JP7510166B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) in which a game is played by shooting a game ball into a game area formed on a game board.

A gaming machine is known in which a game is played by firing a gaming ball into a gaming area formed on a gaming board. In such a gaming machine, a bonus is awarded to the player when a predetermined condition is met. For example, there are gaming machines that perform a winning game (e.g., a jackpot game) in which, when a gaming ball enters a starting hole provided in the gaming area, an identifying pattern (e.g., a special pattern) is displayed in a variable manner, and when the identifying pattern stops and displays as a winning pattern (e.g., a jackpot pattern), the variable ball entrance becomes ready for ball entry.

In such gaming machines, it is common for various effects to be used. For example, in gaming machines that perform the above-mentioned winning game, an effect is performed in which a character is displayed while the identifying symbol is being displayed in a varying manner, to suggest the possibility that the identifying symbol will be displayed as a winning symbol (Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-178756 A

However, the conventional technology described above is well known to the average player, and there is a problem in that it does not sufficiently increase interest in the game.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can create effects that further increase the interest in gaming.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention adopts the following configuration.
A gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting a game ball toward a game area formed on a game board,
An identification symbol changing means capable of changing an identification symbol, which is a changing display of the identification symbol;
A winning game execution means for executing a winning game when a winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the variation of the identification symbols;
Equipped with
It is possible to execute a possibility suggestion effect that suggests a winning expectation, which is a possibility that the winning symbol will be stopped and displayed by the variation of the identification symbol;
A preview performance that displays unit images can be started ,
A reserved image indicating that the start of the identification pattern variation is reserved can be displayed,
When the display of the reserved image is erased during the execution of the preview performance, the number of unit images displayed in the preview performance can be increased based on the type of the possibility suggestion performance performed during the execution of the identification pattern variation whose start is on hold.
It is characterized by:

The present invention provides a gaming machine that can implement effects that further increase gaming interest.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko machine of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the surface configuration of the game board in this embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine of the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a segment display unit according to the present embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the number of rounds of play in a jackpot game in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the gaming state after the big win game in this embodiment has ended. An explanatory diagram illustrating the display contents of the performance display device 41 of this embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a game control process executed by the CPU of the main control board in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram conceptually showing the variation pattern selection table of this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the types of variation pattern selection tables in this embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the performance control processing executed by the CPU of the sub-control board in this embodiment. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the processing corresponding to a received command by the CPU of the sub-control board of this embodiment. FIG. An explanatory diagram showing the expected jackpot probability of the "character performance" in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram conceptually showing the "reservation type memory area" of this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing how a hold image is displayed by reflecting the contents of the ``hold type memory area'' in this embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the "preview performance start processing" executed by the CPU of the sub-control board in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing how the "preview performance" of this embodiment is performed. An explanatory diagram showing how the "preview performance" is performed when "E Pending" is stored in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing how the "preview performance" is performed when "D hold" is stored in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing how the "preview performance" is performed when "C hold" is stored in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing how the "preview performance" is performed when "B Pending" is stored in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing how the "preview performance" is performed when "A hold" is stored in this embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing how the "change effect" of this embodiment is performed.

In order to clarify the above-mentioned contents of the present invention, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a type of pachinko machine (gaming machine) called a "Seven Machine" or "Digipachi" will be described. In the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the right side when facing the front of the pachinko machine will be referred to as "right" and the left side will be referred to as "left".

The following examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration of the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Control circuit configuration:
B. Game Contents:
C. Game Control Processing:
D. Production Control Processing:
E: Character Production:
F. Memorizing the types of reserved special charts:
G. Preview:
G-1. Preview performance summary:
G-2. Increase in star images:
G-3. Change Production:
G-4. Display mode of reserved image:
H. Variations:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration of the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front part of the pachinko machine 1. One end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported by the middle frame 3. A game board 20 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and when the front frame 4 is pivoted (opened) toward the front side of the pachinko machine 1 with respect to the middle frame 3, the game board 20 is exposed. One end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported by the main frame 2. The main frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame body formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms the outer frame of the pachinko machine 1.

A window 4a is formed in the approximate center of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b such as a glass plate is fitted into this window 4a. Through the window 4a (transparent plate 4b), the player can see the game area of the game board 20 located at the back. In addition, a small window 4c is formed at the lower right of the window 4a in the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4d such as a synthetic resin plate is fitted into this small window 4c. Through the small window 4c (transparent plate 4d), the player can see the segment display section of the game board 20 located at the back. As will be described in more detail later, the segment display section is a display section that displays information related to the game using a combination of multiple LEDs.

An upper lamp 5a is provided above the window 4a in the front frame 4, a right side lamp 5b is provided on the right side of the periphery of the window 4a, and a left side lamp 5c is provided on the left side of the periphery of the window 4a. In addition, upper speakers 6a are provided above the left and right of the window 4a in the front frame 4, and a lower speaker 6b is provided on the front of the lower part of the main body frame 2. The upper lamp 5a, right side lamp 5b, left side lamp 5c, upper speaker 6a, and lower speaker 6b are driven to enhance the presentation effects during the game.

An upper tray section 7 is provided below the window section 4a in the front frame 4. The upper tray section 7 stores game balls that are loaned out via the card unit 242 (see FIG. 3) and game balls that are paid out from the pachinko machine 1. In addition, a lower tray section 8 is provided below the upper tray section 7, and stores game balls that are loaned out in excess of the capacity of the upper tray section 7 and game balls that are paid out in excess of the capacity of the upper tray section 7.

A launch handle 9 is provided to the right of the lower tray 8 on the front frame 4. The rotation axis of the launch handle 9 is connected to a launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the rear side of the launch handle 9. Game balls stored in the upper tray 7 are supplied to this launcher unit 261. When the player rotates the launch handle 9, the rotation is transmitted to the launcher unit 261, which rotates the launch motor built into the launcher unit 261, and launches game balls with strength according to the angle of rotation.

In addition, an effect button 10a that can be pressed by the player is provided on the edge of the upper tray 7, and a jog shuttle 10b that can be pressed or rotated (rotated) by the player is provided to the left of the lower tray 8. These effect buttons 10a and jog shuttle 10b are both effect operation units (operation units) operated by the player, and when operated by the player when a predetermined condition is met, a predetermined game effect is performed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the board surface configuration of the game board 20. As described above, the game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed in the center of the game board 20. Game balls launched from the launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) are released into the game area 21 through the gap between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23, and flow down from the top to the bottom of the game area 21. The game area 21 is visible to the player through the window portion 4a of the front frame 4, so naturally, the game balls flowing down the game area 21 are also visible to the player through the window portion 4a.

A performance opening 40, which is an opening with decorative edges, is provided in approximately the center of the play area 21, and a performance display device 41 composed of a liquid crystal display is provided behind this performance opening 40. Various images for performance can be displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 41, and the player can view the display screen of the performance display device 41 through the performance opening 40.

Below the performance opening 40 (performance display device 41) in the game area 21, there is a first starting hole 24, which is a starting hole whose size does not change (is constant) and through which game balls can always enter. Game balls that enter the first starting hole 24 are guided to the back side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A first starting hole sensor 24s (see Figure 3) is provided in the internal passage of the first starting hole 24, and it is possible to detect game balls that enter the first starting hole 24.

In addition, below the first starting hole 24 in the game area 21, a second starting hole 25 is provided as a ball entry hole (starting hole) through which the possibility of a game ball entering the hole changes. That is, the second starting hole 25 has an opening and closing door 26 that can be rotated in the front and rear directions of the pachinko machine 1, and can be changed between a closed state in which the opening and closing door 26 is substantially upright and the game ball cannot enter (or is difficult to enter), and an open state in which the opening and closing door 26 is rotated to the front side of the pachinko machine 1 and the game ball can enter (or is easy to enter). In FIG. 2, the second starting hole 25 is shown in an open state. The game ball that enters the second starting hole 25 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A second starting hole sensor 25s (see FIG. 3) is provided in the passage inside the second starting hole 25, and can detect the game ball that enters the second starting hole 25.

In addition, a normal symbol activation gate 27 is provided to the right of the performance opening 40 (performance display device 41) in the game area 21, and a gate sensor 27s (see Figure 3) that detects the passage of a game ball is provided inside the normal symbol activation gate 27.

In addition, to the right of the first starting hole 24 in the game area 21, a large, approximately rectangular opening is provided as a large opening (variable ball entry hole). The large winning hole 28 has an opening door 29 that can be rotated in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 1, and can be changed between a closed state in which the opening door 29 is approximately upright and game balls cannot enter, and an open state (ball entry state) in which the opening door 29 is rotated to the front side of the pachinko machine 1 and game balls can enter. In FIG. 2, the large winning hole 28 is shown in an open state. Game balls that enter the large winning hole 28 are guided to the back side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A large winning hole sensor 28s (see FIG. 3) is provided in the passage inside the large winning hole 28, and can detect game balls that enter the large winning hole 28.

In addition, around each of the above-mentioned gaming devices, there are provided a general ball entry port 30 through which the gaming balls can enter, a windmill-shaped wheel 31 that affects the flow path of the gaming balls, and numerous obstacle nails (not shown). In addition, two outlets 33 are provided at the bottom of the gaming area 21, below the left and below the right of the second starting port 25, and gaming balls that do not enter any of the above-mentioned first starting port 24, second starting port 25, big prize port 28, or general ball entry port 30 are discharged from the outlets 33 to the back side of the gaming board 20.

The first starting gate 24 mentioned above can be entered by game balls that flow down the area to the left of the performance opening 40 (performance display device 41). In contrast, the second starting gate 25, the normal symbol activation gate 27, and the big prize opening 28 can be entered (or passed) by game balls that flow down the area to the right of the performance opening 40 (performance display device 41). Hereinafter, launching a game ball so that it flows down the area to the left of the performance opening 40 (performance display device 41) is also referred to as "left hit," and launching a game ball so that it flows down the area to the right of the performance opening 40 (performance display device 41) is also referred to as "right hit." In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game ball enters either the first start hole 24, the second start hole 25, or the general ball entry hole 30, three game balls are paid out to the player, and when a game ball enters the big prize hole 28, ten game balls are paid out to the player.

A segment display unit 50 is provided at the lower right of the play area 21 on the game board 20, which displays information related to the game using a combination of LEDs. The segment display unit 50 is visible to the player through a small window 4c (see Figure 1) provided in the front frame 4. The detailed display content of the segment display unit 50 will be explained in the "B. Game Contents" section below.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, etc. In detail, it is composed of a main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, a sub-control board 220 that controls the performance of the game, an image and sound control board 230 that controls the display of images and the output of sounds under the control of the sub-control board 220, a lamp control board 226 that controls the light emission of lamps under the control of the sub-control board 220, a payout control board 240 that controls the lending and payout of game balls, and a launch control board 260 that controls the launch of game balls. These control boards are configured by connecting various peripheral LSIs together via a bus, such as a CPU (CPUs 201, 221, 231, etc. in FIG. 3) that performs various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM (ROMs 202, 222, 232, etc. in FIG. 3) that stores various programs and data to be executed by the CPU, a RAM (203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU stores temporary data when executing a program, and input/output circuits.

The main control board 200 is connected to a first start port sensor 24s that detects game balls that have entered the first start port 24, a second start port sensor 25s that detects game balls that have entered the second start port 25, a large prize port sensor 28s that detects game balls that have entered the large prize port 28, and a gate sensor 27s that detects game balls that pass through the normal pattern operation gate. When a game ball detection signal is input from the first start port sensor 24s, the second start port sensor 25s, the large prize port sensor 28s, the gate sensor 27s, or the like, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a command corresponding to the sensor that has received the detection signal to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, or the like.

The main control board 200 is also connected to a start port solenoid 26m for opening and closing the opening door 26 provided in the second start port 25 (to open and close the second start port 25), a large prize port solenoid 29m for opening and closing the opening door 29 provided in the large prize port 28 (to open and close the large prize port 28), a segment display unit 50, and the like. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls these operations by sending drive signals to the start port solenoid 26m, the large prize port solenoid 29m, and the segment display unit 50.

The sub-control board 220 is connected to the image/sound control board 230, the lamp control board 226, and the performance operation board 228. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the commands and performs game performance according to the contents. That is, it performs game performance by sending commands specifying the output image and output sound to the image/sound control board 230 and sending commands specifying the light emission pattern of the upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, and the left side lamp 5c (hereinafter also referred to as "various lamps 5a to 5c") to the lamp control board 226. In addition, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 detects the player's operation of the performance button 10a or the jog shuttle 10b (performance operation unit 10a, 10b) via the performance operation board 228, it performs game performance corresponding to the operation.

The image and sound control board 230 includes a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, a VDP 234, an image ROM 236, and an audio ROM 237. The image and sound control board 230 is also connected to a performance display device 41, an amplifier board 224 that amplifies audio, and the like.

When the CPU 231 of the image and sound control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads image data (e.g., sprite data or video data) used to display the instructed image from the image ROM 236, generates an image, and outputs it to the display screen of the performance display device 41. In addition, when the CPU 231 of the image and sound control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it reads audio data corresponding to the command from the audio ROM 237, and outputs audio based on the audio data from the upper speaker 6a and lower speaker 6b (hereinafter also referred to as "various speakers 6a, 6b") via the amplifier board 224.

The payout control board 240 is connected to a ball lending button 241 (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the upper tray 7, a card unit 242 arranged in parallel with the pachinko machine 1, a payout motor 243, and the like. When the ball lending button 241 is operated, this signal is transmitted to the card unit 242 via the payout control board 240. The card unit 242 drives the payout motor 243 to lend game balls while communicating data with the payout control board 240. Also, when a payout command instructing the payout of game balls is received from the main control board 200, it drives the payout motor 243 to pay out game balls.

The payout control board 240 is also connected to a launch control board 260, which is connected to a launch device unit 261 having a launch motor 262 for launching game balls and a touch switch 263 for detecting that the player is touching the launch handle 9. When the launch control board 260 detects via the touch switch 263 that the player is touching the launch handle 9, it drives the launch motor 262 to launch game balls with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9.

B. Game Contents:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game proceeds as follows. When the launch handle 9 is rotated with game balls stored in the upper tray 7, the game balls stored in the upper tray 7 are supplied one by one to the launch unit 261 and launched into the game area 21 described above with reference to FIG. 2. The strength with which the game balls are launched corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9, so the player can make the game balls flow down to the desired area by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. For example, the game balls can be launched so that they flow down the area to the left of the performance opening 40 (performance display device 41) (left shot), or the game balls can be launched so that they flow down the area to the right of the performance opening 40 (performance display device 41) (right shot).

<Special pattern change display>
As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a game ball hit from the left can enter the first starting hole 24. When a game ball hit from the left enters the first starting hole 24 and the entered game ball is detected by the first starting hole sensor 24s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a jackpot judgment random number described later) is obtained, and a jackpot judgment is made to determine whether the game is a jackpot or a miss based on the judgment random number. Then, based on the result of this jackpot judgment, a first special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the "first special pattern") is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped. Also, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, a game ball hit from the right can enter the second starting hole 25. When a game ball hit from the right enters the second starting hole 25 and the entered game ball is detected by the second starting hole sensor 25s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a jackpot judgment random number described later) is obtained, and a jackpot judgment is made to determine whether the game is a jackpot or a miss based on the judgment random number. Then, based on the result of this big win determination, the second special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as the "second special symbol") is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped. Here, the first special symbol and the second special symbol will be described.

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the segment display unit 50. As described above, the segment display unit 50 is provided in the lower right of the play area 21 on the game board 20 (see Figure 2), and the player can see the segment display unit 50 through the small window 4c of the front frame 4 (see Figure 1). As shown in Figure 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a first special symbol display unit 51 that displays the first special symbol and a second special symbol display unit 52 that displays the second special symbol, and eight LEDs are arranged in each of these display units. The first special symbol and the second special symbol (hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between them, they are collectively referred to as "special symbols") are displayed in a variable manner by switching the LEDs that are lit among the eight LEDs in each display unit, and are displayed as a stationary symbol by turning on a predetermined LED among the eight LEDs. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, 101 types of symbols, including jackpot symbols 1 to 100 and a miss symbol 101, can be displayed as the first special symbol, and 101 types of symbols, including jackpot symbols 201 to 300 and a miss symbol 301, can be displayed as the second special symbol. In addition, these types of symbols can be identified by the difference in the combination of the lit LEDs. If the result of the jackpot determination based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 24 (hereinafter also referred to as the "jackpot determination for the first special symbol") is a jackpot, the first special symbol is displayed as one of the jackpot symbols 1 to 100, and if the result of the jackpot determination for the first special symbol is a miss, the first special symbol is displayed as a miss symbol 101. In addition, if the result of the jackpot determination based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 25 (hereinafter also referred to as the "jackpot determination for the second special pattern") is a jackpot, the second special pattern is displayed as one of the jackpot patterns 201-300, and if the result of the jackpot determination for the second special pattern is a miss, the second special pattern is displayed as a miss pattern 301. When the special pattern (first or second special pattern) is displayed as a jackpot pattern or a miss pattern in this way, a display is performed in which the pattern is displayed as a jackpot pattern until a predetermined time has elapsed (hereinafter also referred to as a "determined display") in order to confirm the stopped and displayed pattern. In the following, the game from when the special pattern starts to change and the change display ends due to the passage of a predetermined change time, and the special pattern is displayed as a jackpot pattern or a miss pattern, that is, the game until the result of one change display is obtained, is also referred to as a "pattern change game".

＜Jackpot Game＞
When the first or second special symbol is stopped and displayed with any of the jackpot symbols, a jackpot game is started in which the jackpot opening 28 is opened and multiple rounds of play are played. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a game ball shot from the right can enter the jackpot opening 28, so that a right shot is performed during the jackpot game.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of rounds of play in one jackpot game varies depending on the type of jackpot pattern that is stopped and displayed. That is, as shown in FIG. 5(a), when the first special chart is displayed with the jackpot pattern 1 to 50 (50% probability when the first special chart is displayed with the jackpot pattern), a 4-round jackpot game is played in which 4 rounds of play are played; when the first special chart is displayed with the jackpot pattern 51 to 90 (40% probability when the first special chart is displayed with the jackpot pattern), a 6-round jackpot game is played in which 6 rounds of play are played; when the first special chart is displayed with the jackpot pattern 91 to 94 (4% probability when the first special chart is displayed with the jackpot pattern), a 7-round jackpot game is played in which 7 rounds of play are played; and when the first special chart is displayed with the jackpot pattern 95 to 100 (6% probability when the first special chart is displayed with the jackpot pattern), a 16-round jackpot game is played in which 16 rounds of play are played. Also, as shown in FIG. 5(b), if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern 201-250 (50% probability if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern), a 4-round jackpot game is played; if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern 251-290 (40% probability if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern), a 6-round jackpot game is played; if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern 291-294 (4% probability if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern), a 7-round jackpot game is played; and if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern 295-300 (6% probability if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern), a 16-round jackpot game is played.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, one round of play ends when 10 game balls enter the machine (10 counts) or 30 seconds have passed, so in most cases 100 game balls (10 counts x 10 payouts) are paid out in one round of play. Naturally, therefore, more game balls will be paid out to the player in a jackpot game with a greater number of rounds than in a jackpot game with a smaller number of rounds. This allows the player to look forward to a jackpot game with a greater number of rounds. This can be interpreted as the possibility of playing multiple jackpot games (winning games) with different degrees of advantage to the player.

During the execution of the jackpot game described above, the type of jackpot game being executed (number of rounds of play) is displayed on the round display section 55 of the segment display section 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, three LEDs are arranged on the round display section 55, and of the three LEDs, the left LED is turned on to indicate that a 4-round jackpot game is being executed, the middle LED is turned on to indicate that a 6-round jackpot game is being executed, the right LED is turned on to indicate that a 7-round jackpot game is being executed, and all three LEDs are turned on to indicate that a 16-round jackpot game is being executed.

<Special design reserved>
When the game ball enters the first starting hole 24, as described above, the jackpot determination and the change display for the first special chart are performed, but these jackpot determination and change display are not performed immediately after the game ball enters the first starting hole 24, but the acquired determination random number is temporarily stored as the first special chart reservation. Then, when a predetermined condition is met, the jackpot determination and the change display of the first special chart are performed based on the stored first special chart reservation. Such first special chart reservations are stored with an upper limit of four. The number of first special chart reservations stored (first special chart reservation number) is displayed on the first special chart reservation display section 53 of the segment display section 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, two LEDs are arranged in the first special chart reserved display unit 53, and in this first special chart reserved display unit 53, one of the two LEDs is turned on to indicate that the number of first special charts reserved is one, two LEDs are turned on to indicate that the number of first special charts reserved is two, one LED is blinking to indicate that the number of first special charts reserved is three, and two LEDs are blinking to indicate that the number of first special charts reserved is four.

Furthermore, when the game ball enters the second starting hole 25, a jackpot determination and a change display for the second special chart are performed as described above, but these jackpot determinations and change displays are not performed immediately after the game ball enters the second starting hole 25. Instead, the obtained determination random number is temporarily stored as a second special chart reserve. Then, when a predetermined condition is met, a jackpot determination and a change display for the second special chart are performed based on the stored second special chart reserve. Such second special chart reserves are also stored with a maximum of four. The number of stored second special chart reserves (number of second special chart reserves) is displayed in the second special chart reserve display section 54 of the segment display section 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, two LEDs are also arranged in the second special chart reserved display section 54, and in this second special chart reserved display section 54, one of the two LEDs is turned on to indicate that the number of second special charts reserved is one, two LEDs are turned on to indicate that the number of second special charts reserved is two, one LED is blinking to indicate that the number of second special charts reserved is three, and two LEDs are blinking to indicate that the number of second special charts reserved is four.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the first special pattern reserve or the second special pattern reserve is stored, the pachinko machine 1 does not perform a jackpot determination or display of the changes related to these reserves during the display of the changes of any special pattern, during the display of the confirmation of any special pattern, or during a jackpot game, the pachinko machine 1 does not perform a jackpot determination or display of the changes related to these reserves. In addition, if only the first special pattern reserve is stored among the first special pattern reserve and the second special pattern reserve, the pachinko machine 1 performs a jackpot determination and display of the changes related to the first special pattern reserve stored, but if the second special pattern reserve is stored, the pachinko machine 1 performs a jackpot determination and display of the changes related to the first special pattern reserve stored, regardless of whether the first special pattern reserve is stored or not. In other words, the pachinko machine 1 performs a jackpot determination and display of the changes related to the second special pattern reserve stored first, prior to the first special pattern (has a so-called second special pattern priority display function). In addition, in this specification, when the first special pattern reserve and the second special pattern reserve are not particularly distinguished from each other, they are also collectively referred to as "special pattern reserves".

＜Normal symbol variation display, normal symbol winning game＞
As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the normal symbol operation gate 27 allows a game ball hit to pass through. When a game ball hit to the right passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27 and is detected by the gate sensor 27s, a predetermined judgment random number (a normal symbol hit judgment random number described later) is obtained, and a normal symbol hit judgment is performed to judge whether the normal symbol is a hit or a miss based on the judgment random number. Then, based on the result of this normal symbol hit judgment, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then displayed as a stop. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 56 that displays normal symbols, and two LEDs are arranged in the normal symbol display unit 56. The normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner by switching the LED that is turned on among the two LEDs in the normal symbol display unit 56, and is displayed as a stop by turning on a predetermined LED among the two LEDs. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, two types of normal symbols can be displayed as a normal winning symbol, which is a symbol in which the left LED of the two LEDs is turned on, and a normal losing symbol, which is a symbol in which the right LED is turned on. If the result of the normal winning judgment is a normal winning symbol, the normal symbol is displayed as a winning symbol, and if the result of the normal winning judgment is a losing symbol, the normal symbol is displayed as a losing symbol. When the normal symbol is displayed as a winning symbol or a losing symbol, a display (confirmation display) is performed in which the symbol is displayed as a winning symbol until a predetermined time has elapsed in order to confirm the symbol that is displayed as a winning symbol. If the normal symbol is displayed as a winning symbol, a normal winning game is performed in which the second starting hole 25 is opened and then closed.

<Reserved normal designs>
When the game ball passes through the normal pattern operation gate 27, a normal pattern hit judgment and a normal pattern change display are performed, but these normal pattern hit judgment and change display are not performed immediately after the game ball passes through the normal pattern operation gate 27, but the acquired judgment random number is temporarily stored as a normal pattern reserve. Then, when a predetermined condition is met, a normal pattern hit judgment and a normal pattern change display are performed based on the stored normal pattern reserve. Such normal pattern reserves are also stored with an upper limit of four. The number of stored normal patterns (normal pattern reserve number) is displayed on the normal pattern reserve display unit 57 of the segment display unit 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, two LEDs are arranged on the normal pattern reserve display unit 57, and in this normal pattern reserve display unit 57, one of the two LEDs is turned on to indicate that the number of normal patterns is one, two LEDs are turned on to indicate that the number of normal patterns is two, one LED is blinking to indicate that the number of normal patterns is three, and two LEDs are blinking to indicate that the number of normal patterns is four. In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, if a regular symbol reserve is stored, unless the regular symbol is displaying a change, the regular symbol is displaying a confirmed change, or a regular symbol winning game is in progress, a regular symbol winning judgment and regular symbol changing display will be performed for the regular symbol reserve that was stored first.

<Game Status>
Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a game state related to the probability of being determined as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment (also referred to as "jackpot probability" in this specification) and a game state related to the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 are appropriately set. Among these, the game state related to the jackpot probability is set to a "low probability state in which the jackpot probability is low" or a "high probability state in which the jackpot probability is higher than the low probability state". In addition, the game state related to the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is set to a "non-electric support state in which the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is low" or an "electric support state in which the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is high".

The setting manner of the above-mentioned game states will be explained using FIG. 6. Since these game states are set after the end of a big win game, FIG. 6 also shows the number of rounds of play previously described using FIG. 5. Also, in FIG. 6, the "high probability number of times" is the number of pattern-changing games (variable display of special patterns) that can be executed when the high probability state is set, and the "electric support number of times" is the number of pattern-changing games (variable display of special patterns) that can be executed when the electric support state is set.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, regardless of which jackpot game is played, the high probability state and the electric support state are both set after the jackpot game ends, but the number of electric support times differs depending on the type of jackpot pattern that triggered the start of the jackpot game. That is, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the high probability number of times is set to 6 times regardless of which jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the number of electric support times is set to 25 times when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern 1 to 45 (with a 45% probability when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern), set to 50 times when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern 46 to 50, 51 to 90, or 91 to 94 (with a 5% + 40% + 4% = 49% probability when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern), and set to 100 times when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern 95 to 100 (with a 6% probability when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern). Also, as shown in FIG. 6(b), if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern 201-245, it is set to 25 times (45% probability if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern), if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern 246-250, 251-290, or 291-294, it is set to 50 times (5% + 40% + 4% = 49% probability if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern), and if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern 295-300, it is set to 100 times (6% probability if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern).

If the number of high probability times is set to six and then six symbol change games (display of special symbol changes) are played, the high probability state ends and a low probability state is set while the electric support state is set. Also, if 25, 50, or 100 electric support times are set and then the same number of symbol change games (display of special symbol changes) as the number of electric support times are played, the electric support state ends and a non-electric support state is set. Since the electric support state is a more advantageous state for the player than the non-electric support state, the player can expect that more electric support times will be set.

Here, the segment display unit 50 is provided with an electric support display unit 58 that indicates that the above-mentioned electric support state is being set. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the electric support display unit 58 has three LEDs arranged therein, and while the electric support state is being set, the three LEDs are lit to indicate that the electric support state is being set. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a right-hit display unit 59 that indicates that right-hitting is to be performed. During the setting of the electric support state, the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is high, and the second starting hole 25 can be entered by game balls hit from the right, so it is beneficial for the player to perform right-hitting while the electric support state is being set. Also, since the big prize hole 28 can also be entered by game balls hit from the right, it is beneficial for the player to perform right-hitting even during a jackpot game. Therefore, during the setting of the electric support state and during a jackpot game, it is indicated that right-hitting is to be performed by lighting up two LEDs arranged in the right-hit display unit 59. During the non-electric support state, the game is played by putting the game ball into the first starting hole 24, so the ball is hit from the left.

<Display contents of the performance display device 41>
The progress of the game as described above is mainly performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, in accordance with the progress of the game as described above, various images are displayed on the performance display device 41. Such performance is mainly performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220.

For example, the performance display device 41 performs a performance (hereinafter also referred to as "pattern change performance") in accordance with the variable display (pattern change game) of the first or second special symbol. That is, in synchronization with the start timing of the variable display (pattern change game) of the special symbol (first or second special symbol), the performance display device 41 starts to display the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c. Thereafter, the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are displayed in various ways until the special symbol's variable time has elapsed. Then, in synchronization with the end timing of the variable display of the special symbol (stopped display of the special symbol), the variable display of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c ends. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to display symbols that are designed to represent the nine numbers from "1" to "9" as decorative symbols.

7(a) conceptually shows three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c changing and displaying at the same time. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the change display started, for example, the left decorative pattern 41a is displayed as a stopped pattern first, then the right decorative pattern 41c is displayed as a stopped pattern, and finally the center decorative pattern 41b is displayed as a stopped pattern. The combination of the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c displayed as a stopped pattern on the performance display device 41 is configured to correspond to the special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern) displayed as a stopped pattern on the first special pattern display unit 51 or the second special pattern display unit 52 described above. For example, when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is displayed as a jackpot pattern, the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c of the performance display device 41 are displayed as a pattern combination that is the same pattern (hereinafter also referred to as "double numbers"). In addition, when the first or second special symbol is displayed as a miss pattern, the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed as a combination of symbols that are not the same (hereinafter also referred to as "variable patterns"). The decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c that are displayed as a stop are displayed (confirmed display) until the fixed display time of the special symbol has elapsed.

In this way, the display contents of the special pattern displayed on the first special pattern display unit 51 or the second special pattern display unit 52 and the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c displayed on the performance display unit 41 correspond to each other, and when the special pattern being displayed in a variable manner is stopped, the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are also stopped. Moreover, as shown in Figure 2, the performance display unit 41 is located in a more conspicuous position than the first special pattern display unit 51 or the second special pattern display unit 52 (segment display unit 50), has a large display screen, and the display contents are easy to understand, so that players usually play while looking at the screen of the performance display unit 41. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7(b), if the left decorative pattern 41a and the right decorative pattern 41c displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 are the same pattern, the middle decorative pattern 41b displayed last will also stop with the same pattern, and the player will focus on the changing display of the decorative patterns (pattern changing effect) wondering if a big win game will start. In this way, the effect performed in a state where two decorative patterns (decorative patterns excluding one decorative pattern among multiple decorative patterns) are stopped with the same pattern (a pattern that can be a double number) and the last decorative pattern (one decorative pattern) is displayed in a changing manner is called a "reach effect", and it is possible to increase the interest in the game by generating this reach effect. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 that executes the reach effect can also be regarded as a "reach effect execution means".

As shown in FIG. 7, the lower part of the display screen of the performance display device 41 displays a "relevant image (e.g., a circular image showing a ball)" indicating that the special pattern (decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c) is being displayed in a variable manner, and a "reserved image (e.g., a circular image showing a ball, which is smaller than the relevant image)" indicating that a special pattern is reserved. The "reserved image" will be explained in more detail later.

C. Game control processing:
8 is a flow chart showing the general flow of the game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as control related to the progress of the game. The game control process is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 based on a timer interrupt that occurs at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms). The game progress control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 will be explained below according to the flow chart. Note that in the following explanation, explanations of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 201, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt permission process are omitted.

<Output processing>
As shown in Fig. 8, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the game control process, it first performs the output process (S100). In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, in various processes described later, various commands to be sent to various control boards including the sub-control board 220 are stored in an output buffer secured in the RAM 203. In the output process (S100), the various commands stored in the output buffer in this way are sent to the various control boards. By doing so, for example, the sub-control board 220 controls the presentation in accordance with the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 drives the payout motor 243 to pay out game balls.

<Input processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs input processing (S200). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start hole 24, the second start hole 25, or the general ball entry hole 30, three game balls are paid out, and when a game ball enters the big prize entry hole 28, ten game balls are paid out. In the input processing (S200), the sensors that detect these ball entries (the first start hole sensor 24s, the second start hole sensor 25s, the big prize entry hole sensor 28s, etc.) determine whether or not a game ball has been detected. As a result, if a game ball has been detected, a payout command indicating the number of game balls to be paid out is stored in the output buffer described above. The payout command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the payout control board 240 in the next output processing (S100).

<Random number update process>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs a random number update process (S300). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the jackpot determination and the normal jackpot determination are performed based on a predetermined determination random number. In detail, the jackpot determination is performed based on the "jackpot determination random number", and the normal jackpot determination is performed based on the "normal jackpot determination random number". In addition, the variable display of the special symbol in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is performed based on a variable pattern to be described later, and this variable pattern is selected based on a "variation pattern selection random number". In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot, one of 100 types of jackpot symbols (jackpot symbols 1 to 100 or jackpot symbols 201 to 300) is stopped and displayed, and the type of this jackpot symbol is selected based on a "symbol selection random number". In the random number update process (S300), these random numbers are updated. In addition, the random numbers may be updated not only in the random number update process (S300) but also during the period from the end of a game control process to the start of the next game control process (the next timer interrupt). Also, a dedicated circuit for updating random numbers may be provided, and the random numbers may be updated by this dedicated circuit.

<Start port and other sensor detection processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs a start port etc. sensor detection process (S400). In this start port etc. sensor detection process (S400), a process for storing the normal pattern reserve, the first special pattern reserve, and the second special pattern reserve is performed. That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first judges whether the game ball has passed through the normal pattern activation gate 27 based on the detection result of the gate sensor 27s. As a result, if the game ball has passed through the normal pattern activation gate 27, it judges whether the number of normal patterns reserved has reached the upper limit of four. Then, if the number of normal patterns reserved has not reached four, it acquires a normal pattern hit judgment random number and stores the normal pattern hit judgment random number as a normal pattern reserve. The normal pattern reserve is stored in a normal pattern reserve memory area secured in the RAM 203 so that the order of storage can be identified. In addition, if the game ball has not passed through the normal pattern activation gate 27 or if the number of normal patterns reserved has already reached four, no new normal pattern reserve is stored.

After carrying out the process related to storing the reserved normal symbols, it is next determined whether or not the gaming ball has entered the first starting hole 24 based on the detection result of the first starting hole sensor 24s. As a result, if the gaming ball has entered the first starting hole 24, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved first special symbols has reached the upper limit of four. Then, if the number of reserved first special symbols has not reached four, a jackpot determination random number, a variable pattern selection random number, and a design selection random number are obtained, and these random numbers are stored as the reserved first special symbols. The reserved first special symbols are stored in a reserved first special symbol memory area secured in the RAM 203 so that the order in which they were stored can be identified.

Here, the first special chart variable display (pattern variable game) is performed based on the jackpot determination random number, variable pattern selection random number, and pattern selection random number acquired as the first special chart reservation. In addition, the performance (pattern variable performance) performed in accordance with the first special chart variable display is also performed based on the jackpot determination random number, variable pattern selection random number, and pattern selection random number acquired as the first special chart reservation. Therefore, when the first special chart reservation is stored, even if the variable display (special pattern variable display) based on the first special chart reservation has not yet started (even if the variable start condition has not been established), it is possible to determine the state of the variable display and performance (pattern variable game and pattern variable performance based on the first special chart reservation) based on the first special chart reservation. For example, even before the variable display based on the first special chart reservation is performed, it is possible to determine whether the jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed (whether the jackpot game is started) and whether the reach performance is performed when the variable display based on the first special chart reservation is performed. Such a judgment is called a pre-judgment, and in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the first special symbol reservation is stored, a pre-judgment is performed on the first special symbol reservation, and the pre-judgment result is stored in association with the first special symbol reservation. In this way, when the first special symbol reservation is stored and the pre-judgment result on the first special symbol reservation is stored, a special symbol reservation storage command including information indicating the pre-judgment result is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The special symbol reservation storage command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). In this way, the sub-control board 220 can detect that the first special symbol reservation has been newly stored, and can execute various effects based on the pre-judgment result of the first special symbol reservation. Note that if the game ball has not entered the first starting hole 24, or if the number of first special symbol reservations has already reached four, a new first special symbol reservation is not stored, and no pre-judgment is performed.

After the process for storing the first special symbol reservation is performed in this manner, it is then determined whether or not the game ball has entered the second start hole 25 based on the detection result of the second start hole sensor 25s. As a result, if the game ball has entered the second start hole 25, it is determined whether or not the number of second special symbols reserved has reached the upper limit of four. If the number of second special symbols reserved has not reached four, a jackpot determination random number, a variable pattern selection random number, and a pattern selection random number are obtained and these random numbers are stored as second special symbol reservations. The second special symbol reservations are stored in a second special symbol reservation storage area secured in RAM 203 so that the order of storage can be identified. After the second special symbol reservation is stored in this manner, a pre-determination similar to that described above is performed on the second special symbol reservation, and the pre-determination result is stored in association with the second special symbol reservation. In this way, when the second special chart reservation is stored and the preliminary judgment result for the second special chart reservation is stored, a special chart reservation storage command including information indicating this preliminary judgment result is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The special chart reservation storage command stored in the output buffer in this way is also sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). In this way, the sub-control board 220 can detect that a second special chart reservation has been newly stored and can execute various effects based on the preliminary judgment result of the second special chart reservation. Note that if the game ball has not entered the second starting hole 25 or if the number of second special chart reservations has already reached four, a new second special chart reservation is not stored and no preliminary judgment is made.

<Normal operation process>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs a normal operation process (S500). In this normal operation process (S500), a process is performed to change the normal symbol and to play a normal winning game. That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first judges whether or not the game is a normal winning game, a normal symbol is being displayed, or a normal symbol is being determined. As a result, if the game is not a normal winning game, a normal symbol is being displayed, or a normal symbol is being determined, the CPU 201 judges whether or not a normal symbol is stored in the above-mentioned normal symbol reservation memory area. As a result, if a normal symbol reservation is stored in the normal symbol reservation memory area, the first normal symbol reservation stored among the stored normal symbol reservations is read out. Then, a normal symbol winning judgment is performed based on the read normal symbol reservation, i.e., the normal symbol winning judgment random number.

After the normal winning judgment is performed, it is judged whether the result of the normal winning judgment is a normal winning pattern. If the result of the normal winning judgment is a normal winning pattern, the normal winning pattern is stored as the pattern (stopping pattern) to be displayed in the normal pattern variable display this time. In other words, it is stored that the left LED (see FIG. 4) of the normal pattern display unit 56 is turned on as the result of the normal pattern variable display this time. On the other hand, if the result of the normal winning judgment is a normal missing pattern, the normal missing pattern is stored as the pattern (stopping pattern) to be displayed in the normal pattern variable display this time. In other words, it is stored that the right LED (see FIG. 4) of the normal pattern display unit 56 is turned on as the result of the normal pattern variable display this time.

In this way, once it is stored that the left LED of the normal pattern display unit 56 will be lit or the right LED of the normal pattern display unit 56 will be lit as a result of the current normal pattern change display, the normal pattern change time is set and the normal pattern change display begins. Then, the normal pattern reserve that was the subject of this normal pattern hit judgment is erased from the normal pattern reserve memory area.

The above describes the processing when the game is not during a normal winning game, when the normal pattern is being changed, or when the fixed normal pattern is being displayed. In contrast, when the normal pattern is being changed, it is determined whether the change time of the normal pattern being changed has elapsed. As a result, when it is determined that the change time has elapsed, the normal pattern being changed is displayed in a static manner stored in advance. In other words, when the result of the normal winning judgment is a normal winning, the left LED of the normal pattern display unit 56 is turned on (the winning normal pattern is displayed statically), and when the result of the normal winning judgment is a miss, the right LED of the normal pattern display unit 56 is turned on (the missing pattern is displayed statically). When the normal pattern is displayed statically in this way, the fixed normal pattern display starts, so the fixed normal pattern display time is set.

The above describes the process when a normal symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. In contrast, when a normal symbol is being displayed in a fixed state, it is determined whether the fixed display time has elapsed. If the fixed display time has elapsed, it is determined whether the normal symbol that has been stopped (fixed display) this time is a normal winning symbol (the LED to the left of the normal symbol display unit 56 is lit). If the normal symbol that has been stopped is a normal winning symbol, the opening pattern (number of times it is opened, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the second start hole 25 for the normal winning game is set, and then the normal winning game begins.

The above describes the process when a normal symbol is being confirmed and displayed. In contrast, when a normal symbol is being played, the start hole solenoid 26m is controlled to operate the opening and closing door 26 so that the second start hole 25 is in the open/closed state according to the opening pattern described above. Then, when the control according to this opening pattern ends, the normal symbol play ends.

As described above with reference to FIG. 6, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state related to the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is set to a "non-electric support state in which the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is low" or an "electric support state in which the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is high." Such non-electric support state and electric support state settings are realized as follows.

That is, in the electric support state, the probability that the result of the normal hit judgment is a normal hit (normal hit probability) is higher, the normal pattern fluctuation time (normal pattern fluctuation time) is shorter, and the opening time of the second start hole 25 in a normal hit game is set longer than in the non-electric support state. Therefore, in the electric support state, the second start hole 25 opens frequently and the period in which it is in the open state is longer than in the non-electric support state, so the frequency of game balls entering the second start hole 25 is higher (high frequency state). For example, when the non-electric support state is set, the normal hit probability is set to a probability of 1 in 100 (a 1 in 100 random number among the normal hit judgment random numbers that can be obtained as normal reserves is set to a normal hit), the normal pattern fluctuation time is set to 5 seconds, and the opening time of the second start hole 25 in a normal hit game is set to 0.3 seconds (0.1 seconds x 3 openings). On the other hand, when the electric support state is set, the probability of a normal winning is set to 99/100 (99/100 random numbers among the normal winning judgment random numbers that can be obtained as normal winning reserves are set to normal winnings), the normal winning fluctuation time is set to 1 second, and the opening time of the second starting hole 25 in a normal winning game is set to 4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds x 3 openings).

<Special Action Processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs a special operation process (S600). In this special operation process (S600), a process is performed to change the display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) or to execute a jackpot game. That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first judges whether or not the jackpot game is being played, the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is being changed, or the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is being fixed. As a result, if the jackpot game is not being played, the special symbol is not being changed, or the special symbol is not being fixed, the CPU 201 judges whether or not the second special symbol reservation is stored in the second special symbol reservation memory area. As a result, if the second special symbol reservation is stored in the second special symbol reservation memory area, the CPU 201 reads out the first stored second special symbol reservation (jackpot determination random number, change pattern selection random number, symbol selection random number) from among the stored second special symbol reservations. Then, a jackpot determination is made based on the jackpot determination random number contained in the second special chart reservation that has been read out.

In contrast, if the second special chart reservation is not stored in the second special chart reservation memory area, then it is determined whether or not the first special chart reservation is stored in the first special chart reservation memory area. As a result, if the first special chart reservation is stored in the first special chart reservation memory area, the first special chart reservation (jackpot determination random number, pattern selection random number, variation pattern selection random number) that was stored first among the stored first special chart reservations is read out. Then, a jackpot determination is made based on the jackpot determination random number contained in the read first special chart reservation.

As described above with reference to FIG. 6, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state related to the probability of being determined as a jackpot in the jackpot determination (jackpot probability) is set to a "low probability state with a low jackpot probability" or a "high probability state with a higher jackpot probability than the low probability state." Such low or high probability state settings are realized as follows. That is, when the low probability state is set, a first number of random numbers (e.g., 1 in 160) among the jackpot determination random numbers that can be obtained as the first special chart reserve or the second special chart reserve is set as a jackpot, and when the high probability state is set, a second number of random numbers (e.g., 1 in 50) that is greater than the first number among the jackpot determination random numbers that can be obtained as the first special chart reserve or the second special chart reserve is set as a jackpot.

In this way, after the jackpot determination is performed for the first special symbol reservation or the second special symbol reservation, it is determined whether the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or not. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the type of jackpot symbol to be displayed in the variable display of the current special symbol (variable symbol game) is selected based on the symbol selection random number included in the first special symbol reservation or the second special symbol reservation read out this time. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the jackpot symbols 1 to 100 can be displayed as the first special symbol, and the jackpot symbols 201 to 300 can be displayed as the second special symbol. Therefore, when the first special symbol reservation is read out, the symbol selection table (not shown) in which the symbol selection random numbers are assigned to the jackpot symbols 1 to 100 is referenced, and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the symbol selection random number read out as the first special symbol reservation is selected as the symbol to be displayed in the stopped state. In addition, when the second special symbol reservation is read, the system refers to a symbol selection table in which symbol selection random numbers are assigned to the jackpot symbols 201 to 300, and selects the jackpot symbol corresponding to the symbol selection random number read as the second special symbol reservation as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. The symbol selection table is pre-stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, when the first special reserved pattern is read out, the miss pattern 101 is selected as the pattern to be stopped and displayed, and when the second special reserved pattern is read out, the miss pattern 301 is selected as the pattern to be stopped and displayed. The jackpot pattern and the miss pattern selected as the pattern to be stopped and displayed are stored in the stop pattern memory area secured in the RAM 203.

After selecting the symbol to be displayed in this way, the variation pattern of the special symbol variation display (symbol variation game) is selected. The variation pattern is the time (variation time) from when the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) starts to vary to when it is displayed in a stopped state, and each variation pattern is assigned information (variation pattern ID) to distinguish it from other variation patterns. The variation pattern selection table is referenced in the process of selecting the variation pattern. As shown in FIG. 9, the variation pattern selection table is a table in which variation pattern selection random numbers are assigned to multiple variation patterns (variation pattern ID, variation time). In the process of selecting the variation pattern, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern selection random number read out this time as the first special symbol reserved or the second special symbol reserved in this variation pattern selection table is determined as the current variation pattern. Therefore, the probability that each variation pattern is selected is determined by the proportion of random numbers assigned to each variation pattern among the obtainable variation pattern selection random numbers.

The variation pattern selected in this manner is sent to the sub-control board 220 as a variation pattern designation command, which will be described later. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command, it recognizes the variation pattern of the current symbol variation game based on the variation pattern designation command, and executes a symbol variation presentation with a presentation pattern based on the variation pattern.

In the process of selecting the above-mentioned variation pattern, the same variation pattern selection table is not always referred to, but as shown in FIG. 10, a variation pattern selection table corresponding to various game progress situations such as the type of special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern), the currently set game state, the result of the jackpot determination, and the number of stored first special pattern reserves and second special pattern reserves is referred to. In this way, it is possible to select a variation pattern corresponding to various game progress situations, and the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can execute a pattern variation performance with a performance pattern corresponding to various game progress situations. For example, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes a pattern variation performance in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed with a double number after the reach performance, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern variation performance in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed with a random number is executed. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss and a predetermined variation pattern is selected, a reach performance is executed. Each variation pattern selection table is pre-stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

In this way, the symbol to be displayed in a stopped state in the current special symbol variable display is selected, and the variable pattern of the current special symbol variable display is selected, and then the special symbol variable display is started. Then, a variable pattern designation command indicating the currently selected variable pattern is stored in the output buffer of RAM 203. The variable pattern designation command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). In addition, the first special symbol reserve or second special symbol reserve that was the subject of the current jackpot determination is erased from the first special symbol reserve memory area or second special symbol reserve memory area.

The above describes the processing when the special symbol (first or second special symbol) is not being displayed during a jackpot game, when the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, or when the special symbol is not being displayed in a fixed manner. In contrast, when the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, it is determined whether the variable time of the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner has elapsed. As a result, if it is determined that the variable time has elapsed, the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is displayed as a fixed symbol that has been stored in the fixed symbol storage area in advance (fixed display is started). When the special symbol is displayed in a fixed manner in this way, the fixed display of the special symbol is started, so the fixed display time of the special symbol is set. Then, a variable stop command indicating that the special symbol has been displayed in a fixed manner is stored in the output buffer of RAM 203. The variable stop command stored in the output buffer in this way is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

If the special pattern is being displayed, it is determined whether the display time has elapsed. If the display time has elapsed, it is determined whether the special pattern that has been stopped (displayed) this time is a winning pattern. If the special pattern that has been stopped is a losing pattern, it is determined whether a high probability state has been set, and if a high probability state has been set, the number of high probability times is decremented by one. If the number of high probability times becomes 0 as a result, a low probability state is set instead of the high probability state. It is also determined whether an electric support state has been set, and if an electric support state has been set, the number of electric support times is decremented by one. If the number of electric support times becomes 0 as a result, a non-electric support state is set instead of the electric support state. If the game state is set in this way, a game state designation command indicating the set game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The game state designation command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

On the other hand, if the special symbol that is stopped is a jackpot symbol, the opening pattern (number of times to open, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the jackpot opening 28 in the jackpot game is set. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of rounds during the jackpot game differs depending on the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped. Therefore, the opening pattern of the jackpot opening 28 is set according to the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped. After the opening pattern of the jackpot opening 28 is set in this way, the jackpot game is started. Then, a jackpot game start command indicating the start of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. This jackpot game start command also includes information indicating the number of rounds in the jackpot game that is started this time. The jackpot game start command stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

On the other hand, when a jackpot game is being played, the large prize opening solenoid 29m is controlled to operate the opening/closing door 29 so that the large prize opening 28 is opened or closed in the above-mentioned opening pattern. Then, at the start of a round game, a round game start command indicating the start of the round game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. During a round game (a jackpot game), a large prize opening ball entry command indicating that the game ball has entered the large prize opening 28 is stored in the output buffer every time a game ball enters the large prize opening 28. Then, at the end of a round game, a round game end command indicating the end of the round game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The round game start command, large prize opening ball entry command, and round game end command stored in the output buffer in this way are transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

In addition, when the control of the big winning port solenoid 29m (operation of the opening and closing door 29) according to the above-mentioned opening pattern is completed, the big win game ends. Then, a big win game end command indicating the end of the big win game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The big win game end command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). When the big win game ends, the game state is set to a high probability state and an electric support state as described above with reference to FIG. 6. At this time, the high probability number of times is set to 6 times regardless of which big win pattern is stopped and displayed, but the electric support number of times is set to 25 times, 50 times, or 100 times depending on the type of the big win pattern stopped and displayed. When the game state is set in this way, a game state designation command indicating the set game state (including the high probability number of times and the electric support number of times) is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The game state designation command stored in this way in the output buffer will be sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

The first start port sensor 24s and the second start port sensor 25s can be regarded as "detection means", the first special chart reservation and the second special chart reservation can be regarded as "acquired information", and the RAM 203 that stores the first special chart reservation and the second special chart reservation can be regarded as "acquired information storage means". The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that performs a pre-determination of whether the first special chart reservation or the second special chart reservation is specified information can be regarded as "pre-determination means". The special pattern can be regarded as an "identification pattern", and the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that performs the "identification pattern change" that is the changing display of the identification pattern can be regarded as "identification pattern change means". In addition, the big prize opening 28 can be regarded as a "variable ball opening", the big prize game can be regarded as a "winning game", the big prize pattern can be regarded as a "winning pattern", and the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, which executes the big prize game when the special pattern stops and displays as a big prize pattern, can be regarded as a "winning game execution means". In addition, the "electric support state" and the "high probability state" can be regarded as "advantageous states", and the "non-electric support state" and the "low probability state" can be regarded as "unfavorable states". In addition, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, which can set these game states, can be regarded as a "state setting means".

D. Performance control processing:
11 is a flowchart showing the general flow of the performance control process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 as control related to performance. The performance control process is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 based on a timer interrupt that occurs at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 10 ms). The performance control process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 will be explained below according to the flowchart. Note that in the following explanation, explanations of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 221, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt permission process are omitted.

When the performance control process starts, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first performs a command analysis process (S800). Here, every time the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a command from the main control board 200, it stores the command in a received command storage area of the RAM 223 as an external interrupt process. In the command analysis process (S800), it determines the performance that corresponds to the command stored in this received command storage area, i.e., the command received from the main control board 200, and stores the command to be sent to the image/audio control board 230, lamp control board 226, etc. to perform this performance in an output buffer secured in the RAM 223.

The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 then performs output processing (S900). In this processing, the command stored in the output buffer of the RAM 223 is sent to the image/audio control board 230, the lamp control board 226, etc. When a command is received from the sub-control board 220, the image/audio control board 230 displays an image corresponding to the received command on the performance display device 41, and outputs sound corresponding to the received command from the various speakers 6a, 6b, etc. In addition, the lamp control board 226 causes the various lamps 5a to 5c, etc. to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the received command.

As described above, the sub-control board 220 cooperates with the image/sound control board 230, the lamp control board 226, etc. to execute various effects, but for ease of explanation in this specification, the sub-control board 220 cooperating with the image/sound control board 230, the lamp control board 226, etc. to execute various effects will also be expressed simply as "the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes various effects."

Figure 12 shows the processing performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 in response to a command received from the main control board 200. As shown in Figure 12, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a special chart reservation memory command, it detects that a new special chart reservation has been stored (and displays a reservation image indicating that a special chart reservation has been stored) and performs a pre-performance, which is a performance based on the pre-determination result. For example, an image of a character or the like corresponding to the pre-determination result is displayed on the performance display device 41. Note that the pre-determination performance does not need to be performed all the time when a special chart reservation memory command is received, and may be performed when a specified condition is met (for example, when a specified execution lottery is won).

Also, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command, it starts a pattern variation performance (including the variation display of the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c) corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command in accordance with the variation display of the special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern). Since the pattern variation performance is performed in accordance with the variation pattern, the reach performance (see FIG. 7(b)) performed as part of the pattern variation performance is also performed when the corresponding variation pattern is selected. In detail, when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a variation pattern corresponding to the reach performance is selected, and then the reach performance is performed, and then the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed as a double number. Also, when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a variation pattern corresponding to the reach performance is selected, and then the reach performance is performed, and then the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed as a double number. When a change stop command is received while the symbol change effect is being performed, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 stops and displays the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c as duplicates or random numbers.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a jackpot game start command, it starts a jackpot game presentation to indicate that a jackpot game is in progress. For example, when a jackpot game starts, it executes a fanfare presentation to indicate the start of the jackpot game, and starts displaying a video (a so-called movie) to indicate that a jackpot game is in progress. It also executes presentations to suggest the number of rounds of the started jackpot game (4 rounds of jackpot game, 6 rounds of jackpot game, 7 rounds of jackpot game, or 16 rounds of jackpot game), the game state to be set after the started jackpot game ends, the number of high probability rounds (6 rounds), and the number of electric support rounds (25 rounds, 50 rounds, or 100 rounds).

When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a round play start command during a jackpot game, it starts a round play presentation (e.g., superimposed on the jackpot game presentation) indicating that a round play is in progress. For example, it starts a presentation indicating the number of round plays in the jackpot game being played (e.g., a presentation displaying 1R, 2R, 3R, etc.). Then, when it receives a big prize entry command during a round play, it performs a presentation indicating that a game ball has entered the big prize entry port 28. For example, in response to a game ball entering the big prize entry port 28, it performs a presentation indicating that a game ball has been paid out to the player. Then, when it receives a round play end command, it ends the round play presentation, and when it receives a jackpot game end command, it ends the jackpot game presentation.

When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a game state designation command, it starts a presentation that corresponds to the set game state. For example, it executes a presentation in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c and their background images are changed to a form (such as color or shape) that corresponds to the game state, starts a presentation that displays the remaining number of high probability times when a high probability state is set, and starts a presentation that displays the remaining number of electric support times when an electric support state is set.

E. Character Production:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, as part of the pattern change performance, it is possible to execute a "character performance" in which a video in which a character appears is displayed (played back). Such a "character performance" is performed in a state in which a reach performance is being executed. In other words, when a reach performance is started, a "character performance" may be performed afterwards (during the execution of the reach performance). When such a "character performance" is performed, the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c are displayed as a stopped pattern with a repeat number or a random number when the "character performance" ends (the reach performance ends).

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, five types of effects can be executed as the "character effects" described above. In more detail, the "character effects" that can be executed are "character effect A" which displays (plays) a video featuring "character A," "character effect B" which displays (plays) a video featuring "character B," "character effect C" which displays (plays) a video featuring "character C," "character effect D" which displays (plays) a video featuring "character D," and "character effect E" which displays (plays) a video featuring "character E."

These "character effects" are executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 when the corresponding change pattern is selected (by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200). That is, when the "change pattern corresponding to character effect A" is selected, "character effect A" is executed; when the "change pattern corresponding to character effect B" is selected, "character effect B" is executed; when the "change pattern corresponding to character effect C" is selected, "character effect C" is executed; when the "change pattern corresponding to character effect D" is selected, "character effect D" is executed; and when the "change pattern corresponding to character effect E" is selected, "character effect E" is executed.

In addition, the possibility (also referred to in this specification as the "jackpot expectation") that the special symbols (decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) will stop and be displayed as a jackpot symbol (double number) is higher when any of the "character effects" are executed than when none of the "character effects" are executed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the jackpot expectation when a "character effect" is executed is lowest when "character effect A is executed," increases in the order of "character effect B" → "character effect C" → "character effect D," and is highest when "character effect E" is executed.

This kind of jackpot expectation is realized by appropriately setting the probability that the variation pattern corresponding to each "character performance" will be selected. For example, the probability that the variation pattern corresponding to any of the "character performances" will be selected is set to be higher when the special symbols (decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) are stopped and displayed as jackpot symbols (double numbers) than when the special symbols (decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) are stopped and displayed as miss symbols (scattered numbers).

As shown in FIG. 13, when the special symbols (decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) are stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (double number), the probability of the "variation pattern corresponding to character performance A" being selected is the lowest, the probability of the "variation pattern corresponding to character performance B" being selected is higher in the order of probability of the "variation pattern corresponding to character performance C" being selected is higher in the order of probability of the "variation pattern corresponding to character performance D" being selected, and the probability of the "variation pattern corresponding to character performance E" being selected is set to be the highest. On the other hand, when the special symbols (decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) are stopped and displayed as a miss symbol (scattered number), the probability of the "variation pattern corresponding to character performance A" being selected is set to be the highest, the probability of the "variation pattern corresponding to character performance B" being selected is lower in the order of probability of the "variation pattern corresponding to character performance C" being selected is higher in the order of probability of the "variation pattern corresponding to character performance D" being selected, and the probability of the "variation pattern corresponding to character performance E" being selected is set to be the lowest.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the jackpot expectation is set as described above, so the player can expect that one of the "character performances" will be performed, and if a "character performance" is performed, the player can expect that the type of "character performance" with the higher jackpot expectation will be performed.

F. Memorizing the types of reserved special charts:
Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the special symbol reservation is stored on the main control board 200 side, the special symbol reservation is also stored on the sub-control board 220 side. In detail, as described above, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 stores the special symbol reservation, it transmits a special symbol reservation storage command to the sub-control board 220. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives this special symbol reservation storage command, it stores the type of the special symbol reservation that has been newly stored.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the following types of special symbol reserves can be stored: "normal reserve," "A reserve," "B reserve," "C reserve," "D reserve," and "E reserve." Of these, "normal reserve" is a special symbol reserve that triggers the start of a variable display of special symbols (decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) without any "character effects." In other words, even if a variable display of special symbols (decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) is performed based on "normal reserve," no "character effects" are performed during the execution of the variable display.

In contrast, "A Pending" is a special pattern pending that triggers the start of the variable display of the special pattern (decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c) for which "Character Performance A" is executed. In other words, when the variable display of the special pattern (decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c) is performed based on "A Pending", "Character Performance A" is performed during the execution of the variable display.

"B Reserve" is a special pattern reserve that triggers the start of the variable display of the special pattern (decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c) for which "Character Performance B" is executed. In other words, when the variable display of the special pattern (decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c) is performed based on "B Reserve", "Character Performance B" is performed during the execution of the variable display.

"C hold" is a special symbol hold that triggers the start of the variable display of the special symbol (decorative symbol 41a, 41b, 41c) for which "character performance C" is executed. In other words, when the variable display of the special symbol (decorative symbol 41a, 41b, 41c) is performed based on "C hold", "character performance C" is performed during the execution of the variable display.

"D Reserve" is a special pattern reserve that triggers the start of the variable display of the special pattern (decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c) for which "Character Performance D" is executed. In other words, when the variable display of the special pattern (decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c) is performed based on "D Reserve", "Character Performance D" is performed during the execution of the variable display.

In addition, "E Reserve" is a special pattern reserve that triggers the start of the variable display of the special pattern (decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c) for which "Character Performance E" is executed. In other words, when the variable display of the special pattern (decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c) is performed based on "E Reserve", "Character Performance E" is performed during the execution of the variable display.

The type of special reserved item is naturally determined (detected) based on the results of a prior determination (such as information identifying a variation pattern) included in the special reserved item storage command. In addition, in this specification, when there is no particular distinction between "A reserved," "B reserved," "C reserved," "D reserved," and "E reserved," they are collectively referred to as "character reserved."

Figure 14 conceptually shows the "first special chart-reserved type storage area" and "second special chart-reserved type storage area" secured in the RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a new reserved special chart is stored, the type of the reserved special chart is stored in the "first special chart-reserved type storage area" or the "second special chart-reserved type storage area".

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 14, the RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220 has a "first special chart-reservation type memory area" that stores the type of first special chart reserved. The "first special chart-reservation type memory area" is made up of four areas, the first area, the second area, the third area, and the fourth area, corresponding to the maximum number of first special chart reserved that can be stored (4). The RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220 also has a "second special chart-reservation type memory area" that stores the type of second special chart reserved. This "second special chart-reservation type memory area" is also made up of four areas, the first area, the second area, the third area, and the fourth area, corresponding to the maximum number of second special chart reserved that can be stored (4).

Then, in the "first special chart-reserved type storage area" and the "second special chart-reserved type storage area", the type of each special chart reservation is stored according to the order in which each special chart reservation was stored. That is, the type of the "first special chart reservation stored" is stored in the first area, the type of the "second special chart reservation stored" is stored in the second area, the type of the "third special chart reservation stored" is stored in the third area, and the type of the "fourth special chart reservation stored" is stored in the fourth area.

In FIG. 14, the first and second stored types of first special chart reserves are stored as "normal reserves," the third stored type of first special chart reserve is stored as "A reserve" (three first special chart reserves are stored), and no second special chart reserves are stored.

In the "First special symbol-reserved type storage area" and "Second special symbol-reserved type storage area", when the display of the changing special symbol starts (when a jackpot determination is made for the special symbol reserve), the stored special symbol reserve (type of special symbol reserve) is shifted. In other words, when the display of the changing special symbol starts (when a jackpot determination is made for the special symbol reserve), the special symbol reserve stored first (first) is erased on the main control board 200 side, and in response to this, the special symbol reserve (type of special symbol reserve) stored in the first area is erased. Then, in conjunction with this, the special symbol reserve (type of special symbol reserve) stored in the second to fourth areas is shifted to the first to third areas.

More specifically, the special drawing reservations (types of special drawing reservations) stored in the second to fourth areas are moved up one by one in the order in which the corresponding special drawing reservations were stored, so that if a special drawing reservation (type of special drawing reservation) is stored in the second area, the special drawing reservation (type of special drawing reservation) is moved and stored (shifted) in the first area, if a special drawing reservation (type of special drawing reservation) is stored in the third area, the special drawing reservation (type of special drawing reservation) is moved and stored (shifted) in the second area, and if a special drawing reservation (type of special drawing reservation) is stored in the fourth area, the special drawing reservation (type of special drawing reservation) is moved and stored (shifted) in the third area.

The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 displays a "reserved image" based on the reserved special chart (type of reserved special chart) stored in the above-mentioned "first special chart-reserved type memory area" and "second special chart-reserved type memory area". In detail, during a non-electric support state where a left hit is performed, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 displays a "reserved image" corresponding to the first special chart reserve based on the reserved special chart (type of reserved special chart) stored in the "first special chart-reserved type memory area", since the first special chart reserve is exclusively stored. Also, during an electric support state where a right hit is performed, the second special chart reserve is exclusively stored, so the "reserved image" corresponding to the second special chart reserve is displayed based on the reserved special chart (type of reserved special chart) stored in the "second special chart-reserved type memory area".

As shown in FIG. 15, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a "frame image" is displayed at the bottom of the display screen of the performance display device 41, and this "frame image" indicates a "reserved image display area" which is an area for displaying "reserved images". The "reserved images" are then displayed (superimposed on the frame image) in the "reserved image display area". The display position of each "reserved image" in the "reserved image display area" corresponds to the area (first area to fourth area) in which the special reserved image (type of special reserved image) corresponding to each "reserved image" is stored. In other words, the "reserved images" are displayed in the order in which the corresponding special reserved image was stored, starting from the left side in the "reserved image display area".

In more detail, when in a non-electric support state, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the leftmost area of the "reserved image display area" displays a "reserved image" based on the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the first area of the "first special chart-reserved type memory area", the second area from the left displays a "reserved image" based on the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the second area of the "first special chart-reserved type memory area", the third area from the left displays a "reserved image" based on the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the third area of the "first special chart-reserved type memory area", and the fourth area from the left displays a "reserved image" based on the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the fourth area of the "first special chart-reserved type memory area". In FIG. 15(a), three first special chart reservations are stored, and correspondingly, special chart reservations (types of special chart reservations) are stored in the first to third areas of the "first special chart - reservation type storage area," and accordingly, an example is shown in which three "reserved images" are displayed in the "reserved image display area."

Also, when in a non-electric support state, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the leftmost area of the "reserved image display area" displays a "reserved image" based on the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the first area of the "second special chart-reserved type memory area", the second area from the left displays a "reserved image" based on the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the second area of the "second special chart-reserved type memory area", the third area from the left displays a "reserved image" based on the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the third area of the "second special chart-reserved type memory area", and the fourth area from the left displays a "reserved image" based on the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the fourth area of the "second special chart-reserved type memory area". In FIG. 15(b), in response to the fact that four second special chart reservations are stored, special chart reservations (types of special chart reservations) are stored in the first to fourth areas of the "second special chart - reservation type storage area," and accordingly, an example is shown in which four "reserved images" are displayed in the "reserved image display area."

When the display of the first special chart changes (when a jackpot is determined for the first special chart reserve) is started, and the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the "first special chart-reserve type memory area" is erased, the "reserve image" corresponding to that special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) that was previously displayed in the "reserve image display area" is also erased. Also, when the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the "first special chart-reserve type memory area" is shifted, the "reserve image" corresponding to that special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) that was previously displayed in the "reserve image display area" is also shifted one by one to the left and displayed.

In addition, when the variable display of the second special chart starts (when a jackpot determination is made for the second special chart reserve), if the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the "second special chart-reserve type memory area" is erased, the "reserve image" corresponding to that special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) that was previously displayed in the "reserve image display area" is also erased. In addition, when the special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) stored in the "second special chart-reserve type memory area" is shifted at that time, the "reserve image" corresponding to that special chart reserve (type of special chart reserve) that was previously displayed in the "reserve image display area" is also displayed, shifting one by one to the left.

The "reserved image" displayed is a circular image (an image showing a ball). The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 that displays the "reserved image" can also be considered as a "reserved display means."

G. Preview:
G-1. Preview performance summary:
As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the "character performance" can be executed, and the "pre-notice performance" that notifies (suggests) that the "character performance" will be executed can be executed. This "pre-notice performance" is started when the fourth first special chart reservation (the upper limit first special chart reservation) is stored in the non-electric support state (when the number of first special chart reservations reaches four), and the first special chart reservation (the fourth stored first special chart reservation) is one of the "character reservations (A reservation, B reservation, C reservation, D reservation, E reservation)". Below, such a "pre-notice performance" will be explained in detail.

Figure 16 shows a flowchart of the "preview performance start process." This process is for starting the "preview performance," and is executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 as a timer interrupt process (e.g., every 10 ms).

As shown in FIG. 16, when the "preview performance start process" starts, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first determines whether or not the "preview performance" is currently being executed (S1000). As a result, if the "preview performance" is already being executed (S1000: yes), a new "preview performance" is not started, and the "preview performance start process" ends as is.

On the other hand, if the "preview performance" is not being executed (S1000: no), it is determined whether or not the non-electric support state is being set (S1002). As a result, if the non-electric support state is being set (S1002: yes), it is then determined whether or not a new first special chart reservation has been stored (S1004).

As a result, if a new first special chart reservation is stored (S1004: yes), it is determined whether the first special chart reservation (newly stored first special chart reservation) is the fourth first special chart reservation (upper limit first special chart reservation) (S1006). Then, if the newly stored first special chart reservation is the fourth first special chart reservation (upper limit first special chart reservation) (S1006: yes), it is determined whether the first special chart reservation (newly stored first special chart reservation) is any of the "character reservations (A reservation, B reservation, C reservation, D reservation, E reservation)" (S1008). As a result, if the newly stored first special chart reservation is any of the "character reservations (A reservation, B reservation, C reservation, D reservation, E reservation)" (S1008: yes), the "preview performance" is started.

In this way, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the fourth first special chart reservation (the upper limit of first special chart reservations) is stored in the non-electric support state (when the number of first special chart reservations reaches four), and the first special chart reservation (the fourth stored first special chart reservation) is any of the "character reservations (A reserve, B reserve, C reserve, D reserve, E reserve)," the "preview performance" will start.

In addition, in this specification, the "character reserve" stored as the fourth first special chart reserve (the upper limit first special chart reserve) in the non-electric support state is also referred to as the "character reserve that triggers the start of the preview performance" since it triggers the start of the "preview performance" as described above.

Figure 17 shows the "preview performance" being performed. As shown in Figure 17, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment executes a performance in which, as a "preview performance", characters indicating the type (name) of the "character performance" that is to be performed and a number of "star images" indicating the jackpot expectation corresponding to that "character performance" (the jackpot expectation when that character performance is performed) are superimposed on a portion of the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c (on the performance display device 41).

In more detail, when predicting that "character performance A" will be performed, a performance is executed in which the words "character performance A" and one "star image" are displayed as a "preview performance". When predicting that "character performance B" will be performed, a performance is executed in which the words "character performance B" and two "star images" are displayed as a "preview performance". When predicting that "character performance C" will be performed, a performance is executed in which the words "character performance C" and three "star images" are displayed as a "preview performance". When predicting that "character performance D" will be performed, a performance is executed in which the words "character performance D" and four "star images" are displayed as a "preview performance". When predicting that "character performance E" will be performed, a performance is executed in which the words "character performance E" and five "star images" are displayed as a "preview performance".

Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 13, the probability of winning when a "character performance" is executed is the lowest when "character performance A" is executed, and increases in the order of "character performance B" → "character performance C" → "character performance D" and is the highest when "character performance E" is executed. Therefore, in the "preview performance", the higher the probability of winning when the "character performance" to be predicted is executed, the more "star images" are displayed. That is, as described above, when predicting that "character performance A" will be executed, one "star image" is displayed, when predicting that "character performance B" will be executed, two "star images" are displayed, when predicting that "character performance C" will be executed, three "star images" are displayed, when predicting that "character performance D" will be executed, four "star images" are displayed, and when predicting that "character performance E" will be executed, five "star images" are displayed.

G-2. Increase in star images:
In the "preview performance" of this embodiment, when the "preview performance" first begins, that is, when the "character reserve that is the trigger for starting the preview performance" is stored, regardless of what type of "character reserve (A reserve, B reserve, C reserve, D reserve, E reserve)" the "character reserve that is the trigger for starting the preview performance" is (regardless of what type of character performance is being performed), a preview is displayed (the words "character performance A" and a star image are displayed) as shown in FIG. 17, indicating that "character performance A" will be performed.

The type of "character performance" predicted in the "preview performance" (the display mode of the preview performance) is changed so as to warn that the actual "character performance" will be performed before the actual "character performance" is performed based on the "character reservation that is the trigger for the preview performance."

In more detail, in the "preview performance" of this embodiment, after the "preview performance" has started, when the display of the "reserved image" is erased (when the variable display of the first special chart begins), the characters indicating the type of "character performance" displayed in the "preview performance" may be changed and the number of "star images" displayed may be increased.

For example, if "E Pending" is stored as the "Character Pending that is the trigger for starting the preview performance", the "preview performance" will be executed in the following manner. That is, at the timing when "E Pending" is stored as the "Character Pending that is the trigger for starting the preview performance", the "preview performance" will start, displaying the text "Character Performance A" and one "star image", as shown in FIG. 18(a).

Then, at the timing when the display of the first "reserved image" is erased (the timing when the variable display of the first special chart based on the first reserved first special chart starts), as shown in FIG. 18(b), the text "Character Performance A" is changed to the text "Character Performance B", and the number of displayed "star images" is increased by one to two.

Then, at the timing when the display of the second "reserved image" is erased (the timing when the variable display of the first special chart based on the second reserved first special chart begins), as shown in FIG. 18(c), the text "Character Performance B" is changed to the text "Character Performance C," and the number of displayed "star images" is increased by one to three.

Then, at the timing when the display of the third "reserved image" is erased (the timing when the variable display of the first special chart based on the third reserved first special chart begins), as shown in FIG. 18(d), the text "Character performance C" is changed to the text "Character performance D," and the number of displayed "star images" is increased by one to four.

Finally, when the display of the fourth "reserved image" (the reserved image corresponding to E reserve) is erased, that is, when the variable display of the first special chart based on the "character reserve (E reserve, the fourth first special chart reserve) that is the trigger for the preview performance" starts, the characters "Character Performance D" are changed to "Character Performance E" as shown in Figure 18 (e), and the number of "star images" displayed is increased by one to five. During the variable display of this first special chart, the "character performance" that was finally previewed (suggested) in the "preview performance", that is, "Character Performance E", will be executed.

On the other hand, if "D Reserve" is stored as the "character reserved that is the trigger for starting the preview performance", the same "preview performance" as when "E Reserve" is stored is executed until the timing when the display of the third "reserved image" is erased, as shown in Figures 19(a) to 19(d). However, at this point, the "preview performance" is in a display mode that announces that "character performance D" will be executed. Therefore, at the timing when the fourth "reserved image" (the reserved image corresponding to D reserve) is erased, that is, the timing when the variable display of the first special chart based on "character reserved (D reserve, fourth first special chart reserved) that is the trigger for starting the preview performance" starts, as shown in Figure 19(e), neither the letters "character performance D" nor the number of "star images" displayed are changed. Note that during the variable display of this first special chart, the "character performance" that was finally predicted (suggested) in the "preview performance", that is, "character performance D", will be executed.

In addition, when "C reserve" is stored as the "character reserve that is the trigger for starting the preview performance", the same "preview performance" as when "E reserve" is stored is executed until the timing when the display of the second "reserved image" is erased, as shown in Fig. 20(a) to Fig. 20(c). However, at this point, the "preview performance" is in a display mode that announces that "character performance C" will be executed. Therefore, at the timing when the display of the third "reserved image" is erased (the timing when the variable display of the first special chart based on the third first special chart reserve starts), as shown in Fig. 20(d), neither the characters "character performance C" nor the number of "star images" displayed are changed. Similarly, at the timing when the fourth "reserved image" (the reserved image corresponding to C reserve) is erased, that is, the timing when the variable display of the first special chart based on "character reserve (C reserve, fourth first special chart reserve) that is the trigger for starting the preview performance" starts, as shown in Fig. 20(e), neither the characters "character performance C" nor the number of "star images" displayed are changed. Furthermore, during the changing display of this first special chart, the "character performance" that was finally predicted (suggested) in the "preview performance", i.e., "character performance C", will be executed.

In addition, when "B reserved" is stored as the "character reserved which is the trigger for starting the preview performance", the same "preview performance" as when "E reserved" is stored is executed until the timing when the display of the first "reserved image" is erased, as shown in Fig. 21 (a) and (b). However, at this point, the "preview performance" is in a display mode that announces that "character performance B" will be executed. Therefore, at the timing when the display of the second and third "reserved images" is erased (the timing when the variable display of the first special chart based on the second and third first special chart reservations starts), as shown in Fig. 21 (c) and (d), the characters "character performance B" and the number of "star images" displayed are not changed. Similarly, at the timing when the fourth "reserved image" (the reserved image corresponding to B reserved) is erased, that is, the timing when the variable display of the first special chart based on "character reserved which is the trigger for starting the preview performance (B reserved, fourth first special chart reservation)" starts, as shown in Fig. 21 (e), the characters "character performance B" and the number of "star images" displayed are not changed. Furthermore, during the changing display of this first special chart, the "character performance" that was finally predicted (suggested) in the "preview performance", i.e., "character performance B", will be executed.

In addition, when "A hold" is stored as the "character hold that is the trigger for starting the preview performance", as shown in FIG. 22(a), at the timing when the "A hold" is stored, the same "preview performance" as when "E hold" is stored is executed. However, at this point, the "preview performance" is in a display mode that notifies the execution of "character performance A". Therefore, at the timing when the display of the first, second, and third "reserved images" is erased (the timing when the variable display of the first special chart based on the first, second, and third first special chart reserves starts), as shown in FIG. 22(b)-(d), the characters "character performance A" and the number of "star images" displayed are not changed. Similarly, at the timing when the fourth "reserved image" (the reserved image corresponding to A hold) is erased, that is, the timing when the variable display of the first special chart based on the "character hold that is the trigger for starting the preview performance (A hold, fourth first special chart reserve)" starts, as shown in FIG. 22(e), the characters "character performance A" and the number of "star images" displayed are not changed. Furthermore, during the changing display of this first special chart, the "character performance" that was finally predicted (suggested) in the "preview performance", i.e., "character performance A", will be executed.

The "preview performance" that is triggered by "Character Reserve" ends when the "Character Performance" based on that "Character Reserve" begins, or after the "Character Performance" based on that "Character Reserve" begins.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, before a "character performance" is performed, a "preview performance" may be executed that predicts (suggests) the type of "character performance" by the number of "star images" displayed. Therefore, when the "preview performance" is performed, a novel gameplay feature can be realized that draws the player's attention to the number of "star images" displayed, making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the more "star images" displayed in the "preview performance", the higher the type of "character performance" that is executed with a higher expectation of a jackpot. The number of "star images" displayed may be increased while the "preview performance" is being executed. This allows for a novel gameplay experience in which the player is made to expect an increase in the number of "star images" displayed while the "preview performance" is being executed, making it possible to increase the player's interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the display of the "reserved image" is erased, the number of "star images" displayed in the "preview performance" is increased. Therefore, during the "preview performance", a novel gameplay feature can be realized in which the player is made to expect the number of "star images" displayed to increase when the display of the "reserved image" is erased, making it possible to increase interest in the game. Furthermore, if the number of "star images" displayed is increased when the display of the "reserved image" is erased, the player can feel as if the "reserved image" has changed to a "star image", making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the more "star images" displayed in the "preview performance", the more likely a type of "character performance" with a higher jackpot expectation is executed; however, this is not limited to the above, and it is sufficient that the more "star images" displayed in the "preview performance", the more likely a type of "character performance" with a higher jackpot expectation is executed. For example, if there is one "star image" displayed in the "preview performance", "character performance A" is more likely to be executed than "character performance E", and if there are five "star images" displayed in the "preview performance", "character performance E" is more likely to be executed than "character performance A".

In the above-described embodiment, when the "preview performance" first starts, that is, when the "reserved character that triggers the start of the preview performance" is stored, one "star image" is displayed regardless of the type of "reserved character (reserved A, reserved B, reserved C, reserved D, reserved E)" that "reserved character that triggers the start of the preview performance" is (regardless of the type of character performance being performed). Not limited to this, even when the "preview performance" first starts, it may be possible to display various numbers of "star images" (for example, 1 to 3 star images).

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the number of "star images" displayed in the "preview performance" is increased at the timing when the display of the "reserved image" is erased, but it is possible to appropriately determine the timing at which of the four "reserved images" is erased as the timing for increasing the number of "star images".

For example, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines the "number of star images to increase" based on the type of "character reservation, which is the trigger for starting the preview performance" at the timing of "character reservation, which is the trigger for starting the preview performance". Then, based on the "number of star images to increase", it determines the timing for increasing the number of "star images" displayed. For example, if the "number of star images to increase" is two, the timing for increasing the number of "star images" displayed is determined to be the timing for erasing the first "star image" and the timing for erasing the third "star image".

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the number of "star images" displayed in the "preview performance" is increased by only one when the display of one "on hold image" is erased, but this is not limited to the above, and it may be possible to increase the number of "star images" displayed in the "preview performance" by multiple numbers when the display of one "on hold image" is erased. For example, the number of "star images" displayed in the "preview performance" may be increased by two or three when the display of one "on hold image" is erased.

In addition, the "expected chance of a jackpot" can be seen as the "expected chance of a hit," the "character effects" can be seen as "possibility suggestion effects," and the "star image" can be seen as a "unit image."

G-3. Change Production:
As described above, in the "preview performance" of this embodiment, the number of "star images" displayed may be increased at the time the display of the "reserved image" is erased, and at this time, a "change performance" can be executed that shows the "reserved image" changing into a "star image."

Figure 23 shows an example of how a "change performance" is performed. In this type of "change performance," first, as shown in Figures 23(a) and (b), a performance is performed in which the "reserved image" to be erased is moved to the display area of the "star image" (outside the reserved image display area shown by the frame image) and displayed. Then, as shown in Figure 23(c), a performance is performed in which the "reserved image" after the movement is erased and a new "star image" is displayed (a performance in which the reserved image changes to a star image).

As shown in FIG. 23(c), the effect of changing the characters indicating the type of "character effect" is performed when a new "star image" is displayed (or after the new "star image" is displayed). Also, the movement (shift) of the remaining "reserved images" to the side of the display area (left side) where the moved "reserved images" were originally displayed is performed when the movement of the "reserved images" begins (or after the "reserved images" are moved).

As described above, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is capable of executing a "change effect" that shows the "reserved image" changing into a "star image," which further enhances the effect of making the player feel as if the "reserved image" has changed into a "star image."

In addition, in conventional gaming machines, the "reserved image" does not move outside the "reserved image display area", but in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the "reserved image" may move outside the "reserved image display area" when a "change performance" is performed. This gives the player a sense of surprise, making it possible to increase interest in the game.

G-4. Display mode of reserved image:
Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the "reserved image" may be displayed in various forms. And, the number of "star images" displayed may be more likely to increase when the "reserved image" displayed in the second form is erased than when the "reserved image" displayed in the first form is erased.

For example, the "pending image" can be displayed in blue or red. The configuration may be such that the number of "star images" displayed is more likely to increase when the "pending image" displayed in red is erased than when the "pending image" displayed in blue is erased.

This allows players, who are hoping for an increase in the number of "star images" displayed in the "preview performance," to focus their attention on the display mode of the "reserved image" (whether it is displayed in blue or red), creating a novel gaming experience that can increase interest in the game.

Alternatively, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment may be configured such that the increase in the number of "star images" (the increase in the number of displayed "star images") when the display of the "reserved image" is erased is more likely to be greater when the display of the "reserved image" displayed in the second mode is erased than when the display of the "reserved image" displayed in the first mode is erased.

For example, the configuration may be such that the increase in the number of "star images" (the increase in the number of displayed "star images") when a "pending image" displayed in red is erased is more likely to be greater than the increase in the number of "pending images" displayed in blue.

This allows players, who are hoping for a larger increase in the number of "star images" in the "preview performance" (the increase in the number of "star images" displayed), to focus their attention on the display mode of the "reserved image" (whether it is displayed in blue or red), creating a novel gaming experience that can increase interest in the game.

H. Variations:
In the above embodiment, if a new "reserved character" is stored during the execution of the "preview performance", it may be possible to change the execution mode of the "preview performance". In this way, the player can be made aware that a new "reserved character" has been stored, which can increase the player's interest in the game.

For example, if a "character performance" based on a newly stored "character reserved" has a higher chance of winning than a "character performance" based on a "character reserved" that triggers the execution of an ongoing "pre-notification performance," it may be possible to change the execution mode of the "pre-notification performance." This allows the player to recognize that a "character reserved" that has a higher chance of winning than the "character reserved" that triggers the execution of an ongoing "pre-notification performance" has been stored, making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, configurations for changing the execution mode of the "preview performance" can include changing the size of the "star image" being displayed, or terminating the "preview performance." In particular, if a configuration is adopted that ends the "preview performance" (when a new reserved character is stored or before the character performance begins), not only can the above-mentioned effects be achieved, but the player can also be given a sense of surprise that the "preview performance" has suddenly ended, making it possible to increase interest in the game.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope of each claim, and includes a range that can be easily substituted by a person skilled in the art, and improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art would normally possess can be added as appropriate.

For example, in the embodiment or modified example, the "preview performance" is executed (started) when "character reserved" is stored as the fourth (upper limit) first special reserved chart in the non-electric support state, but the "preview performance" may be executed (started) when "character reserved" is stored as the second special reserved chart in the electric support state, or the "preview performance" may be executed (started) when "character reserved" is stored as the first to third first special reserved chart.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was described in which the present invention was applied to a pachinko machine 1 that pays out game balls supplied from an island facility in a game hall, thereby giving the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game. The present invention can also be applied to a type of game machine that gives a game profit in a form other than "paying out game balls". For example, the present invention can also be applied to a type of pachinko machine that gives a game profit (game value) to a player by storing data indicating the amount of profit (magnitude of game value) corresponding to the entrance of game balls into various ball entrances, and in this case, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. An example of a pachinko machine that converts gaming profits (gaming value) into digital data and awards them to players is a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls built into the machine by circulating them, specifically a pachinko machine that is configured to return gaming balls discharged through various ball entrances or exits to the back of the gaming board to the launch position and launch them again (a so-called sealed gaming machine).

<Gaming machines A1 to A6 that can be extracted from the above-described embodiments>
Furthermore, the pachinko machines of the above-mentioned embodiments can be regarded as gaming machines A1 to A6 as follows.

<Gaming machine A1>
＜Overview＞
Multiple types of "possibility suggestion effects" can be executed. When executing a "possibility suggestion effect", a preview effect can be executed that notifies the type of "possibility suggestion effect" by the number of unit images before the "possibility suggestion effect" is executed.
<Claim format>
A gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting a game ball toward a game area formed on a game board,
An identification symbol changing means capable of changing an identification symbol, which is a changing display of the identification symbol;
A winning game execution means for executing a winning game when a winning symbol is stopped and displayed in the variation of the identification symbols;
Equipped with
It is possible to execute a possibility suggestion effect that suggests a winning expectation, which is a possibility that the winning symbol will be stopped and displayed by the variation of the identification symbol;
When the possibility suggestion effect is executed, a preview effect can be executed before the possibility suggestion effect is executed, which suggests the type of the possibility suggestion effect by the number of unit images displayed.

In such gaming machines, before a "possibility suggestion effect" is performed, a "preview effect" may be executed that suggests the type of "possibility suggestion effect" by the number of unit images displayed. Therefore, when the "preview effect" is performed, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws the player's attention to the number of unit images displayed, and it is possible to increase the interest of the game.

<Gaming Machine A2>
＜Overview＞
Subordinate to gaming machine A1.
The more unit images displayed in the "preview performance", the more likely it is that a "possibility suggestion performance" with a higher probability of winning will be executed. The number of unit images displayed in the "preview performance" can be increased.
<Claim format>
In the gaming machine A1,
The more the number of unit images displayed in the advance notice performance, the more likely it is that the possibility suggestion performance with a higher winning expectation will be executed.
A gaming machine characterized in that the number of unit images displayed in the preview performance can be increased while the preview performance is being executed.

In this type of gaming machine, the more unit images displayed in the "preview performance", the more likely it is that a "possibility suggestion performance" with a higher probability of winning will be executed. The number of unit images displayed may be increased while the "preview performance" is being executed. This allows for a novel gaming experience in which the player is made to expect an increase in the number of unit images displayed while the "preview performance" is being executed, making it possible to heighten interest in the game.

<Gaming machine A3>
＜Overview＞
Subordinate to gaming machine A2.
When the pending image display is cleared, the number of unit images displayed in the "preview performance" can be increased.
<Claim format>
In the gaming machine A2,
A reserved image indicating that the start of the identification pattern variation is reserved can be displayed,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the display of the reserved image is erased as the change in the identification pattern begins, the number of unit images displayed in the preview performance can be increased.

In such gaming machines, when the reserved image display is erased, the number of unit images displayed in the "preview performance" is increased. Therefore, during the "preview performance", a novel gameplay feature can be realized in which the player is made to expect that the number of unit images displayed will increase when the reserved image display is erased, which can increase the player's interest in the game. Also, if the number of unit images displayed is increased when the reserved image display is erased, the player can feel as if the reserved image has changed into a unit image, which can increase the player's interest in the game.

<Gaming machine A4>
＜Overview＞
Subordinate to gaming machine A3.
When the number of unit images displayed in the "preview performance" is increased, a "change performance" can be executed that shows the reserved images changing into unit images.
<Claim format>
In the gaming machine A3,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the number of unit images displayed in the preview performance is increased, a change performance can be executed which shows the reserved image changing into the unit image.

In such gaming machines, when the number of unit images displayed in the "preview performance" is increased, a "change performance" may be performed that shows the reserved images changing into unit images. This makes it possible to further enhance the effect described above, that is, the effect of making the reserved images feel as if they have changed into unit images.

<Gaming machine A5>
＜Overview＞
Subordinate to gaming machine A4.
An area suggestion image showing the reserved image display area, which is an area for displaying the reserved image, can be displayed. The reserved image is displayed in the reserved image display area. In the "change performance", the reserved image is moved to the outside of the reserved image display area.
<Claim format>
In the gaming machine A4,
A reserved image display area for displaying the reserved image can be displayed,
The reserved image is displayed in the reserved image display area,
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the change presentation, the reserved image may be moved to the outside of the reserved image display area.

In conventional gaming machines, the "reserved image" does not move outside the "reserved image display area", but in this gaming machine, the "reserved image" may move outside the "reserved image display area" when a "change performance" is performed. This gives the player a sense of surprise, making it possible to increase interest in the game. In such a gaming machine,

<Gaming Machine A6>
＜Overview＞
Subordinate to gaming machines A3 to A5.
The display mode of the reserved image can suggest the possibility that the number of unit images displayed will be increased when the display of the reserved image is deleted.
<Claim format>
In any one of the gaming machines A3 to A5,
A gaming machine characterized in that the display mode of the reserved image can indicate the possibility that the number of unit images displayed will be increased when the display of the reserved image is erased.

In such gaming machines, the display mode of the reserved image may suggest the possibility that the number of unit images displayed will increase when the reserved image display is erased. This allows for a novel gaming experience that draws the attention of players who are hoping for an increase in the number of unit images displayed to the display mode of the reserved images, making it possible to increase interest in the game.

This invention can be used in gaming machines used in gaming halls.

1... Pachinko machine (game machine), 20... Game board, 24s... First start port sensor (detection means), 25s... Second start port sensor (detection means), 28... Big prize port (variable ball entry port), 41... Performance display device, 200... Main control board, 201... CPU (identification symbol variation means, winning game execution means), 202... ROM, 203... RAM (acquired information storage means), 220... Sub-control board, 221... CPU (hold display means).

Claims (1)

A gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting a game ball toward a game area formed on a game board,
An identification symbol changing means capable of executing an identification symbol change which is a changing display of the identification symbol;
A winning game execution means for executing a winning game when a winning symbol is stopped and displayed in the variation of the identification symbols;
Equipped with
It is possible to execute a possibility suggestion effect that suggests a winning expectation, which is a possibility that the winning symbol will be stopped and displayed by the variation of the identification symbol;
A preview performance that displays unit images can be started ,
A reserved image indicating that the start of the identification pattern variation is reserved can be displayed,
When the display of the reserved image is erased during the execution of the preview performance, the number of unit images displayed in the preview performance can be increased based on the type of the possibility suggestion performance performed during the execution of the identification pattern variation whose start is on hold.
A gaming machine characterized by :

Images