of the display screen 7a, making its majority visible. This increases the player's expectation of winning. Below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, a fixed prize entry device 19 is provided, equipped with a non-variable first starting opening 20 that does not change the ease with which game balls enter. Based on the entry of game balls into the first starting opening 20, random numbers for determining the success or failure of special symbols (acquired information) are obtained. When predetermined conditions are met, a success or failure determination for the first special symbol (first special symbol success or failure determination) is performed, and the first special symbol is displayed in a variable state. Based on the result of the success or failure determination, it is displayed in a stopped state.

Below the first starting opening 20, a variable prize entry device 22 (also called a "variable starting opening") is provided, which includes a variable second starting opening 21 that changes the ease with which game balls can enter. Based on the entry of game balls into the second starting opening 21, random numbers for determining whether a special symbol is correct or incorrect are acquired, and when predetermined conditions are met, a determination of whether the second special symbol is correct or incorrect (second special symbol correct/incorrect determination) is performed, and the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and then displayed as stopped based on the result of the correct/incorrect determination. The variable prize entry device 22 includes a movable member 23, which opens and closes the second starting opening 21. Through this opening and closing operation, the second starting opening 21 can change from a first state (closed state) to a second state (open state) in which the probability of game balls entering is higher than in the first state. The movable member 23 is driven by a second starting opening solenoid 24 (see Figure 5). In this embodiment 1, the second starting port 21 allows game balls to enter only when the movable member 23 is in the open position, and prevents game balls from entering when the movable member 23 is in the closed position. However, the second starting port 21 does not necessarily have to be completely impassable when the movable member 23 is closed, as long as it is more difficult to enter game balls when the movable member 23 is closed than when it is open.

To the right of the first starting opening 20 in the game area 3, a first large prize entry device 31 (also called the "first variable ball entry opening") is provided, equipped with a first large prize entry opening 30. The first large prize entry device 31 includes an opening/closing member 32, which opens and closes the first large prize entry opening 30. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by a first large prize entry opening solenoid 33 (see Figure 5). The first large prize entry opening 30 allows game balls to enter only when the opening/closing member 32 is in the open position. That is, the first variable ball entry opening 31 can change between a state where game balls cannot enter (closed state) and a state where game balls can enter (open state) by the opening and closing operation of the opening/closing member 32.

Furthermore, above the first large prize opening 30 in the game area 3, and in the lower right part of the center decorative element 10, a second large prize device 36 (also called the "second variable ball entry opening") is provided, equipped with a second large prize opening 35. The second large prize device 36 includes an opening/closing member (wing member) 37, which opens and closes the second large prize opening 35. The opening/closing member 37 is driven by a second large prize opening solenoid 38 (see Figure 5). The second large prize opening 35 allows game balls to enter only when the opening/closing member 37 is in the open position.

In other words, the second variable ball entry opening 36 can change between a state where game balls cannot enter (closed state) and a state where game balls can enter (open state) by the opening and closing operation of the opening/closing member 37. The second large prize winning device 36 has a specific area 39 through which game balls that have entered the second large prize winning opening 35 can pass. In this pachinko game machine 1, the high-probability state described later is generated based on the detection that game balls that have entered the second large prize winning opening 35 have passed through the specific area 39. In other words, the specific area 39 is a probability change activation opening. Such a specific area 39 is not provided in the first large prize winning device 31.

In the right-hand area of the central decorative element 10 in the game area 3, a gate 28 (game ball passage opening) through which game balls can pass is provided. Based on the passage of game balls through the gate 28, random numbers for determining whether a normal symbol win or loss is achieved are acquired. When predetermined conditions are met, a normal symbol win or loss determination is performed to determine whether or not to open the second start opening 21, and the normal symbols are displayed in a variable state. Based on the result of the normal symbol win or loss determination, a stop display is shown. When a winning normal symbol is displayed as a stop, the second start opening 21 is opened. Furthermore, multiple general ball entry openings 27 are provided in the lower part of the game area 3.

The game area 3, in which various ball entry points are arranged, can be divided into the left game area (first game area) 3A, located to the left of the center in the left-right direction, and the right game area (second game area) 3B, located to the right. Shooting the game ball so that it flows down the left game area 3A is called left-handed shooting, and shooting the game ball so that it flows down the right game area 3B is called right-handed shooting. In this pachinko game machine 1, at the start of the game, the aim is to enter the first starting point 20 using left-handed shooting. On the other hand, when the game state changes due to a win/loss determination based on the ball entering the first starting point 20, the aim is to enter the gate 28, the second starting point 21, the first large prize entry point 30, and the second large prize entry point 35 using right-handed shooting. When a game ball enters the first starting gate, the second starting gate, the first major prize gate, the second major prize gate, or the general ball entry gate, a predetermined number of game balls (also called "prize balls") are dispensed from each respective entry gate.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a main display unit 40 is located in the lower right corner of the game board 2. The main display unit 40 includes a first special symbol display unit 41a (first special symbol display section) for displaying the first special symbol in a variable and stopped state, a second special symbol display unit 41b (second special symbol display section) for displaying the second special symbol in a variable and stopped state, and a normal symbol display unit 42 (normal symbol display section) for displaying normal symbols in a variable and stopped state. The main display unit 40 also includes a first special symbol hold display unit 43a for displaying the number of stored win/fail judgment information (first special symbol hold) related to the first special symbol, a second special symbol hold display unit 43b for displaying the number of stored win/fail judgment information (second special symbol hold) related to the second special symbol, and a normal symbol hold display unit 44 for displaying the number of stored operation hold (normal symbol hold) for the normal symbol display unit 42.

The main display unit 40 also includes a win indicator 48 indicating that the result of the first or second special symbol win/failure determination is a win, a round indicator 45 indicating the number of rounds of the winning game to be executed when the result of the first or second special symbol win/failure determination is a win, a game status indicator 46 indicating that the probability variation function is activated, and a launch direction indicator 47 indicating the launch direction of the game ball, i.e., whether it should be shot to the right or to the left. These various indicators included in the main display unit 40 are displayed and controlled by the main control unit described later.

The first special symbol's variation display is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first start opening 20. The second special symbol's variation display is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the second start opening 21. In the following explanation, the first and second special symbols may be collectively referred to as "special symbols." Furthermore, the first special symbol indicator 41a and the second special symbol indicator 41b may be collectively referred to as the "special symbol display unit 41." Also, the first special symbol hold indicator 43a and the second special symbol hold indicator 43b may be collectively referred to as the "special symbol hold display unit 43."

The special symbol display unit 41 displays a special symbol (identification information) for a predetermined period of time, then stops it, and the result of the lottery (special symbol win/failure determination, jackpot lottery) based on the ball entering the first start opening 20 or the second start opening 21 is announced based on the stopped special symbol (stopped symbol). The stopped special symbol is one special symbol selected from multiple types of special symbols based on the special symbol win/failure determination. If the stopped symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (specific identification information) (i.e., a jackpot symbol or a minor win symbol), a special game (jackpot game, minor win game) is performed, opening the first major prize opening 30 or the second major prize opening 35 in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of specific special symbol that was stopped. The opening patterns of the major prize openings (first major prize opening 30 and second major prize opening 35) in the special game will be described later.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the first special symbol indicator 41a is composed of eight LEDs labeled "i" to "p" and displays a special symbol according to the result of the first special symbol win/loss determination. For example, if the result of the first special symbol win/loss determination is a first jackpot (15R jackpot), the three "ijn" LEDs are lit and the rest are turned off. If it is a second jackpot (2R jackpot), the four "jnkl" LEDs are lit and the rest are turned off. If it is a minor win, the four "mnop" LEDs are lit and the rest are turned off. If it is a miss, the two "lo" LEDs are lit and the rest are turned off. The second special symbol indicator 41b is composed of eight LEDs labeled "a" to "h" and displays a special symbol according to the result of the second special symbol win/loss determination. Regarding the stop display mode, similar to the first special symbol display unit 41b, different display modes are determined depending on the result of the second special symbol win/loss determination. Furthermore, before the special symbol is displayed in a stop state, the special symbol's fluctuations are displayed for a predetermined fluctuation time. The fluctuation display mode can be, for example, a mode in which each LED lights up in a predetermined order, with light repeatedly flowing from left to right.

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball enters the first start port 20 or the second start port 21, various information (also called "acquired information"), such as a random number for determining whether a special symbol is a winning or losing combination, is acquired based on the ball's entry. This acquired information is temporarily stored in the special symbol hold storage unit 85 formed in the RAM of the main control unit. Specifically, if the ball enters the first start port 20, it is stored as the first special symbol hold in the first special symbol hold storage unit 85a, and if the ball enters the second start port 21, it is stored as the second special symbol hold in the second special symbol hold storage unit 85b. Each special symbol hold storage unit 85 has an upper limit on the number of special symbol holds that can be stored; in this embodiment 1, the upper limit is four for each. These first special symbol hold storage unit 85a and second special symbol hold storage unit 85b are also referred to as the "first acquired information storage means" and the "second acquired information storage means," respectively, and are collectively referred to as the "acquired information storage means."

The special symbol reserves stored in the special symbol reserve memory unit 85 are consumed when it becomes possible to display the special symbol variation based on that special symbol reserve. Consumption of a special symbol reserve means determining the random number used for determining the success or failure of the special symbol corresponding to that special symbol reserve, and then executing the display of the special symbol variation to show the result of that determination. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, even if the display of the special symbol variation based on the entry of a game ball into the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 cannot be executed immediately at the time of entry—that is, even if the display of the special symbol variation is in progress or a special game is in progress—the right to determine the success or failure of the special symbol for that entry can be reserved up to a predetermined number of times.

The number of these special feature holds is displayed on the first special feature hold indicator 43a and the second special feature hold indicator 43b. Specifically, the first special feature hold indicator 43a is composed of two LEDs labeled "u" and "v," and displays the number of first special feature holds by controlling the LED display according to the number of first special feature holds. For example, if the number of holds is 0, the display will show "u□v□" (for example, □: off, ●: red light on, ▲: green light), with both LEDs off. If the number of holds is 1, the display can show "u□v●," with the u LED off and the v LED lit red. If the number of holds is 2, the display can show "u●v□," with the u LED lit red and the v LED off. If the number of holds is 3, the display can show "u●v●," with both LEDs lit red.

Furthermore, when the number of reserved items is 4 (the maximum number), both LEDs can be illuminated green, as in "u▲v▲". The second special feature reserved indicator 43b is composed of two LEDs labeled "wx", and displays the number of reserved items by controlling the LED display according to the number of reserved items. For example, when the number of reserved items is 0, both LEDs are turned off, as in "w□x□" (for example, □: off, ●: red light, ▲: green light). The display for reserved items 1 to 4 is determined in the same way as the first special feature reserved indicator 43a.

The display of the regular symbols changes when a game ball passes through gate 28. The regular symbol display unit 42 displays the regular symbols in a changing pattern for a predetermined time, then stops them. The stopped regular symbol (stopped symbol) indicates the result of the regular symbol win/loss determination based on the game ball's passage through gate 28. The stopped regular symbol is one of several regular symbols selected by the regular symbol win/loss determination. If the stopped regular symbol is a predetermined specific regular symbol (winning regular symbol), an auxiliary game is performed to open the second start gate 21 in an opening pattern corresponding to the current game state. The opening patterns for the second start gate 21 will be described later.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the regular symbol indicator 42 is composed of two LEDs labeled "st," and the way they light up indicates the regular symbol corresponding to the result of the regular symbol win/loss judgment. For example, if the judgment result is a win, the winning regular symbol is displayed as "s■t■" (for example, ■: lit, □: off), with both LEDs lit. If the judgment result is a loss, the losing regular symbol is displayed as "s□t■," with only the "t" LED lit. Note that the losing regular symbol is not a specific regular symbol. Before the regular symbol is displayed as stopped, the regular symbol's fluctuation display is performed for a predetermined fluctuation time, and the pattern of this fluctuation display is, for example, a pattern in which both LEDs alternately light up and turn off.

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball passes through gate 28, various information (also called "acquired information") such as a random number for determining whether a regular symbol is a winning or losing combination is acquired based on that passage. This acquired information is temporarily stored as a regular symbol hold in the regular symbol hold storage unit 86, which is formed in the RAM of the main control unit. There is an upper limit to the number of regular symbol holds that can be stored in the regular symbol hold storage unit 86; in this embodiment 1, the upper limit is four.

The regular symbol reserves stored in the regular symbol reserve memory unit 86 are consumed when it becomes possible to display the variation of the regular symbols based on those regular symbol reserves. Consumption of regular symbol reserves means determining the random number used for determining the success or failure of the regular symbols corresponding to that regular symbol reserve, and then executing the display of the variation of the regular symbols to show the determination result. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, even if the display of the variation of the regular symbols based on the passage of a game ball through gate 28 cannot be executed immediately at the time of passage—that is, even if the display of the variation of the regular symbols is being executed or an auxiliary game is being executed—the right to determine the success or failure of the regular symbols for that passage can be reserved up to a predetermined number.

The number of these reserved symbols is then displayed on the reserved symbol indicator 44. Specifically, the reserved symbol indicator 44 consists of two LEDs labeled "qr," and displays the number of reserved symbols by illuminating the LEDs according to the number of reserved symbols. For example, if the number of reserved symbols is 0, the display will show "q□r□" (for example, □: off, ●: red light, ▲: green light), with both LEDs off. If the number of reserved symbols is 1, the display will show "q□r●," with the q LED off and the r LED lit red. The reserved symbol counts of 2 to 4 are also defined in the same way as the first reserved symbol indicator 43a.

Next, the electrical configuration of this pachinko game machine 1 will be explained based on Figures 2 and 5. This embodiment of the pachinko game machine 1 includes a main control board 80 (also called the "main control unit" or "game control unit") that controls game benefits such as special symbol win/loss determination, normal symbol win/loss determination, and transitions in game states; a sub-control board 90 (also called the "sub-control unit" or "performance control unit") that controls effects executed as the game progresses; a payout control board 110 (also called the "payout control unit") that controls the payout of game balls; and an image control board 100 (image control unit) that controls the display of effect symbols 8 shown on the image display device 7, symbols shown on the effect indicator 102, the first special symbol hold indicator 103a, and the second special symbol hold indicator 103b, etc.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a main control board housing case containing the main control board 80 is provided approximately in the center of the rear (back) side of the pachinko game machine 1. Above this main control board case, an image control board housing case containing the sound control board 106, lamp control board 107, and image control board 100 is provided. Above the image control board housing case, a sub-control board housing case containing the sub-control board 90 is provided. In addition, a payout control board housing case containing the payout control board is provided to the lower left of the main control board case, and a power supply board housing case containing the power supply board 109 is provided to the right of that.

The main control board 80 is equipped with a one-chip microcontroller (hereinafter referred to as "game control microcontroller") 81 for game control, which controls the progress of the game of the pachinko machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcontroller 81 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a RAM used as work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The game control microcontroller 81 transmits and receives data (information) to and from other boards via an input/output circuit 87 (I/O port section). The input/output circuit 87 may be built into the game control microcontroller 81. The ROM may also be external. The RAM of the game control microcontroller 81 includes the special symbol hold storage section 85 (first special symbol hold storage section 85a and second special symbol hold storage section 85b) and the general symbol hold storage section 86.

The main control board 80 is connected to various sensors and solenoids via a relay board 88. Therefore, signals are input to the main control board 80 from each sensor, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to each solenoid. Specifically, the sensors connected include the first start gate sensor 20a, the second start gate sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the first large prize gate sensor 30a, the second large prize gate sensor 35a, the specific area sensor 39a, and the general ball entry gate sensor 27a. These various sensors are also referred to as "detection means."

The first start-up sensor 20a is installed inside the first start-up opening 20 and detects game balls that enter the first start-up opening 20. The second start-up sensor 21a is installed inside the second start-up opening 21 and detects game balls that enter the second start-up opening 21. The gate sensor 28a is installed inside the gate 28 and detects game balls that pass through the gate 28. The first large prize-winning opening sensor 30a is installed inside the first large prize-winning opening 30 and detects game balls that enter the first large prize-winning opening 30. The second large prize-winning opening sensor 35a is installed inside the second large prize-winning opening 35 and detects game balls that enter the second large prize-winning opening 35. The specific area sensor 39a is installed in a specific area 39 inside the second large prize-winning opening 35 and detects game balls that pass through the specific area 39. The general ball entry sensor 27a is installed in each general ball entry opening 27 and detects game balls that enter the general ball entry opening 27.

Furthermore, the following solenoids are connected: a second start port solenoid 24, a first major prize port solenoid 33, and a second major prize port solenoid 38. The second start port solenoid 24 is for driving the movable member 23 of the variable prize device 22. The first major prize port solenoid 33 is for driving the opening/closing member 32 of the first major prize device 31. The second major prize port solenoid 38 is for driving the opening/closing member 37 of the second major prize device 36.

Furthermore, the main control board 80 is connected to the first special symbol indicator 41a, the second special symbol indicator 41b, the regular symbol indicator 42, the first special symbol hold indicator 43a, the second special symbol hold indicator 43b, the regular symbol hold indicator 44, the round indicator 45, the game status indicator 46, the launch direction indicator 47, and the win indicator 48. In other words, the display control of these main indicators 40 is performed by the game control microcomputer 81.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 for payout monitoring. The payout control board 110 is connected to a payout device 120 that dispenses prize balls and loaned balls, and a card unit 135 (installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1, enabling ball lending based on information stored in an inserted prepaid card (game value storage medium), etc.). The launch device 112 is also connected via the launch control board 111 (also called the "launch control unit"). The launch device 112 includes a launch handle 60 (see Figure 1).

The payout control board 110 has a payout control one-chip microcontroller 116 (also called the "payout control microcontroller") implemented on it, which controls the payout of game balls from the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The payout control microcontroller 116 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the payout of game balls, a RAM used as work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The payout control microcontroller 116 drives the payout motor 121 of the payout device 120 to pay out prize balls or loan balls based on signals from the game control microcontroller 81 and signals from the card unit 135 connected to the pachinko game machine 1 via the input/output circuit 117. The game balls that are paid out are detected by payout sensors 122 and 123 for counting. Furthermore, when a player operates the handle 60 (see Figure 1) of the launching device 112, the touch switch 114 detects the player's contact with the launching handle 60, and the launch volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the launching handle 60. The launching motor 113 is then driven and controlled to launch the game ball with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal from the launch volume 115.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the sub-control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection, allowing only signal transmission from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. That is, a unidirectional circuit (e.g., a circuit using diodes) (not shown) is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a means of restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in Figure 5, the sub-control board 90 is equipped with a one-chip microcontroller 91 for performance control ("performance control microcontroller") that controls the performance of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The performance control microcontroller 91 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling game performances as the game progresses, a RAM used as work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The performance control microcontroller 91 transmits and receives data with other boards via an input/output circuit 95. The input/output circuit 95 may be built into the performance control microcontroller 91. The ROM may also be external.

The sub-control board 90 is connected to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. The microcontroller 91 for performance control on the sub-control board 90, based on commands received from the main control board 80, instructs the CPU of the image control one-chip microcontroller 101 ("image control microcontroller") on the image control board 100 to perform display control on the image display device 7, the performance indicator 102, the first special effect hold indicator 103a, and the second performance hold indicator 103b. The RAM of the image control board 100 is memory for processing image data. The ROM of the image control board 100 stores image data such as still image data and video data displayed on the image display device 7, specifically characters, items, shapes, letters, numbers, and symbols (including performance patterns, hold patterns, etc.), and background images. The CPU of the image control board 100 reads image data from the ROM based on commands from the performance control microcontroller 91. Then, it executes display control based on the read image data.

The performance indicator 102 consists of two LEDs and displays fluctuation and stop indications in accordance with the fluctuation and stop indications of the performance symbol 8. The stopping indication is shown in a display mode that shows the display result of the performance symbol 8 (the result of the special symbol win/loss determination) by the lighting/extinguishing or color combination of the two LEDs. Similarly, the first special symbol hold indicator 103a and the second special symbol hold indicator 103b also consist of two LEDs. The first special symbol hold indicator 103a is displayed in a display mode that shows the same number of hold items as the number of hold items displayed in the first performance hold display area 9c and the number of hold items displayed in the first special symbol hold indicator 43a, by the lighting/extinguishing or color combination of the two LEDs. The second special symbol hold indicator 103b is displayed in a display mode that shows the same number of hold items as the number of hold items displayed in the second performance hold display area 9d and the number of hold items displayed in the second special symbol hold indicator 43b. This is because displaying character images across approximately the entire display screen 7a (performance image display area), or operating the movable decorative member 14 to cover approximately the entire performance image display area 7b (performance image display area) of the display screen 7a, can sometimes result in a state where part or all of the performance images, the first performance hold display area, or the second performance hold display area become invisible. Therefore, such a display is provided. Furthermore, a VDP (Video Display Processor) may be provided in place of, or in addition to, the image control one-chip microcontroller 101 on the image control board 100.

Furthermore, the microcontroller 91 for performance control outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc., from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The audio data, such as voice, output from the speaker 67 is stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. Note that a CPU may be mounted on the audio control board 106, in which case the CPU may be used to perform audio control. In this case, a ROM may also be mounted on the audio control board 106, and the audio data may be stored in that ROM. Alternatively, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100, and the CPU of the image control board 100 may be used to perform audio control. In this case, the audio data may also be stored in the ROM of the image control board 100.

Furthermore, the microcontroller 91 for performance control, based on commands received from the main control board 80, determines the light emission pattern data (data determining on/off status, light emission color, etc., also called lamp data) for the frame lamps 66 and panel lamps 5, etc., from the data stored in the ROM, and controls the lighting of the lamps (LEDs) such as the frame lamps 66 and panel lamps 5 via the lamp control board 107.

Furthermore, the performance control microcontroller 91 operates the movable decorative member 14, which is connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108, based on commands received from the main control board 80. Although only a portion of the movable decorative member 14 is visible in Figure 1, it is a movable gimmick provided on the center decorative body 10. The performance control microcontroller 91 determines operation pattern data (also called "drive data") for operating the movable decorative member 14 in a predetermined manner from data stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90, and controls the operation of the movable decorative member 14 based on the determined operation pattern data. A CPU may be implemented on the lamp control board 107, in which case the CPU may be used to control the lighting of the lamps and the operation of the movable decorative member 14. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be implemented on the lamp control board 107, and data related to the light emission pattern and operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

Furthermore, the sub-control board 90 is connected to a first performance button detection switch 63c and a second performance button detection switch 63d, which detect when the first performance button 63a or the second performance button 63b (see Figure 1) is operated (pressed, rotated, pulled, etc.). Therefore, when a player performs a predetermined input operation on the first performance button 63a or the second performance button 63b, a signal is output from the corresponding performance button detection switch to the sub-control board 90.

Next, the control related to the win/loss determination in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment 1 will be explained. The results of the special symbol win/loss determination include "Big Win," "Small Win," and "Loss." When a "Big Win" occurs, the "Big Win Symbol" is displayed on the special symbol display unit 41. When a "Small Win" occurs, the "Small Win Symbol" is displayed on the special symbol display unit 41. When a "Loss" occurs, the "Loss Symbol" is displayed on the special symbol display unit 41. When a Big Win or Small Win is determined, a "Special Game" is executed, opening the first large prize slot 30 or the second large prize slot 35 according to the opening pattern corresponding to the type of special symbol displayed. The special game executed when a Big Win occurs is called the "Big Win Game," and the special game executed when a Small Win occurs is called the "Small Win Game."

There are several types of wins. As shown in Figure 6, the types of wins include "15R (Round) 1st Big Win," "15R 2nd Big Win," "2R 3rd Big Win," and "15R 4th Big Win," "7R 5th Big Win," "7R 6th Big Win," and "4R 7th Big Win." The "15R 1st Big Win" and "15R 4th Big Win" are big wins in which the number of times (rounds) the big prize slot (1st big prize slot 30 or 2nd big prize slot 35) is opened is 15 times, and in the 1st and 2nd rounds, the 2nd big prize slot 35 is opened in a manner that makes it possible (easy) for the game ball to pass into a specific area 39. Rounds in which the aim is to pass the game ball into this specific area 39 can be called chance rounds or challenge rounds. The "15R Second Jackpot" is a jackpot in which the large prize slot (first large prize slot 30 or second large prize slot 35) is opened 15 times (number of rounds), but the opening time for the first and second rounds, which are the aforementioned chance rounds, is extremely short (instantaneous opening and closing), making it difficult (or even impossible) for the game ball to pass into the specific area 39. In other words, this "15R Second Jackpot" can be said to be a jackpot in which the second large prize device 36 is not opened in a manner that allows (or makes easy) passage of the game ball into the specific area 39.

Furthermore, the "7R 5th Jackpot" is a jackpot where the large prize slot (either the 1st large prize slot 30 or the 2nd large prize slot 35) is opened seven times (number of rounds), and in the 1st and 2nd rounds, the 2nd large prize slot 35 is opened in a manner that allows (or makes easy) passage of the game ball into the specific area 39. The "7R 6th Jackpot," on the other hand, also has the large prize slot (either the 1st large prize slot 30 or the 2nd large prize slot 35) opened seven times (number of rounds), but the opening time in the aforementioned chance rounds (1st and 2nd rounds) is extremely short (instantaneous opening and closing), making it difficult (or even impossible) for the game ball to pass into the specific area 39. In other words, this "7R 6th Jackpot" is a jackpot where the 2nd large prize device 36 is not opened in a manner that allows (or makes easy) passage of the game ball into the specific area 39 (making it difficult for the game ball to pass into the specific area).

Furthermore, while the "4R 7th Jackpot" involves four openings of the large prize slots (either the first or second prize slot 35), the opening times for the aforementioned chance rounds (rounds 1 and round 2) are extremely short (instantaneous opening and closing), making it difficult (or even impossible) for the game ball to pass into the specific area 39. In other words, this "4R 7th Jackpot" is a jackpot in which the second prize slot 36 is not opened in a manner that allows (or makes easy) passage of the game ball into the specific area 39 (making it difficult for the game ball to pass into the specific area).

Furthermore, the "2R 3rd Jackpot" is a jackpot in which the large prize entry point (either the 1st large prize entry point 30 or the 2nd large prize entry point 35) is opened twice (number of rounds), and the 2nd large prize entry device 36 is opened in a manner that allows the game ball to pass into the specific area 39 during the 1st and 2nd rounds, which are chance rounds. However, since the opening time of the 2nd large prize entry point 35 is only 1.8 seconds even when combining the 1st and 2nd rounds, the probability of the game ball passing into the specific area is lower than in the 15R 1st Jackpot.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment 1, the game state after the end of a jackpot game is transitioned to the high-probability state described later, based on the passage of the game ball into a specific area 39 during a jackpot game. Therefore, if the result of the special symbol hit/miss determination is the aforementioned 15R 1st jackpot, 2R 3rd jackpot, 15R 4th jackpot, or 7R 5th jackpot, the chance rounds of the 1st and 2nd rounds are executed in a manner in which the probability of the game ball passing into the specific area is relatively high. Thus, by passing the game ball into the specific area 39 during the execution of the jackpot game, the game state after the jackpot game can be transitioned to the high-probability state. In contrast, in the case of a 15R second jackpot, a 7R sixth jackpot, or a 4R seventh jackpot, the opening time for the first and second chance rounds is 0.1 seconds each. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to get the game ball into the second jackpot entry point. Consequently, the game ball cannot pass through the specific area 39 during the execution of the jackpot game, and the game state after the jackpot game is very likely to be the normal state (low probability state) described later (it can also be said that it will be a low probability state). The means for setting these predetermined game states is called the game state setting means.

On the other hand, a minor win is a win in which the large prize slot (second large prize slot 35) is opened in the same opening pattern as the 2R third big win. In other words, in a minor win, the second large prize device 36 is opened in a manner that allows the game ball to pass through the specific area 39. However, even if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the execution of a minor win game, the game state after the execution of the minor win game does not change from the state before the execution of the minor win game. Therefore, if the game state before the execution of the minor win game is the normal state (low probability state), the game state after the execution of the minor win game will also be the normal state. And from the player's perspective, it is not possible to distinguish between the 2R third big win and a minor win by looking at the opening pattern of the large prize slot (second large prize slot 35). In other words, it is difficult for the player to recognize whether the result of the special symbol win/loss judgment is a 2R third big win or a minor win. Therefore, even if the game ball passes through specific area 39 during the special gameplay of a 2R 3rd jackpot, it is difficult to determine from that alone whether the subsequent game state has transitioned to a high-probability state. Similarly, even if the game ball passes through specific area 39 during the special gameplay of a minor jackpot, it is difficult to determine from that alone whether the subsequent game state remains normal or transitions to a high-probability state. As a result, when a minor jackpot occurs, or when a 2R 3rd jackpot occurs, players can proceed with the game with the expectation that they may be in a high-probability state, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game. Note that in the case of a minor jackpot, the number of times the large prize slot opens is referred to simply as the number of openings, not the number of rounds.

More specifically, the opening patterns of the large prize slots in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment 1 when a jackpot or minor win occurs are as shown in Figure 6. That is, when a 15R first jackpot occurs (when the 15R first jackpot symbol is displayed on the first special symbol indicator 41a), and when a 15R fourth jackpot occurs (when the 15R fourth jackpot symbol is displayed on the second special symbol indicator 41b), the second large prize slot 35 is opened for a maximum of 28 seconds from rounds 1 to 2, and the first large prize slot 30 is opened for a maximum of 28 seconds from rounds 3 to 15. In this type of win, since the second large prize slot 35 is open for 28 seconds in both rounds 1 and 2, it is easy to pass the game ball through the specific area 39 during those rounds.

Furthermore, in the event of a 15R second jackpot (when the 15R second jackpot symbol is displayed on the first special symbol indicator 41a), the second large prize entry point 35 is opened for a maximum of 0.1 seconds from rounds 1 to 2, and the first large prize entry point 30 is opened for a maximum of 28 seconds from rounds 3 to 15. In this jackpot, the opening time of the second large prize entry point 35 in rounds 1 and 2 is extremely short (a brief opening and closing), making it virtually impossible to pass the game ball into the specific area 39 during those rounds.

In other words, the opening pattern for the 15R second jackpot differs from the opening pattern for the 15R first jackpot in the opening manner of the first and second rounds. Specifically, in the 15R first jackpot, the second large prize slot 35 is open for 28 seconds in the first and second rounds, allowing the game ball to easily enter the second large prize slot 35. The game ball that enters the second large prize slot 35 then has a high probability of passing through the specific area 39. In contrast, in the 15R second jackpot, the second large prize slot 35 is only open for 0.1 seconds in the first and second rounds. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for the game ball to enter the second large prize slot 35. Consequently, the probability of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 during the execution of the 15R second jackpot is considerably lower than in the 15R first jackpot. Furthermore, the probability of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 is so close to zero that it can be said that it will not pass through at all.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when a 2R 3rd jackpot is won (when the 2R 3rd jackpot symbol is displayed on the 1st special symbol display 41a), the 2nd large prize slot 35 is opened for a maximum of 0.9 seconds from 1R to 2R. In this jackpot, the total opening time of the 2nd large prize slot 35 in 1R and 2R is 1.8 seconds, making it possible to pass the game ball through the specific area 39 during that round. In this pachinko game machine 1, one game ball is launched in about 0.6 seconds. Therefore, if the opening time of the 2nd large prize slot 35 is 1.8 seconds, it is quite possible to get the game ball into the 2nd large prize slot 35. Also, because the total opening time of the 2nd large prize slot in this 2R 3rd jackpot is short at 1.8 seconds, it is not possible to expect a large number of prize balls (game profit) like in other 15R jackpots. In other words, this is a jackpot that yields almost no prize balls compared to other jackpots. Other jackpots are also executed in the manner shown in Figure 6.

Furthermore, in the case of a first minor win (when the first minor win symbol is displayed on the first special symbol indicator 41a), and in the case of a second minor win (when the second minor win symbol is displayed on the second special symbol indicator 41b), the second major prize opening 35 is opened twice for a maximum of 0.9 seconds each time. In other words, the major prize opening is opened in the same opening pattern as the 2R third major win. In this minor win as well, the total opening time of the second major prize opening 35 is 1.8 seconds, making it possible for the game ball to pass into the specific area 39. However, as mentioned above, even if the ball passes into the specific area 39, there is no change in the game state before and after the minor win. Also, in this minor win, since the total opening time of the major prize opening is short at 1.8 seconds, it is not possible to expect a large number of prize balls, similar to the 2R third major win. In other words, minor wins offer virtually no benefits to the player, neither in terms of transitioning game states nor in terms of prize balls (only prize balls for successful ball entry).

In other words, in this embodiment, the opening patterns of the second large prize winning opening 35 can include a first opening pattern in which the game ball can pass through the specific area 39 (easy to pass through) (15th first jackpot, 15th round fourth jackpot), a second opening pattern in which it is difficult (impossible) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39 (15th round second jackpot), and a third opening pattern in which the game ball can pass through the specific area but the probability of passing through is lower than in the first opening pattern (2nd round third jackpot). Furthermore, as an opening pattern for minor wins, there can be a fourth opening pattern in which the game ball can pass through the specific area 39, but even if it does, no bonus is awarded (no high probability state is generated). This fourth opening pattern may also be an opening pattern in which the game ball cannot pass through the specific area 39.

Furthermore, the distribution probabilities for each jackpot in the win/loss determination of the first special symbol (Special Symbol 1) are 40% for the 15R 1st jackpot, 50% for the 15R 2nd jackpot, and 10% for the 2R 3rd jackpot. In contrast, the distribution probabilities for each jackpot in the win/loss determination of the second special symbol (Special Symbol 2) are 40% for the 15R 4th jackpot, 20% for the 7R 5th jackpot, 20% for the 7R 6th jackpot, and 20% for the 4R 7th jackpot. In other words, when a jackpot is determined by a win/loss determination based on ball entry into the second start port 21, which has become easier to enter due to the operation of the opening extension function described later (occurrence of a high base state), jackpot games that easily pass through a specific area are more likely to occur. That is, the possibility of the game state after the jackpot game ends being a high probability state is higher. Thus, in this pachinko game machine 1, the machine is set up so that it is more advantageous for the player (high probability state) to win a jackpot when the game ball enters the second start opening 21 (jackpot lottery for the second special symbol) than when the game ball enters the first start opening 20 (jackpot lottery for the first special symbol). In other words, the player plays the game hoping that the game ball will enter the second start opening 21. This is especially noticeable when the opening extension function, which increases the frequency of game balls entering the second start opening 21, is in operation.

In this pachinko game machine 1, the determination of whether it is a big win, a small win, or a miss is made based on the "special symbol win/loss determination random number (also called "win/loss determination information")," and the determination of the type of big win, if a big win occurs, is made based on the "big win type determination random number (also called "symbol determination random number" or "symbol determination information")." As shown in Figure 7(A), the special symbol win/loss determination random number takes values in the range of 0 to 629. The big win type determination random number takes values in the range of 0 to 99. In addition to the special symbol win/loss determination random number and the big win type determination random number, the random numbers (acquired information) obtained based on the ball entering the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 also include "reach random numbers (also called "reach information")" and "variation pattern random numbers (also called "variation pattern information")."

The "reach" random number is a random number that determines whether or not a "reach" occurs in the game's animation (animation symbol game animation) when the result of the special symbol win/loss judgment is a loss. A "reach" refers to a state where, for example, the two animation symbols 8R and 8L on the left and right stop (temporarily stop) at the same symbol, and the remaining middle animation symbol 8C is still moving (the "7↓7" state). If the moving middle animation symbol 8C stops at the same symbol as the stopped animation symbols 8R and 8L, then all three animation symbols will have stopped at the same symbol, resulting in a win. Note that in this case, the stopping (temporarily stopping) of the animation symbols includes displays that appear to be slightly fluctuating within the animation symbol display area 7b (fluctuating display). This reach random number takes values in the range of 0 to 126.

Furthermore, the variation pattern random number is a random number used to determine the variation pattern, including the variation time. The variation pattern random number takes values in the range of 0 to 198. In addition, the random numbers obtained based on passing through gate 28 include the random number for determining whether or not to hit the normal symbol, as shown in Figure 7(B). The normal symbol hit/fail determination random number is used to determine whether or not to perform the auxiliary game that opens the second start opening 21 (normal symbol lottery). The normal symbol random number takes values in the range of 0 to 240.

Next, the game states of the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment 1 will be explained. The pachinko game machine 1 has multiple game states depending on the combination of the activation or deactivation states of the probability variation function, variation time reduction function, and opening extension function for special symbols and regular symbols. The state in which the probability variation function is activated for special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) is called the "high probability state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "normal state" (also called the "low probability state"). In the high probability state, the probability of a special symbol winning or losing is determined to be higher than in the normal state. That is, in the normal state, the winning or losing is determined using the winning or losing table for the normal state, but in the high probability state, the winning or losing is determined using the winning or losing table for the high probability state, which has a larger value for the random number used to determine whether a special symbol is winning or losing (see Figure 8(A)). In other words, when the special symbol probability variation function is activated, the probability of the special symbol variation display resulting in a jackpot (the stopping symbol being a jackpot symbol) increases compared to when it is not activated.

Furthermore, the state in which the special symbols (first and second special symbols) are affected by the time reduction function is called the "time reduction state," and the state in which it is not affected is called the "non-time reduction state." In the time reduction state, the average time of the special symbols' variation (the time from the start of the variation display to the confirmation display) is shorter than the average time of the special symbols' variation in the non-time reduction state. In other words, in the time reduction state, the variation pattern is determined using a variation pattern table that is designed so that variation patterns with shorter variation times are selected more often than in the non-time reduction state (see Figure 9). As a result, in the time reduction state, the pace of consumption of special symbol reserves is faster, and effective ball entries into the starting slot (ball entries that can be stored as special symbol reserves) are more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth gameplay.

The probability variation function and the variation time reduction function for special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) may operate simultaneously, or only one may operate. The probability variation function and variation time reduction function for regular symbols are synchronized with the variation time reduction function for special symbols. In other words, the probability variation function and variation time reduction function for regular symbols operate when the special symbols are in a time-reduced state, and do not operate when they are not. Therefore, in the time-reduced state, the probability of winning in the regular symbol win/loss determination is higher than in the non-time-reduced state. That is, the regular symbol win/loss determination (regular symbol determination) is performed using a regular symbol win/loss determination table in which the value of the regular symbol random number (winning random number) that is determined to be a win is greater than in the regular symbol win determination table used in the non-time-reduced state (see Figure 8(D)). In short, when the probability variation function of the regular symbol display 42 is activated, the probability that the result of the variation display of regular symbols will be a win (the stopped symbol will be a regular winning symbol) is higher compared to when it is not activated.

Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the variation time of the normal symbols is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. In this embodiment 1, the variation time of the normal symbols is 30 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state (see Figure 8(E)). In addition, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the second start opening 21 in auxiliary play is longer than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the opening time extension function of the variable prize winning device 22 is activated. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the second start opening 21 in auxiliary play is opened is greater than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the opening count increase function of the variable prize winning device 22 is activated. Specifically, in the non-time-saving state, if the result of the normal symbol win/loss judgment is a win, the opening/closing member 37 of the variable prize winning device 22 performs an opening operation of 0.2 seconds once, and the second start opening remains open during that period. Also, in the time-saving state, if the result of the normal symbol win/loss judgment is a win, the opening/closing member 37 of the variable prize winning device 22 performs an opening operation of 2.0 seconds three times.

When the probability variation function and variation time reduction function for the regular symbols, as well as the opening time extension function and opening frequency increase function of the variable prize entry device 22, are activated, the second start opening 21 opens more frequently than when these functions are not activated, and the frequency of game balls entering the second start opening 21 increases (also called the "high-frequency state"). As a result, the base, which is the ratio of prize balls to the number of balls launched, increases. Therefore, the state in which these functions are activated is called the "high base state," and the state in which they are not activated is called the "low base state." In the high base state, it is possible to aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls held.

The high-base state (high-frequency state) does not necessarily require all of the above functions to be activated. That is, it is sufficient if at least one of the following functions—the probability variation function and the variation time reduction function for the regular symbols, and the opening time extension function and opening frequency increase function of the variable prize entry device 22—is activated, making the second start opening more likely to open (increasing the frequency of ball entry) than when that function is not activated. Furthermore, the high-base state may be controlled independently of the time-saving state for special symbols. The function that generates such a high-base state can also be called the "high-base generation function."

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment 1, if a 15R first jackpot is achieved, the game state after the special game will be a high-probability state for special symbols, a time-saving state for special symbols, and a high-base state, provided that a specific area 39 is passed through during the special game (see Figure 6). This game state is specifically called the "high-probability, high-base state." The high-probability, high-base state ends when a predetermined number of special symbol variations are displayed, or when a jackpot is achieved and the jackpot game is executed.

Furthermore, in the case of a 15R second jackpot, the game state after the special game is such that it is extremely difficult to pass through specific area 39 during that special game. Therefore, the special symbols are in their normal state, their time-saving state, and their base state (see Figure 6). This game state is specifically called the "low probability, high base state." The low probability, high base state ends when the special symbols are displayed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. Although the probability is extremely low, if specific area 39 is passed, the state becomes the "high probability, high base state."

Furthermore, in the normal state (low probability, low base state), if a 2R third jackpot occurs, the game state after the special game will be a high probability state for special symbols, a non-time-saving state for special symbols, and a low base state, provided that a specific area 39 is passed through during that special game (see Figure 6). This game state is specifically called the "high probability, low base state." The high probability, low base state ends when the special symbol variation display is performed a predetermined number of times, or when a jackpot occurs and the jackpot game is executed.

This high-probability, low-base state is a state where the high probability state is latent, meaning it is difficult for the player to recognize that it is a high-probability state. In other words, the high-probability, low-base state is what is known as a "latent probability variation state" (also called a "probability non-notification state"). In contrast, the high-probability, high-base state described above is a state where the high probability state is clearly apparent to the player. In other words, the high-probability, high-base state is what is known as a "probability variation game state."

Furthermore, in a high-base state, if a 2R 3rd jackpot occurs, the game state after the special game will be a high-probability state for special symbols, a time-saving state for special symbols, and a high-base state, provided that the specific area 39 was passed during the special game (see Figure 6). In other words, the time-saving function and base state of the special symbols are the same as those before the special game was played.

Furthermore, when playing Pachinko Machine 1 for the first time, the game state after power-on is the normal state for special symbols, the non-time-saving state for special symbols, and the low base state. This game state is specifically referred to as the "low probability, low base state."

In high-base states, such as high-probability high-base states or low-probability high-base states, it is advantageous to shoot the game ball to the right to enter the right game area 3B. Furthermore, in high-base states, the second starting opening 21 is more easily opened compared to low-base states, making it easier to shoot the ball into the second starting opening 21 than into the first starting opening 20. Therefore, players should shoot to the right to guide the game ball through the gate 28 (which triggers the determination of whether a regular symbol wins or losses) while simultaneously aiming to enter the second starting opening 21. This allows for more starting ball entries (opportunities for determining whether a special symbol win or loss) than shooting to the left. In this state, the launch direction indicator 47 is controlled to light up in a predetermined manner, indicating that the ball should be launched into the right game area.

In contrast, in low-base states such as high-probability low-base states and low-probability low-base states, it is more advantageous to shoot the game ball to the left to enter the left game area 3A. Furthermore, in low-base states, the second starting opening 21 is less likely to open compared to high-base states, making it easier to shoot the ball into the first starting opening 20 than into the second starting opening 21. Therefore, the player should shoot the game ball to enter the first starting opening 20. This allows for more starting ball entries (opportunities for determining whether a special symbol is hit or miss) than shooting to the right. In this state, the launch direction indicator 47 is controlled to light up (display controlled) in a predetermined manner, indicating that the ball should be launched into the left game area.

Specifically, the launch direction indicator 47 consists of two LEDs labeled "y" and "z," and indicates the launch direction by illuminating the LEDs according to the game state. For example, in a low base state, the display can indicate that the ball should be launched towards the left game area by turning off both LEDs, such as "y□z□" (for example, □: off, ■: on). In a high base state, the display can indicate that the ball should be launched towards the right game area by turning on both LEDs, such as "y■z■" (for example, □: off, ■: on).

[Main control processing]
Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 (control processing by the main control unit) will be explained based on Figures 10 to 38. Note that the counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 are located in the RAM of the main control board 80. When the power to the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 on the main control board 80 reads the main control main processing program shown in Figure 10 from the ROM of the main control board 80 and executes it. As shown in the same figure, the main control main processing first performs initial settings (S101). Initial settings include, for example, setting the stack, setting constants, setting interrupt times, setting the CPU of the main control board 80, setting SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller), and resetting various flags, statuses, and counters. The initial value of the flags is "0" or "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counters is "0". Note that the initial setup (S101) is executed only once after power-on and is not executed thereafter. Also, in Example 1 and the drawings, a normal pattern may be referred to as "Normal Pattern," a special pattern as "Special Pattern," the first special pattern as "Special Pattern 1" or "First Special Pattern," and the second special pattern as "Special Pattern 2" or "Second Special Pattern."

Following the initial setup (S101), interrupts are disabled (S102), and the main random number update process for normal and special symbols (S103) is executed. This normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) updates the values of various random number counters shown in Figure 7 by incrementing them by 1. When the value of each random number counter reaches its upper limit, it resets to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. The updated random number counter values are sequentially stored in a predetermined update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM of the main control board 80.

Once the main random number update process for normal and special symbols (S103) is complete, interrupts are enabled (S104). While interrupts are enabled, the interrupt process (S105) can be executed. This interrupt process (S105) is executed based on interrupt pulses repeatedly input to the CPU of the main control board 80, for example, at a 4ms cycle. Then, between the completion of the interrupt process (S105) and the start of the next interrupt process (S105), the update process of various counter values by the main random number update process for normal and special symbols (S103) is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU while interrupts are disabled, the interrupt process (S105) will not start immediately, but will only start after interrupts are enabled (S104).

[Interrupt handling]
Next, interrupt processing (S105) will be explained. As shown in Figure 11, interrupt processing (S105) first executes output processing (S201). In output processing (S201), commands (control signals), etc., set in the output buffer provided in the RAM of the main control board 80 for each of the processes described below are output to the sub-control board 90, the payout control board 110, etc. The commands etc. output here include information related to the game state, the result of the special symbol win/loss judgment, the symbols as the type of jackpot, the variation pattern, etc. Note that a command consists of, for example, two bytes of information. The upper byte is information about the type of command, and the lower byte is information about the content of the command.

In the input processing (S202) that follows the output processing (S201), detection signals detected by various sensors attached to the pachinko machine 1 (first start port sensor 20a, second start port sensor 21a, first large prize port sensor 30a, second large prize port sensor 35a, general ball entry port sensor 27a, etc. (see Figure 5)) are read and stored as prize ball information in the RAM output buffer. Furthermore, detection signals from the lower tray full switch, which detects when the lower tray 62 is full, are also acquired and stored as lower tray full data in the RAM 84 output buffer.

The next process, the regular and special symbol main random number update process (S203), is the same as the regular and special symbol main random number update process (S103) performed in the main control process shown in Figure 10. That is, the update process for the various random number counter values (including the regular symbol random number counter value) shown in Figure 7 is performed both during the execution period of the timer interrupt process (S105) and during other periods (the period from the end of the interrupt process (S105) until the start of the next interrupt process (S105)).

Following the normal and special symbol main random number update processing (S203), the following processes are executed: start-out sensor detection processing (S204), normal symbol operation processing (S205), special symbol operation processing (S206), specific area sensor detection processing (S207), held ball count processing (S208), and power outage monitoring processing (S209), as described later. Afterward, other processes not closely related to the present invention (S210) are executed, and the interrupt processing (S105) ends. Then, until an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU of the main control board 80, the main control processing S102 to S104 is repeatedly executed (see Figure 10). When an interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), the interrupt processing (S105) is executed again. In the output processing (S201) of the re-executed interrupt processing (S105), the commands and other information set in the RAM output buffer during the previous interrupt processing (S105) are output.

[Starting port sensor detection process]
As shown in Figure 12, the start-up sensor detection process (S204) first determines whether a game ball has passed through gate 28, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by gate sensor 28a (S301). If a game ball has passed through gate 28 (YES in S301), it is determined whether the number of normal symbol reserved balls (the number of normal symbol reserved balls, specifically the value of the counter in RAM that counts the number of normal symbol reserved balls) is 4 or more (S302). If a game ball has not passed through gate 28 (NO in S301), the process proceeds to S305.

If the number of reserved balls with normal symbols is 4 or more (YES in S302), the process proceeds to S305. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls with normal symbols is not 4 or more (NO in S302), "1" is added to the number of reserved balls with normal symbols (S303), and the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304) is performed. In the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304), the value of the random number counter for normal symbol win/fail determination (label - TRND-H, Figure 7(B)) stored in the RAM update value storage area (not shown) is acquired, and this acquired random number value (acquired information) is stored in the address space corresponding to the current number of reserved balls with normal symbols in the normal symbol reserved ball storage section provided in the RAM of the main control board 80.

In S305, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the second start port 21, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by the second start port sensor 21a (S305). If no game ball has entered the second start port 21 (NO in S305), the process proceeds to S309. However, if a game ball has entered the second start port 21 (YES in S305), it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 (the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2, specifically the value of the counter in the RAM of the main control unit 80 that counts the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2) has reached 4 (the upper limit) (S306). If the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 has reached 4 (YES in S306), the process proceeds to S309. However, if the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 is less than 4 (NO in S306), 1 is added to the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 (S307).

Next, the Special Symbol 2 related random number acquisition process (S308) is performed. In the Special Symbol 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the values of the random number counter for determining the success or failure of the special symbol (label-TRND-A), the random number counter for determining the type of jackpot (label-TRND-AS), the reach random number counter (label-TRND-RC), and the variable pattern random number counter (label-TRND-T1) stored in the RAM update value storage area (not shown) are acquired (i.e., the random number values shown in Figure 7(A) are acquired). These acquired random values (acquired information) are then stored in the address space of the second Special Symbol hold storage unit 85b corresponding to the current number of Special Symbol 2 held balls.

Next, in the start-up port sensor detection process (S204), it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first start-up port 20, that is, whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first start-up port sensor 20a (S309). If no game ball has entered the first start-up port 20 (NO in S309), the process ends. However, if a game ball has entered the first start-up port 20 (YES in S309), it is determined whether the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1 (the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1, specifically the value of the counter in the RAM of the main control unit 80 that counts the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1) has reached 4 (the upper limit) (S310). If the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1 has reached 4 (YES in S310), the process ends. However, if the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1 is less than 4 (NO in S310), "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1 (S311).

Next, the Special Symbol 1 related random number acquisition process (S312) is performed. In the Special Symbol 1 related random number acquisition process (S312), similar to the Special Symbol 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the values of the special symbol win/failure determination counter (label-TRND-A), the jackpot type determination random number counter (label-TRND-AS), the reach random number counter (label-TRND-RC), and the variation pattern random number counter (label-TRND-T1) stored in the RAM update value storage area (not shown) are acquired (i.e., the random values shown in Figure 7(A) are acquired). These acquired random values are then stored in the address space of the first Special Symbol hold storage unit 85a corresponding to the current number of Special Symbol 1 held balls.

[General operation processing]
The microcomputer 81 for game control performs the normal symbol operation processing (S205) shown in Figure 13, following the start gate sensor detection processing (S204). In the normal symbol operation processing (S205), the processing related to the normal symbol display 42 and the variable prize winning device 22 is divided into four stages, and "normal symbol operation status 1, 2, 3, 4" is assigned to each of these stages. Then, if the "Normal Symbol Operation Status" is "1" (YES in S401), the normal symbol standby process (S402) is performed. If the "Normal Symbol Operation Status" is "2" (NO in S401, YES in S403), the normal symbol variation process (S404) is performed. If the "Normal Symbol Operation Status" is "3" (NO in both S401 and S403, YES in S405), the normal symbol confirmation process (S406) is performed. If the "Normal Symbol Operation Status" is "4" (NO in all of S401, S403, and S405), the normal electric mechanism process (S407) is performed. The normal symbol operation status is initially set to "1".

[Normal symbol waiting process]
As shown in Figure 14, in the normal symbol waiting process (S402), it is first determined whether the number of reserved balls for normal symbols is "0" (S501). If it is "0" (YES in S501), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not "0" (NO in S501), the normal symbol win/failure determination process described later is performed (S502). Following the normal symbol win/failure determination process (S502), the normal symbol variation pattern selection process is performed (S503). In the normal symbol variation pattern selection process, the normal symbol variation pattern selection table shown in Figure 8(E) is referred to, and if the game state is a time-saving state, a normal symbol variation pattern with a normal symbol variation time of 1 second is selected. On the other hand, if the game state is not a time-saving state, a normal symbol variation pattern with a normal symbol variation time of 30 seconds is selected. Following the normal symbol variation pattern selection process, the normal symbol random number shift process (S504) described later is performed. Furthermore, following the normal symbol random number shift processing (S504), the normal symbol variation start processing is performed (S505), and the processing is completed. In the normal symbol variation start processing, the normal symbol variation display is started using the normal symbol variation pattern selected in S503, and the normal operation status is set to "2". In addition, in the normal symbol variation start processing, a normal symbol variation start command is set to notify the sub-control board 90 that the normal symbol variation has started.

[Normal symbol win/loss determination process]
As shown in Figure 15, in the normal symbol win/failure determination process (S502), first, the value of the normal symbol win/failure determination random number counter (label-TRND-H) stored in the normal symbol hold memory unit is read (S601). Next, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON or not (i.e., whether the game state is a time-saving state or not) (S602). If it is determined in S602 that the time-saving flag is ON, i.e., the game state is a time-saving state (YES in S602), then it is determined whether or not it is a win by high-probability normal symbol win/failure determination based on the time-saving state table (win determination value "0" to "239") of the normal symbol win/failure determination table shown in Figure 8(D) (S604), and the process proceeds to S605. That is, it is determined whether or not the read value of the normal symbol win/failure determination random number counter (label-TRND-H) matches any of the win determination values. On the other hand, if it is determined in S602 that the time-saving flag is not ON, i.e., that it is not in a time-saving state (NO in S602), then it is determined whether or not it is a win by low-probability normal symbol win/loss determination based on the table for the non-time-saving state (win determination value is "0" or "1") among the normal symbol win determination tables shown in Figure 8(D) (S603), and the process proceeds to S605.
Then, in S605, the system determines whether the result of the normal symbol win/loss judgment (S603, S604) is a win (normal symbol win) or not (S605). If it is determined to be a loss (NO in S605), the losing normal symbol to be displayed at stop is determined (S606), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined to be a win (normal symbol win) in S605 (YES in S605), the winning normal symbol to be displayed at stop is determined (S607), the normal symbol win flag is turned ON (S608), and the process ends.

[Normal symbol random number shifting process]
Following the normal symbol variation pattern selection process (S503), the normal symbol random number shift process (S504) is executed. As shown in Figure 16, in the normal symbol random number shift process (S504), first, the number of normal symbol reserved balls is decremented by 1 (S701). Next, the storage location of each normal symbol reserved in the normal symbol reserved memory is shifted one position away from the current position towards the side from which it is read (S702). Then, the address space, which is the storage location of the highest-level reserved memory in the normal symbol reserved memory, is emptied ("0"), that is, the RAM area corresponding to the fourth normal symbol reserved is cleared to 0 (S703), and the process ends. In this way, the normal symbol reserved balls are consumed in the order they are reserved.

[Processing during normal symbol variation]
As shown in Figure 17, in the normal symbol variation processing (S404), it is first determined whether the normal symbol variation time has elapsed (S801). If it has not elapsed (NO in S801), the process ends. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S801), the normal symbol variation stop command is set (S802), and the normal symbol operation status is set to "3" (S803). Then, other processing is performed, such as stopping the normal symbol variation display with the display result (winning normal symbol or losing normal symbol) according to the determination result of the random number used for normal symbol win/loss determination (S804), and then this process ends.

[Normal symbol confirmation process]
As shown in Figure 18, in the normal symbol confirmation process (S406), it is first determined whether the normal symbol win flag is ON or NOT ON (S901). If the normal symbol win flag is NOT ON (NO in S901), the normal symbol operation status is set to "1" (S905) and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the normal symbol win flag is ON (YES in S901), it is then determined whether the time-saving flag is ON or NOT ON, that is, whether or not the time-saving state is active (S902). If the time-saving state is active (YES in S902), the opening pattern for the variable prize entry device 22 (second start opening 21) is set to the opening pattern for the time-saving state (S903). As mentioned above, the opening pattern for the time-saving state is an opening pattern that repeats an opening of 2.0 seconds three times. Therefore, "3" is set to the second start opening counter, which counts the number of times the second start opening 21 is opened.

In contrast, if the system is not in a time-saving state (NO in S902), the opening pattern for the variable prize-winning device 22 (second start port 21) is set to the opening pattern for the non-time-saving state (S906). As mentioned above, the opening pattern for the non-time-saving state is an opening pattern that performs one 0.2-second opening. Therefore, the second start port opening counter is set to "1". Following the setting of the opening pattern (S903, S906), the general operation status is set to "4" (S904), and this process is completed.

[Standard electric processing of special features]
As shown in Figure 19, in the normal electric bonus processing (S407), it is first determined whether the normal win termination flag is ON or OFF (S1001). The normal win termination flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of the second start opening 21 has ended in the auxiliary game that was executed as a win.

If the "Per Cycle End" flag is not ON (NO in S1001), it is determined whether the second start port 21 is currently open (S1002). If it is not open (NO in S1002), it is determined whether the time to open the second start port 21 has arrived (S1003). If not (NO in S1003), the process ends; if it has arrived, the second start port 21 is opened (S1004), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the second start port 21 is open (YES in S1002), it is determined whether the time to close the second start port 21 has arrived (i.e., whether a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the second start port 21 was opened) (S1005). If not (NO in S1005), the process ends; if it has arrived (YES in S1005), the second start port 21 is closed (closed) (S1006).

Following the closing process of the second start port 21 (S1006), the value of the second start port open counter is decremented by 1 (S1007), and it is determined whether the value of the second start port open counter is "0" or not (S1008). If it is not "0" (NO in S1008), the process ends to allow the second start port 21 to be opened again. On the other hand, if it is "0" (YES in S1008), the normal win termination process to end the auxiliary game is performed (S1009), and the normal win termination flag is set (S1010), ending the process. Note that the second start port open counter becomes "0" after the second start port 21 is opened (the movable member 23 opens) three times during the time-saving state, and after the second start port 21 is opened once during the non-time-saving state.

In contrast, if the "Normal Symbol End" flag is ON in S1001 (YES in S1001), the opening operation of the second start port 21 for the number of times set in S903 or S906 has been completed. Therefore, the "Normal Symbol End" flag is turned OFF (S1011), the "Normal Symbol" flag is turned OFF (S1012), and the "Normal Symbol Operation Status" is set to "1" (S1013), ending the process. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the "Normal Symbol Operation" process (Figure 13) will be executed again, and the "Normal Symbol Waiting Process" (S402) will be executed again.

[Special drawing operation processing]
As shown in Figure 11, the microcomputer 81 for game control performs special symbol operation processing (S206) following the normal symbol operation processing (S205). In the special symbol operation processing (S206), as shown in Figure 20, the processing related to the special symbol display 41 and the big prize devices (first big prize device 31 and second big prize device 36) is divided into five stages, and "special symbol operation status 1, 2, 3, 4, 5" is assigned to each of these stages. If the "special symbol operation status" is "1" (YES in S1101), the special symbol standby processing (S1102) is performed. If the "special symbol operation status" is "2" (NO in S1101, YES in S1103), the special symbol variation processing (S1104) is performed. If the "special symbol operation status" is "3" (NO in both S1101 and S1103, YES in S1105), the special symbol confirmation processing is performed. Perform (S1106), and if the "Special Symbol Operation Status" is "4" (NO in S1101, S1103, and S1105, and YES in S1107), perform Special Electric Mechanism Processing 1 as a jackpot game (S1108). If the "Special Symbol Operation Status" is "5" (NO in S1101, S1103, S1105, and S1107), perform Special Electric Mechanism Processing 2 as a minor jackpot game (S1109). Note that the Special Symbol Operation Status is "1" in the initial settings.

[Special symbol standby processing]
As shown in Figure 21, in the special symbol waiting process (S1102), it is first determined whether the number of balls held in the second starting port 21 (i.e., the number of balls held in special symbol 2) is "0" (S1201). If the number of balls held in special symbol 2 is "0" (YES in S1201), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value obtained due to balls entering the second starting port 21, it is determined whether the number of balls held in the first starting port 20 (i.e., the number of balls held in special symbol 1) is "0" (S1206). Then, if the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 1 is also "0" (YES in S1206), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value obtained due to balls entering the first start opening 20, it is determined whether or not the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is in the process of being set as a standby screen (running a demo screen for customers) (S1211). If so (YES in S1211), the process is terminated, otherwise (NO in S1211), the standby screen setting process is executed to display the standby screen (S1212).

If, in S1201, the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 is not "0" (NO in S1201), that is, if there is one or more random number counter values stored due to balls entering the second start opening 21, the following processes are performed in this order: Special Feature 2 win/failure determination process (S1202), Special Feature 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), Special Feature 2 random number shift process (S1204), and Special Feature 2 variation start process (S1205). Furthermore, if the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 2 is "0" but the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value related to the second start port 21, but there is a memory of one or more random number counter values obtained due to balls entering the first start port 20, the Special Feature 1 win/fail determination process (S1207), Special Feature 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208), Special Feature 1 random number shift process (S1209), and Special Feature 1 variation start process (S1210) described later are performed in this order. Thus, in this embodiment 1, the variation display of the first special symbol based on the first special symbol reserve is performed only when the second special symbol reserve is "0" (YES in S1201). In other words, the consumption of the second special symbol reserve (variation display of the second special symbol) is performed in priority over the consumption of the first special symbol reserve (variation display of the first special symbol). In this embodiment 1, the win/loss determination based on the second special symbol hold is more likely to result in a jackpot that is more beneficial to the player than the win/loss determination based on the first special symbol hold (Figure 8(B)).

[Specific Figure 2 Correct/Incorrect Determination Process]
As shown in Figure 22, in the special symbol 2 win/failure determination process (S1202), first, the value of the special symbol win/failure determination random number counter (label-TRND-A) stored (the oldest stored value) in the lowest area of the RAM's second special symbol hold storage unit 85b (i.e., the RAM area corresponding to the first second special symbol hold) is read out as the determination value (S1301). Next, it is determined whether the probability variation flag is ON or not, that is, whether or not it is in a high probability state (S1302). If it is not in a high probability state (NO in S1302), that is, in a normal state, the win/failure determination is made based on the jackpot determination table for the normal state (jackpot determination values are "3" and "397") from the jackpot determination table (Figure 8(A)) (S1303). On the other hand, if it is in a high probability state (YES in S1302), the win/failure determination is made based on the jackpot determination table for the high probability state from the jackpot determination table (Figure 8(A)) (S1307). In the jackpot determination table for high probability states, the jackpot determination values are set to "3", "53", "113", "173", "227", "281", "337", "397", "449", and "503".

If the result of the jackpot determination (S1303, S1309) is determined to be "jackpot" (YES in S1304), the value of the jackpot type determination random number counter (label-TRND-AS) is read, the jackpot type is determined based on the jackpot type determination table shown in Figure 8(B) (S1310), the jackpot symbol is determined based on the value of the jackpot type determination random number (S1311), the jackpot flag is turned ON (S1312), and the process ends. In the case of a win/loss determination related to the first special symbol, the jackpot type is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol, and in the case of a win/loss determination related to the second special symbol, the jackpot type is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the second special symbol. Furthermore, if the first special symbol (Special Symbol 1) is determined to be a jackpot, one of the following will be executed: a 15R first jackpot, a 15R second jackpot, or a 2R third jackpot. Also, if the second special symbol (Special Symbol 2) is determined to be a jackpot, it will always be a 15R fourth jackpot (Figure 8(B)).

Furthermore, the jackpot flags include a long jackpot flag that turns ON when the jackpot type is 15R 1st jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot, 15R 4th jackpot, 7R 5th jackpot, 7R 6th jackpot, or 4R 7th jackpot, and a short jackpot flag that turns ON when it is a 2R 3rd jackpot. Here, the round indicator 45 is composed of two LEDs, one for 2R and one for 4R and one for 7R and one for 15R. When a 2R 3rd jackpot occurs and the short jackpot flag is turned ON, the 2R lamp lights up at the timing when the 2R 3rd jackpot symbol is confirmed to be displayed. Specifically, the display will look like this: "2R▲4R△7R△15R△" (for example, ▲: lit, △: off). Furthermore, when a 15R 1st jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot, or 15R 4th jackpot is achieved and the long jackpot flag is turned ON, the 15R lamp will light up at the moment the corresponding jackpot symbols are confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display will look like "2R△4R△7R△15R▲". For other jackpots, the corresponding round lamp will light up at the moment the jackpot symbols are confirmed and displayed.

On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination (S1303, S1307) is determined not to be a "jackpot" (NO in S1304), it is determined whether it is a minor win or not (S1305). That is, it is determined whether the value of the random number counter for determining whether the special symbol win or loss is correct (label - TRND - A) matches any of the minor win determination values from "101" to "105" (Figure 8(A)). If it is determined not to be a minor win (NO in S1305), the losing symbol is determined (S1308), and the process ends. If it is determined to be a minor win (YES in S1305), the minor win symbol is determined (S1306), the minor win flag is turned ON (S1306), and the process ends. Note that a separate random number generator may be used to determine whether it is a minor win or not, in addition to the random number generator used for determining whether the special symbol win or loss is correct.

[Special Figure 2: Variation Pattern Selection Process]
In the special symbol waiting process (Figure 21), following the special symbol 2 win/failure determination process (S1202), the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process is performed (S1203). As shown in Figures 23 and 24, in the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), it is first determined whether the game state is a time-saving state or not (whether the time-saving flag is ON or OFF) (S1401). If it is not a time-saving state (NO in S1401), i.e., if it is not a time-saving state, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON or OFF (S1402). If it is ON (YES in S1402), the jackpot table for non-time-saving states (the part of the variation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to both a non-time-saving state and a jackpot) is referenced, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1403). Once the variation pattern is determined, the variation time is also determined. Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the table for big wins during non-time-saving states is also divided depending on whether the big win is a long win (15R big win) or a short win (2R big win). However, since this process is a variation pattern selection process for special figure 2, the only big win that can be won in the lottery for special figure 2 is the 15R fourth big win (long win). Therefore, the section referenced in this process is always the section for long wins, and variation pattern P1 or variation pattern P2 is selected. Note that the table for big wins during non-time-saving states does not necessarily have to be divided into long win and short win sections. The same applies to the table for big wins during time-saving states described later.

On the other hand, if the big win flag is not ON (NO in S1402), it is determined whether the small win flag is ON or not (S1405). If the small win flag is ON (YES in S1405), the table for small wins during non-time-saving states (the portion of the variation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to non-time-saving states and small wins) is referenced, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1409). Specifically, in this embodiment 1, variation pattern P4 is always selected.

Furthermore, if the minor win flag is not ON (NO in S1405), the system determines whether the reach random number counter value (label - TRND - RC) is a reach-establishing random number (S1406). As shown in Figure 8(C), the reach-establishing random number is "0" to "5" in the time-saving state, and "0" to "13" in the non-time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, it is less likely to trigger a reach when losing than in the non-time-saving state. This is to speed up the consumption of special symbol reserves by selecting more misses without reach animations, which have short variation times, in the time-saving state.

If the reach random number counter value (label-TRND-RC) is the random number value for a reach (YES in S1406), that is, if it is a reach but not a win, the table for reach/loss during non-time-saving states (the part of the variation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to both non-time-saving states and reach/loss) is referenced, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1407). In this embodiment 1, variation pattern P5 or P6 is selected.

If the reach random number counter value (label-TRND-RC) is not the random number value for a reach (NO in S1406), i.e., if the reach is not successful, the system refers to the table for no-reach misses during non-time-saving states (the part of the variation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to both non-time-saving states and no reach misses) and selects a variation pattern based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1408). In this case of no-reach misses, the function for shortened variation according to the number of reserved balls is activated. That is, when the number of reserved balls for special symbols is "3" or "4", a variation pattern with a shorter variation time is selected compared to when the number of reserved balls for special symbols is "0" to "2". In this embodiment 1, variation pattern P7 or P8 is selected.

Furthermore, in S1401, if it is determined that the game state is a time-saving state (YES in S1401), the process (S1410 to S1416) is carried out in the same flow as steps S1402 to S1609 above, except that the referenced variation pattern table is changed to the table for the time-saving state (the part of the variation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state), as shown in Figure 24. That is, if it is a jackpot, the part of Figure 9 corresponding to the time-saving state and jackpot is referenced; if it is a minor win, the part of Figure 9 corresponding to the time-saving state and minor win is referenced; if it is a near miss, the part of Figure 9 corresponding to the time-saving state and near miss is referenced; and if it is a near miss without a reach, the part of Figure 9 corresponding to the time-saving state and near miss without a reach is referenced, and the variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value.

Furthermore, in the time-saving mode's variation pattern table (the portion of the variation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to the time-saving mode), the function of shortening the variation according to the number of reserved balls when there is no reach miss is activated when the number of reserved balls is "2" to "4". In other words, shortened variations are more likely to be selected than in the non-time-saving mode. Also, when a long win is achieved among the big wins, a variation pattern with a shorter variation time is more likely to be selected than in the non-time-saving mode. In short, the variation pattern table in the time-saving mode is designed so that the average variation time of special symbols is shorter than that of the variation pattern table in the non-time-saving mode.

After selecting the variation pattern as described above, the process is completed by performing the other processing (S1404) shown in Figure 23. In the other processing (S1404), a variation pattern specification command corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the RAM output buffer. The set variation pattern specification command is included in the variation start command described later and sent to the sub-control board 90 via output processing (S201).

[Special Feature 2: Random Number Shift Processing]
As shown in Figure 25, in the special figure 2 random number shift processing (S1204), first, the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is decremented by 1 (S1501). Next, the storage location of various counter values in the second special figure reserved storage unit 85b is shifted to one address lower (for example, if the second special figure reserved storage unit 85b consists of an address space corresponding to addresses "0000" to "0003", then to the address "0000" side) (S1502). Then, "0" is set in the highest address space of the second special figure reserved storage unit 85b, that is, the RAM area corresponding to the 4th special figure reserved ball (if the upper limit has been stored) is cleared to 0 (S1503), and this process is completed.

After executing the Special Symbol 2 random number shift process (S1204), the Special Symbol 2 variation start process (S1205) shown in Figure 21 is executed. In the Special Symbol 2 variation start process (S1205), the Special Symbol operation status is set to "2," and the variation start command is set in the RAM output buffer to begin the variation display of the second special symbol.

In the special symbol waiting process (S1102) in Figure 21, if the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2 is "0" and the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), then the special symbol 1 win/fail determination process (S1207), special symbol 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208), special symbol 1 random number shift process (S1209), and special symbol 1 variation start process (S1
Perform the following steps in this order.

[Specific Figure 1 Correct/False Determination Process]
As shown in Figure 26, the validation process for Feature Drawing 1 (S1207) follows the same flow as the validation process for Feature Drawing 2 (S1202) shown in Figure 22 (S1601 to S1609). Therefore, a detailed explanation of this process is omitted.

However, since this process relates to Special Symbol 1, in S1601, the random number counter value for determining whether a special symbol is correct (label-TRND-A) stored in the lowest area of the first special symbol hold storage unit 85a of the RAM (i.e., the RAM area corresponding to the first of the first special symbol holds) is read out. Also, in the determination of the type of jackpot in S1608, it is possible that it will be determined to be any of the following: 15R first jackpot, 15R second jackpot, or 2R third jackpot (Figure 8(B)). As shown in the column for the first special symbol (Special Symbol 1) in Figure 8(B), the distribution rates for each jackpot are 40% for the 15R first jackpot, 50% for the 15R second jackpot, and 10% for the 2R third jackpot. If the type of jackpot is determined to be either a 15R first jackpot or a 15R second jackpot, the long jackpot flag is turned ON in step S1609. On the other hand, if it is determined to be a 2R third jackpot, the short jackpot flag is turned ON in S1609.

[Special Figure 1: Variation Pattern Selection Process]
As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the variable pattern selection process in Specifications 1 (S1208) follows the same flow as the variable pattern selection process in Specifications 2 (S1403) shown in Figures 23 and 24 (S1701 to S1720). Therefore, a detailed explanation of this process is omitted.

However, since this process relates to Figure 1, if the result in S1702 (Figure 27) is YES (i.e., the jackpot flag is ON), it is further determined whether the type of jackpot is a 15R jackpot (either a 15R first jackpot or a 15R second jackpot) (S1703). If it is a 15R jackpot (YES in S1703), the table for 15R jackpots during non-time-saving states (the part of the variation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to non-time-saving states and long jackpots) is referenced, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label - TRND - T1) (S1704). Specifically, either variation pattern P1 or variation pattern P2 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1703 that it is not a 15R jackpot (NO in S1703), i.e., if it is a 2R third jackpot, the table for 2R jackpots during non-time-saving states (the part of the variation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to non-time-saving states and short jackpots) is referred to, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1706). Specifically, variation pattern P3 is selected.

Furthermore, in this special pattern selection process (Figure 1), even if the result in S1712 (Figure 28) is YES (i.e., the jackpot flag is ON), it is determined whether the type of jackpot is a 15R jackpot (either a 15R first jackpot or a 15R second jackpot) (S1713). If it is a 15R jackpot (YES in S1713), the table for 15R jackpots during the time-saving state (the part of the variation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state and long jackpots) is referenced, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1714). Specifically, one of variation patterns P9 to P11 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1713 that it is not a 15R jackpot (NO in S1713), i.e., if it is a 2R third jackpot, the table for 2R jackpots during the time-saving state (the part of the variation pattern table shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state and short jackpots) is referred to, and a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1715). Specifically, variation pattern P12 is selected.

In this variable pattern selection process shown in Figure 1, after selecting the variable pattern (S1704, S1706, S1709, S1710, S1711, S1714, S1715, S1718, S1719, S1720), other processing (S1705, Figure 27) is performed to complete this process. In the other processing (S1705), a variable pattern specification command corresponding to the selected variable pattern is set in the RAM output buffer. The set variable pattern specification command is included in the variable start command described later and sent to the sub-control board 90 via output processing (S201).

[Special Feature 1: Random Number Shift Processing]
As shown in Figure 29, in the special figure 1 random number shift processing (S1209), first, the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is decremented by 1 (S1801). Next, the storage location of various counter values in the first special figure reserved storage unit 85a is shifted one position lower (S2002). Then, "0" is set in the uppermost address space of the first special figure reserved storage unit 85a, that is, the RAM area corresponding to the fourth special figure reserved ball (if the upper limit has been stored) is cleared to 0 (S1803), and this process is completed.

After executing the Special Symbol 1 random number shift process (S1209), the Special Symbol 1 variation start process (S1210) shown in Figure 21 is executed. In the Special Symbol 1 variation start process (S1210), the Special Symbol operation status is set to "2," and the variation start command is set in the RAM output buffer to begin the variation display of the first special symbol.

[Special symbol variation processing]
As shown in Figure 30, the special symbol variation processing (S1104) first determines whether the variation time for the special symbol (the variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in S1203 or S1208 in Figure 21, see Figure 9) has elapsed (S1901). If it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed (NO in S1901), the process ends. This allows the variation display of the special symbol to continue.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (YES in S1901), the fluctuation stop command is set (S1902). Then, it is determined whether the probability variation flag is ON or OFF (S1903). If it is ON (YES in S1903), the probability variation counter is decremented by 1 (S1904), and it is determined whether the value of the probability variation counter is "0" or OFF (S1905). If it is determined in S1905 that the probability variation counter is "0", the probability variation flag is turned OFF, and the process proceeds to S1907. On the other hand, if it is determined that the probability variation flag is NOT ON (NO in S1903), and if it is determined that the probability variation counter is NOT "0" (NO in S1905), the process proceeds to S1907.

Then, in S1907, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON or OFF (S1907). If it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON (YES in S1907), the value of the time-saving counter, which counts the number of times the special symbols were displayed during the time-saving state, is decremented by 1 (S1908). It is then determined whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0" or OFF (S1909). If it is "0" (YES in S1909), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S1910), and the process proceeds to S1911. If it is determined that the time-saving flag is NOT ON (NO in S1907), and if it is determined that the value of the time-saving counter is NOT "0" (NO in S1909), the process proceeds to S1911.

In S1911, the special symbol operation status is set to "3" (S1911). Then, other processing is performed, such as stopping the display of the special symbol's variation based on the result of the special symbol win/loss determination random number and the jackpot type determination random number (S1912), and this process ends.

[Special Symbol Confirmation Process]
As shown in Figure 31, in the special symbol confirmation process (S1106), it is first determined whether the jackpot flag is ON or OFF (S2001). If the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S2001), it is then determined which type of jackpot it is (whether it is a 15R 1st jackpot, a 15R 2nd jackpot, a 2R 3rd jackpot, a 15R 4th jackpot, a 7R 5th jackpot, a 7R 6th jackpot, or a 4R 7th jackpot) (S2002). Next, a value corresponding to the type of jackpot is set in the round counter. For example, if it is a 15R 1st jackpot, "15" is set in the round counter to count the number of rounds executed during the jackpot game (in the case of one opening per round, one round is from the opening to the closing of the jackpot entry point). Next, in order to start the jackpot game, the jackpot opening command is set (S2005), the jackpot game opening sequence is started (S2006), and the special symbol operation status is set to "4" (S2007).

Furthermore, if it is determined in S2001 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S2001), it is determined whether the minor jackpot flag is ON or not (S2008). If the minor jackpot flag is ON (YES in S2008), the value of the minor jackpot opening counter, which counts the number of times the major prize slot (second major prize slot 35) is opened during minor jackpot play, is set to "2," and the minor jackpot opening pattern (see Figure 6) is set as the opening pattern for the major prize devices (first major prize device 31 and second major prize device 36) (S2009).

After completing the S2009 process, the opening command for the minor win is set (S2010) to start the minor win game, the opening animation for the minor win game is started (S2011), and the special symbol operation status is set to "5" (S2012). Note that if the minor win flag is not ON in S2008 (NO in S2008), neither the big win game nor the minor win game will start, so the special symbol operation status is set to "1" and the process ends.

[Special Electric Mechanism Processing 1 (Big Win Game)]
As shown in Figure 32, in the special electric bonus processing 1 (S1108), it is first determined whether the probability variation flag is ON or OFF (S2101), and if it is determined to be ON (YES in S2101), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S2102). It is also determined whether the time reduction flag is ON or OFF (S2103), and if it is determined to be ON (YES in S2103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (S2104). In other words, during the execution of a jackpot game, the system is controlled to be in a low probability state and a non-time reduction state. In this embodiment 1, the system is always in a low base state when it is not in a time reduction state, so the system is controlled to be in a low base state during the execution of a jackpot game.

Next, it is determined whether the jackpot completion flag is ON or OFF (S2105). The jackpot completion flag indicates that all of the jackpot winning devices (the first jackpot winning device 31 and the second jackpot winning device 36) have finished opening (the jackpot game has ended).

If the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2105), it is determined whether the jackpot entry point (first jackpot entry point 30 or second jackpot entry point 35) is currently open (S2106). If it is not open (NO in S2106), it is determined whether the time has come to open the jackpot entry point (first jackpot entry point 30 or second jackpot entry point 35), that is, whether the jackpot opening time has elapsed and the time to start the first round has arrived, or whether the interval time between rounds has elapsed and the time to start the next round (next opening) has arrived (S2107).

If the result of S2107 is NO, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of S2107 is YES, it is determined whether the round being executed is either the first or second round (S2108). This determination may be made using the value of the round counter for each type of jackpot, or a separate round counter may be provided to count which round the execution is in. If it is neither the first nor the second round (i.e., any of rounds 3 through 15) (NO in S2108), the process proceeds to S2110, where the first jackpot opening 30 is opened according to the opening pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot (see Figure 6). On the other hand, if it is determined to be either the first or second round (YES in S2108), the V validity period setting process (S2109) is performed, and then the process proceeds to S2110, where the second jackpot opening 35 is opened according to the opening pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot (see Figure 6).

In the V-valid period setting process (S2109), the period during which the second large prize slot 35 is open and the few seconds after the second large prize slot 35 is closed during the first or second round is set as the period (corresponding to the first period) during which the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a is determined to be valid. In this embodiment 1, other periods (including during minor wins and when special games are not being played) are set as the period (corresponding to the second period) during which the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a is determined to be invalid. Here, determining that the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a is valid means that the V flag is turned ON based on the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a (see steps S2401 to S2403 of the specific area sensor detection process (Figure 35) described later), while determining that the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a is invalid means that the V flag is not turned ON even if game balls are detected by the specific area sensor 39a.

Here, when a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a and the V flag is turned ON, the game state indicator 46 is set to a predetermined display mode to indicate that the game state after the jackpot game has ended will be a high probability state. Specifically, the game state indicator 46 is composed of three LEDs labeled "a1 a2 a3". In this embodiment 1, in the normal state (low probability state), the display mode is "a1□a2□a3□" (for example, □: off, ■: on). Also, when a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a during a jackpot game and the V flag is turned ON, the display mode is set to "a1■a2■a3■". Then, when the jackpot game ends and the game state is set to a high probability state, the display mode is set to "a1□a2□a3□". Furthermore, the timing of the lighting control of the game status indicator 46 is not limited to these timings. During a jackpot game, the display may remain in the "a1□a2□a3□" pattern even if the game ball passes through a specific area. It may then change to "a1■a2■a3■" at the timing of transitioning to the high-probability state after the jackpot game ends, and to "a1□a2□a3□" at the timing of transitioning from the high-probability state to the low-probability state.

In other words, in the specific area sensor detection process described later (Figure 35), the V flag is turned ON only when V passage (passage of a game ball into the specific area 39) is detected during the V valid period, and the V flag is not turned ON when V passage is detected outside the V valid period (during the V invalid period). Furthermore, when the V flag is ON, the probability variation flag is turned ON, meaning the game state after a jackpot is set to a high probability state (game state setting process described later (Figure 33)). This prevents the V flag from being turned ON based on fraudulent V passage, thus preventing the high probability state from being set fraudulently.

Furthermore, in the case of a 15R first jackpot or a 2R third jackpot, if the V-sign passes in the first or second round, the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to a high-probability state. On the other hand, even if the V-sign passes during a minor jackpot, if the game state before the minor jackpot game is a normal state, the game state after the minor jackpot game will also be a normal state, so as not to change the probability of winning or losing before and after a jackpot game.

In this embodiment 1, the V-valid period setting process (S2109) is set to a period (first period) during which detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a is determined to be valid even in the case of a 15R second jackpot. However, in another embodiment, in the case of a 15R second jackpot, the first period may not be set for the 1st and 2nd rounds. That is, in the case of a 15R second jackpot, the 1st and 2nd rounds may be set to the second period. In a jackpot game related to a 15R second jackpot, the opening time of the second large prize pocket 35 is set to an extremely short time of 0.1 seconds, so the possibility of a game ball entering the second large prize pocket 35 is extremely low. However, if it is set to the second period, even if a ball does enter, the V flag will not be turned ON. This prevents the V flag from being turned ON illegally or from being turned ON by a rare ball entry. In this embodiment, the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a is enabled during either round 1 or round 2, but the location of the round is not limited to this.

In S2106, if the large prize slot (first large prize slot 30 or second large prize slot 35) is open (YES in S2106), it is determined whether the number of balls entering the large prize slot in that round has reached the specified maximum number of balls (10 balls per round in this embodiment 1) (S2111). If the specified number of balls has not been reached (NO in S2111), it is determined whether the time to close the large prize slot has arrived (i.e., whether the predetermined opening time (see Figure 6) has elapsed since the large prize slot was opened) (S2112). If the opening time for the large prize slot has not elapsed (NO in S2112), the process ends.

Conversely, if the prescribed number of balls has been entered (YES in S2111), or if the opening time of the large prize slot has elapsed (YES in S2112), that is, if either of the two round termination conditions is met, the large prize slot (first large prize slot 30 or second large prize slot 35) is closed (S2113). Then, the value of the round counter is decremented by 1 (S2114), and it is determined whether the value of the round counter is "0" or not (S2115). If it is determined that it is not "0" (NO in S2115), the process ends in order to start the next round.

On the other hand, if the result is "0" (YES in S2115), the jackpot termination process ends the jackpot game by setting the jackpot ending command (S2116) and starting the jackpot ending animation (S2117). Then, the jackpot termination flag is set (S2118), and the process ends. Note that the round counter resets to "0" after the large prize slot is opened 15 times for a long jackpot (15R jackpot), and to "0" after the large prize slot is opened 2 times for a short jackpot (2R jackpot).

Furthermore, if the jackpot completion flag is ON in S2105 (YES in S2105), the final round has ended. Therefore, it is determined whether the execution time for the jackpot ending sequence has elapsed (S2119). If the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2119), the process ends. On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2119), the jackpot completion flag is turned OFF (S2120), and the game state setting process (S2121), described later, is performed. Then, the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2122), the special symbol operation status is set to "1" (S2123), and the process ends. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the special symbol standby process (S1102) will be executed again as the special symbol operation process (Figure 20).

[Game state setting process]
As shown in Figure 33, the game state setting process (S2121) first determines whether the V flag is ON (S2201). The V flag is a flag that is turned ON in the specific area sensor detection process (Figure 35), which will be described later. If the V flag is ON (YES in S2201), the probability variation flag is turned ON (S2202), the probability variation counter is set to "140" (S2203), the V flag is turned OFF (S2204), and the process proceeds to S2205. In other words, in this pachinko game machine 1, the game state setting process determines whether or not to set the game state after a big win to a high probability state based on whether or not the V flag is ON.

On the other hand, if the V flag is OFF (NO in S2201), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2209) without turning on the probability variation flag, the time-saving counter is set to "100" (S2210), and the process ends. As a result, the game state after this big win becomes a low probability state, a time-saving state, and a high base state (i.e., a low probability, high base state). This low probability, high base state ends when either of the following conditions is met: the special symbol's variation display occurs 100 times (the sum of the number of variation displays for the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches 100), or the next big win occurs. Furthermore, this time-saving counter and probability variation counter count the sum of the number of variation displays for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

In S2205, it is determined whether the completed jackpot game (the jackpot game executed this time) was a 2R third jackpot (S2205). If S2205 determines that the completed (executed) jackpot game was a 2R jackpot (2R third jackpot) (YES in S2205), then it is determined whether the game state before the jackpot game, i.e., the game state when the 2R third jackpot occurred, was a time-saving state or not (S2208). If S2208 determines that it was not a time-saving state (NO in S2208), the process ends without turning on the time-saving flag. As a result, the game state after this jackpot game becomes a high probability state, a non-time-saving state for special symbols, and a low base state (i.e., a high probability low base state). This high probability low base state ends when either of the following conditions is met: the special symbols are displayed for 140 spins, or the next jackpot occurs.

On the other hand, if S2205 determines that the completed jackpot game (the jackpot game executed this time) was not a 2R jackpot (NO in S2205), and if S2208 determines that the game state when the 2R third jackpot occurred was a time-saving state (YES in S2208), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2206), the time-saving counter is set to "140" (S2207), and processing ends. As a result, the game state after this jackpot game becomes a high-probability state, a time-saving state for special symbols, and a high-base state (i.e., a high-probability, high-base state). This high-probability, high-base state ends when either of the following conditions is met: the special symbols are displayed 140 times, or the next jackpot occurs.

Furthermore, in the case of a 2R 3rd jackpot, and when the V flag is turned ON during the jackpot game, the process (S2208) to determine whether the game state before the jackpot game was in a time-saving state is performed in order to make the operating state of the time-saving function and the high-base function before and after the jackpot game the same as that of a minor jackpot. If these operating states differ between a minor jackpot and a 2R 3rd jackpot, even if it is difficult to distinguish between the two based on the opening pattern of the large prize slot, the subsequent operating states will allow for determination of which jackpot it is. This makes it difficult to distinguish between a minor jackpot and a 2R 3rd jackpot based on the opening pattern of the large prize slot, and also difficult to distinguish based on the operating states of the time-saving function and high-base function that occur afterward. Note that a configuration that simply turns on the time-saving flag if the V flag is ON without checking whether it is in a time-saving state is also acceptable.

[Special Electric Mechanism Processing 2 (Small Win Game)]
As shown in Figure 34, in the special electric bonus processing 2 (S1109), it is first determined whether the minor win termination flag is ON or OFF (S2301). The minor win termination flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of all major prize devices (first major prize device 31 and second major prize device 36) has been completed in the minor win game.

If the minor win termination flag is not ON (NO in S2301), it is determined whether the major prize slot (first major prize slot 30 or second major prize slot 35) is open or not (i.e., whether the major prize device is open or not) (S2302). If it is not open or not (NO in S2302), it is determined whether it is time to open the major prize slot (first major prize slot 30 or second major prize slot 35), that is, whether the opening time for the minor win has elapsed and it is time to start the first opening, or whether the interval time between multiple openings has elapsed and it is time to start the next opening (S2303). If the result of the determination in S2303 is NO, the process ends there. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S2303 is YES, the V invalidation period setting process (S2304) is performed, and then the process proceeds to S2305, where the second major prize slot 35 is opened according to the minor win opening pattern (see Figure 6).

In the V invalid period setting process (S2304), the period during which the second large prize opening 35 is open and the few seconds after the second large prize opening 35 is closed during a minor win game is set as a period (second period) during which the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a is determined to be invalid. In this embodiment 1, any period other than the period specified as the valid period in the V valid period setting process (S2109) described above is set as an invalid period (second period). Therefore, in this V invalid period setting process, it is checked whether the period is not a valid period, that is, whether it is set as an invalid period. Specifically, it is checked whether the V timer (provided in the RAM of the main control board 80), which measures the elapsed time of the V valid period by countdown, is set to "0" (i.e., no valid period). If the V timer is not "0", it is set to "0". Alternatively, the V timer may be set to "0", i.e., set to a state with no valid period, without checking whether the V timer is "0" or not. This ensures that even if a V-pass occurs during a minor win, if the game state before the minor win was in the normal state, the game state after the minor win will not transition to the high-probability state. In this embodiment 1, since any period other than the period specified in the V-validity period setting process (S2109) is an invalid period, the process in S2304 may be omitted.

In S2302, if the large prize slot (first large prize slot 30 or second large prize slot 35) is open (YES in S2302), it is determined whether the total number of balls that entered the large prize slot during the two openings—that is, the sum of all game balls that entered during the two openings—has reached the prescribed maximum number of balls (10 in this embodiment 1) (S2306). If the prescribed number of balls has not been reached (NO in S2306), it is determined whether the time to close the large prize slot has arrived (that is, whether the predetermined opening time (see Figure 6) has elapsed since the large prize slot was opened) (S2307). If the opening time for the large prize slot has not elapsed (NO in S2307), the process ends.

In contrast, if the number of balls entering the large prize slot during the two openings reaches the specified number (YES in S2506), the large prize slot (second large prize slot 35) is closed (S2314), and the process proceeds to the small prize termination process in S2311. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2307 that the opening time for the large prize slot has elapsed (YES in S2307), the large prize slot (second large prize slot 35) is closed (S2308). Then, the value of the small prize opening counter is decremented by 1 (S2309), and it is determined whether the value of the small prize opening counter is "0" or not (S2310). If it is determined in S2310 that it is not "0" (NO in S2310), the process ends immediately to start the next opening.

On the other hand, if it is determined to be "0" in S2310 (YES in S2310), the process proceeds to the minor win termination process in S2311. In S2311, as a minor win termination process to end the minor win game, the minor win ending command is set (S2311), and the minor win ending animation is started (S2312). Then, the minor win termination flag is set (S2313), and the process ends. Note that the minor win opening counter becomes "0" when the big prize opening is opened twice. In S2301, if the minor win termination flag is ON (YES in S2301), the two openings have ended, so it is determined whether the minor win ending time has elapsed (S2315), and if the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2315), the process ends. On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2315), the minor win termination flag is turned OFF (S2316), the minor win flag is turned OFF (S2317), and the special symbol operation status is set to "1" (S2318), ending the process. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the special symbol waiting process (S1102) will be executed again as the special symbol operation process (Figure 20).

Furthermore, the probability variation flag and time reduction flag are not switched from ON to OFF when a minor win game begins. Also, the game state setting process (S2121, Figure 34) is not performed when a minor win game ends. In other words, this pachinko machine 1 does not change the game state before or after a minor win game.

[Specific Area Sensor Detection Processing]
As shown in Figure 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a specific area sensor detection process (S207) following the special feature operation process (S206). In the specific area sensor detection process (S207), as shown in Figure 35, it first determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a (S2401). If it is determined that there is no detection (NO in S2401), the process ends. If it is determined that there is detection in S2401 (YES in S2401), it determines whether or not it is within the V validity period (S2402). The V validity period is the period set in the V validity period setting process (S2109) in the special electric feature processing 1 (Figure 32) described above. The V validity period is set for the first and second rounds of a jackpot game.

Furthermore, if it is determined in S2402 that the V valid period is in effect (YES in S2402), the V flag is turned ON (S2403), and it is determined whether the currently running jackpot game is a 2R jackpot (2R third jackpot) or not (S2404). If it is determined that it is not a 2R jackpot (NO in S2404), i.e., a 15R jackpot, the first V-pass command is set (S2405), and processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is a 2R jackpot (YES in S2404), the second V-pass command is set (S2406), and processing ends. The CPU of the main control board 80 transmits this V-pass command to the sub-control board 90 at a predetermined timing, and the sub-control board 90 executes game effects in the display area of the effect symbols, etc., according to the type of V-pass command received.

Furthermore, if it is determined in S2402 that the V valid period is not currently active (NO in S2402), the third V passage command is set (S2407) without turning on the V flag, and the process ends. The first V passage command is used to instruct the sub-control board 90 to perform V passage notification control. In contrast, the second and third V passage commands are used to prevent the sub-control board 90 from performing V passage notification control. The game control microcomputer 81 also functions as a means (specific area state switching means) for switching the validity of game ball passage into the specific area 39 by executing such specific area sensor detection processing (S207) and V valid period setting processing (S2109).

[Handling of held balls]
As shown in Figure 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the reserved ball count processing (S208) following the specific area sensor detection processing (S207). In the reserved ball count processing (S208), as shown in Figure 36, first the reserved ball count for special symbol 1, special symbol 2, and normal symbol reserved balls stored in the RAM of the main control board 80 is read (S2501). Next, the reserved ball count data (reserved ball count command for transmitting the reserved ball count information to the sub-control board 90, etc.) is set in the RAM output buffer (S2502).

[Power outage monitoring process]
As shown in Figure 11, the microcomputer 81 for game control performs power outage monitoring processing (S209) following the processing of the number of reserved balls (S208). In the power outage monitoring processing (S209), as shown in Figure 37, it first determines whether or not a power outage signal is input (S2601). If there is no input (NO in S2601), the process ends. On the other hand, if a power outage signal is input (YES in S2601), data regarding the current state of the game machine (whether it is in a probability variation mode, whether it is in a winning game, how many reserved balls there are, how many remaining probability variation/short time variations there are, etc.) is stored in RAM (S2602), the power outage flag is turned ON (S2603), and then the loop processing continues without returning to the interrupt processing (Figure 11).

[Sub-control main processing]
Next, the operation of the performance control microcontroller 91 will be explained based on Figures 38 to 47. Note that the counters, flags, status, buffers, etc., that appear in the explanation of the operation of the performance control microcontroller 91 are located in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (sub-control unit). When the power to the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the performance control microcontroller 91 on the sub-control board 90 reads the sub-control main processing program shown in Figure 38 from the ROM of the sub-control board 90 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main processing first performs CPU initialization (S4001). The CPU initialization (S4001) includes setting the stack, setting constants, setting the CPU 92, setting SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller), and resetting various flags, status, and counters.

Next, in S4002, it is determined whether the power-off signal is ON and whether the contents of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 are normal (S4002). If the result of this determination is NO (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized (S4003), and the process proceeds to S4004. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is YES (YES in S4002), the process proceeds to S4004 without initializing the RAM of the sub-control board 90. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the power-off signal is ON but the contents of the RAM are not normal (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized. However, if the power-off signal is ON due to a power outage, etc., but the contents of the RAM are normal (YES in S4002), the RAM is not initialized. Initializing the RAM resets the values of various flags, statuses, and counters. Note that S4001 to S4003 are executed only once after power-on (when power-on) and are not executed thereafter.

In S4004, interrupts are disabled. Next, the random number seed update process is executed (S4005). In the random number seed update process (S4005), the values of various random number counters used to determine the effects are updated. The updated random number counter values are sequentially stored in a predetermined update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM of the sub-control board 90. The random numbers used to determine the effects include random numbers used to determine the preview effects and random numbers used to determine the effect symbols. The method for updating the random numbers can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 80 described above. When updating, instead of adding 1 to the random value, it may be added by adding 2, etc. The random numbers used to determine the effects are acquired at a predetermined timing. This timing can be, for example, when a control signal (start ball command) notifying that a starting ball has entered has been sent from the main control board 80, when a control signal (start variation command) notifying the start of variation has been sent from the main control board 80, or when determining the variation effect pattern described later. The storage location for the acquired random numbers used to determine the animation is a predetermined random number counter value storage area (not shown) in the RAM of the sub-control board 90. In this embodiment 1, the random numbers used to determine the animation include random numbers for dialogue animations, step-up animations, pseudo-variation animations, movable part animations, and pre-announcement animations. The acquired values of these random numbers and the animation determination tables shown in Figures 49 and 50 are used to determine the animation to be performed.

Once the random number seed update process (S4005) is completed, the command transmission process is executed (S4006). In the command transmission process, various commands (control signals) stored in the output buffer in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 are transmitted to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. Each control board (each control unit) that receives a command executes various effects (effects such as effect pattern game effects, and special game effects associated with big win games and small win games) using various effect devices (image display device 7, speaker 67, panel lamp 5, frame lamp 66, and movable decorative member 14, etc.) according to the received command. The effect control microcontroller 91 then enables interrupts (S4007). From here, steps S4004 to S4007 are looped. While interrupts are enabled, the receive interrupt process (S4008), the 2ms timer interrupt process (S4009), and the 10ms timer interrupt process (S4010) can be executed.

[Receive interrupt handling]
In the receive interrupt processing (S4008), as shown in Figure 39, it is determined whether the strobe signal (STB signal) is ON or OFF, that is, whether the strobe signal sent from the main control board 80 has been input to the external INT input of the performance control microcontroller 91 (S4101). If it is determined in S4101 that the strobe signal is not ON (NO in S4101), the processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4101 that the strobe signal is ON (YES in S4101), the various commands sent from the main control board 80 are stored in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (S4102), and the processing ends. This receive interrupt processing (S4008) is executed in priority over other interrupt processing (S4009, S4010).

[2ms Timer Interrupt Processing]
The 2ms timer interrupt processing (S4009) is a process that is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a period of 2 msec is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in Figure 40, the 2ms timer interrupt processing (S4009) first performs input processing to create switch data (edge data and level data) based on detection signals from the performance button detection switches 63c and 63d (S4201). Next, it performs lamp data output processing to output the lamp data created in the 10ms timer interrupt processing described later (S4202). Then, it performs drive data output processing to create and output drive data for driving the movable decorative member 14 (S4203). Finally, it performs watchdog timer processing to reset the watchdog timer (S4204).

[10ms timer interrupt handling]
The 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4010) is a process that is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a period of 10 msec is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in Figure 41, the 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4010) first performs the received command analysis process described later (S4301). Next, it performs a switch state acquisition process to store the switch data created in the 2ms timer interrupt processing as switch data for the 10ms timer interrupt processing in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (S4302). Subsequently, it performs a switch process to set the display content of the display screen 7a based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process (S4303). After that, it performs other processes such as creating lamp data (data that controls the lighting of the panel lamps 5 and frame lamps 66) and updating the random numbers for determining the effects (S4304).

[Received command parsing process]
As shown in Figures 42 and 43, in the received command analysis process (S4301), the microcontroller 91 for performance control first determines whether or not it has received a start ball entry command from the main control board 80 (main control unit) (S4401). If it is determined that a start ball entry command has been received (YES in S4401), then the ball entry performance start process, which will be described later, is performed (S4402), and the process proceeds to S4403. If it is determined in S4401 that a start ball entry command has not been received (NO in S4401), the process proceeds to S4403 without performing the ball entry performance start process.

In S4403, it is determined whether or not a variation start command has been received from the main control unit (S4403). If it is determined that a variation start command has been received (YES in S4403), the variation performance start process described later is performed (S4404), and the process moves to S4405. If it is determined in S4403 that a variation start command has not been received (NO in S4403), the process moves to S4405 without performing the variation performance start process. In S4405, it is determined whether or not there are any unexecuted予告演出 (preview effects, etc.) (game effects) (S4405). If it is determined that there are any unexecuted preview effects, etc. (YES in S4405), the preview effect execution process described later is performed (S4406), and the process moves to S4407. If it is determined in S4405 that there are no unexecuted preview effects, etc. (NO in S4405), the process moves to S4407 without performing the preview effect execution process. Here, "unexecuted予告演出 (preview/announcement effect, etc.)" refers to game effects that have been decided to be executed and set in the preview/announcement effect setting process (S4506), etc., but whose execution timing has not yet arrived. These set game effects that have not yet been executed will be executed sequentially when the execution timing determined for each game effect arrives.

In S4407, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control unit (S4407). If it is determined that a fluctuation stop command has been received (YES in S4407), the fluctuation effect termination process described later is performed (S4408), and the process proceeds to S4409. If it is determined in S4407 that a fluctuation stop command has not been received (NO in S4407), the process proceeds to S4409 without performing the fluctuation effect termination process.

Next, in S4409, it is determined whether or not an opening command has been received from the main control unit (S4409). If it is determined that an opening command has been received (YES in S4409), the special game performance selection process described later is performed (S4410), and the process proceeds to S4411. If it is determined in S4409 that an opening command has not been received (NO in S4409), the process proceeds to S4411 without performing the special game performance selection process. In S4411, it is determined whether or not an ending command has been received from the main control unit (S4411). If it is determined that an ending command has been received (YES in S4411), the ending performance selection process is performed (S4412), and the process proceeds to S4413. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4411 that an ending command has not been received (NO in S4411), the process proceeds to S4413 without performing the ending performance selection process.

Next, it is determined whether or not the first V-pass command has been received from the main control unit (S4413). If it is determined that the first V-pass command has been received (YES in S4413), the V-pass notification command is set (S4414), and the process proceeds to S4415. The first V-pass command is a command that notifies the sub-control unit 90 from the main control board 80 that a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a during the V-valid period in the 15R first jackpot. When the V-pass notification command is transmitted to the image control board 100 (image control unit), etc., in the command transmission process (S4006), the CPU of the image control board 100 reads predetermined image information from the ROM of the image control board 100 and displays characters such as "V-passed!" on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. This notifies the player that the game ball has passed through the specific area 39 and that the game state after the jackpot game will be a high probability state. On the other hand, if S4413 determines that the first V-pass command has not been received (NO in S4413), the process proceeds to S4415 without setting the V-pass notification command.

Furthermore, displaying the text "V Passed!" is just one method of notifying the player of the V-pass; other display content (for example, displaying an object image resembling the letter "V" or displaying the text "Probability Change GET") may also be used to notify the player of the V-pass. This makes it possible to inform the player that the game state after the ongoing jackpot game (special game) will be a high-probability state.

Next, in S4415, the microcontroller 91 for performance control determines whether or not it has received a second V-pass command from the main control unit (S4415). If it determines that it has not received a second V-pass command (NO in S4415), it determines whether or not it has received a third V-pass command (S4417). In either case, if it determines in S4415 that it has received a second V-pass command (YES in S4415), or if it determines in S4417 that it has received a third V-pass command (YES in S4417), it sets a V-pass non-notification command (S4416) and proceeds to the process in S4418. On the other hand, if it determines in S4417 that it has not received a third V-pass command (NO in S4417), it proceeds to the process in S4418 without setting a V-pass non-notification command. In S4418, other processing is performed based on received commands other than those mentioned above (for example, the normal symbol variation start command and the normal symbol variation stop command), and then the processing is completed. Here, the second V-pass command is a command that notifies the sub-control board 90 from the main control board 80 that a game ball was detected by the specific area sensor 39a during the V-effective period in the 2R third jackpot. The third V-pass command is a command that notifies the sub-control board 90 from the main control board 80 that a game ball was detected by the specific area sensor 39a during the V-invalid period, such as during a minor win.

When the "V-Pass Non-Notification" command is transmitted to the image control board 100, etc., during the command transmission process (S4006), the CPU of the image control board 100 controls the display on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 to a screen without any text indicating that the ball has passed through V, such as "V-Passed!" (i.e., a screen with no notification of V-passing). In other words, it sets the display to a V-passing non-notification mode. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the game ball passes through a specific area 39 during a 2R third jackpot or minor jackpot, this fact is not notified to the player.

Furthermore, it is also possible to set only the first V-pass command in the aforementioned specific area sensor detection process (Figure 35), and not set the second or third V-pass commands. In this case, the received command analysis process (S4301) will not execute S4415 to S4417. Even with this configuration, the pachinko machine can be configured to notify the player only when a V-pass occurs during the V-valid period of the 15R first jackpot. In other words, if there is no effect to notify the V-pass, it is not necessary to set a command (V-pass non-notification command). However, setting a command and controlling the image control board 100 based on it, as in this embodiment, can increase the stability of image control.

[Start of ball entry animation process]
The ball entry performance start process (S4402) is a process executed when the main control unit receives a start ball entry command indicating that a ball has entered the start gate. This process controls the display of performance reserves (first performance reserve 9a and second performance reserve 9b) displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 (control regarding changes in the number of displayed items and the display manner of the performance reserves), and performs a so-called pre-announcement performance (also called a "pre-performance" or "pre-notification") based on the information acquired by the main control unit when a ball enters the start gate. A pre-announcement performance is a notification performance that starts a performance (game performance) before the start of the display of the performance symbols (special symbols) that indicate the result of a predetermined special symbol win or loss determination. In other words, the pre-announcement performance is executed in conjunction with the display of the performance symbols (special symbols) that is executed before the display of the performance symbols (special symbols) that indicates the result of a predetermined special symbol win or loss determination (also called the "situational variation") (also called the "pre-variation"). Furthermore, a pre-announcement effect (including a pre-read effect) is an effect that indicates (suggests) the possibility that the result of the fluctuation display of a special symbol (effect symbol) that indicates the result of the determination of whether a predetermined special symbol will result in a jackpot (the jackpot pattern and jackpot symbol will be displayed) before the fluctuation display of the said special symbol (effect symbol) ends.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 44, in the ball entry animation start process (S4402), first, in S5001, a specific flag is turned ON, and then the process proceeds to S5002. Here, the "specific flag" in this embodiment 1 is a flag that indicates a state (high load state) where the load of control processing performed by the sub-control unit 90 (also called the "game animation control unit") is relatively high (a large amount of control processing is performed). This "specific flag" is turned ON when the ball entry animation start process is executed and turned OFF when the ball entry animation start process is completed. In other words, in this embodiment 1, the period during which the ball entry animation start process is executed is defined as a period in which the amount of processing of game animation-related control (animation control processing,予告演出control processing) by the sub-control unit (game animation control unit) is greater than a predetermined amount. In this embodiment 1, the state of this "specific flag" (ON or OFF) determines which preview determination table is used in the preview animation setting process described later. Furthermore, the state in which this specific flag is ON is also called the "high load state" or "second control state," and the state in which the specific flag is OFF is also called the "low load state" or "first control state."

Next, in S5002, the microcontroller 91 for performance control performs a pre-performance determination random number acquisition process (S5002) to acquire a pre-performance determination random number for pre-performance determination, and then proceeds to the process in S5003. When the start ball entry command is received from the main control unit 80, the process in S5002 is performed to acquire a predetermined value (acquired information) from the pre-performance determination random number (not shown). Furthermore, in the pre-performance determination process (S5005) described later, it is determined whether or not to execute the pre-performance based on this acquired value, and if so, the manner of execution. In S5003, the microcontroller 91 for performance control analyzes the start ball entry command received from the main control unit and proceeds to the process in S5004. The start ball entry command includes a variation pattern identification command (information that identifies the variation pattern to be executed) that can identify the variation pattern to be selected in the variation pattern selection process for the first or second special symbol. Furthermore, it includes information such as the number of acquired pieces of information (number of stored pieces, number of held pieces) currently stored in the first special symbol hold memory unit 85a and the second special symbol hold memory unit 85b, game state information specifying the current game state, the judgment result (pre-judgment result) of the first special symbol win/fail judgment or the second special symbol win/fail judgment, and symbol information specifying the type of win.

In S5004, a table for determining the pre-show animation is set (S5004). Based on this set pre-show animation determination table, the information contained in the start ball entry command, and the random number for pre-show animation determination obtained in S5002, it is determined whether to execute the pre-show animation, and if so, which type of pre-show animation to execute (S5005). The process then proceeds to S5006.

In S5006, the display control of the performance hold (first performance hold and second performance hold) displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is performed, and the process proceeds to S5007. Specifically, based on the hold information analyzed in the start ball entry command analysis process (S5003), control is performed to display the first and second performance hold, which show the same number as the number of acquired information stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 85a and the second special symbol hold storage unit 85b, in order to show the player the number of acquired information. This makes it easy for the player to grasp the current number of hold. Furthermore, if the display mode of the first and second performance hold is changed, or if the display mode of the first and second performance hold is set to a special display mode different from the normal display mode, and the possibility of the result of the variation display of the performance symbols related to the performance hold being a specific result (jackpot) is indicated before the variation display of the performance symbols begins (when executing a pre-performance), the corresponding display control processing is performed in the performance hold display processing of S5006.

In S5007, a specific flag is turned OFF, and the ball entry animation start process is terminated. By determining that this specific flag is OFF, it is possible to determine that the ball entry animation start process is not currently running, i.e., that the amount of control processing related to game animations performed by the sub-control unit is a predetermined amount. Here, "the amount of control processing related to game animations is a predetermined amount" means whether the amount of control processing is below a predetermined threshold (the amount of control processing is within a predetermined range). In this embodiment, instead of actually measuring the amount of control processing, this can be easily determined by determining whether a specific control process (in Embodiment 1, the "ball entry animation start process") that generally results in a large amount of control processing (also simply called "processing amount") is being executed. Therefore, if a predetermined specific control process is being performed, it is assumed that "the amount of control processing related to game animations is greater than a predetermined amount," and the corresponding high-load state control process is executed. Alternatively, a measurement means for actually measuring the CPU load of the sub-control unit may be provided, and when the value (load) measured by the measurement means exceeds a predetermined threshold, the corresponding high-load state control process may be executed.

[Start of variation effect processing]
As shown in Figure 45, in the variable performance start process (S4404), first, in S4501, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a performance determination random number acquisition process (S4501) in which it acquires random numbers for determining performances, such as random numbers for determining the予告演出 (preview performance) and random numbers for determining the performance symbols. Specifically, in this embodiment, the random numbers for determining the preview performance include a random number for determining the conversation preview (also called the "first preview performance determination random number"), a random number for determining the step-up preview (also called the "second preview performance determination random number"), a random number for determining the pseudo-variation preview (also called the "third preview performance determination random number"), a random number for determining the movable part preview (also called the "fourth preview performance determination random number"), and a random number for determining the pre-notification performance ("fifth preview performance determination random number"). When a variable start command is received from the main control unit 80, the process in S4501 is performed to acquire predetermined values (acquired information) from each random number. Furthermore, in the notification effect setting process (S4506) described later, the notification effects to be executed in conjunction with the display of the changing effect symbols (special symbols) are determined based on the acquired values.

Next, in S4502, the microcontroller 91 for performance control analyzes the variation start command (S4502). The variation start command includes a variation pattern specification command (information specifying the variation pattern) that specifies the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process for the first or second special symbol. This variation pattern specification information includes variation pattern information (P1 to P17) shown in Figure 9, game state information specifying the current game state, the judgment result of the first or second special symbol win/fail judgment, and symbol information specifying the type of win (see Figure 8). The variation pattern information, game state information, and symbol information can also be used in other processes besides the variation performance start process executed from this point onward.

Next, in S4503, the microcontroller 91 for performance control refers to the current mode status (S4503). The mode status determines the performance mode to be executed. The mode status is one of four values, from "1" to "4," and each value is assigned to a performance mode A through D.

Here, "performance mode" refers to the manner of performance on the image display device 7. Different performance modes result in some or all of the performance manners of game performances, such as予告演出 (preview performances) andリーチ演出 (reach performances). Specifically, the images displayed on the image display device 7 differ, such as the characters, items, background images, and reserved symbols that appear, and the performance symbols game performances are also executed in a manner corresponding to the performance mode. Furthermore, when multiple game performances (such as preview performances and reach performances) are provided, different game performances may be executed depending on the performance mode. In this embodiment, performance mode A is executed when controlled to a high probability high base state, performance mode B is executed when controlled to a low probability high base state, or when controlled to a high probability high base state, and performance mode C is executed when controlled to a low probability high base state. Also, performance mode D is executed when controlled to a low probability low base state. Therefore, by checking which of A to D the performance mode is, the player can infer or recognize the current game state. Furthermore, each of performance modes A to D may have multiple performance manners (performance modes). For example, as a performance mode D executed in a low probability/low base state, there may be multiple performance modes with at least some differences in the characters, items, background images, and held symbols. This prevents players from becoming bored during gameplay in a low probability/low base state and maintains the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, Performance Mode B is executed when the machine is controlled to either a high-probability, high-base state or a low-probability, high-base state. Therefore, when Performance Mode B is active, even if the player checks the performance mode, it is difficult to accurately determine whether the probability state for determining whether a special symbol wins or loses is high-probability or low-probability, although they may be able to predict it. In this sense, Performance Mode B can be considered a non-probability notification mode.

Next, in S4504, a table for determining the variable performance pattern (also called "performance pattern") for the image display device 7, panel lamps 5, movable decorative members 14, etc., controlled by the performance control microcomputer 91 is set (S4504). Specifically, as the table for determining the variable performance pattern, a performance symbol variation pattern determination table is set based on the variable pattern specification command received from the main control unit 80, although it is not shown in the diagram, to determine the variation pattern of the performance symbols. In this embodiment, different performance symbol variation pattern determination tables are set depending on the game state and performance mode.

Next, in S4505, based on the variation pattern table set in S4504, a variation pattern is selected that matches the specified variation pattern and corresponds to the performance mode indicated by the referenced mode status (S4505). Also in S4505, the variation pattern of the performance symbols displayed in the performance symbol display area 7b (the performance symbol game performance) is determined. This sets whether the performance symbol game performance will execute a reach performance (reach-enabled performance symbol game performance), execute a character performance using a specific character (character performance symbol game performance), or not execute a reach performance or character performance (no reach performance symbol game performance).

Furthermore, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has the following types of symbol variation patterns (reach types): Reach A, Reach B, Reach C, Super Reach (also called "SP Reach") A, Super Reach B, Super Reach C, and character effects. In S4505, based on the symbol variation pattern determination table, it is determined which of these effects to perform, or whether to perform any of them (this is also called "normal variation"). Moreover, each of these reach effects (including reach, super reach, and character effects) differs in some or all of its effect patterns. By enabling a variety of reach effects in conjunction with the display of the symbol variation, it is possible to prevent players from becoming bored with the game.

When a reach-enabled symbol game animation is executed, one of the reach animations is set based on the variation pattern specification command and the animation symbol variation pattern determination table. Furthermore, when a reach-enabled symbol game animation is executed, if Reach A, Reach B, or Reach C (also called "Normal Reach") is executed, the "Reach Flag" is turned ON and the "Super Reach Flag" is turned OFF. If Super Reach A, Super Reach B, or Super Reach C is executed, the "Super Reach Flag" (also called "SP Reach Flag") is turned ON and the "Reach Flag" is turned OFF. Also, if a reach-enabled symbol game animation is not executed, both the "Reach Flag" and the "Super Reach Flag" are turned OFF. The state of these flags is determined, and the pre-announcement animation described later is performed accordingly.

Here, when a Super Reach animation is performed as a game animation, the probability of a jackpot is set to be higher compared to when a Normal Reach animation is performed. In other words, the Super Reach animation is a game animation with a higher jackpot reliability (probability of a jackpot, probability of executing a jackpot game) compared to the Reach (Normal Reach) animation. Next, in S4506, the notification animation setting process described later is performed. In the notification animation setting process (S4506), based on the random number for animation determination obtained in S4501, it is determined which of the notification animation types described later will be executed from among the variable animation patterns. It is also determined which animation symbols to stop and display (also called "stopped animation symbols"). These processes (S4505 and S4506) determine the variable animation pattern.

Next, in S4507, a variable animation start command is set (S4507) to initiate the animation symbol game animation based on the variable animation pattern selected in S4505 and S4506, and the variable animation start process ends. Furthermore, when the variable animation start command set in S4505 is transmitted to the image control board 100 via the command transmission process (S4006), the CPU of the image control board 100 reads a predetermined animation image from the ROM of the image control board 100 and performs the animation symbol game animation on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

Furthermore, the symbols that stop and are displayed as a result of the special symbol gameplay animation are set to a sequence of odd-numbered symbols such as "777" when the result of the special symbol win/loss judgment is a 15R first jackpot, and to a sequence of even-numbered symbols such as "666" when it is a 15R second jackpot. In addition, when there is a reach but it is a miss, one of the three special symbols such as "787" will be a scattered sequence different from the other special symbols, and when there is no reach but it is a miss, at least one of the three special symbols such as "635" will be a scattered sequence different from the other special symbols. In addition, when there is a 2R third jackpot or a minor win, predetermined chance symbols such as "135" or symbols special to the 2R third jackpot and minor win such as "33☆" may be stopped and displayed. In other words, the same special symbols are stopped and displayed when there is a 2R third jackpot and when it is a minor win. Therefore, players cannot determine whether they have achieved a 2R 3rd specific jackpot or a minor win simply by checking the stopped symbols displayed. Furthermore, the aforementioned stopping symbol display is just one example; the symbols displayed when a jackpot is achieved can be changed as appropriate.

(Chance period notification effect)
Next, using Figures 46 and 47, the execution methods of game effects (effect modes and their notification methods) in a predetermined game state (for example, a low probability, low base state) will be explained. Figure 46(a) shows a scene in which a predetermined effect symbol (special symbol) is being displayed in a variable state. As shown in Figure 46(a), in the center of the display screen 7a, three effect symbols 8 (8L, 8C, 8R) are being displayed in a variable state in the vertical direction. In addition, a first effect hold display area 9c (first effect hold display section) is provided in the lower left of the display screen 7a. Furthermore, in the variable symbol display area 9e in the lower center of the display screen 7a, one variable symbol 9f is displayed as a "〇" symbol that is slightly larger than the first effect hold 9a. In this variable symbol display area 9e, the variable symbol 9f is displayed to indicate that a variable display is currently being performed. Depending on the display method of this variable symbol 9f, it may also indicate the possibility that the result of the currently performed variable display will be a jackpot (stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol).

Furthermore, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, there is a "Mountain Mode" which displays a mountain symbol on the background symbol 215 as a performance mode in a low probability, low base state. Figure 46(a) shows a scene where the "Mountain Mode" is being performed. Also, at the top of the display screen 7a, there is a game information display unit 210 (identification symbol display unit) that can display the currently performed performance mode, explanations of the game method, explanations of the game performance (such as the probability of a jackpot), and explanations of whether the situation is close to a jackpot (whether a game performance with a high probability of a jackpot is being performed, or whether reserve information with a high probability of a jackpot is being stored) (these are referred to as "game information 211 (identification symbols)").

In Figure 46(a), the game information display unit 210 displays the text information "Mountain Mode" (first game information 211a, game information 211), which indicates the currently running performance mode, and a display direction indication display 212 that indicates the direction of the variation (movement) of the first game information 211a. Furthermore, in Figure 46(a), the first game information 211a ("Mountain Mode") and the display direction indication display 212 are displayed in a scrolling manner (variation display, movement display) in the direction indicated by the arrow of the display direction indication display 212, which is to the left of the page.

Figure 46(b) shows the same variable display as in Figure 46(a), but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 46(a). In Figure 46(b), the display mode in which the words "Mountain Mode" (game information 211), which indicates the currently running performance mode in the game information display unit 210, are moved to the left continues. Also, a ball enters the first start opening 20 at a timing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the scene in Figure 46(a), and the acquired information (various information such as random numbers for determining whether a special symbol is correct or incorrect) obtained based on this ball entry is stored, and the first performance hold display area 9c displays the first performance hold 9a (hold symbol) indicating that new acquired information has been obtained. The first performance hold (hold symbol) displayed in Figure 46(b) is displayed in the normal mode 9s (first hold symbol). Furthermore, Figure 46(a) shows that no unprocessed acquired information (held information) is stored because the fluctuation start condition has not been met, while Figure 46(b) shows that one piece of unprocessed acquired information (held information) is stored because the fluctuation start condition has not been met.

Figure 46(c) shows the same variable display as in Figure 46(b), but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 46(b). In Figure 46(c), a ball enters the first start opening 20 at a predetermined time after the scene in Figure 46(b). Based on this ball entry, acquired information (various information such as random numbers for determining the success or failure of special symbols) is stored, and the first performance hold display area 9c displays the first performance hold 9a (hold symbol) indicating that new acquired information has been obtained. It also indicates that two unprocessed acquired information (hold information) is stored. The first performance hold 9a (hold symbol) newly displayed in Figure 46(c) is displayed in special mode 9t (first special mode, second hold symbol). The first performance hold in special mode is a symbol resembling the sun, and its display mode differs from that of the first performance hold in normal mode.

Furthermore, the display pattern for the first performance hold is determined by pre-determining whether the acquired information indicates a jackpot (i.e., whether there is a high probability of a jackpot, and whether to execute a game performance with a high probability of a jackpot (such as a reach performance or a pre-announcement performance)). The special pattern of the first performance hold indicates a higher probability of a jackpot than the normal pattern. Therefore, when the special pattern of the first performance hold is displayed, the player's expectation of a jackpot increases, enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, Figure 46(c) shows a scene where the display information on the game information display unit 210 at the top of the display screen 7a changes based on the display of the first performance reserve 9a, which is a special type indicating a high probability of winning a jackpot (also referred to as "the change condition has been met") (based on the acquisition information (special acquisition information with a high probability of winning a jackpot) being stored based on the ball entering the first start gate). When this change condition is met, the display content, display mode, display direction, and display speed of the game information 211 (identification symbols) that were previously displayed on the game information display unit 210 change.

Specifically, before the change condition is met, the first game information 211a (the text "Mountain Mode," the first identification symbol) is displayed at a predetermined size (first size), in a predetermined direction (left, first direction), and moving at a predetermined display speed (first display speed) (see Figure 46(b), etc.). In contrast, when the change condition is met, the second game information 211b (the text "Mountain Chance," the second identification symbol) is displayed at a size different from the predetermined size (larger than the predetermined size, second size). Furthermore, the second game information 211b moves and displays in a direction different from the predetermined direction (right, second direction). Also, the second game information 211b moves and displays at a display speed different from the predetermined display speed (faster than the predetermined display speed, second display speed). The position and size of the display area of the game information display unit also change before and after the change condition is met.

Thus, when the change condition is met, the display content (displayed characters), display manner (display size, display font), display direction (movement direction), and display speed of the game information 211 displayed on the game information display unit 210 (identification symbol display unit) change, allowing the player to reliably notice that the change condition has been met. Furthermore, when the change condition is met, that is, when special acquisition information with a high probability of a jackpot is stored based on the ball entering the first start opening, a game performance (reach performance or予告 performance) with a high probability of a jackpot (where the change in the display of identification information is likely to result in a specific outcome) is executed. Therefore, when the display manner of the game information display unit changes, the player's expectation of a jackpot increases, enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display content (displayed characters), display manner (display size, display font), display direction (movement direction), and display speed of the game information displayed on the game information display unit were changed based on the fulfillment of the change conditions. However, it is not necessary to change all of these. By changing at least one element, it is possible to make the player recognize that a game performance with a high probability of winning a jackpot is being executed (i.e., that a situation where a jackpot is likely to occur is being observed).

Furthermore, the game features, executed in conjunction with the changing display of the display symbols, include a game feature (first game feature) that executes a feature with a predetermined level of reliability for winning a jackpot (first feature), and a game feature (second game feature) that executes a feature with a higher level of reliability than the predetermined level (second feature). Additionally, when a special feature is displayed as the first feature hold (feature hold), the probability of the game feature (second game feature) executing the high-reliability feature (second feature) in conjunction with the changing display of the display symbols related to that feature hold is higher than when a normal feature hold is displayed.

Furthermore, the acquired information corresponding to the normal mode of performance hold may be designated as "first acquired information," and the acquired information corresponding to the special mode of performance hold may be designated as "second acquired information." According to this, when the first acquired information is stored, a game performance (first game performance) is executed in conjunction with the fluctuation display related to the first acquired information, executing a performance with a predetermined reliability level (first performance) (the probability of execution is higher than when the second acquired information is stored). When the second acquired information is stored, a game performance (second game performance) is executed in conjunction with the fluctuation display related to the second acquired information, executing a performance with a higher reliability level than the predetermined reliability level (second performance) (the probability of execution is higher than when the first acquired information is stored).

Figure 46(d) shows the scene after the variation display shown in Figure 46(c) has ended, and the three performance symbols have stopped displaying the losing symbols (losing symbol combination) "357". Also, as in Figure 46(c), the game information display unit 210 at the top of the display screen continues to show the second game information 211b moving in the state where the change condition has been met.

Figure 46(e) shows the scene where the next variation display in Figure 46(d) has begun. Furthermore, the variation display is currently being executed for the oldest acquired information among the stored unprocessed acquired information (the acquired information corresponding to the normal mode 9s in Figure 46(d)). Accordingly, in Figure 46(e), the first performance reserved 9a of normal mode 9s (first reserved symbol), which was displayed at the reserved 1 position, is shifted and displayed as the variation symbol 9f of normal mode 9v (first variation symbol) in the variation symbol display area 9e. Also, the first performance reserved 9a (reserved symbol) of special mode 9t (first special mode, second reserved symbol), which was displayed at the reserved 2 position, is shifted and displayed at the reserved 1 position while maintaining its display mode. Furthermore, in the game information display section 210 at the top of the display screen, the second game information 211b continues to move and display in the mode where the change condition has been met, similar to Figure 46(c).

Figure 46(f) shows the scene where the next variation display in Figure 46(e) has begun. Furthermore, the variation display is currently being executed for the oldest acquired information among the stored unprocessed acquired information (the acquired information corresponding to special mode 9t in Figure 46(e)). Consequently, in Figure 46(f), the first performance reserve 9a of special mode 9t (first special mode, second reserve symbol), which was displayed at the position of Reserve 1, is shifted and displayed in the variation symbol display area 9e as the variation symbol 9f of special mode 9w (first special mode, second variation symbol). By setting the display mode of this variation symbol 9f to a special mode, it indicates that the probability of the currently executing variation display resulting in a jackpot (stopping on a jackpot symbol) is higher than in the normal mode. Also, in the game information display section 210 at the top of the display screen, the second game information 211b continues to move and display in the change condition fulfilled mode, similar to Figure 46(c).

Furthermore, the fluctuation display initiated in Figure 46(f) is a fluctuation display related to the acquired information that triggered the change in the display pattern of the game information 211 shown on the game information display unit 210, that is, the trigger for the fulfillment of the change condition. Therefore, the chance display shown on the game information display unit 210 (display of the second game information 211b) indicates a high probability that the result of the fluctuation display executed in Figure 46(f) will be a jackpot.

Figure 47(g) shows the same variable display as in Figure 46(f), but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 46(f). Figure 47(g) shows a scene where both the left and right display symbols 8L and 8R stop displaying "7" symbols (matching symbols, reach symbols 216), and the middle display symbol 8C continues to vary, resulting in a so-called reach state. Furthermore, the game information display unit 210 at the top of the display screen continues to display the second game information 211b in a state where the change condition has been met, similar to Figure 46(c). Note that, in order to clearly indicate to the player that the currently running variable display is related to the acquired information that triggered the meeting of the change condition, the display mode of the game information display unit and/or the game information may be different from that in Figure 46(e) (for example, color change, brightness change, display mode change, etc.).

Figure 47(h) shows the same variable display as in Figure 47(g), but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 47(g). Figure 47(h) also shows a scene where Battle Reach 217 is selected as the reach animation (game animation) to be executed in accordance with the reach pattern established in Figure 47(g). A reach type display unit 214 is provided at the top of the display screen, showing the type (name) of the game animation to be executed; the words "Battle Reach" are displayed. Additionally, the reach symbol 216, the "7" symbol, is displayed at the top left and right of the display screen. Battle Reach 217 is a game animation in which an ally character 218 and an enemy character 219 battle. A jackpot is achieved if the ally character wins against the enemy character, and a loss is achieved if the ally character fails to win against the enemy character (loses).

Furthermore, Battle Reach 217 (the second game animation) is one of the multiple reach animations (game animations) available in this game machine that has a relatively high probability of resulting in a jackpot (and informs the player of this). Therefore, the machine also has reach animations (the first game animation, the normal reach) that have a lower probability of resulting in a jackpot (and inform the player of this). When the aforementioned "Mountain Chance" is executed (when "Mountain Chance" is displayed on the game information display), it is confirmed (and the player is notified) that a reach animation (such as Battle Reach) with a high probability of resulting in a jackpot will be executed.

Furthermore, based on the execution of a battle reach with a high probability of winning, as indicated by "Mountain Chance," the display on the game information display unit 210, which was displaying "Mountain Chance," is terminated, and the battle reach is executed using almost the entire display screen (game performance display unit) (including the display area that was displaying the game information display unit).

Figure 47(i) shows a scene where, in the battle reach shown in Figure 47(h), the allied character wins, the display ends, and the three performance symbols stop displaying the "777" jackpot symbol 220 (jackpot symbol combination, win notification performance). Note that this execution mode describes a scenario where "Mountain Chance" is displayed and a jackpot is achieved as a result of the battle reach. However, it is not always the case that a jackpot is achieved; it is also possible that "Mountain Chance" is displayed, and after the battle reach or other reach performances are executed, the result is a loss.

Furthermore, Figure 47(j) shows a scene where the first game information 211a, "Mountain Mode," is displayed (moved) on the game information display unit 210. In Figure 47(j), there are no performance symbols being displayed, and no unprocessed acquired information is stored. The first game information 211a (first identification symbol) is game information that can be displayed even when such a performance display is not being executed. On the other hand, the second game information 211b (second identification symbol), "Mountain Chance," is game information that can be displayed when a performance display is being executed, or when unprocessed acquired information is stored (at least when a performance display is being executed). In other words, when the performance symbol performance display is not being executed, the second game information 211b (second identification symbol) is not executed.

Next, other execution modes for changing the display of game information 211 will be explained using Figures 47(k) and (l). Figure 47(k) shows a scene in which a variable display of predetermined performance symbols (special symbols) is being executed. As shown in Figure 47(k), in the center of the display screen 7a, three performance symbols 8 (8L, 8C, 8R) are being displayed in a variable direction vertically. In addition, a first performance hold display area 9c (first performance hold display section) is provided in the lower left of the display screen 7a, and three first performance holds 9a are displayed, indicating that three undigested acquired information items are stored. Each of these three first performance holds 9a is displayed in a manner in which an airplane-like image (hold symbol) flies (moves and is displayed) at a predetermined speed (fifth display speed) so as to draw a circle counterclockwise (fifth direction). Furthermore, the first performance hold 9a, which is a design resembling this airplane (hold design), will be designated as the second normal mode 9ss (normal mode, first hold design).

The first performance hold 9a (second normal mode 9ss), which flies (moves and displays) in a counterclockwise circular direction (fifth direction) at a predetermined speed (fifth display speed), is the fifth game information 211e (first identification symbol) that can suggest (notify) to the player the result of the win/loss judgment (jackpot reliability), the content of the performance to be executed, and the increased expectation of a jackpot. Furthermore, the performance hold display area 9c where the fifth game information 211e is displayed is the game information display unit.

Furthermore, in the variable symbol display area 9e at the bottom center of the display screen 7a, one variable symbol 9f is displayed as an "airplane" symbol, slightly larger than the first performance hold 9a. In this variable symbol display area 9e, the variable symbol 9f, indicating that a variable display is currently in progress, is displayed in the second normal mode 9vv (normal mode, first variable symbol). The display mode of this variable symbol 9f may also indicate the possibility that the result of the currently running variable display will be a jackpot (stopped on a jackpot symbol).

Furthermore, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, in addition to the "Mountain Mode," there is also an "Airplane Mode" in which flying objects such as airplanes and rockets are displayed as characters, as a performance mode in the low probability, low base state. Figure 47(k) shows a scene where the "Airplane Mode" is being performed. A game information display unit 210 (identification symbol display unit) is provided at the top of the display screen 7a. This game information display unit 210 displays text information (third game information 211c, game information 211) indicating the currently performed performance mode, "Airplane Mode," and a display direction indication display 212 indicating the direction of variation (movement display direction) of the third game information 211c. In Figure 47(k), the third game information 211c ("Airplane Mode") and the display direction indication display 212 are scrolled (variable display, movement display) in the direction indicated by the arrow of the display direction indication display 212, which is to the left of the page.

Figure 47(l) shows the same variable display as in Figure 47(k), but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 47(k). In Figure 47(l), a ball enters the first start opening 20 at a predetermined time after the scene in Figure 47(k). Based on this ball entry, acquired information (various information such as random numbers for determining the success or failure of special symbols, and special acquired information) is stored, and a first performance reserve 9a (reserve symbol) is added to the position of reserve 4 in the first performance reserve display area 9c, indicating that newly acquired information has been stored. It also indicates that four unprocessed acquired information (reserve information) items have been stored.

Furthermore, based on the fact that a first performance hold 9a (hold symbol) is newly displayed at the position of hold 4 in Figure 47(l), all of the first performance hold 9a that were previously displayed for holds 1 to 3, as well as the first performance hold 9a for holds 1 to 3, are displayed in the second special mode 9tt (special mode, second hold symbol). In other words, all first performance hold symbols displayed in the first performance hold display area (game information display section) are displayed in the second special mode 9tt (special mode, second hold symbol).

The first performance hold in the second special mode 9tt is a rocket-shaped image, which moves vertically (in a sixth direction different from the fifth direction) at a different display speed (sixth display speed) than the first performance hold 9ss, which is an airplane image. Furthermore, the first performance hold (second hold image) in the second special mode 9tt has a different display pattern (airplane, rocket) than the first performance hold (first hold image) in the second normal mode 9ss.

The first performance hold 9a (second special form 9tt), which flies (moves and displays) in the vertical direction (sixth direction) at a predetermined speed (sixth display speed), is the sixth game information 211f (second identification symbol) that can suggest (notify) to the player the result of the win/loss judgment (jackpot reliability), the content of the performance to be executed, and the increased expectation of a jackpot. Furthermore, the performance hold display area 9c where the sixth game information 211f is displayed is the game information display unit.

Furthermore, based on the display of the first performance hold in the second special mode 9tt, the variable symbol 9f displayed in the variable symbol display area 9e also changes from the second normal mode 9vv of the airplane symbol (normal mode, first variable symbol) to the second special mode 9ww of the rocket symbol (special mode, second variable symbol).

Furthermore, the display pattern for the first performance hold is determined by pre-determining whether the acquired information indicates a jackpot (whether there is a high probability of a jackpot, and whether to execute a game performance with a high probability of a jackpot (such as a reach performance or a pre-announcement performance)). The first performance hold in the second special pattern (special pattern) is a display pattern that indicates a higher probability of a jackpot than the first performance hold in the second normal pattern (normal pattern). Therefore, when the first performance hold in the second special pattern (special pattern) is displayed, the player's expectation of a jackpot increases, enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, this shows a scene where the display information on the game information display unit 210 at the top of the display screen 7a changes, based on the display of the first performance reserve 9a of the second special mode 9tt, which indicates a high probability of winning a jackpot (also referred to as "the change condition has been met") (based on the acquisition information (special acquisition information with a high probability of winning a jackpot) being stored based on the ball entering the first start gate). Because this change condition has been met, the display content, display mode, display direction, and display speed of the game information 211 (identification symbols) that was previously displayed on the game information display unit 210 change.

Specifically, before the change condition is met, the third game information 211c (the text "Airplane Mode," the first identification symbol) is displayed at a predetermined size (third size), in a predetermined direction (left, first direction), and moving at a predetermined display speed (third display speed) (see Figure 47(k), etc.). In contrast, when the change condition is met, the fourth game information 211d (the text "Rocket Chance," the second identification symbol) is displayed at a size different from the predetermined size (larger than the predetermined size, fourth size). Furthermore, the fourth game information 211d moves and displays in a direction different from the predetermined direction (right, second direction). Also, the fourth game information 211d moves and displays at a display speed different from the predetermined display speed (faster than the predetermined display speed, fourth display speed). The position and size of the display area of the game information display unit also change before and after the change condition is met.

Furthermore, in the previously described execution mode and this execution mode, the game information (first game information and second game information, or third game information and fourth game information) is displayed in a partially overlapping display area before and after the change condition is met. Alternatively, the game information (first game information and second game information, or third game information and fourth game information) may be displayed in completely different display areas before and after the change condition is met.

Thus, in this implementation mode, based on the fulfillment of the change condition, not only the game information displayed in the game information display section at the top of the display screen, but also the display mode (character type), display direction (movement direction), and display speed of the performance hold (hold symbol) displayed in the performance hold display area are changed. Therefore, the player can reliably notice that the change condition has been fulfilled.

Furthermore, when the change conditions are met, that is, when special acquisition information with a high probability of a jackpot is stored based on the ball entering the first starting gate, a game performance (such as a reach performance or a pre-announcement performance) with a high probability of a jackpot (meaning the result of the change in the identification information display is likely to be a specific result) is executed. This execution method ensures that the player is notified in advance of the execution of the game performance with a high probability of a jackpot, and that they are reliably aware of it. This also ensures that the player reliably recognizes the change in the display of the game information display unit and the performance hold display area, increasing their anticipation for a jackpot and enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display content (displayed characters), display manner (display size, display font, characters), display direction (movement direction), and display speed of the game information and performance hold (hold symbols) displayed in the game information display unit and performance hold display area were changed based on the fulfillment of the change conditions. However, it is not necessary to change all of these. By changing at least one element, it is possible to make the player recognize that a game performance with a high probability of winning is being executed (that there is a high probability of winning). Also, either the game information display unit or the performance hold display area may be changed. Furthermore, there may be an execution mode in which both the game information display unit and the performance hold display area are changed, and an execution mode in which either the game information display unit or the performance hold display area is changed, with the execution mode in which both are changed indicating a higher probability of winning than the execution mode in which only one is changed.

Next, the display mode of the performance hold (hold symbol) in Example 2 will be explained using Figures 48 to 51. In Example 1, the display mode of the performance hold (hold symbol) was displayed in a special mode different from the normal mode, or the movement speed and direction of the performance hold (hold symbol) was changed, by pre-determining (determining) the acquired information obtained based on the ball entering the start opening. In Example 2, in addition to such display modes, or instead of such display modes,
Based on the ball entering the starting gate (first starting gate or second starting gate), the acquired information is pre-determined (determined), and the display position of the reserved symbols is changed based on the result of the pre-determined information. This makes it possible to inform the player of the probability of winning a jackpot in an easy-to-understand manner, and to inform the player in an easy-to-understand manner that the conditions for the occurrence of a game effect have been met.

Figure 48 shows the display modes of the performance hold display unit 230 (game information display unit) where the performance hold 231 (hold symbols, memory symbols) is displayed, multiple display modes of the performance hold 231, and an example of how the performance hold 231 is displayed on the performance hold display unit 230. As shown in Figure 48(a), the performance hold display unit 230 (game information display unit) is shaped like a triple-circle target. Furthermore, the outermost display position (display position away from the center) of the performance hold display unit 230, which is shaped like a triple-circle target, is designated as the first position 232 (for example, the first display unit), the middle display position is designated as the second position 233 (for example, the second display unit), and the innermost display position (center display position) is designated as the third position 234 (for example, the third display unit).

The performance hold, displayed in accordance with the acquired information obtained and stored based on the ball entering the starting gate, is displayed in a predetermined display manner at one of the first position 232 to the third position 234 (a predetermined position, any of the predetermined positions) of the performance hold display unit 230, based on the pre-determination result. In this embodiment 2, if the display manner of the performance hold 231 is the same, displaying the performance hold 231 closer to the center of the performance hold display unit 230 indicates a higher probability of winning a jackpot (jackpot reliability) than displaying it further from the center. That is, if the display manner of the performance hold 231 is the same, displaying the performance hold at the second position 233 indicates a higher probability of winning a jackpot than displaying it at the first position 232, and displaying the performance hold at the third position 234 indicates a higher probability of winning a jackpot than displaying it at the second position 233.

Furthermore, the performance hold display unit 230 is displayed in the first storage position 230a corresponding to hold 1, the second storage position 230b corresponding to hold 2, the third storage position 230c corresponding to hold 3, and the fourth storage position 230d corresponding to hold 4. Then, according to the number of unprocessed acquired information (storage count), the performance holds are displayed in a predetermined manner at the corresponding predetermined positions on the performance hold display unit 230.

Furthermore, Figures 48(b-1) and (b-2) show the display modes of the performance hold 231. The display mode of the performance hold 231a, which resembles an arrow as shown in Figure 48(b-1), is the normal mode 231a (ordinary mode), while the display mode of the performance hold 231b, which resembles lightning as shown in Figure 48(b-2), is the special mode 231b (special mode, high-reliability mode). The performance hold in special mode 231b indicates a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the performance hold in normal mode 231a. Which display mode of the performance hold is displayed is determined based on the pre-determination results of the acquired information. In this embodiment 2, two types of display modes for the performance hold are shown, but there may be three or more types of display modes, each indicating a different probability of winning a jackpot.

Furthermore, Figures 48(c-1) and (c-2) show the modes in which the performance hold 231 is displayed in a predetermined position on the performance hold display unit 230 in a predetermined display mode. Figure 48(c-1) shows the mode in which the performance hold 231 is displayed in the second position 233 of the performance hold display unit 230 in the normal mode 231a. Figure 48(c-2) shows the mode in which the performance hold 231 is displayed in the second position 233 of the performance hold display unit 230 in the special mode 231b. In this embodiment 2, the mode in Figure 48(c-2) informs the player of a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the mode in Figure 48(c-1). In other words, it can be said to be a pre-announcement (preliminary announcement, game performance) with a high probability of winning a jackpot. As described above, in Embodiment 2, the display position and display manner of the performance hold 231 on the performance hold display unit 230 can inform the player in advance of the possibility of a jackpot game (jackpot reliability) and the possible game performances that may be performed.

In this embodiment, the following settings are configured in descending order of jackpot reliability: Normal mode performance hold is displayed in the first position (jackpot reliability: 2%, no guaranteed performance); Normal mode performance hold is displayed in the second position (jackpot reliability: 4%, no guaranteed performance); Normal mode performance hold is displayed in the third position (jackpot reliability: 10%, guaranteed reach); Special mode performance hold is displayed in the first position (jackpot reliability: 15%, guaranteed reach); Special mode performance hold is displayed in the second position (jackpot reliability: 25%, guaranteed SP reach); and Special mode performance hold is displayed in the third position (jackpot reliability: 40%, guaranteed SP reach).

A confirmed reach means that, following the display of the corresponding symbols in the reserved animation, a reach animation (including a first game animation) with a relatively low probability of winning is confirmed to be executed. Furthermore, a confirmed SP reach means that, following the display of the corresponding symbols in the reserved animation, a super reach animation (battle reach, second game animation) with a relatively high probability of winning is confirmed to be executed.

Figure 49(a) shows a state where a predetermined game mode (low probability, low base state) is set, the display of changing symbols is not being executed, no unacquired information (reserve information) is stored, and no jackpot game is being played. This state is called the standby state. A display area 230 (display reserve display section, game information display section) is provided in the lower left of the display screen 7a. The display area 230 displays four target-like display sections 230 (230a, 230b, 230c, 230d). When acquired information is obtained and stored, the corresponding display reserves 231 (reserve symbols, stored symbols) are displayed in a predetermined display pattern in the corresponding display area 230, according to the number of stored items.

The performance hold display area 230 located in the first memory location 230a displays the performance hold 231 corresponding to the oldest acquired information among the unprocessed acquired information. The performance hold display area 230 located in the second memory location 230b displays the performance hold 231 corresponding to the second oldest acquired information among the unprocessed acquired information. That is, it is displayed when there are two or more unprocessed acquired information items. The performance hold display area 230 located in the third memory location 230c displays the performance hold 231 corresponding to the third oldest acquired information among the unprocessed acquired information. That is, it is displayed when there are three or more unprocessed acquired information items. The performance hold display area 230 located in the fourth memory location 230d displays the performance hold 231 corresponding to the fourth oldest acquired information (the newest acquired information) among the unprocessed acquired information. That is, it is displayed when there are four (the maximum number) unprocessed acquired information items.

Furthermore, the performance hold display area 230 displayed in each memory position 230a to d has multiple display positions (first position 232, second position 233, third position 234) on which the performance hold 231 can be displayed. The performance hold 231 is displayed in one of these multiple display positions in one of the display modes described later.

Furthermore, a variable symbol display area 236 (variable symbol display section, game information display section) is provided in the lower center right of the display screen 7a, which displays a variable symbol 237 corresponding to the currently running variable symbol display during the display of the performance symbols. In the variable symbol display area 236, one variable symbol 237 (memory symbol) is displayed as a symbol slightly larger than the performance hold 231. This variable symbol display area 236 displays a variable symbol 237 indicating that a variable symbol display is currently running. Depending on the display pattern of this variable symbol 237, it may also indicate the possibility that the result of the currently running variable symbol display will be a jackpot (stopped on a jackpot symbol).

Figure 49(b) shows a scene after a predetermined time has elapsed since the scene in Figure 49(a). A game ball has entered the starting gate (first starting gate), and based on this entry, a performance hold 231 is displayed in the performance hold display area 230 of the first memory position 230a. Information is acquired based on the ball entering the starting gate, and based on this acquired information, a performance hold 231 resembling an arrow is displayed at the first position 232 (first display unit) of the performance hold display area 230 of the first memory position 230a. This arrow-shaped performance hold 231 is displayed in the normal mode 231a (ordinary mode), indicating (notifying) the player of a lower probability of winning a jackpot than the special mode 231b (special mode, high-reliability mode) described later. Note that at the time shown in Figure 49(b), the performance symbol 8 has not yet performed its variation display.

Figure 49(c) shows a scene immediately following a predetermined time elapsed from the scene in Figure 49(b). As explained in Figure 49(b), it shows a scene where, based on the acquisition of a ball entry during the standby state (acquired information being stored), the display of the changing performance symbols begins based on the acquired information. Based on the start of the display of the changing performance symbols, the performance hold 231 that was displayed in the performance hold display area 230 of the first storage position 230a is shifted and displayed in the changing symbol display area 236 as the changing symbol 237 (storage symbol). Furthermore, the variable symbol 237 displayed in the variable symbol display area 236 has the same display mode as the performance reserve 231 that was displayed in the first position 232 of the performance reserve display area 230 before the shift display. This arrow-shaped variable symbol 237 is displayed in the normal mode 237a (ordinary mode), and indicates (notifies) the player of a lower probability of winning a jackpot than the special mode 237b (special mode, high-reliability mode) display mode described later. Also, in this embodiment, an example is shown where the same display mode is used when shifting from a performance reserve to a variable symbol. However, there may also be modes in which the display mode changes when shifting from a performance reserve to a variable symbol (changing from normal mode 231a to special mode 237b).

Furthermore, the variable symbol 237 is displayed as a slightly larger symbol than the performance hold symbol 231. This variable symbol display area 236 displays the variable symbol 237, indicating that a variable display is currently in progress. The display pattern of this variable symbol 237 may also indicate the possibility that the currently running variable display will result in a jackpot (stopping on a jackpot symbol).

Figure 49(d) shows the same variable display as in Figure 49(c), but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 49(c). In Figure 49(d), during the execution of the variable display, a ball is entered, new information is acquired, and a new performance hold 231 is displayed in the performance hold display area 230 of the first memory position 230a. In this performance hold 231, an arrow-shaped performance hold 231 is displayed in the second position (second display section) of the performance hold display area 230. This arrow-shaped performance hold 231 is the normal mode 231a (ordinary mode) display mode. Furthermore, because the performance hold 231 is displayed in the second position 233, it informs the player of a higher probability of winning than the performance hold 231 in Figure 49(b), which is displayed in the first position 232 in the normal mode 231a.

Figure 49(e) shows the scene after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 49(d), where the variation display that was running in Figure 49(d) has stopped with a losing symbol ("356"), and the variation display has ended. Figure 49(f) shows the scene after the variation display has ended in Figure 49(e) and the next variation display has started. The performance hold display area 230 of the first memory position 230a in Figure 49(e) is shifted and displayed as a variation symbol 237 in the variation symbol display area 236, and the variation display of the performance symbol corresponding to this variation symbol 237 is executed. As shown by the variation symbol 237, the arrow symbol is displayed at the second position 233, indicating a higher probability of a jackpot than the variation display shown in Figure 49(d).

Furthermore, in Figure 49(f), at a predetermined timing during the execution of the changing display of the performance symbols, a ball entry occurs, new acquired information is obtained, and a new performance hold 231 is displayed in the performance hold display area 230 of the first memory position 230a. In this performance hold 231, a performance hold 231 resembling lightning is displayed in the third position (third display section, the position with the highest probability of winning) of the performance hold display area 230. This lightning-like performance hold 231 is a special mode 231b (special mode, high-reliability mode) display mode. Also, because the performance hold 231 is in special mode 231b and displayed in the third position 234, it informs the player of a higher probability of winning than the performance hold 231 displayed in Figures 49(b) and 49(d).

By diversifying the display position and display mode of the performance hold, and enabling special display modes at any display position, players will find the variations in the performance hold display mode more engaging. Furthermore, players who see a performance hold with a high probability of winning, such as in Figure 49(f), will experience a heightened sense of anticipation for a win, significantly increasing their enjoyment of the game.

Figure 50(g) shows the same variable display as in Figure 49(f), but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 49(f). Figure 50(g) shows a situation where, during the variable display of the performance symbols, the left and right performance symbols stop displaying the same symbol, and the middle performance symbol continues to display a variable, resulting in a reach pattern ("5↓5"). The reach symbol 216 constituting this reach pattern is the "5" symbol.

Figure 50(h) shows the same variable display as in Figure 50(g), but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 50(g). Figure 50(h) shows a scene where a "normal reach" animation (reach animation, first game animation), which has a relatively low probability of winning, is executed based on the fact that the animation symbols entered a reach state in Figure 50(g). In the "normal reach" animation, the left and right animation symbols (two animation symbols) stop displaying the reach symbol "5," while the middle animation symbol (one animation symbol) continues to change display. If the middle animation symbol stops displaying the same "5" as the reach symbol, it is a win; if it stops displaying a different symbol, it is a loss. Also, the words "Normal Reach" are displayed in the reach type display section 214 at the top of the display screen.

Here, in the variation display related to the variation symbol 237 where the arrow symbol is displayed at the second position 233, the probability of executing a reach animation is set higher than in the variation display related to the variation symbol 237 where the arrow symbol is displayed at the first position 232 (when the arrow symbol is displayed in a position with a higher probability of winning). Furthermore, the probability of executing a reach animation with a high probability of winning is set higher. Note that in the normal animation hold animation where the second position is displayed, and the corresponding variation symbol, the probability of winning is set to 4%, and there are no guaranteed animations. "No guaranteed animations" means that the execution of reach animations and character animations is not guaranteed; these animations may or may not be executed (the probability of them not being executed is higher).

Figure 50(i) shows a scene after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 50(h). In the reach animation performed in Figure 50(h), the middle animation symbol stops at a symbol different from the reach symbol ("5") ("6"), then stops at a losing symbol ("565"), and the animation ends.

Figure 50(j) shows the scene where the variation display in Figure 50(i) has ended and the next variation display has started. The effect hold 231 in the effect hold display area 230 of the first memory position 230a in Figure 50(i) is shifted and displayed as a variation symbol 237 in the variation symbol display area 236, and the variation display of the effect symbol corresponding to this variation symbol 237 is executed. As shown by the variation symbol 237, the lightning symbol, which is special form 237b, is displayed in the third position 234, which is the position with the highest probability of winning a jackpot, indicating a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the variation display shown in Figure 49(f), etc. Note that the form in which the special form of the effect hold is displayed in the third position, and the variation symbol corresponding to it, are set to have a jackpot probability of 40% and to guarantee an SP reach effect. "SP Reach Performance Confirmed" means that the reach performance will be either an SP reach performance (second game performance) or a game performance (second game performance) with a jackpot probability of SP reach performance or higher.

Figure 50(k) shows the same variable display as in Figure 50(k), but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 50(k). In Figure 50(k), during the variable display of the performance symbols, the left and right performance symbols stop displaying the same symbol ("7"), and the middle performance symbol continues to display a variable, resulting in a reach pattern ("7↓7"). The reach symbol 216 that constitutes the reach pattern is a "7".

Figure 50(l) shows the same variable display as in Figure 50(k), but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 50(k). Figure 50(l) shows the execution of the "Battle Reach" sequence 217 (reach sequence, second game sequence), which has a relatively high probability of winning a jackpot, based on the fact that the display symbols in Figure 50(k) have become a reach sequence ("7↓7"). In Figure 50(l), the symbol of special sequence 237b is displayed at the third position 234 as the variable symbol 237, and therefore, the "Battle Reach" sequence, which has a high probability of winning a jackpot, is executed in accordance with this display sequence.

In the "Battle Reach" sequence 217, the "7" symbol, which is the reach symbol, is displayed on the left and right sides of the top of the screen. In the center of the screen, a battle sequence is performed between the ally character 218 and the enemy character 219. If the ally character defeats the enemy character, it is a jackpot; if the ally character loses (fails to win), it is a miss. The reach type display section 214 at the top of the screen also displays the words "Battle Reach" to indicate the type of reach.

Here, in the variation display related to the variation symbol (performance hold) where the lightning symbol is displayed in the third position, the probability of a big win is higher than in the variation display related to the variation symbol (performance hold) where the arrow symbol is displayed in the first to third positions, or in the variation display related to the variation symbol (performance hold) where the lightning symbol is displayed in the first or second position. Furthermore, the probability of a reach performance (SP reach performance) being performed is set higher. Also, the probability of a reach performance with a high probability of a big win being performed is set higher.

Figure 51(m) shows a scene after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 50(l), in the same variable display as Figure 50(l). It depicts a scene where, in the reach animation (battle reach animation) that was performed in Figure 50(l), the ally character defeats the enemy character, the middle animation symbols stop displaying the same symbols ("7" symbols) as the reach symbols ("7" symbols), and the jackpot symbols ("777") are displayed.

Figure 51(n) shows a scene where, based on the display of the winning animation (an animation in which an ally character defeats an enemy character, and the display of the winning symbols) shown in Figure 50(m), the animation symbols are stopped and confirmed as the winning symbols ("777"), and the winning notification animation 220 is executed. This ends the variation display. Subsequently, the winning game is executed. In this embodiment, the execution method shown is one in which the variation display result related to the variation symbols (animation hold) with a special pattern (lightning symbol) displayed in the third position results in a winning outcome; however, it may also result in a loss. Furthermore, it may also be considered a confirmed winning outcome.

Furthermore, Figure 51(o) shows another implementation mode in which four unprocessed acquisition information items are stored during the display of a predetermined performance symbol variation. The variation display during execution corresponds to the variation symbol 237 displayed in the variation symbol display area 236. As shown in variation symbol 237, the lightning symbol, which is special implementation mode 237b, is displayed in the second position 233, which is a position with a relatively high probability of winning. Note that the variation display related to the variation symbol (performance hold) where the special implementation performance hold is displayed in the second position has a 25% probability of winning and is set to guarantee an SP reach performance.

Furthermore, in the performance hold display area 230 of the first memory position 230a, the performance hold of the arrow pattern, which is the normal form 231a, is displayed in the third position 234, which has a relatively high probability of winning a jackpot. Note that the variation display related to the performance hold (variable pattern) where the normal form of the performance hold is displayed in the third position is set to a jackpot probability of 10% and a reach performance is guaranteed. Since it is a "reach performance guaranteed," the execution of a reach performance with a jackpot probability of at least a "normal reach" (which has a relatively low jackpot probability) is guaranteed (some kind of reach performance will be executed). In such cases, the probability of a reach performance with a lower jackpot probability (normal reach performance, first game performance) being executed is higher than that of a reach performance with a higher jackpot probability (battle reach performance, second game performance).

Furthermore, in the performance hold display area 230 of the second memory position 230b, the performance hold of the lightning symbol, which is special form 231b, is displayed at the first position 232. Note that the variation display related to the performance hold (variable symbol) of the special form that is displayed at the first position has a jackpot reliability of 15% and is set to a guaranteed reach performance. Furthermore, in the performance hold display area 230 of the third memory position 230c, the performance hold of the arrow symbol, which is normal form 231a, is displayed at the second position 233. Note that the variation display related to the performance hold (variable symbol) of the normal form that is displayed at the second position has a jackpot reliability of 4% and is set to no guaranteed performance. Furthermore, in the performance hold display area 230 of the fourth memory position 230d, the performance hold of the arrow symbol, which is normal form 231a, is displayed at the first position 232, which has a relatively low jackpot reliability. Furthermore, the variation display related to the variation in the variation (variable symbol) where the variation in the variation is displayed in the first position in the normal variation is set to have a 2% chance of winning and no guaranteed variation.

Thus, the performance hold (memory symbol) can be displayed in one of several display positions (position 1 to position 3) based on the pre-determined results of the acquired information. Furthermore, regardless of which display position (position 1 to position 3) it is displayed in, the display mode can be either a normal mode or a special mode, each representing a different level of jackpot reliability. This diversifies the display modes of the performance hold and makes the jackpot reliability indicated by the performance hold easier for players to understand, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, the likelihood of displaying a special animation indicating a high probability of a big win may differ depending on the display position of the animation hold. For example, displaying the animation hold in the second position may increase the likelihood of displaying a special animation compared to displaying it in the first position.

Furthermore, in the previously described embodiment, the probability of a jackpot differed depending on the display position where the "performance hold" was displayed. Alternatively, the probability of a bonus being triggered may differ depending on the display position where the "performance hold" is displayed. Specifically, the probability of a bonus being triggered may be higher when the "performance hold" is displayed in the second position than when it is displayed in the first position. Similarly, the probability of a bonus being triggered may be higher when the "performance hold" is displayed in the third position than when it is displayed in the second position. Also, for example, the jackpot game could consist of a first jackpot game (first special game) and a second jackpot game (second special game) that offers greater benefits to the player than the first jackpot game (first special game), with the execution of the second jackpot game (achieving a second jackpot) being defined as a "bonus."

Furthermore, for example, a jackpot game could include a favorable jackpot game (with a high probability of success) and a disadvantageous jackpot game (with a lower probability of success than the first jackpot game, including "0"), and the execution of a favorable jackpot game (achieving a favorable jackpot) could be considered a "reward."

Next, using Figure 52, we will explain other display modes (display patterns) that change the display position and display mode of the performance hold. Other display mode 1 is a mode that changes in the sequence of Figure 52(a) → Figure 52(b) → Figure 52(c). Figure 52(a) shows a scene where a predetermined performance symbol variation display is being executed. In the performance hold display area 230, performance holds 231 are displayed at two locations: the first memory position 230a and the second memory position 230b. The variation symbol display area 236 displays the variation symbol in a display mode where the arrow symbol of normal mode 237a (normal mode) is stuck in the first position 232 (first display section) of the target. This display mode has a relatively low probability of resulting in a jackpot, and the expectation that the result of the ongoing variation display will be a jackpot (a specific result) is low.

Figure 52(b) shows a scene after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 52(a). The fluctuation display that was running in Figure 52(a) has ended, and the three performance symbols have stopped displaying as losing symbols ("465"). When the performance symbols stop displaying as losing symbols, the display of the fluctuation symbols that were displayed in conjunction with the fluctuation display ends (they are hidden). Note that in the performance hold display area, target symbols are displayed even in memory positions where no performance hold is displayed. When a performance hold is displayed, symbols such as arrow symbols and lightning symbols are displayed in a manner that they appear to be piercing the predetermined positions of the target symbols. Furthermore, in the fluctuation symbol display area, target symbols and arrow symbols are displayed only while the performance symbols are fluctuating; when the fluctuation display ends, neither target symbols nor arrow symbols are displayed.

Figure 52(c) shows the scene where the next variation display has started after the variation display shown in Figure 52(b) has ended. The variation hold 231 in the first memory position 230a in Figure 52(b) is shifted and displayed as variation symbol 237, and the variation hold 231 in the second memory position 230b in Figure 52(b) is shifted and displayed in the first memory position 230a. Furthermore, the variation display of the variation display currently running in Figure 52(c) corresponds to the variation symbol 237.

Furthermore, Figure 52(c) shows that at the timing when the variation display of the performance symbol ends and the next variation display begins (the timing when the performance hold is shifted), the display mode of the performance hold, which is displayed in the normal form 231a of the arrow symbol at the first position 232 (first display unit, first area), changes from the same first position 232 (first display unit, first area) to the special form 231b of the lightning symbol. Thus, Figures 52(a) → 52(b) → 52(c) show a mode in which the display mode changes while maintaining the display in the same first display unit (first area) at the timing when the performance hold shifts from the second memory position 230b to the first memory position 230a. Although not shown in the illustration, when shifting from the performance hold to the variation symbol, there may also be a mode in which the display mode changes while maintaining the display in the same first display unit (first area), similar to the above.

Another display mode 2 is a mode that changes in the sequence shown in Figure 52(a) → Figure 52(b) → Figure 52(d). Explanations for Figures 52(a) and 52(b) are omitted.

Figure 52(d) shows the scene where the next variation display has started after the variation display of the performance symbols shown in Figure 52(b) has ended. The performance hold 231 in the first memory position 230a in Figure 52(b) is shifted and displayed as the variation symbol 237, and the performance hold 231 in the second memory position 230b in Figure 52(b) is shifted and displayed in the first memory position 230a. Also, the variation display of the performance symbols currently being executed in Figure 52(d) is the variation display corresponding to the variation symbol 237.

Furthermore, Figure 52(d) shows how, at the timing when the variation display of the performance symbols ends and the next variation display begins (the timing when the performance hold is shifted and displayed), the display mode of the performance hold, which is normally displayed as an arrow symbol 231a in the first position 232 (first display unit, first area), changes to a special display mode of a lightning symbol 231b in the second position 233 (second display unit, second area). Thus, Figures 52(a) → 52(b) → 52(d) show how, at the timing when the performance hold is shifted and displayed from the second memory position 230b to the first memory position 230a, the display area changes from the first display unit (first area) to the second display unit (second area), and the display mode also changes. This type of animation, where the display of the animation hold changes from the normal (ordinary) display to a special (or unique) display, or where the animation hold is displayed in a special, different display from the normal one, is called an "animation hold change animation (or memory symbol change animation)."

The other display mode 3 is a mode that changes in the sequence from Figure 52(a) to Figure 52(e). The explanation for Figure 52(a) is omitted. Figure 52(e) shows a scene after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 52(a), while the same variation display of the performance symbols shown in Figure 52(a) is being executed. In Figure 52(e), the display mode of the performance hold displayed in the second memory position 230b changes at a predetermined timing during the variation display of the performance symbols. Specifically, it shows a mode in which a performance hold displayed in the first position 232 (first display unit, first area) in the normal mode 231a of an arrow symbol changes to a performance hold displayed in the same first position 232 (first display unit, first area) in the special mode 231b of a lightning symbol. Thus, Figure 52(a) to Figure 52(e) shows a mode in which the display mode of the performance hold changes at a predetermined timing during the variation display while maintaining the display in the same first display unit (first area). Although not illustrated, when shifting from a pending animation to a variable symbol display, the display mode may be changed while maintaining the same display in the same first display unit (first area), similar to the method described above.

The other display mode 4 is a mode that changes in the sequence from Figure 52(a) to Figure 52(f). The explanation for Figure 52(a) is omitted. Figure 52(f) shows the same variation display of the performance symbols shown in Figure 52(a) during execution, but after a predetermined time has elapsed since Figure 52(a). Figure 52(f) shows that the display mode of the performance hold displayed in the second memory position 230b changes at a predetermined timing during the variation display of the performance symbols. Specifically, it shows a mode in which the performance hold displayed in the first position 232 (first display unit, first area) in the normal mode 231a of the arrow symbol changes to a performance hold displayed in the third position 234 (third display unit, second area) in the special mode 231b of the lightning symbol. As shown above, Figures 52(a) and 52(f) illustrate a mechanism in which, at a predetermined timing during the execution of the changing display of the performance symbols, the display area changes from the first display unit (first area) to the second display unit (second area) at a predetermined memory position, and the display mode also changes. This type of performance, where the display mode of the performance hold changes from a normal mode to a special mode, or where the performance hold is displayed in a special mode different from the normal mode, is called a "hold change performance (memory symbol change performance)."

This allows for diversification of the display patterns for the animation hold, and also enhances the enjoyment of the game by drawing attention to both the display position and pattern of the animation hold during the animation pattern change display or at the timing of the start of the next animation pattern change display.

Next, the pachinko game machine of Example 3 will be described using Figures 53 to 55. In Example 3, a high-probability, low-base state is set as a game state after the end of a jackpot game. In Example 1, the variation time of the special symbols differs between the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state (see Figure 7). In Example 3, the variation time of the special symbols differs between the low-probability, low-base state, the high-base state (low-guaranteed base state, high-probability, high-base state), and the high-probability, low-base state (high-probability, low-base state).

In particular, the variation time of the special symbols related to a minor win (specific win) when the result of the special symbol win/loss judgment is a minor win (hereinafter also referred to as "minor win variation time") is made different for each game state. Specifically, in the low probability low base state (game state A) in Example 3, the minor win variation time is set to a relatively long variation time (for example, 60 seconds). Also, in the high base state (game state B), the minor win variation time is set to a relatively long variation time (for example, 30 seconds), although shorter than in the low probability low base state. On the other hand, in the high probability low base state (game state B, specific game state), the minor win variation time is set to a relatively short variation time (for example, 2 seconds). This increases the frequency of minor wins (minor win games) that can occur per unit time in the high probability low base state (specific game state). Furthermore, in this game state (specific game state, high probability low base state), the frequency of minor wins (minor win games) is higher than in other game states (low probability low base state, low probability high base state, high probability high base state). Therefore, this game state (specific game state) is also called the "minor win rush" state.

Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, in the low probability/low base state, the game is played by aiming at the first start opening 20 by shooting leftward to send the game balls down into the left game area. In the low probability/high base state, high probability/high base state, and high probability/low base state, the game is played by aiming at the second start opening 21 by shooting rightward to send the game balls down into the right game area. This type of gameplay is the most profitable for the player. Also in Embodiment 3, a third start opening 261 may be provided at a position where game balls flowing down into the right game area can enter (for example, the non-variable ball entry opening diagonally above and to the right of the first large prize entry opening 30 in Figure 3 is the third start opening 261). This third start opening 261 has a third start opening sensor 261a that detects the entry of game balls.

Furthermore, the third starting port, like the first starting port 20, is a non-variable starting port in which the ease of entry of the game ball does not change. Based on the entry of a game ball into the third starting port 261, random numbers for determining the success or failure of special symbols (acquired information) are acquired. When predetermined conditions are met, a success or failure determination for the second special symbol (second special symbol success or failure determination) is performed, and the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. Based on the result of the success or failure determination, it is displayed as stopped. In addition, the acquired information obtained based on the entry of a ball into the third starting port, together with the acquired information obtained from the entry of a ball into the second starting port 21, can be stored to hold up to four unsaved pieces of acquired information.

As a result, in a high-probability, low-base state, when the ball is shot to the right, even without opening the variable second start port 21, the game ball can be sent into the third start port 261 to perform a second special symbol win/fail judgment, and if the result of the judgment is a minor win, a minor win game can be generated. Also, in a high-probability, low-base state (specific game state), because it is a low-base state, the frequency of opening the second start port is low, and the frequency of balls entering the second start port is not high. On the other hand, because the minor win variation time when a minor win occurs is set to be short, the execution frequency of minor win games per unit time is higher than in other game states. Then, by sending a game ball into the second large prize port 35, which is opened by a minor win (minor win game), it is possible to acquire a predetermined amount of game balls. Furthermore, the amount of prize balls (game profit) obtainable from one ball entering the second main prize slot is greater than the amount of prize balls (game profit) obtainable from one ball entering the second starting slot.

Furthermore, in the high-probability, low-base state, the number of prize balls obtainable through minor wins (provided minor wins occur at the predetermined minor win probability) is set to be greater than the number of balls lost through firing. In other words, it is a game state (specific game state) that is advantageous to the player. In this embodiment 3, the method of acquiring prize balls (game benefits) in this advantageous special game state (specific game state) is implemented using a novel, highly engaging display method to enhance the enjoyment of the game. In the implementation method described below, the presentation mode that notifies the player of the high-probability, low-base state (specific game state) is called "Special Mode."

Figure 53(a) shows a scene where the game state after a big win has ended is set to a high probability, low base state, and a notification (the text "Special Mode Entered") indicating that the game state has been set is displayed at the top of the display screen. In the left center of display screen 7a, the performance symbol 8 is performing a variation display. Furthermore, the upper left of the display screen 7a displays a launch direction notification unit 243 (a right arrow and the words "Right-Handed Shot") which indicates that the game will be played by launching a game ball into the second game area (so-called "right-handed shot"). The lower part of the display screen 7a is provided with a second performance hold display area 9d (performance hold display unit) capable of displaying the second performance hold (performance hold, hold symbol), and a variable symbol display area 9e capable of displaying the variable symbol 9f. In Figure 53(a), the second performance hold is not displayed in the second performance hold display area 9d, indicating that no unsaved acquired information (hold information) is stored. The variable symbol display area 9e displays the variable symbol 9f corresponding to the currently changing performance symbol 8.

The right-hand display area of the display screen 7a (game performance display section) has a first profit display section 241 for displaying game profits obtained during special mode, and a second profit display section 242 for displaying game profits obtained during special mode. Of the 10 profit display sections indicated by horizontally elongated rectangular dashed lines in the right-hand area of the display screen 7a, the five vertical display sections on the right are the first profit display section 241. The first profit display section 241 displays a symbol (profit display) indicating that a game profit has been obtained based on a game ball entering the second large prize pocket 35 when a small win occurs in special mode (specific game state). In addition, of the 10 profit display sections indicated by horizontally elongated rectangular dashed lines in the right-hand area of the display screen 7a, the five vertical display sections on the left are the second profit display section 242. The second profit display unit 242 displays a symbol (profit display) indicating that a game profit has been earned when a game ball enters the special ball entry slot 262 during special mode (specific game state).

In this embodiment 3, when one game ball enters the second large prize slot 35, 15 game balls are awarded (disbursed) as prize balls, and when one game ball enters the special ball slot 262, 10 game balls are awarded (disbursed) as prize balls. Furthermore, when a winning game (big win game, small win game) is not being played, the second large prize slot is kept closed (unable to enter) by the opening/closing member 32, and opens in a predetermined opening pattern when a winning game (big win game, small win game) is played. The special ball slot 262 is a non-variable ball slot, and although the frequency of ball entry (possibility of ball entry) is not as high as the open second large prize slot, it is always in a state where game balls can be entered.

Figure 53(b) shows the same variable display as in Figure 53(a) continuing, with three game balls entering the second start opening 21 during the variable display, and three second performance reserves 9b (reserve symbols) corresponding to the acquired information obtained based on the ball entry being displayed in the second performance reserve display area 9d. Also, as shown in Figure 53(b), the first profit display unit 241 is, from bottom to top, comprised of the first profit display unit A241a, the first profit display unit B241b, the first profit display unit C241c, the first profit display unit D241d, and the first profit display unit E241e. Also, the second profit display unit 242 is, from bottom to top, comprised of the second profit display unit A242a, the second profit display unit B242b, the second profit display unit C242c, the second profit display unit D242d, and the second profit display unit E242e.

Furthermore, in Special Mode (specific game state), if a minor win occurs and a game ball enters the second major prize slot 35 (specific prize slot, first specific prize slot), the first profit display 251 (game profit display) will be displayed for a predetermined time on one of the display units A241a to E241e of the first profit display unit, depending on the situation at the time. Also, in Special Mode (specific game state), if a game ball enters the special ball slot 262 (second specific prize slot), the second profit display 252 (game profit display) will be displayed for a predetermined time on one of the display units A242a to E242e of the second profit display unit, depending on the situation at the time. Note that the term "Special Mode" (specific game state, bonus game state) includes the execution of the high probability low base state and the execution of minor win games that occur in said high probability low base state.

Figure 53(c) shows the scene where the result of the fluctuation display in Figure 52(b) is a minor win, and the minor win symbol 244 ("33★", a specific win symbol) is displayed as a confirmed stop in the left display area of the display screen 7a. Based on the display of this minor win symbol ("33★"), the minor win game is then executed. Figure 53(d) shows the scene where the minor win game is executed based on the confirmed stop display of the minor win symbol in Figure 53(c) (the result of the special symbol win/failure judgment is a minor win). The specific win notification symbol 245 is displayed in the upper center of the display screen 7a. This specific win notification symbol 245 displays an image of an airplane flying to the right, informing the player that it is the time for the minor win game and that the minor win game should be played by shooting to the right. Furthermore, the display of the minor win symbol ("33★") remains active even while a minor win game is in progress.

Furthermore, the first profit display unit A241a (first display unit) displays the text image (image, pattern) "15pt" as the first profit display A251a. This "15pt" text image (first profit display A251a) means that in a single opening during a minor win game, 15 prize balls were won (game profit was won) when one game ball entered the second large prize slot. However, if two game balls enter the second large prize slot during a single opening during a minor win game, the text image (image, pattern) "30pt☆" will be displayed in a predetermined display section of the first profit display unit 241a (first display unit). In other words, if the game profit (amount) differs depending on the ball entering the second large prize slot 35, a different display image ("15pt" or "30pt☆", etc.) will be displayed in the first profit display unit.

Furthermore, the mini-win game is designed to perform two 0.9-second openings. The number of balls that enter each time is totaled, and the game profit obtained from those balls is displayed on a predetermined display section of the first profit display unit 241. Therefore, if the first profit display is not shown on either of the first profit display units, and two balls enter during the first opening, the text image "30pt☆" will be displayed on the first profit display unit A241a (first display unit). If one ball enters during the second opening, the display on the first profit display unit 241a will remain, and the text image "15pt" will be displayed on the first profit display unit B241b (second display unit). If no balls enter during a single opening in the mini-win game, nothing may be displayed, or "0pt" may be displayed.

Furthermore, each of the first profit displays 251 (such as "15pt" or "30pt☆") displayed on the first profit display unit 241 maintains its display for a predetermined time (10 seconds in this embodiment). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the display of the first profit display 251 is terminated. Also, in this embodiment, if none of the five first profit display units 241 (241a to 241e) are displaying anything, and a first profit display is displayed (when a ball enters the second large prize slot), that first profit display is displayed on the bottommost first profit display unit A241a.

Furthermore, if a first profit display is shown in any of the first profit display units 241, and a first profit display is shown again (when a ball enters the second large prize slot), that first profit display will be shown in the first profit display unit 241 directly above the one currently displaying the first profit display. However, if a first profit display is shown in the uppermost first profit display unit 241 (including the state where all first profit display units 241 are displayed), and a first profit display is shown again (when a ball enters the second large prize slot), that first profit display will be shown in the lowest first profit display unit A241a.

Figure 53(e) shows a scene in which the minor win game shown in Figure 53(d) is continuing, and the first profit display unit B241b displays the first profit display B251b ("30pt☆") based on the fact that two balls entered the second major prize slot during the second opening of the minor win game. At the top of the display screen 7a, the specific win notification symbol 245 (minor win game notification symbol), which indicates that the minor win game is in progress, is displayed. In the scene shown in Figure 53(e), since the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not yet elapsed since the first profit display A251a ("15pt") was displayed on the first profit display unit A241a, the display of the first profit display A251a ("15pt") remains active, and the first profit display B251b ("30pt☆") is displayed on the first profit display unit B241b. Furthermore, the text image (picture, design) of "30pt☆" is displayed as the first profit display B251b. This text image of "30pt☆" (first profit display B251b) signifies that, in a single opening during a minor win game, 2 game balls entered the second major prize slot, resulting in the acquisition of 30 prize balls (acquisition of game profit).

Figure 53(f) shows the scene after the minor win game shown in Figure 53(e) has ended and the display of the next reel symbol has begun. The Special Mode (high probability low base state, specific game state, bonus game state) is also continuing. As the display of the next reel symbol begins, the three reel symbols 9b (reserve symbols) displayed in Figure 53(e) are shifted. Specifically, the reel symbol 9b at position 1 is shifted and displayed as a reserve symbol 9f in the reel symbol display area 9e, and the reel symbols 9b at positions 2 and 3 are shifted and displayed as reel symbols 9b at positions 1 and 2, respectively. Furthermore, the first profit display A251a and first profit display B251b displayed in the first profit display unit A241a and first profit display unit B241b are still displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since they were displayed.

Figure 54(g) shows the same variable display as in Figure 53(f), but after a predetermined time has elapsed. The special mode is also in progress. Furthermore, during the execution of the variable display, one game ball enters the second start port 21, and the second performance reserve 9b (reserve symbol) corresponding to the acquired information obtained based on that ball entry is displayed in the reserve 3 position of the second performance reserve display area 9d. Also, the first acquired profit display A251a and the first acquired profit display B251b displayed in the first acquired profit display unit A241a and B241b are still displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since they were displayed.

Figure 54(h) shows the scene after the fluctuation display shown in Figure 54(g) has ended and the losing symbol ("337") has been confirmed and stopped. The special mode is still in progress. Furthermore, the first profit display A251a and first profit display B251b, shown in the first profit display units A241a and B241b, are still displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since they were displayed.

Figure 54(i) shows the scene where the next variation display begins after the variation display in Figure 54(h) has ended. Furthermore, as the variation display of the next performance symbol begins, the three performance hold symbols 9b (hold symbols) displayed in Figure 53(h) shift and are displayed accordingly. Also, the first profit display B251b ("30pt☆") displayed in the first profit display unit B241b remains displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since it was displayed. On the other hand, the first profit display A251a ("15pt") displayed in the first profit display unit A241a has ended its display and is no longer shown because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has elapsed since it was displayed.

Figure 54(j) shows the scene after the variation display shown in Figure 54(i) has ended and the next variation display has started. The special mode is still in progress. Furthermore, during the execution of the variation display, one game ball enters the second start port 21, and the second performance reserve 9b (reserve symbol) corresponding to the acquired information obtained based on that ball entry is displayed in the reserve 3 position of the second performance reserve display area 9d. Also, the first acquired profit display B251b ("30pt☆") that was displayed in the first acquired profit display unit B241b (third display unit) has ended its display and is no longer visible because a predetermined period (10 seconds) has elapsed since it was displayed. In this way, the acquired profit displays shown in the acquired profit display unit each end their display sequentially after a predetermined period has elapsed since they were displayed.

On the other hand, during the fluctuation display, based on the fact that a game ball entered the special ball entry opening 262, the second profit display unit A242a displays the text image (image, pattern) "10pt" as the second profit display A252a. This second profit display 252 (game profit display) displayed in the second profit display unit 242 is a profit acquisition notification image displayed when a game ball enters the special ball entry opening 262, which is located in a position where it can be entered with the same right-hand shooting as in a minor win game, during special mode (high probability low base state, specific game state, bonus game state).

Furthermore, the "10pt" text image (second profit display A252a) displayed in the second profit display section 242 indicates that 10 prize balls (game profit) have been won when one game ball enters the special ball entry slot 262. This is displayed in the second profit display section each time a ball enters the special ball entry slot. The game profit (prize balls) obtained from balls entering the special ball entry slot is less than (and therefore different from) the game profit (prize balls) obtained from balls entering the second large prize entry slot. Also, the display format of the first profit display in the first profit display section and the second profit display in the second profit display section differs (see Figure 54(l), etc.). This is to diversify the display format and to clearly distinguish between game profits. In other words, the display format differs depending on the difference in game profits obtained.

Furthermore, the display methods for both the first profit display A and the first profit display B differ (the presence or absence of a star, and differences in the characters). Similar to the first profit display, the second profit display continues to be displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) after the display begins. In this embodiment, the display time for the first and second profit displays is the same (10 seconds), but in other cases, the display times may be different (either display time may be longer). The display time may also differ depending on the difference in game profits. Furthermore, the display time may be longer for larger game profits.

Figure 54(k) shows the result of the fluctuation display (special symbol win/loss determination) in Figure 54(j) as a minor win, and the minor win symbol 244 (specific win symbol, "33★") is displayed as a confirmed stop. Also, the second profit display A252a ("10pt") displayed in the second profit display unit A242a remains displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since it was displayed.

Figure 54(l) shows a scene where a minor win game is being played based on the fact that the minor win symbol was confirmed and stopped in Figure 54(k) (the result of the special symbol win/failure judgment was a minor win). At the top center of the display screen 7a, the specific win notification symbol 245 is displayed, indicating that the minor win game is in progress. Furthermore, the first profit display unit A241a shows the first profit display A251a ("15pt") indicating that during the first opening of the minor win game, one ball entered the second large prize slot (first ball entry, first specific prize), resulting in the acquisition of 15 prize balls (acquisition of game profit). When this first profit display A251a was displayed, the first profit display unit A241a did not have a first profit display, so it was displayed in the first profit display unit A241a.

Furthermore, the first profit display unit B241b shows the first profit display A251a ("15pt") indicating that during the second opening of the small-win game, one ball entered the second large prize slot (second ball entry, second specific prize entry, another ball entry), resulting in the acquisition of 15 prize balls (acquisition of game profit). When this first profit display A251a was displayed, the first profit display unit A241a already displayed the first profit display based on the previous ball entry; therefore, this time, the first profit display A251a was displayed in the first profit display unit B241b.

Furthermore, the second profit display unit B242b (fourth display unit) shows a second profit display A252a ("10pt") indicating that during the execution of a minor win game, one ball entered the special ball entry slot 262 (fourth specific win), resulting in the acquisition of 10 prize balls (acquisition of game profit). Since the second profit display was already shown in the second profit display unit A242a (third display unit) when this second profit display A252a was shown, the second profit display A252a was displayed in the second profit display unit B242b (fourth display unit). Also, the second profit display A252a ("10pt") displayed in the second profit display unit A242a remains displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since it was displayed.

In this way, by getting game balls into the second major prize slot or special ball slot in a short period of time, it is possible to display the winnings while maintaining the display of the previous (and subsequent) winnings. This makes players feel that they are winning a large amount of money in a short time, thus increasing their enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, because players play in an effort to display many winnings simultaneously, it is possible to suppress repeated firing and stopping (so-called "stop-and-go shooting") during gameplay, thereby improving the utilization rate of the gaming machine.

Figure 55(m) shows the scene after the minor win game shown in Figure 54(l) has ended and the display of the next reel symbol has begun. The special mode (high probability, low base state) is still active. As the display of the next reel symbol begins, the three reel symbols 9b (reserve symbols) displayed in Figure 54(l) shift and are displayed accordingly. Furthermore, the first profit display A251a, shown in the first profit display unit A241a and the first profit display unit B241b, respectively, remains displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since they were displayed. Similarly, the second profit display A252a, shown in the second profit display unit A242a and the second profit display unit B242b, respectively, also remains displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since they were displayed.

Figure 55(n) shows a scene where the result of the fluctuation display (special symbol win/loss judgment) shown in Figure 55(m) is a minor win, and the minor win symbol 244 (specific win symbol, "33★") is displayed as a confirmed stop. Furthermore, the first profit display A251a, displayed in the first profit display unit A241a and the first profit display unit B241b, respectively, remains displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since it was displayed. Similarly, the second profit display A252a, displayed in the second profit display unit B242b, remains displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since it was displayed. On the other hand, the second profit display A252a ("10pt"), which was displayed in the second profit display unit A242a, has ended its display and is no longer visible because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has elapsed since it was displayed.

Figure 55(o) shows a scene where a minor win game is executed based on the fact that the minor win symbol was confirmed and stopped in Figure 55(n) (the result of the special symbol win/failure judgment was a minor win). At the top center of the display screen 7a, the specific win notification symbol 245 is displayed, indicating that the minor win game is in progress. Furthermore, the first profit display unit C241c displays the first profit display B251b ("30pt☆"), indicating that during the first opening of the minor win game, two balls entered the second large prize slot (first ball entry, first specific prize entry), resulting in the acquisition of 30 prize balls (acquisition of game profit). When this first profit display B251b was displayed, the first profit display was already displayed in the first profit display unit B241b; therefore, this first profit display B251b was displayed in the first profit display unit C241c.

Furthermore, the first profit display unit D241d displays the first profit display A251a ("15pt"), indicating that during the second opening of the small-win game, one ball entered the second large prize slot (second ball entry, second specific prize entry), resulting in the acquisition of 15 prize balls (acquisition of game profit). Since the first profit display was displayed in the first profit display unit C241c when this first profit display A251a was displayed, the first profit display A251a was displayed in the first profit display unit D241d in this instance.

Furthermore, the second profit display unit C242c shows a second profit display A252a ("10pt") indicating that during the execution of a minor win game, one ball entered the special ball entry slot 262, resulting in the acquisition of 10 prize balls (acquisition of game profit). Since the second profit display was shown in the second profit display unit B242b when this second profit display A252a was displayed, the second profit display A252a was displayed in the second profit display unit C242c in this instance.

Furthermore, the first profit display A251a shown in the first profit display unit A241a and the first profit display unit B241b remains displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since it was displayed. Similarly, the second profit display A252a shown in the second profit display unit B242b remains displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since it was displayed. As a result, six profit displays (first profit displays and/or second profit displays) are displayed simultaneously. Figure 55(o) also shows that one ball entered the second start gate during the execution of the minor win game. Additionally, the display of special symbols (performance symbols) is not executed during the minor win game.

Figure 55(p) shows the scene after the minor win game shown in Figure 55(o) has ended and the display of the next animation symbol has begun. The special mode (high probability, low base state) is still active. Furthermore, with the start of the display of the next animation symbol, the three animation reserves 9b (reserve symbols) displayed in Figure 54(l) are shifted and displayed. The second profit display unit D242d shows the second profit display A252a ("10pt"), indicating that one ball entered the special ball entry slot 262 during the animation display after the minor win game, resulting in the acquisition of 10 prize balls (acquisition of game profit). When this second profit display A252a was displayed, the second profit display was also displayed in the second profit display unit C242c; therefore, this second profit display A252a was displayed in the second profit display unit D242d.

Furthermore, the first profit display A251a or B251b displayed in the first profit display units A241a, B241b, C241c, and D241d, respectively, are all maintained because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since they were displayed. Similarly, the second profit display A252a displayed in the second profit display unit C242c is also maintained because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since it was displayed. On the other hand, the second profit display A252a ("10pt") displayed in the second profit display unit B242b has been removed from display and is no longer visible because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has elapsed since it was displayed.

Figure 55(q) shows the same variable display as Figure 55(p), but after a predetermined time has elapsed from the scene shown in Figure 55(p). In Figure 55(q), the first profit display A251a ("15pt"), which was displayed on the first profit display unit A241a, has ended its display and is no longer visible because a predetermined period (10 seconds) has elapsed since it was displayed. As a result, the number of profit displays displayed simultaneously decreases from six to five. Because the number of profit displays displayed simultaneously increases or decreases over time, players play the game expecting a larger number of profit displays to be displayed.

Figure 55(r) shows the next variation in the variation display shown in Figure 55(q). Also in Figure 55(r), the first profit display A251a ("15pt"), which was displayed on the first profit display unit B241b, has finished displaying and is no longer visible because a predetermined period (10 seconds) has elapsed since it was displayed. As a result, the number of profit displays displayed simultaneously decreases from five to four.

In the embodiment described above, when multiple first profit displays are displayed simultaneously, if the first displayed first profit display becomes invisible after a predetermined period, the later displayed first profit display maintains its display until a predetermined period has elapsed from its start, without changing the first profit display unit. Alternatively, when multiple first profit displays are displayed simultaneously, if the first displayed first profit display becomes invisible after a predetermined period, the later displayed first profit display may change its display position to the invisible first profit display unit. This alternative embodiment will be explained using Figures 56(a) to (c).

Figure 56(a) shows a scene in Special Mode (high probability, low base state) where, as a result of the predetermined fluctuation display, the losing symbol 246 ("337") is confirmed and stopped. Furthermore, the first profit display unit A241a and the first profit display unit B241b display the first profit display A251a and the first profit display B251b, respectively. Since the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since the display was shown, the display is maintained.

Figure 56(b) shows the scene where the next variation display begins after the losing symbol is confirmed and stopped in Figure 56(a). Furthermore, as the variation display of the next effect symbol begins, the three effect hold symbols 9b (hold symbols) displayed in Figure 55(a) shift and are displayed accordingly. Figure 56(b) also shows the scene where the first profit display A251a ("15pt"), which was displayed in the first profit display unit A241a in Figure 56(a), disappears after a predetermined period (10 seconds) has elapsed, and the first profit display B251b ("30pt☆"), which was displayed in the first profit display unit B241b in Figure 56(a), shifts (transitions) from the first profit display unit B241b to the first profit display unit A241a.

Figure 56(c) shows a scene in which the result of the fluctuation display (special symbol win/loss determination) shown in Figure 56(b) is a minor win, and the minor win symbol 244 (specific win symbol, "33★") is displayed as a confirmed stop, indicating that the minor win game is in progress.

Furthermore, the first profit display unit B241b shows the first profit display A251a ("15pt") indicating that during the first opening of the small prize game, one ball entered the second large prize slot (first ball entry, first specific prize), and 15 prize balls were won (game profit was won). When this first profit display B251b was made, the first profit display was displayed in the first profit display unit A241a, so the first profit display A251a ("15pt") in this case was displayed in the first profit display unit B241b.

Furthermore, the first profit display unit C241c shows the first profit display A251a ("15pt") indicating that during the second opening of the small-win game, one ball entered the second large prize slot (second entry, second specific prize, another entry), resulting in the acquisition of 15 prize balls (acquisition of game profit). When this first profit display A251a is displayed, the first profit display unit B241b already displayed the first profit display based on the previous ball entry; therefore, the current first profit display A251a is displayed in the first profit display unit C241c. Also, the first profit display B251b displayed in the first profit display unit A241a remains displayed because the predetermined period (10 seconds) has not elapsed since it was displayed.

In this embodiment, the oldest first profit display is shown in the first profit display unit A, then the oldest first profit display is shown in the first profit display unit B, then the oldest first profit display is shown in the first profit display unit C, then the oldest first profit display is shown in the first profit display unit D, and then the oldest first profit display is shown in the first profit display unit E. When a first profit display becomes invisible due to the passage of a predetermined period, it is shifted to another display. The same applies to the second profit display shown in the second profit display unit. As a result, the profit displays are stacked from bottom to top, making it easy for the player to understand how many profit displays are being displayed simultaneously.

In this embodiment, the display of game profit (first profit display) based on balls entering the second large prize slot is configured to show the game profit obtained from a single ball entry during a minor win game all at once. Alternatively, the game profit obtained during a minor win game may be displayed for each individual ball. This would further increase the possibility of multiple first profit displays being shown simultaneously.

Furthermore, the average duration of the special symbol (performance symbol) fluctuation in Special Mode (high probability, low base state) is set to be shorter than the average duration of the special symbol (performance symbol) fluctuation in Normal Mode (low probability, low base state). This is to increase the frequency of small wins per unit time by shortening the fluctuation duration of the special symbol (performance symbol), thereby increasing the possibility of displaying as many profit displays as possible simultaneously (first profit display 251 and second profit display 252). This makes players feel (and recognize) that they are winning a large amount of profit in a short period, thereby enhancing their enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the result of the second special symbol win/failure determination may include a minor win, while the result of the first special symbol win/failure determination may not include a minor win. Also, the minor win probability is not limited to the probability in Embodiment 1 and can be freely set. For example, by increasing the minor win probability in the second special symbol win/failure determination, the feasibility of minor win games can be increased, and the possibility of displaying as many profit displays as possible (first profit display 251 and second profit display 252) simultaneously can be increased. This makes the player feel (or recognize) that they are winning a large amount of game profit in a short period of time, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[Other embodiments]
Furthermore, in the aforementioned configuration of the gaming machine, "game effects" refer to effects performed using predetermined characters or effects performed using identification information (effect symbols, special symbols, etc.). Examples include pre-announcement effects, character effects, and reach effects. Additionally, game effects are considered to belong to one of several types of game effects. Furthermore, a pseudo-variation pre-announcement effect may be provided as a pre-announcement effect. A pseudo-variation pre-announcement effect is a pre-announcement effect that indicates the possibility of a jackpot when the special symbol hit/miss judgment is made. It is an effect that makes it appear as if multiple variations are being displayed by performing a variation display, a temporary stop display, and a re-variation display during a single variation display. For example, "Pseudo 1 (Pseudo Variation 1)" is an effect that makes it appear as if the variation display is being performed twice by performing one temporary stop display and a re-variation display after the start of the variation display of the effect symbol. As the number increases to Pseudo 2, Pseudo 3, etc., the number of pseudo variation displays increases, and the probability of a jackpot also increases accordingly.

Furthermore, the aforementioned gaming machine configuration may include a variable ball entry port that can change between a ball entry-enabled state and a ball entry-disabled state, and a special game execution unit (special game execution means) that can execute a special game where the variable ball entry port (large prize entry port) is set to a ball entry-enabled state when the result of the first or second win/fail judgment is a win. Also, the "start port" may be a variable start port that can change between a first mode and a second mode in which the probability of ball entry is higher than the first mode, or a separate variable start port may be provided in addition to the "start port". Furthermore, the machine may include a game state setting unit that sets the frequency of ball entry into the variable start port to a first game state with a predetermined frequency and a second game state in which the frequency of ball entry into the variable start port is higher than the first game state. Here, "predetermined frequency" includes 0.

Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment, the number of times the first or second large prize slot is opened in one round is set to one. However, the number of times the first or second large prize slot is opened in one round may be set to multiple times, or there may be rounds with different numbers of openings.

Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment, the control process prioritized the consumption of the second special symbol hold over the first special symbol hold, a so-called special symbol 2 priority control process. However, the control process is not limited to this; it may also prioritize the consumption of the first special symbol hold over the second special symbol hold, a so-called special symbol 1 priority control process. Alternatively, no priority order may be set between the consumption of the first and second special symbol hold, and the control process may be performed to consume the first and second special symbol hold in the order they were oldest stored, a so-called ball entry order (stored order) consumption control process.

Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment illustrates the application of the present invention to a pachinko game machine having a specific area 39, the invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to game machines that do not have a specific area 39 within the big prize winning area, and where the determination of whether or not a high probability state is granted after the end of a big win game is based solely on the result of the special symbol win/loss determination (the type of big win symbol that is displayed when stopped). Needless to say, "based on the fact that a big win occurs in the special symbol win/loss determination (the first special symbol or the second special symbol being displayed when stopped as a big win symbol)" includes this type of game machine, the pachinko game machine of this embodiment 1, and other types of game machines. Furthermore, this also applies to pachinko machines of the type that do not have a probability setting unit (no high probability state), but have a large prize slot that has a specific area inside and can change between a state where game balls can be entered and a state where game balls cannot be entered. The large prize slot is set to a state where game balls can be entered for a predetermined time when the result of the win/fail judgment based on the entry of a game ball into the start slot is a small win. When a game ball enters this large prize slot in the state where it can be entered and passes through the specific area, a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed, and predetermined benefits are granted. This pachinko machine is called a so-called type 1 and type 2 mixed machine, and when the result of the win/fail judgment based on the entry of a game ball into the start slot is a jackpot, the jackpot game is executed without requiring passage through the specific area. In addition, one of the benefits is the creation of a high base state that increases the frequency of game balls entering the start slot. Furthermore, the machine may have a first and second starting port, generating a high-base state that increases the frequency of balls entering the second starting port. This invention can be applied to all types of gaming machines.

[others]
(Reference Invention 1)
Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 is
An identification information display means that acquires information based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions and displays identification information based on the acquired information,
A game performance execution means capable of executing game performances in conjunction with the display of changes in the aforementioned identification information,
An identification pattern display unit capable of displaying identification patterns,
A gaming machine comprising: a special game execution means that executes a special game when the result of the display of the change in the aforementioned identification information becomes a specific result,
The aforementioned game performance includes a first game performance which is performed when the result of the display of the change in the identification information is likely to result in a specific outcome, and a second game performance which is performed which suggests that the result of the display of the change in the identification information is more likely to result in a specific outcome than the first game performance.
The acquired information includes first acquired information that enables the execution of the first game performance, and second acquired information that enables the execution of the second game performance.
The aforementioned identification pattern includes a first identification pattern displayed at a predetermined display speed and a second identification pattern displayed at a different display speed from the first identification pattern.
The present invention is characterized in that, while the first identification pattern is displayed on the identification pattern display unit, the second identification pattern is displayed when the second acquired information is obtained.

This type of gaming machine includes an identification symbol display unit capable of displaying identification symbols. The identification symbols include a first identification symbol displayed at a predetermined display speed, and a second identification symbol displayed at a different display speed than the first. Furthermore, the acquired information includes first acquired information that enables the execution of a first game performance, and second acquired information that enables the execution of a second game performance that suggests a higher probability of achieving a specific result than the first game performance. When the first identification symbol is displayed on the identification symbol display unit, the second identification symbol is displayed upon acquisition of the second acquired information.

This allows the game to signal the execution of a second game animation that suggests a high probability of a specific outcome by displaying a second identification symbol with a different display speed. This ensures that the player is reliably aware of the display of the second identification symbol, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

The identification symbols can be symbols that display information related to the game (information about the currently running game mode, information indicating the possibility of a specific outcome, information about the characters that appear, information about the background symbols, etc.). Furthermore, the first and second identification symbols can be symbols that display different information related to the game. One symbol may display information that is not related to (or does not indicate) the outcome of the win/fail judgment (the possibility of a specific outcome) (e.g., game mode information, which mode is being played, etc.), while the other symbol may display information related to (or indicates) the outcome of the win/fail judgment (the possibility of a specific outcome). Additionally, the identification symbols may be displayed in conjunction with the display of changing identification information. "In conjunction with the display of changing identification information" means that at least a portion of the display period of the identification symbols overlaps with the display period of changing identification information.

Furthermore, the phrase "when the first identification symbol is displayed on the identification symbol display unit, triggered by the acquisition of the second acquired information" means that the symbol is displayed as a condition (triggered by) the acquisition of the second acquired information. This includes scenarios where the second identification symbol is displayed immediately after acquiring the second acquired information, and scenarios where, after acquiring the second acquired information, another symbol (for example, a reserved symbol) is displayed, and the second identification symbol is displayed when that symbol is displayed.

Furthermore, the first and second identification symbols may be displayed (moved) in different directions. Also, the first and second identification symbols may be displayed (moved) at different speeds (display speeds) and in different directions. This allows for a clearer appeal to the player that the display pattern of the identification symbols has changed, and also diversifies the display patterns, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, the "identification pattern display unit capable of displaying identification patterns in conjunction with the display of changes in identification information" means that the identification patterns only need to be displayable in conjunction with the display of changes in identification information, and may be displayed even during periods when the display of changes in identification information is not being performed. Also, the first identification pattern may be displayable regardless of whether acquired information is stored (whether acquired information is stored or not), and the second identification pattern may be displayable only when acquired information is stored (displayable during periods when acquired information is stored, and not displayable during periods when acquired information is not stored). Furthermore, both the first and second identification patterns may be displayable only when acquired information is stored (displayable during periods when acquired information is stored, and not displayable during periods when acquired information is not stored).

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 is, in the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1,
The system includes an acquisition information storage means capable of storing multiple pieces of the aforementioned acquisition information,
The identification information display means is characterized by displaying the identification information based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means.

In such a gaming machine, multiple pieces of acquired information can be stored, and the identification information display means displays the identification information based on the stored acquired information, indicating whether the result of the display of the changing identification information is a specific result. This draws attention to the fact that acquired information is stored, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-3 is a gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 or Reference Invention 1-2,
The identification pattern display unit includes a first identification pattern display unit and a second identification pattern display unit provided in a display area different from that of the first identification pattern display unit.
The first identification pattern is displayed on the first identification pattern display unit, and the second identification pattern is displayed on the second identification pattern display unit.

In such a gaming machine, the identification symbol display unit includes a first identification symbol display unit provided in a predetermined display area, and a second identification symbol display unit provided in a different display area from the first identification symbol display unit. The first identification symbol is displayed in the first identification symbol display unit, and the second identification symbol is displayed in the second identification symbol display unit. As a result, since the first and second identification symbols are displayed in at least partially different display areas, the player can reliably recognize the display of the second identification symbol based on the difference in display speed and display area, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, the first identification symbol display unit and the second identification symbol display unit, which is located in a different display area from the first identification symbol display unit, only need to have at least a portion of their display areas differ; a portion of their display areas may overlap. This allows the player to reliably recognize the display of the second identification symbol based on the difference in display speed and display area, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the first identification symbol display unit and the second identification symbol display unit may share the same display area. In this case, since the display area of the identification symbol is fixed, it becomes clear to the player which display area to check to confirm the identification symbol. This allows the player to reliably recognize that the second identification symbol has been displayed, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

The identification symbols can represent information related to the game (information about the currently running game mode, information indicating the possibility of a specific outcome, information about the characters that appear, information about the background symbols, etc.). Furthermore, the first and second identification symbols can represent different information related to the game. One symbol may represent information that is not related to (or does not indicate) the outcome of the win/loss determination (the possibility of a specific outcome) (for example, game mode information, what mode is being played, etc.), while the other symbol may represent information related to (or indicates) the outcome of the win/loss determination (the possibility of a specific outcome).

Furthermore, the phrase "when the first identification symbol is displayed on the identification symbol display unit, triggered by the acquisition of the second acquired information" means that the symbol is displayed as a condition (triggered by) the acquisition of the second acquired information. This includes scenarios where the second identification symbol is displayed immediately after acquiring the second acquired information, and scenarios where, after acquiring the second acquired information, another symbol (for example, a reserved symbol) is displayed, and the second identification symbol is displayed when that symbol is displayed.

Furthermore, the first and second identification symbols may be displayed (moved) in different directions. Also, the first and second identification symbols may be displayed (moved) at different speeds (display speeds) and in different directions. This allows for a clearer appeal to the player that the display pattern of the identification symbols has changed, and also diversifies the display patterns, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, the first identification symbol may be displayable regardless of whether acquired information is stored (whether acquired information is stored or not), while the second identification symbol may be displayable only when acquired information is stored (displayable during periods when acquired information is stored, and not displayable during periods when acquired information is not stored). Alternatively, both the first and second identification symbols may be displayable only when acquired information is stored (displayable during periods when acquired information is stored, and not displayable during periods when acquired information is not stored).

According to the gaming machine of this Reference Invention 1, it is possible to diversify the game's presentation and enhance the enjoyment of the game by implementing unprecedented gameplay effects.

(Reference Invention 2)
Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 is,
Acquisition information storage means for storing acquisition information obtained when the acquisition conditions are met,
When the determination condition is met, the determination execution means performs a determination based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means,
A game information display unit capable of displaying game information related to the game,
The system includes a memory pattern display means that, when acquired information is stored in the acquired information storage means, displays a memory pattern representing the acquired information on the game information display unit.
If the result of the determination by the determination execution means is a specific result, the game machine is capable of executing a special game that is advantageous to the player,
The display modes of the memory patterns include a normal mode and a special mode that indicates a higher probability of the special game being playable than the normal mode.
The aforementioned game information display unit has a first display unit and a second display unit.
The memory pattern display means may display the memory pattern on the first display unit or on the second display unit based on the result of the determination by the determination execution means, and the memory pattern can be displayed in the special manner regardless of which display unit it is displayed on.

This type of gaming machine has a game information display unit that displays a memory symbol representing acquired information when that information is stored. Furthermore, the memory symbol has two display modes: a normal mode and a special mode indicating a high probability of performing a special game. The game information display unit has a first display unit and a second display unit. The memory symbol may be displayed on the first display unit or the second display unit based on the judgment result of the judgment execution means, and it can be displayed in the special mode regardless of which display unit it is displayed on. This allows for diversification of the memory symbol display modes and enhances the gaming experience by drawing attention to both the display position and display mode of the memory symbol.

Furthermore, the "acquisition conditions" are established based on the ball entering the starting gate (first starting gate or second starting gate). Also, "based on the result of the judgment of the judgment execution means" means "based on the judgment of the acquired information" or "based on the acquired information." Furthermore, the judgment of the "judgment execution means that performs the judgment" includes the ball entry judgment (pre-judgment) performed when the ball enters the starting gate, and the variation start judgment performed when the variation of the special symbols (performance symbols, identification information) begins. Also, the special modes displayed on the first display unit and the special modes displayed on the second display unit may be the same or different. Similarly, the normal modes displayed on the first display unit and the normal modes displayed on the second display unit may be the same or different.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 is, in the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1,
It is equipped with a means of granting benefits that are advantageous to the player,
The probability of receiving the bonus differs depending on whether the memory pattern is displayed on the first display unit or on the second display unit.

This type of gaming machine includes a mechanism for granting benefits that are advantageous to the player. Furthermore, the probability of granting a benefit differs depending on whether the memory symbol is displayed on the first display unit or the second display unit. This diversifies the display patterns of the memory symbols and draws attention to both the display position and pattern of the memory symbols, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Examples of player-favorable perks include special games (jackpot games), high-probability states, time-saving states, minor win games, minor win rush states where minor win games occur frequently, and special game animations with a low probability of appearing. Furthermore, the probability of receiving a perk may be higher when the memory symbol is displayed on the first display unit than when it is displayed on the second display unit, or lower when it is displayed on the first display unit than when it is displayed on the second display unit.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-3 is a gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 or Reference Invention 2-2,
The aforementioned special game includes a first special game and a second special game that provides a greater benefit to the player than the first special game.
The invention is characterized in that the probability that the special game executed when the result of the determination by the determination execution means becomes a specific result is different depending on whether the memory pattern is displayed on the first display unit or on the second display unit.

This type of gaming machine includes two special games: a first special game and a second special game that offers greater benefits to the player than the first special game. The probability of the second special game being played differs depending on whether the memory symbol is displayed on the first or second display unit. This diversifies the display patterns of the memory symbol and enhances the enjoyment of the game by drawing attention to both the display position and pattern of the memory symbol.

The probability that the special game executed when the judgment by the judgment execution means results in a specific outcome is the second special game may be higher when the memory symbol (reserved symbol) is displayed on the first display unit than when it is displayed on the second display unit, or the probability that the special game executed when the judgment by the judgment execution means results in a specific outcome is the second special game may be lower when the memory symbol is displayed on the first display unit than when it is displayed on the second display unit.

Furthermore, the probability of a memory symbol being displayed in a special manner may differ depending on whether it is displayed on the first display unit or the second display unit. Specifically, the probability of a memory symbol being displayed in a special manner may be higher when it is displayed on the second display unit than when it is displayed on the first display unit. Alternatively, the probability of a memory symbol being displayed in a special manner may be higher when it is displayed on the first display unit than when it is displayed on the second display unit. Additionally, the memory symbol may be displayed in a normal manner on the game information display unit (first or second display unit) before changing to a special manner, or it may be displayed in a special manner from the beginning. Furthermore, when a memory symbol is displayed in a special manner on the game information display unit (first or second display unit), if multiple memory symbols are displayed, some (one or more) of them (including the memory symbol indicating the judgment result) may be displayed in a special manner, or all displayed memory symbols may be displayed in a special manner.

Furthermore, the display position of the memory image may differ depending on whether it is displayed on the first display unit or the second display unit. This difference in display position could be completely different (where the memory image positions do not overlap) or partially different (where some of the memory image positions overlap). Additionally, the display size of the memory image may differ depending on whether it is displayed on the first or second display unit. In this case, the memory image displayed on the first display unit may be larger, or the memory image displayed on the second display unit may be larger. Furthermore, the system may have different ball entry points, and the display position of the memory image (first or second display unit) may differ depending on which entry point the ball enters. Additionally, the system may include not only the first and second display units, but also a third and fourth display unit as display points for the memory image.

Furthermore, the display pattern (pattern shape) of the memory pattern may be the same or different depending on whether the memory pattern is displayed on the first display unit or the second display unit. If different display patterns are used, the player can understand the difference in display position from the display pattern of the memory pattern. Also, the probability of the resulting change in the display of the identification pattern related to the memory pattern (reserved pattern) resulting in a high-probability jackpot (continuous jackpot) may differ depending on whether the memory pattern is displayed on the first display unit or the second display unit (the jackpot probability is the same, but the probability of a continuous jackpot is different). Furthermore, the duration (number of time-saving rounds) of the high-base state (time-saving state) granted after a jackpot, when the result of the fluctuation display of the identification symbol related to the memory symbol (reserved symbol) is a jackpot, may differ (longer or shorter) depending on whether the memory symbol is displayed on the first display unit or the second display unit. Also, the probability of being granted an advantageous period (high probability state, high-base state, small jackpot RUSH state) may differ. Furthermore, two or more of the aforementioned embodiments may be combined to form the system.

Furthermore, there is an acquisition information storage means that stores the acquisition information obtained when the acquisition conditions are met,
When the determination condition is met, the determination execution means performs a determination based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means,
A pre-determination means that performs a pre-determination based on acquired information after the acquisition conditions have been met but before the determination conditions have been met,
A game information display unit capable of displaying game information related to the game,
The system includes a memory pattern display means that, when acquired information is stored in the acquired information storage means, displays a memory pattern representing the stored information on the game information display unit.
In a gaming machine, if the result of the determination by the aforementioned determination execution means is a specific result, a special game advantageous to the player is executed,
The display modes of the memory patterns include a normal mode and a special mode that indicates a higher probability of the special game being playable than the normal mode.
The aforementioned game information display unit has a first display unit and a second display unit.
The memory pattern display means may display the memory pattern on the first display unit or on the second display unit based on the result of the pre-determination by the pre-determination execution means, and the memory pattern can be displayed in the special manner regardless of which display unit it is displayed on.

According to the gaming machine of this Reference Invention 2, it is possible to diversify the game's presentation and enhance its appeal by implementing unprecedented gameplay effects.

(Reference Invention 3)
Furthermore, the gaming machine of reference invention 3-1 is,
Acquisition information storage means for storing acquisition information obtained when the acquisition conditions are met,
When the determination condition is met, the determination execution means performs a determination based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means,
A game information display unit capable of displaying game information related to the game,
The system includes a memory pattern display means that, when acquired information is stored in the acquired information storage means, displays a memory pattern representing the stored information on the game information display unit.
In a gaming machine, if the result of the determination by the aforementioned determination execution means is a specific result, a special game advantageous to the player is executed,
The aforementioned memory image has a memory image change effect that changes it from an ordinary form to a special form.
When the memory pattern is displayed in the first area of the game information display unit, the memory pattern may change from being displayed in the first area to being displayed in a second area different from the first area at a predetermined timing thereafter, or it may remain displayed in the first area.
The memory image change effect can be executed both when the memory image is changed from the first area to the second area and when it remains in the state displayed in the first area.
The present invention is characterized in that the probability of executing the memory pattern change effect differs depending on whether the change is made from the first area to the second area or the state displayed in the first area is maintained.

This type of gaming machine has a game information display unit that displays a memory symbol indicating acquired information when that information is stored. It also has a memory symbol change effect that changes the display mode of the memory symbol from a normal mode to a special mode. Furthermore, the memory symbol change effect can be executed whether the memory symbol is displayed in the first area and maintains that display, or whether it is displayed in the first area and then moved to the second area. The probability of the memory symbol change effect occurring when the memory symbol is displayed in the first area and maintains that display is different from the probability of the memory symbol change effect occurring when it is displayed in the first area and then moved to the second area. This allows for diversification of the memory symbol display modes and enhances the enjoyment of the game by drawing attention to both the display position and display mode of the memory symbol.

Furthermore, when the memory symbol is displayed in the first area of the game information display unit, the memory symbol may, at a predetermined timing thereafter, change from its display position in the first area to a second area different from the first area, or maintain its display position in the first area. This allows players to focus on whether the display position of the memory symbol changes or remains the same at a predetermined timing, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, when the memory symbol is displayed in the first area of the game information display unit, the memory symbol may change its display location from the first area to a second area (different from the first area) at a predetermined timing (within a predetermined period thereafter), or it may remain displayed in the first area (at a time other than the predetermined timing, for example, before the predetermined timing). This makes it possible to change the display position (display area) of the memory symbol at various timings after it has been displayed in the first area.

Furthermore, based on the determination by the determination execution means, a memory image change effect may be performed, changing the memory image from a normal form (normal display form) to a special form (special display form). Alternatively, a pre-determination means may be provided to perform a pre-determination to determine whether the acquired information will result in a specific outcome before the determination condition is met, and the memory image change effect may be performed based on the result of the pre-determination by the pre-determination means.

Furthermore, the first and second display areas for the memory image may be completely different display areas where the display areas do not overlap, or they may be display areas where parts overlap and other parts do not. Also, the subsequent predetermined timing may differ depending on whether the display changes from the state shown in the first area to the second area (which is different from the first area) or whether the display in the first area is maintained. For example, maintaining the state shown in the first area may be considered as the middle of the execution of the variable display of predetermined identification information, while changing from the state shown in the first area to the second area (which is different from the first area) may be considered as the time when the variable display of predetermined identification information ends and the variable display of the next identification information begins (when the memory image is shifted).

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-2 is, in the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-1,
The system includes a pre-determination means that performs a pre-determination of whether the acquired information results in a specific outcome before the aforementioned determination condition is met,
The present invention is characterized by executing the memory pattern change effect based on the result of the pre-determination by the pre-determination means.

In this type of gaming machine, the decision to execute a memory symbol change animation is made based on the results of a pre-determination. This allows for diversification of the timing of the pre-determination result notification and the display method of the memory symbols, while also drawing attention to both the display position and method of the memory symbols, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-3 is a gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-1 or Reference Invention 3-2,
The system includes an identification information display means that displays the identification information based on the result of the determination by the determination execution means,
The game information display unit has multiple display positions for displaying the memory symbols,
The predetermined timing is characterized by being the timing at which the display of the changing identification information ends and the stored image is shifted from a predetermined display position to a different display position.

In this type of gaming machine, the game information display unit has multiple display positions for the memory symbols. A predetermined timing is set as the moment when the display of changing identification information ends and the memory symbols shift from their predetermined display position to a different display position. This diversifies the display patterns of the memory symbols and, at the moment when the display of changing identification information ends and the memory symbols shift, draws attention to both the display position and the display pattern of the memory symbols, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

According to the gaming machine of this Reference Invention 3, it is possible to diversify the game's presentation and enhance its appeal by implementing unprecedented gameplay effects.

(Reference Invention 4)
Conventional gaming machines have multiple performance modes, and by executing different gameplay effects depending on the selected mode, they have been somewhat effective in preventing players from getting bored with the game. However, in order to further enhance the enjoyment of the game, there is a need to implement unprecedented gameplay effects, diversify the gameplay effects, and create highly engaging gameplay experiences.

This reference invention 4 was made in view of the circumstances described above, and aims to provide a gaming machine that enhances the enjoyment of the game by displaying the fact that a game benefit has been obtained by winning a prize in a highly entertaining manner, and by executing a novel game presentation unlike anything before.

The gaming machine of reference invention 4-1, which solves the aforementioned problems,
It is equipped with a bonus game state setting means that can set bonus game states (special game state, high base state, high probability state, small win rush) that can grant bonuses to players,
In the aforementioned special game state, when a game ball enters a specific winning slot (attacker, minor win attacker), the game machine grants a game benefit (game benefit, a predetermined amount of game benefit),
It is equipped with a game animation display unit (LCD) that displays predetermined game animations,
In the aforementioned bonus game state,
When a prize is won in the designated prize slot (first designated prize), the first display unit of the game performance display unit will display a game profit acquisition display (first designated prize performance, XX pt acquired) for a predetermined time (first hour) in response to the prize (first designated prize), and when a prize is won again in the designated prize slot (second designated prize) while the game profit acquisition display (first designated prize performance) is displayed on the first display unit, the second display unit of the game performance display unit will display a game profit acquisition display (second designated prize performance) (for a predetermined time) in response to the second prize.
The system is characterized in that, when a prize is won in the designated prize slot (first designated prize), a game profit acquisition display (first designated prize animation) is displayed on the first display unit for a predetermined period of time in response to the prize, and after the predetermined period has elapsed and the display of the game profit acquisition display corresponding to the prize has ended, when another prize is won in the designated prize slot (second designated prize), a game profit acquisition display (second designated prize animation) is displayed on the first display unit for a predetermined period of time in response to the second prize.

In this type of gaming machine, when a bonus game state is reached where a bonus can be awarded to the player, if a ball enters a specific winning slot, a game bonus acquisition indicator is displayed on the game performance display unit to show that a game bonus has been obtained as a result of that win. Furthermore, if a win occurs when the game bonus acquisition indicator is not displayed on the first display unit of the game performance display unit, the game bonus acquisition indicator is displayed on the first display unit for a predetermined period of time. Then, if another win occurs while the game bonus acquisition indicator is displayed on the first display unit, a game bonus acquisition indicator corresponding to that second win is displayed on the second display unit. On the other hand, if a win occurs after a predetermined period has elapsed since the game bonus acquisition indicator was displayed on the first display unit and the game bonus acquisition indicator on the first display unit has ended, a game bonus acquisition indicator corresponding to that second win is displayed on the first display unit. This allows multiple game bonus acquisition indicators to be displayed on the game performance display unit by having the ball enter the specific winning slot multiple times in a short period of time. In addition, the simultaneous display of multiple game bonus acquisition indicators makes the player aware that they have obtained a lot of game bonuses in a short period of time, which can enhance the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, this can suppress so-called "stop-and-go" play and improve the operating rate of gaming machines.

Here, the predetermined game benefit (game benefit) refers to the benefit granted to the player during gameplay, and includes prize balls, equivalent prize ball data (game benefit data), and points (〇〇pt) corresponding to (suggesting) the game benefit. It may also include special images, game effects, and the right to determine win or loss. Furthermore, "game benefit acquisition display (specific prize winning effect)" can be exemplified by displaying a symbol indicating that prize balls have been awarded, or a symbol indicating the number of prize balls awarded (e.g., "15pt GET"), on the first display area (first display region) of the game effect display unit (LCD). It may also display a symbol indicating that a prize has been won in a specific winning slot. Additionally, the "game benefit acquisition display" may change its display mode based on the acquired game benefit. For example, it may display "〇" for 15pt and "●" for 30pt.

Furthermore, the game may include a specific prize-winning opening (first specific prize-winning opening) into which the game ball can enter, and a second specific prize-winning opening into which the game ball can enter. The first specific prize-winning opening may be a variable-type opening capable of changing between a first state and a second state in which the game ball enters more easily than in the first state, while the second specific prize-winning opening may be a non-variable-type opening. The game benefits (amount of game benefits, content of game benefits) obtained by winning through the first and second specific prize-winning openings may also differ. Additionally, one of the two specific prize-winning openings may be designated as a prize-winning opening more advantageous to the player (for example, the game benefits obtained from winning through opening 1 may be greater).

Furthermore, the display time on the first display unit when the game profit is displayed, and the display time on the second display unit when it is displayed, may be the same or different.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-2 is, in the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-1,
In the aforementioned special game state, when a game ball enters the second specific prize entry point (other prize entry point), a game benefit (game benefit, a predetermined amount of game benefit) is granted.
In the aforementioned bonus game state, if a prize is won in the second specific prize slot (third specific prize), a game profit acquisition display (third specific prize animation) indicating that a game profit has been acquired will be displayed on the third display unit of the game performance display unit for a predetermined period of time in response to the prize (third specific prize), and if a prize is won again in the second specific prize slot (fourth specific prize) while the game profit acquisition display (third specific prize animation) is displayed on the third display unit, a game profit acquisition display (fourth specific prize animation) will be displayed on the fourth display unit of the game performance display unit (for a predetermined period of time) in response to the second prize,
The invention is characterized in that when a prize is won in the second specific prize slot (third specific prize), a game profit acquisition display is shown on the third display unit for a predetermined period of time in response to the prize, and after the predetermined period has elapsed and the display of the game profit acquisition display corresponding to the prize has ended, when another prize is won in the second specific prize slot (fourth specific prize), a game profit acquisition display is shown on the third display unit (for a predetermined period of time) in response to the second prize.

In this type of gaming machine, when a ball enters a second specific prize pocket, which is different from the first specific prize pocket, a game profit acquisition indicator is displayed on the game performance display unit to indicate that a game profit has been obtained as a result of that win. Furthermore, if a win occurs when the game profit acquisition indicator is not displayed on the third display unit of the game performance display unit, the game profit acquisition indicator is displayed on the third display unit for a predetermined period of time. Then, if another win occurs while the game profit acquisition indicator is displayed on the third display unit, a game profit acquisition indicator corresponding to that second win is displayed on the fourth display unit. On the other hand, if a win occurs after the game profit acquisition indicator on the third display unit has ended due to the passage of a predetermined period of time since it was displayed on the third display unit, a game profit acquisition indicator corresponding to that second win is displayed on the third display unit. This allows for the display of multiple game profit acquisition indicators on the game performance display unit by having the ball enter the second specific prize pocket multiple times in a short period of time. In addition, the simultaneous display of multiple game profit acquisition indicators makes the player aware that they have obtained a large amount of game profit in a short period of time, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, this can suppress so-called "stop-and-go" play and improve the operating rate of gaming machines.

Furthermore, the display time on the third display unit when the game profit is displayed, and the display time on the fourth display unit when it is displayed, may be the same or different.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-3 is, in the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-2,
The game is characterized in that the game benefits obtained by winning in the aforementioned specific prize slot and the game benefits obtained by winning in the aforementioned second specific prize slot are not the same (different).

In this type of gaming machine, the gameplay reward obtained from entering a specific prize slot is not the same as the gameplay reward obtained from entering a second specific prize slot. This allows for different gameplay rewards depending on which specific prize slot is used, and by displaying a gameplay reward acquisition indicator corresponding to the acquired reward, the enjoyment of the game can be enhanced. Furthermore, the display methods for gameplay reward acquisition can be diversified.

The amount of in-game benefit obtained from winning at a specific prize slot (first specific prize slot) may be greater than the amount of in-game benefit obtained from winning at a second specific prize slot. Furthermore, the amount of in-game benefit obtained from winning at a second specific prize slot may be greater than the amount of in-game benefit obtained from winning at a specific prize slot (first specific prize slot). Also, the amount of in-game benefit obtained from winning at a specific prize slot (first specific prize slot) and the amount of in-game benefit obtained from winning at a second specific prize slot may be different.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-4 is, in the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-2,
The display of game profits obtained when a prize is won in the aforementioned specific prize slot and the display of game profits obtained when a prize is won in the aforementioned second specific prize slot are characterized by having different display modes.

In this type of gaming machine, the display of game profits earned upon winning in a specific prize slot and the display of game profits earned upon winning in a second specific prize slot have different display formats. This allows players to identify which specific prize slot was used, enhancing the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, it allows for diversification of the display formats for game profits earned.

The difference in the display of the game benefit acquisition animation, which is shown when a ball enters a specific prize slot, and the difference in the game benefit acquisition animation, which is shown when a ball enters a second specific prize slot, allows for the distinction between the game benefit obtained from entering a specific prize slot (first specific prize slot) and the game benefit obtained from entering a second specific prize slot. This allows players to easily understand the difference in game benefit they can obtain.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-5 is a gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-1 or Reference Invention 4-2,
The display time for the game profit display resulting from a win is longer when the game profit obtained from a win in the aforementioned specific winning slot is large, compared to when the game profit obtained from a win in the aforementioned specific winning slot is small.

In this type of gaming machine, when a prize is won in a specific winning slot, the display time for the prize win indicator is longer when the resulting prize is large compared to when it is small. This makes it easier to display multiple prize win indicators simultaneously when the prize is large, allowing players to recognize that they are winning a significant amount of prize in a short time, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-6 is a gaming machine of Reference Invention 4-2,
The display time for the game profit display shown when a win is achieved is longer when the game profit obtained by winning into the second specific prize slot is large, compared to when the game profit obtained by winning into the second specific prize slot is small.

In this type of gaming machine, when a ball enters the second designated prize slot, the display time for the game profit indicator corresponding to that win is longer when the game profit obtained from that win is large, compared to when the profit is small. This makes it easier to display multiple game profit indicators simultaneously when the game profit is large, allowing players to recognize that they are gaining a large amount of game profit in a short time, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

The game benefit acquisition animation displayed upon winning a prize in the aforementioned specific prize slot or the aforementioned second specific prize slot may either remain displayed continuously from the start to the end of the display period (without being hidden midway), or it may have a period during which it is hidden (displayed → hidden → redisplayed). Furthermore, the display time, which states that "the display time of the game benefit acquisition animation displayed upon winning a prize in the aforementioned specific prize slot or the second specific prize slot is longer when the game benefit is large than when it is small," may include the period during which it is hidden from the start to the end of the display period.

The game machine may include an identification information display means that displays identification information based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, and a special game execution means (special game state execution means) that executes a special game (special game state) when the result of the display

According to the gaming machine of this Reference Invention 4, it is possible to display the fact that a game benefit has been obtained through winning a prize using highly engaging presentation methods, thereby diversifying the presentation methods and enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

1. Pachinko game machine, 7b. Performance symbol display area (performance symbol display section), 8. Performance symbols, 20. First start gate, 21. Second start gate, 30. First major prize gate, 35. Second major prize gate, 39. Specific area, 41a. First special symbol display unit (first special symbol display section), 41b. Second special symbol display unit (second special symbol display section), 80. Main control board (main control section), 90. Sub-control board (sub-control section), 100. Image control board (image control section), 103a. First special symbol hold indicator, 103b. Second special symbol hold indicator.

Claims (1)

An identification information display means that acquires information based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions and displays identification information based on the acquired information,
A game performance execution means capable of executing game performances in conjunction with the display of changes in the aforementioned identification information,
An identification pattern display unit capable of displaying identification patterns,
A gaming machine comprising: a special game execution means that executes a special game when the result of the display of the change in the aforementioned identification information becomes a specific result,
The aforementioned game performance includes a first game performance which is performed when the result of the display of the change in the identification information is likely to result in a specific outcome, and a second game performance which is performed which suggests that the result of the display of the change in the identification information is more likely to result in a specific outcome than the first game performance.
The acquired information includes first acquired information that enables the execution of the first game performance, and second acquired information that enables the execution of the second game performance.
The aforementioned identification pattern includes a first identification pattern that is displayed at a predetermined display speed, and a second identification pattern that is displayed at a different display speed from the first identification pattern.
A gaming machine characterized in that , in the identification pattern display unit, while the first identification pattern is being displayed in a predetermined direction and of a predetermined size , the second identification pattern is displayed in a different direction and of a different size from the predetermined size, triggered by the acquisition of the second acquired information.